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Saturday, August 31, 2013

Lost and Found


Have you ever had that sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach at the thought of losing something important?  Charity in Asia shared a story with me recently that I thought you would enjoy.

Charity was at home with her boys while her husband Jason and her daughter Michaela had gone to run some errands – otherwise known as shopping for her birthday.  Charity’s phone rang, and Michaela’s name showed on the display.  Charity answered expecting to hear Michaela’s voice, but instead it was a young woman speaking very quickly.  Charity is still learning the language that is spoken there, but she was able to understand something about her daughter’s phone being found in the middle of a busy road.  Charity’s first thought was that Michaela’s wallet and phone were in the same place.

Charity could not understand where the woman said she was.  So, she tried to call her husband to see if he could figure it out.  But, she could not get in touch with him.  Charity called a friend, and the friend tried to help.  Charity called her husband again to see if he knew the location.  He answered and let her know that he was working on the situation; the woman with their daughter’s phone had called him too.

Later, Jason had the opportunity to explain the whole situation.  Michaela had put her wallet and phone in a zipper on the backpack, but she did not realize that it was just a flap and not a pocket.  The bottom was open.  They had ridden the motorcycle all around town before the wallet and phone fell out.  A few minutes after it fell out, they reached their final stop.  Jason’s phone rang.  He looked at the caller ID and saw that it was Michaela’s phone.  Michaela was right there with him; so, he knew that there was a problem.  He struggled to understand the location just as Charity had.  He asked his friend, the manager of the store where he was, for help.  They were trying to explain the exact spot to Jason when an older woman who spoke English well walked out of the store and insisted on helping.  She said that she would go with him and point out the place.  Michaela stayed with the store manager while the other two left to go get the phone and wallet.

When they arrived at the place right down the road, a group of women met them.  One of the women showed him that the wallet still had all of the money inside.  That is a miracle in itself!  When the lady opened the wallet, Jason saw the stack of gospel tracts that Michaela likes to keep with her.  The Holy Spirit nudged his heart.  In a closed country where evangelism is illegal, the Holy Spirit’s nudge is priceless!  

Jason thanked the ladies and even offered to give them a reward.  They refused the reward but graciously accepted the tracts.  By that time, a rather large crowd had gathered.  The ladies all wanted to know more information about the church.  Jason showed them the contact information for the church and the pastor on the back of the tracts.  Then, he wrote his contact information down for the lady who had found the wallet and phone.  Then, they all wanted the information.

A man observing the scene must have thought Jason was a “Thulo manche,” which means “a big important man.”  The observer walked up and demanded money, which is pretty common there.  Jason ignored him at first, and the women told the observer to go away.  Then, the man demanded that Jason give him whatever he was giving those women.  Jason had one more tract.  The man saw Jason giving the women his phone number and demanded that he get the phone number too.  When Jason gave him the phone number and the tract, the man was gracious, polite, and thankful.  The observer now had important information from a “Thulo manche!”  And he even had a phone number in case he had questions about the information.

God can even use a lost phone and wallet as a blessing in disguise!  Only eternity will reveal the number of doors opened that day.                           

If you have a story that you would like to share with us, please e-mail it to me at lo@consfords.com. Please include the name of each family member, your field of service, and a picture of your family if possible.

Until next week, keep your sunny side up!

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Holidays: Thriving on the Holidays We DON'T Celebrate

(Let me preface this post by saying I am in no way intending this post to be a declaration of what holidays your family should or should not celebrate. That is between you and the Lord. Our family has made the decision not to celebrate certain holidays that we personally feel do not honor the Lord, but we in no way feel we have the right to judge or condemn those who have a different standard. The purpose of this post is to give some ideas of how to deal with holidays that your family chooses not to celebrate for WHATEVER reason.)


When we arrived in our new country, one of the first questions the children asked was if we would have the Truth Treasure Hunt still. "I don't know... They don't even celebrate Halloween here." The Truth Treasure Hunt was the activity our family always did a few days before Halloween to help the children understand why we had chosen not to celebrate that holiday. They always had a blast and never even felt like they were missing out on anything. They actually looked forward to the Truth Treasure Hunt almost as much as Christmas!


Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Tropical Smoothie/Punch



Well, I know I said only one more summery recipe before we got down to fall treats, but it isn't even September yet! I just can't make myself think of pumpkins and apples before September, especially where I live. Fall was always my favorite season growing up, but after living here for a while, I really have to work at "making fall happen"! And I do ~ just not until summer is officially over, and that, my friends, happens the day after Labor Day!

Want a tasty treat to say good-bye to summer? At least for those of you who are {saying good-bye, that is!}? This awesome smoothie is good for breakfast, as a punch to go along with your last cook-out of the season, or as a tasty {and healthy} dessert. I must admit that us missionaries living in the tropics have it easy with this one, but maybe you have some access to tropical fruits, too? I hope so!

Tropical Smoothie/Tropical Punch
* Note: This recipe lists canned possibilities first and fresh fruit possibilities second.

20 oz. crushed pineapple in juice/ 2 cups overflowing of sliced pineapple
1 can coconut milk/ 14 oz. chilled coconut milk {how to make your own}
3 bananas, peeled and frozen

garnish:
sliced pineapple
shredded coconut

Blend ingredients on high until smooth. Garnish as you please!

*Thanks to my favorite foodie, Rebecca, for this recipe and picture!

Sunday, August 25, 2013

Saturday, August 24, 2013

More Blessings in Disguise


After last week’s blessing in disguise story, several ladies shared a story with me.  I would like to share a couple of those with you today.

Tom and Connie Robertson have been missionaries in Chile, South America, for almost thirty-two years.  Once Connie had to return to the States by herself.  She was driving through Florida toward Miami to return to the field.  She pulled into a gas station.  As she got out of the car, without thinking she locked the door. Her keys and her purse were still inside the vehicle. The gas station attendant called someone to come and help her. While the locksmith attempted to unlock the car, Connie was sharing her testimony with him.  The man was stumped as to why he could not get the vehicle unlocked. After he had tried for quite a while, Connie looked and saw that he just needed to press down on a button with his tool. Within seconds, he had the door open.  He did not charge her anything, and she went on down the road.  Not more than ten minutes down the road, she came upon an accident.  A semi had come across the median and was sideways across the two lanes on her side of the road.  The cars had to go off the side of the road to get around him.  Although it was frustrating to lock her keys in the car, it was definitely a blessing in disguise!

Our next story is from Althea Nordquist in Brazil.  Recently they were taking some of their church people to a meeting.  Her husband Jeff took the van with a load of people, and Althea took their car to pick up a family who lived about twenty minutes away from them.  Althea’s son was with her. About halfway to the house, the car started having a burning smell.  Within seconds, the whole thing just shut off.  She had nothing – no lights, no hazards, and a locked steering wheel.  She was on a curve and could not even pull to the side. The car rolled onto the side a little bit.  She tried several cell phone numbers of the people in the van, but no one had taken their phone.  She finally got a hold of their deacon.  He had the cell phone number to the mechanic, and they sent a tow truck.  There were people walking around the car; Althea was getting a bit frantic thinking that they were going to be robbed.  Finally, four teen boys came.  After they listened to Althea speak Portuguese with an accent, they asked her where she was from.  By the time she got done explaining who she was, the four boys decided they needed to stay and protect her.  She got to witness to them, and they asked her to always honk when she drives past their house.  A broken down car in an unfamiliar neighborhood – a blessing in disguise!

If you have a story that you would like to share with us, please e-mail it to me at lo@consfords.com. Please include the name of each family member, your field of service, and a picture of your family if possible.


Until next week, keep your sunny side up!

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Holidays: Thriving on Birthdays (The Plan)


He'll be turning seven in September, and every day my sweet little Gabriel is growing up. Though I treasure these younger years, it is also exciting to see what God is doing in his life... All the possibilities for the future!


Every birthday is a milestone of God's grace in my children's lives. And I want to take advantage of each birthday to let them know how precious they are to me.

So, what's the plan for Gabriel's 7th birthday? His birthday this year is on the weekend, so we will have the whole day to celebrate!

