We have reached our destination. After what felt like 4 days of travel, we are at last in San Salvador. We got here around 7 pm and it was already after dusk, which meant the drive to the mission house was not as scenic as I had hoped for. But that just means tomorrow morning will be a beautiful surprise!
I was pretty stoked that the mission house had wifi and even cable so our crew could watch UK lose...
The house is pretty awesome and very spacious. I'm so blessed with the top bunk- one of my least favorite things of all time. But- I believe it's even the little discomforts that God wants to speak that He has better things in store for me than comfort.
For dinner tonight we had a very authentic dish that the salvadorians like to call "pizza hut"... you might be curious as to what this fine cuisine is made of. It was even delivered in a convenient square box. You guessed it- mmmm pizza. I will certainly make my clear statement that if I wanted American food, I would've stayed in America. Don't get me wrong, it's every youth minister's dream to eat pizza (such a rare event), but I am ready for the native goods! Can't wait to see what yummies we get tomorrow.
Tomorrow we will attend church, where my gang and I will teach a bible story and then we will be at an orphanage called CIPI for the remainder of the da. Hopefully later in the week we will hook some sweet kids up with new beds!
Did I mention how gorgeous these people are?? Wow.
Gotta get some rest for our debut of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego tomorrow.
Buenos noches from the top bunk.
P.s. It's real cute watching Laine Cooper experience things for the first time :). I'm pretty sure a child might be illegally brought back by him.
Mr. & Mrs. Cooper
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Friday, April 1, 2011
The dawn of a great adventure.
Ladies and gents, behold I have returned for a visit to the blogging world. Anyone out there still read this thing? Well, I'm in need of a place to bring a heavy heart, a plea for prayer, a petition of thanksgiving, a major shout out of excitement, along with a tad of anxiety.
Alas, I am on the move again- in one of my most favorite of ways- taking the beloved message of Jesus to the hearts of the people of el Salvador. In just a few short hours I will engage in a passion that is hard to grasp unless you've taken the incredible step into foreign missions-- and I actually get to add the sweetest dream to this passion and that is serving alongside my husband!! Praise God for this week and life-altering journey.
We are so blessed to be part of a plan so much greater than our own. Starfish Orphan Ministry here in Paducah, KY has obediently picked up the cross and is marching on towards pure and blameless religion that looks after orphans. We will join in their efforts to love and share Christ through meeting basic needs of countless orphans in the impoverished country of El Salvador.
Did you know that if all the people who could adopt, would adopt, the devastation of orphans would be no more? Hmm.
Mad prayers would be awesome if you could... I'm so overjoyed to GET to be a part of this team I'm nearly beside myself. A little anxiety is upon this eager heart at 1 am (I have to wake up at 3 am) I really couldn't be more thrilled than to have a husband who loves the Lord more than he does me and because of that he is able to love me in such a way that his expression of it is saying YES to a call when he hears it and here we are! Loving others and loving each other all because of how loved we are by the one who is love. Pretty cool, eh?
Okay so major points of prayer:
1. That God is glorified in every word and action and every breath of this trip.
2. Safety in travel- good plane, enough gas, weather that is calm, and a pilot that is alert.
3. Team unity. That we all can see beyond human nature and flaws and see children of God that want to do some good.
4. The hearts of the children in el Salvador. May they be prepared to be loved! May their ears be open to a life-changing message and needs be met.
5 Health.
5. Opportunity to share.
6. Our own hearts to be transformed more into the likeness of Christ.
7. Insert your own concern or praise.
Okay dear friends, we are off! It is my hope I can update daily on all that is happening with Laine and I and our awesome team of 26!
May God bless us and keep us and make his face shine upon us...
Alas, I am on the move again- in one of my most favorite of ways- taking the beloved message of Jesus to the hearts of the people of el Salvador. In just a few short hours I will engage in a passion that is hard to grasp unless you've taken the incredible step into foreign missions-- and I actually get to add the sweetest dream to this passion and that is serving alongside my husband!! Praise God for this week and life-altering journey.
We are so blessed to be part of a plan so much greater than our own. Starfish Orphan Ministry here in Paducah, KY has obediently picked up the cross and is marching on towards pure and blameless religion that looks after orphans. We will join in their efforts to love and share Christ through meeting basic needs of countless orphans in the impoverished country of El Salvador.
