What a Difference A Year Makes!

This is a post from my Facebook account. I know it's not my typical "form" But I had to share what God is doing in our lives right now. God Bless!

I have testimony to share. You don't think God has a plan? You don't think He's working? Read on:

Most of you know Keith (my husband) lost his job last year. He asked our Bible class to pray for him (He's never done that) and in three days (God confirms in 3's) he got a new job. BUT the pay was A LOT lower. I got not one, but two babies to watch last year, which equaled the EXACT amount Keith lost. Keith's tips were really bad at Papa J's. So, I decided to raise my sitter rates. I labored over that decision for a long time but once I sent the emails off, I felt peace. Immediately, both of my baby's parents went to look at daycares. I thought, "Why did I feel peace?" I thought I had made the wrong decision. I eventually lost both babies to the same day care. When the last baby left, I told Keith, "God has to have a plan, because this makes no sense, so much, there just has to be one."

It took a whole year for us to see God's complete plan...Had Keith not lost his job and made less money, had I not got the babies to get me up and moving, had I not gotten sick, which changed my horrible diet, and helped my digestive tract, I wouldn't have had the financial help, the energy, or the stamina to be......accepted for Cosmetology School!!! Most of you guys know I have been doing hair for years but could never afford the school. God is ALWAYS working. Even in the "poo" He's working! 

~Stacy~

Proverbs 3:5,6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

5 

God Still Speaks!: My Hope Is Built On Nothing Less

God Still Speaks!: My Hope Is Built On Nothing Less: A lot of people know this song, but some may not understand this concept, (I didn't for a long time). Here's the last stanza: Whe...

God Still Speaks!: A Look Back February

God Still Speaks!: A Look Back February: (I became very sick in late January and have been battling food intolerance for several months. Please forgive me for not posting monthly a...

A Look Back February

(I became very sick in late January and have been battling food intolerance for several months. Please forgive me for not posting monthly as I planned. Here is February's post. I am getting better, thank you Jesus! I will try to catch up.)

Last February we were looking for a church home. We were visiting a lot of churches! All my life I thought it would be fun to visit different denominations and see different perspectives. 

The problem with this is life happens in the middle. I remember wishing, during this time, we were planted somewhere, so we could have our church family pray over us. We did find our church family last February. I wasn't sure about it at first. I had many conversations with God. He assured me this is where He wanted me and when it was time to leave I would know. I am so happy I listened to him. Keith and I have never felt so close to a group of Christians in our lives. We feel very blessed to be a part of our congregation. OK on to the "life lessons" February....

February 1

Loved this post from a friend and shared it on my Facebook page: "Heard this at church and it really gave me a new perspective on miracles. A miracle is a glimpse from God, how He intended things to be to begin with. Our sin is what made them out of the ordinary.

February 5

I'm watching Joel Osteen and he said that not everyone will uplift you or celebrate you. I knew that, but then he said, "Don't worry about those because God has people He selected to do that job, just for you." Makes you think about all your relationships, who is genuinely happy for you and those who act happy but say snotty remarks. More of our time should be given to the cheerleaders. God gave them to you. Ask yourself, are you a cheerleader in someone's life too?

ROMANCE: Doing something sweet specifically tailored for your loved one without being told.

February 13

God shows us how important love is. This is, to me, why Valentine's is special. Tomorrow is LOVE day. So even if you don't have a significant other, show your LOVE to the ones who matter in your life. Take tomorrow to show someone just how much they mean to you. If you're sincere, a girl worth her salt won't care if there's a gift to go with it. 

February 14

Even though it is so important for a father to make his daughter feel special on valentine's, it's equally important for a mom to do the same for her son. We show them first how they are to be treated when they leave our home. Boys need to find a good loving woman,  just as girls needs a good loving man. 

February 21

I keep thinking of the words I heard from a preacher a few weeks ago: We are made by God for a purpose. We are made to do good works for God. If you don't know what your purpose is or you can't define what good works you're doing, ask yourself why? Why aren't you doing what you were made to do?

February 27
I can't say this enough: When you hear that voice, however it comes or speaks to you, when God prompts you to say something or helps someone, please be obedient to it. You never know what circumstances the person is going through or how much they need to know what God wants them to hear.

February 29
Favorite quote from The Basement (a youth service) last night: Every morning when you get up, ask yourself, "How am I going to make Heaven bigger?"

1 Corinthians 13:4-8

" Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  Love never fails." 

My Hope Is Built On Nothing Less

A lot of people know this song, but some may not understand this concept, (I didn't for a long time). Here's the last stanza:

When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh may I then in Him be found.
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.

First verse, uh oh! He's coming with trumpets, from where? Heaven? You mean there's music in Heaven? OK, I'll leave that alone and not rag some of my fellow members.

He goes on to say may I then be found dressed in (Jesus') righteousness alone, (I'll) be faultless to stand before the throne.