Here is my check list:

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Glazed Lemon Pound Cake


I love lemons!
Something about those little yellow {or green if you live in Ghana!} fruits just make me happy!
If given a choice, I'd choose a lemon or orange dessert over any other dessert any day.
As some parts of the world are heading towards Autumn, I thought I'd share a summery lemon dessert for you to end your summer with ~ before we start making all those yummy and spicy apple and pumpkin desserts that Fall just screams for!

Glazed Lemon Pound Cake

Cake:
1 c. sugar
6 Tbsp. butter
1/2 c. milk
2 eggs
1 1/2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
rind of one lemon {grated zest}

Glaze:
1/4 c. sugar
juice of one lemon plus a little pulp

Cake:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Grease a loaf pan with fat of choice.
Cream together sugar and butter.
Add milk and eggs, blend together.
In medium bowl, sift together flour, baking powder and salt.
Add to butter mix and blend.
Add lemon rind and stir together.
Pour into loaf pan and bake for one hour or until toothpick inserted in middle comes out clean.
Remove pan to wire rack and cool for 10 minutes.
While cake is cooling, mix together glaze ingredients.
Using chopstick or something similar, poke holes into cake approximately every inch.
While still in pan and warm, drizzle top with glaze.
Once cool, remove from pan.

Enjoy!

Sunday, August 18, 2013

Isaiah 6:8


Saturday, August 17, 2013

A Blessing in Disguise


Since arriving in Ghana, we have not done much traveling in Ghana other than an occasional trip to Accra, the capital city.  We live in Takoradi, which is about four hours away from Accra.  We have some friends who are missionaries in Kumasi, which is about five hours away from Takoradi.  They have come to visit us several times, but we had never been to visit them.  So, we decided to go to Kumasi for a vacation. 

About ten minutes after we set out, the questions began.  “Are we almost there?”  “Is it snack time?” “When can we stop to go potty?”  “Where are we now?”  And the list goes on and on.  My husband had traveled to Kumasi before, and it only took him about four and a half hours to make the trip.  Of course, he did not stop at all.  With the wife and three children along, that easily adds at least an hour to the trip! 

We enjoyed looking at the new surroundings as we traveled.  Takoradi is right next to the ocean.  I did not realize that there were mountains in Ghana until we went through them.  I did not notice how high up we were until we started going downhill.  My ears popped.  I was getting over a cold; so, I asked my husband if we were high enough to make our ears pop or if it was just part of the cold.  He said that we were high enough.  We saw several donkey carts and even some brick houses; we have not seen those things down in the area where we live.

When we were about an hour outside of Kumasi, Bonnie suddenly threw up.  She had gotten car sick, but she did not give any warning.  So, I did not have time to give her a bag or anything.  We pulled over to the shoulder and got her and the car cleaned up the best we could.  Then, we were back on our way. 

A few minutes later, we came upon a wreck that had just taken place.  Two public transport vans, which are called tro-tros here, had collided head on and had both fallen off the edge of the road.  People were being pulled out of the wreckage.  Wounded people were being taken across the road to taxis to be taken to a hospital.  If Bonnie had not thrown up, we very possibly could have been right in the middle of that wreck. 

Later that day, we were told by several people that they were praying for us at the exact time that all of that took place.  It never ceases to amaze me how the Lord protects us and takes care of us.  Even a puking episode can be a blessing in disguise!

If you have a story that you would like to share with us, please e-mail it to me at lo@consfords.com. Please include the name of each family member, your field of service, and a picture of your family if possible.

Until next week, keep your sunny side up!

Thursday, August 15, 2013

Holidays: Thriving on Birthdays with Skype

Gabriel's birthday is coming up in September. We have plenty of time to come up with a plan. And what a great plan it is shaping up to be!

In the States, we got together with family for birthdays. The grandparents all spoiled the children rotten for their special day. Gabriel's last birthday, we went to the grandparent's house and had an Angry Bird birthday party. He loved it! He loved being with family. He loved the decorations. He loved the presents and the awesome cake!


But just because we are almost exactly on the other side of the hemisphere from our family, doesn't mean we cannot have family get-togethers for birthdays. It just takes a little more creativity and determination... and a little cooperation from the internet.


Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Setting Up a Guest Room

Recently, we found out the exciting news that we have family coming to visit us this Fall! We can barely contain ourselves because we are so happy about this!


But then I began thinking... we need to have a great place for them to stay. We need to set up a nice guest room. I have never set up a guest room on foreign soil; so I sought advice from my friends who have. What a great list they compiled! Want the perfect guest room for your visitors? See how many of these you can do...


Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Summer Time Favorites: Homemade Fudgesicles


I'm back today with a quick summer time treat for the kiddos {and the mamas, too, if you like them!}......
Fudgesicles!
If it's hot where you are, and the kids are always asking for an afternoon snack, this may be the recipe for you.
The longest part of the whole thing?
Waiting for them to freeze!
If you are really on top of things, make them the night before; then they'll be ready to go when the kiddos ask!

Homemade Fudgesicles

3/4 c. sugar
3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
3 Tbsp. cocoa
4 c. milk
10 popsicle molds
            OR
plastic/paper cups (3 oz. size) and popsicle sticks

In a saucepan, combine the sugar, flour, and cocoa.
Gradually stir in milk until smooth.
Bring to a boil over medium heat; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.
Cool slightly.
Pour 1/4 c. into each mold or cup; top with holders or insert sticks.
Freeze until set.

Enjoy!

Monday, August 12, 2013

And the Winners Are??

Thank you all for participating in our week of giveaways!
A big thank you to all our sponsors!
I wish I could give something to everyone who entered, but I am on a missionary budget so that's not possible!  If you did not win, but would like to purchase what was being given away, please click on the links below and let them know we sent you.  I know it would be a blessing to many to have a large amount of orders to send out next week!
Now onto the winners (links are to the giveaway post)...
#4 Tom and Me by Billie Ashcraft Sloan (4)
Laura C.
Shelly H.
Myra N. J.
Vicki M.
#9 Candy!
Sally S.
#10  A Surprise Box!
Jennifer H. S.
#11 His Ways, Your Walk by Lou Ann Keiser (3)
Julia G.
Keren B.
Angela P.
 DeeDee S.
#13 - Seal Hair Bows (2)
Rachel W.
Connie R.
 Congratulations!!

If you are a winner,
 I have emailed you, so please be sure to email me back
and we will get your prize out asap!
A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!
 (links are to their website)
#4 - David and Jolene Sloan
#5 - Suzy Crocket
#7 - Charity (a BMW contributor) (Amazon link)
#8 - Jen (a BMW contributor) (Amazon link)
#9 - Lisa Lyons
#10 - Mrs. Anonymous
What a blessing to celebrate 2 years with you all.  God has blessed this blog and our Baptist Missionary Women Group on Facebook more than I could have imagined.  I often get emails or Facebook messages just saying what a blessing it has been to them.  If you are a missionary woman deputation, on the field, or on furlough, please be sure to join our group on Facebook - Baptist Missionary Women.  It is private; so you'll have to ask to join. 
Have a wonderful week!

Saturday, August 10, 2013

Anniversary Giveaway #13 - Seal Hair Bows (2 winners!)

 
 

 
 
 
Carole, one of our contributors has generously give us two beautiful, hand-made seal hair bows from Greenland to giveaway! Her daughters make these gorgeous hair accessories. 
 
THIS GIVEAWAY IS FOR AN OVERSEAS MISSIONARY ONLY!
 
 
 
 
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Anniversary Giveaway #12 - To Cross the Widest Ocean by Becky Martin




To Cross The Widest Ocean is compilation of stories of missionaries past and present.  The author has graciously given us a copy to give away.

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Anniversary Giveaway #11 - His Ways, Your Walk by Lou Ann Keiser

 
His Ways, Your Walk is Lou Ann's new book, born out of a thirty-year ministry with women. It answers commonly asked questions, presents the key biblical passages written for women, and it tackles typical issues. His Ways, Your Walk helps women read the Scriptures and make their own personal applications. It's a handbook that guides them as they discover for themselves how to walk in God's ways.

