Results…

Email with questions, thanks for celebrating with me a week of m*ss*ons! 

Soon, we’ll be talking about…well, paint dilemma problems again soon (aren’t you glad I took a break from that?) 

 

 

 

Good News in the Morning

Domain: 4stepstogod.mobi
Name: XXXXXXX

City: XXXXXXXXXX

State: XXXXXXX
Residence: Guyana
Age: 18-25
Gender: Female
Tell us about your spiritual journey: I just prayed to receive Christ as my Savior for the first time
Comment/Question: 

———–

Domain: 4stepstogod.mobi
Name: XXXXXXXXX
City: XXXXXXXX

State: XXXXXX

Residence: Qatar
Tell us about your spiritual journey: I just prayed to receive Christ as my Savior for the first time
Comment/Question: 

——————

This morning, like most, I’m greeted by exciting news!  Both of these decisions came by cell phone. 

This morning, I will be the first, and perhaps the only, person to send a message saying, “Welcome to God’s kingdom!  You’ve made the best decision of your life.  I know I’ve never regretted it.  Here are some tools…”

Praying about joining?  You won’t regret it.  

Here’s how:

They need to apply at GMOJoinUS.com (click on Volunteer then click the Application button at the bottom of the page). 

If you would like to be part of my community after your four week training period:

 On the application they are asked where they learned about this and they can put your name and say they want to be in your community.  They are asked for two spiritual references, if you want, one can be you and one can be someone else.   

Every community I’ve been part of (3-4 now) is great!

China Earthquake: You can help!

An earthquake in China leaves countless dead.  Children at schools destroyed.  We await the tolls.  Me, with chills running down my arms. 

Just last week, a Cyclone in Asia left even more dead (Myanmar Cyclone: Relief Assessment Begins) with  latest death tool at 22,000, with another 41,000 missing.  Families grieve.  People across the globe ask, “Why?  If there is a God, how can he allow such devastation?”  People need clean water, sanitation, and shelter.  Disease begins to run rampant among the grieving survivors.  We mount efforts to help them. 

But, there are others hurting and wondering.  In times if international disaster, around the globe people begin ask questions:  “Where is God?”  “What would happen to me if a natural disaster struck?”

Online traffic to spiritual sites to share the gospel go way up in these times.  People are looking for truth, hope, comfort.  They are open to hearing about Jesus, who is the source of all hope. 

Would you consider sharing hope?  Click here to help with online counseling  with Campus Crusade for Christ’s Volunteer On-line Missionary hotline.  It’s one of the most fulfilling parts of my day.  It’s manageable, and you won’t regret it.

 

Thinking About It?

I hope that you will check into sharing your f*aith-walk here with people seeking around the world.  The door is WIDE OPEN!

I cannot imagine another way, at this stage of my life, to go to Africa, Asia, all over the world.  It is such a unique way to “go into all the world”.  It’s an unbelievable opportunity for anyone who feels led, however, there are some hard questions as you sign on, asking you to be an authentic disciple, solid in your own walk and commitments before you join on. 

Check out the post below for more details, don’t be afraid if God is leading.  You won’t regret it.  Ask me any question on your mind about it.  I won’t try to talk you into it, but I will talk to you about it if you are interested.

Me, today?  I’m painting.  I just got the rollers washed out (for the millionth time, it seems) and it’s 1AM.  I’m feeling snack-y, again.  The smell of paint must bring it out of me.  Felt God speaking to me, teaching me, tonight as I painted.  I love the Holy Spirit in us who teaches us as we work–makes it such an intimate joy to work together. 

Tonight’s thought as I paint:  a strong desire for “one solid color”…nothing peeking through, sticking out, or overlapping.  One.  Only one.   Covering all else until it is all we see is One and only One.

 

Whereby, I Interview Myself

You’ve asked some good questions about being an online volunteer M*ss*ionary.  I’ll try to answer them:

EXAMPLE

———-

Domain: jesus2020.com
Name: XXXXXXXXXXx

City:XXXXXXXX
State: New York
Zipcode: 11715
Residence: USA
Age: 18-25
Gender: Male
Tell us about your spiritual journey: I just recommitted my life to Christ
Comment/Question: what was jesus’ life like? 
i accepted god into my life since i was 12 and he has really helped me in life.

