A Home Away From Home

Sunday School Blessings

2012-01-27T01:03:00.000-08:00

Sometimes things in life become routine. Little jobs we do too often, people we see too occasionally and so they become routine. Well ministry here sometimes becomes routine. I forget what a wonderful job we have. Wow, to get to make a difference in anyone's life is amazing and even more so when I see their faces in the photos I take.

This is our Pastor's wife Ljubica, she's amazing.

Can you say cute?

Mischievous.

Check out little Mischievous in the background.

3 of the 4 Telebar kids. They are such good Christians, like their parents.

Hannah and Rebekah Telebar singing a special for church. They did a wonderful job.
I heard it said:
If you love what you do you'll never work a day in your life.
I'm there!!!

No more Picnik??? Say it isn't so!

2012-01-21T11:32:00.000-08:00

I'm officially heart broken! I got this email today and it's changed my world. Picnik is closing!!! I'm in shock.

There are some cool things going on with Picnik despite the closure. It's free, the premium Picnik is free and wait...they are refunding everyone's membership! What? Getting money back that I didn't have to beg for? AWESOME!

Any how, run over there and take advantage of Picnik's incredible generosity. PICNIK RULES

Official Announcement: Picnik is closing

Since joining Google in 2010, we have been creating editing magic in Google products while continuing to keep Picnik awesome. But now we get to focus on even awesomer things. Picnik will be closing on April 19, 2012.

Your photos liberated
Amazing photos are created in Picnik, so we have launched a new feature, Picnik Takeout, that easily downloads your photos to your desktop in convenient zip files. You may also elect to copy your photos to Google+ where you can store and share your creations. You may request your photos at any time and use this handy tool as many times as you like until our closing date of April 19, 2012. Learn more.

Premium Refunds
To our primo Picnik Premium members, we'll begin processing a full refund of your current membership fee within a week of this announcement. By "in full" we mean the whole darn thing. Yep, this means even if you are on your very last day of an annual membership, we will refund you the entire $24.95. Just because we want to say thanks.

Now the Good News - Free Premium for ALL!
To express our gratitude for your support over the past 5 years, Picnik Premium is free for everyone! Use Picnik in all of its premium glory, for free, from now until our actual closing day. Touch-up, Textures, Advanced, and more are all free for you to use!

We have been incredibly proud of building a product that is used and beloved by so many of you. We continue to be amazed and humbled by the photos you create and we are immensely grateful for all of your support, creativity, and passion.

We are excited by the photo-editing fun we have already brought to Google products, like Google+, where you can find many of your favorite Picnik effects in Creative Kit. We encourage you to visit Google+ and give it a whirl.

Please visit the Help Hub for more information on our wind down, and check the Picnik blog for updated information on our April closure.

It's been awesome,
Team Picnik

A Little Love Goes a Long Way

2012-01-17T03:40:00.000-08:00

One of the biggest blessings about being a missionary is getting to do nice things for others. There is always an opportunity to do for others in Croatia. Croatia has a very large population of Roma (Gypsy) folks. Many of them live in little villages outside of town and struggle from day to day for the very basics in life.

Christmas comes and goes each year and the vast majority of these children never receive anything for Christmas. While we know that Christmas is not about gifts but about our precious Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the gifts are a way into their lives so we can introduce them to the real Gift of Christmas.

This year we also reached out to many poor Croatian families and we were blessed to see two come to know the Lord.

So many churches in the States stood with us and helped us do for these folks this Christmas.

We say Thank You to all who participated and helped make this Christmas a special one for so many who have nothing.

We all had a ball going through all the gifts and scarves that were made for our folks. We enjoyed a Wednesday night of preparing gifts for the following day.

On Sunday afternoon at our 4:00 kids meeting in Cakovec we gave out all the shoe boxes, gifts and scarves that you all made for them. So little made then so happy.

Then we headed out to one our Gypsy villages and handed out candy and scarves to the children. You find many things in these villages but orderliness isn't one of them. We started out good but soon lost control.

They were so happy to just get a scarf.

Bro. Johnny and Bro. Sam in there custom made scarves that the Bingham family sent for them.

Special thank to all who gave and sacrificed time and money to be a blessing to children, we love you all and thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Merry Christmas from the Leslie Family

2011-12-27T01:37:00.000-08:00

40 years ago today

2011-12-09T04:36:00.000-08:00

40 years ago today, actually at 9:15 in the evening Johnny Wayne Leslie was born and my life was changed forever! I am so thankful for Johnny's mother Nancy and the 24 hours she labored to deliver him to this world.

So in honor of Johnny's 40th birthday here are just a few (40) things I love about him:

1. His blue eyes make me melt.

2. He is extremely generous.

3. He makes me giggle.

4. He's mad about me.

5. He is very easy to love.

6. He loves his children.

7. He reads his Bible daily, without fail.

8. He is a very hard worker.

9. He's a manly man.

10. He loves the Lord Jesus with all his heart.

11. He is as faithful as a man can be.

12. He is anything but a quitter.

13. He is unselfish.

14. He gives great back rubs.

15. He is very tender.

16. He's a man of his word.

17. He is masculine.

18. He's fun to be with.

19. He always smells good.

20. He is so good to me.

21. He loves Croatia.

22. He lives for the present and not in the past.

23. He loves the Bible.

24. He has strong principles.

25. He is my best friend.

26. He is purty. :0)

27. He is not picky.

28. He has never insulted me.

29. He is a people person.

30. Jesus has first place in his life.

31. He loves his family.

32. He's real.

33. He has self control.

34. He always holds my hand.

35. He loves the Croatian people.

36. He is thoughtful.

37. He's not afraid to get dirty.

38. He lives the will of God for his life.

39. He's the best Christian I know.

40. He's mine and I love his more today than ever!

Coolest Tutorial Ever!!!

2011-10-27T17:37:00.000-07:00

Check out this awesome tutorial I saw over at Laura Thoughts. This is revolutionary especially if you have a dressing table. How cool. Anyhow, thought I would share.

I'm off to find some thrift store frames!

Ohio + Autumn = Magical

2011-10-06T05:26:00.000-07:00

The name -- of it -- is "Autumn"

-- by Emily Dickinson

The name -- of it -- is "Autumn" --

The hue -- of it -- is Blood --

An Artery -- upon the Hill --

A Vein -- along the Road --

Great Globules -- in the Alleys --
And Oh, the Shower of Stain --
When Winds -- upset the Basin --
And spill the Scarlet Rain --

It sprinkles Bonnets -- far below --
It gathers ruddy Pools --
Then -- eddies like a Rose -- away --
Upon Vermilion Wheels --

We are loving the Autumn in Ohio. The colors are amazing and the feeling in the air is a bit magical. I love Autumn! It has almost always been my favorite season. The leaves putting on their color show and the wind helping them to rain down is just incredible. I'm so glad we are getting to see Autumn in Ohio, love it!

I had such a good time walking down this little lane with my family. Enjoying the beautiful color show God puts on for us this time of year.

We are leaving Ohio on Friday morning headed to one more conference in Iowa before we head back to Texas. I'm so excited to get back to Texas and see our oldest son Cody. We have been on this road trip for 3 months and I miss my kid. I'm actually doing great on the road without him, which has really surprised me but I still can't wait to see him. Also we'll be packing up all the Bible and things for the container and loading them up and shipping them the end of this month. One our things are gone we only have 4 more weeks to wait. I'm so excited.
By the time we get home winter should be in full swing. I can't wait!!!

Gypsy Christmas in Croatia and Stuff

2011-10-03T07:27:00.000-07:00

We were so blessed to get to spend some time with our good friends, the Madonna Family in Sterling Heights, this past month.

We love these folks and Mrs. Madonna is one of my all-time favorite preacher's wives. She's one of the sweetest ladies I know.

Anyhow, Covenant Baptist Church in Sterling Heights participated in the Gypsy Christmas and loaded us down with filled shoe boxes.

Many of our Gypsy children have never received a Christmas present before and the one we give out will be the only present they get for Christmas. It's my favorite time of the year. I love those children and I delight in seeing their smiles as they open the small gifts.

Josh and Hannah were in charge of fitting them all in our little trailer. Luckily they all fit.

We are looking forward to a wonderful Christmas this year. We're taking a container back filled with Bibles and other things. We're so happy to have some room in the container to bring some personal items and lots of stuff for our Gypsy Christmas project.

We have a great group from Bible Baptist Church in Rendon, TX, who decided to knit scarves and hats for our Gypsies. They along with several other churches have knit, as of right now:

37 pairs of gloves

1 shawl

1 poncho

1 pair of socks

31 headbands or earmuffs

10 blankets

854 hats

1,560 scarves

They call their project, Wrap Croatia for Christ. Pretty awesome! I'm so glad that the ladies at Bible Baptist had the vision to make a difference for little children they have never seen. It gets very cold in Croatia and many times the Gypsy children aren't dressed warmly. I'm gonna have so much fun wrapping those little children for all the ladies who took the time to make a difference.

On a side note, we're almost finished with our 3 month trip. I'm tickled because a week from Thursday we head back to Texas and guess who I get to see...CODY!!! I have never been away from our oldest son Cody for more than a few days and he has been in Texas at Bible college while we've been on the road.

As we travel and people find out that our son is staying behind for Bible college I hear all sorts of reports. From, "oh no, it'll be the worst time of your life." to " I cried every day and I still cry after all these years."

Very seldom do I meet a mother that is okay with her children being gone. I can understand for sure, I love my kids way too much but I'm a realist. I know for them to serve the Lord and do His will they have to eventually get out. I'm happy Cody is in Bible college and doing well, it's the Lord's will that boys become men and that's how it happens.

Sometimes I feel a little guilty that I am doing so well without him but them I realize that it's probably God's grace being poured out more abundantly in my time of need. I'm okay with it, thank the LORD!

On a second side note (he he) we are getting ready to pack up and head home. We will be back in Texas around the 15th and then pack up our container on the 1st of Nov. and then we'll be flying home on November 29th. I'm so excited! I can't even tell you how I'm looking forward to going home. Not only going home but we get to see all of our Croatian church family and friends. Anyhow, God sure is good to let us serve Him in Croatia, we're privileged.

awesome!

2011-09-30T17:49:00.000-07:00

i saw this over at Home Stories A 2 Z and had to share it. this is so neat. since we're up here in Ohio and all the trees are gold and red and it's breeze and cool it's time for scarves again. i love to wear scarves and this is a great cheat sheet. enjoy!

Burning time in Ohio

2011-09-20T10:47:00.001-07:00

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Meeting Cyber-Friends

2011-09-12T09:28:00.000-07:00

Sunday moring we were in Westview Baptist Church in Warren, MI and were so happy to meet Pastor Watson and his sweet wife Karen. They have a great church with a wonderful spirit.

Anyhow, this church was special because two of my blogging buddies go there. I have been reading the blogs of Amy and Kristy for years now. Amy sadly doesn't blog any more but Kristy still does. Anyhoo, they go to the same church so I was so excited to get to see them both on Sunday morning at church.

I had so much fun getting to meet Kristi for the first time and see Amy again.

