For the past few months, a client has been working on a huge project/dream.
I've not been privy to all of the meetings, phone calls, discussions, information, etc. but I've heard enough of what has happened to understand this --- what we hear through the grapevine or read in the newspaper is not always completely accurate or truthful.

I've also come to realize there are three sides to every conflict:
#1 The 'pro' side
#2 The 'con' side
...and more importantly and accurately...
#3 God's side

Although it is not MY dream, it's disappointing to watch another's be dashed.

I'm grateful for God's grace because I've received it.
I need to extend it to others and hope others extend it as well.    

May God give us eyes to see truth in our every day lives.
May God guide us into to being truthful people.
May we go to Him for forgiveness when we fail.  
May He bring healing to those on all sides of the conflict.

What if...

The other day my husband received a phone call from our son, Matt, who lives and works in the Indy area.  Matt shared the details about what had happened to him earlier that day.  I think it is definitely worth repeating.

Matt decided to stop at a particular job site that he had not planned on checking that day.  Upon arriving, he noticed the pest control guy was there doing his job. 

Matt went through the building and when he came out he noticed the pest control guy was on the ground.  Upon closer inspection, he found the man was lying - face down - on the ground in the sun beside to his truck. Matt knew this couldn’t be good.  After checking out the situation, Matt realized the man was in grave trouble and called the EMS for help.  The EMS arrived and took charge.   As far as Matt knows, the man is doing okay now. 

It was a good ending to a scary story.  Then the ‘what ifs’ started coming to mind. 

…what if Matt had not gone to that job site that day?

…what if Matt had not been there at that very hour?

…what if Matt had arrived later or stayed inside longer?

…what if Matt hadn’t called the EMS?

…what if the EMS hadn’t arrived when they did?

…what if?

I can’t begin to comprehend all of the ‘what ifs’ of my life but I believe God has placed each of us here for a purpose.  Each of us are given a certain number of days, hours, minutes, seconds.  We can choose to live out our days bringing honor to God.  We can choose to live our hours by serving others.  We can choose to live out our minutes by making our world a better place.   We can choose to live out our seconds by loving others.  

We can’t beat ourselves up by constantly second-guessing --- what if I would have done this or said this or not done this or not said this.  I believe it is important to be open, observant and aware – asking God to lead us every day.  It’s good to look inward but then we have to let go and trust God.  We need to follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit and respond to His gentle nudgings because who knows who might need us in their life ‘for such a time as this”?

I know Matt doesn’t want me to brag on him but I am so glad he was at that place, at that time to help someone whose life was in the balance.  I truly believe God placed him there – on that day – at that time – to help that man.  No what ifs.        

Hillsong Live - Glorious Ruins Tour

I have waited a long time for this.  I told my husband years ago if Hillsong was ever playing anywhere close to us, we had to go.  Needless to say when I heard they would be in Fort Wayne, I was ecstatic.

I typically listen to Matt Redman or Hillsong in the middle of the night when I am troubled, stressed, concerned or just can't sleep.  Over the years, they've become my comforting nighttime friends.  There's something in their worship songs that touches my soul.  Some of my favorites:  Shout to the Lord,  Mighty to Save, I Surrender, and Lead Me to the Cross.  I'm anxious to hear their newest music on this Glorious Ruins tour.

I think heaven will seem a little closer tomorrow night.

Happy Tummies

We met Fulgencio and Marta last September at Happy Tummies in San Juan la Laguna, Guatemala.  We used their images for 'thank you' gift coasters for the 2012 LWC mission team.  

At our house construction site in July 2013, we were introduced to Maria and her two children --- Fulgencio and Marta.  We had no idea these two were siblings when we had the coasters made.   What a surprise it was for us to find out we would be building a concrete block/tin roof home for their family.   The LWCGuat13 team built their home in three days.   We installed a solar light and presented them with housewarming gifts of a bed, sheets, blankets, pillows, dishes, plastic stools, silverware, cups, toys, buckets, brooms and a variety of food items and household staples.

We taught Maria how to knit and left yarn with her.  We hope she will be able to make dish cloths to sell for income for her sweet family.

God knew in September 2012 that we would be building a home for this family in July 2013.  He knew we would be totally surprised and blessed by His perfect plan.  We were blown away by the way He worked out the unknown details for our team.

Although we live in the US and they live in Guatemala, we are forever family.  They

have a permanent spot in our hearts.   Even though they were abandoned by their earthly father/husband, we know their Heavenly Father will never leave them.

Thank you to everyone who donated money or supplies so we could bless this dear family.  

 (Photos by WhonPhoto/ChristopherWhonsetler and Eric Troyer)

I have a passion to write.  I have a need to share.  I have a desire to gab.

I am a wife, mother, and Mimi (to six grandchildren so far).

My experiences have been fun, crazy, scarey, exciting, challenging and covered by the grace of God.

I trust you will enjoy these random bits of my life as I attempt to journal them.

I pray my writings will be uplifting and bring a smile to your face.

I pray you will be inspired to value life, family and faith even more.

I hope you will desire to contagiously love and serve others.

I pray you will attempt greater things than you think possible.

Welcome to my world!