Currency of the Soul

I am eternally grateful for all the blessings the Lord has bestowed on our boys. They have a great deal going for them in this life, and Richard and I have always been so thankful for the gifts and abilities our mini men posses. We have often told our boys they may rely on many God given attributes as they navigate through life, but that the glory must always go to the Great Giver of Gifts. On the other hand, my boys also know there is one thing they do not, and most likely will not be able to rely on in this life; the highly valued commodity called money.

Our boys are acutely aware of the sacrifices we have made as parents, and are equally as aware of the fact our choices result in a modest lifestyle at best. They have learned to go without, and they have learned to give. Don't get me wrong, my boys are suffering for nothing, but they know as missionary kids they are on a path that will not allow for a great deal of bankable assets throughout their young years. They are young, but I believe they understand this concept.

Last night while our family huddled around yet another booth, at yet another McDonald's, in yet another state, Aron Elijah's innocent words brought perspective to the topic of wealth. We were on our way home from a week long Ministry Partnership trip throughout the entire state of Ohio and into Michigan. Rich and I were running on fumes, and the boy's table chatter seemed removed from us. All of the sudden I tuned into what Aron was saying. He cocked his little head to the side and looking at his older brother with a sideways glance he inquired, "Aden, do you love Jesus?" Aden replied, "Yes, of course I do." Then, with equal parts awe and envy Aron responded, "Ohhh, Aden you are rich!"

Richard and I shared a quick look that confirmed what each of us had just heard. We also shared a moment of thankfulness, and a tear. As parents we try to make the best decisions we can using the BIBLE as the ultimate authority, and the SPIRIT to guide us. But there are moments when human doubt creeps in and we wonder how all of the recent changes will effect our boys long term. Last night, it was as though the Lord gave Richard and I yet another gift. Through the innocent words of our 5-year-old son, He told us that our boys are getting IT. They see with eyes not many adults have, and are content with their status in this life.

My boys are not rich by man's standards. They all wear hand-me-down clothes, but we have never gone without. They ride around town in a beat up old car, but it was provided for our family in a miraculous way. No, my boys will never hear the words, "you are rich," from their peers. But they love Jesus, they talk to Him, they read about Him, they memorize His words, and they are indeed very wealthy in the currency of the soul. The fact that they can distinguish this at such young ages is nothing short than a gift from God. It is my prayer that this eternal wealth continues to enrich their lives as they grow into mighty men!


Matthew 6:31-33
“Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ “For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."

Zacchaeus was a wee little man

This past weekend we left our kids in Weaverville, NC with Richard's parents and drove north to speak at a church neither of us had ever seen before, and to speak to people neither of us had ever met. Richard preached a full 45 minute message at North Rome Wesleyan Church, and we both presented our ministry in Lesotho during the Sunday School hour to combined classes. In ministry partnership terms, this was a fantastic opportunity to build our team, and gain prayer and financial support.

As we pulled up to the rural church, Rich and I had little or no expectations. It was only 1 degree outside and probably only 32 degrees inside. We were cold and tired from our long trip. It was an average sized church, and when we arrived there were no cars in the parking lot. We had just driven 14 hours for this speaking engagement. We shared worried looks, but quickly put them aside as we prayed. "God we know you set this appointment, this is your assignment, please give us the words to speak to these people, no matter how small their number." This was our prayer as we set up our display table, Richard hooked up his power point presentation, and we shook hands with the preacher. "Dear, God you are in control, please use us."

After we prayed with the pastor, we sat at the front of the church and Rich nervously anticipated his introduction to speak. As we waited, the sanctuary began to fill. At first the people begin to trickle in, and then all at once they flowed through the doors like warm air heating up the room. People moved closer and closer in the pews, Richard's nerves grew, I reassured him, and by the time he was summoned to the pulpit, about 350 people had gathered in this rural, unassuming church. As my husband spoke the words God laid on his heart, my heart soared. God knew. God did this. God allowed these people to come and hear the important work my husband was sharing with them.