————————–

They come from all over the world…amazing!  Isn’t it?

Were you nervous at first?  Yes.  I was so nervous that I do something to mess up.  I didn’t.  And the staff is great at encouraging.  It is one of the most fulfilling parts of my day.   

When:  Anytime.  It is my “coffee time” most mornings or my bedtime wind-down time.  I count it as part of my time with Jesus as I minister to and pray for others around the world with needs, questions, and concerns.  As I talk with them, I review scriptures to send to them, applying them to people’s daily situations.  Some respond, others do not. 

Time:  I’d say I generally answer an average of 10 per day, in about 10-20 minutes.  But, you can give whatever time you think you can consistently give.   

How do you know what to say?  There are pre-form letters that come up for each person which you can modify to make it easy to get started.  I use them often.  or if I’m short on time. 

Who writes in?  All kinds of people. 

What if I can’t answer a questions?  There is a “reassign” button.  

Do you get to win people to Christ?  Yes.  I’ve even led several people to Christ on-line this year, a great experience.  Others are follow-ups to sites like www.4stepstoGod.com who’ve already made decisions by reading scriptures on-line and need to know how to live a full life in Christ to protect them from other teachings!

Do people across the world have computer access?  Many do at the schools or workplaces, or pay for computer time.   We are now also getting the gospel message to people by cell phone, responding by computer.

How long have you volunteered?  About two years.

Are there language internationally?  Many people around the world who use the net know English!  Very cool.  

How do you deal with other faiths?  Answering them kindly, with truth and grace is better than fears of doing it wrong and not sharing Christ at all. 

What do you do with questions you can’t answer?  Seasoned volunteers are always available.

What if I need to be away from the computer?  Take breaks!  Your assignments can be re-assigned…but, I have answered emails on vacation…I love it that much.  It’s refreshing to see people seeking Christ.  Personally, I also don’t like to lose long relationships with people while I’m away…often they are at “critical points”, and I enjoy continuing to finish out what was started.

Who are community leaders?  They are all great to work with.  They answer any questions, send you emails and tips, encourage you in your own faith-walk, and visit the boards/forum to help answer questions.  They make sure all is well with your group, and provide a level of oversight to make sure people are getting Bible-based advise and counsel. 

Can you be my community leader?  It’s possible right now.  I’m working on my first group now–sign up before I get too full. 

Do you receive training?  Yes, initial and on-going by on-line videos, web conferences, and emails.  But, it’s not time consuming.  It’s efficient and to the point for when you have time.

Culture/differences:  You are more alike than different if you both use the web.  And, there are always training and tips to help you improve.

Email me or comment if you have other questions or are interested in trying it!  It’s free evangelism opportunities.  How can a person resist? 

If you want to try it on your own, here’s the link:  (you’ll need a good reference to sign up):  Becoming an email volunteer.  There are many who need Jesus…we need your skills and gifts!

Maggie

My Favorite Moisterizer, Aquafor, A Free Sample

Click for a sample of my favorite moisterizer of all time.  I use it every night on my face, hands, and lips.  No smell, no oily after-feel.  It is a water-based, smooth petroleum jelly sort of feel.  It is heavier than lotion, but great for winter night-coat especially!  I love it on the kids ears, bottoms (when they were little, we mixed it with A&D for a heavier barrier), elbows, and scabs as a healing salve with no irritant effects like Neosporin will have…scabs don’t need that kind of irritation most often, just lubrication.

Offered on-line 5-11-08 (I don’t know the initial source of this link):

http://www.couponforum.com/lnk.php?http://www.eucerinus.com/aquaphor_newsletter0506/

Mother’s Day Weekend, Day 1

Mother’s Day Weekend, Part A

Okay, so a few pics are sideways…then again, I was sideways a few times myself!

