Wednesday, February 25, 2009
The Lie....
Monday, February 23, 2009
As promised.....
Friday, February 20, 2009
Breakfast woes....
I just have to share a early morning idea I had. It's a bit vain (well maybe not just a bit)! But humor me this morning! As most of you know I'm 'trying' to be a healthier new me. Praise God I have lost over 25 lbs. this year and I'm working semi hard to keep it off! Two and a half weeks of nothing but carbs (rice and more rice) didn't help things but I'm back at it again! So this morning I popped my 1.5 gram of fat, 50 calorie, no taste bagel in the toaster and headed to the fridge for my no fat, no calorie, no trans fat, no taste butter. When of all things my bagel got stuck in my 1980's green & silver toaster. Just so you know I'm not normally a breakfast person- I usually am to anxious to get out of the house of the mornings to start my day (plus I'm usually running late) so breakfast is not on my radar- coffee yes- food no! I've been told that eating breakfast helps boost your metabolism- so I'm trying!
Now back to my bagel problem. Here I am trying to fish out my bagel which is stuck so badly in my toaster- by the time I got it out my butter wouldn't melt on it because it was at this point cold. I considered putting in back in the toaster to warm it but it was so mangled from the fishing expedition that by this point I gave up. After one bite I had to chew so long my jaws hurt (and you thought that was because I talk too much!) I knew the microwave was NOT an option! Well in the midst of all this I had what I believe is a BRILLIANT idea!
You see, I was thinking, if I had one of those new fangled (is that a word?) toasters that was made for those no taste bagels I would not have had this problem. The mornings would be a lot less stressful and maybe just maybe I could get a hot bagel and my no taste butter would actually dissolve. The toaster I now own has been around for well over 15 years when Chad and I got married. It was Chad's before we married and I have no idea really how old the thing is. Do they even make appliances that last that long today? You would have thought we would have gotten a new toaster as a wedding present- but we didn't! Really, I don't hold a grudge. We did however have several WONDERFUL bridal showers which helped us tremendously to get our home started! We got all manner of sheets, towels, dishes, and kitchen appliances. It was such a blessing! There was no way in this world we could have afforded to start a home if it had not been for the generosity of so many people. So in the most vain way possible (please forgive me here) I was thinking how awesome it would be to have a 'MIDLIFE SHOWER'! You know where you could be gifted with all manner of up to date appliances like a toaster that will hold a bagel!! I'm figuring after 15 years of marriage all those wedding gifts have worn out. And 15 years this day and age is a real achievement that deserves to be celebrated!
I must tell you I despise buying this like toasters. And, Chad promised me early on that never in our marriage would he purchase a home item like appliances, sheets, towels, cleaning supplies for an occasion in our life like- anniversary's, birthdays, Valentines day or Christmas. And, to this day- he has kept his promise! I have to share with you that this man of mine is the most sentimental man I have ever met! He gets into cards, flowers, and gifts like nobodies business! He treats me far better than I have ever deserved. You know- he's one of those rare finds that thinks his gifts through. He may not lavish me with an expensive gift but you better believe that he has put long hard hours into thinking about the sweetest most memorable gift he can give.
Okay- back to the topic at hand. Could any of you out there use a 'MIDLIFE Shower'?
Now- to be serious! I called my sweet husband on the way to work to share with him my breakfast woes and what I thought was a brilliant idea only to have him bring me down a few notches. His words to me were "Lori, just think of the many people in the world who had nothing to eat for breakfast this morning." Of all the NERVE! ha! Can you believe he would say such a thing to me??? Just kidding! He was completely correct. Not only is my man a thoughtful man- he is the one person that keeps me on the straight and narrow. He holds nothing back when it comes to helping me become the woman God wants me to be. I'm so lucky girls! So blessed. Although I was just poking fun over my bagel- Chad was right on. So often we spend time (me included) focused on so many petty issues in the big scheme of the Kingdom of God that I bet God just wants to pick us up and give us a good shake back into reality!
I just had the privilege of spending 2 1/2 weeks in India and as we drove through the country it was not uncommon to see women digging through trash in hopes of finding something to eat. Nor was it uncommon to see women, men and children begging for money to eat. Beloved, we are so blessed to be born in America.
