B,
You asked to go old school. Here is your first one. Enjoy.
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Coolest Video EVER!
Girls/Stephen/Michael/Jenna,
Anderson said this was the coolest video EVER. (Tanya, you have moved way up on his cool list for sharing this with us! Don't worry though, I'll have a talk with him to tell him the truth about your coolness.)
I have to admit it's pretty cool and should get you ready for the Cup.
Sunday, April 27, 2014
I MAKE THE OPPORTUNITIES
Never doubt. Have no fear. Watch the faintest tremor of fear, and stop all work, everything, and rest before Me until you are joyful and strong again.
Deal in the same way with all tired feelings. I was weary too, when on Earth, and I separated Myself from My disciples, and sat and rested on the well. Rested---and then it was that the Samaritan woman was helped.
I had to teach renewal of Sprit---force rest of body to My disciples. I had to teach them that ceaseless activity was no part of My Father's plan.
When Paul said, "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me," he did not mean that he was to do all things and then rely on Me to find strength. He meant that for all I told him to do he could rely on My supplying the strength.
My Work in the world has been hindered by work, work, work. Many a tireless, nervous body has driven a spirit. The spirit should be the master always, and just simply and naturally use the body as need should arise. Rest in Me.
Do not seek to work for Me. Never make opportunities. Live with Me and for Me. I do the work and I make the opportunities.
From God Calling by A. J. Russell
Deal in the same way with all tired feelings. I was weary too, when on Earth, and I separated Myself from My disciples, and sat and rested on the well. Rested---and then it was that the Samaritan woman was helped.
I had to teach renewal of Sprit---force rest of body to My disciples. I had to teach them that ceaseless activity was no part of My Father's plan.
When Paul said, "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me," he did not mean that he was to do all things and then rely on Me to find strength. He meant that for all I told him to do he could rely on My supplying the strength.
My Work in the world has been hindered by work, work, work. Many a tireless, nervous body has driven a spirit. The spirit should be the master always, and just simply and naturally use the body as need should arise. Rest in Me.
Do not seek to work for Me. Never make opportunities. Live with Me and for Me. I do the work and I make the opportunities.
From God Calling by A. J. Russell
Saturday, April 26, 2014
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Isms
It's been a while since we've posted some isms. People seem to like them so here you go:
Anderson: “Gareth Bale, one of the best soccer players in the world!”
Benay: “What’s his nationality?”
Anderson: “I have no idea but he’s from England.”
Gi: “How can a person breathe in the mouth of a whale?”
Gi: “How does Thor know how to breathe out of the future?”
Gi: “Dad, what’s the stuff in your ears? Not the boogers but the other stuff?”
Gi: “Dad, were you alive when I was born?”
Anderson: “Dad could you still talk if your whole head was cut off?”
Anderson: (reading from a knock knock book) “Knock knock.”
Gi: “Who’s there?”
Anderson: “Celeste.”
Gi: “Ha, good one.”
Anderson: “No Giovanni. Never mind.”
Anderson: “Dad if you could play for any team in England who would it be?”
Me: “I’m not sure.”
Anderson: “Mine would be either Chelsea or Manchester United.”
Anderson: “Mine would be either Chelsea or Manchester United.”
Gi: “Mine would be Manchested United or One Direction.”
Anderson: “Dad, have you ever been speechless?”
Gi: “Hey dad, if you dance with the window down while you are driving the cops will get you.”
Gi: “I just pooted like a nice, warm day.”
Anderson: (after Giovanni got in bed next to him) “You smell good. You smell like a goat.”
Anderson: (after riding a roller coaster) “I’m so proud of myself. I think my adrenaline is growing.”
Gi: (talking about something that’s just for older adults)
“That’s for old year olds.”
Gi: “Hey dad, are we going to watch the Mr. Peabody and Sherman movie?”
Me: “I think so.”
Gi: “Hashtag........what?”
Anderson: (looking at Garrett at lunch) “Garrett, unbelievable. You have already graduated high school and you still live with your parents.”