*The Park with Red for his field trip–Friday

*Airfield, Saturday–Saturday  (the sideways one with two boys is the plane I flew in with them).

Is that my hair, that straight?  Yup…straight iron.  Today was not a good hair day, however.  I let it dry naturally and could not correct that later.  Lesson learned.  I was swiping my bangs out of my eyes all morning after that mistake.

 

Coupon Action in Progress: 5-10-2008

• trying couponsurfer.com tonight.  downloaded about ten dollars worth of coupons for products I would normally use anyway, and that will add some healthy variety to our meals again
• just checked out my first “coupon forum”…Yankee Candle Buy 2 Get 1 Free on All Large Jars!, 1-808 Flowers deal for Paypal users for Mother’s Day,
• Buy two 2-liters, get one free Click for coupon!

The Reality Always Hits

To steal Kimberly’s great new word, holidays are blessavations…the combination of blessing and aggravation.  I’m sure every mom on the planet is probably having this thought sometime this weekend.

Mother’s Day Weekend Stuffs 2008

1. My son’s friend has a blog.  He comments on it using my name.  We need to fix that.  (doghousewizard.wordpress.com)
2. The hub took us to an airport for small prop plane flights. Fun!  Pics later.
3. Three soccer games.
4. A friend’s husband caught fish and had us over for lunch.  Fun!
5. We are taking the hub’s mom for supper.  Fun!
6. We are taking my Mom for lunch tomorrow.  Fun!
7. We decided on the first shade of green we tried.  HA!
8. My house is a total wreck from painting.  Totally.  I picked up two pieces of pizza just laying around this morning.  I am wearing some of my last clean favorite clothes today.  Laundry needs –emminant.  I am still not finished painting the great room.  Yes, I will have local friends over when I’m done with this project, though I don’t think I’ll ever get done.
9. I get my eyes measured for Lasik this week. 
10. My SIL got to go see her Navy hub for Mother’s Day.  Cool!  She is traveling with two toddlers.  Wow.
11. I have been on more field trips than I can count this year.  Love it. 
12. Son’s elementary school graduation was scheduled at 12:30 so as to not intervere with middle school graduation, and to get a better turn-out. 
13. There is an elementary school “dance” after graduation until 4:30 to help them celebrate graduating and try to make middle school sound more fun.  Trying to wrap my mind around that, and thankful that my son doesn’t really care a thing about going so far.  Hoping it stays that way, truth be told! 
14. I needed to run to the store today and didn’t have my new coupon organizer with me!  Agh!   Note to self:  store in van.
15. Need to prepare music
16. Need to bake a cake tonight.
17. Upward photos this week:  photographers must make a killing the number of opportunities we’ve had this year.  This is our fourth. 

 

Drips and Torrents

Love,

I took this picture yesterday while I waited for the bus to arrive at the park, anticipating your arrival, glad to be able to be with you for the day for a picnic and hike.  The last of the Dogwood blooms, some of my favorite.

Your third grade class went to Mammoth Cave for a field trip.  Your little friend, “Summer”, was also in our group, her mom couldn’t come.  She held my hand all day, a bit scared of the immense cave and it’s deep depths.  She said, “Your mom is pretty.”…I liked her immediately. I think we’ll be lifelong friends.  :D  I’m glad you have such sweet and kind friends!

You had been to the caves once before.  This time, you walked confidently, skipping, enjoying the beauty.

Getting dressed that morning, you wished for a Mammoth Cave “something to wear” and didn’t have anything.  It was cool and wet yesterday, so at the gift store, I saw a hoodie and offered it to you when you got to the store, though I usually don’t buy large gifts on field trips.  It was sweet to bless you.  You’ve never had a hoodie, and Mammoth IS one of the Seven Wonders of the World after all!

But, what you REALLY had your eye on was a little $3.00 bag of beautiful quartz rocks.  I wanted something for you more expensive than you wanted for yourself.  That blessed me.  You chose each carefully and stuffed them as tightly in the bag as you could.  You chose the smaller rocks so that you could have one of each to fit in the draw-string bag.  The best things are sometimes the small things, eh?

