Where Would I Be?

Hey!
  Well, we survived the Christmas season!  We had such a fun, exciting, joyful time celebrating Jesus this year. And, we were all worn out!  The children were so blessed and really enjoyed the season.  In fact, we were still listening to Christmas music tonight in the car!  I did get all of the decorations put away this week. We are now the proud owners of two more creatures...a hedgehog named 'Sonic' and a sugar glider named 'Sugar'. They are adorable little animals and have already brought much delight to our home.
    The outreach at our home on the 18th went very good.  About 40 people showed up, including children.  We ate, had introductions, showed a short video with Franklin Graham and a Thai lady gave her testimony.  Then, we played Santa Swap.  It was around 9 pm at that point and people began to leave.  So, with those that remained we sang a few carols.  We know seeds were sown and feel very thankful for so many friends to be able to share the gospel with.  There is one elderly man specifically that has shown interest in studying the Bible.  Please pray for him, his name is 'Boonrock'. The plan is to start studying with him monthly or more if he is willing.  He already has been studying the Bible on his own.

  On Christmas Eve morning John shared the Christmas Story with around 3,000 students and staff at Ratchasima II school.  He did a wonderful job speaking the story in both Thai and English.  There was so much noise and distraction with so many people plus my 4 children that the program was over before I knew it. We tried to video it, but it's such poor quality.  Believing again that much of the teachings of Jesus are being planted in fertile soil!!!  Many of these students are hearing from John about the Lord on a regular basis.  He teaches English at the school and has been teaching about God.  He explained to them a few weeks ago how it is very impolite to say, 'Oh My G**!'  The students couldn't believe it.  Then, he was able to talk about their king and how they wouldn't dare blaspheme the king, proceeding to explain that God is the Creator of the whole universe and when saying that we are disrespecting Him!  What Excitement!!!!  And...not knowing what God is going to do in these precious peoples lives!!!  Believe and pray with us for their souls!!!

  On a personal level...God has really been bringing up more things in my heart and life that I was pushing down.  I knew I was, but it just seemed better to hold it in, sometimes it just makes life easier (but does it?).  It really does have to come out, so, after the holidays, I spent some time dealing with things.  I feel so much better.  I love God so much and love how He is always right here, so close...to help me with life!!  I just can't imagine life without Him.  I was listening to a song yesterday...it was saying, 'Where would I be if you hadn't died on that cross and shed the blood?' I don't even want to THINK about where I would be!  Thank you JESUS!  Life is so wonderful.

You Just Can't Be Replaced!

  I am sitting here right now, just crying, missing all my wonderful, close, loving family members and friends, the same ones I always squawk about:).  I know, God has called us here, He will take me through.  Somehow, right this moment, it isn't really making things easier.  I think it started this morning when I skyped with my bestie...it just caused reality to set in once again.  Sometimes I just put it out of my mind, the things we are missing, other times I try to stay focused on what God is doing in the big picture and how blessed we are.  Either way, it's just more difficult at certain times than others.  Knowing that my family is going to all be together in a few days and all of the warm fuzzies that Christmas time brings to the heart, just causes my heart sadness.  There are friends here, and I have my favorite family with me(my immediate)--thank the Lord...so, I will get off of here and go muster up some potpourri, put on some carols, and choose to make the most of this season.  The outreach is Saturday and then we need to finish up the rest of our shopping.  Thank you my wonderful online journal for being my ear right now :).  And, to anyone else reading...just give those closest to you extra love this season...believe me, if they weren't around, you would realize what you have.

Merry Christmas!