In our own backyard. Part 2

(part one here)

In part one of "In our own backyard", we talked about recognizing who the Lord has put in your life, and how you can minister to them. In the inner circle, we found that our husband and children "reside" in our inner circles. Moving beyond the inner circle, it can become more complicated. First of all, if you have family in the area, then they are most likely in that 2nd outside circle. Next, go through your week. Write down every day of the week and list people you see every day. Are there days where you see people more than one day? Is there a connecting relationship such as someone who lives near you and goes to your church? Is there someone whose children go to your school and you see them out and about at other places? Is there a mom you see at bible study one day and church the other? These are people that are in your life on a regular basis. You also might have people that you may not see during the week a lot but after prayer, come to your mind as someone you need to minister to and love.

loving one another~

that's where evangelism begins,

how

can we change our world,

if we cannot even care about each other in our

own circle?

pick a growing church in the New

Testament.

how about thessalonica? everyone poured in,

not because the sunday school teacher was

so fantastic,

or the curricula...or even the program.

they didn't even bring in a special musical

group.

but...wow, how they loved one another!

~i love the word impossible by ann kiemel

Related: The mission field is all around us

questions? comments? suggestions? would love to hear. I'm trying to figure it all out myself.

What the locusts have eaten

Two years ago, I was nearing the end of my pregnancy. I was so tired and worn out, never really recovering from the severe hypermesis that I experienced the first three months of the pregnancy. I would fix breakfast for the children, and then have to lie down to rest. Walking around for a little while around the house exhausted me. I felt quite helpless that summer, really wanting some energy to engage my children with some fun activities, and also feeling guilty for being in the bed most of the time.

I really wondered if I would ever feel better. It seemed like I "wasted" many months in the bed, sick and tired. I felt stuck. Add to that some deep issues I was wrestling with on those long, dark days of morning sickness.

I received the most amazing words of encouragement from Jewels that I will never forget to this day. How or why she knew to contact me is something I just believe is a God-thing.

Here is a part of it:
Dearest ((Andrea)), I wanted to send off a quick note, to give you a big gentle hug, and let you know that I'm thinking of you and praying for you.....God is holding you especially close (and really dubbing on you :o)....especially so, in the discombobulation, sorrows and confusions, of the hard times....

Jesus loves me, this I know.
And,
Jesus knows me, this I love.

I sobbed and sobbed after that email. For a long time.

And because of Jewel's encouraging words, and her obedience to minister to me, I held on to that tiny hope that this situation I was in was not going to last forever.

That my body would get stronger.

That I would have more strength to take care of my family.

That we would one day have a fun summer.

That God was in control of it all and I must trust Him.

On Saturday we found out that our girls' bus that takes them to sleep away camp for a week every summer would not be running on that day. I have no idea how or why I missed that little bit of information, but it was looking like we were going to have to drive them four hours to camp the next day.

We decided to make the best of it and make it an adventurous road trip.

My husband made phone calls to see about taking Monday off.

We looked into places to stay Sunday night so we wouldn't have to drive 8 hours in one day.

Maybe in the past I would have been stressed to plan this impromptu trip, but I remembered that summer of me lying in the bed and I remembered this is what I want to do.

Friends, I don't know what situation you are in. I don't know if you are asking God every day if it will ever end. You may be confused, you may be sick, you may be hurting, you may just be struggling with LIFE.

The phrase: "restore what the locusts have eaten" is something that keeps ringing in my head.

You do know your situation or whatever it is you are struggling with will change. God is in the business of changing and growing and giving and loving.

And sometimes that is so very painful, but you do know He will restore.

Because He does that, too.

The threshing floors shall be full of grain;
the vats shall overflow with wine and oil.
I will restore to you the years
that the swarming locust has eaten,
the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter,
my great army, which I sent among you.
You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied,
and praise the name of the LORD your God,
who has dealt wondrously with you. ~Joel 2:24-25

What's going on

As you can see, we are really enjoying summer around here.

We've been keeping busy with pool trips and visiting friends.

I don't mind the heat, remember: I grew up in the hot and humid South. Thankfully in the Northeast, we have "heat waves". They don't last all summer, just for a few days, and then it goes back down to the comfortable 80s. I just can't get enough of summer. I try to stay active and enjoy the outdoors as much as I can, knowing that winter is right around the corner, and I must endure it.

Found this teak table and chairs on Craigs List for a steal. We had been looking at purchasing one of these for years because of it's durability. (no more cheapo outdoor furniture for us.) However, the price was ridiculous for a new one, so we could never justify it. I was so happy to find this set, and it's already weathered, just as I like it.

The kids stay so active in the day, and stay up later at night, that they sleep longer in the mornings. Hurray! I've been enjoying my coffee, silence, and the morning light. It starts my day off exactly how I like it.

Sorry no deep thoughts for now. Just living life and enjoying it. Hope you are having a wonderful summer!

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

linking up with Soule Mama

Why I love the South.

1. The people. People in the south are so friendly. Strangers ask about your day, start conversations, share their lives with you in the checkout lane. It's just a way of life. I love the middle aged country man who says, "Yes ma'am" to me multiple times in a conversation. People are naturally courteous and seem to care about your well-being. Friendliness can be found in NY. But I find you must look for it and make it happen yourself. It's not so readily "available." People seem more trusting in the south, more ready to share themselves.

2. Family. There is something to be said for being in a place where your ancestors lived. For walking down small town streets where your grandmother once walked as a child. To know that the homestead where your great-great-great grandparents raised their family is a drive away. It draws you to a place like no other.

3. Food. I can drive down a stretch of highway in the south and see countless local food stands. People sell their veggies in front of their driveway. It makes me happy to see people sharing their abundance and growing their own food. I can find that in NY, but I have to drive north a bit. Plus I love seeing homemade BBQ smoking out in front of small cafe's. That's a given.

4. The landscape. The South, where I'm from, boasts tall pines, red dirt, and kudzu. These things remind me where I am, where I came from. They comfort me.

Weekend reads

Just popping in to share some links I've enjoyed lately....

Biblical Womanhood: Questions to ask yourself in your home
On being thoughtful Aimee shares how just little things can show the love of Christ to someone.
Don't be a lone ranger Christian We were not meant to live without the help of Christian community. What are ways to seek out others to help you on your journey?