Anderson: “The other day me, Leo, Lucas, Carys and Alice saw an alien spaceship fly over us. As it flew by I thanked them for street food.”
Me: "Street food?”
Anderson: “Yes because according to NatGeo they created street food.”
Gi: “Boys can’t see girls appropriate and girls can’t see boys appropriate.”
Me: “Appropriate?”
Gi: “Yes.”
Anderson: “Do you even know what appropriate means?”
Gi: “Yes, it means naked.”
Anderson: “Whoa! You do know what it means. Nice job Gio!”
Gi: “Dad, I was in my room playing with my toys and I smelled my breath and it stinks. It smells like the wall.”
Gi: “Dad, this jello feels silly in my mouth.”
Gi: “What’s your favorite color stick?”
Gi: “Whales can only swim in beautiful water right?”
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Birthday Goober
Today is this dork's birthday.
You know how we do things here. Here we go:
Gi: "Adwee, I miss you so much. Mom told me that when you get here I can skip school. YES!!! Really because I was crying at school last time and today I cried zero cries and we won and it was a soccer game and we won 2x1 for us. It was AWESOME! When you and Jenna come it's going to be so COOL!! I think I'm going to cry right now. We went to the chacara which is actually the farm. What did you get for Easter? I got an Avengers egg and the World Cup album. And I'm going to have an Iron Man 3 birthday instead of the Avengers. Yeah. Bye Ansley I miss you so much! Happy Birthday!"
Anderson: "Happy Birthday Ansley!!! I really, really, really miss you and love you 10x more. I know I said that to Bronwyn too but I mean it for both of you. I can't wait til you get home. I might cry when you get here. We are going to have so much fun together! Fish, fish, rock, rock, jellyfish, electric shock shock."
Carys: "Happy birthday ans!! i miss you so much! i cant wait till you get here and we can stay up all night with jenna the nasty! UHUUU! well, i just wanted to thank you for being so awesome and being a great christian influence even though i know that the devil has challenged you a lot, and so just thanks for being awesome, funny, an amazing christian and (one of) the best sisters ever! i love you and you don't have cancer!!"
Garrett: "Happy Birthday ansley!! You are awesome and the funniest person i know! I miss you and love you, hope you have an awesome day!! 21 Now you can drink beer!"
B: "Adwee! Happy Birthday!!! I hope your day is great, and that you feel super loved. I am so happy that you picked ACU. I don't even know what I would have done without you. You are who I call when I need to be a baby and cry about something, and I will never ever forget the times you have dropped everything to come make sure I am okay. I love you SO much!!! Happy Birthday!"
Stephen: "Ansley, You are one of my closest friends. I am so glad that I can say that genuinely and not just by default because we are now related. You are one of the top people that I like to spend time with. When I look back on my last year of college, it will be in a large part defined by the fact that I got to spend so much time with you. Thank you so much for always being at our house. These memories will always be treasured by Bronwyn and I, and you have made us feel very loved this year. Your presence almost ALWAYS makes my day better. You have a spiritual gift for that, and it is quite amazing. It's so silly when you talk about how you are not that great because you are simply incredible and other people are jealous. I am so excited about what the future holds for you. I know God will have you do awesome things. Happy 21!!! Finally. Love you sister, Stephen."