The guide described the making of stalagtites and stalagmites in the cave.  He said that when all the water runs fast and hard, a HOLE is formed in the rock, making room for the torrent. 

But, when a small drop of water drips slowly, one drop at a time, regularly, over time, mineral deposites are left behind, slowly forming the beauty we see in these unusual formations, these beautifully dripped sandcastles of rock. 

Small drips brings noticeable results over time!  Don’t we often wish for the torrent of change with speed and force?  But, God, our Maker, knows what is needed, what is best, to accomplish His purposes.  In that science lesson, I prayed for us to trust Him more as our Maker…how skillful He is!

You asked me when we got in last evening if it was time for your summer cut yet.  Dad had to get his cut.  I know you wanted to enjoy it with friends before school was out.  I’ll miss your braids, but it is a practical choice for summer and the pool.  Your Dad encourages practical choices where I can get sentimental, missing your locks and curls underneath.  You wanted to surprise him.  Your Mamaw does such a good job with your hair.  You two get giddy.

The “reveal”!  Daddy loved it, of course.

This morning, a completely different-looking girl than I had with me yesterday!  So confident and assured.  Your legs have seemed to have grown so long over the course of this year! 

Sometimes…change seems to happen like the torrent…

Yet, this year, I’ve seen a lot of “small drips”, too.  My little girl, growing up!  You’ve done so well this year.  Just yesterday, I heard you laughing, telling silly jokes, confidence sandwiched with two boys in the back seat of a car on the way home.  We didn’t know to expect that, and I was so thankful that you handled yourself with good humor. 

I love you, Precious.  A special day.  I’ll remember it always, but just wanted to record it quickly here while you are at school today–while it’s fresh on my mind and I’m still thinking of you.  (I’ll copy it for your journal for you to keep and remember, too.) 

Love,

Mom

Thursday Memos

Thursday.  Trip to Mammoth Cave…in the pouring rain.  Fortunately, it was just the drive and getting lost and driving with three kids in the backseat that provided drama.  The cave was dry. 

Did you know that if you are in a cave during an earthquake, it is reported to actually be the safer place to be, generally speaking?  The ground layers above rattle, like ripples on a pond, but the turtles on the bottom of the pond, us, 290 ft. under ground, wouldn’t feel a thing or even know there was a “ripple” above us overhead.  Hmmmm. 

Also, I sent my husband to mix the next mix of paint, and they mixed it wrong.  Wrong color lighter than the name we asked them to mix.  :D  

The search continues.

Be a “Top Momma”

So, I’m on a Top Momma Roll this week, walking in the footsteps of my bloggite friend, Karla. It’s really just a game to see how long you can stay a “Top Momma”.  We’re all “Top Mommas” in my book.  But the more links we spread, the higher google ratings go, and the more Christian Momma Love we spread, so share the link love and do a few clicks, make Google-world a better place.  I’m all for that.  Links=better blog ratings.  Link often, link much, talk about one another by link and name and blog name…it all helps improve Chrisitan Google ratings with great blogs and articles that can help people all over the world, just by you being you!

Visit the Top Momma website and check out some great Momma blogs; while you are there be sure to click my coffee mugs photo icon to keep me a Top Momma as many days or times as you feel compelled…the fun is apparently to see how long you can stay a “Top Momma”. This one day is enough for me, but it’s a bit of fun.  I submitted my info a few months ago and just now got on the roll, so it can take a while, but go on and sign up while you’re there!

My Wanna-Be Coupon Organizer Attempt

Alrighty, so here’s my binder!  Doesn’t it look great?  I’m ready to go shopping!  I don’t have a ton of coupons yet, but just with what I found laying on my desk and in my kitchen.  Took me ten minutes, and I didn’t touch a newspaper AT ALL.

