Costa Rica

Ok, it is official Hannah is signed up to go in June.

So if anyone has any cleaning/babysitting etc. That Hannah can do to raise money. With Ron being out on disability the timing kind of stinks. But we are hoping to be able to do our part after tax rebate time. If you have any idea's how to raise funds or anything like that let us know. We have to have a good chuck in 30 days, so we need to do some work before then. I welcome any and all idea's. I have prayed about this trip and talked to one of Ron's cousins who did several mission trips to this area. And feel a peace about it. If we can get the finance part worked out.

She is so very excited. I still have some reservations as a parent, but I think that is normal.

Thank you all so much.

Just let me tell you!!!

Let me tell you how GRRREAT (picture Tony the Tiger voice) my God is.

I have been overwhelmed time and time again by how he takes care of me and my family.

With Ron having surgery things in our house have been well hectic. For me anyway. I am the worrier the planner you could say. I want to make sure everything that I can possibly control is in order and ready to go. For the most part this works out well. But in doing so I sometimes forget that I am not in charge. I forget if I would turn things over to God that I wouldn't have such the headache. Now don't get me wrong. I am not saying God is going to call the short term disability people or stay home with my 2 year old while I am at the hospital. But he will "If it's his will" allow things to go smoother, let the pieces fit together so to say. I have been praying for weeks about this surgery and all it entails. As have many others. I was nervous. Ron seemed very calm yesterday. I prayed over him and kissed him before they wheeled him out and all of the sudden the calm hit me. I can't thank you prayer warriors enough. Because I know some of my friends/family were not only praying for Ron's surgery, but for me to get through it without getting an ulcer from worry. And it worked. I had a peace that it was going to be ok. And it was. The surgeon came back in last night around 6-6:30pm and told us that the section he removed was really inflamed and irritated. He said that everything hooked back up great and he didn't think he should have any other issues besides the normal healing from this surgery. Last night he was only able to eat ice chips, and today he may start to get to drink a little today. He won't get to eat for a few days yet. They don't want to jump start his system too soon. That is why we don't know how long he will be in the hospital it all depends on how long it takes to get things going again.

But the other thing that God has blessed me with is friends and family. I know he has used people to help me through this time. I am so grateful by the meals that were brought to us. By my Dad who is staying with the kids. And in the mail last night was a visa gift card from a contest I had won. It will come in handy to pay for the extra gas to go back and forth to the hospital. God is really watching out for me/us. OH and this morning as I am talking to my boss' about the surgery and about leaving at noon today to go be with Ron. They tell me they have decided to pay me for yesterday and this afternoon so I don't have to worry about the paycheck. I mean really God has blessed me beyond thought. I never dreamed of them paying me. But it will help so much. They said consider it Christmas.

I don't like to preach to people. If you don't have a relationship with God you are missing out on some serious blessings. I am not talking gift cards or extra hours on your paycheck. I am talking about a peace and love that you know from no other source. I know you get love from family etc. But they are human and as much as we like to think it as unconditional. My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ tells us we can be forgiven of our sins and the slate wiped clean. Now that is unconditional. I am just so overwhelmed by this feeling of love and peace that I had to share it with you all.

Thank you to those who have let Christ live through you and bless me!!!!

Mistakes

^{NIV Version}

^{1st Corinthians 10:11} These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come. ¹² So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! ¹³ No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

Same Verses:

The Message

^11-12These are all warning markers—danger!—in our history books, written down so that we don't repeat their mistakes. Our positions in the story are parallel—they at the beginning, we at the end—and we are just as capable of messing it up as they were. Don't be so naive and self-confident. You're not exempt. You could fall flat on your face as easily as anyone else. Forget about self-confidence; it's useless. Cultivate God-confidence.

We all make mistakes. Not a one of is perfect, although sometimes we would like to think we are. I know I am in no way perfect. What I do know is that I was created in the image of THE Perfect One. And that everyday is a test to be like Him. We all have different struggles. Some may be drugs and alcohol. Other's it may be money or food. Some may even have issues with fidelity. No matter what your stumbling point, I found these verses comforting in my Bible studying today. And it left such an impact on my heart that I have been thinking about it all day and felt the need to blog about it. If someone that happens to read this needed to hear these verses then praise the Lord that I listened to His calling.

If you are not being tempted, then my friend watch out cause the devil has already won that battle. The biggest part of these verses that stuck out is God is faithful. We will fall and stumble but he will always be there and will not give us more then we can handle.

I know several people who look at that verse and relate it too bad things that happen to us, that he will not give us more then we can bear. But I don't think it has to do with that at all. I think it has all to do with temptation. Yes we are creatures of free will, but he knows where our heart is and he is going to let the devil tempt us, but not more then we can't say no to and rebuke.

I have a deep calling in my heart to help our teenagers prevent teenage pregnancy. And this verse keeps coming into my head when I think of it. Yes you will be tempted but you CAN get through it without failing.. I am excited about the chance to go with some of our youth to a program called Silver Ring Thing. (www.silverringthing.com) I want them to know even if they have fallen they can start over. Isn't that just the most wonderful gift. That we can be forgiven and get a second chance? What ever it is my friends that is tempting you I hope you find a way to overcome and become closer to God. It is a long journey, but such a rewarding one. Nothing else can offer the final reward that God does.

Ok I am getting off my soapbox now, back to your regularly schedule programing!