Hannah had a ball with Amy's two oldest daughters. They got along great.

After church was over around 12:00 we stood around the church and ~~fellowshipped~~ ~~fellow-shipped~~ ~~fellow shipped~~ chatted for about an hour and a half. I was amazed. These folks love each other and church so much you have to remind them that they haven't had lunch yet. Finally we headed out to lunch around 2:00.

We had such a good time and the kids loved getting to know their new and old friends. Joshua and the Pastor's son Christian got along great, they're both 16.

I'm not sure who took this picture of Johnny talking with some men but I liked it and that's why I'm posting it! HA!

We sure have a great life and we're blessed to know so many wonderful people around the ~~country~~ world. Just another fringe benefit to saying YES to God.

Dreaming of Home

2011-09-03T18:37:00.000-07:00

Well with home just around the corner I have been spending lots of time thinking, planning and even dreaming of home. Hey I know they mission field isn't about making a house beautiful but my personal mission field (my family) sure does appreciate it. Anyhow, we rented a home in Croatia before we left for furlough. We moved in and then 1 month later we flew back to the states. We really didn't have any time to decorate so the house sits as it was when we moved it.

Anyhoo, I took photos of the house before we left so I would have some ideas of space, windows and layout. I'm gonna share them with you but don't be critical of the mess!

Below is our living room. I know it's so dark but we didn't have curtains so I had to keep the out door blinds closed because our neighbors were super close.

Anyhow, I found a few photos I really like, some of them are not possible but I still like the feel in the room.

Love the color of these walls and my couch is brown so that would actually go.

I just love the vintage feel in this room.

Don't know what all that stuff is, I just like it!

Like it!

This is our entryway, It's very typical for a Croatian house. Sorry it's so dark. We are going to strip all the wall paper off the walls and paint when we get back. The big, ugly glass door is gonna be a job. I was maybe thinking of using trim to make it look like a french door. Big project but it may be nice.

I love this little idea for a foyer, I think it feels so natural welcoming.

I like this one too!

This is our dining room, it's really small but it'll do for us. See all the snow outside? Man it really snowed right before we left. Isn't it purty?

Okay so I don't have any inspiration for the dining and living room. I would love to keep the wall color the same since we did it right before we left furlough.

Our kitchen is in major need of help. Since we are renting it we can't replace the cabinets but I would love to paint them. Any idea? The fact that they horizontal lines is a big of a bummer but I'm determined to make them work.

Then lastly I love this bright yellow wash room and guess what, I have one, a washroom! How cool is that? Don't think I'll stencil but I love the brightness of this room. My washer and dryer are pretty similar too.

Okay since you all are such faithful readers, I'm gonna give ya a bonus photo. This is the WORST room in our house.

Are you ready?

Really?

Get ready for a blast from the 70-s European era.

Guess I'll be doing a lot of this...

It's gotta be better than the green. I'm gonna try to take that whole wall of cabinets out, wish me luck!

Anyhow, these images have been filling my dreams lately along with dozens of dirty, little, smiling faces. Can't wait!

My Old Black Book

2011-08-29T09:12:00.000-07:00

Okay, here's my old ~~black~~ maroon BOOK. Of all the things that belong to me my Bible is probably the most valuable. It's been with me for a long time and it is filled with memories and messages.

I've had this KJ Bible since 1999. It was a gift from a church in Dearborn Heights, MI. They asked us to give them a few items we would like and they would try to get them for us for the missions conference. I had a Bible but it wasn't very nice and so I asked for a Bible and they gave me the Old Scofield Study Bible. I immediately fell in love with this Bible. It had great references in the back including a proper name concordance. I know that Scofield was off in a lot of places with his doctrine and I wouldn't suggest this Bible to a new Christian but for me it was great.

I've personalized my Bible through the years. I have pictures of my family in the front and back. The above pictures are:

(the left cover across the top and then bottom)

Johnny reading his Bible in 1997 in Hungary on our survey trip to Croatia, My babies while we were on deputation, my family also while on deputation, my dear Daddy who died when he was 39, he's 38 in that photo.

(the right side across the top and then bottom)

the photo on our second prayer card, Joshua and Cody looking cool, and my sweetie

My Bible is filled with great quotes and sayings I have heard through out the years. I only have one signature in my Bible, that of Bro. McCracken's wife Nancy. I heard her testimony in a meeting in Romania and was so moved by her faith after a terrible crippling car accident.

Anyhow, I have some pretty nifty sayings too.

Treasures in Heaven are laid up as treasures on Earth are laid down. -Dr. Todd Lasseter (my pastor)

You can't clean a polluted well by painting the well house. -Dr. Bob W. Smith

I'm narrow minded because I travel a narrow road. -Bro. Floyd, Fellowship Baptist, Jackson, MI

I'm not shouting on credit, I'm should on a "paid in full" bill. -Johnny Leslie

85% of being successful is simply being in my place. -Dr. Smith

I'm a nut but I'm screwed onto the right bolt! -unknown

You fall the way you lean. -Charles Wetherbee

Meekness: Having strength under control. -unknown

To be a missionary you don't have to cross the see but you do have to see the cross. -unknown

Joy is not the absence of trouble but the presence of Jesus. -unknown

Stay in the Book till the Book stays in you. -Dr. Raymond Barber

I don't know how often Noah fell down in the Ark but I know he never fell out! -Dr. J.C. House

No man can ever be used of God until he's willing to be forgotten by all. -Veteran Missionary Jimmy Rose

If it doesn't move you enough to pray about it, don't whine about it! -Pastor Wes Bailey

A tear today is an investment in a laugh tomorrow. -Dr. Lasseter

A heart touched by grace brings joy to the face. -Dr. Lasseter

The church is not a museum of Saints. -Pastor Bocook

Anyhow, those are just some of the little sayings I have in my Bible. I love to go back every once in a while and read them all. They're like mini sermons!

I have on one of the front pages of my Bible this poem:

There is a treasure,

Rich beyond measure,

Offered to mortals today;

Some folks despise it,

Some criticize it,

Some would explain it away.

Some never read it,

Some never head it,

Some say, "It's long had it's day";

Some people prize it,

And he who tries it,

Finds it's his comfort and stay.

God gave this treasure,

Rich beyond measure,

His Word, we call it today.

Let us believe it,

Gladly receive it,

Read, mark and learn to obey.

-A.M.N.

Over the name of each book I have the name in Croatian. Several years back I realized I didn't know all the names so I thought that would help, it did.

Also above Genesis 1:1, I wrote DEAR TORI. Our preacher Dr. Smith preached once about the Bible being a love letter from God to us. He told us how he wrote in his Bible at Genesis 1:1: DEAR BOB and after Revelation 22:21 he wrote: LOVE, GOD. I loved this idea and I did the same with my Bible. It's a love letter to me from God!

My Bible is bilingual too. I have notes in both English and Croatian. I have many wise quotes from the national pastor, Rajko Telebar.

And again on the back cover I have more photos. Actually a lot less than I used to have. I need to add some more current ones soon.

(the left cover across the top and then bottom)

My best friend Amanda Rasbeary, Preachers wife in Wylie, Texas and I, Madison (Johnny's sister's oldest daughter), Johnny again, Madison and her little sister Kaitlyn (I super-love those girls)

(the right side top to bottom)

Johnny again (can't get enough of him), and my Daddy back in 1976 sitting with Santa

Anyhow, that's my Bible. It means a lot to me, not only because it is God's inerrant, preserved Word but because it holds 12 years worth of memories.

Anyhow, if you decided to share your Old Black Book, let me know so I can check it out!!

Taking advantage of the trip

2011-08-27T16:28:00.000-07:00

I have always been a little interested in the different styles of homes and their periods but have only learned a little from watching HGTV, while on furloughs :0). Anyhow, we're in Ohio now and I am loving the variety of homes in the area. It seems like every other home is from a different period and I was baffled. I mean, I do know what the Victoria home looks like, but I didn't know that there are 4 different periods of Victorian homes.

I've recently learned about the Georgian style house.

and the Colonials are pretty easy to spot too.

But what about all the others; like the one below.

Or this beauty.

and this country cutie?

There are so many that I have no idea what they are.

So, while visiting the Half Priced Book Store in Cincinnati I picked up this gem.

The Abrams Guide to American House Styles. AWESOME!!

I have had so much fun reading this book and finding matching styles along the way. (yes I'm a little weird that way and I do think it's fun) This book is so full of info and is really a beginners dummy guide. It's not exhaustive by any means but it's a great jumping off point.

Sadly, it won't shed any light into styles below but for the normal, sometimes boring world of American homes this book is a keeper!

No, the photo isn't upside down! :0)

Oh yea and just think how smart you will look while out garage-selling with girlfriends when you say, "Oh wow, look at that Stick Style Victorian. I tend to lean towards the late Georgian styles." HA! how fun!

Say "HEY" if you love Andy!

2011-08-24T20:06:00.000-07:00

I remember watching Andy Griffith ever since I was a little girl. I loved Andy and Barney was great. Anyhow, I'm so glad God allowed us to see Andy Griffith's home town of Mt. Airy, the very town and people the actual show was made after. It was awesome! Here are some snapshots!

If you grew up with Andy and Barney then you have to go to Mt. Airy, NC. It was one of the neatest things I've seen and believe me I've seen some things!

Baptist Brothers? Yea Right!

2011-08-17T06:16:00.000-07:00

Each time we come back for furlough I'm amazed at all the infighting among Christians and especially IFB Baptists.

What "camp" are you in? Where's you allegiance? Whose man are you?
For real? Are they kidding, I don't even like to camp!

No wonderful IFB Baptists aren't making a big impact on the enemy's army, we're too busy fighting within our own ranks!

I heard a great quote on this very subject last night at the conference we're in this week. Bro. Ron Ralph is preaching and boy, are my toes sore! Anyhow, here's the quote;

Putting out someone else's light won't make yours shine any brighter!

Sure would do us good to remember this one!

Just stuff and a little life.

2011-08-15T07:50:00.000-07:00

Today is Wednesday and as I sit here this morning thinking (I sometimes do that) I can't believe how fast our lives move. I'm sure this can't be healthy.

We are in N. Carolina staying with some dear friends, The Brantley Family. We met the Brantley Family back several years ago when they made a survey trip to Croatia. Bro. Brantley was making sure he would surrender to God if He were to ask him to go to the mission field. He answered yes but God called him on to another field here in N. Carolina. Bro. Shane has the sweetest wife Teresa and 6 adorable blond kids. They have been a huge blessing to us allowing us to stay with them a few times over the years. We're thankful for our hosts and they part they play in God's plan here in N.C.

So, we've been here for over a week it seems and we'll be headed out tomorrow to make our way to Ohio. Josh will be loading up and hooking up our utility trailer since Johnny is in California on a business trip, literally. He'll be back tomorrow and I can't wait. I'm such a baby when in comes to Johnny, I can only do without him for so long and yesterday about 5 hours after he flew out was my "only so long". I miss him already and can't wait for him to make it "home" (where ever we are is home) tomorrow. We'll pick him up at the Raleigh airport and then head north and sleep somewhere in West Virginia. The next day we'll make our way to Ohio and get ready to start a conference.

