Today we had rehearsal for a big event in our lives. One of the largest groups to date, and by God's design we managed to finish early. Because we did, the pastor of the church had a brief moment to speak to us as a group. What he said impacted me and I wanted to share it with all of you.
He told a story of when he was young and he and his brothers and a few friends would play in their back yard together where a drain ran along the back of the yard. The drain was deep and wide and in it one day they spotted a shiny object.
None of them were able to reach it alone so they decided to form a human chain. Their strongest friend held onto a tree while the others linked arms and the smallest brother went in for the prize.
All the while, he was yelling "Don't let me go! Don't let me go!"
You see, we will be out with the prize in our sight and we need our strongest supporters forming that human chain holding us up to the Father.
And so, we plead with you, "Don't let us go!"
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Sunday, May 20, 2012
The Perfect Storm
Maybe it was the realization that I would be missing my final cell group with the amazing group of teens I've fallen in love with.
Maybe it was the fact that my house is full of junk and it can't disappear fast enough.
Maybe it was the one day I got to spend with my parents rather than the one month I wish it was.
Maybe it was the girls' crocodile tears when they dropped us off at the airport.
Maybe it was taking off in an airplane and playing out the scenario in my mind that will be taking place in only a few short months.
Maybe it was the excitement that I felt that was weaved so strongly throughout all of those emotions.
Maybe it was the realization that (even though I've never been able to predict my children's future) I now have no idea what that looks like for them.
But, the final straw was when the one part of my life that I felt was certain...The Past... was abruptly interrupted.
I've grown quite familiar with the unknown, even, dare I say, fond of it. Excited about it. And just when I thought I had a short section of my life, specifically my children's lives, intact, it vanishes.
Last night I discovered that the "baby books" I'd been keeping track of on the computer and in my notes on my phone had somehow been erased. The motherly guilt kicked in as my mind took me to their adult lives and even the days now when they frequently ask "tell me a story about when I was a baby!" and I would pull out that list and we would all laugh at the memories.
As I type it out or say it outloud, it becomes quite trivial and I realize that in the broad scheme of things, it's nothing. But, to this mom, it's a huge request. That those files would somehow be recovered. Because God cares about every detail of our lives, I know He cares about this.
Maybe it was the fact that my house is full of junk and it can't disappear fast enough.
Maybe it was the one day I got to spend with my parents rather than the one month I wish it was.
Maybe it was the girls' crocodile tears when they dropped us off at the airport.
Maybe it was taking off in an airplane and playing out the scenario in my mind that will be taking place in only a few short months.
Maybe it was the excitement that I felt that was weaved so strongly throughout all of those emotions.
Maybe it was the realization that (even though I've never been able to predict my children's future) I now have no idea what that looks like for them.
But, the final straw was when the one part of my life that I felt was certain...The Past... was abruptly interrupted.
I've grown quite familiar with the unknown, even, dare I say, fond of it. Excited about it. And just when I thought I had a short section of my life, specifically my children's lives, intact, it vanishes.
Last night I discovered that the "baby books" I'd been keeping track of on the computer and in my notes on my phone had somehow been erased. The motherly guilt kicked in as my mind took me to their adult lives and even the days now when they frequently ask "tell me a story about when I was a baby!" and I would pull out that list and we would all laugh at the memories.
As I type it out or say it outloud, it becomes quite trivial and I realize that in the broad scheme of things, it's nothing. But, to this mom, it's a huge request. That those files would somehow be recovered. Because God cares about every detail of our lives, I know He cares about this.
Monday, May 14, 2012
Record Speed
Things are happening here at record speed! I can't believe it's already the middle of May! I'm actually really mad at my kindergarten teacher for never telling me that June came after May! ;) That means that Kiley only has a few weeks left in her very first year of school! Just like every parent says, it really has flown by! But on top of that we are leaving in just over two months!
When I look around my house at all this stuff I have that I need to clean out and get rid of, I start to get a little overwhelmed but then I remember that it's just stuff and it's time now to pack it up and move on! Finding the time to do it might be a little easier said than done!
At this point, our biggest prayer is that we will make good decisions and good choices as God is opening up doors for us in a whole other world!
Many of you have asked how you can be a helping hand. We'll be having our first yard sale May 26 and although we aren't really sure what to do ourselves, if you would like to help us out that weekend just let us know! We'd love to have your company and your helping hands! We will probably get started on preparation for that yard sale Thursday evening when we return from Tennessee and we will hopefully be open Friday evening and Saturday during the day.