Did you know that if all the people who could adopt, would adopt, the devastation of orphans would be no more? Hmm.
Mad prayers would be awesome if you could... I'm so overjoyed to GET to be a part of this team I'm nearly beside myself. A little anxiety is upon this eager heart at 1 am (I have to wake up at 3 am) I really couldn't be more thrilled than to have a husband who loves the Lord more than he does me and because of that he is able to love me in such a way that his expression of it is saying YES to a call when he hears it and here we are! Loving others and loving each other all because of how loved we are by the one who is love. Pretty cool, eh?
Okay so major points of prayer:
1. That God is glorified in every word and action and every breath of this trip.
2. Safety in travel- good plane, enough gas, weather that is calm, and a pilot that is alert.
3. Team unity. That we all can see beyond human nature and flaws and see children of God that want to do some good.
4. The hearts of the children in el Salvador. May they be prepared to be loved! May their ears be open to a life-changing message and needs be met.
5 Health.
5. Opportunity to share.
6. Our own hearts to be transformed more into the likeness of Christ.
7. Insert your own concern or praise.
Okay dear friends, we are off! It is my hope I can update daily on all that is happening with Laine and I and our awesome team of 26!
May God bless us and keep us and make his face shine upon us...
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Just some "me time".
Tonight we visited the subject of idolatry in Bible study.... I guess I should preface with letting you know of the enormous challenge I have taken on this fall semester with our students-- we are attempting to cover the scope of the Bible in 12 weeks of studying it from beginning to end. Not that we would ever actually cover its' entirety, but the object of this attempt is for the students to grasp that the Old Testament IS, in fact, relevant in their discipleship. (and for them to get that the words all add to something that matters so they can share the gospel with others)
I must say, it is hard trying to interest teenagers in covenants, asherahs, the 12 tribes, and pigeon sacrifices. But, I am attempting with some success (I hope).
So tonight we discussed Israel's crave for a king when they had the best of the best as their ruler... which is what is so catching to me-- you ask God for something that He knows you don't need, nor really want-- and he still gives it to you. He is such a God with a sense of humor, but I cannot even imagine the agony he endured as he watched his chosen, precious people quickly slip out of grasp and into the unknown, unsatisfying lifestyle of idol worship. At first glance this seems so irrelevant to us because we do not create golden statues of calves or poles with funny heads or high places to escape to.... or do we?
The targeted idol that surfaced this evening was our idoled relationships. Which sounds odd that a relationship can become an idol--but I watch relationships mislead our students everyday. Whether it be with their friendships and the sacrifices they are willing to make for one another that compromises their morality or the comprise of their values, bodies, thoughts, and purity in the wrecking dating relationships they enter-- it hurts my heart... I cannot even fathom God's heart-wrenching emotion towards his children on this matter.
I can even see myself making perfection an idol. Striving to be the best at my job, the best wife, have the greatest plans for life-- ugh... what a sickness deep inside my stomach that I'm just living in the "promised land" wrecking it all up and begging God to give me things I don't even need because I don't see His provision and increasingly providing ways that are so not like my own.
Lord, grant me the decency of being able to distinguish and weed out the idols I have made for myself--all the things that manifest themselves in my life long before the thought of YOU. You deserve to be my thoughts and my utmost desire.
This morning I challenged myself to do what I asked my students to do-- I created a posture of prayer that was uncomfortable, somewhat embarassing, and kind of awkward.... I knelt down in my own living room and prayed for God to intervene in my addiction to worship of things not of Him- and ugh, my knees felt rug burned, my dog kept licking me, and I felt so awkward... but somehow I feel like God was glorified when I exited my element of comfort because the focus was Him and I stayed in that position until I was finished talking to Him and my mind never wandered-- hmm, seems like the bed and couch aren't the greatest locations to focus entirely on the Lord. Lesson learned.
What are the idol addictions you are facing? Comparatively what does God's time look like next to your own "deserved" rest and relaxation? I promise he enables us to rest better than a warm blanket and a great pillow. We so often think we deserve some "me time"... what?? We really don't deserve anything, much less some uninterrupted time that we just focus in on OURSELVES- haha, don't you think God laughs a little at that? That we think we are so deserving...