Judgement Day is a GLORIOUS day for Christians. When the Bible speaks of us giving an account of what we've done on this Earth, Christians will have Jesus give our account. He steps in front of us and pays our debt. We get to hear. "Well done good and faithful servant." HALLELUJAH!

I think churches focus on the sins and then say you'll have to give an account of these actions because we're not supposed to sin, and if we continuously live in a sinful state, away from Jesus, or if we're an unbeliever then yes we will have to give an account for those. But some don't make it clear to Christians that Jesus continually cleanses us every day of our sins BUT does want us to ask forgiveness. Why? To show obedience, humbleness and fear/respect for our Creator.      (1 John 1: 5-9)

Maybe it's away to keep everyone "behaving or acting right." Maybe that's why it's not explained better. Although, there is nothing wrong with reminding us how we should act. Like I've always said we need both types of sermons. The love, power, authority(we have through the Holy Spirit) and the conviction sermons. Or as we say where I'm from, a "Come to Jesus meeting." :o)
~Stacy~

1 John 1: 5-9

This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from ALL sin. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we CONFESS our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

A Look Back (January)

(Here is my collection from January of last year. As I looked on these, I remembered that Keith, my husband, had received word he would only be working four days a week until further notice. My prayers were on this. I do not remember why I wrote the one about my divorce but I believe it's very prevalent to parents in this situation.)


"When there is a divorce, you get the same questions. When there is a bad divorce and your child looks exactly like your ex, you get the same questions. Most of you (Facebook friends) know what happened in my first marriage. As I was watching Tucker, my son, walk into the store last night, I noticed he even walks like Andy (my ex).
They haven't had a tremendous amount of contact over the years and so I always get tickled when I see his characteristics come out in Tucker. Then the Holy Spirit reminded me what a merciful God we have. He took every good quality Andy has and put it in this sweet young man. Even though the marriage didn't end as it was intended, God still honored me with the good memories and the love that was shared. God is good isn't He?"


"There is always someone worse off than you. There is always someone better off than you. Quit comparing your life to everyone else and do what's right for you; which may be a tent in the woods, or a mansion in the hills. You are your own fate."

"You don't realize what a blessing it is to be born poor, until you are required to repeat those skills later."
~Stacy~

James 2:5

Listen my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?

A New Year, A New View

I have left my blog dormant for a while for two reasons. One, I realized every time I had testimony to share, I was reporting miniature versions of it on Facebook. Two, we placed membership at a new church, which was also a new faith to me. We have now been there a year. I have been waiting on God to direct me, waiting for Him to tell me when I should bring this concept up at the new church. 

I have felt God tug on my heart for a few months now. Before Christmas, I decided that for 2013 or at least part of it, I would go back through all my posts from the previous year on Facebook, and post them according to the months. I'm sure I will still create mini posts there and will try to incorporate them here as well. Although, this blog has been set up to share testimony of God's work in our/my life, it is so beneficial when we receive divine revelation from the Holy Spirit as well. One of the HS' jobs is to provide us comfort. He gave me so much last year. I want to post those as well. 

As always, if you have testimony that you would like to share where God has done a working in your life, please feel free to email me with your testimony. If, however, you receive revelation, spiritual guidance, spiritual wisdom that would benefit, uplift and edify the Church, feel free to send this to me as well.

~Stacy~

John 14:26

But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

My Healing

I have put this testimony off for a while, frankly, because I do not understand how the whole "healing thing" works. I know how it worked in the Bible. I have heard stories of people being healed. I, myself, never knew anyone who had been healed by God, that is, till my dad's healing. I think I put this off too, because I thought that if I lost faith, or something went wrong, some how my healing would be taken back by God. I wouldn't want people to think I was lying. It's funny how the devil likes to take something miraculous and twist it just so.

I have had back pain since I was ten years old. My first real problem with my back was when I was 26. One day, my back went out, and I couldn't get back up. (insert joke here)  This continued off and on for several years. When we moved to Birmingham, I saw a chiropractor, who told me that I have three bulging discs; one at the top, the middle, and the bottom of my back. The disc at the bottom of my back gave me the worst pain. There would be times that medicine and chiropractic care would help. Then there were times I was out of commission for several weeks. I could only lay in bed.

My story of testimony, began in April of 2011. Although I have three bulging discs, there are only two that really bother me. The one in my neck and the one in my lower back. I had never had all three go out on me before this year. They were overlapping in pain. I would get one almost healed and the other would go out. I had been walking, almost every day, till December; until it became too cold to walk outside. I started back in the spring. When I started having so many problems with my back, all at once, I couldn't exercise at all. I was blessed just to get around the house. I was going to get something out of my cabinet in the kitchen, when I heard God tell me, "If you will go walk, your back will be healed." I looked up, and said, "Let me get my shoes on!" Now, I assumed, that if I could start walking, no matter how slow or small, it would strengthen my back up, and I would get better. This is what was in my mind.

