Journeys In Faith

God is Able.....

2012-01-06T15:28:00.000-08:00

I am a missionary at heart...call myself a missionary whether at home or traveling because I believe the mission field for Jesus is any place that God takes me. I’ve been to so many countries with a heart to know more and do more for those in need...but only recently have missioned in the name of Jesus Christ.

As a flight attendant, I have been to Japan, Europe, Australia, India, China, North and South America...but only within recent years have I soldiered on with a purpose and a passion.

My first mission trip was to Romania in the early 90‘s to work in an orphanage for 2 months and I thought I was sending myself...I thought it would be ‘cool’ to volunteer in a place where kids were being abandoned, where they needed people to love on them. After all...I love kids and thought I would be ‘good’ at the job!

Don’t get me wrong, I had compassion for their situation and knew it wasn’t right that these kids were living 50 to a room, 5 to a bed and walking on wet floors, at times with no shoes in cold damp places, where if a child came into the orphanage as a toddler unable to walk, many times that is where the child remained. I saw many teenagers considered 'crib children' in this orphanage because of neglect, still wearing diapers and unable to walk...left laying in the crib all day.
At the time though, I wasn’t working as if working for the Lord, because I did not know who Jesus was and the pure love He has for all people. I was 26 years old and didn’t know I needed to know God’s heart to be ‘good’ with children. I didn’t even know what it meant to know the heart of God.

It wasn’t just play these kids needed. They needed to be rescued from a terrible environment. They needed protection from the adults living in the convalescent home just behind the orphanage who would oftentimes molest the children. They needed more food and clothing so that they did not have to wear every thing they owned at one time in hopes that no one would steal what little clothes they had. They needed a school to learn in and people who accepted them. They needed HOPE from the only one who is Able!

They needed to know the love of God in their lives.

The trip was life changing for me and I remember coming back into the United States with a different perspective... with a ‘reason’ not to complain. I saw the need to be so much greater in the orphanage than just requiring volunteers who are good with kids. It saddened me and sent me on a path to know more. I wanted to know why it was that I could be a kid magnet with some and really had to reach out to get other children to even look at me. After all, I thought all kids loved to play.

It left me empty in a way and when it was time for me to return home, just knowing the children were stuck in a place in such dire need and I was headed back to my comfy life made me feel hopeless.

Little did I know, it wasn’t me that sent me to Romania and I was not sent to just play with the children.

It was God who sent me.

And God was showing me a piece of His heart...for children no one seemed to notice.

Abandoned, neglected, abused...forgotten.

And, then I began a journey where the eyes of my heart began to be enlightened.

God showed me who He was.

God showed me who I needed.

God gave me my gift of life through His son Jesus Christ.

That was almost 5 years ago that my journey with Him began and now I am being taught with a purpose and a passion to mission on in the name of the Lord.

I travel on many missions now. Some only a day or few days in length as I escort children in need of medical treatments for life saving operations, and some trips are longer as I desire to share His Word.

But all are now because of God.

All are because God is showing me more of His precious heart each and every time He gives me one of these mission trips in which He allows me to love others as we are called to love and do it all in the name of the Lord, He is glorified!

I am able to see and experience the pure love He has for these children and mission for Him. And, I pray that what moves the heart of God will move my heart as He continues to teach and guide me in all of His Ways.

I have just returned from a different kind of a mission, and it was right here in Atlanta, just a few miles from where I live.

In Psalm 84:10 it says “For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the house of wickedness.

I was a Door Holder on my mission at the Passion Conference. That’s what the volunteers are called because a day in the courts of God is better than a thousand elsewhere, and the job of a Door Holder is to keep open the way to our great God! I love that!

The mission was for college aged students to come and gather, celebrating a Loving and Gracious God who wants to do great things through us, and a call to action for the Passion to raise awareness for children who are in need of more than just ‘play.’

Little did I know, 27 million people...the largest number ever in history are kept in modern day slavery.

Men, women and mostly children who are being abused sexually and physically, oftentimes working very long hours with little food and never a time for play.

Because it is the mission of the Passion movement to put an end to modern day slavery, they believe we can come together and allow God to do great things bringing freedom to these precious men, women and children.

I witnessed God move in a powerful way among a group of 18-25 year old students where each and every one of them were able to experience the love God has for them and the heart ache He feels for these children in slavery. I witnessed students standing in very long lines, sometimes wrapping around hallways at the Georgia World Congress Center in order to make a donation to those Freedom causes and bring an end to modern day slavery.

I witnessed students praying, crying out to God where I was a volunteer in Kneel for direction and wisdom in their young lives and for God to move on these precious children.

I saw 42,000 young lovers of Jesus Christ stand outside for a length of time where the temperatures were well below freezing, and the wind made it seem like ice cutting to the bone, making their way through the gates of the Dome so they could worship our great God.

I saw a sold out stadium filled with people, but not just any people...these were young hearts yearning to surrender their lives to God as worship rocked the roof tops and the glory of God was felt throughout each seat when the music played and voices sang...arms reaching high to the only One who could bring hope and restored lives to all people.

These students are so eager to Raise their White Flags and surrender all to HIM!

There is a generation of young people who are feeling the call of God on their precious lives and are opening themselves up to all that God has for them.

I do believe this generation will see an end to modern day slavery because I believe this generation sees hope and freedom in Christ from a God who loves His children and is calling on all of us to do something more than just play.

It is a call to action. A call to come together because when we come together with passion and purpose knowing we serve a great God who is able...great things can happen.

Eph 3:20-21 God is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

If you wish to know more about the Do Something Now freedom causes, you may log onto their website link - http://www.dosomethingnow.com/

A Hot Summer Day on the Bike...

2011-12-21T06:27:00.000-08:00

My husband was given a print today from a photographer friend of ours.

(Photo credit: Jered Gruber), with approval from Jered, Chris reproduced, edited and enlarged the photo as a gift to my husband. When I met Eddie 19 years ago he was an avid cyclist...still is today and this picture has become one of Eddie’s favorites!

It is also a reminder of a miracle that occurred one day while Eddie was out riding his bike through the North Georgia mountains. A testimony of a God who is always with us even when it may seem as if we are riding alone!

