Down but not out.

Josiah is hacking, sniffing and tired. Keyana is stuffed up and has a deep throaty cough. Now I find out that Grandpa Peters passed away. He was very ready to go, so in a way, I am glad for him. He is going to be loving it on that side of heaven! I would have gone to the funeral if I was there, to celebrate the life of a man who lived a long, faithful life.

But for us left here, we medicate, soupinate and restibit as much as we can for our kids. It is always draining as parents when the kids are sick, they are more whiny and helpless than normal. We need to celebrate the times we can share here. Today I gave the kids a bag of dirt as a gift. Keyana thought it was chocolate so put a small piece in her mouth when I was trying to get a container for them to examine the gift more closely. In the end her taste test was all she needed to conclude the present wasn't good. The point was an object lesson - when we get rudeness, back talk or disobedience, it is like getting a bag of dirt when we really wanted a gift of polite, obedient and honoring talk. So when we hear another dishonoring someone, we will say that we don't want your dirt around here! After brushing Keyana's teeth, we did have a gift the kids could get excited about, they shared a pop. We hope and pray that this will be one sweet and dirty lesson the kids will remember!

It is Friday!! Well I am not sure that is exciting as that seems at first thought. Not much changes around here. At least I don't have any appointments this weekend, so it means lots of time to spend with the kids and Karlene.

Yesterday we had a Bible study with two of our new friends, they live in the house across from us. Youngsters, both around 25, just beginning their careers. We had a very good time chatting, and it has been amazing to us how easily we have all opened up to each other. It was agreed that we all appreciated that about each other, openess and honesty about how we are doing spiritually, as well as other struggles.

One thing we discussed is our term which is coming to an end by July 28th. We have been asked to consider extending our term and this is very difficult for us, or at least I feel that way. We have already been accepted by another mission organization, since last October. So we are praying, and ask that you pray as well. We need God to guide us in this - I have people almost weekly asking if we will stay longer, as they also realize our time is coming to an end soon.

Feels like we must be making a positive impact if that is what the local people are saying. Praise the Lord, it is all him, and he moves through me in my weakness.

Preaching

I was asked to speak in church last week. I said yes without thinking about it. I realized later that I had a workshop that week, and would only have 3 days to prepare. God knew I needed more time so he caused the workshop to be postponed. I was working on it off and on, did not know what to speak on, did not want to speak on the topic that kept coming to my head (parenting) as I often feel inadequate myself. So I did what I do in these situations, opened up the Bible to one of Paul's letters and started reading. I soon had an idea, prayed about it, and it developed. When I was finished, I had a sermon on parenting! Hmmm. At least it wasn't on disciplining children, I definitely did not want to talk about that! Well, when I got up to preach, I looked at my notes once in a while, but did not use them much in the end. I left out several pages and talked in more detail about surrender! But the focus was on surrender as parents, children and a church as to how God can use us to build up children.

This may sound haphazard, but it seemed to really connect and flow on Sunday. Karlene told me that several ladies had told her on Monday that they had really enjoyed the sermon, that people had been talking about it that afternoon for some time. Parenting is a hot topic for them. What this has taught me is that it is good to prepare for a sermon, but when giving it, don't depend on the notes, depend on the Holy Spirit to give words as you speak. I praise Him for empowering me so that it was helpful to some. Praise the Lord!!