His Ways, Your Walk is for anyone who has ever asked themselves questions like:
  • How can I know God's will?
  • Is it possible to live a holy life without being weird?
  • Does God have a man for me?
  • How can I be sure I'll go to heaven when I die? 
  • Can a Christian party?
  • What do I do with my strong-willed child?
  • Does the Bible really tell me how to dress?
  • Which Christian ministry is right for me?

Lou Ann has graciously donated three books to our giveaway!  I'd encourage you to read her blog, In The Way.



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Friday, August 9, 2013

Anniversary Giveaway #10 - A Gift Box from America!

What would you want in this box?!
 
1. To enter, just post a favorite verse that has encouraged you on the field, along with the one thing you would love to find in a package from America (If you are Canadian or Australian...I'll see what I can do about Maple Syrup or Vegemite.)

2. This is intended for overseas missionaries, but EVERYONE is encouraged participate: home missionaries, pre-field missionaries, furlough missionaries, or missionaries who may already get weekly packages from the US (yeah, right!). If you win, and are not "overseas" you may select ANY other missionary in this group to pass your blessing along to. So don't be modest, PARTICIPATE in the fun.

3. The winner will submit a wish list of grocery and personal items (no ministry!) that would fit in a large priority mail box.

This gift is being generously donated by a stateside missionary who would like to remain anonymous.  Thanks Mrs. Anonymous!


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Anniversary Giveaway #9 - Candy!

 
The gift is a collection of unique Japanese Kit Kats along with a bag of regular Kit Kat mini bars. These are made by Nestle in Japan and taste different than the ones in the US. Some like them better from Japan, others prefer the US variety. The others will come with a "key" so you know what you're tasting. Some of the flavors will include Chile Pepper, Cookies and Cream, Pear, Wasabi, Red Bean Sandwich, and of course - Green Tea. There will be at least 12 different varieties, maybe more depending upon what I can find between now and then.
 
 
This giveaway is being generously donated by a missionary wife in Japan.
Thanks, Lisa!
 

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Thursday, August 8, 2013

Anniversary Giveaway #8 - Evidence Not Seen by Darlene Rose

 
 
This is the true story of a young American missionary woman courage and triumph of faith in the jungles of New Guinea and her four years in a notorious Japanese prison camp. Never to see her husband again, she was forced to sign a confession to a crime she did not commit and face the executioner's sword, only to be miraculously spared.
 
This giveaway is for one copy of Evidence Not Seen.  This is my favourite missionary biography!
 
 

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Anniversary Giveaway #7 - It's A Wonderful Life by Terrie Chappell

 
 
 

It's a Wonderful Life

Serving God Joyfully in Marriage and Ministry
by Terrie Chappell

The pages of this book are a breath of fresh air for ladies who are tired of trying to love their husbands and serve God in their own strength. From the very first page, your heart will be uplifted by Terrie’s candid, humorous, and down-to-earth approach to loving God, supporting your husband, and serving God’s people both biblically and joyfully. You’ll find new joy and fresh strength as you delve into these pages. Discover that it really is a “wonderful life” when your life is dedicated to Jesus Christ!

In these pages you will discover…
  • How to deal with ministry challenges
  • How to nurture your soul with the Lord
  • How to pray for your husband
  • How to uplift the heart of your husband
  • How to bring your children up for God
  • How to be a blessing to your church family
  • How to conquer life’s greatest tests
  • How to find strength in the Lord
  • How to be faithful to God and others

Terrie Chappell is real. She is truly a godly lady who embodies the truths of this book beautifully. She doesn’t just write about these truths, she lives them—vibrantly and sacrificially! To know her is to know that every page of this book rings with truth and is backed by a faithful life!

This is some of the most practical and biblical advice I’ve ever read for ladies desiring to live a joyful life of love and service to Christ.

(Taken from www.terriechappell.com)



This Kindle edition has generously been donated by one of our blog contributors, Charity.  It's been on my to read list for awhile!


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Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Anniversary Giveaway #6 - Mango Market Place Bracelet (3 winners!)




The ladies of Valley Baptist Church have lovingly handcrafted these bracelets.

In January 2010, the Valley Baptist Church was founded in a rented room of Spot Valley High School. Since that time the group of Christians is growing, and we need a more permanent place to worship.