I started walking around my block. I looked like a little old lady, barely moving. As I walked, I prayed and praised God. I spoke with Keith, (my husband), over the phone, about a lesson I heard that day. When I finished speaking with Keith, I began praying again. I started back to my house. I was across the street, when I heard a voice say, "Why don't you pray for your back to be healed?" You have to remember, when I heard God speak, I thought he meant my back would get better. I didn't think He meant no more pain. After I heard the voice, I wasn't sure. I felt like if God wanted to heal me, He would without asking. I had been so consumed with this book/blog. For one time in my life, I wasn't thinking about me, my needs. I said out loud, as I'm walking, "I don't know if I should." The voice said again, "Ask and it will be given." So, that's what I did. I prayed that God would heal my back in Jesus' name. I don't remember the prayer. I don't remember my words. I know they weren't fancy or scripture filled.

I was about to cross the street to get to my house, when a red truck went by. I waved at the person. (Now mind you, the whole time I'm walking around my huge block, I am in pain.) All of a sudden, I felt that feeling again; the presence of the Holy Spirit. By the time I took my first step onto my yard, the bottom of my back started feeling funny. It kept feeling funny. When I reached my door and opened it, I had no pain! I couldn't believe it! I came in the house and started jumping up and down. Then, I danced around, twisting, shouting, you name it! I had my own song going, "Go Jesus! Go Jesus! Go! Go! Go Jesus! I had tears streaming down my face and I praised God over and over!

When my kids got home from school, I told them what had happened. Ethan didn't believe me. You see, when my back goes out, they have to help me to the kitchen, the car, the bathroom, well, not in the bathroom, but you get the idea. Ethan said, "If you back is well, hop up and down." I did. He said, "Do jumping jacks, run in place." I did.  Tucker and Ethan sat there in amazement.

The way I would describe how I felt for the next couple of days is numb. The area on my back that hurt so bad (the lower part) was numb. There were times where it was like I could almost feel some one's hand untwisting my spine. Does this make sense? It's the only way I know how to describe it. I've had pinched nerves, this was different.

As I said before, I wasn't sure how this healing thing works. I didn't know if I would be healed for a day, a week, a month, or a lifetime. I'm not sure if the Bible explains this. I didn't want my healing to go away though. I wanted to shout it out to everyone what had happened, but I was afraid. I only told my family what had happened.



Here's the kicker to this: I have cataracts on my eyes. I now have to have someone go with me, if I'm going someplace new, because I can't read the street signs. I have horrible IBS. My IBS, basically, kept me home-bound for all of my late twenties to early thirties. I have already spoken about my teeth. So why my back? I don't know. I don't know why He chose my back. I don't know if there was going to come a time where I would need surgery or not be able to walk. I don't question the "why." I am so thankful that God looked down on one of His children and provided healing for her.


(I had told God that after one year if my back was still the same I would post this. I know it's not right to put limits on God or give God an ultimatum but, I feel like God knew this was so new to me, I pray for forgiveness, I pray He understands why I did what I did. So here it's been one year and no pain! Praise God He is good!)
~Stacy~

Philemon vs 6

I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in  Christ.

God Still Speaks!: The Gideon Bible

God Still Speaks!: The Gideon Bible

The Gideon Bible

I wanted to share a story I heard just a few weeks ago. While my family and I were visiting a church, a Gideon sponsor came to the podium to speak. I guess I never thought of them having spokespeople. I thought the company shipped Bibles to hotels rooms only. I had no idea who the Gideons were or how the company was started. I learned that Gideon sponsors go through out the world providing Bibles. So far, they have reached 190 countries and have translated the Bible in over 90 different languages. They provide Bibles to the military, prisons, hospitals, and convalescence homes as well. As we listened to the sponsor, he told an amazing story of God's power. This is the testimony I would like to share with you.


Two Gideon representatives had gone into a little school house in Portugal. When they walked in, there was one teacher, teaching about 95 students. Immediately, she knew who they were and she began saying, "Praise God, the Gideons are here! Children, they have come and brought us Bibles so we can learn God's word in English!" The two representatives looked at each other, because they knew the box they had contained Bibles in Portuguese. They explained to the teacher that their team brought Bibles in the local language. The teacher responded, "No, I know you have English Bibles, because I have prayed to God for a whole month that you would come and bring these for my class." Not knowing what to do, and feeling bad, the representatives opened their box. What they pulled out was Bible after Bible in English! They couldn't believe it.