It was late in the summer, when the temperatures can easily rise over 100. A Saturday afternoon, when the kids are out with friends and I am catching up at home. Just having come in from a trip, and a day of cleaning planned, I have my favorite Christian music station blaring through the house. There’s plenty of sunshine coming in this beautiful hot day... my hair’s pulled up and I’m ready to tackle a place that has been without mom for a few days.

Eddie is gearing up to go for a bike ride...and through the years, I have learned that when the cyclists prepare for a ride, they go for a very long ride! At times it can mean 50-60 miles in one day! Today was no different.

Eddie left and I began my cleaning.

About half way into the afternoon I was in the kitchen, stopped everything and was led to pray for Eddie on his bike. From then on, I counted down the minutes until he walked in the door. I was never so grateful as when he finally came home...knowing something must have gone wrong.

Eddie walked in the door about 4 hours later and almost collapsed. He was very pale and had experienced severe heat exhaustion.

Then, he told me what happened.....

He thought he brought enough water and gator aide with him as he prepared for his ride through the mountains, but clearly did not realize the heat of the day would reach such high temperatures. He just did not have enough to sustain him while on his long ride and simply ran out. His body was shutting down.

At one point in the ride, he told himself he had to stop. He knew he could not make it home the way he was feeling. That is when God led him to pull over. Eddie said that as he rode around a corner, he saw a church and knew he was to pull over right there. Being a Saturday, and a very small church...there were no cars in the parking lot.

Eddie told me he just wanted to look for an outdoor spigot to fill up his empty water bottle.

He found no spigot.

But...he did find water!

You see, even though there were no cars in the parking lot, God had someone inside the church!

A man opened the front door of the church, came outside and asked Eddie if he could help him.

Eddie asked the man if he could please have some water and the man invited my husband inside. Eddie was able to drink the much needed water, fill up his empty water bottles and rest a bit while he gathered enough strength to ride the many miles back home.

When Eddie told me his story, I asked him what time it was that he pulled over at the church.

We compared the time that Eddie pulled over to get water, and the time that God led me to pray, and realized the man at the church was an angel sent by God!

The answer to both of our prayers!

One Special Week With My Mom!

2011-12-19T05:50:00.000-08:00

One Special week with my mom....

I was reflecting back on my journal and came upon a time recently which brought such joy and gratitude for having a very special week with my mom as she recovered from knee surgery, requiring care in an assisted living facility. I had the time off from flying and with my husband and children’s blessings, flew to Florida to help care for her while she was going through recovery.

It was precious to see the friends my mother made in that place, and the love they had for one another as each resident went through their days in need...

Mom has many new friends where she is...and they like to play games...even though some of them can’t really remember the rules of the game, or what the game is called.

One day, mom, my sister Mary and I and some of the other residents were sitting around the table in the common area and I brought a deck of cards out. As a child, game playing...and especially card games were some of our favorite things to do since I come from such a large family. There was never a shortage of finding someone to play a game with you in our family with 7 kids! Mom especially loved rummy so I was grateful for this group at our table!

We begin to play a game of rummy and as I am shuffling the cards, Thelma...my new fast friend who enjoys the strolls I’ve taken with her as we wheel through the halls....decides she would like to join our card game. The only thing is...she said she needed to be taught.

So, ok...I put my chair close to her wheelchair, deal the cards to the players, and proceed to teach Thelma how to play rummy.

I joined hands in playing with her through the first round, thinking she would catch on and play her own hand in the next game.

After the first play of the cards...Thelma would ask...

“What game is this?”

And I would say...

”It’s rummy, Thelma!”

Thelma replied...”And, what do you do with these cards?”

To which I would share with her my thoughts on what we should do with the hand we held.

And, then she would ask again...

”What did you say this game is called?”

With a smile, I responded...

“It’s called rummy Thelma!”

Soon I realized that Thelma just wanted to join in and she really can’t remember from one hand to the next what we were doing at the table. She just knew she was with friends and was enjoying the time together while at the place in which she lived.

Next Al, another resident, got out his guitar and began playing songs from the past...Beatles, John Denver...just really fun songs from way back when. There were about 8 of us sitting around the table that afternoon as Al led the way for memories to be shared through musical oldies and while everyone sang along...I looked at my mother. Her sweet angelic voice and head lifting high through each song brought such JOY in reflections of where she has been and the precious love that surrounds her.

The recovery may have been long for her, but God made a way for friends and fun and love to surround her during every step of the way. I was so grateful to have these days with her while she was in need. I believe I was more blessed than she...and besides, I met some pretty neat people who just like to make the most of their days with the JOY that surrounds them!

Praise Adonai!

2011-12-05T08:07:00.001-08:00

Psalm 145:7

Everyone will share the story of Your wonderful goodness - they will sing with JOY of Your righteousness.

God put a song on my heart today...It’s simple and brought the sweetest praise!

Praise Adonai

O Holy God

Praise Adonai

Grateful praise...the true language of Holy Joy!

The season of His birth...when a young woman was preparing to bring a tender newborn into this world...giving Hope to all who would believe.

A promise made to her months earlier as the angel made his way with a message from God.

Mary and Joseph settled themselves in a manger and Life was brought anew...a life in the form of a tiny babe coming into this world becoming Our Greatest Gift!

People choose to celebrate in so many ways...but the greatest of ways is giving grateful praise!

The true language of Holy Joy!

My family will have a Christmas tree and enjoy decorating our home and celebrating with gifts, fun and fellowship...but the greatest gift is to know Him!

There is Joy in the times when we can sit together as a family and share memories of what this season is all about.

I can just imagine, years ago as the people all gathered together and shared in God’s goodness.

The birth of His Savior Son and the Love they came to know through Him!

A fire glowing in the center of families gathered together, and laughter flowing amidst story telling!

It’s a testimony of His Love!

An authentic replication of why we love...because He first loved us!

I pray that as we travel about in the busyness of this Christmas season...the birth of Our Savior...we go with a song of Joy, and share in His great goodness through acts of love and kindness! I thank God for my family and am grateful for the times we can be together reflecting on Our Greatest Gift!