We've officially been on this trip for a whole month but it seems like so much longer. We've been in meetings in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and N. Carolina so far and we still have Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Missouri and then back in to Texas for another conference. We have had some wonderful fellowship along the way and been in some great churches. We have been visiting mainly supporting churches and I think we have had maybe 4 new churches this furlough. There are some churches that we haven't been to for 12 years but due to scheduling problems on both sides we haven't made it their way. Anyhow, the South East Coast was our goal for this furlough and then maybe next furlough we'll make it to the West Coast, maybe.

We're busy doing school. this year we have Joshua in 11th grade and Hannah is a freshman. I can't even believe that not only do I have a son starting college next month but I have two others in high school. Are you kidding me? How did we get here and who are these children? What happened to my little ones who would actually eat happy meals (those were the days, the cheap days)? When I stop and think that in less than 5 years I'll be a long distance Mom, it amazes me and scares me.

Our son Cody is getting ready to start Bible college in a few weeks. He's doing very well getting used to life in America. god gave him a job that would work with him. He decided that he wouldn't work on Sundays or Wednesdays and he knew God would honor that and He did. Cody found a job that lets him have Wednesdays, Saturday mornings and Sundays off. He's able to be in all services and go soul-winning on Saturday. I'm proud of Cody for making a stand and knowing God would honor it. He's doing great with out us and that's a sign on some measure of success on our part. Thank GOD!

Oh yea we finally got all the money we needed to pay for the container to ship the Bibles to Croatia. Praise the Lord. Grace Baptist Church in N. Carolina is a supporting church of ours. We weren't suppose to be with them at all this time around but we did have an oped date (the only open date) on Sunday morning so we dropped in. the pastor was so nice and let Johnny get up and give a little report and then God did something great through Grace Baptist Church. We still needed $1500 to ship the container to Croatia and they decided that morning to give us $1000. Then after the service Bro. Bailey told us that they would bump it up to $1500. They didn't know but Johnny misspoke and we actually needed exactly $1500 for the rest of the shipping. Praise the Lord! The container will be filled with 10,000 New Testaments with the Psalms in Croatian, a donated pulpit and communion table along with tons of toys and church stuff. We're tickled to be able to take a container and along with all the goodies for the work we are able to put stuff in there for us and some of the missionaries in Croatia. When we went to Croatia we took 2 suitcases a piece and a carry on, that was it. Everything we have in Croatia is from there so to be able to take some things from the states is a wonderful blessing. Things are all that important but they sure make home feel a bit homier.

The work and churches in Croatia are doing wonderful. This furlough has been completely different than any of the previous ones. We now have a whole team of workers in Croatia so we are blessed to know that the work is in good hands and not only being kept on course, they are going full throttle for the Lord. Great things are happening there and we are dying to get back.

Since I started this post we are already gone from N. Carolina and in Eaton, OH. Life moves almost too fast to blog it!

Some of our favorites

2011-08-08T00:53:00.000-07:00

We have always enjoyed watching old movies. They don't make movies like they used to. Used to be that to have a great movie you actually had to have actors that could act. Now these days it seems like the actors are all fluff and rely on special FX to make the movie.

Here are a few of our favorites.

Sergeant York, wow!! This is an all-time keeper. Gary cooper is amazing in this movie and it's such a wonderful story of courage at home and abroad.

What a beautiful love story, with a twist. I loved this one the very first time I watched it. It's a great Friday night, date night, movie to watch with your sweetie. Johnny even loved it.

Oh my goodness, I don't even know what to say. Jimmy Stewart is amazing in this movie and Jean Arthur is as wonderful as always. the congress scene is awesome, so worth the time.

"Shane, Mama wants ya and Papa wants ya." Shane!! Oh this is one of my favorites westerns. Boys love this one.

Last but not least, The Fiddler on the Roof is an amazing story of tradition and the Jewish people. After we loved it we were delightfully surprised to find our in was filmed right in the capital of our very own Croatia. How cool is that??? If you haven't seen this, go get it now!!!

Anyhow, these are our favorites, let me know what you think and if you've seen any of them.

Southern Charm

2011-08-06T07:54:00.000-07:00

We were so glad to get to visit Rincon, GA and our good friends the Springers. Bro.

Joe Springer is the pastor of Rincon Baptist Temple. He and Wendy are some of the more hospitable people we've ever known.

We had such a great time with Joe and Wendy and their kids. They took us to Savannah and we were treated like royalty.

Hannah and the Springer's girls, Anna and Emma

Joshua and Kyle

Us, in case you didn't know.

Just a pretty boat.

They treated us to a wonderful carriage tour and we got to see some very quaint streets in Savannah. Hannah and the girls loved the horses.

Isn't it sweet. Like a storybook town.

The Spanish Moss, which I am told is in the pineapple family, was incredible. I absolutely love it. It's a good thing someone told be not to touch it because it looked so soft. They say that it's full of chiggers so I kept my hands to myself.

The southern homes were lovely. This one faced a beautiful lake.

All those branches are from one tree. It's it amazing or what??? (upsize it to see it better) And the Spanish Moss is magical. Savannah was a beautiful place and we're so glad to have been able to enjoy it for a few days.

Bro. Joe and Wendy Springer, our sweet hosts.

Stinkin' Thinkin'

2011-08-03T07:46:00.000-07:00

As we travel around to different places and meet different folks I am often amazed and how missionaries are looked at. Not only how laymen look at us but how missionaries look at themselves.

I am honestly really tired of hearing several phrases;

1. Oh you sacrifice so much.

2. Wow, I bet your glad to be back in the States.

3. You give up so much to serve the Lord.

These statements are repeated over and over again, so much that I can almost guarantee that I'll hear at least one in the next week. Somewhere along the way the view of missionaries turned negative. I mean in general people tend to think that the life of a missionary is hard and unrewarding, a drudgery if you will. Nothing could be farther from the truth. While serving the Lord on a foreign field can be hard and we do face some unique circumstances it's really no different that serving the Lord here.

(So that no one thinks that I don't understand the spirit of these statements, I do. There was a time when I was a layman and I looked at missionaries in awe too. I understand that.)

I'm so tired of hearing people talk about how being a missionary is more of a punishment than a honor. I'm especially tired of hearing missionaries whine about the life God has given them. Good night! Stop the whining already! Accept your orders for the Commander in Chief and learn to love it!!

We need to get rid of this "stinkin' thinkin'". Hey, if the President asked you to be the Ambassador for the United States to a foreign country, that would be an honor. How much more of an honor is it for the King of Kings to ask you to be an Ambassador to a foreign country representing Heaven?

I think we need to rethink missions. Hey, I'm honored to be an Ambassador in Croatia and I wouldn't trade it for life in America for anything. His will is perfect!

M I Crooked Letter Crooked Letter I...

2011-07-31T19:13:00.000-07:00

While in Mississippi we were able to go to Landrums and we really enjoyed ourselves. For one thing, we were one of only 3 groups touring this place so we kinda had free reign. The kids had a ball getting to explore and this place was done very well.

Johnny doing a pretty cool leaning thing!

Josh and I, after I bet the fire out of him on Tether Ball! Oh yea!

Check out this eucalyptus tree, how cool is that? I love the smell of this stuff.

Hannah found the cat, as usual.

Josh and Dad playing Tether Ball. BTW, Josh had no idea what Tether Ball was. It was fun showing him.

I tried to get this to switch characters but Josh wanted to part of that.

Mississippi Magnolia.

It's too bad that these things are illegal to use on kids in the states cause I think it would be a very useful.

Well we're thankful that God allows us to be a part of His work in Croatia and to get to see so much of the world. He sure is good!

Angry Birds...Wordless Wednesday

2011-07-27T14:00:00.000-07:00

Oh where oh where are the Leslies?

2011-07-27T13:46:00.001-07:00

So we're on our way to a little town just north of St. Augustine, Florida for yet another meeting. We're actually having a wonderful time reporting to our supporting churches and even meeting some new folks along the way.

I figured it out;
We will be gone a total of 98 days on this trip and on day 18 on our way to E. Palatka, 2 hours into our 6 hour journey I got bored.

I did the math and this 98 day trip is going to take us 5548 miles across this country of ours. All the way from Texas through Louisiana, Mississippi,
Alabama, Florida, Georgia, N. Carolina, Ohio, Illinois, Michigan, Iowa and then back into Texas.

Those 5000 miles are gonna cost around $1,544. Wow, I knew it was a long trip but that's ridiculous! Anyhow, we're well on our way, and God has met all our needs along the way, He's so good!

I really miss Cody and I dreamed about Croatia last night. As blessed as we are to get to travel and see wonderful folks and sights, I think I'm getting ready to call it quits for this furlough. A couple more months to go, and we'll be headed home.

Anyhow, I thought I would share my van-work with ya. We'll be sleeping here in Florida and heading to Savannah tomorrow.

Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Somewhere on Interstate 10 in Florida

Happy 16th Josh!

2011-07-26T19:45:00.000-07:00

I can't believe we are celebrating Josh's 16th birthday already. It seems like yesterday he was running around naked through the house. Well not actually naked but we sure couldn't keep clothes on that kid. He was forever without at least one shoe and sock.
Anyhow, Josh is 16 now and I just wish I could turn back the clock for a few moments and hold little Joshy one more time. I know I can't so here are 16 things I love about the Josh we are blessed to have now.

1. Joshua is very smart.
2. He loves Jesus.
3. He is a hoot in a crazy sorta way.
4. He loves his brother and sister.
5. He is always ready to stand against the crowd if need be.
6. He is a positive kid.
7. Josh is very forgiving.
8. He makes friends very easily.
9. He loves his mother.
10. He has beautiful hazel/brown eyes.
11. Joshua is very good at math.
12. He's creative.
13. Joshua has a very tender heart.
14. He is a gentleman and always opens the door for his mother.
15. Joshua writes great books.
16. Joshua trusted Jesus at youth camp this year and he was very proud of that.

Trip through Cajun Country

2011-07-23T13:14:00.000-07:00

We took a little trip through Cajun country and got to take in a few of the local sites.

We passed up this gourmet eatery, little too rich for our tastes. :0)

We went to the gator farm in Louisiana and got to ride one of those bad boys. Okay not really but it's about as close as I want to be to one of those unless it has two handles on it.

Gator food!

Hey and there were plenty to go around too.

Feeding time was something to behold and pretty terrifying too.

Can you say BIG?

Hannah and Joshua all dressed up.

Hannah got a bit too close.

More gator food.

Anyhow we had a nice time in Cajun Country. We enjoyed seeing friends at Union Baptist Church in Florine and were pleasantly surprised that Evangelist Jim Brown is the pastor there now. Had a great time of fellowship.

BEAMS

2011-07-22T08:06:00.000-07:00

We were so blessed to get to stop by Gulf Port, MS and check out the BEAMS Bible Ministry.

BEAMS is an incredible ministry supplying Bibles to missionaries around the world.