Mom: "Ansley, As I start to write about you, the same words and phrases come to mind. The ones you used to rebel against, and say "Can't you say something else about me?" Well, sorry. You brighten up everyone's world with your personality, you are creative, musically talented and you are awesome with kids. I'm so happy now that you are embracing your God-given gifts and using them to the best of your ability and to His glory. I love that you tell me things and like to hear my opinion. You are a beautiful girl, inside and out and I love you so much and am so proud to be your mom. Keep being yourself, because yourself is just awesome! I can't wait until you get here because we are going to have an awesome, fun, busy summer (winter, down here). Happy Birthday!!! (don't drink just because you are 21 :)) love, Mom"
Me: "Ans, It's hard to believe that you are 21 and it isn't at the same time. You are right where you are supposed to be and I love that. I could not be more proud of you and who you are in Jesus. Yes, I know you aren't perfect. No one is but you are a light to your friends at ACU and to your family. I loved getting to meet your friends when we were in Abilene and see how much your buds love you. I have always loved your laugh when you think something is really funny. I love how you make mom crack up at anything. I love how all your brothers and sisters love hanging out with you. Whether it's singing a weather song with a 5 year old, or making up a song with 10 year old, or watching dumb movies with a 17 year old or just hanging out with 15 and 23 year old dorks. God has given you many gifts and I love seeing how you are embracing them and making a kingdom difference for Him. Love you."
We are excited that you will be home next month. We can't wait! The boys are so excited they decided to make you a "Happy Birthday/We'll see you next month" dance video just for you.
Gi: "Adwee, I miss you so much. Mom told me that when you get here I can skip school. YES!!! Really because I was crying at school last time and today I cried zero cries and we won and it was a soccer game and we won 2x1 for us. It was AWESOME! When you and Jenna come it's going to be so COOL!! I think I'm going to cry right now. We went to the chacara which is actually the farm. What did you get for Easter? I got an Avengers egg and the World Cup album. And I'm going to have an Iron Man 3 birthday instead of the Avengers. Yeah. Bye Ansley I miss you so much! Happy Birthday!"
Anderson: "Happy Birthday Ansley!!! I really, really, really miss you and love you 10x more. I know I said that to Bronwyn too but I mean it for both of you. I can't wait til you get home. I might cry when you get here. We are going to have so much fun together! Fish, fish, rock, rock, jellyfish, electric shock shock."
Carys: "Happy birthday ans!! i miss you so much! i cant wait till you get here and we can stay up all night with jenna the nasty! UHUUU! well, i just wanted to thank you for being so awesome and being a great christian influence even though i know that the devil has challenged you a lot, and so just thanks for being awesome, funny, an amazing christian and (one of) the best sisters ever! i love you and you don't have cancer!!"
Garrett: "Happy Birthday ansley!! You are awesome and the funniest person i know! I miss you and love you, hope you have an awesome day!! 21 Now you can drink beer!"
Stephen: "Ansley, You are one of my closest friends. I am so glad that I can say that genuinely and not just by default because we are now related. You are one of the top people that I like to spend time with. When I look back on my last year of college, it will be in a large part defined by the fact that I got to spend so much time with you. Thank you so much for always being at our house. These memories will always be treasured by Bronwyn and I, and you have made us feel very loved this year. Your presence almost ALWAYS makes my day better. You have a spiritual gift for that, and it is quite amazing. It's so silly when you talk about how you are not that great because you are simply incredible and other people are jealous. I am so excited about what the future holds for you. I know God will have you do awesome things. Happy 21!!! Finally. Love you sister, Stephen."
Mom: "Ansley, As I start to write about you, the same words and phrases come to mind. The ones you used to rebel against, and say "Can't you say something else about me?" Well, sorry. You brighten up everyone's world with your personality, you are creative, musically talented and you are awesome with kids. I'm so happy now that you are embracing your God-given gifts and using them to the best of your ability and to His glory. I love that you tell me things and like to hear my opinion. You are a beautiful girl, inside and out and I love you so much and am so proud to be your mom. Keep being yourself, because yourself is just awesome! I can't wait until you get here because we are going to have an awesome, fun, busy summer (winter, down here). Happy Birthday!!! (don't drink just because you are 21 :)) love, Mom"
Me: "Ans, It's hard to believe that you are 21 and it isn't at the same time. You are right where you are supposed to be and I love that. I could not be more proud of you and who you are in Jesus. Yes, I know you aren't perfect. No one is but you are a light to your friends at ACU and to your family. I loved getting to meet your friends when we were in Abilene and see how much your buds love you. I have always loved your laugh when you think something is really funny. I love how you make mom crack up at anything. I love how all your brothers and sisters love hanging out with you. Whether it's singing a weather song with a 5 year old, or making up a song with 10 year old, or watching dumb movies with a 17 year old or just hanging out with 15 and 23 year old dorks. God has given you many gifts and I love seeing how you are embracing them and making a kingdom difference for Him. Love you."