Merry Christmas to you and may you share in God’s most precious gifts this season...the celebration of His love and grateful praise...the true language of Holy Joy!

Be Still and Know....

2011-11-24T05:32:00.000-08:00

The Faith of a Child.....

It seems faith handed down...taught as a tiny seed...grows and when placed within the hearts of little ones, you can expect miraculous things!

Little seeds will one day become great oaks!

I recently followed up with phone calls to families who come to Talking Rock Baptist Church ministry in need of food. Once monthly this church provides boxes of food as well as hot lunches to anyone in need. Volunteers are at the church to give counsel and pray with the people, and at times some are even led to pray to receive their greatest gift...that of Jesus Christ Himself!

One such phone call I made recently was to a family of 10. Mom and Dad are out of work and their children and relatives are all living in the same household.

The receiver of my phone call was none other than a precious 12 year old child. She graciously thanked me for my call of encouragement and well wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving and shared much of what her family would be doing. Before hanging up, I told the girl that there are people praying for her family. I asked her if she had something specific for me to pray for she and her family.

Without missing a beat this sweet child paused her conversation with me and began relaying the message to her Dad in Spanish.

She comes back to the phone...and says

“Yes, would you please pray for my Mom and Dad to find a job and would you please pray for our family?”

She did not ask for herself...did not ask selfishly...but asked with a passionate love for her family...even pausing to check with Dad first!

Would you please pray for my Mom and Dad to find a job? ...and pray for my family?

God blessed the rest of our precious conversation of faith, and even gave us a sweet time of prayer over the phone.

It is the little things...the miraculous moments of pure simple faith.

Faith even from a 12 year old that moves those mountains...encouraging others to say, and know in their hearts that yes, God cares and is penetrating in the greatest places if only our eyes will stay focused on Him.

He is our prize and is the giver of all gifts! He cares about every detail of our lives and uses all people to carry out His perfect plan!

I am praying for this child and her family and believe God is using her to effect a change in her circle, and He will be the provider of jobs for Mom and Dad.

I also know He used her to speak to me yesterday.

Psalm 46:10

Be still and know that I am God

I will be exalted among the nations.

I will be exalted in the earth!

My Two Flying Friends!

2011-11-15T07:06:00.001-08:00

My two traveling friends...Olivia and Danielle

No longer destined for a life of deformity, where adjustments must be conquered to make one’s way, Olivia and Danielle are two medical miracles...and what FUN it was to spend my days flying with these precious little ones! I had the privilege of escorting these sweet girls on a journey of healing recently, and am proud to share in their courageous efforts...thrilled I could have just one small part of a day in the life with God’s greatest gifts. A memory that will certainly remain as one most precious to me.

It always amazes me to see the people He brings together to make the medical journey a success as these children come one step closer to healing. A trip in which the children who are in need of life-saving operations, travel half way across the world, in the arms of people they have never met, bravely battling the needed operations and recovery while staying in loving host family homes. This new chapter in the lives of these children all take place while being away from their own families.
Such courage it must take in their own little hearts...and yet they soldier on!

I enjoyed my day of fun with Olivia...quite the princess, as we made our way to Paris. She was on her way home to the Ivory Coast after medical treatment in the United States. Olivia eagerly ran my way as I approached her at the gate in Chicago, somehow knowing I was going to be her flying friend for the next few hours! Sitting in the lap of a friend of mine in the Chicago Ohare airport, she flew in after being treated at a Children’s Hospital.

At the age of three, Olivia was discovered by Doctors in Africa and flown into the United States by Airline Ambassador Children’s Medical Escort. She received the medical treatment she needed through Children’s Medical Mission team...was loved on and cared for by her wonderful host family and then ready to head home.
That is when I met this adorable princess!

It seems Olivia knew no strangers...and her favorite thing to say...”Oh Man!”

She quickly captured the hearts of the crew and those in our paths that day as we traveled abroad, one step closer to the reunion with her family in Africa.

What a delightful and brave little girl!

Danielle, also in need of surgical correction on her club feet and webbed hands is just shy of two years old. She was my traveling friend on my return from Paris into the United States, also from the Ivory Coast where she was discovered by the same Doctors to be in need of medical treatment.

Danielle wore a smile that never left her sweet angelic face! And, her need to cuddle on my lap, while she checked out her surroundings on her new venture was just fine with me as it brought me such JOY. Even though I don’t have daughters, God always provides in other ways!

It didn't take me long to figure out that raisins and cheese are two of her favorites, she doesn't care too much for spinach and would prefer sugar in her milk! What a team we became as we got to know each other!

I could only imagine what was going on in Danielle's little mind as she checked things out on this new journey...the flight, the people, her surroundings...and all of this was done in such stride! What a trooper my flying child was on this trip!

Danielle will be in the United States for a few months while she receives the treatment she needs and when she is ready to return...who knows, maybe I can be the one to take her. But if not, I am sure whoever is blessed to be her traveling friend for the day will have the time of their lives with her...if only for that day.
And this I know, the memory left in their heart will be forever written as a gift from God!

Michael's Journey Home

2011-11-05T17:09:00.000-07:00

In all my years of escorting children for Airline Ambassador’s Children’s Escort program...never has a child so left his footprint on my heart...as sweet Michael Lucien.

I first became aware of the medical needs of Michael when he was one year old. I offered to fly down to Haiti and escort him to Atlanta where he would receive the surgeries needed for intestinal reconstruction.

Sweet Michael quietly went from the arms of his mother to mine without a moment hesitation as his Dad showed me everything he has packed for his child to take on the medical journey. Mom and Dad and a family friend are with Michael at the airport for his send off to the States, and mom has a single tear rolling down the beautiful brown skin on her face.

“I promise” I told her...

“I will take care of your little boy.”

And through a translator, she understands my message as she gently nods her head ‘yes’ in simple trust of the handing off of her precious child.

And, so - together with Michael and the carefully packed bags Dad brought to the airport in Haiti that day, I journeyed along with my flying child as he made it one step closer to his healing.

That was almost two years ago in which Michael’s medical miracle began...through Airline Ambassador, Childsprings International, many doctors and nurses and especially his loving host families...he has touched many hearts...transformed many lives along the way to his road to recovery.

