From the heart of Darleen Whetstone

Darleen is a wife, mother of four children, grandmother of fourteen grandchildren, and has one great-grandchild on the way! She and her husband, Danny, have served the Lord together for 41 years. Brother Whetstone pastored in South Carolina and Tennessee. They were also missionaries in Grenada, West Indies. For the past 21 years Brother Whetstone has served as the President of World Wide New Testament Baptist Missions, which has over 100 missionaries scattered in more than 40 countries.

A Word of Encouragement

We are living in an uncertain world, with sin running rampant all around us! As we see 'the day' approaching, I want to encourage you with these verses. Remember, "Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world." 1 John 4:4.

Philippians 4:1-9

These verses tell us to:

• stand fast
• have the same mind
• help one another
• rejoice in the Lord

Verse 6 admonishes us to "Be careful (anxious) for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication (things we ask or even beg for) with thanksgiving (an expression of gratitude) let your requests be made known unto God."

If we do according to God's Word, in God's way, there will be peace which we don't always understand. In spite of our circumstances, it will keep our hearts and minds on Him! (Verse 7)

Finally, we are told in verse 7 that whatsoever things are...

• true
• honest
• just
• pure
• lovely
• of good report...

If there be any virtue (behavior with high moral standards) or praise (warm expressions of approval or admiration), we are commanded to "think on these things."

So, when you get discouraged, and all around you seems dark and dismal, and you feel all alone, go to Philippians 4:1-9, remembering that God always knows, cares, and is concerned about you!

We have so much to be thankful for! To God be the glory! It is an honor to share my heart with you, and I trust that these words will be an encouragement to you.

Copycat Easter Candy

What could be better than Easter candy? Why, Easter candy you can make yourself!
Last year I attempted homemade Cadbury Eggs, but it is so hot in Ghana that they looked like giant mud pies (or worse!) Here's Maria's recipe...

My Kinda-Cadbury-Creme-Eggs
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup butter (room temp)
3 cup powdered sugar
1/4 t. salt (optional...I didn't add this)
12 ounces chocolate

Corn syrup is hard to find on the Island and pretty pricey. Soooo....I made my own. Didn't know you could do that? It's pretty easy.

Homemade Light Corn Syrup Recipe
2 cups sugar
3/4 cup water
1/4 t. creme of tarter
dash of salt
Stir together over medium heat.
When it boils you cover it for 3 minutes
(this is supposed to cut down on the crystalizing).
Then remove lid and continuing cooking
on medium heat till it reaches "soft ball" stage.

Okey Dokey Smokey, back to the eggs. Mix together your corn syrup and butter. Then mix in your powdered sugar. The recipe I was using said that it will be extremely sticky at this point and the cook kept putting hers in the fridge to firm up. Mine was extremely dry. Hum...might have been my homemade corn syrup. Not sure.
I decided to add a tiny splash of milk. Bingo! Wonderful easy to work with consistency, not sticky at all. After it is well blended, I separated about 1/3 into another bowl and dyed yellow for the yolk.I then made a bigger ball of the white, then smashed it down flat. I wrapped the white around the yellow and tried to form it into "egg" shapes.The recipe I was using said she froze hers before she dipped it in chocolate, but mine were such a wonderful consistency that I didn't think that was needed. I melted some chocolate chips in a bowl over a pot of boiling water and dipped my eggs in with a fork.

Well this year she's outdone herself....no more Cadbury Eggs that look like mud pies!

Cadbury Egg Fudge
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup butter (room temp)
3 cup powdered sugar
1/4 t. salt (optional...I didn't add this)
12 ounces chocolate chips

1. Mix together corn syrup and butter
2. Mix in powdered sugar
3. Separate 1/3 into another bowl and dye smaller portion yellow with food coloring
4. step by step on making the eggs (in above recipe)
5. To make fudge...Put wax paper in a small cake pan and sprayed a little cooking spray
6. Press the white and yellow goodness in the bottom of the pan
7. Pour melted chocolate chips over the top and keep in the fridge
8. Eat when the chocolate firms up...or with a spoon right now...(I won't tell)

Delicious! So what's your favorite Easter candy?

Missionary Monday

What are you paying for candy?

Hershey's is hard to come by here in Australia, and if you do find it, you will pay dearly for it!

What do you miss from the states?

Come link up!

