God's Daisy

The Gift or The Giver?

2010-08-17T22:25:00.001-04:00

“Hurry, Mathias!” He did not want to hurry for hurrying meant hope. He accepted his fate of wandering and begging outside the village to survive. Resentment replaced his wife’s memory and anger, the longing for her touch. Signs of sickness appeared two months into marriage and he was declared unclean six weeks later. His heart died when she left. It was too painful to dream about life

Remember the Prisoners

2010-07-31T18:49:00.001-04:00

“Remember the prisoners, as though you were in prison with them and the mistreated as though you yourself were suffering bodily.” Hebrews 13:3 Walking into church late with head held high, her high heels click on the porcelain tile as she waves to friends and grabs a cup of gourmet coffee before stepping inside the packed worship center. She steps past the state of the art sound equipment and

Freedom from Fear - Pt. 2

2010-07-27T09:20:00.000-04:00

When Shawn called me to tell me he would be flying out that same night for Ohio, I wasn’t surprised. Although he hadn’t taken a business trip in over 5 years, I knew it was coming. Not because we had talked about it. Not because anything in his work had changed, but rather I realized God was doing a work in my heart that would require Shawn leaving again to be complete. About two weeks

In His Courts

2010-07-18T15:06:00.000-04:00

Since I am so good at blogging (hahaha!!) I have agreed to help a dear friend write her story on her blog. Really it is God's story - He is the true Author of it all. I am humbled and so grateful for the opportunity to be a small part of sharing her journey with others. Linda Reppert has been a blessing to me and to so many. Filled with the Word of God and overflowing with wisdom, she

Freedom from Fear - Pt. 1

2010-07-09T22:06:00.000-04:00

As Shawn prepares to leave for camp with the high school ministry at our church, I can’t help but remember a year ago as he prepared for his first mission trip. God has been so gracious with me, taking me by the hand and gently leading me toward total dependence on Him. I still have a long way to go, but I am more excited about the journey than I have ever been. When Shawn first mentioned

Healing for a Heart: A True Story of Hope in the Holy Land

2010-07-06T13:00:00.000-04:00

To meet Linda Reppert today you would never know a few months ago she was diagnosed with a serious heart disease expected to affect her quality of life and shorten her life span. Her slender, athletic build, sun kissed skin and hair conveys a picture of health. When her steady hazel eyes meet yours and her lips give way to a friendly smile, there is no indication of fear or uncertainty. Yet,

The Privilege of Preference

2010-07-02T15:21:00.003-04:00

I can still see Kevin standing in the middle of the street filled with swerving bicycles and honking cars. Over the straw hats and brightly colored umbrellas his small frame seemed to stand tall. His arm waved recklessly as he called out “Goodbye Ms. Mindy!” with a heavy accent. No longer able to see him through tears, I turned and walked away leaving a piece of my heart spilled out on that

Running

2010-03-25T22:48:00.001-04:00

Running with chains that I cannot undo, I stumble. Pulling them behind requires more of me than I can lose. Fear keeps me from liberty. I do not believe I can let go. Bleeding and broken I fall screaming for freedom. Yearning to run unhindered, I release my hurt and allow the Healer to wash it in Truth. I rise and run with new passion. As my breath leaves me, His breath fills me and I pour

Frustrated at Facebook

2010-03-18T10:50:00.004-04:00

Offended yet again, I shut off the computer and walk away. I had avoided facebook for weeks, while contemplating what to do with it. Delete my account? Block some “friends”? Each time I visited the site, I would go away cringing. Though the good in facebook kept compelling me back. It works well to keep up with family and dear friends who I would otherwise have no contact with on a day to

My Testimony (In 294 Words)

2010-03-15T15:44:00.005-04:00

While attending VBS at age 5, I asked Jesus to come into my heart. He answered my prayer; however, I did not fully comprehend how to have a relationship with Him. Fear ruled over my thoughts as I somehow came to believe salvation depended on me. I lived in a frustrating cycle of failure. At age 13, I began attending church and again surrendered my life to Christ. This time, I found strength

Wacky Wednesday

2010-03-12T14:32:00.003-05:00

About a year ago I shared Connor’s no underwear adventure. Since there isn’t much in between that one and this one, I have hesitated to post another of his wardrobe malfunctions. Partly in case you think it is a pretty often occurrence…well, maybe it is. And partly because it could embarrass Connor one day… well, maybe that isn’t so bad either. :) So here I go…Yes, it is true that Connor

Do I Dare Try This Again?