Beams is a wonderful ministry in the fact that it is a ministry to missionaries and not a business. Many times Bible ministries make the missionaries come up with a large part of the funds but BEAMS is a ministry that is free to the missionary.

We stayed in one of BEAMS hotel rooms on the grounds. It was so nice and praise the Lord for air conditioning; it's hot down here in Mississippi and especially after all the rains lately.

BEAMS warehouse

Hannah and Johnny packing French Bibles.

Joshua busy doing his part too.

Bro. Joel, Filipino missionary to Cambodia and Caleb Carr trying to hide behind a Revival Fires paper.

Just some of the Bibles waiting to be shipped out to missionaries around the world.

Almost 900,000 Bibles shipped around the world for the glory of God.

If you don't already support a good Bible ministry, BEAMS is the one!!

College? Wordless Wednesday

2011-07-20T12:28:00.000-07:00

A little piece of paradise

2011-07-19T12:29:00.001-07:00

We have been gone on this 3 month trip for 9 days. Last night Johnny and I figured out that in 9 days we have slept in 7 cities in 4 states. No wonder I'm so pooped.

We are in Alabama, staying on top of a hill in Paradise. We're staying in a very nice mobile home out in the middle of nowhere. It's so pretty and green. It's quiet! It's been so long since we've been anywhere quiet. I miss the quiet. We're really enjoying being out here and the peace is a huge blessing.

We even had a homemade breakfast of eggs, toast and bacon this morning. Wow I forgot how good home cooked food tastes.

Josh and Hannah watching the cows and making sure the bill isn't charging behind me.

Many thanks to Walker Springs Road Baptist Church for allowing us to stay out here and have he time to be refreshed.

We're gonna be on this trip till the middle of October when we make it back to Texas in time to pack up the container with Bibles, Gypsy Christmas items and our things. November 29th we fly out for Croatia.

I'll be posting from the road often, so I'll post next from hot Florida.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Grove Hill, Alabama

English my foot!

2011-07-17T14:45:00.001-07:00

You know the debate about Spanish speakers in America is nothing new. Yes, they should learn English but I suggest that those country folk in Mississippi should think about learning English too.

We were at McDonalds and Johnny was ordering a McFlurry and the cute girl behind the counter looked at Johnny and asked him if he wanted snake eyes. Johnny looked at her in confusion, snake eyes he asked. She looked at him and said, snake eyes. Johnny looked at her and apologized and did his best to assure her that we weren't trying to play a game with her. So okay maybe snake eyes is a new Micky Ds thing. Finally after much confusion and the cute girl getting a bit bothered we figured it out, snake eyes was in fact "snake size". Wow, we did it, we figured it out.

Fursevni, that's what she said next and the game began again. We managed to translate this word much faster now that we knew we needed to and handed her the $4.79 she had asked for.

Well I bedder get da young' uns warshed and ready to go to the chuch house. Just thought dat you'd tank dat dis was funy.

(No offense meant toward y'all who are blessed to come from the emerald green paradise that is Mississippi. Hey we Texans have our own set
of problems with English so don't think I'm pinkin on y'all.)

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Mississippi

Happy Birthday Hannah

2011-07-17T12:13:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Hannah's 14th birthday on the 8th of July. I can't believe Hannah is 14, she's our baby and she's 14. WOW!

In celebration of Hannah's 14th birthday, here are 14 things I love about Hannah.

1. She's funny.

2. She's always ready to be friendly.

3. She's never boring.

4. She loves to a capacity that very few can.

5. She is very tender hearted.

6. She's a hugger.

7. She's forever ready to forgive others.

8. She's has blue eyes like her Daddy.

9. She doesn't have to be loved by someone for her to love them.

10. She loves children.

11. She has a desire to reach the deaf of Croatia for Christ.

12. She is a really good artist and paints me pictures.

13. She loves to cook.

14. Hannah loves her Savior with all her heart!

Happy birthday Hannah, we sure love you!!

20 years and counting.

2011-07-15T12:13:00.000-07:00

God has been so good to us over the last 20 years. I can't even believe that we have already been together for 20 years. Are you kidding, 20 years? When I think of couples who have been together 20 years I always think that they're really old to have been together for 20 years, but I've changed my mind.

Johnny surprised me with a dream road trip. We started out picking up our rent car at the airport and oh my goodness!!! My favorite care in the world is a 67 Camero and the new ones look a lot like the old ones so I love the new ones. Anyhow, this was our rental for our little road trip. He's so sweet!

I couldn't believe all the men that would stop and check out the car and little children who oohed and ahhed over it. It was nice for a week!

Then we headed to a cabin on the Ozarks, it was heaven.

We had such a great time at the cabin, it was so peaceful and restful.

We visited Hot Springs twice and got to do some looking around. It's nice and quaint.

We did get to see the worst rated high school in the US, or at least it was the one that graduated Bill Clinton.

We rode the DUCKS and it was really nice. They went onto Lake Hamilton and it was so pretty. The poor lady infront of us had no idea that the DUCK was amphibious; she couldn't swim and was a little freaked out especially when it started to rain out on the lake.

We went to a beautiful woodland garden on lake Hamilton. Garvan Garden is a lovely place to visit and the walk was so relaxing.

I love this bridge, so pretty.

Johnny, feeding the goldfish.

We loved the chapel in the woods. the really great thing about this place is that it was air conditioned!

The mountain tower was great too, it was amazing how far you could see on this thing.

After we left Hot Springs we headed to Branson, Mo by way of the back roads. The Camero is awesome and can pass another car so fast you can't look over fast enough to see who's driving.

At a mountain overlook, lovely!

Yes, I did let Johnny drive a few times!

We had a great time in Branson at Silver Dollar City. What a great family oriented place. Actually it was strange because the music playing over the speakers was Gospel. Wow!

There were tons of artisans and it was so neat to see them working.

Branson in general was a really neat place and very family oriented. I was amazed that I didn't see one bad place on the main strip. This Ripley's place was cool.

They go a bit overboard on the themed eateries. :0)

The best thing was the Titanic museum. Yes that is a building. It was so great and really worth a peak if you head that way.

Well we are well on our way to our 21st anniversary and we already have an idea for our 25th. Think we'll take a look-see at Alaska.

I'm blessed beyond words. I am married to my best friend and he still gives makes my tummy weak when he kisses me. Doesn't get much better than that!

Happy Birthday America!

2011-07-04T15:00:00.000-07:00

"There, I guess King George will be able to read that."

John Hancock, after signing the Declaration of Independence

5 Obscure Facts About the Declaration of Independence.

By Alex in Neatorama Exclusives on Jul 4, 2007 at 1:16 am

John Trumbull’s Declaration of Independence Key to Painting

1. There Was No "United States" in the Declaration of Independence.

When the Founding Fathers adopted "The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America" [wiki] on July 4, 1776, they didn’t form the nation called The United States of America.

Indeed, the United States of America actually came into being on March 1, 1781 when the Second Continental Congress ratified the Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union (or more commonly known as the Article of Confederation [wiki]).

2. Jefferson Was Upset that Slavery was Edited out.

In his first draft of the Declaration of Independence,Jefferson [wiki] listed the British crown’s support and importation of slavery to the colonies as one of the grievances:

"He has waged cruel war against human nature itself, violating its most sacred rights of life & liberty in the persons of a distant people who never offended him, captivating & carrying them into slavery in another hemisphere, or to incur miserable death in their transportation thither."

The passage, however, was edited out by request of the delegates from South Carolina and Georgia. Jefferson (himself a slave owner!) remained upset about this removal of the condemnation of slavery until his death.

3. The Youngest and Oldest Signers

The youngest signer of the Declaration of Independence was Edward Rutledge [wiki] of Southern Carolina. He was 26. Actually that wasn’t the only interesting thing: Rutledge argued for the deletion of Jefferson’s condemnation of slavery (see above). He was also initially opposed to independence, but signed the Declaration for the sake of unanimity.

The oldest signer was Benjamin Franklin [wiki], who was 70 at the time. At the signing, Franklin famously said "We must all hang together, or, most assuredly, we shall all hang separately."

4. The Sole Recanter: Richard Stockton

During the course of the Revolutionary War, four signers were captured by the British (George Walton, Thomas Heyward, Jr., Arthur Middleton, and Edward Rutledge) while fighting. Although they were treated harshly, all four were eventually released.

Only one guy, Richard Stockton [wiki] of New Jersey, was captured in the middle of the night and taken prisoner specifically because he was a signer of the Declaration. Stockton also had the singular misfortune of being the only recanter of the oath to support the Declaration of Independence with "our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor." Under duress of harsh British confinement, Stockton recanted his signature on the Declaration and declared his allegiance to the King George III before he was released. (Source:American Heritage).

Stockton’s ordeal didn’t end there: his estate was taken by the British army during his absence, and all of his household belongings were taken or destroyed. The imprisonment not only broke Stockton’s mind and spirit, but also ruined his health – it took him years to fully recuperate. Before he died, Stockton re-affirmed his oath of allegiance to the United States.

5. Bargain Hunter Bought an Old Copy of the Declaration of Independence for $4, Sold It For Millions!

In 1989, a bargain hunter who bought an old and torn painting for $4 at a flea market found an old copy of the Declaration of Independence tucked away between the canvas and the frame!

A copy of the Dunlap Broadside, now at Yale University.

It turned out to be one of the 200 official copies from the first printing of the Declaration of Independence, called the Dunlap Broadsides [wiki]. Before this discovery, only 24 copies were known to exist.

The lucky bargain hunter sold his copy of the Declaration at an auction for $8.14 million!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!!

Ummm (scratching head)

2011-07-03T15:42:00.000-07:00

Seen this perplexing little sign at the Chase Bank drive through. Hmmm, are they even allowed to drive? I believe in equal rights and all but this is ridiculous!

20 Years!!

2011-06-27T05:48:00.000-07:00

So on the 29th of this month Johnny and I will celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary. It honestly seems like yesterday and then it seems like it was ions ago. Time has gone by so fast but I feel like I've known Johnny and been a part of him forever.

God has been so good to us, not only to keep us in love with each other but for putting us together in the first place. When we reminisce about old times I'm amazed at how much alike we were. We were, in no doubt, made for each other.

20 years doesn't seem that long when you reach it but it's pretty major. For 20 years our hearts have been tied together and I have enjoyed every second of it, okay so maybe not every second but almost every second.

Anyhoo, we're headed out today on our anniversary trip. Kiddos are staying with their brother Cody and Grandma so I'm sure they'll be fine. I think Six Flags is scheduled for one of the days so it should be nice for them too. Johnny and I are taking a road trip to Arkansas and we'll be gone until next Monday. I'm so excited.

I'll be back next week with lots of photos and maybe some funny stories too.

Lady-like First Lady?

2011-06-25T10:49:00.000-07:00

I don't seem to remember any of our First Ladies of the past in any photos like this. Hmmm, maybe she's a different sort of first lady, could be .

LA'DY-LIKE, a.
1. Like a lady in manners; genteel; well bred.
2. Soft; tender; delicate.

Lady like?? Not quite.