The day came for Michael’s return home...leaving the families who loved him as their own and returning to the arms of mama and papa who have missed much in his young life... yet eagerly await his arrival!

Naturally, he clung to ‘his sisters’ and loved on mama Nancy...and cried...but somehow this baby knew he was to go into my arms and say ‘good bye’ to the only people he truly knew to be his family. As I stood watching the exchange of love between this family and Michael...my heart yearned to see the happy ending for them all...Mama and Papa in Haiti and Michael’s adoring host families, and of course, for Michael.

I held Michael through security and into the gate area in Atlanta to be seated and just rest...quietly at first he cradled into my lap and then, a deep whimper came from the very center of his heart. A whimper that spoke without saying a word...”I so desire to be back with my family.”

Once seated on the flight...this journey to his homeland was upon him and suddenly he began telling me about his pictures and one by one, we went through each person who cared for him. Each host mama and host papa and the sisters and brothers he came to know as his family were talked about with such delight!

“Do you know...” he asked...

“who told me I have a special place in her heart?”

“Who?” I asked!

“Mama Claire!...” He said with eyes open wide and a smile across his sweet face!

“Mama Claire said I will always be in her heart!” he continued on.

He told me about the zoo and all the animals at the zoo...showed the pictures and mimicked the animal noises as we looked through each one.

He explained how he built castles in the sand and jumped into the water when they vacationed at the beach...

He showed me pictures of the celebration he had at Christmas.

“I got SO MANY TOYS!” He said, as he pulled out his light saber toy from his Elmo backpack...

“ Do you want to try it?” as he handed me his toy!...bringing me back to the days of ‘playing light saber’ with my boys when they enjoyed such toys!

“And, here...” he said.

“You fly this plane, and I will fly this plane...” as he handed me his plastic plane from the Elmo bag he brought along... and so we began to ‘fly our plastic planes’ around seats 7A and 7B at 37,000 feet in the sky...with much laughter...landing on the purple crayon colored ‘runway’ drawn on notebook paper...and ‘filling up with gas’ using a white crayon.

Halfway home we landed in Miami...and Michael was able to walk again. And...slowly, we made our trek with bags in tow through the terminal and onto the sky train where it would take us to our final flight to see his parents back in Haiti.

Michael was a delight to those who were blessed enough to meet him that day...the ‘captain Mike’, who invited him to come to the cockpit and ‘fly’ the plane, the passengers who curiously asked about his story...and ME! Yes, he is a dearly loved little boy and I was lucky enough to return him to his mama and papa as one of many who will be forever changed by the miracle of his story.

Michael will tell you his favorite bible verse...he told me...

Jeremiah 29:11 For I have plans for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you, and not to harm you, to give you a hope and a future.

Yes, God does have plans for your life Michael...Yes, He does!

Some Things Never Change...

2011-10-19T23:46:00.000-07:00

Some things never change.....

The sound of a baby cackling is pure delight!

Piles of raked autumn leaves are meant to be played in.

Flowers that sprout in soil where seeds have not been planted are a gift from God.

It matters not what is going on during a particular season in which I am living...joy or sadness, busy or at rest, at home or abroad...If I am in a place where I hear the sound of a baby in laughter, I am immediately reminded of pure LOVE

and the sweet JOY that children bring!

And, when my boys were younger, what was the purpose of raking leaves into piles if they could not be played in?

What fun it is to hear the sound of crunching under tiny tennis-shoe laden feet as children laugh and stomp while playing in the colors of the fall...knowing when you plan the day to rake, you might want to multiply your job times 3, or it really is no fun!

And, my flower pots...which have not been tended to since Lexi Faith was a puppy over two years ago, have seen recent new growth!

You see...soon after adopting Lexi, she ate all that I planted when she was tall enough to reach her furry little face up into the clay pots to discover the colorful treasures! I would see evidence of my flowers strewn throughout the yard and wonder if I would ever use those pots again.

This left me very frustrated and with little hope of seeing new flowers any time soon. God knew my sadness and frustration...also knows of my love for Lexi, and this year He has given me new flowers in pots which have been left untended

...in beautiful colors of purple and white, as if to tell me...

”Lexi has gone on to other things and here is MY gift to you...now you may begin planting again!”

The Innocence of Pure LOVE.....

The Sound of Sweet JOY!

And, New Growth in His perfect timing!

Just Keep Dancing!

2011-10-05T06:35:00.000-07:00

I love my church! I especially love the worship our church enjoys through the gifted bands who come to play each Sunday at Browns Bridge Community Church.

I recently visited another church, where my husband and I attended a discipleship class for close to a year in one of the parishioner’s homes. The purpose of our visit to this church was to receive a pin honoring our completion of the class. I was just glad I finished the class, as it has only been a few years since becoming a Christian and I was grateful to know a little bit more about the Bible.

The church we visited is a beautiful little white church, tucked up on top of a hill on a winding country road in the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains. All of the people know each other...and all of the people take care of one another, giving meals to the sick and helping the elderly run their errands.

A small congregation where they truly seem to be like one big family.

The day our family visited this church was received with a warm welcome from everyone we met. We were given a cute ceramic mug filled with candy and a pencil, and greeted by the Pastor and his wife before quietly sitting down to take our seats on the pew.

Uncertain of the order in which things take place on our first-time visit, we eagerly awaited the cues as the congregation began fellowship. Upon being instructed to get the Hymnal book out and turn to the right page...I reached down to grab my book. Although I admit that God did not gift me with a talented singing voice, He did give me the desire to celebrate with those who so easily share His message through their gift of music. I get much joy moving and praising to the music that I have come to love so much at my home church.

Soon after the choir led the congregation into ‘Let There Be Peace on Earth’ and

‘I Believe, Jesus Remember Me’....my heart and soul began trying to move to the beat of ‘All Because of Jesus!‘

I raised my hymnal book up and began reminiscing to the sounds of the Christian Band at my home church...while trying to rock out with the choir in

‘I Believe, Jesus Remember Me.’

The congregation however, was bringing me back to the little Hymnal book that I was holding in my hand and as I looked up to the ladies in the choir robes, there stands Nina, singing right to me!