When they left the teacher and students, they looked at each other and thought, "Oh no! We have brought down nothing but English Bibles and we will have to have the Portuguese Bible's shipped to us while we're here." They went out to their car and opened the other boxes they had in the trunk, they were ALL in Portuguese. When they got back to their headquarters, they asked if any boxes had been brought that were English. The response was no. All the Bibles that had been shipped were in Portuguese! The Gideon sponsor, who was speaking to our congregation,  looked at us and said, "Folks that box went into the room written in Portuguese and God transformed the box to English!" The congregation shouted, Praise God! Amen!


I love hearing stories of God's work. I know I normally have a testimony straight from the person who has experienced God's love and power, but this testimony meant so much to me. I hope that it will give you encouragement too. 


For only $5 the Gideon company can produce a Bible to be distributed. If you would like more information on how you can help, or if  you would like to become a Gideon sponsor, visit their website at: http://www.gideons.org


~Stacy~

Mark 4:14

The sower sows the word

Is It Worth It?

I asked myself this question a lot last year. Once I stepped out in faith for God, and began this journey with the blog/book idea, things changed in my life. I was sick off and on for most of the year. We had more money, family, house  and car problems than we ever had prior. The attacks were prevalent and very real. This is why I hesitated to write this post. I would never want to discourage someone in their faith, but bare with me, it turns out good.


 It's so funny that we ALL want the glorious blessings of God, and want the warm fuzzy feel of his love, but man, none of us want the persecution do we? None of want to admit sin in our lives causes attacks from the enemy, and that's why we have hardships. Most importantly, if you don't know how the devil attacks you're blaming God or others for what he's doing to you! The devil loves that. He never wants credit for his evil deeds. It reminds me of the line from the movie, The Usual Suspects: The greatest lie the devil every created was that he didn't exist. 


 In writing this post, I am not going to claim I know all about the devil's power. I do know that the devil is very masterful. He knows the human condition inside and out. He knows our weaknesses because people in general, are the same historically. We all typically follow a pattern. The Bible tells us in Luke 10 that the devil came to steal, kill and destroy.I know God allows things. I know He stops things as well. He is the ultimate judge and the final play is always in His playbook. I believe we have a purpose and plan designed by God before we were born. He gives us the free will to do it or not.


  There is a reason Ephesians 6 tells us who we fight against in this world. It states: "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." You see, for me, when you walk without knowledge of spiritual warfare, it's like getting your driver's license with out ever driving a car, and then trying to drive. That's dangerous when you think about it. This is why I couldn't let this post go. It is so important to understand and learn what you are working with, or in this case, who is working against you, so that you can properly prepare yourself and fight as God tells us to do later in Ephesians 6.


The best thing that came out of all of this for me, is learning from James 4, that when we are being attacked, we have the POWER to tell the devil to leave in Jesus' name and he is REQUIRED to leave us!! Hallelujah!! I lived almost 40 years not knowing this. Thank you God, I do now.


So, let's go back. Through all of these attacks, I kept the faith. I called out the devil in Jesus' name, I prayed etc. But the attacks kept coming. Then I got angry. I got angry at God. I was angry, because I know the power I have through Him, and I know the power the Almighty has. I knew He was allowing this to happen! WHY? I have asked Him this over and over. It is OK to be mad at God. David was, in the Bible, and God loved him so. But, I think, while we are mad at him, we're not going to hear him clearly.


I would say to God, "Please God, don't allow this. I can't go through this." I put limits on what God can do constantly. Isn't that funny? Knowing that He created everything that I see in my world, and I breath because of Him, I still say, "Nope, not ready."  He knows what I'm ready for and what I'm not. Otherwise, it wouldn't come to me. It's like that popular quote says, "If God brings you to it, He will get you through it."


 I am not proud to admit this, but after months of being attacked, I backed down. I stopped posting on my blog. I let my language get bad. I didn't care if I made it to every service at church. I did this on purpose. I needed to get off Satan's radar for a while. My family needed it. We all were dealing with too much, including my children. I think you can take a lot till you see your kid start to go through it too.


I started talking to my husband, my mom, and my preacher about how I felt.  I hated what I was doing. I wanted to be just like Peter. Full on, wide open, crazy on fire for God! The problem was, I was just like Peter; denying God like crazy. God gave me a vision of a book. My family and I had gone to the beach for my birthday. We stopped at a convenient store on the way down. Inside, they had a little book rack. Keith pointed it out to me, because one of the books was on spiritual warfare. God gave me the vision to say, "Hey, go read up girl!"


 He confirmed this through a friend of mine at church. She was raised in a different faith than me. She wakes up every day expecting miracles to come out of the wood work, and to stomp the devil with her feet through her Bible and her mouth! When I talked to her about my issues, she said, "Are you learning about spiritual warfare? What books are you reading? Are you praying the devil off every day? Who's your prayer group and are they praying this evil off of you?" She said this like it was just as normal as making a sandwich. As I listened to her, I thought, "See this is the stuff I need to know!" But was I doing this? Not all of it. Once again, wanting all the blessings, loving the messages God was sending me to give to people, but not doing the work. I was not asking God to show me if there is sin in my life that is causing these attacks.