A very proud Mama

2011-06-23T19:02:00.000-07:00

This year the Joshua and Hannah got to go to teen camp for the first time ever. They have been to teen camp in Croatia before but it's not quite the same for them.
Anyhow they went to camp at Lake Texhoma and some great things happened. While both Hannah and Joshua made decisions for the Lord, Joshua made the most important. Joshua went to the front during one of the invitations and asked Jesus to save him. He thought he was saved but apparently he wasn't. Praise the Lord for Joshua's tender heart and the great thing God did in his heart.

Wednesday night Joshua was baptized at our home church in Arlington, Texas and we're so proud of him. Here are just a few photos.

Bro. Ricky Gonzales, our Spanish pastor was baptizing that night since it was the week of soul-winning.

There is no greater blessing than to know my children are saved. Praise the Lord!!!

Yea it's the Week of Soul-Winning!

2011-06-21T15:31:00.000-07:00

Hey now this gentleman may look a little "out there" but he definantly has the right idea.

This week at our home church is the Week of Soul-Winning. Everyday morning and night the church goes out and knocks on doors and gives folks the opportunity to be saved.

I didn't make it yeasterday but today has been a great blessing already. My partner today was Jenette and she was a wonderful blessing to me. She is a new soul-winner and she told me she wasn't going to talk. She is bilingual with Spanish being her mother language and boy did I love it. Every time Johnny and I are in the area we go to our church soul-winning and we have been hitting one large apartment complex everytime we go. Sadly we only are able to talk to 50% of the occupants but not today. Today Jenette and I had them coming and going. The English speakers were stuck with me and Jenette got all the Spanish speakers. I was so excited for her because she was so new to door-knocking and today Jenette got to led two precious Hispanic ladies to the Lord personally. WOW, she's addicted now and she's gonna be my partner this week, yea me!!! Oh yea and I just want to thank the Lord for John, he's 12 years old and sharp as a tack. He asked Jesus to save him this morning and he was so sincere.

Anyhow, I thought I would give a little update. We're about to head out again so I'm praying that God will save folks despite the mared vessels He'll be using tonight.

UPDATE: As of this morning (6-22) our family (minus Josh, he's been sick) has had the privilege of leading 11 people to the Lord. Hannah had a 19 year old lady saved last night and she even came back to the church to be baptized immediately. Hannah's first soul saved and baptized! God sure is good!

Red Fingernails

2011-06-16T19:24:00.000-07:00

You know, there are a few things I just can't seem to make myself like. I have always hated white shoes, even after Labor Day I still can't make myself wear white dress shoes. I think I saw some weird lady wearing black hose with white shoes and it ruined it for me. I would never wear white shoes with black hose but I can't help but hate white shoes now.

Nude hose, now that's another. It has taken me forever to like nude hose. I don't know why but they have always been tacky to me. I still don't like 'e'm but I wear them now out of necessity. Ya gotta do what ya gotta do sometimes, whether I like it or not.

Really high pony tails are another one of my fashion hates. Even in school when they were cool I still didn't like them. They reminded me too much of a valley girl or some silly girl like that. I loved all the other fashions from the 80s but those high ponytails just ain't for me.

I know that what we see and experience as kids and the sorta folks that sport those styles really make an impression, whether positive or negative. I remember a lady that I knew that wore rings on both hands. While there isn't a thing in the world wrong or ugly about rings on multiple fingers my mind can't get past that lady. I have been influenced by people I have known. Hey there are even names that I can't stand, names that evoke a feeling or thought. I'm not even gonna give my list of names in fear of hurting someones feelings that might share one of those names but it's true I do have negative feelings about some names.

Anyhow one of my real hates has always been red fingernails. I don't know why but I have always associated red nails with wild women. (disclaimer: I know that there isn't a thing wrong with red nails. I know that they are not a sign of risky women or of uncomely ladies just wanted you to know that) for some reason as a young girl I formed the opinion that red nails were a bit risky and I have never been able to wear them...Until now!

My husband recently expressed a like of red nails. He has never been vocal about about the way I dress or anything like that. The other day we were sitting having a coffee and I asked him what he thought about my grayish light purple nail polish. He replied that it was nice, reminded him or Easter and then stated that he prefers red. I was taken back a bit. Red nails?? Are you joking with me? No, he was serious. He thinks they're pretty.
Wow, red nails are pretty? They're pretty and not risky?

Whoa now, he likes something I hate? How am I gonna reconcile this? I can't wear red nail polish! I can't! I don't wanna be perceived like that. No I wont!!! I won't wear red nail polish! Never!

Uh oh, I thought to my self. I wont because I don't like it? Does it matter what he likes? Can I really live with red nails? I questioned my idiosyncrasies and realized that his desires are my privilege. Really, who was I trying to please? Me, others? Wow, I realized something, his opinion is so much more important than mine. I don't buy into all this women's lib junk: "I need to love myself and I'm number one." I know that self esteem is important in a marriage but much more important is living for each other. When I live for him I'm happy. I am secure in who I am with him. I am not Tori alone, no, we are Johnny and Tori together. I have self esteem and worth with him.

Red nails... yes red nails and the adoration of a husband that knows my desire is only unto him and his wants are my desire. So as I type this I'm watching my red nails skate across my keyboard and smiling a little to myself. It feels nice to know I have sacrificed something I like or dislike for what he wants. Red fingernails??? Yea...He's worth it!

Does HE care? Oh yea HE does!!!

2011-06-02T20:41:00.000-07:00

Sometimes we forget all the wonderful things God does for us. I mean He answers prayers and we praise Him at the moment but we soon forget. I'm so guilty of this. In general I tend to have quite a bit of faith but I still forget sometimes how good He is.

Lately we've been really going through a life change with Cody (our oldest) graduating from high school and now working his first job as a medical courier. We were so worried about this whole change in life when we really should have remembered all the great things He has done so far. Wow, as a family we have always been blessed beyond measure, and yea I know that's a phrase but that's our phrase. God has met every need and took care of lots of desires along the way.

I'm so glad to see that God is now doing the same amazing things for our son Cody. When we first came to the states we were really looking for a car for Cody but we were very careful not to get in front of God. Anyhow, one day after a long trip visiting churches Johnny took our van to a full service car wash for a detailed cleaning. As he was sitting in the waiting room he overheard a conversation between an elderly lady and one of the workers. She stated that she needed her car detailed since she was selling it. Curious, Johnny went over and inquired about the car. She hadn't even put the car up for sale yet. She was moving to Hawaii and didn't need the car. Johnny went out and looked at the car and it was almost brand new. It was exactly what Cody needed and since she was a Christian she gave us a great price. God dropped that car into our laps and at such a great price.

So the car was all taken care of and then the next step was a job. Cody decided long ago that he was going to honor God and not work on Wednesdays or Sundays. He put in tons of applications and surprisingly to me the only one who called out of dozens of applications was a pizza place and after a interview Cody decided it wasn't for him. He told the manager that he couldn't work on Sundays and before the interview was finished the manager tried to trick him into coming in on Sundays.

Anyhow, we told Cody to wait on God and that He would bless his putting God first. Well, as usual, the Lord came through and he was hired on the spot as a medical courier. He delivers medical supplies and pharmaceutics. Cody is allowed to come in at anytime of the morning and he can deliver all morning and then start his route at 1:00. The job is perfect, couldn't be better for a college student. This job almost seems too good to be true unless you remember God, the one who created the stars, shut Noah up in the Ark and preserved his family and made a way for dirty sinners to be washed clean and inherit a heavenly home. Wow, and this God isn't big enough to supply a job for a young man who loves Him and honors Him. Oh yea He is, He cares, He hears and He answers prayers.

What a great blessing for me to see the God that has supplied for our family and taking care of us now caring and supplying for Cody. DOES HE CARE? OH YEA HE DOES!!!

UPDATE: Okay so the job didn't work out. They were liars and totally changed the agreement. Act Fast Couriers is a joke and they treat their employees like garbage. Yes, this is a rant but it's justified.
I still believe that the Lord is good and that in His time Cody will get the job that he needs. We'll just have to wait a bit longer. Anyhow, just wanted to update 'cha.

A little bit o' wonderful!

2011-05-31T10:00:00.000-07:00

I remember when we were home (in Croatia) and we would go to the grocery and find something from home (USA) we would be ecstatic. I remember finding Dr. Pepper in Austria and blinking several times 'cause I didn't actually believe what I was seeing. Or seeing Oreos on the shelf was like finding a honest politician. I know those seem like menial things but to us homesick Americans it was AWESOME!!!

Anyhow, now that we are in the states on furlough we are in reverse want. There are just some things I miss. Actually there are a lot of things and people I miss, but there are some foods that I miss and that's why I'm so excited about my finds.

I found VEGETA and I've been using it in rice and eggs and it's just a little piece of home. Oh ye and NESCAFE is my morning ritual in Croatia. I love this instant coffee. It's so good! I was excited to find it in the Spanish section at the grocery store. And last but defiantly not least.....MAGNUM ice cream bars. These things are so delectable. We found them at Kroger and the kids were way to happy.

One of the great thing about being a missionary is that we get to have two homes, two cultures and get to enjoy the foods of two lands. Boy am I ~~lucky~~ blessed!

It's DONE! CONGRATS CODY!!!

2011-05-28T09:24:00.000-07:00

This whole furlough has brought many changes and last night was another milestone in our family. Our oldest son Cody graduated from high school. I'm amazed that he or we are old enough to be graduated. But it's true, he and we are.

He walked the isle with one other graduate.

His Daddy proudly presented him with his high school diploma from our Croatia Baptist Academy home school.

Cody with our pastor Dr. Todd Lasseter.

Presentation of the two high school graduates and the kindergarten graduates also.

Cody and his very proud Dad.

Proud Papaw and Mammy (Johnny's parents)

Josh with the graduate. It's not long till we do the same with him. He's a 2013 graduate but he'll wait until May 2014 to actually go through the ceremony. He can't wait.

Proud parents. I look like death because I did a little crying. It hit me so hard that this was so permanent and in a few short months we would be leaving our young man in America. I'm expecting to have to use some of that grace that God offers so freely.

Cody will be planning Bible college in the fall and majoring in missions. His will be returning to Croatia as a missionary unless God changes his direction. We have told him that we would rather have him in Africa in God's will than in Croatia out of His will. We are praying that HIS will is for Cody to come to Croatia but we'll be happy as long as he is in God's will regardless where he is.

The graduates: Cody and Paul

Cody with his display at the reception.

Congrats to both Cody and Paul. Now the fun begins!!

Back to school

2011-05-25T08:30:00.000-07:00

Well with Cody graduating on Friday and 1/3 part of my mothering seeming to be almost over I've been thinking. Have I equipped my children spiritually and physically enough for them to make it as adults? I remember being a young lady and not knowing a lot of what I should have known.

Anyhow, Cody will be moving into the dorms before long and I'm checking to see that I have all the bases covered. Here's a great list from Margery D. Rosen, Family Circle, how many can you check off?

