In Which I Do Not Mention the World Cup.

FOR TODAY...July 2, 2010

Outside my window...sunny and windy

I am thinking...about the weekend, my cousin's wedding and the song "He hideth my soul"

I am thankful for...God's Word and the solace it brings.

From the kitchen...baked chicken and potatoes for lunch.

I am wearing...a denim skirt and a black t-shirt.

I am creating...this post right now...but planning on working on tomorrow's choir arrangement.

I am going...to do laundry.

I am reading...Pride and Prejudice (for the umpteenth time!) and Oswald Chambers.

I am praying...for some friends, for next semester, for God's will in my life, and praising God that the Lockharts found a car!

I am hearing...the wind chimes on the front porch.

Around the house...everything is in need of a little attention :-).

One of my favorite things...walking with my brother.

A few plans for the rest of the week: a voice lesson, choir practice, discipleship study and company.

Picture thought that I am sharing...I am always excited about strawberry season here. Last week we made these for dessert.

What I've been up to...

When I came home this summer, I prayed that the Lord would use me and help to be a blessing, to serve others(primarily my family) with a joyful heart and attitude. Well, it's never and easy road - that of servant-hood (just ask my family!)- but I can say that God has been teaching me so much about dying to self daily. The more I dig into His Word and focus on His will for me on a simple day-to-day basis, the less I struggle with my own will. A huge blessing for me lately has been my daily readings of My Utmost For His Highest by Oswald Chambers. I always am challenged when I read it! Another favorite devotional book of mine is Like Christ by Andrew Murray, and although I have not started reading that one yet, I am looking forward to beginning soon.

After reading a very encouraging post this morning, I decided I too, would count my blessings and praise God for what He is teaching me and doing in my life.

• First off, I thank God for my dear family. I have learned so much from them and from being with them in a mere month. I had so missed our times of talking, singing or playing sports together. I praise the Lord for parents who instilled in us the fear of God. I praise Him for allowing us to have been born in Brazil and giving me the privilege of being an MK. Raised on the mission field, I have the opportunity to learn and focus on developing an even more Biblical Worldview. Hey folks, God's Word applies to ANY culture and generation!
• My second praise is for the gift of friendship. Although my family also falls in this category primarily and beautifully (My siblings are the best friends ever - they know all my faults and they still love me!); God has also given me some amazing friendships that never cease to be a source of encouragement. I thank Him for friends that rebuke and challenge me; I thank Him for new friends as well as the old ones. I thank Him for YOU!
• Lately, God has been trying to teach me so much about giving - giving my love, my time, my hands, my smiles, my skills, my hugs - you name it! Anything and everything for the sake of others. God has placed some very giving people in my life and of course, HE is the ultimate Giver himself (John 3:16), so why should I not in return, desire to give as He has?
  

Here are just a few things I have trying my hand at this summer...

• Personal make-up artist :-) Helping two special ladies in my life get ready for a night out with their hubbies.
  

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• Music Lessons - Teaching is such a good opportunity to live for eternity!
  

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• Cooking and plans for Fourth of July has been the buzz around out house lately. This is the dessert we want to make... Doesn't that look good?
  

Hope you all are having a blessed day, week, summer and year! Don't forget to count your blessings!

"Evangelismo"

Every Sunday afternoon, a group of us from church go out door-to-door in our suburb handing out tracts, and inviting others to church; sometimes we get a chance to witness and share the gospel more fully. Yesterday I decided to take the camera and record a few of those moments.

Happy Flag Day!

GOD SAVE THE FLAG - by Oliver Wendell Holmes

Washed in the blood of the brave and the blooming,
Snatched from the altars of insolent foes,
Burning with star-fires, but never consuming,
Flash its broad ribbons of lily and rose.

Vainly the prophets of Baal would rend it,
Vainly his worshippers pray for its fall;
Thousands have died for it, millions defend it,
Emblem of Justice and Mercy to all:

Justice that reddens the sky with her terrors,
Mercy that comes with her white-handed train,
Soothing all passions, redeeming all errors,
Sheathing the sabre and breaking the chain.

Borne on the deluge of old usurpations,
Drifted our Ark o'er the desolate seas,
Bearing the rainbow of hope to the nations,
Torn from the storm-cloud and flung to the breeze !

GOD BLESS the FLAG and its loyal defenders,
While its broad folds o'er the battle-field wave,
Till the dim star-wreath rekindle its splendors,
Washed from its stains in the Blood of the Brave!

Happy Birthday, Jess!

Today is the birthday of my beloved older sister Jessica! Today is also the Brazilian Valentine's Day, so Jess has always been called the "love baby". :-)

Jess has been the exact person that I needed in an older sister. She is kind, loving and fun-loving! With Jess around, it's hard to stay serious for too long of a time. She always finds something to be happy about and especially to laugh about. When I was younger, this trait used to annoy because so many times, the object of her laughter or teasing was... ME! :-) Today I am so thankful for her cheerfulness; it has taught me so much and been a wonderful example. You see, she is now married and has a darling baby boy and has become a great wife and mama. Her husband works and studies a lot so needless to say, he isn't around as much as we'd all like him to be. Although we know this is just temporary (He will graduate and it will be worth it all!), we know it's hard on Jess, but she does not complain. Jess, I'm so proud of you; your strength is a challenge to us all! Remember that this too, shall pass! I love you, dear, and wish you a MARVELOUS day!


YOU can go over to her blog and wish her happy b-day, too!

Joshua is 3 months old!

My adorable, darling nephew Josh turns 3 months old today! Jess asked me to get a few pictures of him, something I don't mind doing one bit! Below are some of my weak attempts to capture the budding personality of a little man I so love.











Isn't he precious?!? I love you, Joshua!

Long Time No See

Here is a long update after a long time of silence!
Life has been so much fun lately that I forget to take the time to post :-)
I have been having a wonderful time. What follows is a brief highlight of the past few days along with pictures.

*Our new CD is here!*

*Jed's new method of transporting Josh - in a wheelbarrow*

*Lots of auntie time!*

Last Thursday we had a holiday, so we took advantage of it and spent the day with some of the church folk at our chacara. As always, it was lots of fun and we left refreshed, encouraged and just a little bit sore from all the sports!

*Mom cooked us some good food*

*Holding an afternoon service*

*Fellowship time*

*Volleyball*

On Friday night, we went to a plant/flower fair with the Lockharts. It was a fun night. We topped it off by eating at another fair. We always enjoy being with their precious kiddos!

*Jana, Allie, Bethany, and Jenifer*

*Mom and Esther flower shopping*

That's all for now. I hope to get a post of this week up soon, so keep posted!