Wonder and Joy

This picture was taken Christmas morning as the boys looked down at their presents. There is something about the look on Kendall's face that struck me as "wonder and joy". It is as if he is thinking of all possibilities...of all the exciting things that could be wrapped up in those shiny packages. What a fun time we all had as they discovered what was truly awaiting them as they unwrapped their presents one by one!

This makes me reflect again on my relationship with our Lord. He is Our Gift. And we have an opportunity to know Him more and more, day by day. We will never get to a point of knowing everything about Him, so the possibilities are endless! How exciting it should be for us to go each day before the One True God. Do you and I have a sense of "wonder and joy" as we approach His throne. If not, let's ask Him as David did in Psalm 51:12, "Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me."

In The Garden

One of my favorite things to do is to walk around my Grandma's yard and look at what beautiful flowers are blooming.  I have done this as long as I can remember.  We walk from flower bed to flower bed seeing what is new. It is always evident to me at how much time and care she puts into her garden.  I also enjoy working in my yard.....it makes me feel close to both my grandmother and my mom even though I am an ocean away.   I love to wake up and see what has grown over night. Then I spend time praising the One who has made it grow.  I hope you do not mind taking a walk around my yard with me this cool, Spring morning here in Africa. 

Reading in 1 Corinthian 3, I am reminded that it is God who brings growth.  Paul said, " I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow."  How exciting it is to read on and find out, "For we are God's fellow workers;". I pray that I will  always be growing in His likeness and others will see less of me and more of Him.  Let's end with a beautiful hymn.....

In The Garden
(written by C. Aus tin Miles)

I come to the garden alone,
while the dew is still on the roses.
And the voice I hear, falling on my ear,
the Son of God discloses.

And He walks with me,
and He talks with me,
and He tells me I am His own;
and the joy we share as we tarry there,
none other has ever known.

He speaks and the sound of His voice,
is so sweet the birds hush their singing,
and the melody that He gave to me
within my heart is ringing.

I`d stay in the garden with Him
though the night around me be falling,
but He bids me go; through the voice of woe
His voice to me is calling.

Beauty

Today I was greeted by what looked like a snow covered driveway with rose petals to lead me.  There had been a light breeze on this warm morning that left signs of the flowering trees above.  I was awestruck.  I thought you all might enjoy pictures of one of God's gifts to me today.

  "..always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."  Ephesians 5:20

You would think by the looks of these big guys around I would never struggle with fear.  A part of Todd's work involves traveling.  Our first term in Africa I had such a difficult time staying overnight without him home I discouraged him from traveling. I was not only worried for our safety but his as well.  God convicted me of this many times, but I continued to ask him not to go away.  I know this fear goes back a long way that only escalated after our robbery in Kenya.  

Before returning to Botswana I surrendered the need for Todd to stay home with us to the Lord.  I longed to see God work through him to reach the Batswana with the truth of Christ and my fear could no longer be a stumbling block.  

God has been faithful as I have seen Him work in special ways while Todd has been traveling these last months.  There are times when I wake in the middle of the night and fear tempts me to despair, but the Lord speaks through His Word that is hidden in my heart.  A chapter of scripture that He often brings to mind is Psalm 91.  I will share some of these verses with you......

"Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.  This I declare of the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I am trusting him.  ....He will shield you with his wings.  He will shelter you with his feathers.  His faithful promises are your armor and protection.  Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor fear the dangers of the day, nor dread the plague that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday. ....For he orders his angels to protect you wherever you go."  

I am so thankful that the Lord is with us.  Please continue to pray for us to trust in Him in every way.  Pray for Todd as he travels and the boys and I while he is away.  Pray that many of the Batswana would come to know Jesus and many believes would be encouraged and grow in their faith.  Pray that our sons would trust in the Lord as well and grow to become young men of God.  Thank you for your ministry to our family.  

   I just wanted to share some pictures of Caden's new haircut!  He did so well that he received a yummy, strawberry dumdum sucker and everything!  I have been trying to be a better steward, so I decided once again to try and cut his hair myself instead of spending the 70 pula it takes to let a professional do it.  All of my boys (including Todd) have at one time or another suffered through one of my haircuts.  After looking back at some of the pictures of the boys where I had cut their hair I vowed never to try it again.  Well, all this to say I decided to give it another try and I think it is okay.  I believe learning to give a good boy's haircut could potentially save us up to $400 a year!  Wow!  I believe I will keep trying and see if the big boys will give me another shot at it.

I am thankful that the Lord cares about the details of our lives and supplies all our needs. Philippians 4:19 "And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus."  Let us continue to look to Him for wisdom in all areas of life including our finances!   

