Always Learning!

Incredibly powerful Bible study this morning! I found out I'm not the only one being beaten up by satan! Seems many of us were in the same boat! It was so helpful, so spiritually refilling, so uplifting, so energizing to learn more about how to operate in our annointing and our calling! Thanks Pastor Martie!

From there I enjoyed a non-planned lunch with a couple of the women who also drive from Bloomington to Bedford for this study. We all ended up at good ole' Wendy's and spent quite some time getting to know each other better and continuing to fill each other up. Thanks Bev and Donna!

Now we put together the final plans for our missions training school class tonight. Everyones homework is graded and ready for them to pick up. The DVD for tonight is entitled "Hungry Decisions" and really good. All the studens will also get information on their research paper that they will be writing. We have handouts and plenty of instructions to go with them! They will be selecting an "unreached" people group and after introducing us to them - in great detail - they will be writing about a "plan" they would use to reach those unreached people with the Word of God. It's detailed, takes alot of research and preparation and reading and typing -- but it's a wonderful project when completed. Please keep them in your prayers.

And tomorrow morning I will be meeting my Mom to return her little dog to her. She is flying back from Florida as I write this and won't arrive home until late this evening so we will meet half way tomorrow. I hate to tell her but he (Humphrey) has made the decision to stay!! Of course our dogs, Bitty and Samson, aren't so sure that would be the right decision! The green eyed monster of jealousy runs through their veins!!! :)

Tuesdays are always a day of learning for me. A day of wonderful revelations, of remembering what I already knew and forgot and of learning new things -- new ways to feel the love of God and new ways to follow Him and the calling He has placed on my life!

I love Tuesdays!

What have you learned today?

Until next time . . . blessings to all of you! Susan and Monty

Babysitting

The past few days have been a bit busier than usual. My mother is in Florida visiting some of her other grandchildren and great grandchildren! She loves going to visit them and my dad is a bit more content at home. I think he's actually started clearing another wooded area!!! If you don't know what I mean, look back a few blog entries and see his picture!

Anyway, my parents have a little white fluffy dog -- if it were only that easy! This little feller has a really tough time in life! He is a Bischon mix and more than enough skin problems for an entire litter of dogs! He itches constantly and has bare patches all over his little body. Mom has made numerous trips to the vet, tried nearly everything known to man and still he itches and scratches himself raw. Yes, completely raw! He has a special diet and meds to be applied to his skin not to mention keeping a kids size shirt on to keep the itching from doing so much damage. He is just too much for my dad to care for alone so he's with us.

If you already know us you know we have 2 small dogs of our own. They have their routines, whether we are living in our camper trailer out in the field or here at home in our house. But now those routines have been "interrupted" and watching them fret is hilarious! Today is day 4 and we can see some "settling" starting to happen!

Yesterday was bath day and haircut day and by the time they were all done I was exhausted, soaked to the skin and covered in dog hair -- and smiling from ear to ear! It was a blast!

And today I got to check facebook and see pictures of my mom in Florida and that also brought a smile -- so glad she is enjoying some time away, some time to play!

And now some "sneak peaks" at what we have going this next week: Monty will be finishing the mobile home skirting job tomorrow and hopefully picking up another in the very near future. He is taking on these jobs to try and bring in more financing for us -- yes, times are more than tough around here but God promises and we believe!

I have grandkids school duty tomorrow, Bible study Tuesday along with our missions training class, more grandkids school and babysitting on Wednesday and hopefully Thursday evening we are having our meeting to discuss the plans to build the church on the mountain in Ecuador! Monty and I are so excited about this next adventure! It will be great to start on some concrete planning. Please keep us, and the entire country of Ecuador in your prayers.

And those things are just what I have written on the calendar! You know how that goes!!!!! :)

Be sure and stay tuned as I know God has some surprises in store. One big one -- my daughter is going to start "trying" to get me in better shape by training me in her gym! Oh my, this should be good! She has her certification and has been busy as can be since her competition last weekend. She even had a fitness photo shoot this past week so I figure I better take full advantage of her offer while she still has openings!! :)

Until next time . . . thank you for all your prayers and support! Susan and Monty

Sunshine!

Yes, today the sun was shining and the temps actually reached the mid 50s! It was great!

Class last night was also great! A really in depth study of prayer and prayer walking. I don't know how many of you have ever been prayer walking. I had never even experienced such a thing until we had a couple of teams of volunteers come and work with us while we were in New Orleans. They had specially appointed team members who prayed over the homes, neighbors homes and properties while the rest of the team worked inside the home. It was quite powerful and even though we may never know the results of any prayer walk I know God answers prayer and the Bible tells us that "wherever two or more are gathered together He is there in the midst of them" so I believe blessings were poured out over those prayers!

We got into some really good discussions last night and were able to minister to one of our classmates who lost her job yesterday for being "too joyful" at work??? It's that "joy of the Lord" thing and for those who don't understand . . . We know God has something great in store for her and all she needs to do is stay obedient and listen for His direction for her life.