I asked God over and over on this trip-why did you choose me to be so blessed? I could have just as easily been born in India or Africa or any other third world country who has people dying daily of starvation. But he didn't. He had a plan for me and I believe part of that plan was to see first hand the depth and breath of the needs that you and I should work to meet. And in small ways we are. Like supporting 30 orphan children a month. These children would be eating from the trash in the streets and some were before they were brought into the orphanage. But there is more to be done. Please pray about ways you can help support these 30 children and the many more that David would like to bring into the orphanage. He needs more funding to bring more children in. I saw the KINGDOM INVESTMENT being made in the lives of these orphan children in India. They will be forever seared to my heart. I cry just knowing they are mine- but more importantly- they are HIS.
God be praised today for HIS merciful provisions in our life! Thank you girls for allowing me to be silly with you and intense all in the same post! You are the best!
Lori
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Just a note...
I have just a few minutes but I just wanted to share with you how blessed I feel today! I just stepped into our Thursday morning Ladies Study to say Hello and give the gals a few updates on what will be happening in Women's Ministry here at Harrison over the next several months. I just love Thursday's group! They are so committed to their group! And, they are so unique--most all of them are old enough to be my mother and all of them have been followers of Jesus much longer than I have but this sweet group embraced this younger, greener Christ follower and 'wanna be' leader as if I knew something they didn't! I laugh just thinking about it! Every single one of them could teach me a thing or two but instead they allowed me the privilege to 'attempt' to teach them. I sit here today just thinking of all the things they taught me. I've learned so much through them- one thing in particular is a long obedience in the same direction!
The other thing that just blessed me so by this sweet group today is their new leader. I have officially handed over the reigns (as if I ever had a hold of them!) to Shirley Crowe. She had it in her all along to be the leader of this group! And, God be Praised, she is a wonderful small group leader- and her group just LOVES her! I'm so thrilled! I can't tell you how I love to see God working in and through people! It just sends me to my knees every time!
What I've seen through Women's Ministry at Harrison is that sometimes leaders have to get out of the way so that other's can develop and use their gifts. Had I continued to lead this Thursday group Shirley may have never stepped up or gotten the opportunity to use her God given talents because you know who (little old me) was in the way!
I truly believe that God has gifted many of the women at Harrison to be leaders in many areas of service to our Lord. I've seen many of you step up and out of your comfort zones to try new things and reach new heights in your walk with and service to Jesus. I consider myself so lucky to have been a small part in the ripple effect your lives are having inside and outside the church!
Just know today- I'm one blessed lover of Jesus and a huge chunk of that has to do with each and every one of you ladies!
Love to all,
Lori
Friday, February 13, 2009
Jet lagged....
Even though I'm so tired I could cry- I just want to tell you how very much I love Jesus. He is everything! So worthy of all our Praise- and even more worthy of our whole lives! Nothing held back. I'm ever thankful that God is still at work today. He is in control. He is a miracle worker. He is mighty to save. He is freedom, life, salvation, a help in troubled times, our refuge, and our Redeemer. Everything.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
We're Back....
Our India Mission Team arrived home Tuesday night at around 5:45 p.m. We left India on Sunday (US time). It has been a long but wonderful journey. We are so thankful for the many prayers lifted to the Lord on our behalf. Our trip went so well. We know that the reason everything went so smoothly was because of prayer. We can't thank you enough!
My mind is still reeling from the profound experience of India and not just my mind- but my body as well. My internal clock is still on Indian time. I couldn't hold my eyes open passed 7:00 p.m. last night and I was awake at 3:00 a.m.-I finally got up and started another load of laundry by 4:00 a.m. then went back to bed and then by 5:00 a.m I just couldn't lay in bed any longer so I got up and was in the office before 7:00 a.m. this morning!
I am working on downloading all of our pictures and I hope to post some soon for you to look at. So, hang in there with me for awhile! We plan on sharing with the church on Wednesday, March 4th the details and pictures from the trip so mark your calendar and plan on joining us!
Thank you again from the bottom of my heart for all the prayers and support! We couldn't have done it without your help and the help of our families! We are so blessed!