Now Nina is a ninety something year old lady...a dear sweet love of a lady...who used to fall asleep during discipleship class. I can still hear Nina, saying one night during our

class “You mean, all we have to do is pray more?” in her sweet little high-pitched voice. This time, she is staring right at me as I am rocking away to the sounds at the little white church on top of the hill.

And, I can just imagine her singing heart wondering...

’Oh my, it looks like we have a radical in the house!’

(Since writing this, Nina has passed away. All who knew her loved her! She had a love of Jesus that was infectious and was a JOY to talk with!)

Snowball Express

2011-09-30T15:04:00.000-07:00

Snowball Express

We are a nation of freedom, and in recent years have witnessed much suffering because of the freedom our country enjoys. Unfortunately, the cost of our freedom comes with a price and that price is paid by the families of our military men and women serving in the Armed Forces.

To some children, this means the loss of mom or dad.

We call these men and women heroes...but the children of our soldiers just want to call them back home. A permanent loss in the hearts of these little ones...a sacrifice made for our nation...a sacrifice made for my freedom.

Five years ago, some people got together in an effort to create lasting, joyful vacation memories among a group of children who have all experienced the same sad loss in their lives as mom or dad did not make it home from serving our country. That is when Snowball Express came to be what it is today!

Snowball Express, comprised of an all volunteer, totally donated, network of men and women, small businesses to large corporations, coming together to give these children a moment in their lives where they could be free to enjoy special times created just for them. A time to reunite with friends from years past, and make new ones...but all because of who they are, and what their sacrifice means to so many.

It begins the day the American Airlines chartered and non-chartered flights bring them into the Dallas Fort Worth airport, with a Texas cowboy welcome at the arrival gate decorated in Snowball, Christmas cheer. Every single family who arrives receives the Snowball welcome from veterans, fire and police volunteers, airline crew members and the like who are all there in support of these children and the widows of our heroes.

Chauffeured by miles of buses on interstates in the DFW area, closed by the local police, as the families were honored from one destination to the next, the journey carries on.

After the welcome parade through the Victory Walk, in which volunteers on both sides of the street displayed flags and welcome banners...cheering the families along the way, we landed in Victory Square where the Ten Commandments were proudly displayed by ‘Founding Father’ veteran volunteers, for any wishing to have a picture made. It was quite a moment of silence among a crowd of so many...and a great reminder of A God we can trust!

The families were treated to a showing of The Nutcracker, and attended a real Texas Rodeo where they were able to get on stage and sing and dance with Gary Sinese, and the Lt. Dan Band. They also enjoyed a full day at Six Flags and the South Fork Ranch where entertainers and activities were enjoyed by kids of all ages.

As one of the volunteers said, “This is a first class vacation provided for these families...there are no short cuts!”

It is the desire of Snowball Express to give back to these children and their families, a piece of the gratitude that so many in our nation wish to express...in lasting memories, created with those who understand the pain, and desire to share in joyful reflections of a country that will not forget.

Thank you to Snowball Express and all who are involved in making this gift possible for these children and their families.

And, most of all....thank you to the families of our heroes! We will never forget the sacrifice you have made for our country.

To learn more about Snowball Express, or if you wish to get involved, or know of anyone who has lost a loved one in the Armed Forces and has children entitled to this vacation, you may go to www.SnowballExpress.org.

sign me....

A grateful American and Snowball Express volunteer....

Terry Bobbitt

It is His Grace...it is real...it is simple!

2011-09-28T19:51:00.000-07:00

Simple: Easy to understand, deal with

not elaborate or artificial

unassuming, not complicated

The Best Love Story of all times is out...as a matter of fact, has been since the beginning of time and nothing has changed in the Story.

All have a place in the Love Story because it is written for us ~ God planned it that way...giving Life to His Story through the love of Jesus.

Simple ~ a word given in faith.

The simple faith of a child where miracles are birthed and lives are changed and hearts mended never to be the same again because they have received the finger print of God.

~ A touch from the Very Creator of this Love Story ~

It is eternal and becomes the testimony of a God so precious...so amazing...so BIG and magnificent that nothing can compare!

And ~ it is written for you and written for me.

To receive simply the grace and the promise given...because He Loves!

You see His love...the how far and how wide love...in eternal moments.

You know those moments where the time clock of God was made just for YOU!

He stops all things in your world and gives you a precious moment with the Writer of this amazing Love Story, the Author of our faith...the Creator of this moment... because you yearn to know Him!

And, He yearns to show you just how much you mean to HIM!

And at that time, you stop and give thanks the moment your awakening comes because you know that the God of this Love story is speaking to you and has placed a song in your heart never to be forgotten! Written to make you dance! To bring you the pure JOY of knowing His amazing LOVE!

Only God can make these miracles speak into our lives.

Imagine...the God who created all things...who brought life into every heartbeat and breath to every soul...who knows each of the stars by name and calls them out each night...is speaking to YOU!

That is great LOVE!

The message written...joining hearts and creating a melody!

Eternity in our step!

He knows no boundaries of grace because there are none and it is in these moments when He gives revelation of all things great, that He is calling out to YOU and to ME to see the magnitude of His miracles.

Because He loves! Because He can! Because it is Who He Is!

When we are invited and choose to accept...yearning to know more...to know who He is and who we are in His great love story...He responds! He is the miracle!

It is His grace.

It is real.

It is simple.

Terry

What a difference a trip makes!

2011-08-27T11:48:00.000-07:00

Aug 26, 2011

What a difference a trip makes!

The last time I flew over the ocean was to visit remote villages in India...kind of like going straight into the book of Acts where the presence of God held in the eyes of the people. Curiosity seen on the faces of the villagers when the story of Jesus was opened before them as never before...then hands raised to accept with such JOY as the hearts of the villagers received.

Many many miracles experienced among the people opening their dusty village roads to the foreigners. Some even went into their straw huts and mud dwellings to bring out the plastic chairs and straw beds in which they insisted we sit... then they would find the best shady spot under towering trees for our group to gather during the heat of the day.

One lady in a village began praising God as we approached...hands in the air and a smile that never left her sweet face as if to say “Thank you God!”

