Digging for Treasure!

I found one of my older posts I would like to share with you today....



This is from 9/17/07:



2 Corinthians 4:7
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.

Yesterday (9/16/07) we celebrated 60 years of our church's history. What an incredible day! There were pictures and displays of so many things that have taken place through the ministry of First Assembly.

This past week I have been on a quest for a certain picture taken around 1972 of at church camp. I had received the Best Camper runner-up award and had to stand there with the boy who received the same award. It is an old Polaroid picture and not the greatest quality. When it was taken it was actually thrown in the trash to get a better picture. I confiscated the picture from the trash and kept it in my keepsake box as a little girl.

It was forgotten, along with a lot of other little mementos, until I was 19 years old. The summer that I was 19, I had returned home from my freshman year of Bible college in love and engaged. My whole heart belonged to Rusty Blann (and still does)! He had come to visit me before he was headed off to church camp as a kid's counselor. As our conversation turned to our years as campers, we discovered that we had both received the Best Camper runner-up award the same year.

I ran to my little girl treasure box and dug out the blurry Polaroid. I knew it was me, but was that Rusty? He didn't know, so he took the picture with him to Fordyce to ask his mother. She confirmed his identity.

So, in an instant, a discarded and forgotten photograph became a treasure. It was something that very few couples have- pictures taken of them together at a young age. It was transferred from my little girl treasure box to my "grown up" valuables!

Since I grew up in this church and my husband is now the Senior Pastor, I thought it would be rather nice to have that "treasured" photo in our timeline yesterday. So began my treasure search for the past week.

After my move, over a year ago, certain things are not where I thought they were, namely my treasured pictures. I dug through boxes, albums, closets and drawers. The picture was no where to be found!

What at first was a simple quest, quickly became an obsession!
"Could it have been discarded? Could we have lost it in the move? How could I have been so careless with something that cannot be replaced?"

My house now looks like a disaster area. All of the boxes and albums and storage containers are in our family room. I didn't find the picture for the 60th Anniversary celebration. I told my husband how frustrated I was and that as soon as the celebration services were over and I had my nap, then my search would resume.

Before I went to bed last night, I did just that. I looked through everything one more time. Finally, I had the "treasure" in my hand! It had been in an overlooked envelope with pictures I had set a part at one time to put in a special album.

I told you the short version (ha!) of that story to hopefully give you even more insight into the theme chapter of this blog: 2 Corinthians 4.

Things I can relate from this story to God's Word:

• 
  I had a treasure that at first I didn't realize was a treasure.
• 
  Once I knew I possessed a treasure, I eventually was careless with it.
• 
  When I realized my treasure was misplaced, it became valuable again.
• 
  My treasure was hard to find because it was hidden inside a common envelope.
• 
  I searched and searched until I regained my treasure.

Do you realize how powerful that is?

We have a treasure within us~ regardless of our circumstances, our upbringing, our choices~ regardless of ANYTHING!

You, my friend are a treasure because God created you, God loves you, and He has paid the ultimate price to have you in relationship with Him. All you have to do is accept it.

Wow!

Maybe a few of us need to go on a treasure hunt and find what He has placed with in us.

Love you all!
Dorinda

(we were so ugly it is kind of cute.) :)

smile.

sigh.

Joy!

I want to post a lighter thought today.
I need to laugh.

Joy is a happiness that stays regardless of circumstances.

We say our earthly goodbyes to Carmen today~ a "see ya later" until we see her again in heaven.

But Carmen loved to laugh.
So, for Carmen today, let's laugh and rejoice that she has received her eternal reward!

---------------------------------------

I had a BIG headache last night on the right side of my head.

It was kind of nice because my usually "demanding" family was extremely sympathetic. For a few moments, the children all had a common goal of "not bothering" mom because "she doesn't feel well."

It didn't last long,
but it was nice for a few minutes. (note to self: be careful not to "ham" up any other ailments just for a few moments of peace.) :)

This morning, as everyone awakened, their first words were "is your headache better". Wow! I was impressed!

I answered that yes, I was all better ~ no headache ~ all better! Thank you, Jesus!

Life returned to it's noisy normal.

"Mom! She's touching me!"
"Mom! Tell Jordan to stop!"
"Mom! Where are my shoes?"

I was preparing breakfast for the brood. I bent my head to grab a bowl and
WHAM!

I smacked, and I mean SMACKED the mess out of my head!

It takes a special grace and talent to achieve some of the injuries I can accumulate, and this was no exception!

Before anyone had time to be sympathetic, we all erupted in laughter.

Last night, the right side of my head hurt.
Today, I evened it out by leveling out the left side.

I am balanced!

Well, you probably won't laugh like we did, because you weren't privileged enough to witness the gracefulness of my ways, but trust me. It deserved a laugh.

So, laugh at yourself today.
Find the fun things in every aspect of your day.

Find His Joy regardless of your circumstance.
Paul wrote his amazing "Joy Epic" while in a dreary Roman prison.

Laugh today.
For Carmen.


blessings and prayers,
dorinda

Just Remembering.....

2-17-1999
I remember standing in the hospital cafeteria and looking out over the interstate.
The rain pelted away at the buildings outside and sheets of water cascaded down the window I stared at.
It was cold outside.
I was numb inside.

This particular day I felt empty and alone.

The cars on the interstate were oblivious to our circumstances. That made me mad.

How could they go on with their life, when my was seemingly falling apart? How could they act as if there was not the most beautiful baby girl struggling for every breath in this very hospital?
Why didn't the world just stop until she got better?

People chattered and laughed all around me.
I didn't hear them.

I only heard the echoes of the doctors' voices.
"Cancer" "Lung Failure" "Kidney problems" "Down Syndrome"
~and most of that was the good news.
The bad news?
"I just don't see how she can make it. Her longs are too small. Her heart is too overworked."

The question that rang through my mind that day was a simple, "why?"

Why would God have that tiny baby girl go through so much pain?
I know He didn't cause it, but why did He allow it?

I walked away from the cafeteria window.
I sat at the table.
I faked a weak smile as my wonderful husband brought the tray of food. A single tear fell from my down my cheek.

We didn't exchange words but our eyes locked and volumes were spoken.
"I'm not feeling so chipper today. My faith has hit rock bottom and I just simply don't like this situation."

He reached over. Grabbed my hand and squeezed.

Silence.
We ate. More like, we chewed and swallowed.

There may have been silence, but I knew what was happening. Every spiritual being in the place knew also.

My husband, as he chewed and swallowed, was interceding on my behalf.
He asked the Creator of the Universe to strengthen me that moment, to send His Spirit to comfort me, to be the lifter of my head. He asked that the seed of the Word of God that had been planted in my heart bring forth a harvest of faith and hope.

I chewed and swallowed.
To those around us, nothing changed.
We chewed.
We swallowed.
We sat in silence.

But, my faith was being lifted. My baby's circumstance had not changed. But the thick cloud of self-pity and suffocating vapor of hopelessness was being lifted.

Hope emerged.
Trust sprang forward.
Faith leaped.

I looked toward the window at the rain.

It was time to go see my baby girl.
She was fighting for her life in NICU. ~ But she wouldn't fight alone.

______________________________________________________________

8-27-2008 Today

I rushed out the door today to go to our local clothing store.

My baby girl had to have tennis shoes today for PE (not recess anymore, but Physical Education at elementary school!). She put her perfectly good Nikes on before school~ well, she tried to put her perfectly good Nikes on, but she couldn't get her foot in them.

Mom! I have to tennis shoes today for PE!

Okay, I will bring some to the school~ before 10:15 at PE.

Frustration.
Don't have time.
Why today?

As I drive out of the parking lot with the pretty pink and silver new Nikes beside me, I smile. Just then, I think:

I have a 9 year old little girl who needs tennis shoes for P.E.!!!!

It's one of those "ahaaaaa" moments.
I am so thankful!
------------------------------------------------------------------

God is a good God. My heart breaks for the parents whose children are in the arms of Jesus. All I know is that He is Sovereign. He knows what is best and He is no respecter of persons.