Copycat StoveTop Stuffing

We are heading out on a long road trip so I'm going to be giving you somne easy copycat recipes the next few weeks!
Today we are going to make StoveTop Stuffing. Now if you were raised on homemade stuffing/dressing for the holidays and that's what you prefer, then disregard this recipe all together. But, ig you just love the taste of StoveTop, then this is the recipe for you! Thanks, Angela!

My StoveTop Stuffing

6 cups cubed bread
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spread bread on baking pan. Bake for 10 - 15 mins. You will want to turn them to be sure they brown evenly. After your cubes have cooled, put them in a bag or a large container with a lid. Add the following to your bread cubes, put your lid on your container and shake until all is well coated:

1 tbsp parsley flakes
3 tbsp chicken-bouillon powder
¼ cup dried minced onion
1 tsp thyme
1 tsp pepper
½ tsp sage
1/3 tsp salt
You can store this Stuffing Mix as it is in the same container you used to mix it!

When you're ready to cook, simply dice 1/4 cup {or to taste} fresh celery and saute with butter and bit of garlic powder. And don't try to do without this step...it's soo much better with the celery!!

Combine the sauteed celery with 2 cups of your stuffing mix, 3/4 cup of water or chicken stock and 2 Tablespoons of butter. Stir and fluff with a fork until well mixed, but be careful not to over cook!

And that's it! Sounds yummy, doesn't it?!?
So.....do you like homemade stuffing or are you a boxed stuffing gal?

Missionary Monday

Join us for another Missionary Monday!  Share a blessing, tell us about your Sunday, a recent blog post you want to share?  Link up here!

Devotional Friday

Hello, my name is Melissa Manary a missionary wife living on the field of Romania with my 4 children and husband David. We have been on the field for 7yrs now, and God has done some pretty amazing things. I stand in awe so often, how He opens doors when they have been slammed shut. How all things are possible with my Savior, and what Satan intended for evil my God meant for good!!

I love my life, and the ministries God has given to me. My children will always be my first ministry. I homeschool my children, ages: 14, 12, 9 and 6. They are jewels, and I am so thankful for each one of them.

The past 3yrs, God swung the door open wide for me to begin a ladies ministry with the ladies of our church. I do a weekly Bible study, and the most recent study has been on the book Captivating by Staci Elderidge. Oh the things my God is teaching me through this study and these precious ladies!! The second week we were into it, the ladies opened up to me, shared personal stories of being married to unsaved alcoholics. The fear they have faced, and and with the strength of God has made it through..this past Th, we discusses what I believe is such a crucial topic for we ladies to understand. Its not easy to discuss, but necessary. It is Satan's hatred for women. Why did he approach Eve first in the Garden? Why are we on his hit list?? There are 3 main reasons I believe, but

The main reason: We give birth to a new life, something He has never had the ability to do, AND Satan hates life. He wants to destroy every person in this world. We discussed abortion and why it is such a big problem. Because satan wants to destroy life. Jesus is the way, truth and LIFE. Satan hates everything about life. but we have no reason to be afraid. Our God is much more powerful, we can be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might! Ephesians 6:10, also in 2 Timothy 1:7 it tells us, "God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of POWER, LOVE and a SOUND MIND."

We are also life givers in our tongue, by encouraging others. Our husbands, children, friends thrive on the encouragement of we women. We have a tremendous influence for good or for evil. Satan knows this, and I believe is very threatened.

#2 Satan hates our beauty. Satan was the most beautiful angel in Heaven before the fall, and in the highest position. As women we have beauty in our shapes, bodies that men do not have. He has tried to exploit this beauty through the media, pornography and other means to hurt the soul of women and cause disrespect. Although sin has brought pain, we can still proclaim victory in our precious Lord. We can smile in the midst of trials and heartache because our loving Savior is working on our behalf, and has an amazing plan. When things seem the darkest, then comes the dawn. We don't have to worry or fear, we can trust in Almighty God, for His thoughts and ways are high above ours! We are in the palm of His hand. I heard a preacher say recently, when satan attacks the best way of getting back at him is to rejoice in the Lord!!! No matter how difficult things are or appear to be, we can trust our Heavenly Father, and SMILE!! The Bible says in John 16:33, "in this world we SHALL have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world" Praise God!!! We are overcomers through the precious blood of Christ.