Looking forward to some sweet rest in my Maker next week-- thinking of ways to make it more about him and less about me. Vacation is an exciting thing, but I am really struggling with feeling like I "deserve" it, because I don't. SO- I guess I just take it as a blessing and just remember that though God blessed His chosen people, He also made them responsible for making his name great among all the nations. Okay, so I have a job to do.
Adios amigos.
I must say, it is hard trying to interest teenagers in covenants, asherahs, the 12 tribes, and pigeon sacrifices. But, I am attempting with some success (I hope).
So tonight we discussed Israel's crave for a king when they had the best of the best as their ruler... which is what is so catching to me-- you ask God for something that He knows you don't need, nor really want-- and he still gives it to you. He is such a God with a sense of humor, but I cannot even imagine the agony he endured as he watched his chosen, precious people quickly slip out of grasp and into the unknown, unsatisfying lifestyle of idol worship. At first glance this seems so irrelevant to us because we do not create golden statues of calves or poles with funny heads or high places to escape to.... or do we?
The targeted idol that surfaced this evening was our idoled relationships. Which sounds odd that a relationship can become an idol--but I watch relationships mislead our students everyday. Whether it be with their friendships and the sacrifices they are willing to make for one another that compromises their morality or the comprise of their values, bodies, thoughts, and purity in the wrecking dating relationships they enter-- it hurts my heart... I cannot even fathom God's heart-wrenching emotion towards his children on this matter.
I can even see myself making perfection an idol. Striving to be the best at my job, the best wife, have the greatest plans for life-- ugh... what a sickness deep inside my stomach that I'm just living in the "promised land" wrecking it all up and begging God to give me things I don't even need because I don't see His provision and increasingly providing ways that are so not like my own.
Lord, grant me the decency of being able to distinguish and weed out the idols I have made for myself--all the things that manifest themselves in my life long before the thought of YOU. You deserve to be my thoughts and my utmost desire.
This morning I challenged myself to do what I asked my students to do-- I created a posture of prayer that was uncomfortable, somewhat embarassing, and kind of awkward.... I knelt down in my own living room and prayed for God to intervene in my addiction to worship of things not of Him- and ugh, my knees felt rug burned, my dog kept licking me, and I felt so awkward... but somehow I feel like God was glorified when I exited my element of comfort because the focus was Him and I stayed in that position until I was finished talking to Him and my mind never wandered-- hmm, seems like the bed and couch aren't the greatest locations to focus entirely on the Lord. Lesson learned.
What are the idol addictions you are facing? Comparatively what does God's time look like next to your own "deserved" rest and relaxation? I promise he enables us to rest better than a warm blanket and a great pillow. We so often think we deserve some "me time"... what?? We really don't deserve anything, much less some uninterrupted time that we just focus in on OURSELVES- haha, don't you think God laughs a little at that? That we think we are so deserving...
Looking forward to some sweet rest in my Maker next week-- thinking of ways to make it more about him and less about me. Vacation is an exciting thing, but I am really struggling with feeling like I "deserve" it, because I don't. SO- I guess I just take it as a blessing and just remember that though God blessed His chosen people, He also made them responsible for making his name great among all the nations. Okay, so I have a job to do.
Adios amigos.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Take a deep breath...
It is seemingly difficult to pick up writing when I seem to accumulate enormous time spans between blogging... I am probably world's worst blogger ever. Just know that coming into this element of my life... it is scarce, but my intentions are not-- I love sharing, but it may not happen in a consistent manner.
I have an ever-wandering mind that is provoked by thoughts, dreams, and randomness. I sense myself having a mild case of ADD when it comes to this blog idea. (But who doesn't?)
So, where has life brought me since my prior to Easter "lent" blogging... (Lent was great by the way, though long ago).
Married life has awesomely settled into my routine and the maintanence of a home, being a wife, a doggy mommy, and establishing solid relationships within the ministry I am ever-so blessed to be entrusted with has all become my day-to-day. Never boring, rather exciting, new, and undoubtedly challenging as it is-- it is better than great, it is an overwhelming blessing that swells my heart to know God has placed me HERE, on PURPOSE to do really cool things.
