Monday, February 28, 2011

What we're up to...

In about 4 1/2 months a team of 10 people will travel to Cebu, Philippines.  It is always crazy to see our team from our first meeting to our last....it is never the same group.  We gain some, we lose some.  This trip God is calling individuals from 5 different churches and many different backgrounds.  It is always interesting to see how God calls individuals in His time. 

During the trip we will visit the dumpsite to feed, clothe and minister to hundreds; we will distribute Bibles in schools and give the plan of salvation; we will build relationships with the staff and children already at WHY; we will have a time to teach skills such as cutting/styling hair and sewing...I'm getting excited! 

We are collecting VITAMINSPlease remember that children and adults die from CURABLE diseases daily!  We want to give them means to be healthier.

We are making PILLOWCASE DRESSESI hope to keep Project Pillowcase growing.  So many children need clothing and shoes to protect them from the horrible conditions they live in.

They need BACKPACKS AND UMBRELLAS.  Most people in this area walk everywhere they go in all types of weather.   Small children walk alone or with siblings to school and must carry their supplies. 

When we get there, without fail things arise that need to be cared for -- maybe a neighbor family who needs assistance, maybe a need within Wesley Home, maybe God moves mountains and something big needs to be done (which happens often!), but things come up that require extra MONEY.  Maybe this is where you would like to help.

Although my desire for this blog is to inform and encourage you, it is also a place of asking.  Asking for prayers and assistance with God's work in the Philippines.  Maybe you can help by using your talents, time, resources or connections.  But I urge you, help!  Just because it is my cause of course I am passionate.  But remember it is for the cause of Christ that we go to tell these people about the love of Jesus.  We need your help!

Thankful, Sheryl

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Praying for Purpose

If my life had no purpose, I would have no life.  Of this I am sure.  I want to know my purpose. 


Daily.  Because although I believe we have a life purpose I believe also that we have a daily purpose.  Each day God wants to use us.  He works ALL things together.  The blah days, the scary days, the sad days, the really happy days, the productive days and the lazy days.  He works it ALL together according to His purpose.  He is in every detail.

I am praying about a long term change that will affect my children, my husband and myself GREATLY.  In lots of ways.  Things keep coming into my mind....Will this change serve its purpose?  Can I handle this big change and the ways my life will change?  How will my children become better because of it?  Will they rebel against it?  Is the Lord using this change to prepare me for purpose?  We will be ok financially?  

But as I'm typing this I already in my heart know the answers to each of those questions and the questions to come.  God will take care of us, He is with us through every change.
Jeremiah 10:23-24
LORD, I know that people’s lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their steps.
Discipline me, LORD, but only in due measure— not in your anger, or you will reduce me to nothing.

Jeremiah 29:10-14
This is what the LORD says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the LORD....

Maybe you're facing an upcoming change.  Take heart, God's got your back!  :)  He has a purpose.  Seek Him and you will find Him.  Call on Him and He will listen.

Thankful, Sheryl

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

travel agent

We are searching for the best deals possible on airfare for mission trips.  Do you have a travel agent you would recommend?

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Name it

I am currently reading a book by Ann Voskamp entitled "One Thousand Gifts".  I am getting to the part of the book where she is "naming" gifts.  Although I'm only on the fourth chapter, it is somewhat of a challenge to "name" 1000 blessings, things we are thankful for....sometimes we think we are grateful people but to truly call out things, activities, etc. seems to give them value.  The small things, the big things, ANY thing you are thankful to have been given.


Here is an exerpt:


"...All  I can see, think, is that my whim writing of one thousand gratitudes, the naming of the moments - this is truly a holy work.
This naming really does call now a gift, a gift of God.  I read again: 'To name a thing is to manifest the meaning and value God gave it.'  I look at a day, a thing, an event in front of me, and it may look manna-strange: 'What is it?'  But when I name it, the naming of it manifests its meaning: to know it comes from God.  This is gift!  Naming is to know a thing's function in the cosmos - to name is to solve mystery.
In naming that which is right before me, that which I'd otherwise miss, the invisible becomes visible."

