I just found this in my archives, and I had to share!

I went back and found this in draft-it's a glory story! I didn't want to post it at the time, because I didn't want anyone getting the impression we were in need, so I just put it in draft and waited. Now I dragged it out and dusted it off, because I love sharing how God provides!

Some time ago we took an trip to the states for a family matter, and on the way back we picked up 2,000 lbs. of beans someone had donated to the orphanage? We got a 60 lb box. Well, because of that, we will not lack beans for quite some time. We have used about 30 lbs of them so far. (Oh good heavens, it's not just us eating-I make them for potlucks too, and hand it out to some missionary friends we know who need them!) We have 30lbs left, which should last us a while.

Man does not live on beans alone though, does he? (For the curious, the digestive system gets used to it after a bit, and the emissions become less vitriolic.) Someone is giving the church tortillas for the orphanage. hundreds of them every week. They told us not to buy tortillas any more, but come and get them from the kitchen. They just recently reminded us, asking us to please help them get rid of all these tortillas. (Don't you know we try to be a blessing and help out any way we can!) They aren't those little thin tortillas we're used to, either. They are thick, with a strong corn flavor. YUM!

So now we have this nearly unlimited supply of beans and tortillas. This is basic Mexican fare. Millions of Mexicans eat this for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day. Together, they form a complete protein, and provide calcium as well. I know lots of people who grew up strong and healthy on this stuff. And we got it for free. Did you know the kids love it?

I love this thing!

My dear sweetie brought this thing home to me one day. It's not made of the strongest material, as you can see, it's been reinforced. It's made my life a lot easier. You know some missionary moms have to wash their clothes in the river. (Jungle Mom's post on this forever silenced my laundry whine. That's not the post, but you will see what I mean. I will never complain again!) I think this is cheating.

Can you stand one more?

This was heard in our house this morning:

"David, do not wipe your nose on the tortilla. David. David! Take the tortilla out of your nose!"

Help! I'm in over my head!

Psalms 61:2-4 "From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. (3) For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. (4) I will abide in thy tabernacle forever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah."

When Peter stepped out on faith into the middle of the Sea of Galilee during a raging storm, he quickly began to feel his own inadequacies as a person in control of what he was doing. I believe every Christian comes to a point some time, if they've been obedient, when they realize they are in over their head, out of their depth, in the middle of a raging storm. In other words, without outside intervention-powerful intervention `-the situation is hopeless.

While God promises to provide a way of escape so that our temptation to sin in trials will not be greater than we can bear, He doesn't say that we won't face situations that are greater than we are, greater than our strength can handle. Instead of relying on our own strength though, He wants us to rest in Him, and bear us up over those mighty waves in the power and control of Christ, so that when we are on the other side of the trial, we can say, "Wow! See what God has done!"

Jesus did not have to carry Peter back to the boat. Peter, in his moment of weakness (Don't we all have 'em?) knew exactly what to do, and he cried, "Lord, help!" Jesus was right there, just as He always is when we start to sink in our temptation or trial. Peter got to walk with Jesus on the water back to the ship. What an experience that must have been!

Sometimes when I am tempted, I do get scared because I see my own personal strength is no match for my situation. Isn't that silly? I could never do it on my own in the first place! And even if I could find some success in my own power, I would steal all the glory for it. It's so much better when Jesus can do it through me, and when He can be glorified at the end of it!

Something else I never expected to say...

You know, David, your hamburger does not belong in my shoe.

Conversation

Me: Would you like more toast, Elisabeth?

Elisabeth: No, thank you. Just some syrup, please.

Me: Would you like your syrup in a glass?

Elisabeth:Yes! (Note of excitement creeping into her voice)

Me: I'm sorry, but I'm not serving syrup that way today. Would you like anything else?

Elisabeth: May I have some candy?

Me: No candy for breakfast; would you like something else?

Elisabeth: I would like some toast!

Hey it was worth a try!

Oh, Beautiful Motherous Queen! (blink blink)

Oh, I don't know for sure, but I have a feeling that someone is trying to butter me up.

Hey, I like butter!

Gethsemane

This poem was in the Baptist Voice, a newspaper put out by WCBC. I cut it out and put it next to my desk.

Gethsemane
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox


In golden youth when seems the earth
a summer-land of singing mirth,
When souls are glad and hearts are light,
And not a shadow lurks in sight,
We do not know it, but there lies
Somewhere veiled under evening skies
A garden which we all must see--
The garden of Gethsemane.

With joyous steps we go our ways.
Love lends a halo to our days;
Light sorrows sail like clouds afar.
We laugh, and say how strong we are.
We hurry on; and hurrying, go
Close to the border-land of woe,
That waits for you, and waits for me--
Forever waits Gethsemane.

Down shadowy lanes, across strange streams
Bridged over by our broken dreams;
Beyond the misty caps of years,
Beyond the great salt fount of tears,
The garden lies. Strive as you may,
You cannot miss it in your way.
All paths that have been, or shall be,
Pass somewhere through Gethsemane.

All those who journey, soon or late,
Must pass within the garden's gate;
Must kneel alone in darkness there,
And battle with some fierce despair.
God pity those who cannot say,
"Not mine but Thine," who only pray,
"Let this cup pass," and cannot see
The purpose of Gethsemane.

Couple's Retreat!

We went to a couple's retreat out in Rosarito a few weeks ago. True to my usual way of doing things (or not doing things) I have only just now gotten around to posting pictures. However, we throughly enjoyed it! The place was beautiful, the food was delicious, the preaching was fabulous, and I had the best companion. Here are some pictures.