Pray for those that need encouragement today. Lift their names up to the Creator.
Don't let them fight alone.

:)
blessings,
dorinda

Encouragement

I have so much on my heart today. I want to write about a gazillion different things, but I want to write exactly what you need from the Word today.

The word "Encouragement" comes to mind.

There are so many of my friends that just need to be encouraged.

Encouraged to know that:
God is in control.
God hasn't forgotten you.
God knows exactly what you are going through.
God sees your broken heart.
God sees the tears no on else has seen.
God feels your pain.
God knows the source of your pain.
God simply KNOWS,

not only does He know,

He understands.

You can tell Him anything and everything.
He won't betray the secret fear in your heart.

Be encouraged today that just because you have these feelings, He doesn't think you are awful.

He really does understand.

I have a scripture that has been on my heart today:

Isaiah 54:2-4
"Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes.
For you will spread out to the right and to the left; your descendants will dispossess nations and settle in their desolate cities.
Do not be afraid; you will not suffer shame. Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated.
You will forget the shame of your youth and remember no more the reproach of your widowhood." niv

I don't know who you are, but I know God wants you to hold on to this Word from Him.

I am reminded of a previous post I did on the Valley of Baca - part 1 and part 2. If you have a minute click to read these two posts.

My prayer is that you are strengthened with His might today. I pray as Paul did "that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and His incomparably great power for us who believe!"

Trust Him today. Cling to His goodness, His mercy, and His unfailing love! Allow Him to be the lover of your soul. If your heart is breaking in two, look only to Him today to meet your needs. Expect nothing else from anyone else. When He is your ultimate provider your won't be disappointed or disillusioned. You will be satisfied and complete.

He is faithful and His grace is absolutely amazing! Rest in His arms. Allow His presence to calm your soul today.

He is calling your name right now. :)

love and prayers,
dorinda

Saying Goodbye

This is a week of Goodbyes.

I don't like any of them.

All of them are in God's hands. All of them are painful. All are temporary.

Youth are leaving for college.

Brad and Glenda are moving to D.C.

The McCauls are moving to Texas.

Carmen went to see Jesus.


Goodbyes are hardly ever fun, especially when you enjoy the friendship, but I like the "goodbyes" that actually mean, "see ya later".

I will see my family again, not just as often.

I will see the McCauls again~ eventually.

I will see Carmen again in heaven.


The finality of Carmen's life on this earth is painful. She was the same age as my daughter. Glenda has 2 little girls. Carmen has 2 little boys.

She leaves behind a loving family, mom and dad, sister, grandparents, and many, many friends.

But she is in the presence of Jesus!
"I can only imagine, what it will be like".

The song is playing in my mind as I picture Carmen's sweet smile.

Goodbyes.

See ya later.

I like "see ya later" so much better.

So, how about you? If you were to die today, where would you spend eternity?

If you have accepted Jesus as your Savior, believe He is the Son of God, and confess your sins, then I will see you some day in Heaven.

If you have not accepted the fact that He died for you, then you have rejected Him and have an eternal home in hell. Hell was not prepared for mankind. It was prepared Satan and his demons.

Today, it is my prayer that we have a "see ya later" relationship. So, "goodbye" for now, but I truly hope to see you in Heaven someday.

See ya later!
dorinda

Crying Again!

Oh.

my.

goodness!!!

What is up with me this week?

I am supposed to be getting ready to go into the office, but I decide to check my daughter's blog to see if anything is new there.

Nothing.

So, I go to her older blog to see if she posted some birthday pictures of Mia and Macy ~ or something.

Nothing.

I see the link on the side for the video Brad made for Mia's dedication ceremony.

I have watched it numerous times.

I watched it again.

I cried.

again.

I am sitting here on my couch in my QUIET house contemplating the vastness of the blessings God has poured upon my life.

If you are just by chance reading this blog for the first time, I invite you to read our story.

I will give you some links below of where to start on our journey of a life filled with blessings! (Even if you have read all of my blog posts, you just have to watch the video again! ~ I have to have somebody crying with me. ha!)

God is SO good! His mercies are new every morning. His faithfulness knows no limits or end. His love and compassion, they fail not!

Adoption is not only our story, it is God's story of redemptive love for us.

My heart's prayer is that you Know Him today~ not just know about Him~ but KNOW Him in a very real and personal relationship. That's what "finding TREASURE in jars of clay" is all about!

blessings and many prayers,

dorinda

Links:

Mia's Video

First Stop : Barren Womb

2nd Stop: Blessings of a Broken Heart

3rd Stop: The Beauty of the Spirit of Adoption

4th Stop: A Little More of my Thoughts on Adoption

Last Stop: Chosen and Given ~ Our Blessings

It may take a while to read all of those, but they just about sum up my tears today.

God IS so good!

:)

smile.

sigh.

Happy Birthday, Mia!

Today, August 21st is a special day!

Two years ago today a baby girl was born to a Chinese mother in China. For whatever reason, this mom decided she could not keep her baby girl. She wrapped her in a blanket and took her to a restuarant and laid her at the doorstep.

Two years ago today, as a family celebrated a Grandmother's birthday (Happy Birthday Joyce!), a mother's heart longed for a baby girl from China.

Before the beginning of time, the Creator knew the plans He had for this baby girl born in China in 2006.

Before the beginning of time, the Creator knew the plans He had for a family in Huntsville, Arkansas.

How blessed we are that the Creator chose our family to raise this beautiful and precious girl in His ways and in His Truth!

Happy Birthday Mia!

Noni and Big Daddy love you Sooo much!

A Blog to Check Out Today

I guess this is just an emotional week for me, because I have crying at the drop of a hat.

Crying when I drop my kids off at school.
Crying over the sick and ailing.
Crying over news stories.
Crying over prayer requests.
Crying over blogs I read.

So, I want to share one source of my tears. (Don't worry, it's not awful, just heart wrenching.)

Please log on to my fellow blogger's site here. Ilona and her husband Mike are Assembly of God missionaries to Mexico. I can't even begin to spell the name of the city. :0)

Also, you might have noticed the new prayer link on the right hand side of my blog. My heart's prayer is that you will daily pray for the new unreached people's group that will appear in the sidebar. Prayer is SO important.

Another link to visit daily is our church's prayer blog. There are prayer requests listed. I love it because during my prayer time, I just log on and go through the list of the prayer needs. Thanks to Laurie for setting this up and keeping it going.

Beloved Mama Prays is another awesome prayer blog. She has a dedicated team of people praying for requests that people send her. What an awesome ministry!

Spend some time in prayer today!

blessings and prayers!
dorinda

Back to School!

Well, I was just an emotional basket case!

If you were standing here listening to me, I would have said that with much drama and blubbering flare. :)

I dropped my middle daughter off at junior high yesterday, along with her big brother. I then went to the elementary school to take my youngest. I went home to a quiet house-

and cried.

I am not one of the mother's that just LOVES for school to start to get the kids "out of my hair". I love them being home~ even if they do make the biggest messes known to motherhood.

As I watched my new junior high-er walking up to the school, a flood of questions tormented my soul.

Have I given her enough confidence in her self to make it in Jr. Hi?
Have I instilled enough of God's Word in her for her to know how to use it as her sword?
Will everyone around her see the inner beauty and unique strengths that I know she has?
Will she have a good day?
Why can't I walk her in!!!!!!?

I then look over at her brother who is the big guy on campus this year. I had some of the same concerns 2 years ago as he walked into the Junior High campus for the first time. Now, look at him! No, worries. No concerns.

So, how do I console my little "mommy heart"?

I remind myself of what I know. I know my God is Faithful. He is big enough to take care of my babies, no matter how big they get. :)

When I picked up my kids from school yesterday, I realized they all had a wonderful day. Each had their own story to tell, and each had their own smile to share.

My heart smiled.
and sighed.