The most amazing part of this divine assignment was its origin. A man we had never met, mentioned to my father months ago that his church is very missions minded. This same man took our names to his pastor and church, and got us an unlikely opportunity to speak. Last Sunday, while I was listening to Richard I could not help looking over my shoulder to examine the crowd for the man who had made this possible. I had a problem, however, I did not have a clue what he looked like. I peered over my shoulder anyway and scanned the faces. I found our champion sitting a few rows behind me. I had never laid eyes on him, but I could tell him by the smile on his face and the joy, interest, enthusiasm, and even pride in his eyes. Our eyes met and we shared an instant connection. He had recognized me as well. God had made this connection.

After the services our champion invited us to his home where his wife had made a lovely lunch and some of his six adult children had gathered. He is a short man, slight in stature, and soft in voice, but bold in faith. He is a cow man, a simple man, and when Richard and I passed him as we entered his home, a huge smile spread across his face and he said, "I feel like Zacchaeus."

Much like God used Zacchaeus in the Bible, God used this simple man from the hills of rural Pennsylvania to do an extraordinary thing. This man facilitated the partnering of his church with Kingdom work that is taking place in one of the most obscure countries of the world. One common man, acting on what the Lord asked of him, is making a tremendous impact on lives that will ripple across the world.

Luke 19:5&9-10
"When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

Warning: Strong Wills Reside at This House

I have been falling behind the eight ball so to speak as it pertains to disciplining our boys. Slowly poor behavior, bad habits, and disrespect have gone unchecked in our home and the results have been less then comely. So, when a woman's voice on the radio, speaking about strong willed children broke through the bickering in our family vehicle, I sat up and paid attention. Her name is Cynthia Tobias and she is the author of You Can't Make Me, but I Could be Persuaded. I have owned this book for years, but clearly had forgotten the practical wisdom she offers in it. Yesterday in the car, it was as though I was hearing her concepts for the very first time. The timing for this advice was perfect for our family. You see, we are a household of strong wills, and this at times causes for an inharmonious home.

Lately, it has been too easy to only look at the negative aspects of a strong willed personality, but Tobias reminded us of the, "diamond in the rough," that is the strong willed person. I have known since my earliest memory that I am one of these people. I have never suffered fools easily, or been the person to sit back and allow wrongs to prevail. My parents would probably say I was their biggest challenge as a child to raise, and now I am raising four boys who have been blessed with even stronger wills than I have ever had. In fact, I have needed to rely on my own strong will almost every day in order to hold onto the God given parental authority I have over my sons.

The freedom Tobias gives in her book is something that I remember being liberated by years ago, but hearing her on the radio yesterday allowed me to free my sons from the limitations I had been trying to place on their wills. You see, God intended for the strong willed child, man, woman to be just that....STRONG. I can look back over my life thus far and see many, many situations in which I got through by sheer will and determination. Coupled with God's help, I know I will need these same attributes as I move to a life as a missionary in Africa. The potential of a strong willed person who has surrendered poor behavior over to God is vast.

If you have a strong willed child, or person in your life, here are some of the points Tobias makes that I feel resound the most. As a strong willed person...

1. Your relationship with me is ALL you have with me. If you lose our relationship, you lose me.

2. I want to see the boundaries. I will ALWAYS test them, but I want to see that they exist.

3. DO NOT YELL AT ME! It will be all the more difficult to get me to do what you want the next time.

4. Ask me to do tasks, don't tell me to do them, then follow the request with an, "okay?"

5. Let me fall, allow me to fail. This is how I learn.

6. I know when I have done wrong. Punish me and allow me to move on.

7. Don't give me empty threats. Calmly issue the punishment. I know I deserve it.

8. Pray for me!

* If you do not know anybody with a strong will this will probably seem very much like permissive hogwash to you. However, if you have been blessed to know, or BE a strong willed person, I pray this post, and the Holy Spirit speak to you in some way.

I wanna be just like you

We spent this past weekend with my sister, Amy and her family in Lynchburg, VA. The trip served two purposes. One, to celebrate my niece, Emma's 10th Birthday, and two, to share our ministry during Amy's Sunday School class at Thomas Road Baptist Church.

Every Ministry Partnership trip has its highs and lows, but this trip was mostly highs. It was a delight to spend time with my beautiful nieces and share in their lives. It was so great to catch up with my brother, Sam and his family, and to see my sister, Marita and her kids. The time with my siblings was refreshing and rewarding, and I am thankful for the opportunity I had to simply be myself with my brother and sisters. These people know better than anyone the journey I have been on for the past 13 years, and it was awesome to be welcomed as a missionary into my sister's and brother's church.