I began to go back in my mind, and think of all the stories I have been able to share with you this past year. I would never have experienced any of this, nor ever know this side of God, had I not stepped out in faith. Will I still be attacked? Yes! And, if this posts helps a lot of you, I will get attacked harder! But, we know the ending. God has already defeated the devil. AMEN!


I'm already on the winning team. I have to stop listening to the whispers, like in youth games, where they are screaming SIKE! SIKE! SIKE! Those aren't from God. He's got my back. He's got your back, but you have to be real about your part in this. One of the best things I heard my preacher say was if  God is loving, and merciful enough to give his son, give us grace, don't you think he's loving enough to smack us upside the head when we're wrong? (I'm paraphrasing but my pastor won't mind.) He said, " I don't want to worship a God that won't "deal" with injustice in this world, just as much as he would shower love on us." It hit me like a ton of bricks.

My job now is to learn more about spiritual warfare. I write this to you, to give you a leg up. When you feel called by God, and are ready to step out and follow him; go learn about what the devil is going to try to do to you. I also ask that as you read my posts, you will pray for me and my family. You will pray that God keeps the evil one away, and that if  I, or my family is causing a reason for the enemy to be present, we will be aware. Pray that when God allows things to come on my family that we will have discernment. We will learn the lesson, and move on. 


(So if you ask me now is this worth it? I will say yes! When I started this post, I couldn't with all my heart say that. I didn't understand why I needed to post this now, when I wrote it so many months ago... All in God's timing. He was changing my heart.)

2 Thessalonians 3:3

But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. 

Psalm 34:19

Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. He guards all of his bones; not one of them is broken.

Timothy 4:18

And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom

~Stacy~

$2

I wonder how many of you are like me. You are Clark Griswold. You try to make Christmas the most magical, special, fun filled holiday of the year. In this process, we normally wear ourselves out trying to make the magic happen. In the end, it never goes the way you planned. Someone ends up crying, yelling, or in my case a dog having diarrhea and me dry heaving; but I digress.

It's very easy to make a hallmark Christmas when you have plenty of money. When you are used to getting bonuses and they go away, because the economy is so bad, it gets hard. This will be our third year, I believe, with out the bonus, and it's the worse one yet. We were already behind due to a lot of extra bills this fall. If you live pay check to pay check, you know that once you get behind, it's hard to catch up quickly.

It's also my fault. I never want to say no to the family. Granted we don't have live an extravagant lifestyle by no means. But I want the family to feel normal and not know when we are financially strapped. Because of the three issues I have mentioned, Christmas is tight this year. We haven't had one in a while where I cried. Now, mind you, we're not starving. We have a roof over our head, God is good. But as Americans, we are spoiled! Every time I want to whine to God, I think about how I have clean water, heat, air, a house, a car etc. Then, I don't want to ask God for anything and feel bad all day.

I finally had to put my foot down this week and say no to everything. We didn't have money and I mean, I had a $20 in my pocket, and that was it. I told the kids not to ask for anything and get used to hot dogs and Ramen noodles this week. I went to Wal-Mart with my $20 to buy some groceries. We were out of milk, but as you know milk is almost $4. I didn't have the four dollars, so I went on and checked out. With the two dollars I had left, God spoke to me and told me to put the money in the Salvation Army basket that they have out during the holidays. We normally do this, but when you don't have money, you don't think about being so generous. I said, "Are you crazy? I only have two dollars!"  God said, "Put the money in and see what I do."

I did what God asked me. When I woke up this morning I found out that Keith made double what he normally would in tips, so I have enough for supper tonight and tomorrow. Then, I got an email from car insurance company saying I would get money back, and my bill would be less this month. This is something my insurance company does every year, but the fact I found out the next day after doing this meant something to me.

It was my fault for spending too much, and trying to turn this holiday into a material one. I was not a good steward with my money. But, even in my sin, my brokenness, God still had compassion for me. Because I obeyed Him, He still blessed me. God is good to me always. I wish I could say the same about myself. It's all a learning lesson. I am so thankful I have a God that loves me more than I deserve and takes care of me. Maybe this year, I should start a new tradition at Christmas....that doesn't involve presents!

Will You Feed Me?