I approached this woman with open arms and heartfelt JOY saying to her...”You knew we were coming!”

God answers prayer, and when prayers are made to give dreams and revelation of His story coming to the villagers, glory be to the Provider of those dreams!

She saw her whole village accept Jesus that day, and surely had been praying for them for years!

It seemed the clock of time was paused for a while ~ even pushed back a bit from what in America we so easily get accustomed.

The mission trip stood alone, yet flew by as our visits included 14 villages, the orphanage and a leper colony where we witnessed over 1,000 people become believers of faith in the Living God!

Matt 5:14 You are the light of the world, a city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.

I returned yesterday from working a trip to Rome, and well...what a difference a trip makes! Davis asked me to go to the Colosseum and take lots of pictures. I am not sure either of us realized the connection of just returning from a trip to India in which faith was shared....lives were changed and all on our team returned safely to our families...and then visiting a place where Christians have been martyred for their faith.

Knowing the history behind what is contained inside of those stone walls of the Colosseum is a reminder of the day in which we live.

I’ve tried to imagine the thoughts of those who were martyred for their faith among the torture experienced in that place...and only saw the crosses...knowing it must have brought some kind of comfort to those who died inside for following the Living God.

Crosses are etched into the stone ~ built on platforms and found throughout the walls of the Colosseum as a reminder of who has gone before and the God they knew they believed in and served...the God they knew loved them and provided the way out for them.

It truly is about the cross and carved into the stone walls of the Colosseum, silent voices were heard...still is today as the truth be told all across these oceans.

Faces from India

2011-08-22T07:04:00.000-07:00

Keep it Simple ~ Faith of a child...
Matt 18: 3 "Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.

Persevere ~
Romans 5:3 rejoice in our suffering, suffering produces perseverance, perseverance ~ character and character, hope

Effect a Change ~ Covenant
Heb 6: 13-14 For when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself, saying "Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you."

Seeking Heart

2011-08-22T06:02:00.000-07:00

Exo 2: 24-25

So God heard their groaning and God remembered His covenant with Abraham, with Isaac and with Jacob. And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God acknowledged them.

God put it into their hearts to groan...to cry out to Him...to plead with the only one they knew who could rescue them from the bondage of slavery. There were times in the lives of the Israelites that the hardship was somehow manageable despite all they had experienced ~ and then God in His mercy brought their hearts to a place of crying out to Him alone. Enough!

God had plans for His people and desired to bring them to a place of victory ~ His promise land.

He knows the burdens they groan under and the blessings they groan after (Matt Henry) and God remembered His covenant.

Moses looked on them and pitied them...God looked on them and helped them.

It is in that place ~ when we have nothing left in us except for our groaning...our crying out to God ~ that His mercy pours forth like the ocean waters and He like the anchor in the waves provides the way out.

The Safety of our hearts’ cry. the holding onto of Him alone and then we are able to grasp just how wide and how deep His love is for us...and how incapable we are of living victorious life apart from Him.

Psalm 27:4

One thing I have desired of the Lord, that will I seek

that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life

to behold the beauty of the Lord

and to inquire in His temple.

Testimony from India

2011-08-18T13:18:00.000-07:00

Jer 32:27 "Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh...is there anything too hard for Me?"

There is nothing too hard for God and His Glory continues to reign!

A testimony to share with you......

Our team arrived in one village in which 3 went one way to gather a group of villagers to listen, and 4 went another.

My group gathered at the Elder's Square (the town platform where men frequently gather to talk).

The people approach to see who the visitors are, and we encourage the villagers to stay and listen to

our story! Some choose to walk away, but most choose to stay!

One on our team shares his testimony of a God who loves them, and how he began to know Jesus. When he finishes, I begin to share the gospel.

As I am sharing, I notice an elderly man approach our audience to listen and he is walking hunched over with a stick.

The story of Jesus continues and many in the end raise their hand to pray to receive Jesus as their Savior.

This man who approached the platform using his stick to walk appears to be in pain and the Lord puts it on my heart to

offer prayer to him individually.

I approach him wanting to pray for him, and offered my hand to take his. He did not take it.

I offered my hand to him again...this time asking him in gentle pursuit of his trust...to take my hand so I could pray for him.

He did not take my hand.

The Lord led me into prayer for him anyway...for general blessing...and as I am praying for him I place my hand on top of his head (not knowing how he would receive it, but felt the Lord leading me to do this and trusting it would be ok)...prayers for his healing and pain

to be removed from him were made in Jesus name.

I looked to the man after and said goodbye to him and just smiled.

I then met up with my team who had gone on to pray for others and we continued down the village street...praying for needs as the people requested.

After a moment in time, I looked back towards the Elder's Square and the man with the stick is walking towards our crowd...Straight up and not relying on his

stick to walk! I asked Paul, our pastor translator to approach the man and ask him if he is in any pain.

Paul walks up to the man and asks him the question.

The man says he has no pain!

The man then comes up to me...and this time he reaches out to ask me for my hand and he is smiling!

We all are just so grateful...looking to God and say "Thank you Lord!"

Come to the Waters!

2011-07-31T07:17:00.000-07:00

Isa 55:1 “Ho! Everyone who thirsts, Come to the waters;

Eddie and I recently went to the water park with Cole and Davis and a few of their friends. I sat along the side of the wave pool for a time, just to watch as the kids enjoyed fun in the small waves.

One little girl was being led by her father into the water, but the movement of the gentle waves made her nervous...the deeper her dad began to walk into the pool, the more the girl slowed in fear. The water was only up to her ankles and there was nothing for her to fear, but the movement of the waves was just enough for her to want to hold back...uncertain of her abilities to walk.

The father gently took the hand of his daughter, guiding her to the wall on the side of the pool as he continued to go forward with his little girl. In trust, she embraced the wall, and together father and daughter moved into the wave pool...feeling the joy of what the water brings.

The next time I noticed this sweet duo...both were in the center of the pool...this time, no need for the wall as father and daughter ~ hand in hand ~ were walking and jumping about, playfully and lovingly splashing the waters!