We worry so much about the things that our God has all taken care of before we even know to worry about them.

smile.
sigh.

I sure am glad I have a God to take care of my children and watch over them when I can't.

Once again I am reminded of my FAVORITE verse in the Bible~ Psalm 25:1,2
To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul;
In you I trust, O my God.

I give you my soul, Lord, the very part of me that I treasure most- my family.
I trust You as You have them in your hands.
I plead the blood of Jesus over my children's' bodies, souls, and spirits. I pray that you encamp your angels around them, but more importantly that Your Spirit hovers over them to guide and direct their every step, thought and decision.
May they always, see your Truth.

In You I trust, O my God.

smile.

sigh.

:)

dorinda

Cross Country

(I can't believe the first time I posted this I misspelled Country for County! oooooffff!!!!) :)

Most of you who know me, know that our daughter and her family are moving to D.C. at the first of September.




I am so excited for them, but at the same time, this Noni's heart is very sad.



Excited that Brad and Glenda are following a dream God has placed in their heart.
Sad that my daughter and family will be SOOOOO far away!



But, I don't think I have ever been prouder of my daughter. Oh, I know some parents take pride in their children's career choices and the amount of cash they rake in, but to see my child walk in faith puts a gleam in my smile.



They aren't just taking a walk in faith, Brad and Glenda are standing on the ledge of comfort and security and are leaping off into the deep canyon of faith. No parachute. No safety net. Just a leap into the unknown. Unknown except for the fact that they KNOW their heavenly Father will be right there for them to fall in His arms and His provision.



Please go to Glenda's blog for more information and prayer points. This mom asks you to fervently pray for them, and if God nudges your heart, you may support their ministry endeavor monthly. Financial support from family and friends will make the majority of their income for the next year.



blessings to you as you pray fervently for my daughter, son-in-law, and two granddaughters,


dorinda

Raising Godly Kids by the 6:7 Principle

We were able to sleep in this morning! Hallelujah! Glory to God in the highest!

It seems our summer has been extremely busy and the luxury of staying in bed longer than the sun has escaped us somehow, except for today!

To ensure the longevity of every one's sleep time, I piled the kids in our room - the dark, quiet sleep room. I turned the fan on and made sure everyone had very comfy beds.... I turned out the lights and said a prayer: "Lord, just let us all get at least 8 hours of solid sleep!"

I awakened this morning to a dark room, the fan humming, and kids in three corners sound asleep. My eyes quickly went to the clock. What time was it?! Wow! Not only did we get 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep, but we received 9 blissful hours of pure deep sleep!!

I think I heard an angelic chorus in the heavenlies!

I looked over at each child and said a prayer for them. They looked so peaceful sleeping. It is hard to believe that in less than 2 weeks school starts back. My innocent kids will be faced with all kinds of "junk" the world will dish out to them. Humanistic and hedonistic ideas and reasoning will bombard them from all angles.

The 6:7 Principle is about being Pro-Active with our children starting the day they are born.

Deuteronomy 6:7 says don't think that one hour a week of Sunday School, one hour a week of Kid's Church, one hour a week of Worship Service and one hour a week of Girl's and Boy's Ministries will be enough to diligently train your children in the Truth of God's Word!

If you want your child to have a Biblical view of creation and society, it takes a mom and dad who are committed to training their children on a daily basis. Just like Deuteronomy 6:7 says: impress them when you walk, sit, work, and rest! Pro-active.

Pro-active - as in discuss it before it happens. Teach your daughter how to dress modestly from the time she is a toddler. Train your son to respect young ladies as a baby in how he deals with mom and sister. Show them in God's Word principles for Godly and right living. Discuss the movie you just saw from the perspective of God's Word.

My kids may never encounter some issues in life simply because they won't be exposed. I took my 2 oldest to see Freedom Writers. Afterwards, we went to the near-by pizza joint and had some heart to heart discussions about the whys, the hows, and the Biblical perspective of prejudice, gangs, violence and other issues brought up in the film.

It is not good enough to just keep telling my kids "no". Rusty and I have to tell them they "why" so that when they are young adults they take possession of those Biblically based boundaries themselves.

When my children go to college and have freedom to make their own decisions, I want them to choose "no" to alcohol and drugs and "no" to sex outside of marriage because they understand that those things are contrary to God's will for their lives~ not just because mom and dad have always said, "Don't do that."

The 6:7 Principle is imperative to raising Godly kids.

May God's Word bring Truth and Understanding to your hearts and minds today!

blessings,
dorinda

I Left It!

If my camera phone was working, you would be looking at a picture of it right now.

I did it! I drove off and left it in the parking lot of Wal-Mart where I found it~ after having lost it.

Say what, crazy woman?

I ran to Wal-Mart, quickly, to buy a few needed groceries. I left my [hungry] teenager tending to the pool. I just wanted to get in and out~ quickly.

I made it to the check out line in record time! I stand there congratulating myself when my eyes fixate on the orange package with brown letters. Nope. I turn my head.

I have done well the last 4 days, and I am not about to blow it now!

A child screams behind me and I turn to see if all is okay.

Ooops! That was a mistake! It was still there in it's cute little orange wrapper with all that gooey chocolate and peanut butter inside.

I think it even did a "Psssst! Hey, you over there acting like you don't see me! Do you know it has been at least 3 months since you have had a Reece's cup? And don't you know you should congratulate yourself for finding all of your groceries so quickly. Go ahead. It won't hurt!" Seriously. I think I heard it!

Well, whatever was whispering to me, convinced me.

I bought the .78 cent delicacy~ and the diet coke to accompany it.

I placed my purchases bag in the buggy and out I go with my "congratulatory" snack. Walking to my car, as I am cramming the first little cup in my mouth, I see a friend drive by and I wave. Chocolaty fingers and all.

I get to my car. Unload my groceries and it is gone!

I spent .78 cents on the king size Reece's cup and it is gone!

I look in all the bags. Look in my purse.
It is nowhere.

I must have dropped it.

I put my buggy back. Get in the seat. Start the car.
All the while my mind is racing. I had it right before I waved at Kathy because I was opening the first one as I walked out the door. It has to be either in the foyer area or in the parking lot.

I back my car out and circle back to the front door.

As I drive by, a Carly Simon song plays in my mind and a hot summer breeze is blowing. There on the edge of the sidewalk is a small orange wrapper~ the edges flapping as the wind is trying to taste the chocolate that is rapidly melting on the concrete.

I slow the car down ~ for the pedestrians ~ of course! I am playing about 20 different scenarios out.

Bottom line.

I left it!

Oh, don't think that I am too proud to get out of my vehicle and stoop to pick it up! Because I would in a heart beat! :)

But, I thought of how hard I have worked the last couple of days to not cram the junk food in my mouth.

I almost caved in at the end of the parking aisle.
But I stayed strong and left it!

What does all of that have to do with the 6:7 Principle?
Well, probably not just a whole lot, but I am quite proud that I left it! :)

okay..... seriously.

The 6:7 Principle Revisited

Impress them on your children.
The word used for "impressed" or to "teach diligently" means-
to sharpen, whet
to sharpen, teach (incisively)
to be pierced
(taken from study light. org)

How and When do we do this?
Well, we talk about them [God's commandments]
when we sit,
when we walk,
when we lie down and
when we rise up.

Basically, we are to find relative teaching points that we communicate verbally to our children
when we are relating,
when we are working,
when we are resting, and
when we are preparing.

In everything we do, we are to verbally communicate God's commandments to our children.

And, I guess, there is a teaching point about leaving stuff.... just driving away.... no matter how bad you want to just stop the car, get out, and cram all the melted chocolate in your mouth in front of a slew of folks.... Does that fall in the category of teaching your kids good boundaries?

I still don't think I am done with this subject.

I'll see you again tomorrow!

blessings,
dorinda

The 6:7 Principle

We have this pool in our back yard- a Wal-Mart special. It is just perfect for our yard and our family. Large enough for all 5 of us to swim and play in, but small enough to take care of easily~ If you clean it on a daily basis.