One night, my son and I were on our way home,  and we needed to stop and by some groceries. We normally do not go to the Wal-Mart we were near. I just don't like the way it's set up, the area, etc. But that night, I told Tucker, I feel like we need to go to this one. We were not in there two minutes when an older lady, who looked, not rough, just disheveled, came almost running toward me. She said, "Will you please buy me some food? My boyfriend used all the money. He got to eat, but didn't let me. I haven't eaten in three days. " I said, "Well what do you want?" She told me she would take anything. We went around the store, and I got her some food to eat. I took her to the check out counter and told her to pick a drink out to go with her food. After the clerk rang me up, I slipped some money into her hand. I told her not to tell the boyfriend she had the money. I hugged her and kissed her cheek, then I walked off. Now, I'm a touchy kind of person, but I don't normally kiss people I don't know. (This is irrelevant to the story, but when I kissed her cheek, it was like kissing my mom's or my grandma's cheek.) I don't know why. I was very comforted by all of this. Maybe God knew she needed affection, and He prompted me to do so. She wasn't very clean, so that made it even more odd to me. (Maybe it was to teach me, to quit judging the outside, that love is love.)

I went back to shopping and she followed my son and I. She said, "Hey! Come here." She gave Tucker and I the biggest hug, then she was gone. One thing I hate about the times we live in, are that you have to wonder; are you getting scammed by someone? I told Tucker that night, whether she asked for food from just me or a 100 people, she was in a place where she needed help. I also told Tucker, when something like that happens, you help. I said, "There is no way I am going to stand before my Maker and explain to him why I didn't help her."

I felt bad after we left. I thought, maybe I should have bought her a whole buggy full of groceries, but I didn't know if she had a car. I thought, what if I should have stayed to make sure the boyfriend didn't come after her. Should I have drove her to a shelter? I played all this in my head. I was so taken back by her. I just did the first thing that popped in my head. I prayed for her that night when I got home. Don't ever forget how powerful prayer is. God whispered in my ear, just to change my routine a little, so He could show His glory and feed one of his children who was starving. Do you ever wonder what He's whispering in someone else's ear for you?
~Stacy~

Matthew 25:34-40

³⁴ “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. ³⁵ For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, ³⁶ I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
   ³⁷ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? ³⁸ When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? ³⁹ When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
   ⁴⁰ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

Talents, Gratitude & Lessons Learned

(There are so many more wonderful posts by Jenny on her blog mojennymo.blogspot.com I wanted to end with this. I encourage you to go visit her blog, look at the pictures, read the stories, and find the info you need for donations.)

TALENTS: I really was concerned about A LOT of things going in to this trip. One of the main things that weighed on me was this: I wanted to be able to use my talents as a photographer. I didn't want to spend my whole trip hiding behind a camera and not connecting and making relationships with the people I met. God showed up in a big way on this one! I made sure to not pop my camera out immediately upon arrival at any given place. When I did, I discovered literally hundreds of kids who probably never had their picture made before; many who had never actually seen themselves in a mirror. They were literally meeting themselves for the first time through my camera. Kids who are not prone to smile (this did take a little coaxing), came out of their shells as soon as they knew that my camera was not going to hurt them. I could show you hundreds of pictures like these:

These are some of my sweet friends from Pillars of Hope. Street children, but smiles so big, that if you can just get them to come out, it will forever change your heart.

I can't exactly call being a single mom a talent, however, God still used that facet of my life to give me great opportunities on this trip. I alluded to that in my post about the Karamajong women. That was not the only time I was able to use that part of my life to demonstrate God's faithfulness and give hope to some very sweet single moms.

 

The Karamajong women

My first ever sermon-all about being single moms

Teaching them how to make bracelets

When we were able to serve alongside the women at Fiwagoh, I was able to chat with them while we scrubbed shoes and floors etc. They were all stunned to find out I was a single mom just like them. I think these African women have a picture in their mind of what a single mom is. Lets just say I don't think I am in that picture.....they are. Women like them, not women like me. So when they found out that we shared that, I would hear them whisper to the other ladies "She is single mother....yes her! This one right there!" It blessed me in such a big way to be reminded that God can use whatever He wants to, anything in our lives, for His GLORY.

GRATITUDE: As you know, the other thing that weighed heavily on me was missing my kids. I was just sure that every baby that I held would remind me of my kids and break my heart over and over. It was my number one prayer request, that I would be able to be present and let my heart be open to these kids, without the constant reminder that I was missing my own babies terribly. Because of all of your prayers, I was able to do the work God called me to do in Africa, without the heavy burden. Yes, I missed my people, but I was covered with a sense of peace that can only come from God. I am so very grateful for your prayers. They worked. :o)

LESSONS LEARNED: Here are some lessons I learned while in Africa, that I shall now bequeath upon all of you. You are welcome in advance.

With the proper medication and equipment, you can sleep for many hours on a plane.

Orphanages don't have wi-fi. Or hot water

Lots of missionary type chicks have tattoos. I like that.

Granola bars and dried fruit can take the place of many meals.

Wild kittens are scary.

Friends are friends forever, if the Lord's the Lord of them.

Songs from Sister Act 2 are applicable in many situations.

It is winter in Kenya.

You can shower with only scalding hot water, only cold water, water that comes from below and water that comes from above.