I've got the coolest side kick and partner in ministry anyone could ever dream of having.. this man layered himself in chocolate pudding, flour, and green mashed potatoes for me on Sunday evening at our annual "SPLAT" event. Laine Cooper is an extremely passionate special-ed teacher that wears the burdens of all those around him, he carries the hurts of his students, all while soothing the hardships they face with his patience and love... and THEN he comes to my "job" (I love that I get to call it that) and invests wholly in the students here. He is a saint.
I have many moments in the past few months I certainly want to share....
*My pops: a life-changing event that impacted us all so dearly.... a persevering father that is a heck of an example.
On July 18th (the day right before my very first VBS directing debut) my dad endured a massive heart attack. Dad was rushed to the hospital via my aunt/uncle and then ambulance to Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis where a stint was put in heart to obscure some of the blockage. We later found out that a bypass surgery is inevitable. The rest of that week was CRAZY... with rushing to STL to see my precious dad for a few short hours, and then back to "Egypt" to ensure that all was well with our 150+ kids that attended our VBS- we had some obstacles! Here is where the story just blesses my heart: July 18th would have been 30 years of marriage for my mom and dad, however, they divorced 5 years ago. It has been a wreck of a journey for the past 5 years watching my dad come out a devastating time in life--but God surely had a plan and is still working deeply in my dad's life. On August 18th dad had a triple bypass surgery. This day will never be forgotten as we all prayed for hours upon hours for dad's health, for the doctor's wisdom, and for a quick recovery. God answered and manifested himself in my dad's recoup- he did amazing and has made enormous progress since that day. A great conversation with dad informed me and affirmed that God is unfolding plans for daddy--- dad said that his heart attack wasn't just caused by unhealthy diets, smoking, and diabetes--but because his heart held so much resentment for the past and bitterness towards my mother he believed he had this heart attack-- he said no person can live that way. I do believe God is easing his pain and equipping him for a mighty work (more so than I have already seen and felt from my dad). Way cool time, though it was scary and uncertain, God proved himself yet again in the midst of our doubts.
All this has led to this: A new-found calling... making myself marketable in the world for a great God. So, among the pleas for God to intervene in my dad's life, God did so in my own life. As I sat in that hospital for many hours (of what at times felt like suffering due to the intense amount of "family time" being had by all, ha) God began speaking to me about preparation for what is next in life. As many of you know I had begun a master's program in family therapy with hopes to be a counselor in a few years. Well, well, well I do believe God has a different direction He is leading me. God clearly gave me a vision of nursing school for my future. I believe I am exactly where God wants me in this ministry at Trinity-- but I do know that in time, this will be no longer and I will move forward. What better time than right now in all the flexibility our lives' are giving us to pursue a nursing degree?! I believe God is preparing me to help physically meet needs for people so then he can further use me to spiritually provide a seed to help give others hope. As a nurse and a teacher, Laine Cooper and I are scared to put ourselves on the line for God to send us and use us anywhere, but we are called and are going to be obedient. So, hello nursing school soon! (I am finishing pre-reqs in the spring to enroll in nursing in the fall of 2011!)
Praise God for his timing and provision in our lives. Praise God for a support system of wonderful family members and a rock of a husband. Praise God for a church family that supports me, affirms me, and loves on me. Praise God for healing. Praise God for beautiful September fall weather. Praise God for a much needed vacation beginning SATURDAY!
Just praise God for enabling me to be a part of his perfect plan.
Long, eh? Well that is what happens when I forget to write for 5 months-ish. Peace out.
******************************
I have an ever-wandering mind that is provoked by thoughts, dreams, and randomness. I sense myself having a mild case of ADD when it comes to this blog idea. (But who doesn't?)
So, where has life brought me since my prior to Easter "lent" blogging... (Lent was great by the way, though long ago).
Married life has awesomely settled into my routine and the maintanence of a home, being a wife, a doggy mommy, and establishing solid relationships within the ministry I am ever-so blessed to be entrusted with has all become my day-to-day. Never boring, rather exciting, new, and undoubtedly challenging as it is-- it is better than great, it is an overwhelming blessing that swells my heart to know God has placed me HERE, on PURPOSE to do really cool things.
I've got the coolest side kick and partner in ministry anyone could ever dream of having.. this man layered himself in chocolate pudding, flour, and green mashed potatoes for me on Sunday evening at our annual "SPLAT" event. Laine Cooper is an extremely passionate special-ed teacher that wears the burdens of all those around him, he carries the hurts of his students, all while soothing the hardships they face with his patience and love... and THEN he comes to my "job" (I love that I get to call it that) and invests wholly in the students here. He is a saint.