Today was my day with my grandchildren -- taking Luke to preschool and babysitting Liv in the afternoon. They are just so much fun and always come up with the funniest things. When we were talking about how Monty and I are going to cut down the tree in front of our house Live was certain we were going to "shrink" it smaller! And she wants to come and watch! Out of the mouths of babes . . .

I also have another very special prayer request this evening. Our own Pastor Dave has a cousin that has been diagnosed with stage 4 liver cancer! Please cover, really cover, him and his entire family during this tough time. None of us realize the power we have inside of us, God given, and we all need to use it more often and with more faith and trust and power.

An added prayer request -- tomorrow my mother will be flying to Florida to spend some time with her other grandkids so please pray for safe travel and a blessed time with all of them.

Until next time . . . try some prayer walking and see how much better you feel.
Blessings, Susan and Monty

Prayer

Tonight is our missions training class and I'm so excited because the lesson on prayer and prayer walking ties directly in with our lesson at Bible study this morning! God must have something big in store since He is covering it in both the morning and the evening!

We always look forward to our weekly classes and it's just amazing how all the students are becoming family in such a short amount of time! I love it that God is all about relationships!

I also received an email from Pastor Edison in Ecuador today! He thanked everyone for their hospitality and prayers while they were all here. They are working away digging the foundation for the new church to be built -- and they are digging by hand! Men along side women, all with shovels in hand and some women with babies strapped on their backs! Literally! There still is no time table for the actual building but they are getting ready and thanking God with every dig of the shovel!

Please keep all of them, and their congregations in your prayers! We are going to the nations and these missions training classes are preparing others to do the same.

Until next time . . . blessings to all of you! Susan and Monty

She did it!!!!

Yes folks -- her very first fitness competition and she comes home with a trophy!!! She took 5th place and it was incredible! When they called her number out of the crowd -- and I mean a crowd of participants -- I thought I was going to faint. And then I looked up and saw her calm and collected smile and so I kept on taking pictures!

She has been training for this for over 4 months and has dedication like no other. I got to meet her 2 coaches today and they agreed that they can designate the menus and plan the workouts but she is the one who had to do the work! And do the work she did! She was relentless! And during it all she got more than her fair share of not so supportive comments but she hung in there -- stayed focused on her goal -- and thus took home the prize!

My heart is bursting with joy for her! To see that smile on her face after it was all over was amazing! She was ready to take a shower and wash off the spray tan -- but first -- she planned on drinking a couple gallons of water since part of the final program was limiting her liquid intake!

Tomorrow she heads home -- a true winner! And a bit more icing on her cake -- she starts her brand new job as a full time fitness trainer at one of the city's largest gyms on Monday!!!!

God is so good!!!!!!!

Until next time . . . thank you, Lord -- thank you!!!!!! Susan and Monty

Missions Class

There they are -- our missions training class right here at home! God selected an amazing group of folks with real hearts for missions.

Last night our class focused on "Building Strategies for Missions" and we all gained quite a bit of knowledge from it. We covered everything from how to define our mission to planning approaches to the greatest commandment and the greatest commission to defining our goals to finding out what all is involved in each area and how to be flexible in everything! Alot !! you say? You're right!

This group was laughing last night at how quickly they have bonded into family and it's such a blessing for Monty and I to be facilitating it all! Another of God's perfect timing things! He sure is good at that sort of thing!

We are almost counting the hours until our daughter's fitness competition! She continues to do well and now her diet is undergoing some last minute changes and she is thrilled -- she gets to eat hamburgers!!!! Please continue to cover her in your prayers -- and we thank you for doing so.

Speaking of prayers -- also cover Timothy -- our dear friend in Florida. He and his wife are going through some tough trials in ministry and again we thank you ahead of time for your prayers.

Until next time . . . what's your concept of missions?? Susan and Monty

A Life Changing Power

Here she is folks -- my daughter who has been training for months for her fitness competition! THIS Saturday is THE day and yesterday was the day to do some hair "fitness"!! She invited me to come along and as you can see by her expression -- we had fun!!! Please keep her in your prayers as each day she gets closer to her dream, her goal and whatever else God has in store for her! Love you Lindsay!

The title of this entry is "A Life Changing Power" and is directly from Pastor Dave's message this morning. I sent him a text message after telling him it was all I could to to stay seated and not stand up and shout a quite loud "amen" all during the morning!!

He started a series entitled "A Declaration of Independence" a few weeks ago and each week has been awesome but this morning . . . priceless! Allow me to share some of the highlights from my own perspective . . .

The subtitle of today; "Compassion: More Than a Feeling" taken from Mark 6:30 - 44.

1. Compassion involves: commitment!

When Monty and I started out on our mission to help those suffering in the wake of hurricane Katrina we "committed" to one year in the field; 365 consecutive days in the field. We looked at it as an opportunity that God gave us. It came at what some might (and did) say was an inoportune time! We both had full time jobs, health insurance and our first grandchild. We own our home, have 2 dogs, both of our families are right here, we taught the youth at Sunday School and were head over heels involved with numerous projects at church. Leave for a full year?