I got out early this morning to turn on the filter and use the net to clean out the bugs and stuff. The problem was that we haven't cleaned the pool in a couple of days. Yuck! Bugs and grass and little bugs and BIG bugs and stuff.... Yuck!

So, I start walking with the flow of the pump swirling my little net catching all the bugs. I am just humming along thinking how gross it was and walking in the circle. Then I think, as long as I am doing this I might as well get some exercise. Work it, Sister! Run! So, here I am getting my aerobic workout in the pool while cleaning, thinking, "Wow! I am just about done!"

I got tired of going in the same direction and got a little bit dizzy.... So, I turned around.

Oh.
My.
Goodness!

There, right behind me was a trail of gross stuff! Dead bugs and grass and dead flies.... Oh, Gross!

It seemed that as long as I was going with the flow of the current my perception of the grossness was hugely distorted. I was stirring up the yucky stuff by not making much of a difference.

Hmmmmm......

Deuteronomy 6:4-7
"Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give to you today are to be upon your hearts.
6:7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates."

The 6:7 Principle is simply this:

Go against the flow!

Go against the flow of our humanistic society by teaching your children the Truth of God's Word- every day in every situation.

I think we must take a Pro-Active approach to changing our world for Christ!

We can get so used to the "flow" of life that we think we are making a difference, but maybe we are just out in front of all the "stuff".

Turn around and open your eyes to the ways of the world that are so contrary to God's Word.

Don't wait until your kids are teens to tell them that God's plan for marriage is one man and one woman for life. Tell them that homosexuality is AGAINST God's Word. Teach them healthy boundaries. Show them in God's Word.

"Impress them [God's Commands] on your children."

I think if we wait until we think our children are old enough, it might be too late. They may be so used to the "flow" that the world will have "impressed" its ways on our children.

So, let's make a commitment to live by the 6:7 Principle.

I think I have only scratched the surface of this..... Maybe more on the 6:7 Principle tomorrow.

blessings,

dorinda

In Christ

A young lady spoke to me regarding the bondage of insecurity.
Another young person revealed the burden of temptation.
A friend intercedes for the salvation of her son.
A mother of six children is believing God for His provision of direction and housing.

I contemplated these extraordinary needs this week and fell at the feet of my Savior. They are too much for me to carry, but my God is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all that we ask or think!

As I prayed, my mind went back.... suffice it to say eons... to Bible College. I remember sitting in Sis. Opal Reddin's Acts class. She spent an entire class on the phrase from Ephesians "in Christ". I don't remember everything she taught that day, but I do remember her challenge.

"Go through the book of Ephesians and underline all prepositional phrases of "in Christ".

"In Christ" has to do with position and placement of me.

I have found that when I am "in Christ" other things aren't as important, problems aren't as big, and the world is not as alluring.

When I am "in Christ" I have an intimate relationship with my Savior. I no longer desire things that grieves the Spirit. I crave His presence.

So, I pass on the Preposition Challenge to you today. Go through the book of Ephesians and find all of those "in Christs". Then take a refresher English course and look for the purpose of each "in Christ". List all of those rich prepositional phrases and let their depth sink into your spirit.

blessings to all of you!

dorinda


p.s.

okay- It seems the Treasures in Jars of Clay is the blog of the month for a couple of sites! So, if you are visiting from A/G blogring or from Becoming Me, "Hi!" "Welcome", and please feel free to go thru some of my favorite posts!

Thank you ladies so much for sharing my blog. May His purposes be accomplished! :)


Oh, and subscribe to my feedburner!

db

Life Reflections and Destinations

My daughter sent me an email Tuesday. She quoted something out of the book In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day by Mark Batterson.

Today, I just want you to read it. My husband posted it on his blog also. If you haven't read this quote, please do so and let it sink deep into your spirit.

Lion Chasers' Manifesto

Quit living as if the purpose of life is to arrive safely at death.
Grab life by the mane.
Set God-sized goals.
Pursue God-ordained passions.
Go after a dream that is destined to fail without divine intervention.
Stop pointing out problems and become part of the solution.
Stop repeating the past and start creating the future.
Stop playing it safe and start taking risks.
Expand your horizons. Accumulate experiences.
Enjoy the journey.
Find every excuse you can to celebrate everything you can.
Live like today is the first day and last day of your life.
Don't let what's wrong with you keep you from worshipping what's right with God.
Burn sinful bridges.
Blaze a new trail.
Criticize by creating.
Worry less about what people think and more about what God thinks.
Don't try to be who you're not.
Be yourself.
Laugh at yourself.
Quit holding out.
Quit holding back.
Quit running away.

Life

Today I went to a funeral. My grandmother's sister passed away.
I miss my grandmother.

After the funeral I saw pictures of my mom when she was Mack's age. I looked at pictures of my grandmother when she was Glenda's age. Mackenzie looks just like my mom and grandmother. Amazing.

Life in four generations. Life passes so quickly.

We forget that life is not about the here and now, it is about the hereafter- where my grandmother and great aunt are now.

Life is about getting ready for eternity~ eternity with Jesus.

I read an email where a baby was born yesterday~ a sweet baby boy about to experience the warmth and love of his earthly parents and grandparents.

If Jesus tarries, in 70 or 80 years this baby will begin his eternity with or without Jesus.

Life passes so quickly. This life is about preparing for eternity.

What preparations have you made?
Will you spend eternity with or without Jesus?

Life.
It passes so quickly.

blessings,
dorinda

A Prayer for You

My favorite book of the Bible is the Psalms. I want to share a powerful prayer with you and for you straight from God's Word, our sword.

Psalm 20

(NIV)

May the Lord answer you when you are in dsitress;

May the Name of the God of Jacob protect you.

May He send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support from Zion.

May He remember all your sacrifices and accept your burnt offerings.

May He give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.

We will shout for joy when you are victorious and will lift up

our banners in the Name of our God.

May the Lord grant all your requests.

Now I know that the Lord saves His anointed;

He answers him from His holy heaven with the saving power of His right hand.

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the Name of the Lord our God.

They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm.

O, Lord, save the king! Answer us when we call!

Dear God in Heaven,

I pray this psalm for all of my brothers and sisters in the Lord who happen upon this blog today. May you hear their heart's cry and minister to the needs of their soul.

I ask provision for those who have need.

I ask health for those who are ill.

I ask peace for those who confused.

I ask rest for the weary.

We trust in You alone, O God, the savior of our souls.

With all thanks and glory to You we pray in the Blessed Name of Jesus,

Amen.

blessings!

dorinda

Blessings taken for Granted

I am home!!!!

How wonderful! How comfortable! and How precious!

I love my bed, my house, my dog, my bed, my couch, my kitchen, my bed... and the list goes on.

I have enjoyed my travels, missions, and vacations - but oh, how I love where I live.

My 9 year old got home and hopped on her bike the other day. My mind immediately went back to Ecuador. (Again, I wish I could post some pictures... but, my computer is aging..)

Anyway, there were a brother and sister at our work site campground, ages 9 and 10 I think. According to the Barbers, these children had very little. The little boy's birthday was July 12 and all he wanted was a bicycle. Bro. Barber told him to pray about it.

That was all our team needed to hear. We rounded up the money and off we went to purchase not one, but two bicycles. (The trip by itself is a whole other blog.)

When I returned with the bikes, we had brother and sister close their eyes. My husband and son wheeled them in. "Open your eyes!" The little boy's bike was right in front of both of them. They were so excited. Sister didn't see hers. She was jumping up and down for brother. Then when a team member pointed to her bike, she was ecstatic!

They jumped on them. We took pictures. Then I received a hug and kiss from both of them. Then they jumped back on their bikes.

It was pure joy to watch them receive something they would never have gotten otherwise. But my true blessing came a few minutes later.

Everything had settled down and we were headed back to work. I heard a "Senora! Senora!" I turned around and was smothered in the biggest embrace and sweetest kiss ever! "Gracias! Muchos Gracias!" Another kiss and hug.