I have many moments in the past few months I certainly want to share....
*My pops: a life-changing event that impacted us all so dearly.... a persevering father that is a heck of an example.
On July 18th (the day right before my very first VBS directing debut) my dad endured a massive heart attack. Dad was rushed to the hospital via my aunt/uncle and then ambulance to Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis where a stint was put in heart to obscure some of the blockage. We later found out that a bypass surgery is inevitable. The rest of that week was CRAZY... with rushing to STL to see my precious dad for a few short hours, and then back to "Egypt" to ensure that all was well with our 150+ kids that attended our VBS- we had some obstacles! Here is where the story just blesses my heart: July 18th would have been 30 years of marriage for my mom and dad, however, they divorced 5 years ago. It has been a wreck of a journey for the past 5 years watching my dad come out a devastating time in life--but God surely had a plan and is still working deeply in my dad's life. On August 18th dad had a triple bypass surgery. This day will never be forgotten as we all prayed for hours upon hours for dad's health, for the doctor's wisdom, and for a quick recovery. God answered and manifested himself in my dad's recoup- he did amazing and has made enormous progress since that day. A great conversation with dad informed me and affirmed that God is unfolding plans for daddy--- dad said that his heart attack wasn't just caused by unhealthy diets, smoking, and diabetes--but because his heart held so much resentment for the past and bitterness towards my mother he believed he had this heart attack-- he said no person can live that way. I do believe God is easing his pain and equipping him for a mighty work (more so than I have already seen and felt from my dad). Way cool time, though it was scary and uncertain, God proved himself yet again in the midst of our doubts.
All this has led to this: A new-found calling... making myself marketable in the world for a great God. So, among the pleas for God to intervene in my dad's life, God did so in my own life. As I sat in that hospital for many hours (of what at times felt like suffering due to the intense amount of "family time" being had by all, ha) God began speaking to me about preparation for what is next in life. As many of you know I had begun a master's program in family therapy with hopes to be a counselor in a few years. Well, well, well I do believe God has a different direction He is leading me. God clearly gave me a vision of nursing school for my future. I believe I am exactly where God wants me in this ministry at Trinity-- but I do know that in time, this will be no longer and I will move forward. What better time than right now in all the flexibility our lives' are giving us to pursue a nursing degree?! I believe God is preparing me to help physically meet needs for people so then he can further use me to spiritually provide a seed to help give others hope. As a nurse and a teacher, Laine Cooper and I are scared to put ourselves on the line for God to send us and use us anywhere, but we are called and are going to be obedient. So, hello nursing school soon! (I am finishing pre-reqs in the spring to enroll in nursing in the fall of 2011!)
Praise God for his timing and provision in our lives. Praise God for a support system of wonderful family members and a rock of a husband. Praise God for a church family that supports me, affirms me, and loves on me. Praise God for healing. Praise God for beautiful September fall weather. Praise God for a much needed vacation beginning SATURDAY!
Just praise God for enabling me to be a part of his perfect plan.
Long, eh? Well that is what happens when I forget to write for 5 months-ish. Peace out.
******************************
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Lent...not found in the dryer.
This week has been a tremendous blessing in the life of the Coopers. We are observing Lent for the first time in our good 'ole Baptist history. Trinity has blessed us with an amazing family, supportive friends, and challenging endeavors in our spiritual journey... Here is one:
Wednesday evening we participated in the Ash Wednesday service and my heart was truly opened and recognized with Christ what is really going on here--- We are living a life that portrays His suffering, salvation, and freedom. He chose me, He chose you- to reveal to others what happened on the cross and then three days later. Pretty big task if I do say so myself.
So, this Lenten season we received ashes on our foreheads-- but what was that for? It's about repentence; it's about mourning the tragedy that saved my life. I've been blessed to be studying within my counseling courses some of the aspects of grieving and how incredibly healthy this is for life. We also are encouraged to "give something up". Not as a punishment, or a chance to complain about one more thing, but as a sacrifice--a sacrifice that is ultimately about us drawing nearer to our Creator by engaging in quality time with Him in the absence of something we often replace Him with.