2. Compassion involves: assuming leadership!

Our belief was that God was showing US the need because He wanted US to do something about it! We were the "somebody" in "will somebody please do something?" The definition of compassion, according to our missions training class is "a consciousness of the needs of others coupled with the desire to act" -- well . . .

3. Compassion involves: teamwork!

There was no way the two of us were going to head south and make much of a difference on our own! It was going to take teamwork, teams and teams and more teams of volunteers who also felt that compassion and the desire to act as God tugged on their hearts.

4. Compassion involves: cooperation!

Thousands of folks needing help and thousands wanting to come and help. And of all those thousands, on both ends of the spectrum, very few actually knew what to do. But with their cooperation in working together to do whatever needed done -- guess what! It got done! Homes were rebuilt, one at a time and lives were rebuilt in the process.

5. Compassion involves: God's Intervention!!!!!

"It's impossible" was the first reaction of many, homeowners and volunteers alike! But you know what? When the impossible happens -- God intervenes Bib Time! As we are obedient to use our power -- God uses His and miracles happen -- right before our eyes!

Now -- let's apply this in a REAL way with a REAL story!!!

Some of you may remember from back in March of 2007 the story of Mr Mike and Ms Faye. For those of you that don't -- a quick refresher. We received the paperwork for Mike and Faye with the word "emergency" written at the top of it in Sept of 2006. We called and were at their house the very next day. Rain was literally pouring in their home, the bedroom ceiling had already collapsed onto their bed, the floors (carpeting still in) were soaked with so much water it came up over the tops of our shoes, holes were in the floors and walls and mold had taken over. The more we looked around the more we realized we were "up against it" for sure. Monty even told them "there's nothing I can do for you, but I know someone who can -- so let's pray!"

That initial prayer, using what little power we had was all God was waiting for as He stepped in and . . .

Shortened version --- 6 months later we put them in a brand new, stick framed home, fully furnished and landscaped! It was built with 23 obedient, not so skilled folks who just came to "do whatever needed done."

God moved mountains, God touched inspectors, God broke barriers, God touched the hearts of so many, God brought funding where there was none, God brought donations where there weren't any, God took every single thought of "my little bit won't make any difference" into miracle after miracle!

As Mike lay in his hospital bed, having his leg amputated due to diabetes -- God took what satan meant to steal, kill and destroy into blessings beyond measure, beyond explanation and beyond anything we simple humans could have done! God changed lives! Not just Mike and Faye's -- He changed the lives of complete strangers, those who just read about it in the paper or saw it on television and had to drive by and see for themselves, those who stepped onto the property and said they just "felt something special", those who dropped off food for the volunteers, those who prayed for everything and everyone, those who worked day and night and sometimes got those reversed due to lack of sleep, those who did not believe came to believe, and most of all -- we (Monty and I) were changed! Our lives have never been, and never will be, the same!

I experienced commitment, the assuming of leadership (blind leadership at times), teamwork, cooperation and God's intervention! I experienced TRUE compassion! I experienced miracles! I experienced the human race at it's best (and worst)! I experienced God like never before!

So my thanks, true, heartfelt thanks -- to Pastor Dave for this message! It ignited that spark inside me that has been a bit on the dim side for awhile! That spark of compassion that -- when lit -- can change the world!!!

Dear Lord, take our obedience and bless it and increase it so the needs are met."

Until next time . . . take control of YOUR life away from others and experience life changing power from our Lord, our Savior, our God -- our Everything! Susan and Monty

"Double" school!

What a busy week it's been and it's only Thursday!

Monty has been very busy helping his step dad in their business of relocating mobile homes. He's headed out again tomorrow morning for another one. He's also finding some "winter" muscles that aren't real happy about being found!

Tuesday night we had our missions training school class and the focus this week was on the Heart of a Missionary. It was taught by one of our IGO missionaries who has spent the past 18 years as a missionary in southern Mexico. He really nailed it! All of our students are also doing very well with their homework and finding the geography quite challenging! They also are required to write small book reports on each assigned book reading and it's really been interesting to see their personal responses! They are doing such a great job! Some are even asking for details on the upcoming research paper but it's way too soon to start on it!

Tonight is our Spanish class! I think I have some sort of mental block with learning this language! Either that or it's age?? I refuse to claim that but . . . I am really struggling! We bought the book the teacher is using, we get videos from the library (some are cartoons) and yet it just doesn't seem to click with me. Monty is doing quite well so . . . We'll keep trying! Pray for us!

Today it finally feels like spring just might be around the corner! Yesterday the temps reached above 60 and the same with today. I spent most of the day outside trying to clean up the yard and pick up limbs that came down in the ice storm a few weeks ago. I know it's not going to last but it's nice to get out in the fresh air and not freeze to death! I must not be the only one as the neighbors are out and the walking trail through the city is packed!

Until next time . . . thanks to all of you who continue to cover us in prayer and continue to support us. It's been extremely tough (financially) the past few months but we stand on God's promise of provision! Blessings, Susan and Monty

He Did It!!!!