We are excited that you will be home next month. We can't wait! The boys are so excited they decided to make you a "Happy Birthday/We'll see you next month" dance video just for you.
Friday, April 18, 2014
Good Friday
We are fans of Pope Francis.
Click here to see the latest reason why.
We hope it blesses your Good Friday and motivates you at the same time.
Simple acts of faith and love will change this world.
Click here to see the latest reason why.
We hope it blesses your Good Friday and motivates you at the same time.
Simple acts of faith and love will change this world.
Monday, April 14, 2014
Chocolate!
Girls,
Yesterday we picked up Nereu from the Sedi and went to house church at Cledi's. After church Nereu came home with us and ate lunch. We took him back to the Sedi around 3:30 and then me and mom went to the grocery store. We have the bazar at Farroupilha this week and we needed supplies.
While we were there the second, and final, game of the gauchão was being played in Caxias. Lots of goofy reasons kept the second game from being at Beira Rio.
By the time we got home in the second half we were winning 4x0 and the boys were going crazy. After every goal Quigs told us Garrett was opening up the den window and yelling INTER!!!!!!!!!
We thought you would like the highlights with Pedro Ernesto instead of Paulo Brito. You will LOVE the commentary after our 4th goal. We so dominated the game we even scored gremio's goal for them. Combined score over the 2 games was 6x2.
Wish you guys could have been here to see one more championship with us.
Here are your goals:
Yesterday we picked up Nereu from the Sedi and went to house church at Cledi's. After church Nereu came home with us and ate lunch. We took him back to the Sedi around 3:30 and then me and mom went to the grocery store. We have the bazar at Farroupilha this week and we needed supplies.
While we were there the second, and final, game of the gauchão was being played in Caxias. Lots of goofy reasons kept the second game from being at Beira Rio.
By the time we got home in the second half we were winning 4x0 and the boys were going crazy. After every goal Quigs told us Garrett was opening up the den window and yelling INTER!!!!!!!!!
We thought you would like the highlights with Pedro Ernesto instead of Paulo Brito. You will LOVE the commentary after our 4th goal. We so dominated the game we even scored gremio's goal for them. Combined score over the 2 games was 6x2.
Wish you guys could have been here to see one more championship with us.
Here are your goals:
Sunday, April 13, 2014
Sunday, April 06, 2014
Thursday, April 03, 2014
Today is Anderson's birthday.
You know how we do things on special days so here we go:
Gi: "I love you. I can't say more because I'm puking right now." (He's been sick since last night)
Carys: "Hey anderson happy birthday!!! double digits finally! Thank you for being the always happy, God lover that you are. i love you so much, and thank you for teaching me that you don't have to be shy when your talking about God! love you XOXO"
Garrett: "Andersooon!! Happy birthday buddy!!! I love you dude, you are so awesome and you are the best at soccer! When i grow up i want to play just like you dude!! I hope you had an awesome day today and i miss you buddy! And youre bday party is gonna be awesome tomorrow!!"
Ansley: "Hey AndyPants!!!!! My best friend, my partner in crime!! I am SO HAPPY it is your birthday. I can't believe you are already 10 (DOUBLE DIGITS ARE THE BEST). I can't explain to you how proud I am of everything you have done this year. You are in the quinto ano, you have the best friend ever (Lucas, and ME), and you are in the boy scouts now. Wow!!!! You are amazing buddy. I love you and can't wait to spend ALL. SUMMER. WITH. YOU. LOVE YOU!!!!!! Love, ANS! P.S. Fish, fish, rock, rock, jellyfish, electric......you finish the rest.