"I name.  And I know the face I face.
God's!  god is in the details; God is in the moment.  God is in all the blurs by in a life - even hurts in a life.
GOD!
How can I not name?  Naming these moments may change the ugly names I call myself.
I put a pen to a journal, to name solve....."

It's odd for me to think that something so simple like calling something out, giving it value by giving it a name could be so beneficial for our souls.  But consider if we are constantly naming things as gifts then won't we be more positive, more joyful even?  If in our conversations we are basking in our gifts as we share with others, isn't this God's way?  Drawing people to Him by our joy?  We don't need to wait on November to be thankful....every moment we can look before us and not miss an opportunity to pen down what we are given.

I'll start.

1.  Baby goats hopping around in the field
2.  Fresh breeze
3.  A quiet moment alone
4.  A surprise visit
5.  Friendly smiles in the hallway at school

Just regular everyday things....name them and see if they go up in value.

Thankful, Sheryl

Monday, February 14, 2011

Love

Today, I am feeling tired after a massive four day fundraising weeked.  I'm not feeling super Valentine's-ish.  But I am thinking today of all the the wonderful, amazing gifts God has given me.  God is truly SO GOOD to us, in big ways, small ways, necessary ways, all ways.  I found some quotes and poems I love.  Enjoy.

“I have found the paradox, that if you love until it hurts, there can be no more hurt, only more love.”
Mother Teresa

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.
I love thee to the level of every day's
Most quiet need, by sun and candlelight.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love with a passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints, I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life! and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.
       Elizabeth Barrett Browning

“We cannot do great things on this Earth, only small things with great love.”
Mother Teresa

Happy Valentine's Day,
Sheryl

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Listening

Are you a listener or a talker?  How do you get to be the perfect balance? 

I want to be that person.  I want to be ready to listen to the broken hearted spew out grief and anger and then let the elegant words that would comfort and encourage them flow freely from my soul.  I want to have the words of life to give to others.  But I don't.  I am still a broken woman learning to follow hard after Jesus.  I sometimes get ahead or behind, I want to be in step and in sync with the Father.  I want to listen for HIS voice.

Although it is not easy I am learning and trying to be disciplined in listening.  It is often easier to just say something and make the hard stuff go away.    Today when God sends "that person" into your path, I pray you will be a listener.  We all just want to be heard.  Even when we aren't necessarily agreeing or understanding the situation they are coming from....let's listen. 

Thankful, Sheryl

Friday, February 4, 2011

Word

James 1:2-8
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.  If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.  But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.

God, help us trust in you!

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Collection of Supplies

The summer mission team will be taking lots of supplies with us to The Philippines.  Maybe your small group, Sunday School class, community service team or any other group would like to help, we would love it if you did!  Keep in mind we won't need the items shipped to us until late May so you have PLENTY of time to work on getting these things.

I have listed some of the items we will take with us along with links that may be helpful if you plan on collecting these items.  Please keep in mind, the lighter the weight the better for cost of luggage.

Vitamins (children's, but adult vitamins are great too!)
I found a coupon for Flintstone Vitamins here.  http://www.flintstonesvitamins.com/

Clothing
Any light weight, summer clothing for children

Shoes
flip flops, light weight slip-on shoes such as crocs or variations of crocs (in decent condition)


Financial Donations
We are always in need of extra finances.  When we arrive in the Philippines we run across families in need of food, medical supplies, educational supplies.  God also is amazing to open doors for other areas of ministry and money is always in short supply.  If you feel led and have the means to assist financially, PLEASE DO!
http://therescueministries.org/donate.html


We met the little boy to the right in June 2009, Arnel.  I chose this picture today as a good example of a child who could use all items listed on our supply list.  Notice his left heel lifted, he had glass in his little foot. (needs shoes)  He had sores in his head. (needs vitamins and money for medical attention)  He had a pair of shorts on only because they were expecting us and all children were clothed at least partially when we arrived.  This picture was taken at a "day care" facility.  Outdoors, dirt floor, only a small shaded area with dangerous old play equipment, 30 feet from the street, no gate.....and the stench was horrendous because just on the other side of the street was the dumpsite that the children call home......

We have an amazing opportunity to serve our God in this capacity.  I am so excited that you are choosing to get involved!

Thankful, Sheryl