In Your Eyes

Caden held my face very close to his today with his sweet little hands.  He said, "Mommy, I can see me in your eyes!"  We just sat for a few minutes staring into the eyes of the other and smiling from ear to ear.  There was something about that moment that will stay close to my heart for a long time.  
God wants us to draw near to Himself.  In Hebrews 12:2 scripture tells us, "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus."  How can we do that in a world that is constantly competing for our eyes to be on everything but our precious Lord.  For me I need to make a every effort to turn away from the things of this world and think on Him.  It may be by keeping the TV off and reading through old hymns, praying for my children while I am making their lunches for the day, remembering that He is there with me as I am driving to the grocery store, asking Him to speak through me as someone comes to my gate, and getting on my knees and talking with Him before the day begins. 
Take the time today to hold Him close as He holds you even closer.

Hebrews 12:1-2 "Therefore since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us, and run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross and despised the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of God's throne."  

A Game Lost, A Lesson Learned

Losing is never easy. Especially when you are as competitive as my middle son, Kendall.  Don't get me wrong, he is a very good sport when it comes to losing, but it still hurts.  He had his first soccer (or futbal) game this last week.  It was a close game and Kendall was playing his heart out.  The other team was tough and wearing out our defenders.  The team kicked the ball, our goalie reached out for the ball and it slipped through his hands.  Kendall jumped behind him and stopped the ball from going in!!!!  "Yea!", I yelled.  But I soon realized that he had stopped the ball with his hand...it was a penalty on him.  The opposing team got a free kick, scored and won the game.  Kendall was devastated.  

As they waited to start a second game, I saw Kendall standing on the field with his back turned to me.  The coach walked up and put her arm around him and I then knew he must have had tears in his eyes.  I wanted run out on the field, wrap him in my arms and take him home. Instead, I let go a little and watched him play another game as hard as he could.  

Upon becoming a parent I do not think I was prepared for what it would be like to watch them hurt and go through disappointments.  The empathy I have for them during these times runs deep.  Then there are times and will be times that I do not know they are hurting or why. 

I am so thankful for a Heavenly Father who is always there and cares about the details of our lives.  He is always with them, knows their every thought, action, and feeling.   In John chapter 10, Jesus speaks of Himself as the Good Shepherd.  In verses 10-11 he says, "The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy.  My purpose is to give life in all its fullness."  And then in verse 14, "I am the good shepherd.  The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep...I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and they know me."  Jesus cares.  Jesus is there.

May we all remember our loving Father in heaven who is with us always (even when our momma's cannot come scoop us off the field)!

    

Something About Landon

"Even a child is known by his actions, by whether his conduct is pure and right."  Proverbs 20:11

There is something about Landon. He is unlike anyone I have ever known.  He loves others with a love that I know stems from His relationship with the Lord.  My oldest son turns eleven this Friday.  I am thankful for these years spent as his mom.  

Landon was born while we were in Canada.  I remember the ride home from the hospital like it was yesterday.  I sat in the backseat with him and he held my finger.  I remember telling Todd that Landon was the most beautiful baby I had ever seen. 

One morning after the church service at Bow Valley Baptist Church in Cochrane, I picked Landon up from the nursery.  He was still very little.  I walked through the sanctuary and the Lord spoke quietly to my heart.  As I held this small little boy in my arms I knew the Lord was letting me know to whom he belonged.  

Landon likes books, his Playstation,  telling jokes, drawing cartoons, and watching movies. But if you ask him what he loves, he will say his friends, family, and most of all Jesus. "For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations."  Psalm 100:5  I pray that he will love the Lord with all of his heart for all of his days.  Happy Birthday Landon!!!!  We love you, Mom, Dad, Kendall, and Caden

Jesus, my Dearest Friend

Loneliness is something that I have struggled with at different times of my life.  Growing up in a small town brought comfort.  The thought of seeing someone you know each time you go to the store, knowing every face you see at school, and always having family down the road was a blessing for me. But there were still times, even in all the comfort of home, that I found myself lonely.  

 I have moved 4 major times since the day I married more than 12 years ago.  For a girl who never drove on the interstate but maybe once before I was married I had to make major adjustments each move.  In the midst of all the adjustments God was and is always with me.  

God has always provided me with precious friends.  When we moved to Cochrane, Alberta we had never been there before, but we knew that is where the Lord wanted us to be.  I was five months pregnant and far away from home.  Soon a few ladies invited me to come to a prayer time.  This was just what I needed at such a time.  These ladies were much more mature in their faith and God began to teach me the importance of staying close to Him in prayer.  What beautiful times I had learning from all the students, wives, and teachers that passed through our home during those years!  And best of all, God was with me.  "But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called today so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness." Hebrews 3:13

Then we moved to Todd's home town and he began working at his home church.  He knew everyone and I knew very few.  Missing all my friends back in Canada, I remember sitting at our dining room table and weeping.  Praying, "Lord, why did you move me again? I am so lonely, what should I do?"  I was feeling pretty sorry for myself, when the Lord spoke straight to my heart, "Lisa, I am here with you."  In John 15:4, Jesus says, "Abide in Me."  I then drew near to my Father and He comforted me.  We spent 3 years there and God gave me friendships that will last a lifetime.  And best of all God was with me.