Bronwyn: "Hey Kanderson!!! Happy Birthday!!! I hope you have the best day EVER, and that you make Mom and Dad do everything you want. I miss you SO much, and I can't wait to see you super soon!!! You are the sweetest, most Christ-like dude ever, and I am so glad that I get to be your sister. I love you SO MUCH!!! Happy Birthday!!!
Stephen: "Brother, You are one of the most mature young men I have ever met. I learn so much from you and I know that you are an incredible blessing to your friends and family. I'm so glad that I have many fun memories with you and am excited about making more this summer! I hope you have a great birthday. Give Carys a wet willy today. She can't do anything about it on your Bday. I love you bro."
Godmother Leni: "Anderson, que Deus abencoe este teu novo ano de vida e possamos viver muitos momentos juntos. Feliz Aniversãrio. Te amo para sempre!!! beijao da sua dinda. (For our American readers: Anderson, God bless this new year of life and I hope we can share many moments together. Happy Birthday! I love you forever!!! A big kiss from your godmother.)
Mom: " Anderson, you are such a blessing. You are and have always been so good and sweet. You know how to make people feel loved and appreciated. You are so smart and talented and HANDSOME! I am so very lucky to be your mom! I believe that God has a very special plan for your life because he gave you the gift of understanding Him and His word at such a young age. I hope and pray that you will allow God to fulfill all His plans for your life and that you will continue to be a shining light for Him. I love you so much! Mom"
Me: "I love how you wake up with a smile every day. EVERY DAY!!! I have never met another person in my life who wakes up happy every day. I love how you bless your friends and how you are friends with everyone. I love your love for Jesus and how you aren't afraid to share his love with others. I love how you love the guys at the chácara and how they ask about you every time I'm there. I love that you are respectful to me and mom. I love the example that you are to our family. I am so proud of you. You are a great blessing to our family and I'm so glad God surprised us with you. You are one of the two biggest and best surprises (Garrett would be the other) that God has ever blessed us with. Have a great day bro! I love you!"
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANDERSON!!!!!
Gi: "I love you. I can't say more because I'm puking right now." (He's been sick since last night)
Carys: "Hey anderson happy birthday!!! double digits finally! Thank you for being the always happy, God lover that you are. i love you so much, and thank you for teaching me that you don't have to be shy when your talking about God! love you XOXO"
Garrett: "Andersooon!! Happy birthday buddy!!! I love you dude, you are so awesome and you are the best at soccer! When i grow up i want to play just like you dude!! I hope you had an awesome day today and i miss you buddy! And youre bday party is gonna be awesome tomorrow!!"
Ansley: "Hey AndyPants!!!!! My best friend, my partner in crime!! I am SO HAPPY it is your birthday. I can't believe you are already 10 (DOUBLE DIGITS ARE THE BEST). I can't explain to you how proud I am of everything you have done this year. You are in the quinto ano, you have the best friend ever (Lucas, and ME), and you are in the boy scouts now. Wow!!!! You are amazing buddy. I love you and can't wait to spend ALL. SUMMER. WITH. YOU. LOVE YOU!!!!!! Love, ANS! P.S. Fish, fish, rock, rock, jellyfish, electric......you finish the rest.
Bronwyn: "Hey Kanderson!!! Happy Birthday!!! I hope you have the best day EVER, and that you make Mom and Dad do everything you want. I miss you SO much, and I can't wait to see you super soon!!! You are the sweetest, most Christ-like dude ever, and I am so glad that I get to be your sister. I love you SO MUCH!!! Happy Birthday!!!
Stephen: "Brother, You are one of the most mature young men I have ever met. I learn so much from you and I know that you are an incredible blessing to your friends and family. I'm so glad that I have many fun memories with you and am excited about making more this summer! I hope you have a great birthday. Give Carys a wet willy today. She can't do anything about it on your Bday. I love you bro."
Godmother Leni: "Anderson, que Deus abencoe este teu novo ano de vida e possamos viver muitos momentos juntos. Feliz Aniversãrio. Te amo para sempre!!! beijao da sua dinda. (For our American readers: Anderson, God bless this new year of life and I hope we can share many moments together. Happy Birthday! I love you forever!!! A big kiss from your godmother.)