Tears filled my eyes. There had been "thanks" the first time around surrounded with the excitement and emotion. The second time there was heart felt gratitude that enveloped my heart. Their response was beyond thankful. They truly appreciated the gifts and were enormously grateful.

I received the true gift. It is definitely more blessed to give than to receive.

So, being at home, watching my children ride their bikes, splash in the pool and sleep in their OWN beds in our home are blessings that I too often take for granted.

Thank you God for everything!

blessings,
dorinda

Need Glasses for the Hannah Montana 3-D Movie?

Ok. We went to our local Wal-mart to pick up our free 3-D glasses for the Hannah Montanna movie coming on tonight, but lo and behold, they were all out and have been for the past 3 weeks.

I did a quick on-line search and found the simple solution. Haven't tested it out yet, but right now, I am a hero to my 9 year old.... We shall see!

Get an old jewel cd case with clear plastic.
Take your average household blue and red sharpies.
Measure where your daughter's eyes will be and and draw the circles.
Color one circle red and one blue.

Have your HM fan hold the case up to their face to look thru the red/blue circles and voila! It should be the same effect as if they had the wal-mart glasses.

So, if you tried this, let me know how it works. I am typing this while the rest of my family is looking for the markers. (We will probably have to go back to Wal-Mart to get the sharpies....)

What would we do with out Sam?

blessings,
dorinda

It works!!!
A couple of things to keep in mind:
-take off the bottom half of the cd case
-make sure your child only puts the back side to their face- or they will have red and blue circles on their eyes
-squares might work better than circles- and make them way bigger than their eyes.

Have fun!
db

Sunday in Ecuador

Here is my second post of our missions trip to Ecuador. (Sorry, I can't download the pictures just yet...)

Sunday, July 6, 2008
Gloria au Dios! Glory to God!
What an awesome and adventurous day!

Due to the extreme generosity of our team members, Sunday was a free day. They voted on this item before crew #2 arrived so that our five could share the R&R day with them. So they worked all day on Saturday!

Before our evening church service we rode to coastal city of Salinas to go Whale Watching. What an experience! We stepped off of the bus directly onto the sandy sea shore. We were met by several street vendors hoping to pawn their wares off on the Gringos. Dramamine was passed out so that we would not get seasick.

After a few minutes we waded into the ocean to get on our next mode of transportation- a small boat that could seat about 30. Life jackets were passed out and away we went with Pastor Rusty and Sis. Brenda singing the tune to “Gilligan’s Island”. (Not a pleasant thought - a 3 hour tour......hmmmm)

For several of our shipmates, the Dramamine did NOT work. We all had compassion on them but while praying for them, we prayed we did not get sick! I don’t think any of them got to see the whales, nor did they care – nor do they ever care to board a sea going vessel again!

After about an hour at sea we caught our first real glimpse of this awesome creation of our God. Absolutely amazing! If you are reading this as soon as I post, you may not get to see the picture my husband captured. You just have to check back after we get in the states to see his photographic masterpiece! (If you log on to my husband's blog, I think he was able to post the picture there. Just click here.)

I must say that we all enjoyed the whale watching experience, but none of us enjoyed it as much as Margarette Brown. I wish I had a video of her when she would see one of the whales rolling. You would most certainly enjoy the moment with her. :)

After the whale watching once in a lifetime experience, we were bussed to the Mall to eat lunch in the food court. (Hmmmmm…. How do you order without knowing a lick of Spanish except “Si!) Well, for all you moms out there, put this in your pipe and smoke it: Dora the Explorer has helped me more than you will ever know! All of those millions of hours I have spent watching and saying “Backpack Backpack” and “No, Swiper, No!” I was able to go to the local KFC and speak in fluent Spanish, “Numero Uno, por favor.”

Yaaayyy Dorinda!!!! Yes, I am patting myself on the back, because this sister chick took 3 years of French in High School! I graduated from West Memphis High School in the 80’s. My only choices were French and Latin. My high school French is still there somewhere, because I have said to my Ecuadorian friends at least a couple of times, “Je ne sais pas.” Translation- (probably not spelled correctly) – but it means “I don’t understand.”

Anyway….. I hurriedly at my piece of chicken and wonderful french fries (that came with ‘salsa de tomato') so that I could browse around the mall a little before we had to get back on the bus.

I was disappointed. I am a bargain shopper. Remember, I wouldn’t pay more than $12.50 for the Coach purse in China? So, don’t think I was going to pay $24.97 for the cute sandals at Pay-Less. I think the big hit in that mall was the coconut ice cream. Whoever owned that store made a mint Sunday from our team!

From the mall we, as in Rusty and I, parted with our team. They headed back to Ayangue to shower and dress for the 7 pm church service. Rusty and I were taxied to a hotel so we could rest and get cleaned up and dressed for the 5 pm service.

Before I tell you about the service I have to tell you one more “thing”. The service time is at 5 pm. But Sandra, our wonderful guide and interpreter (who is an angel in disguise), told us we did not need to leave the hotel until a little after 5. (Imagine my punctual and ever early husband’s surprise.) She proceeded to explain that in this culture, even if they announce a service begins at a certain time, it will not start until 10 to 15 minutes later. Even then, the people don’t start showing up until 30 minutes later or so.

She was right. We arrived in perfect time for the service and there were very few people there. But as time went by, there was almost a full house. Hmmmmm….. Are you thinking what I am thinking? If you know me, I am sure you are! I would be on time for EVERY service !!!!!! Wow!! I would actually even be early!!! In fact, we arrived about 20 minutes before the pastor and his wife. (I just had to put that in there!!!) :)

The service was beautiful! These people know how to worship our God! I couldn’t understand a word except “gracias Senor”, but I knew that God was in the place. His presence was so real and very precious.

As usual, my husband preached a timely and anointed sermon. The people responded to the altar call with very open and receptive hearts. It was humbling to pray for these precious and sincere people of God. They trust Him with so much and have so little. I wish I could paint a word picture of their smiles.

Have you ever seen someone and immediately, their joy and happiness exploded on their faces the instant they smiled? Their warmth and genuine joy invites you in. You just want to sit and spend time with them for a while. That, my friend, is the beauty of an Ecuadorian smile. And the souls behind those smiles are the reason we have all paid money to fly an ocean away to labor (as in sweat, work, kill your back and work till your fingers bleed, literally) on a campground where young people and men and women will come to a place of spiritual renewal.

Missions. Never underestimate the power of praying, giving, and going!

Good night!

Arriving

Here are my entries that I couldn't post while in Ecuador. I think it loses a little of its appeal since it is a week later, but, oh, well. This is what I wrote Saturday night:


Arriving.
No one told me how awesome this place is!

Crew number two arrived late last night. I will do my best to describe Ecuador from my eyes. (Please keep in mind that I am typing this on Saturday evening. Who knows when I will get to an internet site to post it.)

I was just about giddy when the pilot announced we had reached Guayaquil. Knowing that my husband was somewhere down there to meet me brought a smile to my lonesome heart.

For us, passport control and customs was a breeze. The least pleasant part was waiting in line while unprepared travelers searched through their carry-on luggage for passports and customs declarations (Oof! :)What were they thinking?!!)

I was trying to absorb the emotions and sights of the moment. Arriving to a different culture is always amazing to me. I like to imagine where all the people are coming from and why they are there. I wonder what “their” story is.

As the last piece of luggage was collected and sent through the scanner, my heart started pounding a little harder. I was in the same building as my soul mate, my best friend, the love of my life. It was as if I was suddenly in a slow motion music video. The music was playing, the noise of the crowds mellowed,and I heard his heart beat.

My feet picked up their pace and my eyes began scanning faces in the crowd. As I walked through the last door, masses of people were staring at me. It seemed that another thousand Ecuadorians were at the airport to catch a glimpse of the face of the ones they loved also.
I kept walking and looking.