If I would JUST use my Kroger coupons…they give me:

• brand I am already loyal toward,
• store brands
• pre-cut coupons
• for things I already buy often
• some free items
• significant money back for no/few strings

Yikes!  Peoples, I missed a “$3.00 of your order for being a loyal customer coupon” last week! And, embarrassingly, I’ve missed many of those jewels. Three bucks!  They were paying me for shopping there, thanking me SPECIFICALLY for buying my Skinny Cow Ice Cream Sandwiches, on sale!  

On my order TODAY, I would have saved $9.00 with the coupons they print out for me at check-out without  changing anything about my order, at all.  Plus, I would have taken home a box of free Duncan Hines cake mix (can always use on of those on  hand for emergencies), and a free $4.00 pack of salad almond slivers. 

I have been missing out.

The next time I shop, I will save $9 off things I already buy regularly, plus, perhaps pre-packaged emergency food for the kids I don’t normally buy (bagel pizza bites). 

I already had all the supplies and folder–took me ten minutes of cleaning out my desk and purse and going through expired stuff.

Makes me very happy.

Also…found four McDonalds free coupons for four 4-peice children’s chicken nuggets, one free Dairy Queen treat, and Dairy Queen coupons–Blizzard $1 off.  I’ll use that to celebrate, pronto!  I probably would have forgotten about them otherwise…just the way it is around these crazy parts.  I need help.

I Met The Super-Coupon Queen Today

I am a coupon drop-out.  A failure. 

Today, I saw a lady at the grocery store who inspired me to all sorts of coupon-cutting greatness.  I asked if I could take a picture of her binder.  I had already snuck one picture before I asked just to remind me of the amazing-ness.

Still thinking about her and her great feat as I shopped, I was glad to run into her a few more times as we shopped.  I introduced myself, praised her efforts, and asked me to teach me her system. 

I’ve been asking the Lord how I can manage expenses even better this year and committed to doing the “coupon thing” again to manage things better, but I haven’t yet.  I was praying about it again a month or so ago…I like my husband to continue to hail me a “woman worthy of praise”…the whole Proverbs 31 action going on.  However, after one week, I forget my coupons and I value my time more then keeping up.  Fail.

In the past, children with me kept me away.  I could manage one child in the cart, and shopping, but could not add coupons to that madness.

I am about to have another “child” in my cart demanding my attention…namely, this book.  It’s a simple three ring binder with sections for each area of coupon, filled with baseball card inserts. 

I asked, “So, how often do you purge it? ”

“Almost weekly.  I go through it pretty often. I started out of necessity, but now I find it a challenge, and a waste NOT to use them it saves me so much.  I even write companies to tell them I do or do not like their products and they usually send me coupons.  I also go online to forums and boards and do coupon exchange.”

“Exchange?  Like, you mail them to people?  In the mail?”

“Yes.  Some areas don’t issue coupons they need, and they have ones I use they don’t, so we swap.”

“Wow.  That’s wild.”

“Yeah, it’s pretty cool.  I have fun with it.”

So, I run into her later, she is writing stuff down. 

I said, “So, I see you are keeping a list?  What is that?” 

“Well, as I shop, I list the price, and what I’m saving, and keep up with my total.”

“Your whole total…you write all that down?”

“Yes, to kind of keep track with what I’ve saved, minus the coupons on one column”

“Wow, that’s intense.” 

“It’s fun to see.”

“So do you tape your coupons to the product?” 

“No, I just move them from an active envelope in my hand to this pocket in the folder of ones I’ve pulling if I’m going to use them today.”

“I think I’d have to tape them on to keep up with all that.”

She smiled.

She seemed a super-nice, not overly compulsive person, but just one who got organized to do something good and found it to be somewhat of a game to keep her motivated.  Just my kind of hero.

She says Kroger is the way to go, not Wal*Mart, because they give her such a hard time over it.  She showed me where she had to print off the documentation that Wal*Mart DOES accept coupons to show them that they do.  However, employees don’t even know how to do it.  She said it takes takes 20 minutes calling in people to figure it out, all for two coupons.  So, she doesn’t shop there anymore.

This neat lady would be GREAT to have at a MOPS meeting.  Stacey, I should hook you gals up.  I’d want to attend that one!  I could introduce her!