To help our kids become happy adults, we have to give them the gift of competence. Kids who can handle everyday tasks, from laundry to banking, are happier and more confident. Whether they're still under your roof or heading off to college, it's never too late to start teaching them how to be self-sufficient.

Food Skills
use a microwave
plan and shop for a healthy diet
read nutrition labels and know what's good and what's not
prepare, serve and store food to avoid spoilage
cook a well-balanced meal
know which kitchen tools and equipment to use for which tasks

Money Skills
make a weekly or monthly budget and stick to it
use an ATM
open, use and balance a checking account
apply for a credit card and use it responsibly
save up to buy a desired item
set aside money for charity
keep track of important papers

Clothing Skills
sew on a button
mend a seam
iron garments
fold and put away clothing
follow fabric-care labels
do laundry, including treating simple stains
wash and dry items by hand
fold clothes
pack a suitcase

At-Home Skills
find the circuit breaker and use it
locate and use water and furnace shutoffs
use a fire extinguisher
perform basic first aid
fix a running toilet
do laundry, including treating simple stains
use all household appliances, like loading the dishwasher the right way

-By Margery D. Rosen, Family Circle

Random Pix!

2011-05-23T17:34:00.000-07:00

So these are just a few photos I have taken and I actually meant to blog about each place but, well, I never managed to get it done. Anyhow, I blog for you all but I also blog for me. I have gone back and read my blog many times and I love seeing all the old photos. So here are some photos over the last couple months.

Cody and his favorite MOM, Nebraska

Hannah and her oldest friend Beth, Rendon, Texas

Sitting Bull Falls, NM

Josh and Hannah contemplating a swim, yes in their clothes!

Carlsbad, NM

The Family, Carlsbad, NM

My boy Josh - Carlsbad, NM

Somewhere in NM

Old Town, Albuquerque, NM

Trying to get a good photo in NM

Still trying in NM

Oh a door, lovely huh?

Posing...

The truth

Hannah and the goat in KS

Disappointed!

2011-05-22T05:20:00.000-07:00

Well I guess old Mr. Camping was wrong. I'm still here this morning and pretty bummed about it! Actually I knew upon the authority of the BIBLE that the LORD wasn't coming when Mr. Camping said HE was but a girl can hope can't she? Oh well, I guess I'll keep waiting.

Bible + Dramatization = AWESOME!

2011-04-15T19:53:00.000-07:00

Not too long ago my husband ordered and downloaded the entire Alexander Scourby audio Bible. Not only was it the Bible read by A.S. but it was also the dramatized version. All I can say is awesome! It really is one of the neatest things ever.

The other day we were quizzing the kids with Bible questions and our son Josh knew some really major details about the the story of Joseph and I was really surprised that he had retained so much information just from reading. Then he told us that he remembered all those details because he had listened to that story months ago on the CD. The other day when we were headed down here to Carlsbad, NM from Albuquerque I listened to some of the OLD on the cd. It was way too cool and I remembered so much about it.

Anyhow you can go to AUDIO BIBLE and listen to a sample and I think you can even download the whole thing from there. It's well worth the money.

Wichita Kansas, and a little fun!

2011-04-10T15:33:00.000-07:00

We finished up a great conference in Salina, Kansas with Ray Avenue Baptist Church. Pastor Day and his church made us feel so at home. Monday we headed south to Wichita to spend a few days before our meeting on Wednesday with Woodlawn Baptist. We really enjoyed some good fellowship with Pastor Talbert. On Thursday morning we headed out at 7 in the morning to Albuquerque, New Mexico.

We arrived at the motel in Albuquerque around 6:30 pm. It's gorgeous here. The mountains are awesome!! We have been to NM before but I don't remember these mountains. I'll be snapping some photos tomorrow for sure.

While in wichita we went to Old Cowtown Museum , it was really nice. We were some of the only people there and so we got free run of the whole place. We had a great time and I snapped some pretty nice photos. Here are some of my favorites.

Hannah and her Daddy.

I super-love this photo of Josh, it's one of my new favorites!

Our senior. He's graduating soon and I may use this one for his invitations. I love it!!

Josh was robbing the meat store in the old town, I think it was getting close to lunch time.

Nan, sitting in one of the old homes. It was a great place to go because you could freely roam through almost all of the buildings.

Josh was looking way too convincing in this pic. We were visiting the undertaker's home. A little eerie if you ask me.

Cody, hanging out.

I loved this old brick and since I couldn't get my kids to lie down on it i just took a photo of the brick. I'm sure I'll use the photo somewhere.

Joshua again! Looking innocent but don't be fooled!

The world's UGLIEST couch!

I can't believe that spring is here and none too early. I was almost giddy to see those blooms, that means winter's over right?

This was one of the first wooden church buildings in Kansas and it's so interesting because inside the floor boards are secured in place with pegs instead of nails. Pretty smart.

Lunch time already!!

A little before dinner show from the kids. don't quit your day jobs guys!!

Just a pretty window!

Lastly sisterly love unrequited!

Anyhoo, like I said we're in Albuquerque, NM and loving the views. I'm gonna be posting some photos soon. I know you're all getting so bored with all my amateur photography but I got a new camera for Christmas so grin and bear it!!!

Miracles in Croatia

2011-03-30T14:27:00.000-07:00

We're so blessed to have Bro. Sam Ward as our co-laborer in Croatia. He just celebrated his 1 year of service in Croatia. Since his arrival in Croatia we have seen God do great things through his life. We praise the Lord for Bro. Sam.

He is a great blogger and posts often about things happening in Croatia. Take a moment and go have a look-see and see what great things God is doing in Croatia.

The national pastor in Croatia led a lady in New Hampshire to the Lord on her death bed.

Big-wig protester gets saved in jail!

Hey God is really moving these days and we're glad he didn't forget about Croatia. He's doing a great work there and I'm glad He's using Bro. Sam Ward and the rest of the team there in Croatia to do it.

Make sure to post a comment if you go to Bro. Sam's blog, I'm sure it'll be an encouragement.

Awesome time in Council Bluffs, IA

2011-03-29T06:50:00.000-07:00

What a great time we had with Pastor and Mrs. Shipman at Eastern Hills Baptist Church in Council Bluffs, IA. Wow, these folks are great and a little crazy at the same time. We loved our time there. We made fast friends of both church folk and missionaries,

The missionary group+kiddos

We had the privilege of getting to know Bro. Ben Leaf, missionary to Brasil. His sweet wife Lucianna was an extreme blessing to me and a fresh breeze of honesty. Bro. Leaf is actually a veteran missionary kind. Born in Brasil to missionary parents.

Oh, I included this photo of Cory and I because we keep getting mistaken for a couple. Yea I know I don't look young enough to be his wife but several times people have come up and told us that we are a sweet couple. HA!!! Cody gets a kick out of it and has told his brother more than once that he is grounded.

The Ruby Family was also a sweet blessing. They are going to El Salvador and are so sweet. Those two little girls do most of the support raising, i'm sure!

Oh yea and a great blessing, Sunday morning the Associates wife walked the isle and got saved, WOW!!! God sure is good!

This is Mrs. Straw, she is making eternal investments in Croatia. She has faithfully been giving $10 a month to the Croatian Bible Project for some time. Wow, what rewards she will have one day. Thank you Mrs. Straw for loving folks you've never seen!

Oh yea and we went to the zoo, always a classic fun. It was a little chilly but we enjoyed it. Here are a few photos the kids took.

Okay so enough monkeying around, I better get busy. We're in a wonderful mission apartment in Harrisonville, MO. Bro and Mrs. Keighan are a great blessing and have been for 12 years that they have supported us. Grace Baptist Church is a great place and we always enjoy our time here.

Tomorrow, bright and early we've got to get on to Salina, KS, we're starting a conference at a church there. It's a blessing to be co-laborers with so many different churches. Some of them you tend to forget if it's been 12 years and for the church in KS it has been twelve years so we're looking forward to that meeting.

Oh yea I have some great stories from Croatia but I guess I'll tell you those in the next post!

A little fun with Sioux City Baptist Church

2011-03-21T15:28:00.000-07:00

Well we finished up another mission conference in Sioux City, IA last week and it was great. We love Bro. and Mrs. Pointer and their church is so gracious.
On one of the days we all went out to Pizza Ranch (yes that's a real place) and then we went to a transportation museum in the area. It was fun and actually we actually got to get in some of the different vehicles.

Here are just a few of the photos we took.

The boys really enjoyed the Tommy Gun.

Big bad Josh!

Johnny love!

Joshua, Cody and Bro. James Pointer, pastor of Sioux City Baptist Church in of all places, Sioux City, IA.

What a blessing it is to spend time with good friends like Bro. Pointer and his dear wife Mary. What a large family in the Lord we have.

Just Stuff and an I LOVE CROATIA post

2011-03-09T08:43:00.000-08:00

Before we were missionaries, way back when, I remember missionary families coming into our church and presenting their field. I remember sometimes when they would be speaking they would forget the English word for something or they would talk about how much they wish they were "home" on their field. I used to think to myself, "Yea right". I was for sure it was one big put-on for the sake of the congregation.

Years later, I'm that missionary. We all are. It's the craziest thing. We are the ones who sometimes forget the English word for something or even catch ourselves talking about how it's better at "home".

I remember the first few years of living in Croatia and how hard it was, yes, it was very hard. I remembering wishing we were called to pastor in the states or really anything other than missionaries. All sorts of things went through my mind but I knew without a shadow of a doubt that Croatia and those people were the will of God for my life. I went to Croatia following my husband knowing that in that I was obedient to God.

When we were young and only married a few years Johnny told me that he wanted to have 7 children. WHAT? 7 children, I couldn't believe it but soon figured if I was going to have to be the mom of 7 children then I was going to like it. I was young in the faith and didn't know what a blessing children could be so I had decided that ONE was the magic number for us. After I realized I was going to be the mom of 7 kids I decided if I had to I was going to enjoy it. So I purposed in my heart to like it and I did. Later Johnny changed his mind when we became missionaries but it was okay because I knew I would have been happy either way.

When life got hard in Croatia in the early years I purposed in my heart that since this was the will of God for my life then I was going to enjoy it and maybe even learn to love it. God gave me a real love for Croatia. Not only for the spiritual side of life there but also for the daily life. I love the people. I love the small town squares. I love the coffee houses and sitting on the terrace. I LOVE CROATIA. God is so good to give us the desires of our hearts.

Anyhow I said all that to say this: I'm ready to go home!!
Life in the states is so fast and so noisy. Wow, is there still a quiet place anywhere in the US and if it still exists, where is it?

I will say that one of the nicest things about being in the states isn't Walmart contrary to popular missionary belief, no it's getting to spend time with dear pastor friends. We're in Sioux City, Iowa now and were starting a mission conference tonight at Sioux City Baptist Church. We're looking forward to spending some time with our good friend Pastor James Pointer. He's one of the most gracious pastors we know.

Anyhoo, we're out on the road until the end of April and then we'll be home for Cody's graduation. Things are sure changing in our lives but it's all good 'cause He's all good!