This is my Daddy! He just turned 80 years old last month! And yesterday when I went over to visit my parents he wanted my mom and I to come and take some pictures. I can't EVER remember my dad "asking" for his picture to be taken??!!

Nearly 10 years ago he bought a piece of farm land that had an old house and a woods on it. Ever since then, all during the winters, he takes his chainsaw and 6 wheeler and heads to the woods. He cut each and every tree down on his own. He cut some into firewood and the large logs were sold. He has piles and piles of branches and twigs and who knows what kind of critters have been blessed by these large piles of "home."

And now -- he wanted pictures because the last tree is down! Yes, 10 years later and the last tree is down! A true Kodak moment if I've ever experienced one!

They say that age is just a number and we're only as old as we feel and there's no such thing as retirement . . . I say he's a special gift from God -- to me! Yes, I have to share him with my 3 brothers but I am the only daughter so . . .

This Daddy of mine, along with my mother who also doesn't know the meaning of the word quit -- instilled a work ethic in me, a passion for others, a passion for helping, a passion for nature and a love for God that is unsurpassable!!!

I am so blessed and so thankful and am so happy I got to share in the joy of seeing that last tree on the ground and the smile on his face and the joy in his heart!!!!

Daddy, you're the best! You set the bar high in your example to me and I intend to do the best I can but . . .

I love you and Mom so much!

Until next time . . . thank someone in your family for being your family! Susan and Monty

Equiped?

Indulge me -- this message has been resounding in my head so it must be for someone else too!

The Holy Spirit leads us --- satan drives, pushes, presses and causes us to panic! He's the one who brings in the doubt and fear. Do we settle ourselves enough to know the difference? Do we turn off all the outside noises and voices to really hear Him?

Do we know whose we are? satan sure does! Why do you think he fights us when we are following God?

Has God called you to a time of resting? If so, He just may have you doing so in order to prepare you for an upcoming battle that you're not aware of. Are you truly resting? In Him? In His Word? What about the annointing of the "shut up"? Are we just wearing ourselves out?

Do we try and go in our own strength and our own reasoning? Do we really know better and more than God?

Do we use the power God gives us? Really? Do we take God's Word for "real" and let it speak to us and calm our spirits? Or are we double minded, tossed and blown around in doubts and fears and panic?

Do we know our destiny and realize that if we don't fulfill that destiny it's gone! No one else will be selected to pick up our slack. God calls us -- each and every one of us -- and He doesn't call the equipped, He equips those He calls!

Like I said, this message has been running around and around in my head and heart and try as I might, I know I fall short in every single area. But acknowledgment is the beginning and so . . .

The book of James is a great one -- go there and do some reading, rest in His Word and see if you gain some of the extra power and knowledge and wisdom needed to fulfill the calling He has placed on your life!

Until next time . . . all of that can also come from attending church tomorrow!!!!

Blessings and love to all. Susan and Monty

Special Dedication

Lindsay -- this one's for you!

I am going to get a little personal this evening -- get ready!

After the birth of my second child I was advised against having any more children. My son had weighed in at a whopping 10 1/2 pounds and the daughter that followed a little over 9 pounds. I was only 23 and just couldn't face making that decision at such an early age.

And so . . . 5 years later another daughter was born. That pregnancy had had more than its share of difficulties and the birth was no exception. Within hours of her birth, which ended up being nearly a month early, one of her lungs collapsed and we were told that if we were "religious" people we might want to have her baptized. Our Pastor came to the intensive care unit of the hospital, cracked open a baby bottle of water and baptized her through the arm openings of the incubator. Within hours her other lung collapsed and the pediatrician told me he'd "done all he could do" and now "it was up to the man upstairs." We were given the time period of 72 hours -- waiting -- and at the end of that time she would "go one way or the other." All during those hours of waiting I had a sense of calm that was indescribable -- and for any of you that know me you know just how ridiculous that sounds -- me, calm???

Sure enough, at the end of 72 hours she was breathing on her own and improving by the hour. After another week in the hospital she was able to come home. We were to keep her away from people for atleast 6 months to allow further healing of her lungs and hopefully at the end of that time period she would have doubled her birth weight of 8 pounds.

At her 4 month check up the doctor was nearly speechless. She had more than doubled her weight and all the tests they did showed she was perfectly normal!!!

As time went on she grew and grew and was nearly attached to my hip 100% of the time.

At the age of 3 she got very, very sick. The doctors said it was mono! They also said it was so severe her liver was swollen to 4 times its normal size and more than likely she would have permanent liver damage. But God . . . no liver damage and just fine.

By the time she was 6 the stomach aches she had occasionally were becoming more and more frequent. Stomach aches in children? Very common. But these were different. These were worse than stomach aches. We went from doctor to doctor to doctor with no results. Her temperature was nearly 104 every single day. After 9 months of this we finally went back to the pediatrician who cared for her at birth and he knew it -- Crohn's Disease. My first thought? What in the world is that and how do we get rid of it?