The Coopers have given up eating out. This is quite a challenge for us fast-paced, lovers of convenience, and novice cooks. We have actually been so blessed this week, already!! We have spent more time together, cooking and experimenting in new meals. Okay, so you may be thinking how does that bring you closer to Christ?? Well, I am reminded with every conversation with my husband of the love God has for me, because He uses Laine to show love to me more times than not. I also feel so refreshed and encouraged to dig deeper after spending time with Laine. It's been good and it's only been a few days!
I love learning new things and watching God transform my life and lives around me.
This week we have some BIG things happening in the lives our students. Wednesday we are hoping to have a larger than usual crowd at our youth service! This frightens me, but reminds me that God is in control--and no, I cannot handle the crowd, but HE can and WILL. Also, this coming weekend we are taking 6 lovely ladies to a conference in Nashville. Pray that God will instill in them leadership and passions to serve.
Anticipating and EXPECTING my God to show up and do BIG things this week...
So blessed!
This verse has spoken to me tremendously this week: "That day, when evening came, he said to his disciples, "Let us go over to the other side." Mark 4:35 Boy did Jesus ever go over to the other side. He went to outcasted, hurting, tragically lonesome, devastated, sick, annoying people... That's where we all should be heading. Let's go.
Wednesday evening we participated in the Ash Wednesday service and my heart was truly opened and recognized with Christ what is really going on here--- We are living a life that portrays His suffering, salvation, and freedom. He chose me, He chose you- to reveal to others what happened on the cross and then three days later. Pretty big task if I do say so myself.
So, this Lenten season we received ashes on our foreheads-- but what was that for? It's about repentence; it's about mourning the tragedy that saved my life. I've been blessed to be studying within my counseling courses some of the aspects of grieving and how incredibly healthy this is for life. We also are encouraged to "give something up". Not as a punishment, or a chance to complain about one more thing, but as a sacrifice--a sacrifice that is ultimately about us drawing nearer to our Creator by engaging in quality time with Him in the absence of something we often replace Him with.
The Coopers have given up eating out. This is quite a challenge for us fast-paced, lovers of convenience, and novice cooks. We have actually been so blessed this week, already!! We have spent more time together, cooking and experimenting in new meals. Okay, so you may be thinking how does that bring you closer to Christ?? Well, I am reminded with every conversation with my husband of the love God has for me, because He uses Laine to show love to me more times than not. I also feel so refreshed and encouraged to dig deeper after spending time with Laine. It's been good and it's only been a few days!
I love learning new things and watching God transform my life and lives around me.
This week we have some BIG things happening in the lives our students. Wednesday we are hoping to have a larger than usual crowd at our youth service! This frightens me, but reminds me that God is in control--and no, I cannot handle the crowd, but HE can and WILL. Also, this coming weekend we are taking 6 lovely ladies to a conference in Nashville. Pray that God will instill in them leadership and passions to serve.
Anticipating and EXPECTING my God to show up and do BIG things this week...
So blessed!
This verse has spoken to me tremendously this week: "That day, when evening came, he said to his disciples, "Let us go over to the other side." Mark 4:35 Boy did Jesus ever go over to the other side. He went to outcasted, hurting, tragically lonesome, devastated, sick, annoying people... That's where we all should be heading. Let's go.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
'Lil Coop... the dog.
In the world of blogging, people are custom to the frequent blog about their cute, adorable, little children. Well, this makes me jealous.. not jealous enough to do anything about it... but jealous enough to blog about my dog. Yep, I have a dog-- thought I would definitely have a child before I would let a dog step foot into my house.
So, his name is Griswald, in lieu of the Christmas season when he made his way into our lives. Grizzy was found lurking around Trinity United Methodist Church, my place of employment, for nearly a week. Finally, Joey (pastor) lured him in using his dog whisperer voice. I was convinced by Joey and Laurinda that we needed a dog. I thought for one night, in the spirit of Christmas, sure.. I can give in for just one night. When he came for his visit, he surprised us by letting us know when he needed to go outside and even a few meaningless tricks he seemed to know. Surely he was someone's precious dog gone missing.
A visit to the vet let us know that he didn't have a chip to tell us where home was... we made some phone calls.. waited and waited..
It's history from there. Little Grizzy went home to IL for Christmas and was officially intiated into the Sasser/Cooper families.