And then I saw his face! Smiling, waving- just as glad to see me!

Well, I didn’t run into his arms like in the movies, but I did walk as quickly as my bulky luggage would allow. Then I was in his arms!

Okay….. Sorry, for the ones who don’t like the mushy stuff, but I just had to put that in there, because it was so wonderful to see my husband after 5 days and a continent apart. :)

We gathered our things and headed to the bus where missionary Phil Barber and Brett Madison were waiting.
I was surprised at the pleasantness of the weather. It was very comfortable and breezy- just right- not to cold and not humid or warm.

I tried to take in the sights of Guyaquil on the short ride to our hotel.

Crazy drivers.
People everywhere waiting on buses and taxis.
Many, many happy faces.

The Ecuadorian people, I have found, are very pleasant and kind, happy and content, and a they are very beautiful people. We spent the night in Guayaquil because the three hour trip would not be safe due to “road bandits” that thrive in the darkness. (Yikes!.. I was very happy to spend the night in Guayaquil! - Did they just tell us that or is that true?)

This morning after a quick breakfast we walked a block or two to the iguana park. I don’t believe that is the actual name, but I think we Americans have named it that because of ALL the iguanas there. Oh my goodness. If you don’t like lizards, don’t go there! And the squirrels looked like some mutated, genetic deviant of squirrels , bats, and cats. Can you say “Yikes!”?

Ayangue was three hours away? Maybe just two- it felt like three. There is something about airports and hospitals that just wear a soul to a frazzle. But sleep was not to be found on the small (extremely small) minivan that transported us from the large city to the sleepy coastal city of Ayangue. (But in comparison to what I would be riding back and forth to the work site, it was a luxury vehicle!)

Sights on the way:
Dogs
Bamboo houses on stilts
Dogs
Happy people
Speed bumps
Saturday communal gatherings
Dogs
Poverty- but with a peaceful contentment
Dogs
Speed bumps
Dirty and dusty yards and streets
Pot holes
Peaceful country side
Dry countryside (It is their winter here)
Did I mention the thousands upon thousands of stray dogs?

We arrived at the work site first. Time for reunion number two!
“Jordan! Jordan!” -
Every one understood the anxiousness in this momma’s voice. They just smiled and pointed to a room. I walked in and once again, my heart leaped out of my soul. But this was different. This time the site of my 15 year old son working as hard as any man on the trip made my heart leap with a mix of pain and pride. The last time I saw him he was a boy. In just five short days he became a man, earning the respect of his team members by his hard work and good manners.
I think he was a little glad to see his mom, too.

After a quick trip to our real hotel, we were back at the work site and put to work by the “task master” Dan. It always amazes me how quickly everyone finds their place and niche on these MAPS trips.

I will blog more about the work we are doing tomorrow.
Ecuador is beautiful!
Good night!

My Mission Statement for Blogging

Here is my post for the Blog Mission Tour started by Becoming Me.

I love this idea! In my ministry position I encourage, and respectfully insist, that every ministry leader and team develop a Mission Statement for their calling. I guess I almost had a mini-mission statement in my purpose block.

It says:
This blog was created with the hopes of helping women discover the treasures within themselves and God's Word.

~and at the bottom of my blog (underneath the picture of the Bible):
The foundation of all said and written is God's Infallible Word.

My objective in blogging is found in 2 Corinthians 4:7.
"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us."

My target audience are the ones mentioned in 2 Corinthians 4:8.
"We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed."

My Prayer for this blog is also posted on the blog:
Seek His Face.
Pursue an intimate relationship with the Savior.
Know His Truth.
Gain ultimate reality about His Kingdom.
Love His Word.
Desire passionate revelation of His Nature.
Live His Will.
Submit daily to His Purpose.

Ayangue, Ecuador

Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Hi everyone! Everyone is doing well and working hard in Ayangue, Ecuador!




I have two pages written for this blog post. I carefully saved it to a jump drive and rode in the work van down to the internet spot in Ayangue. But, alas, we are in South America where all of the word processing programs are in the beautiful Spanish language and are not microsoft 2007 compatible.


All of my hard work painfully writing my descriptions of this beautiful country translated to a bunch of squares and rectangles on the screen in front of me. :(



I promise I will post it when we get back in the states if not sooner.


I just wanted everyone to know that this team is working hard and everyone is well! The only bouts of sickness have been sea sickness on our whale watching tour Sunday. Other than that this trip has been almost perfect!


Much love to you all. Please keep us in your prayers. We want to finish the jobs we were given by the time we close up shop tomorrow.


Hopefully there will be pictures at least in this post.


Love you all!


Pastor Rusty, Dorinda
and the hardworking MAPS team of WM First Assembly of God

Okay, the pictures posted, but don´t let them fool you. We are working our tushies off! These are just pictures of the gorgeous scenery from our hotel. The other 2 photos are of the service in Salinas or La Libertad <(sp?).

Gringos in Ecuador

Well, I keep hearing all of these tidbits of stories from South America. I will just have to sort it all out when I get there Friday night. :)

It seems, a couple of guys were stopped in town - and they didn't have their passports on them. Bro. Phil came to their rescue.

Everyone is doing well and working hard. Some of the team are laying tile, some are working on bunkbeds, and some are cleaning up before and after the ones laying tile and making bunkbeds. :)

Tonight as I spoke with Rusty, the Ecuadorian "superbowl" is on tv and some of the guys are in the lobby watching it. Sandra happens to be a huge fan of the soccer team and according to Rusty, her "fan-ism" rivals his "hog-ism"! hmmmmmmm............ She must be SOME soccer fan!

Foggers have been placed in all of the rooms to hopefully get rid of the pesky little black bugs that are there. Will somebody pleeeeeeease pray that those foggers work by Friday! If I asked once, I asked several times, "Is it head lice?" The answer was a constant "no".

Well, wouldn't you want to know?

Keep them all in your prayers.
More news as soon as I get it!

blessings and prayers!
dorinda

Ecuador MAPS Team

Work day #1 was a great success. The weather was perfect and the ground work started for all of the team's projects.

I believe I speak for the entire team when I say that their hearts were greatly saddened when they received the news of the "home going" of Sis. Bettye Sue Baratti. Our MAPS team worked today knowing that she is in a better place, but also realizing she will be greatly missed by her family and host of friends. The entire crew sends their condolences and deepest sympathies to her family.

The project of our MAPS team this year is to help with construction work on the campgrounds in Ayangue, Ecuador. Pastor Rusty is working hard to get some pictures emailed to us soon. (We take simple things like dsl internet connections for granted.) I know they worked today laying some tile and I think - not certain- that the bunkbed project was started.

Everyone has been in good health and good spirits. I heard from a little birdie that the ping pong games have resumed. It seems everyone wants to de-throne Sandra from her ranking as "the best". :) (You know they have to have some kind of fun on these hard working trips!)

Please, please keep these team members in your prayers. Tomorrow, I hope to have listed all the team members and some specific prayer points.

Again, please continue to remember the Baratti family also.

blessings and prayers!
dorinda

Update on Missions Team

Good afternoon! God is alive and well in Arkansas and in Ecuador!

I just wanted to let you guys know that our MAPS team has arrived safely in Ecuador! They are tired from traveling, but all is well.

They landed at the airport in Guayiqil around 9:10pm last night. Customs was a breeze and I believe they were settled in their hotel there by 11pm. This morning after breakfast they boarded a bus and started the 3 hour trip to the worksite, the campground in Ayangue.

We will post as many pictures and updates as possible throughout the next 2 weeks.

Your prayers are so vital to the success of this missions trip. Thank you for lifting up our team members and continually praying for their safety, health, and abilities.

God is awesome!
blessings,
dorinda

Informed Citizens make Powerful Citizens

Okay. This is an election year. Everyone of you are registered voters and believe in your duty to vote- right?

It is great to let your voice be heard by voting, but voting is just a final act that should be preceded by prayer and study. Yes, you read it correctly. Prayer and Study. Study what?

