Hey All! Don't really know where to begin...but I will start my praising God for the children. I've been in country for a little over 3 weeks and the children are just now starting to find me - I know it shouldn't be too hard - not like there are many white folks around - but anywho I liked to share how I have recently been blessed by their sweet company. Today in church - I walked in late ( the Peppers were out of town nice excuse I know) - so I "snuck" in and found a seat on the back row - to my suprise when I opened my eyes later from worshipping - I looked down to see a pew full of kids surrounding me . They all wanted to greet me and then they began to stare at me. (something I will just have to get use to) During the service I glanced behind me to find that one of the little girls had climbed on top of her friend who was her same size just so she could sit closer....I couldn't help but smile - Anyway I also wanted to share how God has also proved to be faithful to me through his word - Here it goes! Christ 's words may seem a bit harsh or rather boldly stated in the following - but stick with me through the whole passage - Relax and "Chew on the Meat!"
Verse :
...Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me: and anyone who does not take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it...
and if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward." (matt.10:37-42) ..."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." (matt.11:28-30)
Challenge: What or Who are you living for? What dO you have to offer?
Photos:(1) The baby pictured above is an infant I found under a patient's bed in the hospital - she had a sweet laugh - I pray the memory of her chuckle stays with me for a long while. (2) A few children that approached as during home visits.
Pictured Above: Me, Adam,Kelly & Megan Pepper - I am grateful to Jesus for these precious people .They have been a huge blessing to me as I have had to learn to adapt to a culture so unlike the one I left back home in the states. What a mighty God we serve! He even cares about who we hang out with ! Anyway - I look forward to getting to know all 3 of these guys better in the future :)
Hey Everybody! Thanks for all the birthday wishes! The picture below of me in my bro's ball cap is the night before my bday - i was having a pretty rough week and I received news from Adam Pepper that I had received a package from back home - so I drove my car in the dark to retrieve it because I could not wait! Thanks Mom and Dad it did arrive on time! And Maddie your card came along with it and was a much needed treat:) For those who I know me - bdays are a big deal for this girl - and are always well celebrated by the thornton and tager bunch....and this one wasn't half bad! Even though I missed being with my family - I was in the company of friends - and I did manage to eat well. I got to enjoy homemade pizza, orange fanta and peanut butter cake! I also had some yummy coffee with vanilla powder added to it! how wonderful!
Also thank you Mr.Ron for the sweet note you wrote on the box - I have not yet made friends with the mail guy here ;) Miss you!
Hey All! Don't really know where to begin...but I will start my praising God for the children. I've been in country for a little over 3 weeks and the children are just now starting to find me - I know it shouldn't be too hard - not like there are many white folks around - but anywho I liked to share how I have recently been blessed by their sweet company. Today in church - I walked in late ( the Peppers were out of town nice excuse I know) - so I "snuck" in and found a seat on the back row - to my suprise when I opened my eyes later from worshipping - I looked down to see a pew full of kids surrounding me . They all wanted to greet me and then they began to stare at me. (something I will just have to get use to) During the service I glanced behind me to find that one of the little girls had climbed on top of her friend who was her same size just so she could sit closer....I couldn't help but smile - Anyway I also wanted to share how God has also proved to be faithful to me through his word - Here it goes! Christ 's words may seem a bit harsh or rather boldly stated in the following - but stick with me through the whole passage - Relax and "Chew on the Meat!"