2010-03-10T22:29:00.003-05:00

I have started this post a few times over the last month, but how in the world do you come back after almost a year of silence? It is not easy that is for sure. I want to make all these promises to do better, but I honestly don’t have enough faith in me to do such a thing. What calls me back is knowing all the sweet moments I shared with my family…moments I was sure I would remember but now

One of Those Days

2009-05-19T11:09:00.011-04:00

Last Friday was one of those days. You know the kind where you have to keep laughing so you don't cry. The kind where you wonder "what next?" but are too afraid to actually ask. Where you want to go back to bed and start over...or just stay in bed. Friday morning the kids and I rush out the door in hopes that we would somehow be able to gain back the two minutes we needed in order to NOT be

Cherish

2009-05-11T13:05:00.005-04:00

Today was the much awaited last day of school for Connor. Tomorrow is the big preschool graduation! I have been counting down the days since we moved and added 20 minutes onto the daily trek. Honestly, I wasn't sure I was going to make it to the end. There were many days, I thought it might be his last. But a day at a time...one car line at a time...we made it to the end!As excited as I was

Nothing Can Separate Us

2009-05-08T23:38:00.003-04:00

Have you ever heard something your entire life but than all of a sudden you really hear it? It doesn't just get stuck in your ear but sinks into your brain...or maybe it's your heart. That happened to me tonight. I had the privilege of hearing Lisa Whelchel speak at a local church this evening. It was casual and lighthearted. She was fun and transparent. I was captivated by her testimony. So

Bad Mom, Good Girl

2009-05-01T11:17:00.006-04:00

Last night we had some friends over and while they were still here I headed up stairs to put the kids to bed. It was a little later than usual, but not too late. Summer and Connor always go to bed first. One, because they have school the next day. And two, because through trial and error we have learned that bedtime goes much smoother with Chloe out of the picture. Somehow, Chloe - who loves

Easter

2009-04-26T19:55:00.003-04:00

Yes, it is still on my mind. Easter weekend is my favorite weekends of the year! Each year it becomes more precious. Jesus’ sacrifice. His amazing love. He is alive! This year I became more aware than ever how different Christians celebrate this time of year. I tread carefully here. My heart is not to offend…most of all, I do not want to dishonor my Savior’s sacrifice in anyway. I spent

Lost

2009-03-30T15:30:00.003-04:00

Not a post about the show LOST...never seen it...don't intent to ever see it. Sorry if I disappoint. :) I am feeling at quite loss of where to start after all these months... In my last post (many months ago!) I promised a list of all I have learned from studying Acts. I was working on it diligently, had it all typed out in Word and was proofreading it when our hard drive died. It was lost

My Favorite Christmas Present

2009-01-08T11:53:00.008-05:00

By far, my favorite gift this Christmas was from my dear husband. Smart man that he is, listened, oh so closely to something I had been wanting...but probably would not have bought for myself.I recently have developed a very high respect and love for the work of Kay Arthur. I have done a couple of her studies before, but it had been quite a long while (probably 10 years long while). My

I Celebrate the Day!

2008-12-23T13:21:00.001-05:00

LOVE these lyrics...I Celebrate the Day by Reliant KAnd with this Christmas wish is missed The point I could convey If only I could find the words to say to let You know how much You've touched my life Because here is where You're finding me, in the exact same place as New Year's eve And from a lack of my persistency We're less than half as close as I want to be And the first time That You

Easter?

2008-12-22T13:35:00.000-05:00

We spent much of the day today driving through crowded streets, waiting in long lines and maneuvering through crowds as we tried to finish up the last of our errands before Christmas.No idea why, but at one point in the car Connor says, "Mommy, when is Easter going to come?"

Cookie from Connor, Anyone?

2008-12-17T14:43:00.000-05:00

Connor hoped in the car after school and before he was even seated he burst with excitement, "Mommy! I made you a cookie!" As the very last syllable joyfully left his mouth, his balloon deflated. He sat down in his car seat and with a sad face confessed, "so sorry I licked all the icing off."

Homemade Marshmallows

2008-12-08T16:33:00.000-05:00

Debbie and I spent the day making marshmallows. Yep, that's right...homemade marshmallows. When we shared our plans with "some other" family members, they didn't hid their snickers and the jokes begin instantly. Jokes about how we would get stuck to the walls of the kitchen...we would have to call one of them to help us. Really now...IF we did get stuck to the walls by our rising homemade

Soccer Game!

2008-12-01T22:11:00.009-05:00

Summer played soccer this fall. She loved it! She did really well and both her and Connor want to play this spring. Here are some pics...This was our first time playing with "Upward". I so impressed! They had memory verses and devotions during half time...rules for the parents and the plan of salvation laid out every single game though a reward system for the kids. It was very well done!We

Say "Thanks"

2008-11-27T20:23:00.004-05:00

Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, "Jesus, Master, have pity on us!" When he saw them, he said, "Go, show yourselves to the priests." And as they went, they were cleansed. One of them, when he saw he was healed, came

Pumpkin Patch!

2008-11-27T19:36:00.006-05:00

Remember Me?

2008-11-25T11:53:00.004-05:00

Long time no blog, huh?I haven't abandoned it, I just feel a bit lost at where to start again. I have so much I want to say...SO much! It has been a roller coaster of couple of months. Lots of family time, lots of God things! Our God is so amazing and unlike anyone else! He is moving and working all around...have you felt it too? So...I am gathering my thoughts today in hope that there will

Mercy, Lord, Mercy!

2008-10-07T20:41:00.004-04:00