Love to all,
Lori
Monday, February 9, 2009
Leaving Today
Sorry it has been a couple of days since our last post. We have been up early and back to the motel late & have not been able to write.
We finished up teaching the Bible School students this week. They were so sweet. All of them are very eager to learn. They sing & worship like a choir of 200 and there are only 13 of them. They so blessed us. Teaching them was one of the many highlights of our trip. I shared with them on Friday about a special friend of ours in the U.S. who made me a special gift before we left home. I passed the gift around for all of them to see. They then prayed for my friend, Dayton. They are so passionate in their prayers. They told us they would pray for Dayton daily. It was such a special moment for all of us. And, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt- they will pray daily as they promised!!! They arise every morning at 5:30 for prayer and devotions. They fast once or twice a week and pray. They are a very special group of Godly young men.
We had several evening worship services in churches all over most of them were at least an hour away from where we were staying. Each service had at least 175 people in them. Every building that we preached in was packed and people were standing outside around the doorways and windows to listen in and participate. They carried on with worship just as if they were sitting inside with us. Chad & Brenda C. preached and did an awesome job! Abraham preached as well. After most every service we would have people come forward for prayer. We had some amazing moments during this time. One evening there was a young girl who was disformed. She was so beautiful yet one leg was way to small and her arm & shoulder was bent all out of shape. She couldn't walk. We prayed for her. What was so sad was knowing in the US she could get help.
Saturday we got to go to a tiger reserve for a boat ride. We saw elephants, birds, deer and wild boar. It was a fun time. All the Bible School boys went with us and it was the first time they had ever gone. Stephen, the Dean of the School, told us they have been asking for along time to go- he said he told them to keep praying- and they did! And, their prayers were answered. It was a great day!
After the boat ride Valsa took us shopping near the hotel to finish up a few gift items for our families.
Sunday we had another church dedication service. We were met at the end of the road where the church was by the congregation. They had garlands & bouquets of flowers for each of us. They played music and sang as we all walked together up a long hill to the church. What a wonderful time we had! Brenda Allen dedicated the church. It was a building donated by her home church, Fly Branch Christian. They have about 80 members there & have built several church buildings & parsonages over the years here.
Sunday afternoon was also fun. Abraham and Valsa took us on an elephant ride. I was personally the big chicken in the group! They put me in the middle of Chad & Brenda C. We talked about how we would have never imagined in a million years that we would travel to India in our lifetime to preach, teach and ride an elephant! God is so good! We enjoyed the ride so much.
Valsa cooked dinner for us 2 nights in a row and it was AWESOME! We have fell in love with Indian bread! So she made some special for us both times.
This morning we went to the Center to tell the Bible School students goodbye. It was a sweet but sad time. They had many wonderful things to say to us and we had many to say to them. We took pictures together and said our goodbyes.
Now we are finishing up checking out of the motel, having lunch and will be picked up by Abraham soon. We will drive 4 hours to the airport where we will leave at 9 pm Indian time and fly to Chennai. From there we leave at 2 am Indian time for Paris. We will be back Tuesday evening in the US. Please pray for our safe travel.
We love and miss you all!
Lori
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Thursday
Good afternoon to all! Or should I say- Happy Sleeping? It is 4:15 a.m. in the U.S. but its 3:45 p.m. here in India ( or at least I think it is! I've had a hard time figuring out what time it is!!!)
Our India team is doing well! We just had our 300th serving of rice for lunch. No joke- we've had rice about every day for every meal except breakfast and that has been toast & eggs everyday! Needless to say we all want a salad, or a hamburger-- anything but rice!! But, God be Praised!! I shouldn't complain about what we are eating- many people here are lucky to get a serving of rice a day. We are so humbled. Being here makes you realize how petty your complaints and problems are. I've realized my own selfishness and pettiness. I have a profound new perspective on what is really important. I wish each of you were here with me. There are things we have seen and done that just drives you to your knees in thanks to our Almighty God. He has been so good to us- and not just me- you too. Take some time today to sit in Awe of all the many blessings he has given you. God is good- all the time- and all the time- God is good!!