Tiny travel towels are super absorbent, quick drying and convenient, but your friends will make fun of you.

Squatty potties are for the birds.

Cows and goats that are free to roam, don't pay attention where the poop.

Kenyans really can run fast.

Sometimes you just have to pee in the woods....or on the side of the road.

If you are a coffee drinker, bring Starbucks Via packs with you to Africa. They are expensive, but they will save you from being really grumpy.....and they can be used to bribe your friends.

Buses in Africa are built out of magic. They can go through mud, over huge bumps, and turn on a dime.

In June/July, it is WAY hotter in Alabama than in Africa.

African people are amazing and resilient. Americans are lazy.

Through prayer, a pack of 48 flushable wipes can multiply and last 2 weeks, with enough to share.

Don't eat any sort of meat on a plane.

Don't try to use your Southern manners in the Kenyan market. They don't care, and it takes too long.

If you don't want to buy it, don't make eye contact.

If you use the wrong the wrong combination of power adaptor/convertor, you will set stuff on fire.

Video taping friends while they sleep on a bus is funny.

Febreeze comes in a travel size and can work wonders on already worn clothes.

One person CAN make a difference. I have met many such persons.

African children's voices raised in praise to our King will bring you to tears.

A child who has nothing can still have great joy.

God cares for the orphan and the widow.

Bring many types of medications when you go far away. You and others will likely need them.

Hanging out with a bunch of 20 somethings will make you feel pretty old.....until you remember that you are old, but still awesome.

Man can live on bread alone. At least for 12+ hours on a plane.

It rains between 2 and 3 pm in Kenya this time of year every day. Like clockwork.

African women are born with a natural ability to make all things crafty.

You should never mess with women's intuition. Seriously. Don't do it.

When 22 women travel together to Africa, your bus drivers become your best friend. Abus and Daniel are the man....s.

African people think blonde and gray hair is hilarious.

Children in Africa can create games and entertainment out of literally nothing.

I think I am going to have to make a sequel of "Lessons Learned" because I could go on forever!

Blessings,
~Jennymo~

A VERY Emotional Day

(Post 3 from Jenny)

We tried to fit a good bit in to one day today. So, we got up and on the road early this morning, to the second prison. You probably noticed from my post yesterday, but we have to be very careful about specifics regarding these facilities, for many reasons. The main reason is that Sixty Feet is doing such an amazing work with these kids, and we don't want to do or say ANYTHING that would cause that to stop for any reason. They are giving these children hope, and for most of them, that is literally all they have.

We got a pretty good rain yesterday afternoon, so the roads were not so great on our 2 hour drive today. We went to a totally different facility that is much farther out in to the rural areas. Most of the trip was made on dirt roads, which had been converted to mud roads by the rains.


The drive was long but interesting. It was our first time to be that far out in the rural areas. We were able to see much less of the street vendors, shops, downtown etc., and much more of the mud huts, grass roofs, cows, goats and pigs. When we arrived at the facility, it was time for the children to have their breakfast. We were able to serve them some biscuits (cookies basically) with their porridge, which was a treat for these very shy and guarded kids. Then, we went into a large room, where the children that we were working with sang songs for us and worshiped. All I can say about it really is, you will just have to see the video. They sang and praised and then they all prayed, out loud together, but individually at the same time. They all were very clearly, pleading to God for hope....it was overwhelming. Most of us cried. Some of us (me) had snot and tears running down their faces by the time they were finished. When the kids looked up from their prayer time, they certainly must have wondered what on earth was the matter with all of us.

Then, we sang a couple of songs with the kids and started our t-shirt craft. It is very likely, not one of those kids have ever had a t-shirt that no one else has worn. Much less, one with their own name on it. Or, one that a herd of weepy mzungus helped them decorate. They had a great time and were all very creative.  We were very concerned from the start, about having enough t-shirts for all of the kids. We didn't want to offer something like this to some and not all. When we got towards the end of the line, the girls who were handing them out, saw about 20 more kids in line, and only 1 more shirt. They started to panic and asked Diana what to do. She said "All we can do is pray." So they did. Then another team member opened up a zipper pouch in the suitcase. Guess what? More shirts. We all cried some more.

Later, we went out in to the yard (much bigger than yesterday) and did bubbles, balloons, jump rope, soccer and just played with all of the kids. It was tough to be there. It was tough to leave.

We decided to take the other road out, which turned out to be a mistake. The mud was even worse on that road than on the first, and we got stuck. A bunch of children from the village were all out running and waving at us, and those sweet kids proceeded to push our bus out of the mud. We hydroplaned for a little while, but then we got back on track....sort of. We got stopped by the police once we got on the paved-ish roads. They probably just wanted to see what a whole bus full of white people were up to in that part of town. The officer came on our bus, said "Ha-looo" to us all, and sent us on our merry way. We got stopped again, but I don't think the officer even messed with us once he realized we were all white...and women.