When we were presenting to my sister, Amy's Sunday School class I tried hard to avert my eyes from her's. I knew if I caught her eye I would become a puddle of emotion. I failed desperately at this task. I am not sure why I became so emotional in front of my older sister's class, but I think it has a lot to do with the way she was looking at me. She was so proud.

Amy is 9-years older than me. She named me, Megan Rose. She allowed me to sleep in the same bed with her until I was way too old, and then shared her bed with me on college breaks until she was a married woman. My earliest childhood memories are with my sister Amy, and my most poignant adult memories have her at my side.

This past Sunday, in the car when we were alone, Amy simply said to me in her soft, sweet voice, "I am so proud of you." Those words mean the world to me, but what I was unable to say to her was, she should be equally as proud of herself. I could not ever be where I am in life, or ministry if it were not for her love and support. If I had not had her to idolize as a little girl, to aspire to be like as a young woman, to learn from as a young mother and wife, and to emulate as a daughter of Christ, I would not be where I am today on my journey.

I was not able to say how equally proud I am of my big sister. I am proud of the daughters she is putting out into the world. I am proud of how she is the first person to jump into her car and come to the aid of anybody who is in need. I am proud of her loving heart, and of her quick humor. I am proud of how she stands her ground in a sweet and gentle way. In many ways I hope to be just like her when I finish growing up, mostly because,.....she tries to be just like Jesus.

"Welcome Home"

As we passed the sign welcoming us to the state of Tennessee Alex yelled enthusiastically, "Aden, we are home!" Although Alex only spent the first 2 1/5 years of his childhood, and Aden merely the first 9 days of his life in Tennessee, my boys very much enjoyed their homecoming this past week.

We were able to show the boys many of the places that housed the first moments of our little family, and to nostalgically walk down roads we have not seen in six long years. However, the best part of being back home in Tennessee was the familiar faces of friends. It did our hearts well to see these people from our pasts. When we moved to Elizabethton, Tenn. we had only been married two short weeks, and now we have been married for over a decade. So many things have transpired during these years that have changed us as human beings, but in many ways things are still untouched in Elizabethton. From the iconic covered bridge, to the local newspaper I wrote for, time has not seemed to wear away at these memories.

Neal Bachman, Rich's first boss in TN, blessed our boys with a ride in his airplane. We were able to go on hikes in the snow in the mountains, we saw a bear up close and personal, and we were able to worship with our old church family at EAC. We also were treated to a special lunch at the Bachman home with old friends. After lunch we enjoyed another reunion with fellow missionaries, the Schmidts, who started out in this process long before us in Kenya, Africa. Both reunions offered wisdom, and strength for a continued journey.

We will forever remember Tennessee as the place in which we grew up...quickly. We cut our teeth on some of life's most direct blows, and greatest blessings in the rugged mountains of Tennessee. It is interesting how it can still feel so familiar after all these years, it has been woven into the very fabrics that make up our beings. It is home.

A friend like this....

One of the most precious parts of this pre-field phase of ministry is the opportunities it affords us to spend time with friends and family. This past weekend we were able to spend time with my dear college friend, Jen and her family. We spoke at a church and met with a pastor in her home town of South Hill, VA, and in between appointments Jen and I were able to catch up and recharge our batteries.

Since 1998 Jen has been one of my dearest friends. Each of us has gone through life's joys and trials with the other playing a significant supporting role. We have prayed and loved each other through college relationships, engagements, weddings, pregnancies, newborns, toddlers, marriages, and all of life's ups and downs. Not many things happen in my life that I don't pick up the phone to call Jen. We truly have watched each other grow up, but when we are together it seems as though we are still teens.

This past weekend, it seemed surreal that, together we have seven children ages eight and under. It was so much fun to see our kids play together and to get to love on each other's babies. However, the moments were bitter sweet for me. As awesome as it was to spend time with a dear friend, I was acutely aware that such moments will become fewer, and harder to come by as we make our move towards a life of full time ministry in Lesotho.

As I watched Jen and her family this past weekend, I was so proud of her. It was almost as though I felt I could leave her now. She has grown into an amazing woman. She has become a godly, loving wife and mother. She is strong, and patient, and humble. She is going to do be just fine in life, but I sure am going to miss being right by her side while she lives it.