I believe each citizen needs to know a candidate's stand on the issues. Research their beliefs and values. How will each candidate respond to issues that are important to you? More importantly, how will each candidate lead our great country in the issues that are important to God?

So, here are some websites that I hope you will look at and find out where these guys stand on the issues of:
Sanctity of human life- (God says Abortion is murder.)
Economics
Religious Freedoms
Dignity of Life
Health Care
and many more

Click the names to find out more:
John McCain
Barak Obama

We should begin praying now for God's will to be done in our country in November.

Christian complacency is lulling our country into a

cesspool of neglect and liberalism.

Our God is mighty and holy. His people should make a stand for the things that please Him. Let's not just sit back and let the liberal media dilude our minds with a world view. Instead, let us saturate our minds and spirits with the Truth of God's Word and return to a Biblical view.

Pray for our country!

blessings,
dorinda

Out of My Treasure Box:
If you want a good FICTIONAL read this summer - try Dead Heat by Joel Rosenberg

Power in Prayer to our Creator

I believe in the power of prayer!

Right now, I am asking anyone and everyone who reads this blog to pray for my mom.

Most of you know that she has major heart problems- congestive heart failure. She went to the doctor today because of fluid build up in her legs, feet and abdomen. They are hospitalizing her as I write with the hopes of draining fluid off. Her heart is now twice the size it should be. Her heart is already in a weakened condition and cannot handle much more stress on it.
I ask that you remember her and my dad in your prayers. I want a miracle. I am believing and hoping for that complete healing from my Jehovah Rapha - the Lord our Healer!

Thanks for remembering us!
love you all!
dorinda

The Heart of God

I have heard so much and read so much about The Heart of God. We all want to know the heart of God.

I don't know about you, but I want to know His heart so I can please Him in everything I do, say, and think.

The heart of God would be the thing that He is most passionate about. I believe the heart of God is about reaching the lost. He came to seek and to save the lost. He gave everything so that all might know Him.

I believe the heart of God is wrapped up in Missions- taking the gospel to those who do not know Him.

Missions is about traveling to cultures foreign to us and spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Missions- "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always to the very end of the age."

Missions - The Heart of God.

In the simplicity of Missions is the enormity of opportunity.

(Let that sink into your thinker.)

Opportunity.
Opportunity to pray.
Opportunity to give.
Opportunity to go.

Pray. Give. Go.

In those 3 verbs are where the enormity of opportunity lies.
Missions.

So, my challenging question to you today is, where do you stand in these opportunities?

Do you have missionary families that you faithfully pray for?
Do you continually and faithfully give (sacrificially) to missions?
Have you prayed for an opportunity to go?

In the simplicity of Missions is the enormity of opportunity.

Pray. Give. Go.

What will you do with the opportunity placed in your time bank?

What will you do to find the Heart of God?

I love you all and pray you are challenged way out of your comfort zone today!

blessings,
dorinda

Family Treasures

We have been on vacation- Soaking up the sun and relaxin' and chillin' on the beach - well, not actually chillin'-chillin'.....

This week is all about family. We are making memories for ourselves, our children and grandchildren. Every night as I go to bed, I ask God to help my children remember the special moments we have with each other and our extended family.

God has been so gracious to allow us this time together. Family time is a treasure we so often take for granted.

Here are a few pictures of our "fun in the sun" week!

blessings,

dorinda

Three Men and a Lady

The Creator sat in heaven and awaited for the deliveries on the cold November day.

One little soul was waiting. He chuckled to Himself. Where would He put this one?
He realized she would need the most patient man to call "Daddy".
Hmmmm. He knew the perfect one.

This man was a man after His own heart. This man sought the face of his Creator and loved his wife and his first daughter. This man was the perfect father for this little bundle of demands.

Charles.
Strong.
Godly.
Nurturing.
Compassionate.
Loving.
Kind.
Firm.
Faithful.
Devoted.
Steady.

Hero.

Daddy.

My dad- the most wonderful father to my sister and myself. He has always reflected our heavenly Father. He is an amazing and passionate follwer of Christ.

I remember family devotions out of the Big Family Story Bible. I remember prayer times. I am so blessed to have learned the power of prayer from such a giant in the faith as my dad! Wow! Did God smile on me when He allowed this man to be my daddy!

It was 18 years later, and the Creator knew this was the time for the second man to enter her life. He had this moment planned before they were both born. His timing was everything. His timing was perfect. This was the moment. This was the place. This was His Divine Will.

This man was a man after His own heart. This man sought the face of His Creator and would love his wife and his children. This man was the perfect to be man number two in her life.

Rusty.
Handsome.
Funny.
Chivalrous.
Godly.
Passionate.
Nurturing.
Compassionate.
Loving.
Kind.
Firm.
Faithful.
Devoted.
Steady.

Hero.

Husband.

My husband, my best friend, my soul mate. He is the most wonderful father to our children. He is such a strong, yet compassionate soul. He always reflects the love of the Father and is the absolutely the most amazing man I have ever met! Wow! Did God smile on me when He fashioned this union in the heavenlies!

It was 30 years after that November delivery. She had waited a long time for this day. Now was the time for man number three to be introduced to her. Today she would conceive. Today the Creator would continue the godly legacy for another generation. His timing was everything. His timing was perfect. This was the moment. This was the place. This was His Divine Will.

Nine months and he was born- a healthy, handsome baby boy.
This will be a man after His own heart. This young man will seek the face of His Creator and will love his mother, and one day love his wife and his children. This man will be the perfect man number three in her life. This man will be her only son.
Wow! Did God smile on me when He gave my Jordan to me as a son!

Three men and a lady.

Blessed beyond measure.
Happy beyond words.
Fulfilled beyond understanding.
Thankful for eternity for my three men.

Happy Father's Day, to my awesome, wonderful Dad!

Happy Father's Day to the father of my children, my soul mate!

I love you all!
dorinda

I Have a Dream

Sometimes things get in my spirit and I just can't let go of them.
Tonight is one of those nights.

I remembered a song by the Christian music artist Carman (www.carman.org).

I cannot even tell you how many times in my life that this song has reminded me of my dreams and visions God has placed in my heart and spoke into my spirit.

I found the lyrics on a website and I do not believe I am infringing on any copy write laws by pasting them here. (I do encourage you to visit the singer's website. If you click here, and go to Number 6, you can hear a sample of this awesome song.)

The Destination is There
You've felt in your spirit
God's shown you something new
Something that has strengthened you
And only you can do
But as your desire grew
You got a little depressed
'Cause you found no destination
For your dreams to manifest
Chorus:
Your desire is the confirmation the destination is there
God wouldn't put it in your spirit if it wasn't going nowhere
So set your sights on the promises and don't you be scared
For your desire is the confirmation the destination is there
His vision's for a certain hourI know it won't be late
His promises will strengthen you
If only you will wait
Don't follow someone else's dreams
Keep your own in sight
For the vision that God gives
Will keep you all your life
Chorus
_________________________________________

Hang on. I am going to ramble a little. :)

Dreams.
There are different kinds of dreams.
You know. You might eat too much pizza at night and then you have this wild and crazy dream about aliens or something.

Then there is a dream that settles in the deepest part of your spirit and hangs on throughout the seasons in your life.

It is then that you know you didn’t just have a dream in your sleep, but you have a dream- as in – you possess a dream, a goal, a vision of something you want to one day accomplish.


A Dream.
Everyone has one. It is God’s way of putting His purpose in your life.

One of the greatest speeches of all time, by one of my greatest heroes goes something like this-
I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal."

Martin Luther King, Jr., certainly fulfilled his dream and God’s purpose for his life and this country. (He is on my big list of people I want to meet in heaven!)

I believe that when we are children, God plants seeds of purpose and destiny in our hearts. I believe He plants seeds of greatness in everyone’s heart. I believe He lovingly and longingly desires for each of us to fulfill His purpose for our lives.

I have a dream.
You have a dream. Do you know what your dream is?