#3, Satan hates us because of our nature is that of the Holy Spirit. Of the 3 Persons of the Godhead, the femine, gentle woman, is most like the Holy Spirit, if we allow Him to fill our hearts and minds with His love. One of the most famous Presidents in History, said the hand who rocks the cradle rules the world--Abraham Lincoln. Satan knows the powerful influence we have in our children's lives, and others. If he can get us to believe the lies of I have to get a job because staying home with my kids is not important enough. I want a title. I have to go back to school because otherwise people won't think I am smart enough..the list goes on and on....there are destructive thought patterns, told to us in our hearts and minds by satan himself to keep us away from what is most important in this life. First, taking care of our children, the Bible says we are to be keepsers at home..Titus 2:4,5 talking about women, it says, "they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, KEEPERS AT HOME, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. Wow! This is pretty point blank in the Word of God what our first priorities ought to be, and that is taking care of our husbands, then our children, then the ministries God has provided for us. Yet, so often in our society today, everything is backwards. And we wonder why we are having problems with our children, and in our marriage and why we feel depressed and exhausted all the time. Its because we are not obeying what God's plan is for women. And Satan is doing everything in His power to distract us from our true calling. What the world calls old-fashioned and out dated, God calls holy and a wonderful plan, with a peace and joy as the result of our obedience.

I pray we will become the ladies we ought to be dear ones, you are a threat to satan. Don't let that stop you!! The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is still the same God with us today. We have His power, and He has so much He wants to do and say through you. Lets live our lives shine as holy vessels for our families, and others He puts in our lives for His honor and glory.

A Princess serving the King,

Melissa Manary

Grace-gifts

I’m just finishing the book 1000 Gifts by Ann Voskamp. My Pastor’s wife recommended it about a year ago, but I just recently downloaded it onto my Kindle.  For those of you who have read it, I’m sure you can relate to the eye-opening truth of counting God’s blessings. How something so simple can make such a difference! If you've not yet read it yet, I would highly recommend it.

This morning I got out my journal to add some gifts, and as I wrote them – there are so many – I found myself smiling; smiling over my list of thanks…

Dave (pictured in back) giving up his day off to set up a manual pump so we can have water again. 

 Edina’s pokey braids.

  


Jack experiencing a Blow-Pop for the first time.

Pele’s pastor-heart.

Cool morning after days of heat.

 

When I stop to count gifts I’m actually stopping to see God’s grace flowing. GRACE = undeserved favor. That means that I don’t deserve electricity – it’s a gift. I don’t deserve water coming into the house – it’s a gift. I don’t deserve the love and service of friends – it is a gift. So if all is a GIFT undeserved, then I should rejoice in even the smallest of things. As I take time to be thankful for God’s MANY grace-gifts, it changes my attitude. It takes my thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ. For if I am dwelling on the Giver of grace-gifts, I am not dwelling on self.

What grace-gifts have you counted lately? If you’ve not started, let me encourage you to start. Write some grace-gifts in the comments so we can rejoice with you over our Grace-Giver!

Missionary Monday

Another Missionary Monday!

I just wanted to take today to let you know or remind of a few things...

•  Every Monday is Missionary Monday.  It's a time for you to link up your blog.  Why?  It's a great opportunity for us to get to know each other better and also, to help get your blog name out there (if you're interested in that sort of thing).  The first Monday of each month, I share a interview with a Missionary women.  Interested in being interviewed?  Leave a comment or email us.
• Every Tuesday is Tasty Tuesday.  Patty hosts this weekly theme.  If you have a recipe you'd like to share, please email us at baptistmissionarywomen@hotmail.com.
• Every Thursday is Thankful Thursday.  Tammy hosts this weekly theme with some encouraging words that leads our hearts to be more thankful.
• Every Friday is Devotional Friday (sorry, I'm not very creative with the titles!).  Carole shares these weekly devotionals with us.  If you have a devotional you would like to share please email us at baptistmissionarywomen@hotmail.com.

About our pages...

• Our Blogroll.  If you have a blog that you would like us to share on our blogroll, leave a comment or email us.
• Our Recipes.  As we post recipes every Tuesday they are collected on this page.  So, if you're looking for a particular recipe, check here. 
• Our Ministry Helps.  We are trying to get a collection of websites that have Sunday School lessons, ideas, and crafts.  As well as, Ladies Ministry ideas. 

Also...

Pinterest!  We recently joined Pinterest.  If you're on there please follow us.  We are creating boards to help you as a missionary wife.  If you would like permission to add to our boards, let us know and and we can allow you to pin to our boards!