He's the only extra mouth we will be feeding for awhile. A long while...
Here he is:
Sorry about his eyes... he always has zombie eyes in pictures. He's cute, huh?!?
We do love him :)
So, his name is Griswald, in lieu of the Christmas season when he made his way into our lives. Grizzy was found lurking around Trinity United Methodist Church, my place of employment, for nearly a week. Finally, Joey (pastor) lured him in using his dog whisperer voice. I was convinced by Joey and Laurinda that we needed a dog. I thought for one night, in the spirit of Christmas, sure.. I can give in for just one night. When he came for his visit, he surprised us by letting us know when he needed to go outside and even a few meaningless tricks he seemed to know. Surely he was someone's precious dog gone missing.
A visit to the vet let us know that he didn't have a chip to tell us where home was... we made some phone calls.. waited and waited..
It's history from there. Little Grizzy went home to IL for Christmas and was officially intiated into the Sasser/Cooper families.
He's the only extra mouth we will be feeding for awhile. A long while...
Here he is:
Sorry about his eyes... he always has zombie eyes in pictures. He's cute, huh?!?
We do love him :)
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Prayers
This past Sunday we took the youth to see "To Save A Life"... A very powerful movie that I feel touched them in a very deep, passionate way. We are going to begin a new study on Wednesdays, talking about how much our lives influence those around us. How can we be more conscious of the affect we have? Of the love we are sharing, or not sharing? What do we want our lives to be about?
I believe God is going to do something big and great in the lives of the teenagers here. I believe our God is big enough! He is, completely, without a doubt. I'm ready to see Him move. Pray for the students-- I mean pray big, believing that God can tranform their lives, and their minds to the likeness of Christ.
Pray for the people of Haiti... I still cannot get them out of my mind, and I pray I never will. Tonight we boxed over 2,000 health kits and I was so inspired to see people coming together to form this unity called Love. I pray that with each wash cloth, bar of soap, tooth brush, etc-- that these people will truly feel the grace of God in their lives... the protection He covers them in... and the hope He has laid forth for them.
Pray for my sweet husband. That God will continue to reveal his plan for his master's degree & that the influence he is having on the children at Heath is life-changing. Pray that his passion never ceases. Pray that I can love him better everyday.
Pray for me... that I will hand over all things to my Father each morning. That he can make all things new in my life and that I don't grow weary in serving in Him. Pray for what I am studying, that it won't just be words on a page, but these words will transform my attitude and heart into a true servant, desiring to show love through healing counsel to others, with Christ working through me and in me in all that I do.
Just pray. Always pray. Never stop. :-) He's a good God that wants to talk, wants us to listen, wants us to depend on Him, humble ourselves before Him, desire Him, dwell in His presence, love like Him, act like Him, and just be more and more like Christ everyday. He wants us!! We are desired by the One that created the universe! So cool.
I believe God is going to do something big and great in the lives of the teenagers here. I believe our God is big enough! He is, completely, without a doubt. I'm ready to see Him move. Pray for the students-- I mean pray big, believing that God can tranform their lives, and their minds to the likeness of Christ.
Pray for the people of Haiti... I still cannot get them out of my mind, and I pray I never will. Tonight we boxed over 2,000 health kits and I was so inspired to see people coming together to form this unity called Love. I pray that with each wash cloth, bar of soap, tooth brush, etc-- that these people will truly feel the grace of God in their lives... the protection He covers them in... and the hope He has laid forth for them.
Pray for my sweet husband. That God will continue to reveal his plan for his master's degree & that the influence he is having on the children at Heath is life-changing. Pray that his passion never ceases. Pray that I can love him better everyday.
Pray for me... that I will hand over all things to my Father each morning. That he can make all things new in my life and that I don't grow weary in serving in Him. Pray for what I am studying, that it won't just be words on a page, but these words will transform my attitude and heart into a true servant, desiring to show love through healing counsel to others, with Christ working through me and in me in all that I do.
Just pray. Always pray. Never stop. :-) He's a good God that wants to talk, wants us to listen, wants us to depend on Him, humble ourselves before Him, desire Him, dwell in His presence, love like Him, act like Him, and just be more and more like Christ everyday. He wants us!! We are desired by the One that created the universe! So cool.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)