Wasting a little time in Iowa

2011-03-04T18:56:00.000-08:00

We have been in Iowa at Grace Baptist Church's mission conference in Marion Iowa. It was great and now we're on the run again. We are in Burlington for the last two days and took some time today to go see the town. Burlington actually sits on the Mississippi River.

Johnny and I tried to get a photo in front of the little Statue of Liberty but ran into some interference. Check out all the distractions on the photos below. HA!

finally, success!!

We went down town to see Snake Alley. Snake Alley is the crookedest street in America.

See it up there at the end of the street.

The homes in Burlington were beautiful. I love old homes. Here are a few that I really liked.

I absolutely loved this house. Check out those brightly colored chairs in front of that monotone house. LOVE IT!

The ol' Mississippi.

Hannah

Cody

Joshua

Yea I guess he snapped that photo a little late!

We're gonna be in Iowa for the next two weeks. It's been wicked cold here and today it got to 60, thank you Lord!

Am I for smoking? No, I'm for the freedom to smoke!

2011-03-02T10:10:00.000-08:00

Hey I am not a smoker and hate the smell of cigarettes but I'm totally for freedom. It's amazing to me which freedoms we are losing here in America the home of the "free".

I found this sign at a rest stop in Iowa and was appalled. I hate the nasty habit as much as any good Christian should but I love the freedom we as Americans are suppose to own in this good ol' land of ours.

This was a huge open rest area and there was this sign. NO SMOKING on the rest area grounds. I mean come on, is there not enough air? I mean really couldn't they at least have set aside a small area in the back corner for smokers? Was it really necessary to completely outlaw smoking in the great out doors. If you read the sign it's hilarious; you can only smoke in your personal vehicle. No smoke is allowed to escape into the air. Honestly is someone going to be standing there making sure the windows aren't cracked?

Like I said, I'm totally against the sinful practice of smoking but I am so for the personal freedoms we hold so dear in the land of ours. Hey it's a ban on smoking outdoors in Iowa today but tomorrow it'll be a ban on the "offensive" Bible. Hey any personal freedom lost in America, regardless of what it is, is dangerous for us all.

Making some mula!

2011-02-24T06:22:00.000-08:00

A little anyhow. For for the first time we are taking a container back to Croatia. We are shipping Croatian New Testaments, furniture, toys and chairs for the first church plant, oh yea and some personal stuff too. Anyhow, a container to Croatia is about 6 grand so we're praying and asking God to give us the money for the container. We have faith that HE will provide but we also know that faith without works is dead. Okay I know I'm taking that verse out of context but it worked so well.

Anyhow, I have started selling on e-bay to raise money for the container. I sell mainly skirts and shoes. I have managed a few purses here and there and it's going okay.

Anyhow, this is a shameless plug for my little entrepreneurial endeavor. I have a lot of really nice, modest skirts listed if anyone wants to take a look-see.

On the road again!!!

2011-02-23T06:56:00.000-08:00

Well we're still out and about on furlough. We have been with some great friends and preachers in the last month or so. We were so blessed to be with our good friends at Springtown Baptist Temple in Springtown, Texas. We love Bro. White and the whole church. Johnny's aunt and uncle go there and it's like going home when we get to be there. Actually, SBT gave the money to put in the foundation for the first church plant in Cakovec. We love you guys!!!

Then we made it over to Grace Baptist Church in Midlothian Texas and had a ball with them. Sadly I didn't manage to get pictures of that one but it was really good.

We got to drop by and see our good friend Dr. Carl Ogdie over at Lakeland Baptist in Ft. Worth. We really love Bro. and Mrs. Ogdie, a great couple that have stuck to the stuff and set a wonderful example for the next generation.

The next trip took us down to the boonies in La Grange Texas. We got to see some x-missionaries to Croatia. Bro. Joel Rumbaugh and his family were missionaries for a year in Croatia before we got there. They welcomed us and treated us like family. Our time at Bethel Baptist was a blessing.

Sometimes our trips take us to fun destinations too. We had so much fun at Bible Believers Baptist Church in Corpus Christi. Bro. and Mrs. Welder are awesome people and we felt so welcomed.

Bible Believers gave us money to go see some sights so we headed for the Texas State Aquarium. It was awesome!!

Here are some photos we took. BTW, Hannah snapped that awesome photo of the dolphin above, how cool is that!

Can you find the hidden sea creature?

What about here, there's a little critter hiding in there.

My sweetie and me!

I love being a missionary. I wouldn't trade places with anyone. God is so good to allow us to be a part of something as big as reaching the world for Christ and then allowing us to have fun along the way too. WOW!

Great Sale and Lands' End! Today Only!

2011-02-22T09:27:00.000-08:00

Lands' End is having a great clearance sale today. Do you know why I love Lands' End? I love the little girls' Jersey dresses. Hannah lived in these and they are really hard to find and Lands' End is one of the only places you can find them.
Anyhoo, they're having a great clearance sale today only!!!

We're Famous!

2011-02-08T05:57:00.000-08:00

Oh my goodness, are you kidding? I was so excited to see Bro. Sam's blog this morning and the article in the Cakovec newspaper.
Bro. Sam Ward, missionary extraordinary, who came to Croatia a little less than a year ago has sure made waves in Croatia. He had a sign ministry in the states and it was his heart's desire to start one in Croatia too. We'll if Bro. Sam wants it done it eventually gets done.
This morning I found this post on Bro. Sam's blog and was ecstatic. Aparently the "sign crew" was out standing on the side of one of our really busy roads when a reporter decided to check it out.
The article reads:

Signposts to eternity

Quite a few were surprised who were in the January 28 peak traffic moving from the direction of the Čakovec to Šenkovec seeing people who are at the edge of the road with signs.
The column of vehicles slowed down because drivers were trying to read the text, hoping that they had just one last chance to save money or find a bargain on some expensive product.
But there was none of that. The inscriptions on the signs, held by members of the Independent Baptist Church Stablo Života from Čakovec, pointed drivers to the right path to eternity.

We are so blessed to have such wonderful co-laborers. Bravo, guys!! Wow, the water is sure being stirred in Croatia, now we just have to get some folks in the water.

18° in Texas??? What?

2011-02-02T05:47:00.000-08:00

Are you kidding me? Really? The other day I was wearing flip flops and now it's 18° outside??? And it figures it's the week we leave for our first out of town mission conference. Oh well, good thing God's watching over us and knows every icy street we're gonna be on.

Oh yea and one more thing; Traci Holcomb is the other missionary wife in Croatia and she's scheduled for gall bladder surgery in Croatia tomorrow. I would ask you to please pray for her. Surgery in America is dangerous enough but surgery in Croatia is a real act of faith. Please remember Traci in prayer!

Hmm...Food for Thought

2011-01-30T22:06:00.000-08:00

Maybe it's time to spend a little less time on FACEBOOK

and more time with our FACE in the BOOK!

I'M GOING LOOMY!!!

2011-01-25T17:24:00.000-08:00

Yea, I spelled it correctly. I'm going loomy for the knitting loom. I have been in Croatia way too long and didn't even know this super cool tool existed. I bought it today and I'm already through almost 2 skeins of yarn. I bought the single since I didn't know if I wanted it or not but tomorrow I'm headed back to buy the 6 or 8 piece set. Oh yea and there is a 40% off coupon off one item here.
Anyhoo, I looked on YouTube and found a funny video for how to use the loom. Check it out, way too fun and super fast.

Regency Baptist Church, Pastor Bob Wallace

2011-01-23T14:43:00.000-08:00

Okay so for any of you missionaries who know the Wallaces, you know how great they are. Bro. and Mrs. Wallace are two of the most gracious people we have ever met. Bro. Wallace is a constant encourager and never fails to remind us that we have not been forgotten. He loves his missionaries.

Anyhoo, we had such a great time in conference with Regency and were so blessed to enjoy some good fellowship with some great folks. Here are a few highlights.

Bro. Bob Wallace

Mrs. Wallace and Mrs. Smith (missionary wife to England)

Miss Debi Duryee, one of the sweetest missionaries you'll meet. Miss Debi is a single missionary to the deaf in Mexico. She has served 21 years and now is in the place that she needs a co-laborer. She is praying for someone to surrender to reach the deaf and partner with her in here older years.

Our children sand Bez Njega, Without Him. We're so proud of these kids who have never once been a hindered to our ministry. They're good kids, we sure are thankful.

Bro and Mrs. Smith are missionaries to England. It's funny because we haven't seen Amanda Smith since she was a teenager in our home church before we left for Croatia. Wow, how time flies!!!

Regency is a wonderful church and we are so blessed to be partners with them all as we reach Croatia for Jesus Christ. Well, onward and forward, on to the next church!!!

Lessons from a Veteran Missionary

2011-01-22T18:15:00.000-08:00

I found this at baptistmissionary.info and I was amazed at how right-on this stuff is. I believe that missionary David Gross wrote this or at least it's from his website. It is right on and wow, if more missionaries would read this before they ever start deputation it would surely make a world of difference in there missionary journey and in the lives of all they come in contact with. Yes I know it's long but it's worth it, Enjoy

Having spent several short-term trips on the mission field, I have had the privilege of spending time with and gleaning wisdom from veteran missionaries. These “10 Commandments” for missionaries make up the body of advice that was given to me by a veteran missionary I had worked with in the past. He has been on the foreign mission field since 1993. Time has only solidified in my heart the veracity and gravity of these words of wisdom. These are in no particular order but all worth your reading.

1. Love the nationals and treat them as family. New American missionaries can often times arrive on the mission field with a subconscious pride that sets the nationals on a sub-level of importance and intelligence. Some of this comes from the American “we’re number one” ego. In observing this veteran missionary, I have seen a love and a life of sacrifice for his people. He has given up his time, his money, and even friendships with other American missionaries in order to protect and love the people to which God has called him. One of his closest friends in ministry, a national, ended up immigrating to America after ministering with this missionary for many years. It was not the loss of another slave or servant, but of family and friend. Be sure to treat the people with love and respect as fellow labourers in Christ.

2. Learn to sacrifice the temporal in order to gain the eternal. Christ told His disciples, “He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it” (Matthew 10:39). Each time that the missionary receives the monthly support, a decision must be made on how it will be used. If we are not careful, we will end up thinking that “we deserve a little more” since we are serving Christ. Each time that I think of the many churches who are sacrificing in order to give to missions, I am humbled and reminded of my need to sacrifice, too. This veteran missionary lived a life of sacrificing the temporal in order to gain the eternal. He lived a very modest life in his material possessions and had previously lived in less than desirable conditions. In order to see nationals saved, he has given of his own self, sacrificed money that could have been set aside for retirement, and expended himself for Christ. His focus is not setting up treasure on earth, but in heaven.

3. Who you marry will have the largest influence on the extant of your ministry. During my first summer in Moldova, I was introduced to the importance of who one marries. The missionary told me that in the first eight years of being on the field, he has seen over twenty missionary families come and leave, usually due to the wife. Many of the wives (and sometimes the husband) could not let go of American life and conveniences. Any man in ministry knows the large influence that his wife has on the ministry. A wife who is submissive, has a servant’s heart, and encourages her husband strengthens and helps him continue during the hard times. When a wife complains, has unreasonable expectations, and focuses on herself, the husband is drained and finds it near impossible to stay on the field. This veteran missionary’s wife only exemplified the perfect help meet for a missionary. She loves the people, does not complain, and humbly seeks to serve her husband and in any other capacity. A wife will either be a help or a hurt.