It is a JOY to see the youth of our churches jumping into the waters ~ living waters ~ and making it their own with the guiding hand of our Father! I have heard testimonies of mission trips from the next generation of church leaders ~ our youth of today ~ where even the dogs of our homeless on the streets of Atlanta were given food out of a heart of compassion while serving among their high school peers, giving to those who have nothing but the clothes on their backs. I have walked alongside the youth as they lovingly replaced much needed stairs and decks on the homes of our elderly, while sharing the gospel and praying for the needs of the people...so excited to even see one soul saved!

Our youth have so many stories to share which build upon that wall of faith...those faith stones which make up the pillar upon which they are made to stand. I celebrate the JOY they have come to know in their young lives as their heavenly Father guides them into the living waters!

And the Lord says...”Come, everyone who thirsts...!”

By your patience....

2011-07-24T05:27:00.000-07:00

Luke 21:19 By your patience...possess your souls

It is no easy task...patience, for some, and when you see it come alive in the heart of a child, you know the possession of one’s soul marks the handprint of God.

For weeks in the summer of our home in the mountains, my oldest son kept eye on the ole familiar deer who visited daily, looking for new treats upon which to graze. One early morning, as I was cutting watermelon, Cole asked me if he could give fruit to the deer. That morning...and each morning after that, Cole offered fruit to his backyard friend. For morning after morning, Cole patiently held ground in a quiet spot in the yard, while offering out the sweet juicy treat...hoping to touch the deer and feed from the palm of his hands. And, each morning...after that day, followed by many days, the deer would inch closer towards Cole’s still body...vying to get the fruit she knew awaited her. Days went by in which something made the deer run back without meeting palms with Cole where the fruit was offered...and days went by when Cole knew the deer had had enough of the waiting, and so he would toss the treat to the deer and walk back inside.

Each morning in the early summer months was the same for Cole and the deer...the deer got her fruit and Cole was growing in patience.

And, then it happened...by his patience.

Cole, in the early morning hours upon the rise of the sun, spotted the deer coming into the quiet spot in the yard...grabbed the watermelon, and slowly and quietly pursued the trust from the deer.

On his knees...and with arms stretched out...Cole held the treat he knew the deer wanted...and just as fast, and as pursuant, the face of the deer met palms with Cole.

Trusting...believing...knowing...loving...that which was being offered to her.

And, in the same second, Cole was able to cup the palm of his hand around to pet the friend he so patiently waited to feed...yet until this day had only seen from afar...as he was met with his reward.

As we patiently, and faithfully trust our hearts to God, we are rewarded...even when it means a friendship with a deer!

Terry

The Wonders of Nature as is God's Gift...

2011-07-23T07:14:00.000-07:00

The Wonders of Nature as is God’s Gift...

The soul of a flower is it’s radiant glow

giving praises to the Maker in singing flow...

through the breeze it has captured

and air of beauty sent....

of the wonders in nature as is God’s gift.

The heart of the stars, as it’s twinkling eyes show

is the miracle in number...only God can know.

A presence in love as a sign of His Wisdom

to the universe below, of all as they slumber

through the wonders of nature as is God’s gift.

The peace in the mountains as they cry out in JOY...

is the essence of stillness...it’s beauty galore.

Only by the Maker whose creation can be found

to be perfectly formed across each land He did bound

through the wonders of nature as is God’s gift.

The laughter of children as they playfully romp

through the fields and the flowers or the leaves to be stomped...

is the sound of the peace and the heart and the soul

of the beauty abound and joy He did unfold

through the wonders of nature as is God’s gift.

Terry

The Promise Fulfilled

2011-07-19T22:53:00.000-07:00

The Promise Fulfilled

Joshua 21:45

Not a word failed of any good thing which the Lord had spoken to the house of Israel. All came to pass!

Trust...Believe...Rest...Wait for His perfect timing!

The Israelites were brought out of slavery from Egypt and led on a journey through the wilderness...guided by the omnipresence of the Lord by day and by night. The Israelites believed they were being led to the promises of God...His chosen people, who were asked to follow, love and worship the Lord. But, most had a difficult time believing as day upon day led to what would be 40 years of wondering and how quickly those weary minded people would forget what was told to them and begin to complain!

God in His mercy continued to give...continued to lead...continued to love and protect. The promises made to them soon washed away in faded memory and many wanted to return to slavery where...at the very least...they had a ‘place of being!’

That place of being in Egypt was a security for them...a place of knowing where they would wake up and where they would work...a place of knowing the ‘why’s’ of their existence. After all...they would have to do nothing to make it through another day except live in slavery...live in bondage and serve a man who believed only in himself.

But God had more for them than that...a PROMISE...a promise of a better land flowing with milk and honey if they would only soldier on to the finish.

The waters parted ~ shoes never wore out ~ food came down from heaven ~ water flowed from rocks ~ a cloud by day and fire by night as the presence of the Lord was always with them.

All the people had to do was simply BELIEVE and FOLLOW and it would be done for them!

God’s promises are as real today as they were in the days of Moses ~ and His leading is as perfect today as it was in the time of the wilderness...just believe!

The wilderness is the leading and the growing...the place where we don’t have to settle with making it through another day of slavery. It’s the place of God’s journey for our lives and ~ when we continue to soldier on without complaint, but in faith as He gently guides us...then our waters WILL part and we will grab hold of that stone from the river waters to take to the other side as a beautiful reminder of how GREAT our God is and just how awesome the journey is as a child of the King!

Take hold of those promises as a life line and never forget!

Not one word failed of any good thing which the Lord had spoken to the house of Israel...All came to pass! Hallelujah!

Terry

2011-07-19T14:46:00.000-07:00

The River Waters....

ISA 43:2

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;

And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.

Have you ever noticed at times...when you feel most alone or insecure in life’s journey, that God uses that time to prepare you for something greater....to build your trust in Him, and grow your faith to unshakable faith? It is hard to see the lesson during times of uncertainty or what seems to be drought, but the teaching is used to place your total faith in Him as He gives you the eyes to see that...‘Yes’ He has carried you through... and will continue to carry you through each and every time.

He has plans for you and your journey in life, and has no intention of wasting one moment of any day as He gently leads you where He is taking you. Every single opportunity of life’s learning are there because He wanted you to arrive at the determined destination in His perfect timing... and knew what you needed to get you to that place.