Almost 5 years ago, we followed the Lord as He led us to move here to Botswana.  I had never been on the continent of Africa.  For years I had dreamed of what it would be like.  Arriving in the small airport, with heat blazing, I knew my dreams had now become a reality.  I was not alone as Todd and our two small sons were by my side and our new missionary family greeted us.  We soon moved to a village/town where we would study language.  There was another missionary family there studying as well.  They had three boys and a baby to be born not long after we arrived. We were fast friends.  And most importantly God was walking me through each new adventure He had laid out before me.  

Through all of these experiences the Lord has taught me that we can be surrounded by friends and yet still feel alone.  In those times I have learned that there is no friendship more important than the one we have with Jesus.  If we are not walking with Him each day, even if we have all the friends "Facebook" can hold we will be still lonely.  We were all made to be in fellowship with Him and there is nothing or no one that can fill that void but the Lord Himself.  I encourage you to get somewhere alone with Him today.  Jesus says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden, is light." Matthew 11:28-30

Friends Are A Gift From Jesus

Our friends and co-laborers here in Botswana have a daughter named Allison.  She came and stayed a while with me this afternoon.  Caden was taking a nap and the big boys were still at school.  So we decided to watch Cinderella together.  For some reason this is not a movie that is Ever requested by my boys.  We talked, colored, baked cookies, and I put her hair in a ponytail.  These couple of hours were precious.  The boys soon came home from school and the house was filled with laughter and excitement.  I noticed they were all outside looking for ladybugs and grasshoppers, collecting rocks, and climbing our tree.  She even said she would play football with them and Kendall said, "I'll go easy on her, Mom."  I know if they would have played she would have proved herself a worthy opponent.  

  God uses my children, nieces, nephew, the children of my friends, kids from the neighborhood, and my boy's buddies to bless my life everyday.  Let us not dismiss them in order to get on to "more important" things.  Take time to get to know them and share God's love with them.  That is what Jesus did and taught.  "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these."  Mark 10:14

Caden Sweeping...

Sweeping the dirt....

This picture was taken today in our front yard.  One thing I have learned since moving to Botswana is how to sweep the dirt.  There is  a fine art to sweeping it correctly.  You bend at the waist and sweep in one direction.  You put your left hand behind your back as you sweep with your right.  As you can see, Caden still has to work on his form a little.  After you are done sweeping is should all look nice and "clean".  I was thinking about this and it occurred to me that while you are sweeping away the lose dirt underneath it is still simply dirt.  

When it comes to our own lives do we just ask the Lord to help us sweep away the lose "sin" in our lives that seems easy to remove.  Or do we let Him go deeper into the sin that maybe we have not even recognized.  

For me it is all about my relationship with the Lord.  I do not want there to be anything within me that would keep me from walking with Him in harmony.  "We love because He first loved us." 1 John 4:19

  So I continue going before my Father and asking Him to show me any "dirt" in this heart of mine.   "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 1John 1:9

Just remember to allow God to dig deep into your heart.  He is faithful and will heal the brokenhearted.  

Heart Lessons

I have been reminded this week to share with those which God has placed around you how much you love them and more importantly how precious they are to the Lord.  Over the years many friends in my life have passed away unexpectedly.  Remembering my last moments with them, I try to think about the last thing I said.  I know that life is like a breath and it vanishes so quickly, but so often I have not taken every opportunity to share God's love with others.  My mind drifts to the story of the last supper in the Bible where Jesus washed His disciples feet:

"So He got up from the table, took off His robe, wrapped a towel around His waist, and poured water into a basin. Then He began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel He had around Him......".

 After Jesus washed their feet He told them, "And since I, the Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other's feet.  I have given you an example to follow.  Do as I have done to you."  John 13:4,5,14,15

I can never go back in time and share with those friends how dear they are and that grieves my heart.  But I can allow God to use that grief to help me become more and more dependent on Him to show me how to wash the feet of others.  

A Boy's Life

Here is Caden up in the tree house.  He loves being outside.  The weather is beautiful here.  Wish you could come for a visit!
This is our Kendall during his cricket tournament.  He played 4 games this morning! He loves every sport he has every been introduced to.
Okay, so I don't know the rules for cricket.  I just know they should hit the ball and run to the other wicket and they break for tea.  They had a nice little table set up with hot tea and biscuits(cookies).   
And here is Landon home from his 5 day trip out in the bush of South Africa.  It sounded a bit like survivor for a 10 year old.  They learned to build their own raft, build  a go-cart, climb up a mountain and come back down with a rope, they cooked their own dinner, and went days without a shower! (The last activity was optional, but I think many of the boys took part.  I just thought they all got really good tans!)   