Riley Hospital here we come --again and again and again. We made weekly trips for years. There is no cure for Crohn's Disease. It's a cruel and extremely painful disease and reeks havoc on ones body. No matter what the prescribed -- it didn't work. At one point in time I was giving her 38 pills a day -- and no improvement.

Through the years we battled this disease constantly. Each year she would miss so much school that we would receive the ever expected letter saying she was in danger of being held back. We installed a fax machine so the teachers could fax over her homework and I would take it in to school. This worked out well but each year I would have to make the trip to the school and explain that when she says she has a stomach ache she actually does have a stomach ache! By the time she reached high school I thought we might have to withdraw and do homeschooling. She did manage to graduate with flying colors -- her grades were always excellent.

She made the cheerleading squad two years in a row but had to withdraw the second year due to being so ill. Her years of playing soccer were also in the past. She was rail thin and had no color. Those years were very difficult to say the least.

After high school she enrolled here at Indiana University and did well, but she couldn't take the full load of classes like the others so it took 5 years to get through -- no big deal. But she just kept getting sicker and no medicine seemed to work.

All I could do was pray, long and agonizing prayers -- please help her! And at the age of 18 her doctor said there was a new medicine. It had it's share of possible side effects but what did we have to lose? She would go to the chemo area of the hospital where she would be hooked up to an IV and sit for nearly 5 hours while this medicine dripped into her system. It was a blessing from heaven because it worked!!! She did this for years, every 6 to 9 weeks.

Through her adult years this was her life. Get the medication and feel good for a few weeks before starting to feel sick again, get the medicine and . . .

Her health was never good. She was plagued with anemia. Numerous problems along the way but she fought and she hung in there and did the best she could.

Adult life brought jobs and trying to not miss too many days because of not feeling well. She lived in southern Florida for a few years and a summer in Boston before finding a job that brought her back home. With that new job came new insurance that didn't like the cost of that medicine and refused to cover the cost.

Back to the doctor who pulled out all the stops and prescribed yet another medicine that she has to inject herself with every 2 weeks. Thank the Lord, it works!

As she began to feel better she started getting into fitness. She did some workouts on the beaches of Florida and even thought about doing some personal training. When she came back home she got into it even further and really started concentrating on fitness and exercising. She worked up to working out every single day. We could all see the positive results and then she did something amazing --- she created a website to reach out to others who are dealing with physical problems. Her goal was to help them help themselves to a better life. She started with just a few followers and they grew and grew in numbers and they started commenting back to her with thanks and positive comments of their own.

And now . . . she has a gift --- and she is using that gift! She has been in intensive training over the past few months -- training for her first fitness competition! She has given it all she's got, her dedication and motivation unlike any other. She has a couple of trainers and has stuck to her nutrition regime better than probably any other person I have ever known. She gets up at the crack of dawn to do her workouts and prepares her meals better than a chef.

Her body has changed and improved and now she is 2 weeks away from her first competition! Tonight she called to say she reached her goal with her body fat --- 9% !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yes, the single digit of 9%. Her trainer said he's going to ADD fat to her diet for the next 2 weeks! ADD fat??? You've got to be kidding!!! Amazing!!! Her dedication, her obedience and her example to others is unsurpassed!

When I called to get tickets for this upcoming competition the gentleman on the other end of the phone was in stitches -- I had no problem telling him I was one proud mother who wanted front row seats!!!!! He got us in the second row!!!!

And now she has accomplished yet another goal -- she passed the test and is certified to be a personal trainer! She wants to reach out and help others with their own personal goals! It's her dream -- but more than that -- it's her calling! Is that incredible or what??!!

To go through what she has gone through, to be this successful, to be this inspirational . . . I am so proud of her (yes, Daddy -- proud) and I just wanted to share her story with all of you.

We all have a calling, we all should be an example for others, we all should . . .

Lindsay IS DOING IT!!

My dearest daughter, you are truly a gift to me from God and I thank Him daily for you!

No matter what the outcome is from this upcoming competition -- you are a TRUE winner in my book --- and the book of so many others!

May God bless and keep you -- may He uplift you and fill you with all His love!!!!!!

I love you!!!! Mom

Congrats Packer Fans

Yep -- the Packers did it! We didn't really have a favorite team but we do have alot more friends in the Wisconsin area than in Pennsylvania -- sorry! We were blessed to go to Tony and Kristen's house last night for a fantastic super bowl party -- restaurants don't have as much food as they did! Wonderful!

The past few days have been days of trying to thaw out -- and not fall down! I wasn't sure we would ever get Monty's truck unfrozen! The doors seemed like they were welded shut but finally we got just enough sunshine on one side that I got it chipped open and then the other side! What a mess! Our front sidewalk, on the north side of the house, just thawed out this afternoon! It's been quite the challenge but we survived!

School is back in session and my grandkids were thrilled when I pulled in to pick them up this morning! Grandma's "sweet ride" back on the road to school!