One summer a few years ago, my family went on a rafting trip down a river. My youngest son fell out of his inner tube and got caught in the moving current. He wasn’t able to grab his tube fast enough to climb back in and began moving with the waters as the flow carried him along the river without his tube.

Just as quickly as the inner tube floated past me, I was able to grab the sides and pass the tube to my husband, who was then able to secure it while Davis climbed back in for safety...never missing a beat, and all was ok. It was at that time in our floating journey that Davis decided he wanted to stay near to his dad...connected by the ropes on the sides of the raft, and continue going down the river, knowing that he is being guided by his father and the two tubes were connected!

Suddenly, the ride along the river was a more secure ride for Davis...one in which he could just ‘rest’ and enjoy the excitement of riding the river currents knowing his dad was there with him to protect him from falling again.

That seems to be the way it is with God...taking us on a journey...sometimes we fall...at times we are not quite ready for the currents and so we need more guidance. Perhaps we need the rope to hold onto as a reminder of where God is leading us...but always He is there. He is holding onto us and guiding us through life’s learning. His leading, and the currents we are going through are gently moving us along to our determined destination through His river waters, in which He simply asks us to ‘rest’ and hold onto Him...though you pass through the waters...I will be with you, and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.

Terry

But if only one...

2011-07-15T15:42:00.000-07:00

Joel 2:17

Let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep between the porch and the altar...

The saints take a place at the pulpit...tears puddled on the resting porches from which they’ve made their prayerful plea...as passion brings life to the very Word of God placed deep into the places of their hearts. The message has been given to the ministers whose soul whispers... ‘but if only one - can hear you O Lord.’

It’s an amazing event to be in the presence of God through ministers in the faith whose hearts are open wide and from which life springs the very depth of their soul. You know those kinds of sermons that provide the way to the dreams of those in the pews...to move beyond sitting and listening - and into the crevices where God brings life. When the very Word spoken moves into the happening. The family’s brokenness...a community in need or one’s own heart desiring to find peace in a place of turmoil.

A passionate plea from the one desiring revelation of God’s way to give life and ...suddenly, the sermon speaks His voice - it moves you closer - and the door to opportunity becomes your door to go forward. You hear it opening, see the vision coming ever closer as He moves you near because your spirit has been shaken and God has made the way. Change is happening...a shift is taking place...light comes in!

Fear and doubt replaced by pure joy in the simplest form. The message given by the one whose tears were shed on the resting porches... for no one to see but God as he made his plea..‘but if only one - can hear you O Lord!’

Terry

India

2011-07-15T05:40:00.000-07:00

The Word of God is sweet!

2011-07-14T07:35:00.000-07:00

Ps: 119:103

How sweet are Your Words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

I was told once that I say the word ‘sweet’ a lot...then one day my eyes stopped at this verse and suddenly the reason I use the word so often seemed to settle so peacefully in my soul.

Yes, I do say the word ‘sweet’ a lot, and I guess you could say that I like sweet!

I enjoy sweet people...I am encouraged by genuine sweetness and I desire to be sweet. Besides the fact that I am a chocolate lover and always ask for a second fork when my husband orders a dessert at a restaurant.

I also happen to be a lover of the Word of God!

I looked up ‘sweet’ in the Webster’s Dictionary...

having a taste of, or like that of, sugar...agreeable in taste, smell, sound...gratifying, friendly and kind.

In the Strongest Exhaustive Concordance...

‘Sweet’ (Hebrew word malas) - to be smooth, pleasant, palatable, sweet

The Holman’s Bible Dictionary directs the word sweet to ‘Calamus’ which is an ingredient of Holy anointing oil. It is a good smelling spice made from an imported reed...also a fragrant cane or aromatic cane.

The Word of God is sweeter than honey to the mouth. What if everyone liked sweet just a little more...we would be more agreeable and gratifying and kind with one another...our words would be more pleasant and palatable and smooth as we speak them. Our fragrance would rise as the aromatic anointing oil...touching hearts never to be the same again as the Word of God is sweet to the taste....and when spoken goes down sweeter than honey! I desire to be thankful as I encounter the sweetness of God throughout my day!

I am glad I like ‘sweet’ and I think I will try to use it even more!

I encourage others to like sweet...

to have a desire to love more and to be more friendly...

to have a desire to speak more encouraging words...

a desire to be kinder...and more pleasant with others...

And, I think I will keep asking for those extra forks at restaurants when my husband orders his desserts!

Terry

A Visit To India

2011-07-12T06:02:00.000-07:00

July 10, 2011

I am traveling on a layover in India... and together with another flight attendant...we leave the hotel with bags in tow filled with items given to us by other crew members on our flight.

You see, last night as we were driving to the hotel, the bus we were traveling on came to a red light under a bridge and we saw many many children and parents walking aimlessly and some crying in hunger. My heart was breaking and I reached in my bag to give what I had to give through a window left open in the drivers seat...but knew they needed so much more.

Thankfully, others on our team were willing to help our cause...so this morning at breakfast...my flying friends and I all took 'advantage' (HUMMmm!!!) of the many, many items on the open breakfast bar available for consumption and loaded up some very large bags.

My friend and I met in the lobby and together with a backpack full of donated shoes and toys and many things to eat and drink, we prayed and started our walk towards that light under the bridge.

Thankfully...God was already answering prayer, as he sent the 'Tut-Tut' we were in need of (the electronic bicycle..with our English speaking driving friend)...over to us in the start of our walk. Our wonderful driver, who is very familiar with the American Airlines crew, took us exactly where we needed to go and as we approached these precious people in need we began handing out our things. There was milk for a baby, fruit for everyone, other food items and shoes and toys!

It doesn't take much to make them happy! We saw outstretched arms reaching for what was being given to them...unsure of what they were receiving, but grateful just the same. We received a blessing much larger than we were there to give as we began driving away from the people who needed so much....

Grateful hearts with heads bowing and arms giving thanks to God from these people, and my friend and I waving a heartfelt goodbye as we slowly pulled away...a witness to the sweet love of Jesus!

Terry