God's Blessings

I cannot tell you why we did not leave for Ireland on our intended date, put I do know our steps are ordered by the Lord. As my dear friend Trina says, if our steps are ordered by the Lord then our stops are too. I do know that our stop has enabled several blessings.

Some more blessings from this week, are that we got to travel to Parris Island to see my brother-in-law, Claude graduate from Marine boot camp and is now a Marine. I am so proud of him. He had every opportunity to make bad choices in his life and yet he chose one of honor, an answer to prayer.

We also got to participate in the Love Loud project at our church. In this project our Sunday School Class (Davis) went to the Little River Mobile Home Park and had a yard sale to the people of the park (free sale), while there they had the opportunity to get lunch, have free hair cuts, face painting, a puppet show, pick up school supplies, music from Seth Condrey in Spanish, clowns for the kids, and a Spanish presentation of the gospel. The thing is we went to help them, and to my embarrassment, I came with preconceived judgment and expectations. It was there that while talking with the people there I realized they only took what they needed, and probably not enough. They were not taking the food that we had for them to take home, but realized if I handed it out they would take it. While handing out the bread I felt God talking to my heart reminding me that we are not there just to hand out bread but to be the hand of God, and through that love giving the bread of life. I teared up overwhelmed that
God would allow me to do that even when I came with a dark heart, He still chose to use me, and in the process changed my heart. There are many other blessings but I am just thankful to have God work in my heart.

The song playing when you log on is my favorite song to listen to in the morning when I wake up. I cannot live on yesterday's close walk with God. That was yesterday. Today I need him, and if I do not seek Him, I fail to grow and stay at the same spot of spiritual growth. In my devotions, God showed me that those who succeeded at being close to the Lord and therefore successful in following Him were those that set their minds to seek Him.

Today we celebrated our son's 6th birthday. He is such a blessing. Yesterday was his birthday, and we gave him some cheap but fun gifts yesterday just so he would get something on his birthday, and give him his main gift today at his party. Would you believed he loved those gifts? Never once complained, never once expressed disappointment that he wanted anything else, and was so excited to get them. He also astounded me at the mobile home park when we went to work with the families there. I thought he would just run around and play. He asked how he could help. He wanted to help sort the toys (did not ask for one on his birthday), he wanted to help blow up balloons and even asked how else he could help. It is only by the grace of God to have a son so thoughtful. It is not after his mama because I tend to naturally think of only myself and how to protect what I have. God is slowly showing me how to live with my hands open and not closed. Like our pastor says, He cannot bless us if we are not living with our hands open to give back to Him what He so graciously gave to us, if our hands are closed grasping onto our blessings and not trusting Him with them.

Someone came by the house today and is interested in leasing based on the terms we set forth. If all goes well then we should be out by the end of the week. I pray that if this is God's will He will allow it to happen and if it is not, that the door will slam shut. Thank you for your prayers.

I called to tell my best friend the good news but burst out crying as the phone was ringing. I don't think I will ever be ready to say goodbye.

I know this is all a lot of news and jumping from subject to subject but there is a lot going on right now. A lot of great stuff that only God could do and opportunities that only He could create.

Lots Going On.-Matthew Miller-Love Loud.

Well it has been a busy past two weeks. I have not been going to bed before midnight-which is late for me. I prefer 9 hours sleep. HA! I really just find it hard getting organized and keeping the house and family running. I know that this is just a different time in our lives. It is not a normal season, but we have been living in this season of transition in our lives for so long it is starting to feel like normal.

I have to admit I have been indulging in some Barbara time and reading a book that a friend gave me a year ago. Why did I wait so long to read it? It is Wild Heatherby Catherine Palmer. The first two chapters were a little dry but after that I could not put it down. I even locked myself in the bathroom for 10 minutes of uninterrupted reading-a mommy trick that I hear is very common.

The biggest news that happened is that Griffin prayed with Ludie. On September 28th, 2008 Griffin. I really feel that God has used his memory verses from the SPARKS program at church to work on his heart. On is James 2:10 "For whoever shall keep the whole law, And yet stumble in one point, He is guilty of all." Another big verse God has used in his life is Acts 16:31 "Believe on the Lord, Jesus Christ, and you will be saved." He believes on the Lord Jesus (not just in-even the demons believe in Him, but on is to trust in Him) and repented (turned from wanting to do as he pleases and surrendering to do what God wants him to-turning away from sin and to God). Ludie got to baptize him. I don't think there is anything more precious than seeing your children saved. It is something I have wanted for him for so long, but I cannot do it for him. It is a work God must do in his heart and he choses to accept it or not.

