Ansley's Boyfriend

Ans,

Oscar started his first game for Chelsea on Wednesday. It was the first game of the Champions League and they were playing at home against Juventus.

They tied 2-2. Juventus tied it in the last few minutes. It was a great game.

Guess who scored BOTH goals for Chelsea? That's right. Your boyfriend.

His second goal was an absolute golaço! Maybe the best goal he's ever made.

Thought you might want to check it out.

Here you go:

Saw this on facebook yesterday.

We all understand this and I'm sure you thought of someone specifically when you looked at it.

I've always kind of felt that, as a Christian, I should be able to, well, for lack of a better term, "stomach" being around people like this.

As I read more about the life of Jesus I don't believe that's true.

I believe He calls us to love everyone but He also doesn't expect us to be floor mats to people, even Christians, who treat us poorly and abuse our kindness.

This picture reminded me of something I read recently from our brother Fenelon:

"What good is it to stay with a person to whom you could be of no use, when there are others whom you could help? Of course, if you have an obligation to this person out of friendship or relationship then you should stay. Otherwise, treat that person honorably and be on your way. You don't have to make things hard on yourself in the name of the cross. If there is someone you don't enjoy entertaining then don't do so unless you are called upon to do so."

Power in the name of Jesus

Yesterday was a wild weather day in Porto Alegre.

Pretty calm in the morning.

Then the afternoon rolled around and this rolled in with it:

I pulled all these off facebook from different people sharing as the storm was going on.

It was pretty nasty, loud and stormy for a few hours.

In the middle of the storm our old teammate, Sascha, called to talk and pray together.

As he was ending his prayer he prayed, "In the strong name of Jesus." As Jesus' name came out of my brothers mouth lightning lit up the sky and thunder clapped so loud it shook our apartment building. In a day of horrible storming it was the loudest clap of thunder of the day. It boomed.

When it happened I started to smile. I just knew in my heart God was giving me confirmation to His greatness and the power of His sons name.

When Sascha said amen I immediately told him what had happened. He had not been able to hear it because I was in a back part of our apartment next to a running dryer.

His response? "I love that! That is very cool." I could hear him smiling through the phone.

I love the technology of the Ooma phone that allows my brother to call me from his cell phone as he drives down the road in Texas. I love that the call rings straight to our house.

I love that even though we are 5,000 miles away this technology allows us to pray together any time we want. It reminded both of us of all of our prayer times together in Brasil.

I love Sascha's heart. I've known him for over 10 years and we've spent many hours together praying. He encourages me by his faith and how he believes with everything in his heart that God listens to our prayers. Not only listens but answers. We are close and one of the reasons is Sascha is transparent. I admit it's hard for me to want to be around fake people. I don't do well with Christians who "play church" and are content with being stagnant. Sascha is one of the most real brothers I know. He goofs up, he admits it and asks for forgiveness when needed. He is there when you need him. Every time. He pushes me to be more and more passionate about following Christ. He prays with a passion and expects God to answer. Sascha is a prayer warrior. 

Most of all I love how God showed His power yesterday through a phone call from the U.S. to Brasil. That at the exact moment my brother said the name of Jesus from 5,000 miles away, God opened up the sky to remind us that that is where the power is. Real power in the name of Jesus. Kind of a heavenly AMEN!!!

All we could do was praise His awesomeness!

Lots of very cool God things happened to us and to God's family yesterday here in POA that reminded us of His love for us and His power. Sascha's calling out in Jesus' name, and the way God spoke specifically to both of us through that, was kind of like the icing on the cake. Him reminding us that He listens, He cares, He answers and that the name of Jesus isn't something to just throw around.

"When the name of Jesus is spoken, everyone's knee will bow to worship Him. Every knee in heaven and on earth will bow to worship Him. Everyone's mouth will say that Jesus Christ is Lord. And God the Father will receive the glory."

Philippians 2:10-11

"Success is moving from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm."

Sir Winston Churchill 

Game Time Mom

Hey B and Ans,

We took some video of your mom at a recent game and caught her doing what she does best.

Check her out. We put an arrow on her but even without the arrow it should be pretty easy for you to spot her.


Sleeping during game : SOTON x MUTD por simaotvgolo12

4

Today is this little guy's birthday. 

You guys know the deal. Here we go:

Anderson: "You are AWESOME!! Dude, you love Cars 2. That's crazy. You have like all of them. Seriously. All of them from Cars 2. Not 1. Happy Birthday and I love you!!"

Carys: " You are the best Giovanni i love you so much and your so crazy and when im sad your always asking me why and trying to cheer me up i love you so much"

Garrett: "Happy bday squiggs!! I love you so much! You are so awesome!! I hope you had a great birthday and loved your presents!! I love you!

Ansley: "Vuvies, my cute sweet shmexy awesome funny silly happy great little BROTHER! I miss you so much! HAPPY BIRTHDAY! You are 4 now! What are you going to do today? Did you get any presents? I have a video for you but it isn't ready yet. I MISS YOU SO MUCH!! I will call you later! lOVE YOU!!! Love, ADWEE."

Bronwyn: "Vuvis!!! I can't believe that you're four... That makes me feel so old! Happy Birthday!! I know that you're going to have a really fun day today and have locha cool presents :) I can't wait to be home for Christmas and play Cars 2 with you! I love you!!!

Girlfriend: "Giovanni!  I love you so much.  Thank you for snuggling with me and letting me read you books and play with you.  Thank you for the hugs and kisses.  You are good and sweet and awesome!"

Me: "Quigs, you are a real blessing to us in ways that you don't even understand yet.  I love your personality. You are fun and funny and I love watching how you live day to day. Everyone loves you! I am very thankful that God blessed us with you! He was very gracious to our family!"