We finally got back to Namirembe Guest House. We had to literally get our lunch, switch out our donations, and leave. We were already late to Royal Hope Academy, and we didn't want the children to have to wait on us any longer. So we hustled on over there, only about a 20 minute drive.

We were greeted on both sides of the road, by all of the school children, lined up singing and clapping. It was so sweet. We went in to their large classroom, where they sang and danced for us some more. We sang for them some as well. Rebecca shared a little and welcomed us all. We went out in to the yard area and just played. We were able to see the kids classrooms, play their games, and I took A LOT of their pictures. Little Ruthie, who you will see when i am able to post a few pictures, stole the show immediately! She is the sponsored child of my friend Amanda, and I wanted to keep my eye out for Ruth so I could meet her. I never imagined she would find me! She was the life of the party the whole time. We all had sweet, happy, kids playing and hanging all over us. It was just what we all needed after a very sad morning.

We had the honor of going back to My Fathers House, where Rebecca, Michael, Charity and the 16 children they have taken in, live. Charity made the most wonderful dinner for all of us; potatoes, fried rice, noodles, green peas, pineapple and watermelon, that wasn't even all of it. It was fabulous. We all began to eat and then the power went out. Without skipping a beat, Rebecca, Michael, Charity and the children just went right along with what they were doing. I am sure that wasn't a first for them! We were able to talk and eat for a while with Rebecca and the kids,  then we painted the girls toes outside, by lantern light. We gave them all the donations we had brought, hung out for a little longer, then we had to be on our way. Rebecca and Charity prayed. We all cried. The most surprising thing was, I realized that Ruthie was crying too. She kept saying " I want to go toooo America!" Bless her sweet little heart.

Can't wait to post some pics from today so you can put all the pieces together, but that will have to wait, because I have a low Internet signal, and I must go shower and wash all the caked dirt off my feet. :)

The place we are staying in Jinja for the next 2 nights, doesn't have power. I probably won't be able to post again for a couple of days. But, I will try to write the blogs and just post them when we get back to Namirembe on Friday.

Goodnight!
~Jenny mo~

Philippians 4:19

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

A very warm welcome

The kids who are new to the remand centers are  not allowed to wear shirts, I think for the first 2 weeks

This little guy had special needs. We decorated his shirt for him. Broke. My. Heart.

This is the boy who almost left in tears. We got his shirt just right and he was so happy.

I don't even have words for how this moves my heart.......

I still can't believe that these kids (who did not know us) pushed our bus out of the mud.....

Hooray! We are free!

 

 

 Yep, that's a pink chicken.....

 

So Many Questions.....

(Post 2 From Jenny)


(The Guys with all the questions)

Today was our first day ministering to the kids at the first remand center we will visit. They greeted us with a song that was beautiful even though none of us understood a word of it. Then we went around the circle and introduced ourselves to all of the kids. They truly wanted to know about us which was so neat.

We taught them a couple of songs with motions which they enjoyed, and then shared the gospel with them….via translation. We then split in to groups and helped the kids make salvation bracelets….I was surprised by how many of them did not even know how to make a simple knot. They really loved the bracelets but enjoyed seeing us smile and talk to them even more.

I spoke with one boy who spoke great English. He said he had been in University before he came to the Remand center. He said he hopes to go back when he gets out. I hope he does. 

Then the fun began. Boys were constantly on the drums. The soccer balls came out and we played in the small strip of dirt that they have as their “play” area. Beach balls, balloons, kick balls all were flying through the air. The kids had a great time and so did the team.

As our time began to come to a close, 2 boys I will call M and H sat with me and began to ask me so many questions.

“Why are Americans so (motions with his hand out from his hips) fat?”

“They tell us that Americans eat snake and frogs. Is this true?”

“They tell us that if we come to America they will take us at the airport and question us and arrest us. Is this true?”

“Is it possible for a boy from Uganda to marry American woman”

“How can we ever make it to America?”

“Why does America have all things and are so rich, but we because we are brown are all so poor in this whole country?”

“What are the prisons for children like in America?”

The best answers I could come up with were pray because God can do anything and work hard to get your education. I know I probably left those boys with more questions than I did answers, but I hope that I gave them at least the smallest glimmer of…..hope.

It is amazing to me what a world opens up inside of these children with a simple smile and eye contact. One asked me why we would come to Uganda for vacation. I told him we were most certainly not on vacation and that we came because we care about him and God does too. I told him we were missionaries (they knew what that meant but I just think our group of women was not what they had pictured) and we want to pray for him and tell him about Jesus.

Blessings,

~Jennymo~

(Jenny, after I read this, this is the verse God showed me)

Ecclesiastes 12:10

The Teacher searched to find just the right words, and what he wrote was upright and true.

 

 

 

(All pictures by Jenny Clark)