We are waiting for our house to sell or lease. If you know of anyone interested in either please send them our way! Click on the link to the right to view our house. I have to admit, since we neutralized the walls it has taken our own personal touch out. I have had the overwhelming urge to decorate and create a home. God has had to redefine my definition of making a home. I have had to go from a house that looks like a Southern Living Magazine to one that is filled with love and laughter. I knew that before but there is a difference of a conception and carrying that out when you are in a setting that you would not normally be. Does that make sense or am I just rambling since it is after 10pm?

I cannot tell you why we are still here. Only God can answer that. I know beyond a doubt that we are called to Ireland, but only God knows the timing and why. He has been gracious to show us benefits and give us blessings of being here as well as remove some dross too.

One blessing is extra time to be with our wonderful family and friends. We got to spend a couple days with my 91 year old grandmother. What a treasure! To talk to a godly woman. Find out what her wishes for future generations are, what her favorite Bible verse is, her views on life and to hear her wisdom. I am so grateful for a husband that asks her such wonderful questions when I was paralyzed with the thought that this may be the last chance I get to see her this side of heaven since we are planning on God answering our prayers about leaving for Ireland soon. She is in great health, but she is also 91 (92 on Nov 15th). It was so amazing that I know God really did bless that time.

Another blessing is that it has been a blessing to be a blessing. I say this only because there is no good in me. The only good in me is that which comes from God. Recently a friend that has grown dear to me has lost one of her precious twins. We have had 5 miscarriages but none to term. Each person's road is different but I cannot imagine going through what this family has gone through. It is amazing to see God's grace at work in the good but even moreso in the hard. A dear lady I admire, a widow and mother of 8 once said, "God is good, even when we don't understand what good is." Due to the sustaining hand of God and ability to heal and restore my heart through the our children going to be with the Lord, God has given me a heart to reach out to women that are hurting through the grief of the loss of their children. This past week we have been approved to establish a Matthew Miller fund. Below is part of a proposal that was approved by our church to reach out to hurting moms in the church and in the community.

God’s word says in Isaiah 61 (Jesus’ mission statement):
“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, Because the LORD has anointed Me, To preach good tidings to the poor; H has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, …To comfort all who mourn …To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.”

In our church/community playground there is a bench facing the cross on the worship center with plaques to show that this bench is dedicated to the glory of God, a place to honor the healing of our hearts as moms that have lost children through the healing touch of Jesus Christ. We are now going to plant perennials around the bench to give it some small privacy and also be a beautiful reflection place.

The Matthew Miller Fund (in honor of John and Andrea Miller's son) is being established through the MomCare ministry of our church to have bricks engraved with the names of babies and the dates they were born into the presence of their Savior.
This could also lead the women that are going through a grieving process to the opportunity to be loved on by the MomCare ladies.

We have also been approved to write a devotional regarding Gods healing through such circumstances. These would be available to anyone in the church to give to anyone that is going through a time such as this in their life in the church or in the community.

The bench would be an outreach to the community. We could work through the Sunday School classes to let their neighborhoods know that the bench is at the church playground, and have this as an outreach to the community.

Therefore...anyone interested in writing a devotion and emailing it to me I would appreciate it. Or if you would like to donate money to the Matthew Miller Fund to have a reserve for bricks, just make your check payable to the church and then ear mark it Matthew Miller Fund and put it in the offering plate. Any Home Depot gift certificates or Pikes gift certificates would be welcome. I don't think it will cost over $100 to plant around the bench.

Happy Birthday and Praise the Lord!

Happy Birthday to my wonderful husband. I think the older he gets the more attractive he gets. (as I seem to have to use more moisturizer everyday) :) I just love birthdays. We usually don't have a birth-day but a birth-month in our house. what is so neat is that Griffin, our son is more excited than I am about making this special for him. We are making a triple layer German Chocolate Cake, and painted the back sliding glass doors. Woo hoo!

Praise the Lord that we are fully supported to go to Ireland! All we are waiting on is our house to sell, or lease. For a virtual tour click on the link to the right. Thank you to all of you that have made this possible. We are pratically packed and just waiting to go. Your prayers for the house to sell or lease would be appreciated, as our health insurance coverage runs out the end of September.

What is your pirate name?

I am Dirty Morgan Flint. Apparently when I am out to sea too long I have brought my perfume with me to cover the smell before I am thrown overboard. The rest of the story: Like the rock flint, you're hard and sharp. But, also like flint, you're easily chipped, and sparky. Arr! Griffin is the fighting pirate: "Bloody William Flint". Apparently he takes after his mama.

To find your pirate name click on the following link. Pirate Quiz. If your computer will not allow you to do that, to to piratequiz.com

Little Moments

My favorite thing to do is hang out with my husband in the evenings, drink coffee and act silly. Love you Hon.