Mom: " Anderson, you are such a blessing. You are and have always been so good and sweet. You know how to make people feel loved and appreciated. You are so smart and talented and HANDSOME! I am so very lucky to be your mom! I believe that God has a very special plan for your life because he gave you the gift of understanding Him and His word at such a young age. I hope and pray that you will allow God to fulfill all His plans for your life and that you will continue to be a shining light for Him. I love you so much! Mom"
Me: "I love how you wake up with a smile every day. EVERY DAY!!! I have never met another person in my life who wakes up happy every day. I love how you bless your friends and how you are friends with everyone. I love your love for Jesus and how you aren't afraid to share his love with others. I love how you love the guys at the chácara and how they ask about you every time I'm there. I love that you are respectful to me and mom. I love the example that you are to our family. I am so proud of you. You are a great blessing to our family and I'm so glad God surprised us with you. You are one of the two biggest and best surprises (Garrett would be the other) that God has ever blessed us with. Have a great day bro! I love you!"
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANDERSON!!!!!
Wednesday, April 02, 2014
Dancing in Grace
Our family moved to Abilene in 2001. We lived there for almost a year as we trained with our team to prepare for our move to Porto Alegre.
Our first month there we had a retreat at a place called Camp Butman. It's okay to laugh right now. We all did when we first heard the name. It's a funny name. Butman.
I think we stayed 3-4 days there. On one of those days a man named Jim Clark was invited to come and share with us. We had an amazing time of prayer together and I immediately felt a bond with him. He quickly became a person I looked up to spiritually. He is a man who is quiet and humble and loves the Lord. And he believes, really believes in the power of prayer. He and I would get together for times of prayer. We ate lunch together. I enjoyed spending time with him whenever I could. He taught me a lot in our brief time together.
Right before we left Abilene he invited us to a prayer room at a Methodist church. He had two of his prayer partners, two women, waiting for us and the three of them prayed over us and blessed us greatly. It was an amazing send off for Benay and myself.
During our time in Abilene we also got really involved in a small group. They were our family and really took care of us while we were there. During our last couple of weeks there our brother Daryl took us into a shepherds meeting so they could bless our family and ministry. I will never forget Daryl's kindness in blessing us that way. Our small group then met us one night and took us into a room at the church building and each family read scripture over us and washed our feet. Each family. It was something that blessed us greatly.
Honestly, it was tough to leave Abilene because of this group and Jim Clark. These people continue to be a part of our ministry to this day.
We go back to the states every two years and we've always tried to visit Abilene to see our family there. Daryl and his wife Rebekah always open their home to our big family. Always. Every time we are there it's like we were with them just yesterday.
I also try to see Jim when we are there. We've met for breakfast. He's come over to the Zeller's to pray. We do our best to see each other.
The trip to Abilene has become even more important for us now as we have two daughters and a son-in-law there.
We got to go there in February. We spent as much time as we could with our kids and their friends. It was a busy weekend at their school and our Abilene friends were busy with other commitments and friends visiting so we didn't get to be with them as much as normal.
We did get to share a meal with the Zeller's and we, as always, laughed a bunch and got caught up. Here they are, along with Jenna, the creeper, behind them.
I was worried that during our Abilene visit I wasn't going to get to see Jim. Our schedule was really busy and I had just resigned myself to the fact that this would be one visit where we wouldn't be able to get together.
We went to worship at our old church on the one Sunday we were there. Our family arrived late. Bronwyn, Stephen and Stephen's family had gotten there before us and saved us a seat. The place was packed. There were hardly any empty seats. As I walked in I was looking for people that I knew from our time when we lived there. I saw no one. I sat down and kept looking. I came in last and sat down. I had one empty seat beside me and then it was the aisle. I happened to glance across the aisle and who was sitting right next to me? Jim Clark. I love it when God does stuff like that.