4. Take time to vacation. There is a popular saying that you can burn out, foul out, or drop out but the fact is ...you're out! Unfortunately, missionaries are a rare commodity today. Sometimes the only reason for a missionary not having a long, extended ministry on the field is his own self. Take time to get away and rest. Jesus would not have even told His disciples to “Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while:” if it was a sin to do. You, your family, and your ministry need you to take a vacation. The veteran missionary, from experience, learned the need to take a vacation each year. Neither the missionary nor the ministry has suffered from that decision.

5. When criticized or attacked, respond like a lamb, not a lion. During one of my summers on the field with this veteran missionary, I saw the kinds of personal conflicts and attacks that a missionary can experience. A young, single, Romanian preacher came to Moldova to preach. During his time in Moldova, he became “smitten” by one of the single young ladies in the ministry and sought to get her. The problem was that the young lady was already engaged to another young man. This veteran missionary, knowing the carnality, selfishness, and lust that this young preacher was having towards this young lady, sent him back to Romania to cool off and think things through. Shortly afterwards, this veteran missionary began receiving vulgar, threatening emails from an American missionary in Romania who was a mentor to the young Romanian preacher. The veteran missionary, instead of reacting like a lion, responded once in an email in a godly way. Even if accusations are false and hurtful, a missionary must let God deal with the attacker.

6. Trust God instead of worrying. Any missionary knows that there are plenty of opportunities to worry on the mission field. I have seen this veteran missionary deal with opposition from the government, have his ministries threatened, and face physical illnesses that could have cost him his life. Overall, his testimony is that of faith and not fear or worry. Trusting God is the easiest thing to do, but it is the hardest thing for us to do.

7. Let nationals make mistakes and let them learn from them. Missionaries must be careful not to have control of their ministry. They must give nationals responsibility and involve them in the ministry. They will make mistakes and may not be able to do certain things as well as you currently, but the ministry will not progress until the people are doing the work. This veteran missionary did not follow this in the beginning. He would become frustrated whenever the nationals would “mess up.” Over his many years of ministry, he has learned to let them make mistakes and to let them learn from them. It has only helped to mature the nationals and strengthen the ministry.

8. Be loyal to God, not a college, camp, or organization. It is sad how many fractions of independent Baptists exist today. A missionary’s character and effectiveness is sometimes judged by what college he attended. What about doctrine, being Spirit-filled, and being faithful? Unfortunately, I have seen missionaries experience political pressures even while on the field. This veteran missionary experienced opposition from a school because an evangelist he had preach in the country was not in their “camp.” “Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?... For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?” (I Corinthians 1:12-13; 3:4). Is this not the same issue today? I learned from this veteran missionary that a man should be loyal to God and not to a college, camp, or organization.

9. Bible degrees cannot replace being Spirit-filled. I used to think that if someone had a “Dr.” behind his name he was very intelligent and more equipped for God. My times on the mission trips convinced me otherwise. A man who had an earned doctorate came to preach in the country. Much to my dismay, this man failed at giving the most basic teaching of the Gospel! He was pretty good with magic tricks, eschatology, and chalk drawings, but the Gospel message was not much more than “ask Jesus into your heart.” I also had the unpleasant and embarrassing experience of travelling back to the States with him as he was rude and demanding towards those at the airport and hotel. I respect those who have done the work for a doctorate, but I do not associate it with what is most important... Being a Spirit-filled servant of Christ. This veteran missionary taught me that without the Spirit leading and working, there is no ministry.

10. Let go of your earthly citizenship and grab hold of your heavenly one. Letting go of what is American is a challenge to do. Humanly speaking, Americans must give up a lot to live in most countries around the world. This veteran missionary taught me that we must not just leave America, but we must also let go of America. We cannot be thinking about what we used to have or used to live like. Our focus must shift from being an American citizen to a citizen of heaven. When we do that, it will not really matter what country we serve Christ in since our citizenship was never really here anyway. Let go of America and lay hold of creating more citizens for heaven.

Bravo Governor Robert Bentley!!!

2011-01-19T07:38:00.000-08:00

Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley is taking fire for every liberal group out there after saying this to a church group,

"Anybody here today who has not accepted Jesus Christ as their savior, I'm telling you, you're not my brother and you're not my sister, and I want to be your brother,"

The liberals of this country are bombarding this man all because he doesn't want a soul to burn in an eternal hell. Wow, shame on your Governor, for caring!!!

My heart breaks for these lost souls because one day they are going to be full aware that Governor Bentley was right and the sorrow will flow in their hearts that they didn't listen and not only did they not listen they persecuted him for caring.

BRAVO GOVERNOR BENTLEY!!!

News from Croatia

2011-01-16T13:44:00.000-08:00

One of the awesome things about having partners in the ministry in Croatia is getting reports from home while we're on furlough.
Bro. Sam Ward is an great man from our home church and he's a missionary in Croatia. He has a blog and a great website too.
Anyhow he posts updates from the work there often and it's always such a blessing.
Anyhow, take a look-see.

Yeehaw Y'all

2011-01-15T12:50:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we took the family to the Ft. Worth Stock Show and Rodeo. We had a good time although there was so much to see that we didn't make to but we get to enjoy a lot of it.
For all those Lone Star gals out there, this ones for you. I know it brings tears to your eyes, try to hold it together. :0)

The Stock Show is about a few major highlights:
BOOTS

HATS

and COWBOYS and girls

Yes, he is a real Cowboy.

Hey even the policeman are Cowboys.

There were animals too.

Yes, Lamas.
Oh yea, that is a Wallaby, didn't know we had those in Texas did you?
My sweetie was there too.

Oh I loved this sign on the wall, how funny is that!!!

What was really cool is during the Ft. Worth Stock Show all the museums in the immediate area are free. So the Ft. Worth Museum of Science and History was free, very cool.

This is the ceiling in the foyer, is it cool or what?

More cows!

We took Johnny's sister's 2 little girls with us and they had a ball.

Our Joshua by the cow of many colors.

Hannah and the truck. Isn't if funny that that truck is in the museum, is it really that old?

The girls loved the little grocery store. They played for about 30 minutes and wanted more. I was so glad the museum people came to straiten up and we had to leave.

Johnny's Mom had a really good time too. She was in there making hats for ever!

Hannah and Kaitlyn.

Oh yea and look at how cool this kaleidescope was. Perfect place to take photos.

And me!

Us waiting in line to ride the little ride thinggy.

I'm glad the kids finally got to go. I feel bad when people find out that our kids have never been to common places that most kids have been multiple times. I know I shouldn't since they have been places that most people only dream about. Anyhow, they've been to the Ft. Worth Stock Show and Rodeo. I am a good mom after all.

Missing Friends

2011-01-13T20:11:00.000-08:00

We have been here for 5 weeks now and it feels like it's been 6 months already. It's unreal how fast time goes before you even know it.

We are enjoying being here with family and friends but it's with mixed emotions. As we enjoying loved ones we are missing others. The first 10 years in Croatia we lived and worked only missing one thing; Fellowship. Although we had wonderful fellowship with our friends the Telebars it just wasn't the same as spending time with those who were from our homeland.

We were so excited to see the Holcomb Family arrive on New Years Eve, and then soon after our Bro. Sam from Texas and not long after that the Brown Family. Wow, God didn't just answer our desires of our hearts, He ANSWERED them and how.

So here we are in the US loving on our friends and family a little while all along missing our family in Croatia.
My missionary sister in Croatia, Traci Holcomb is such a blessing to me; she leaves comments on my blog and lets me know that she misses me and that means so much. It's nice to know they miss us like we miss them.

It won't be long, and we'll be back in Croatia and the tables will be turned.

First official meeting of the furlough trail

2011-01-09T14:25:00.000-08:00

Okay so it has officially began. Today we had our first official meeting of our 2011 furlough. We were so happy to be with the Worleys in Waxahachie, Texas. Lighthouse Baptist Church has been supporting us for years and we're so happy to be their missionaries to Croatia.

Bro. and Mrs. Worley

This Sunday morning was the first of 4 days of preaching in their KJB Bible conference. Johnny is preaching it and it's been good so far. Looking forward to the rest of the week.

Okay and for our friends in Croatia; look what was happening outside while we were having church. IT SNOWED!!! In Texas! I heard it's 50 degrees in Croatia and here we are in Texas enjoying the snow.

Check out how excited the Worley girls were to see the snow. Hey they're from Wyoming but they have been in Texas long enough to miss the snow. Look at Mrs. Worley taking pictures of the snow. What a great surprise!

We're so excited about this furlough, excited to get it done and get back to Croatia!!! No really, we are ready to go home but since we're here, we're gonna enjoy seeing some old friends and hopefully I'll keep a running record of the churches we visit.

Have a great week y'all!

New year, new resolution!

2011-01-02T15:14:00.000-08:00

Hey y'all, Sretna Nova Godina or Happy New Year! I can't even believe that it's now 2011. Are you kidding? It can't be 2011. It seems like yesterday I was in high school trying to retrain my brain to write 1990 and now we've hit 2011 already. Where is the time going and why is it going by so fast?

This year my oldest son Cody turns 19, Joshua will turn 16 and Hannah will be 14, oh yea and lest I forget, like I could, Johnny and I celebrate our 20th anniversary in June. Also we have officially passed our 10 year mark in Croatia. It seems like it was yesterday when we moved over there not sure what to expect. God's sure been good to us. We have seen incredible things happen and have meet some wonderful people. We have a second family in Croatia that means almost as much as out own families.

I can sum up the last year in one little chorus:

Well this is a new year and with new years we tend to make resolutions. This year I am resolving to be a more faithful blogger. I'm ashamed! Broken even! Okay so not really that bad but I really wish I had blogged more in 2010 and I'm gonna do my best to do that in 2011.

We're gonna be in the states until at least November. We'd like to make it home before the holidays but with our son staying for college I'm not sure if I'll be able to pull myself away before Thanksgiving. We'll see.

I'm looking forward to catching up with your blogs and seeing what God does in your families in this new year.

Still here...

2010-11-22T09:05:00.000-08:00

Okay so I'm still here in Croatia. We are two weeks away from flying out for furlough and Thanksgiving is just around the corner. Not having the internet is about to KILL me. I am so addicted. Maybe this cold-turkey time is good for me.
Furlough this time around should be great. We will be leaving the work in the hands of the national pastor Bro. Rich and 3 other missionaries. All the different works should still go on. We did have to do something really sad and postpone our kids meeting in one of the Gypsy villages. It's getting cold and with half these kids not wearing any clothes anyhow and having no building to meet in we're gonna have to wait until Spring to start it back up. Well at least our partners will.
Anyhow, 2 more weeks and we'll be in the states and I'll have internet again, can't wait!!!
Miss reading all your blogs and can't wait to get caught up.