We've been busy grading homework papers from our missions training school students and all are doing well. This week we will see about scheduling our make up class. Hopefully we can get 2 classes in 1 week so we can get back on track.

Tomorrow is my weekly Bible Study and I am anxious to see how Pastor Martie is doing after her arm and shoulder surgery. They are also planning another trip to Ecuador to survey the land on the mountain in preparation for the construction of the church. I think it might be next month before they can go but . . . I emailed a few of our volunteer teams who have worked with us over the years and told them to brush the dust off their passports and learn a few basics in Spanish as they might need to head south, far south, and build a church! And not at all to my surprise -- they all responded that they would be ready when the time came!!!! Family!!!

We will keep you updated as we are updated. God has some very exciting plans ahead so hang on -- we're going for another ride!!!!

Until next time . . . be safe and be blessed! Susan and Monty

Frozen!!!!!

If I didn't know better I would think we were in Antarctica!!

The ice came in sheets, then the rains poured and added to the ice, then the winds started blowing and gusting to nearly 50 miles per hour, the tree limbs weighted down to the point of dragging across the roof of our house all night long! I wondered if they would hold up under all that weight -- they did!

The temps did warm to freezing allowing some of the ice to melt off -- just in time for the snow to fall and our power to go out for most of the night! Monty said he could look out the window and see the transformers blowing all across this area of the city! Thank goodness for extra blankets as all we could do was wait it out. There are thousands and thousands still without power and the entire state is nearly shut down!

The county just to the east of us, among many, has issued a warning to drivers that no one can be on the roads unless it's an emergency!

So our missions class last night was cancelled along with most everything else in the state. Even Indiana University closed! I can't ever remember that happening! But it is just that dangerous out there -- with all the ice you can't even walk!

So . . . a great day to be inside, do a little Bible studying, watch the birds at the feeders outside our window and be thankful that we don't have to go anywhere!!!

Until next time . . . be safe and be blessed. Susan and Monty

Slip Slidin' Away

A winter storm warning that lasts for 2 1/2 days!!! That's right -- it's the good ole' midwest and I believe they said 33 states are effected by this one!

This morning brought about rare beauty! Yes, it's dangerous if you try and walk -- even penguins can't manuever in this -- and of course driving should be illegal on days like this -- but God's beauty shows through! The ice glistens on everything; trees, shrubs, grass, sidewalks, and everything in sight.

But supposedly this is just the beginning! We are in the line for much more ice and possibly snow on top -- what a combination! Schools are closed and city workers are doing the best they can to attempt to make roads drivable. We are staying inside -- although Monty did head to Lowes for some propane canisters for our little heater -- just in case.

It is sad that this weather did force us to cancel our missions training school classes for tonight! Just gives everyone a bit more time to complete their homework!

So if you are in this weather -- be smart and stay inside unless you just have to go out -- and then re-evaluate and see if it's really a necessity that you go! We aren't going to starve if our pantrys are a bit barer than normal -- nothing is worth getting into an accident!

If you aren't in this weather -- pray for those that are! I heard Dallas had a temperature of 20 this morning -- that is just not right!!!

Until next time . . . be smart, be safe and be blessed. Susan and Monty

Crash . . .

Today we wait, we watch the skies, count the hours and keep a close eye on the weatherman! Will it rain, will it ice, will it snow? It seems we are on some sort of "line" that could go any or all of the above. Either way -- it's looking like an upcoming mess!

Either way -- we are fine right here at home and if we have to cancel tomorrow nights mission class we will just do so and schedule a make up date.

But for now . . . we wait!

I, on the other hand, have just returned from an unscheduled doctor visit! Since November I have had 3 bouts with some sort of sinus "something" and when it hit again last evening - this time like never before - I caved in and made the visit to the local walk in clinic. I'm not one to go the doctor let alone take prescriptions -- but there comes a time! If I didn't do something I was convinced my entire head just might explode! Really!

The doctors conclusion? My sinuses have been affected by all the "stuff" we breathe in while in the field of disaster work! Okay, so we are around mold of a thousand kinds, dust of unknown origins, lead paint, fungus "stuff" from water and waste and muck --- but --- I guess coming home brought about some new "seasonal" things that have my sinus area raging!!!! So a couple of prescriptions -- one donated sample since we have no medical insurance -- and some heavy prayers will hopefully bring me back to somewhere near normal! I don't do sick very well - just ask Monty! :) I guess there really is a reason to wear those masks when checking houses!!!!

Speaking of Monty -- his grandmother is doing well and might have been released from the hospital today? If not, any day now. She was starting some rehab therapy and for 86 years old she's one tough lady!

Please continue to pray for Pastor Martie as she might be facing surgery on her broken shoulder and arm breaks! I was hoping to get an update at Bible Study in the morning but . . .

Until next time . . . blessings to all!!! Be safe!!! Susan and Monty

Air travel and weather don't mix sometimes

Yes, we thought we had 8 of the Ecuadorians in flight headed to New York yesterday morning - and then the phone rang! Due to the enormous amount of snow in New York no flights were going in! That left us with 8 Ecuadorians at the Indy airport -- with none of them speaking English!