I whispered his name. He looked over at me and we got up and gave each other a hug.
After worship we got to spend some time together. I would love to have spent more time with him but thanked God for getting the chance to see him. I had heard that he had written another book. He told me yes and then went to his car to get us a copy.
All of the above to say the book is something you need in your library. Jim is a man of God and what the Spirit put on his heart will, I believe, bless you as it has me.
Here is what the cover looks like.
I found it on amazon. You can click here and get a copy.
I love how God used our brief time in Abilene to bless us so much and He continues to do so. I pray He will use that connection to bless you through this book. You will not regret buying it.
Our first month there we had a retreat at a place called Camp Butman. It's okay to laugh right now. We all did when we first heard the name. It's a funny name. Butman.
I think we stayed 3-4 days there. On one of those days a man named Jim Clark was invited to come and share with us. We had an amazing time of prayer together and I immediately felt a bond with him. He quickly became a person I looked up to spiritually. He is a man who is quiet and humble and loves the Lord. And he believes, really believes in the power of prayer. He and I would get together for times of prayer. We ate lunch together. I enjoyed spending time with him whenever I could. He taught me a lot in our brief time together.
Right before we left Abilene he invited us to a prayer room at a Methodist church. He had two of his prayer partners, two women, waiting for us and the three of them prayed over us and blessed us greatly. It was an amazing send off for Benay and myself.
During our time in Abilene we also got really involved in a small group. They were our family and really took care of us while we were there. During our last couple of weeks there our brother Daryl took us into a shepherds meeting so they could bless our family and ministry. I will never forget Daryl's kindness in blessing us that way. Our small group then met us one night and took us into a room at the church building and each family read scripture over us and washed our feet. Each family. It was something that blessed us greatly.
Honestly, it was tough to leave Abilene because of this group and Jim Clark. These people continue to be a part of our ministry to this day.
We go back to the states every two years and we've always tried to visit Abilene to see our family there. Daryl and his wife Rebekah always open their home to our big family. Always. Every time we are there it's like we were with them just yesterday.
I also try to see Jim when we are there. We've met for breakfast. He's come over to the Zeller's to pray. We do our best to see each other.
The trip to Abilene has become even more important for us now as we have two daughters and a son-in-law there.
We got to go there in February. We spent as much time as we could with our kids and their friends. It was a busy weekend at their school and our Abilene friends were busy with other commitments and friends visiting so we didn't get to be with them as much as normal.
We did get to share a meal with the Zeller's and we, as always, laughed a bunch and got caught up. Here they are, along with Jenna, the creeper, behind them.
We went to worship at our old church on the one Sunday we were there. Our family arrived late. Bronwyn, Stephen and Stephen's family had gotten there before us and saved us a seat. The place was packed. There were hardly any empty seats. As I walked in I was looking for people that I knew from our time when we lived there. I saw no one. I sat down and kept looking. I came in last and sat down. I had one empty seat beside me and then it was the aisle. I happened to glance across the aisle and who was sitting right next to me? Jim Clark. I love it when God does stuff like that.
I whispered his name. He looked over at me and we got up and gave each other a hug.
After worship we got to spend some time together. I would love to have spent more time with him but thanked God for getting the chance to see him. I had heard that he had written another book. He told me yes and then went to his car to get us a copy.
All of the above to say the book is something you need in your library. Jim is a man of God and what the Spirit put on his heart will, I believe, bless you as it has me.
Here is what the cover looks like.
I love how God used our brief time in Abilene to bless us so much and He continues to do so. I pray He will use that connection to bless you through this book. You will not regret buying it.
Tuesday, April 01, 2014
Sunday
Girls,
I thought you might want to see the goals from the first game of the finals of the gauchão. It was in the Arena. We kind of enjoyed it.
The final game will be at Beira Rio on the 13th.
I thought you might want to see the goals from the first game of the finals of the gauchão. It was in the Arena. We kind of enjoyed it.
The final game will be at Beira Rio on the 13th.
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