And Lastly...

You can find our BMW private group on facebook, as well as our public page.  Please join us if you're not already.  I'm also working on a button for you to share on your blogs to help promote our blog, but for now would you share our Missionary Monday button?  The html is there on the right.  Thanks!

Now I'd be delighted if you'd join us for Missionary Monday!  Link up here...

Devotional Friday - Being a Barnabas

Being a Barnabas

Submitted by Jen Bauer (missionary wife in Australia)

 

While reading through To Live is Christ by Beth Moore, I not only became more familiar with Paul, but also with his friend Barnabas. Barnabas' name means "son of encouragement or consolation". Paul comes across as a rough and tumble kind of man, so it seems almost odd to see him become good friends with someone such as Barnabas. Paul doesn't seem to be the type of person who needs encouragement, but he did, and God sent Barnabas into his life.

 You know the story of Paul, but what struck me in this study is how the disciples didn’t accept him until Barnabus came in and encouraged them to welcome him.  Turns out Paul did need him.  I don’t blame the disciples, I’d be skeptical, too.  Paul was on his way with written orders to take Christians as prisoners.  Even Annanias was a bit hesitant.  How often does someone get saved, and we say, “I’ll believe it when I see it last for more than a few days.”  Shame on us.  We ought to do as Barnabus did, and encourage others to welcome them into the family!

 Courage is the root word for encourage.  It takes courage to be an encouragement.  Sometimes it’s easy to sit back and do nothing. 

 How often do we need a good friend and God sends a Barnabas into our life? Awhile back I needed some encouragement and God sent a Barnabas to me. I have several friends who I am able to depend on in the good times, as well as the bad times. Friends who let me know they're praying for me, who share Scripture with me, who just lend a listening ear (which that alone is important because those who know me know I like to talk...a lot).

 Sometimes it's so easy to just tell someone "I'll be praying for you". But do we follow through with that promise? Samuel said, "Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you..." (I Samuel 12:23)

 I have a friend who is going through a difficult time. I've been trying to think of ways that I can be an encouragement. Here are a few, maybe you can add more in the comments.

• Promise to pray for them, and then be sure to take time to pray for them.
• Share Scripture with them (even if you don't know what they're going through, there are many verses you can still share).
• Listen...I always tell my daughter God gave us two ears so we can listen twice as much as we talk.
• Send them a card reminding them that you are praying for you them (again, please be sure you are praying for them).
• If you can afford it, send them some flowers, or go pick some wildflowers. What a nice reminder that they are special to you.
• Lastly, don't share their burdens as "prayer requests" to others, unless the individual has specifically asked you to. Some times "sharing prayer request" is just another word for gossiping.

I'd also like to share some verses with you that I use in times when I'm discouraged or to share with others in their time of need.

• Psalm 9:10 "And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee."
• Psalm 18:6 "In my distress I called upon the LORD and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears."
• Psalm 27:14 "Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD."
• Psalm 30:5b "...weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning."
• Psalm 34:18 "The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart, and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit."
• Psalm 46:1 "God is our refuge and strenth, a very present help in trouble."
• Psalm 61:2 "Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I."
• Psalm 62:8 "Trust in him at all times; ye people pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah."
• Psalm 86:5 "For thou, LORD, art good, and ready to forgive, and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee."
• Psalm 119:71 "It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn they statutes."
• Psalm 119:165 "Great peace have they which love thy law; and nothing shall offend them."
• Psalm 130:5 "I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope."

These are just a few from the Psalms, most written by David, a man of God. I love how God showed the weaknesses of His people, it reminds me that I’m not alone. David was a man after God's own heart, but there were times when he was discouraged. Paul says in I Corinthians 1:4 "Who [God] comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God." Sometimes God puts us through trials, so we may be able to comfort (and encourage!) others down the road who will go through the same thing. God is good!

There is good news for those discouraged! I Corinthians 10:13 says "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape that ye may be able to bear it."

I once saw this quote on a friend's facebook status: "Be kinder than necessary, everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle." It's now one of my favorite quotes. I pray that each of us will be a Barnabas to someone today.

Prescription For Contentment

How does a missionary learn to  live a life of contentment? E.B. Pusey was a missionary living in Africa for 52 years. Here is her prescription for contentment:

1.  Allow thyself to complain of nothing, not even of the weather.


2.  Never picture thyself to thyself under any circumstance in which thou art not.


3.  Never compare thine own lot with that of another.


4.  Never allow thyself to dwell on the wish that this or that had been, or were, otherwise than it was, or is. God Almighty loves thee better and more wisely than thou dost thyself.