Children growing up...

As my children continue growing older, there are new depths to my trusting in the Lord.  Landon left this morning to go across the border into another country for 5 days of camp.  He was very excited about cooking his own food, washing his own dishes, and gaining some independence.  This morning I was the last parent to say goodbye, the last to give a hug and kiss, and I even got on the bus to take his picture.  I had never prayer walked a bus before!  I know, I am a little attached.  I am going into brand new territory with my first born.... letting go.  Please do not misunderstand me, I do not want him living with me all his life.  Todd and I long to see our boys grow into responsible adults, but the steps getting there can be difficult for a Momma.  The scripture that the Lord brings to mind... 

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."  Philippians 4:6,7

So I continue to trust and pray that the Lord's perfect will be done.  Thank you for walking on this journey with us.  There is nothing like walking with Jesus and seeing your children trust and walk with Him as well.   

Family and Fun

Here is a picture of little Caden working hard!  He seems to like it!
This is a picture of Landon being himself.  He has his book, his cool glasses, and his game boy!  What else does he need?!

We are all enjoying being back home.  The boys have loved school.  They both have very nice teachers.  Landon will be going to a week long team building camp the first week of March.  I hope I make it through the week without seeing or talking to him.  He and Kendall are both on a mid-term holiday this week.  I love having them home!  The weather has been hot, cool, and raining.  Sounds a lot like AR weather, doesn't it?!  

Caden is growing up so much.  He is learning his shapes, letters, and colors.  He is also very good at getting us to all do what he wants.  

Todd is working on his budget for next year.  Please pray that God will give him wisdom in this as well as everything else he has on his God-given agenda right now.  

I am busy cooking, cleaning, and taking care of my favorite boys.  I am also longing to grow deeper in my relationship with my Savior.  Know that we love you all and miss you very much.    If you would like to know more about the ministry here, please send us your email address.  We send out a newsletter that reports more about what God is doing here in Botswana.  

Home Again.....

As many of you know we have made our journey back to Gaborone.  We have moved in to our home and are getting settled in.  Since our arrival we have been greeting our friends, unpacking boxes, going to the grocery store, enrolling the boys in school, and going to the grocery store. :)

It is the rainy season now, so everything looks beautiful and green.  We still have grass and roses in the front yard.  Our dog, Abunga, is now gone because he chewed up our gate motor one too many times.  So Todd went today to purchase a new gate motor, not a new dog.

I long to walk back into the community where the Lord so graciously allowed me to minister during our first term, but the rain has been too much.  Caden and I will venture out soon.  It is hard to know where to begin when you arrive back on the field.  So we start with prayer and sharing our faith.  I know the Lord will continue to guide us.  Thank you for your love and prayers.  

This picture was taken by a little chapel that is here where we have been studying.  It has been a blessing to be here.  

Our three sons.

Our Weekend

Hi everyone.  Hope all of you are well.  We are continuing our training here in South Africa for one more week.  It has been a special time so far.  Friday we were allowed to go with the local missionaries into their place of ministry.  We walked around in what is called "squatter camps" praying that the Lord would give us the oppertunity to share His truth with someone.  It is hard to describe what we saw.  People everywhere, rooms built out of anything one could find, children surrounding a caged in TV just watching, eyes watching us, a lady sharing a Bible story with us, a young lady accepting Christ, hugs from the children, and God's presence very real in a dark place. Please continue praying for all the peoples of South Africa and the missionaries that are engaging them with the Gospel.    

This weekend we headed to see our friends the Janz Family.  We were in language school with them for our first few months in Botswana.  They have five beautiful children.  Our kids were so happy to see one another.  

Thanks so much for your love and prayers.  We love you!!!

Caden's new haircut!

We finally decided to cut Caden's hair.  His new Aunt Joy was brave enough to do it for us.  His big brothers really like it.  

Caden and his new MK buddies!

Dallas Airport

South Africa

Hi!  I have decided to take over our blog....Todd would like for me to have it! :)  We had a wonderful Stateside with family and friends.  All of you made our time so special.  We are now in South Africa at leadership training.  We will be here until the first of Feb.  I know we will all be happy to make it to Botswana when that day comes.  Our training is wonderful and we are thankful to receive it after so long being off the field.  

The boys are doing great and making new friends.  Landon and Kendall are the oldest ones here.  The are great helpers with all the babies.  There are several new couples here on the field.  It is so encouraging to see the Lord continuing to send laborers into the harvest.  Caden is adjusting well to all the changes.  Thanks for all the prayers on his behalf. 

I'll sign off for now, but promise to be updating this on a regular basis!  Lovingly, lisa