Our team is all well and safe. We feel your prayers and know that we have had an amazing hedge of protection around us this whole trip! Yesterday, Valsa took us shopping. We drove about 2 hours or so into another town and went to a particular store then we had a nice lunch and headed back over the mountains- through the tea, rubber, sugarcane, and coconut plantations. What a view! The word 'beautiful' doese'nt even come close! We were so high up in the mountains- It was scary at times. The roads here are very narrow and you go over switchback after switchback....or one curve after another. Indian roads give 'S' a new name. Dramamine has become Tracy & Daisy's new best friend! No joke! They have eaten it like candy! And, Praise God- it has worked & they haven't gotten car sick! The rest of us haven't experienced any naseau from the driving. Fear- but not naseau.
We enjoyed the day with Valsa very much. We went to dinner last night- with just our team. We've had so much fun together. Everyone has been great! They all have been such a blessing.
This morning we spent several hours teaching the Bible school students- all 13 of them and their teachers. They are an amazing group of young men. Today they told us of some of the obstacles they had already faced in the churches they have served in. This blew our minds!! Many of them had already faced beatings and persecution from Hindu Extremists. They have faced things you and I could never imagine. They have seen many miracles too. They told us of a Hindu temple that was beside their church. When they would have services the Hindu temple would start playing music on loud speakers so they could not conduct their worship services. So they decided to fast and pray. After this they went to the homes of those who worshipped in the temple and prayed for them. One family had a daughter who was blind. They began to pray for her and over time & as they kept coming and praying- God healed her. Now, many of those families have converted to Christianity because of the miracle God did for this little girl.
Tonight we will be preaching at a church an hour or so away from where we are. So, please pray for us tonight. Brenda Colonnell is preaching. Please pray for her energy level. She hasn't slept well in several days--- there is way too much noise at night here & it is hard to sleep. Other than that she is great! She has been the courageous one where food has been concerned. She has tried things that you couldn't pay me to eat!! Again, our team has been so great! We have gotten along so wonderfully together!
We can't thank you enough for your prayers! We have a lot of work to finish in the next few days before we leave-- so keep praying!
We love and miss you all,
Lori
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Update
I hope by now you have figured out that I don't have time to spell check or recheck what I am posting- so forgive me but that is just the way it goes!
We are all well here in India and are in AWE of God and HIS work! Let me breifly catch you up on the past few days:
- We had a Women's Conference on Saturday with over 400 ladies present! God be Praised! We all taught and the ladies seemed to soak in every word! We had a bit of a fiasco when we handed out the lotions after the meeting. We will have to explain everything once we get home. But it all worked out fine. The fiasco taught us what can happen when people have nothing. And, most of the people we have ministered too have very little or nothing at all in life but Jesus himself.
- We traveled all day Sunday to 2 different churches and dedicated them in the Name of the Lord Jesus Chirst for His Glory and work. For those of you who attend Harrison Christian Church there is no way to explain what these builidings meant to the pople here. I can't express in words the gratitiude offered to us because of your hard work and giving. This was a treasured moment for all of us here. We can't wait to show you the pictures and tell the stories of these dedications. We had many come to us for prayer after the services. It was overwhelming- the needs that they each have. We laid hands on them and blessed them & lifted up what needs we could determine they had. One in paticular was a 15 year old girl whose mother had died and her father had ran off and left her. She was all alone in the world. I wept over her as I prayed. I can't tell you how often the needs of the people have been so great that our hearts have felt as if they were going to break into. Such pain yet such happiness in Jesus.
- Monday we spent the whole day teaching the Bible School Students. 13 Boys ages 16 and up who are training to be pastors. It was a wonderful day. The boys are so sweet and egar to learn. That evening we drove to one of Abraham's first churches where we had a preaching service. The church was in the middle of a tea plantation. It was a beautiful setting. It was a great service & Chad and Abraham preached their hearts out!
- Today we spent the day with over 100 pastors (I think that is a good number). We taught on Jesus model of Servant-Leadership! It was a wonderful meeting. The men sang so loud and with such passion It made our hair stand up!
- Tonight we are taking Valsa out to eat & we have a free evening to rest. Our minds can use a break!
I haven't told you much about our time with David Raju and the orphans. I will have to wait until we have more time. There is so much to tell & so little time! But I promise we will write as we can!
Thank you all for your prayers! We can feel them!
Love to all,
Lori