5.  Never dwell on the morrow. Remember that it is God's not thine. The heaviest part of sorrow often is to look forward to it. "The Lord will provide."

That's Amore!

Who doesn't love a great pizza? No American I know {hee,hee}!
This little winner was given to me by my mom-in-law, and it is wonderful!
So without further ado.........

Pizza Dough

Mix and let stand for 5 minutes:
2 c. lukewarm water
2 Tbsp. yeast
2 tsp. sugar
After 5 minutes, stir in:
2 tsp. salt
3 Tbsp. oil (your preference, but we love olive)
Mix in 4 1/2 - 5 c. all-purpose flour until smoorh, then use 1 c. to knead in. Let stand 10 minutes. Divide in half. Roll out and place on greased cookie sheet. Add desired toppings. Bake at 375 degrees for 20-30 minutes.
Makes enough for two pizzas.

During the last few minutes of bake time I brush the crust with olive oil and sprinkle on a little garlic salt or spice mix to give a little extra oomph!

In the last few years, pizza has started to become popular in Ghana. One of the stranger toppings they use there is canned ham.
Do they eat pizza where you live? What's the most interesting topping you've heard of? We'd love to know!

Missionary Monday - Meet DeeDee Sterling

Name – Dee Dee Sterling
Field – Siberia, Russia
Blog – Whither Thou Goest / Serving in Siberia

1. Please share your missionary call.

While home on summer break after completing my sophomore year of nursing school, I went forward in my home church during the invitation to make it public that the Lord wanted me to be a missionary. After graduating from nursing school, my pastor recommended I attend one year of a Bible college in order to take some Missions courses. During my time at that Bible College, I met my future husband. He was just beginning deputation to go to the field of Krasnoyarsk, Siberia. Funny as it was, I was told by my pastor to sign up for a foreign language when I registered that first semester of Bible College. As I stood in line to sign up for Spanish, the only foreign language open was…Russian. I signed up for Russian not realizing what I was getting myself into! However, God works in mysterious ways and a year and six months later, I was marrying that guy who was starting deputation to go to Siberia. I felt in my heart that God wanted me to be a missionary to Russia after some time, but I just prayed for God to guide my life and send me exactly where He wanted me to be a missionary.

2. What do you miss most about the states?
The convenience of life and shopping for clothes.

3. What food do you miss from the states?

That’s a tough one! Iceberg Lettuce although at times we can get it here. Two of the first food items I purchase in the States upon returning for furlough are iceberg lettuce and milk (it tastes so good to me!)

4. What do you love most about your field?
The people

5. What is a typical meal in your culture?
Borscht (beet soup) with bread. All meals are eaten with bread!

6. Say something in your language, then translate.

лучше где нас нет! This literally translates, “It is always better where we are not.” As Americans, we know it as the phrase, ‘The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.’ I don’t know why but that is what came to me when I first read this question! 

7. What are some things you do to help your children not forget family back in the states?
 Take lots of photos while we are home on furlough. Call them on Skype. Encourage the children to send notes and drawings to those relatives who don’t have computers or internet.

8. Please share your favorite Bible verse, or one that has been an encouragement to you.
I Thes.5:24 is my life verse. “Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.”

9. What have you found to be the biggest challenge on the mission field?
Learning the language 

10. Name one thing God has taught you on the mission field.
To keep a smile on my face, hang in there and not lose it no matter how difficult or tough situations may seem.


Feel free to share a testimony, word of encouragement or whatever else the Lord lays on your heart.

I was just talking to my husband today about some things I would like to write on this blog or my blog to new missionary wives and then I received this note about being interviewed. So, I will share with you what I shared with my hubby. First of all ladies, for those of you on deputation or just new to your field of service, study the language to learn it. I mean dive in with both feet to language study when you first arrive on the field. Children are a blessing but if you wait until you reach the double digits in your quiver of blessings you will not have time to study properly. Very often couples are just beginning their first term on the mission field with only one or two children. That is the ideal time to study the language full-time in order to learn it. When I say full-time I mean more than once or twice a week.