The Next Step

I am a planner by nature. As soon as I learned to write I remember making lists and finding comfort in them . Lists have served me well over the years. Being a planner I also like to set goals and timelines. When I was in college I remember buying a florescent pink poster board that I wrote my life goals and timeline. This was during my decision making process in trying to decide whether I should go on to Vet School or get a Masters in Nutrition (Swine Nutrition). Mind you, I am from NC and pigs are the #1 agricultural income in livestock. That is another story on it's own, a smelly one.

On that timeline I had written when I planned to get my MS, my PhD, get married and when kid #1 and kid #2 would come. I look back and thank God that my life did not occur as I had planned it. I did complete my masters in Swine Nutrition, and got married to the love of my life during the middle of completing my degree, but the rest did not go as planned and I thank God for that.

Through God's plan, He has taught me that I should seek Him first (when I do not seek Him first is when things get messed up). The path He leads me on is not always easy. It has been full of many trials and heartache, but through those paths He has taught me several things. Some of which are: God is good, no matter what my understanding of good is (quoted from Lori Apon, taught to me by God). Never question in the dark, what I've learned in the light (quoted by Johnny Hunt, taught to me by God). Jesus came to heal the brokenhearted-literal meaning crushed into pieces (quoted by God in the book of Isaiah, taught to me by God), His word is completely real and true, every word of it and therefore I can rely fully on His promises (taught by God in the Bible and through life experiences), He is Who He says He is. Any security I have other than that in God is only perception and not real. God is the one in control, He is the good and allows the bad in order to teach us, draw us closer or to teach others through our trials. He is my Rock and Fortress.

Right now, we are getting a lot of questions: "Why are you still here?", "I thought you were supposed to be in Ireland", "What are you going to do when you get back?". My answer is, "We are waiting on God". If He showed me the map and timeline, I would trust those and not Him. Right now, we are to wait until He sells the house, unless He leads otherwise. Right now we are to do what He called us to do in Ireland. After that, I am sure He will show us. He always has before. I would be stupid after all this time to make plans of my own, just to know that it is His path that is the right way to go and will usually be different from mine. The cool thing is, I know that He cares about my desires and wants, and He is precious to throw those in to His plan in better ways I could have ever imagined.

Example: When I was a little girl I would dress up like Lottie Moon. I also loved to go on the back deck and I would preach to the trees, tell them about Jesus. I would witness to my neighbor that was not a Christian. If you asked me at that time, any place in the world I wanted to go if I could, my answer would be Ireland. I have always had a love of learning about international cultures and missions. As a teenager and college student I allowed outside factors to effect my walk with Jesus. I soon found myself with goals and lists that would offer security, and what the world showed as success and safety. Yes, I still kept God in the mix, but I was the author of my destiny, He was just the paramedic that came when I needed help and then I sent Him away again. Shameful of bad decisions I had made in my life I put away those childish dreams that I did not feel that I was fit to serve God in such a capacity, and pursued goals that I felt brought me security. Slowly, God wooed me back to Him. He taught me about His character, His love. He has healed my broken heart. He has taken away my shame. He has called me back to my first love Him and included the dreams I had as a child that I had forgotten and did not remember until He had put me in the middle of this journey.

So now we are on a path. A dot-to-dot journey (for my homeschool moms), where God is illuminating one step at a time. We are living day by day and finding rest in it. Not a list, not a map but a candlelight. He has taught me enough that I thank God for what I cannot see ahead, and I am excited about the journey I am on. I do not understand joy. It is a hard concept for me. I understand happy, but my prayer two months ago is for God to teach me joy. And now I am finding joy in the moment.

My blessed friend Trina (from the Phillipines but living in the US) called me to tell me that, just like the apostle Paul we are being detained. God knows what is best. He orders our steps and orders our stops. My job now is to enjoy being here with my friends and family, and not worry about the next step. God has called us and He will send us to Ireland in His timing. So since He has called us, He is in charge of when we go and when we stop.

Thank you God for the journey and the light. Psalm 119:105 "Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path". Help us to see clearly, give us wisdom (James 1:5) and not step to the right or to the left but run with endurance the race (Hebrews 11&12) until the end. May it be said in the end: By faith Ludie and Barbara....(like in Hebrews 11), and may we hear our Savior say: "Well done my good and faithful servant). When all is stripped away, Jesus is the only one that matters.

Here We Are

We are getting closer and closer to being able to move to Ireland. The only thing we are waiting on is the sale of our home. To view a video/glide tour of our home click on the link to the right.
A lot of people have been asking how you can help us.

Here are some ways you can help:
1. Buy our home. :)
2. Pray for the sale of our home.
3. Forward the link on the right to everyone in your address book with a note about who we are and why we are trying to sell our house, to give a personal connection, vs. just another forwarded email.

Please contact us at blcActs420@gmail.com for more information.

Thank you thank you thank you for your prayers and all your support. God has answered. We are now 99% funded and on our way, as soon as the house sells.