As for right now, I'm off to work on a special project and hopefully get some of my everyday stuff done around the house! Blessings to all of you, hope you have a wonderful day!
When I look around my house at all this stuff I have that I need to clean out and get rid of, I start to get a little overwhelmed but then I remember that it's just stuff and it's time now to pack it up and move on! Finding the time to do it might be a little easier said than done!
At this point, our biggest prayer is that we will make good decisions and good choices as God is opening up doors for us in a whole other world!
Many of you have asked how you can be a helping hand. We'll be having our first yard sale May 26 and although we aren't really sure what to do ourselves, if you would like to help us out that weekend just let us know! We'd love to have your company and your helping hands! We will probably get started on preparation for that yard sale Thursday evening when we return from Tennessee and we will hopefully be open Friday evening and Saturday during the day.
As for right now, I'm off to work on a special project and hopefully get some of my everyday stuff done around the house! Blessings to all of you, hope you have a wonderful day!
Monday, May 7, 2012
An Abnormal Normal Kind of Day
I almost feel the need to reintroduce myself since it's been so long since I've actually written! ;) It's rather overwhelming trying to gather all my thoughts and feelings and produce them for others to read. I'll admit that I'm not the best at this blogging thing but for those of you that really want to know what's going on with the4cokes, I keep writing. I'm positive I'll have numerous hysterical moments in South Asia as I learn a new culture and I plan to share those as the time comes.
For now, I'll share some of the every day life that is going on here.
Thanks to my amazing friend & pastor's wife, Gina, demanding that I be in worship as much as possible, I was so incredibly blessed, challenged, & convicted this past Sunday as I was reminded of walls that I once built that kept me from sacrificing everything for God. I took notes like crazy since I'm well aware that the dynamic preaching I sit under now will be dearly missed when I leave. I believe Gina said I have 11 weeks of worship left! What??? That doesn't seem possible. But, I was also reminded to be obedient with JOY! And joy is what I want to exhibit. I'm ecstatic about the next stage of our life, while I'm also devastated to be leaving the people and home I love. It's a wild mix of emotions but it's a sense of peace of contentment that I can't explain.
Today was abnormal in that it was normal. Normal is a word that has far left our vocabulary. Our lifestyle has always been wild and we love it, but it's been wilder than ever these past few months. Again, filled with fun stuff, but filled nonetheless. We truly wouldn't have it any other way because we want nothing more than to spend these last few months with the people who want to spend it with us. But, today, we had no plans and so we stayed HOME! (We even overslept and took Kiley to school an hour and a half late!) It was fabulous!
I spent the day with Kamden, and for a change, didn't do a drop of anything except spend time doing what she wanted to do!!! We acted out the children's play twice, played Ships 'n' Sails, and played kitchen among other things. She kept me in stitches! We had a blast!!! It was much needed one on one time with my baby girl.
And this evening we got to hang out as a fam in the yard while Kiley learned some new stunts with Daddy. The most surprising part of the day is that the girls will actually get into bed only an hour past bedtime! Now, that's impressive around here!
For those of you who are looking for ways that you can continue praying specifically for us, a friend sent me a link of how to pray for moms who are overseas. I'll be the first to say that I'll be in need of major prayer warriors for me and my children, so check it out if you want!
For now, I'll share some of the every day life that is going on here.
 |
| This is a picture of Gina "GiGi" with 2 of her loves: Avery & Kam taken last week! |
Today was abnormal in that it was normal. Normal is a word that has far left our vocabulary. Our lifestyle has always been wild and we love it, but it's been wilder than ever these past few months. Again, filled with fun stuff, but filled nonetheless. We truly wouldn't have it any other way because we want nothing more than to spend these last few months with the people who want to spend it with us. But, today, we had no plans and so we stayed HOME! (We even overslept and took Kiley to school an hour and a half late!) It was fabulous!
 |
| Kamden took me on a hike today to the library. She led the way! |
And this evening we got to hang out as a fam in the yard while Kiley learned some new stunts with Daddy. The most surprising part of the day is that the girls will actually get into bed only an hour past bedtime! Now, that's impressive around here!
For those of you who are looking for ways that you can continue praying specifically for us, a friend sent me a link of how to pray for moms who are overseas. I'll be the first to say that I'll be in need of major prayer warriors for me and my children, so check it out if you want!
- http://
southasianpeoples.imb.org/ wp-content/uploads/2012/05/ Praying-for-Mothers-Prayer-Guid e.pdf?utm
-The 4 Cokes
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