Connected with that thought is another thing I would like to mention. If you don’t speak the language you will be ineffective in reaching the nationals. Only after you learn a foreign language and share the gospel with a needy soul do you understand what I am saying. You can’t just learn enough to “get by” with or to go to the store and actually ask someone where the bread is located. You need to be able to communicate with others in order to share your heart with them and your salvation testimony. You also must be able to listen and comprehend them as they share their problems and what is hindering them from accepting Christ. Because I have learned Russian, I have a ministry just as much as my husband does here. There are ladies and children who I know way better than my husband does. I am the one who continues to witness to them. Knowing the language and having that responsibility helps me stay focused on what God has for ME to do here in Siberia. I don’t get homesick and emotional much because I see daily the people all around me to whom God has me here to witness to. What a blessing and encouragement it is when you feel God is using you! You can do it with God’s help! He didn’t send you to the mission field to forget about you. One of my favorite gifts is a plaque from a close friend of mine that reads, “The will of God will never lead you where the grace of God can not keep you.” That is a great reminder!

Thank you so much, DeeDee for being willing to be interviewed.  The first Monday of every month I will share another interview.  Are you interested in being interviewed?  Please email me at baptistmissionarywomen@hotmail.com or leave a comment!

Would you join us for Missionary Monday?  Please link up a recent post about your life on the mission field!

Devotional Friday - Baggage

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. 
Proverbs 22:6

...but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.  Ephesians 6:4b

After four years on the mission field we returned to the States for a whirlwind six-month furlough. What a wonderful and busy time we had! At last the time dwindled down until we had only a few short days left. It was time to decide what to pack and what to leave behind to be shipped later. Since we were arriving back in the middle of winter we had several months before our boxes of carefully selected provisions, necessities and luxuries would arrive. We had strict guidelines to follow on the sizes and weight of our luggage, so each suitcase had to be packed with much thought and a lot of care. Obviously the first things to pack were the important things, and then if there was room other things could be added. As a wife and mother I also packed the suitcases for my children and “helped” my husband with his.

I carefully packed the suitcases for my children. I packed enough clothes to last for the next few months. I made sure that the sizes were right or even a bit big with the way some of my kids grow! I also considered their likes and dislikes. I packed some of their favorite clothes while leaving some back to “surprise” them with later when the shipment arrives. I also was able to fit in a favorite dolly and stuffed animal, some cute hair things and some favorite American snacks to make our first night back home a bit special.

As a mother of five precious children I am also packing their “suitcase” for life. We hear of people entering a relationship with “excess baggage” from a previous relationship, or carrying around baggage from a sad childhood, etc… But what about good “baggage?” Is there such a thing? I like to think so! As our child grows into the toddler and through the childhood and teen years what are we packing in their "suitcase" to outfit them for life?

Someday our children will be grown. We have such an awesome responsibility right now to raise these future adults for Christ! What we invest into our children today will affect the generation of tomorrow. What we sow into their lives now will be reaped in years to come.
As I “pack” my child’s suitcase I want to place in there the things they will need to equip them for life. A deep love for God, and a burning desire to serve Him. A love for each other, I love it that my children are each other’s best friends and I hope they stay close for the rest of their lives. Someday when my children enter the world, I want them to be fully prepared and equipped to face life in the service of the Lord.

One day I want my children’s suitcases to be bursting at the seams! I want them brimming over with wonderful memories of cherished times, of Godly character instilled in every fabric of their being and a love for God that knows no bounds. When it comes time for our children to “leave the nest” what kind of “baggage” will they carry the rest of their lives?

Chorus of frogs

by: noomhh/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Sitting in my living room having my devotions I began to ponder on God's gifts. I began to daze outside and look at God's creation to see what gifts He might show me. Immediately my senses picked up on the chorus of frogs croaking just outside my yard along Lake Victoria.

The sound of their croaking puts a smile on my face and turns my focus on their Creator. Let me just say  God is AWESOME!  As I look for Him in His creation I can't help but say that. I mean have you ever really looked at insects, animals, birds, and on and on?

I remember when my children were little that we would listen to a radio program that would talk about various animals and insects and teach how God created them with special features for protection, to hunt, etc.  As we heard about these wondrous creatures we were reminded of Psalm 104:24: 

"O Lord, how manifold 

are thy works! in wisdom hast thou 

made them all:  the earth is full 

of thy riches."

What can you see today in God's creation that turns your heart and mind to His GREATNESS? What verse comes to your mind as you ponder his creation? I'd love to read about it!

Posted by: Tammy Brouwer