ALL proceeds from sales go towards building a church house for the sweet people of Spot Valley, Jamaica. Each bracelet is filled with their love and dreams of having their very own church.

You can have a part in helping and encouraging the Jamaican Christians.

Maria has graciously donated three bracelets for our giveaway; but if you're not a winner, please go buy some of this beautiful jewelry, and you can have a small part in building a new building for the Jamaican people!

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Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Anniversary Giveaway #5 - God's Recipe for Happiness by Suzy Crocket

 
 
Suzy Crocket, a missionary wife in Romania, has generously donated a copy of her new book for our giveaway today.  If you do not win, I'd encourage you to email her to purchase a copy.  100% of the profits from this book and being donated to the building fund of Biserica Baptista Independenta "FILADELFIA" in Romania.
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Anniversary Giveaway #4 - "Tom and Me" (The Story of Tom Sloan, MD)

 
       
 

Billie Ashcraft Sloan has written a book about love, the love between a man and his God, and the tender love she shared with that man. It is also the adventure of Tom and Billie’s life together as missionaries to Mexico.
 
Billie is down to earth, personal, and valiantly honest as she relates how their relationship blossomed, grew and was severely tested over the years. Readers will be encouraged and inspired by the realization that if God could do so much for and with the life of Tom Sloan, He can do as much for them.
 
David and Jolene Sloan have graciously donated 4 copies.
 
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Anniversary Giveaway #3 - Branches in the Vine by Mary Amesbury



Branches in the Vine describes how Fred and Dorothy Waldock lived life - they were branches connected to the True Vine, Jesus Christ. Together they served as missionaries with Baptist Mid-Missions in India for 40 years. Theirs was a pioneer spirit, always seeking more effective ways to reach Indians for Jesus Christ. In every circumstance and in every challenge they faced, they looked to their Savior for sustaining grace. It was His life flowing through theirs that transformed the lives of hundreds of lepers, students, soldiers, hospital workers, businessmen, pastors and missionaries - the poor, the rich, Indian and American. It was their connection to Christ that made their lives so significant on earth and so influential for eternity.
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Monday, August 5, 2013

Anniversary Giveaway #2 - The Virtue Training Bible

 


Virtue Training Bible

 
I am so excited about this giveaway!  Mindy from the Child Training Bible has also created a Virtue Training Bible, and has graciously offered to give one away to our readers!  As I mentioned in our first giveaway, I already have and use the Child Training Bible, so I was very excited when I heard Mindy created the Virtue Training Bible.  She was kind enough to send me a kit to review.  Here is what the kit includes...
 
 




You will also need a Bible (I prefer KJV), tabs, and crayon, highlighters, or colored pencils.  That's it!  It is time consuming to assemble, as you have to locate each verse (and there are many!) highlight the verse and attach the tab to the page, but the end result is so worth every minute.

Here is the end result...


I plan to begin using this in my morning devotions with the kids.  Starting with compassion and taking our time going through each verse.  I am also thinking of using it in our homeschooling.  Trying to think of how to work it in, but I know it's going to so profitable.
 
Please enter the giveaway for a chance to earn a free kit (please remember you must have a US mailing address).  If you'd rather just purchase one check out the Virtue Training Bible's website, and please tell Mindy we sent you!


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Anniversary Giveaway #1 - Child Training Bible

I am so excited about our first giveaway! 
It's for The Child Training Bible Kit.
Here is my review from last year...
Awhile back, a friend sent me the link for the Child Training Bible.  I was intrigued.  I watched the video on their site and had one of those "why didn't I think of that" moments!  I prefer to use Scripture when disciplining my kids.  I think it is very important to see that God hates sin.  I also think it is just as important to show them that God loves them, and take this time to introduce important things like repentance, forgiveness, and grace. 

This is why I love the Child Training Bible.  When an issue occurs, I can go directly to the Bible and show them several verses on the issue we are dealing with.  Whether it be anger, laziness, tattling, jealousy, or sharing the Gospel. 