The next group flying out was to arrive at the same Indy airport around 2:30 and they did just that and all was worked out. Amazing how things can change in a flash!

Last night Monty and I started our Spanish classes. I sure hope you can teach an old dog new tricks -- or atleast a new language! The class was great -- supposed to have a capacity of 8 people enrolled but there were 18 there! Yes, there is a great need for all of us to know how to communicate with each other!!

This morning, before my feet hit the floor, I got word that my youngest daughter was on her way to the emergency room with severe stomach pains. She was diagnosed with the flu yesterday and sent home on bedrest. I hurried there and after doing alot of blood work and filling her with fluids they decided to send her home for today and have her come back in tomorrow morning for an ultrasound to hopefully rule out gall bladder problems. Please keep her in your prayers. She has been training for a fitness competion for months and is only 4 weeks away from the actual competion! Satan -- BACK OFF!!!

And now we are at the edge of the weekend. We hope you all have some time to enjoy each other and get a bit of rest.

Until next time . . . be blessed. Susan and Monty

And today they leave . . .

Very first -- Monty's grandmother is resting comfortably. She was having chest pains yesterday but we have no further word as of this morning. No news is good news!

I'm going to do the best I can to describe the past couple of days -- bear with me!!

Tuesday morning we had regular Bible study -- but -- it was anything but regular! Pastor Heidi had the message for us and it was power packed! She went back into the Bible into Samuel and brought the message from God then --- to now -- and what a blessing for all of us!

Tuesday night Monty and I had our first "real" missions training class -- and we already had a new student! Kayla decided to follow God's call on her life instead of her own and she enrolled in class and is ready to go. Our first lesson was on "Why God thinks He can use you" and everyone left with a different and new prospective on missions and themselves as a vital part. They were even anxious to start on their homework! :)

Wednesday is always my day with my grandchildren - a day I love! My 5 year old grandson just can't get over the fact that the radio in my truck doesn't work. Yesterday he broke down and told me he would buy one for me -- with the one million dollars he has in his piggy bank! I have to have his mother check that piggy bank!!!! :)

Last night was church back in Bedford. Monty was a bit under the weather and our neighbor, Shelley (who majored in Spanish in college) went along with me. Another student from our class, Chad, also met us there. It was fabulous! Four of the Pastors were ordained under the covering of Stonegate Faith Center - at their request! Stonegate is soon to be renamed "Stonegate Faith Center International" -- and for good reason!

Pastor Ramiro gave his testimony and once again Pastor Angel delivered the message. One not soon forgotten! He challenged us all to watch what comes from our mouths and to step up and face our fears knowing that all we are going through is training!

Well --- Pastor Martie must feel like her "training" has been taken to another level!!! Yesterday morning she took a fall in their garage at home and broke her arm in 2 places! She spent the entire day in the ER at the hospital and refused to let them set her arm as she had to be at church last night! She will be returning today. She was strapped up and in pain but she was there to bless these Pastors and their wives and to hear the blessings they had for she and Pastor Jan!

Pastor Angel has already invited Pastors Jan and Martie to come to Lima, Peru in March to preach and also mentioned going to the Congo! When they were told years ago that they would "go to the nations" they had no idea --- but God knew the plan and it's only just beginning!

You can see all the pictures above. They only touch the surface and cannot possibly relay all that has been happening over the past days. It was so sad to say goodbye to them last night but we know God holds the Plan and all we need do is stay alert and stay obedient and it will all come to pass and be above and beyond anything we could possibly imagine in our feeble human way of thinking!

So, to Pastor Angel and his wife Cathleena, Pastor Ramiro, Pastor Hosea and his wife Isabella, Pastor Ortorro and his wife Sandra, Pastor Caesar and his wife Blankeeta, Pastor Edison and his wife Teresa, Pastor Henry and his wife Heidi and son Haneinell ---- we say thank you, bless you and you have changed our lives forever! We so look forward to God's Almighty Plan!

God's peace go with you as you travel home today!

Until next time . . . "we're going to the nations" -- God's way!!!! Susan and Monty

Granny

This is a special blog -- more about the Ecuadorians later today (hopefully) --- but for now ---

Just as Monty and I were preparing to leave for the dinner for the Ecuadorians last evening he received a phone call that the ambulance was on the way to his Granny's house. Her monitor had been set off and they could get no response from her.

The next call said they were taking her to the hospital by ambulance and doing chest compressions along the way.

He headed to the hospital and through text messages back and forth let me know that she was indeed having a heart attack and the cardiologist was on the way.

Late into the evening they did a catheretization and found 4 blocked arteries. They were able to place stents into 3 of them and clear (mostly) the 4th. They decided enough was enough as she is 86 years old and want to carefully monitor that 4th artery before proceeding further.

When Monty left late last night she was resting much more comfortably and we did not receive any phone calls during the night -- praise God!