I almost forgot mine. I knew it as a child. I even mentioned it as an adult. But somewhere between childhood and growing up, I began to belittle the seed of greatness that had been planted by my Creator. I somehow began to believe the dream He lovingly placed in my heart was foolish and a waste of my precious time.

Consistently the dream has remained. I may stuff it down in my heart and ignore it or even pretend it doesn’t exist, but my dream is in my spirit.

When I nurture the dream, it becomes a desire that pleases my Creator. The psalmist tells me in Psalm 37:4:
“Trust in the lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.”

I have a dream.
Whether or not I fulfill it is dependent upon my decisions today, my course of action tomorrow, and my willingness to see it through.

I have a dream.
Today I choose to seek my Savior and pursue the purpose He has for my life.

I have a dream.

blessings!
dorinda

Out of my Treasure Box:
The Dream Giver by Bruce Wilkinson
(You gotta read it!)

Having a Christ Centered Summer!

Our family is slap dab in the middle of a hectic baseball/softball season. I love it- and I hate it!

I love it because I get to watch my children have fun doing something they love. I hate it because, 9 times out of 10, we are split up as a family. Almost all of the games occur at the same time at different ball parks- even in different towns!

We have ballgames on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. Tournaments usually on Fridays and Saturdays. Church is on Wednesday and Sundays. That is all 7 nights of the week.

To say that a busy schedule can put a strain on your marriage and family time is a massive understatement. We have to work extremely hard during the "sports" months to maintain a healthy balance in our family life.

God must remain central and top priority if we are to continue reaching our goal of being a Christ centered family.

How do we do it?
Well, sometimes we fail. Yep. You read it right.
Just because my husband is the Senior Pastor of our great church does not make him perfect. (Although I think he is pretty close! :)) And for sure, I am not!!!!!
Sometimes we get caught up in the whirlwind of life and can't find the way off the cyclone.

Colossians 3:1-3 says
"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God." NIV

But other times, we plan ahead (that would be Rusty and not me :)). If we know we are going to have a hectic week, we make a special effort to have family time during the day- if possible- or eat an early supper together, etc. We purposely talk about God's Word and ask each other questions about our Bible reading. We hold children and adults accountable for time spent in God's Word.

The biggest challenge is quality alone time for our marriage. Summer makes it a little harder to have our weekly "dates" and time typically spent just with the 2 of us. Again, it takes planning ahead and definite persistence! But it sure is worth it!

I received a wonderful resource today for building great marriages. I encourage you to check out this website for some great online stuff! You can also sign up for a weekly encouraging email. I haven't explored it all completely, but so far I like what I see at Marriage Today.org.

My prayer for each of you is that you keep Christ at the center of your hearts and your families! May you continue to seek His face with all your heart! May you know His Truth. May you imitate His ways. May love His Word and live His Will! I simply pray you have lots of S.K.I.L.L. in your life!

I love you all and pray you enjoy this beautiful summer ahead of us!!!
(Oh, how I love summer time!!!)
dorinda

Summertime is Here!!

Oh, how I love summer!
I always have. But now that I have children, I love Summer even more!

My kids are home with me! I don't have to send them off to school everyday. They are home where they belong! :)

Summer evokes so many memories. I love everything about it.

You remember the lazy days of warm weather and no school.

I remember waking up to hearing the drones of lawn mowers and laughing children. The hum of a thousand air conditioners lurked in the background. Groggily gettting up to an event-less day, free to choose my entertainment, was the norm for my childhood. Of course, there were "chores" to be done, but nothing compared to the duties of adulthood. I would eventually end up outside turning flips or working on the ever elusive back handspring. Or as a teen, I would "lay out", trying to get the perfect Coppertone tan.

Summer memories:
Wandering outside
Feeling the warmth of the sun on my skin
A tickle from the occasional blowing of wind
The rustle of tree branches from the breeze
Locusts buzzing in the bushes
Splashes and giggles from nearby pools
Playing in the sprinkler
Washing the car
Sleeping late
Watching the late, late movie

ahhhhhh!!! I love summer!!!!

God is so faithful to us in all He does. My heart was turned to the Psalms this morning. Listen to His Word to us today:

Psalm 33:4
"For the Word of the Lord is right and true; He is faithful in all He does."

Wow! What a powerful Word of God. I challenge you to memorize this one. Put it on an index card and keep it on your desk and in your purse. If you are tempted to doubt in any way, this seed of God's Word will increase your faith!

I pray you have a wonderful day! Summer time is time when I focus on my kiddos, so a weekly post will be about it. Meditate on His Word today! ~ and enjoy the wonder of Summer!!!!

love you all!
dorinda

Truth

Truth.

It is a simple 5 letter word that holds the key to so many things in our lives.

We live in a world that is entangled in so much deception, even the very "elect" are easily deceived.

Truth is not relative. It does not change with culture or modern mentalities.

Truth is absolute. It is firm and sure and unchanging.

Something is either true or false- a truth or a lie.

We cannot bargain to the highest bidder to see which "truth" we will live. We either live truth or we don't.

If we allow it, truth is very simple.

Clean.

Pure.

Untangled.

Deception, on the other hand, is a weave of complexities and changing "realities".

The second we give in to the seduction of a deceiving thought, we enter a world where truth is pushed aside and trampled on.

John 8:32 says, "You will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free."

The very nature of truth is freedom.

The very nature of deception is bondage.

The very heart of truth is life.

The very heart of deception is death.

But do not be mistaken. Truth and Deception do not have a yin and yang relationship! It is not a unity of opposites. The power of Truth is far greater than any bondage of deception!

When we do not abide by the Truth, we give in to the despair of deception- whether we realize it or not.

The apostle Paul told us in 2 Corinthians 10:3-6- The Message:
The world is unprincipled. It's dog-eat-dog out there! The world doesn't fight fair. But we don't live or fight our battles that way--never have and never will.
The tools of our trade aren't for marketing or manipulation, but they are for demolishing that entire massively corrupt culture.
We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ.
Our tools are ready at hand for clearing the ground of every obstruction and building lives of obedience into maturity.

The King James says - "Casting down imaginations".

I like the way The Message version puts it- "tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God".

I believe that is something we must do daily to live a victorious life of truth in God's Word. We must constantly tear down walls of deception the enemy so diligently works to build.

The walls of deception come through our culture, the media, our selfish nature, and other avenues that are commonplace to our lives today. We must be aware and not become sluggish in our walk of faith.

John 8:31,21 also says,
Then Jesus turned to the Jews who had claimed to believe in him. "If you stick with this, living out what I tell you, you are my disciples for sure. Then you will experience for yourselves the truth, and the truth will free you."

If you continue in my word.... you will know the Truth and the Truth will make you free.

A promise comes with a condition!

The only way we can avoid the tangles of deception is to KNOW the Truth- God's Word.

It comes back around to this:

Truth.
It is a simple 5 letter word that holds the key to so many things in our lives.

We live in a world that is entangled in so much deception, even the very "elect" are easily deceived.

Truth is not relative. It does not change with culture or modern mentalities.
Truth is absolute. It is firm and sure and unchanging.

Something is either true or false- a truth or a lie.

We cannot bargain to the highest bidder to see which "truth" we will live. We either live truth or we don't.

If we allow it, truth is very simple.
Clean.
Pure.
Untangled.

May this Truth from God's Word sink deep into your spirits and reap a 100 fold harvest in your lives.

As always I pray you live a life of S.K.I.L.L. (Thanks Angelia!)

Seek His Face.

Know His Truth.

Imitate His Ways.

Love His Word.

Live His Will.

I love you all!

blessings and prayers!

dorinda

Out of My Treasure Box:

Great Summer Fiction Reading-

Black by Ted Dekker

(I will be reading it for the 2nd time this summer. Want to join me? If Oprah can have her book club, we can have ours! Let me know if you want to join the Treasure Seekers Book Club! This will be an email book club with discussion questions etc. Send me an email!)