Let me explain further.  When you purchase the kit you will receive:
- 1 Child training Bible key (on laminated cardstock)
- 3 easy tabbers
- 1 set of instructions

You will also need to purchase:
- 1 Bible (9"x6")
- 7 different color markers, colored pencils, or crayons
- 7 different color post-it tabs


The cost of the kit?  Just $9
(plus the cost of tabs and markers)

To begin to assemble your Bible, use double-sided tape to stick the key to the inside of your Bible, in the front.

This next part takes a bit of time, but I promise, it is worth every minute!  You use the tabbers to look up the verses under each category and place a matching color tab on the right side of the page (whether the verse is on the left or right) where you find the Scripture passage.  Then underline the verse or color in the verse with the matching color.  I used crayons.


This is what the top looks like when it is completed!

And here it is open and completed.  I love the colors.
So will your kids!


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Sunday, August 4, 2013

Our 2nd Anniversary Giveaway Party!



I'm so excited about this week!

It is the second anniversary of our blog and our group on facebook.
We also just added our 600th member to our private facebook group.

So, I think it's time for some fun giveaways!


Please note a few rules...

- Winner must have a US mailing address.
- You don't have to be a missionary to enter.


That's it!

Please check back often; we will post 2-3 giveaways each day, Monday - Friday.

The winners will be announced next Monday, August 12.




Saturday, August 3, 2013

Hockey . . . African Style!

Last year, a missionary was preparing to leave the field.  He told us to come by his house because he had some things to give us.  He gave us four hockey sticks and two hockey pucks.  I thought that was a strange thing to have in Africa.  Street hockey is not really an option here because most of the roads are dirt roads.  I guess it would work if you had a cement slab or something. 

Anyway, one of those hockey sticks sure came in handy this week!  My husband had just left to take Gilbert, our oldest son, to the doctor.  The other two children had just gone down for naps.  I was going to take advantage of nap time too since I was up early that morning with Gilbert, our son who has been sick.  Just as I was preparing to lie down, I saw movement by the door that goes out to the back porch where the washer and dryer are.  The door was shut, but somehow a green mamba squeezed his way through.  Those snakes move very quickly!  It went under our dresser. I bent down to keep an eye on the snake while I yelled for Danny, our six-year-old son.  I told Danny he could keep an eye on the snake or go get Isaac, the guy who works in the yard.  He is no dummy!  He chose to go get Isaac.  I was hoping and praying that Isaac was still outside.  I told Danny to have him bring the machete or something.  Isaac came in with a hockey stick in hand.  I showed him where the snake was, and the chase was on.  It was moving so fast that he was having a hard time pinning it down to the ground.  After several tries, he killed the snake.  Praise the Lord that I saw the snake come in and that Isaac was still here to kill it!



Our daughter was standing there with a look of horror saying, “Mama! Mama! Mama!”  It is a wonder that anyone was able to take a nap after that!  Bonnie was hearing noises in her room for a few minutes, but both of the children eventually went to sleep.  I was wide awake!  Now I know a great reason to have a hockey stick in Africa!

If you have a language blooper or a funny story that you would like to share with us, please e-mail them to me at lo@consfords.com. Please include the name of each family member, your field of service, and a picture of your family if possible.

Until next week, keep your sunny side up!


Thursday, August 1, 2013

Holidays: Thriving on Birthdays (Part 1)

This is part of the Holidays: Thriving, Not Just Surviving series. If you missed the first two posts:
Holidays: Thriving, Not Just Surviving Part 1
Holidays: Thriving, Not Just Surviving Part 2

We had only been on the field for a couple of weeks, and it came fast! Michaela's birthday was upon us. We had a dilemma. I did not know where to find balloons, candles, or any birthday decorations. I barely knew where to find the ingredients to make a cake! I did not want her first birthday in our new country to be a disappointment. So, we had to think fast. I was able to find a boxed cake mix and some icing. BOY was it expensive. At that time I did not really know how to make these things from scratch; so, I just ignored the price.

I kept looking for candles, but when everything is new, it is near impossible to decipher the items on the shelves. It is actually quite overwhelming! Product packaging looks different from what my eyes have been trained to look for in the States. We ended up using a basic candle we had for during power outages. It gave us all quite a laugh.