He will be returning this morning to visit with her and hopefully give her encouragement as he went through this same procedure at the young age of 39!!!! He has 2 stents in his heart and his doctor told him he should live to see 90!!!

Please cover Granny in prayer -- along with the doctors and nurses caring for her. She was quite frightened and although it's "over" for now -- she needs plenty of prayer and we know just how powerful all of you are in prayer!

Bless you and thank you and I will do my best to keep you updated.
Until next time . . . in His love and healing power. . . Susan and Monty

God - Ordered Time

At tomorrow nights dinner I WILL take pictures!!!

A church service like none other -- a good way to describe this morning and into the afternoon!

Pastor Ramira (don't hold me to these spellings), Pastor Angel and his wife Cathleena, Pastor Hosea and his wife Isabella, Pastor Caesar and his wife Blankeeta, Pastor Ortorro and his wife Sandra, Pastor Henry and his wife Heidi and son Hanienell and Pastor Edison and his wife Teresa were all at Stonegate Faith Center this morning. It was a God - ordered time!

Ecuador and Indiana are now in a Forever Covenant! Pastor Jan (Stonegate) was even awarded a special military pin honoring he and Pastor Martie as "spiritual parents" for Ecuador!

After introductions and a short message from each Ecuadorian Pastor and their wives Pastor Angel had a Word for all of us. He had been sitting on the side lines waiting to give his message and was nearly ready to burst at the seams as God was pouring forth "big time." Pastor Angel proclaimed to all of us that this is a time where God wants to open the skies on our lives. He asked us each to receive this revelation and not let the enemy rob us of this blessing.

He took us back to the Bible where God spoke of the land of Canaan as the "land of plenty, of fruit and honey" -- and told us we were to take the promised land for ourselves. As a symbol and promise of that land he and the rest of the Ecuadorian pastors brought out grapes and a bowl of honey. We all took our turn of taking a grape and dipping it in the honey. He asked us to be brave, work hard and persevere!

Pastor Angel blessed Pastor Jan and Pastor Martie with a plaque in thanks for their coming to Ecuador and pledging to continue to help them, pray for them and that this was just the beginning of God's Divine Plan.

All the Ecuadorian Pastors lined up in front of the church and asked that we all come up for prayer. Pastor Edison prayed over Monty and I and even though his prayers were in Spanish it made no difference. I could feel his hands shaking as the Holy Spirit poured out through him into both of us. He prayed for "refilling" -- little did he know . . .

They continued their praying for all of us and closed with focusing in on one gentleman who is in a wheelchair, Michael. God poured through all 7 of those men from Ecuador and as they helped support Michael he got out of his wheelchair and took enough steps to get him to the other side of the church! The cheers roared through the walls, the praises rang out as though the ground was shaking. Michael was in tears -- tears of sheer joy!!!

Pastor Angel proceeded to give his wrist watch to another gentleman in the congregation who had a special prophecy over this day -- long ago!!!

It was an amazing day! It was a blessed day! It was a day ordained by God, scheduled by Him! It was a day I am so blessed to be a part of!

Pastors Jan and Martie and just getting started! They are so humbled that God chose them - a small church in a small town -- but He chose them!

Today we stood in God's Plan! I plan on taking today and keeping it in my heart forever! I don't know what God has in mind for the next step --- but one thing I do know --- it's going to be beyond anything we could dream or imagine and I will do (go) whatever (wherever) He calls!

Thank you Pastor Martie (and Sus) for being obedient and taking that first step of going to Ecuador. You had no idea -- God had THE idea -- and He still does. He's just getting started and we should all buckle up --- it's going to be the ride of our lives!!!!

Until next time . . . I look forward to tomorrow nights dinner where each Pastor from Ecuador will be sharing their testimony around a meal fit for kings!!!! Thank you Lord! Thank you!
Susan and Monty

Ecuador sees snow!!??

I forgot to take my camera -- so sorry -- but there WILL be pictures over the next few days so bear with me!

All of the Ecuadorian Pastors, their wives and even a 9 year old son arrived at the Indianapolis airport yesterday. When we arrived they had their bags and were ready to go --- they thought! When we opened the doors to the outside they all shrieked --even the men -- at the single digit temps!!! We had brought along extra coats as we knew some only had a light jacket on. They were doubling up with coats and even then were freezing! We all learned the Spanish word for freezing first thing! :)

We had a 15 passenger van packed to the seams and an additional truck pulling a tool trailer that had all their luggage inside. The trip back to Bedford was close to 2 hours and they kept thinking that when we got to Bedford they would then be in Indiana! I'm not sure they ever truly understood that they were already in Indiana!

Pastors Martie and Jan were standing in the doorway of their home ready to welcome everyone! The screams, the smiles, the tears -- all of it God annointed! Ms Jerri had been there most of the day preparing a variety of delicious soups, meats, cheeses, breads and desserts! Everyone eagerly dug in and had such fun trying to talk to each other with interpreters here and there -- on overload! But as we have seen so many times -- God steps in and all barriers are broken and conversation comes easy!

They brought along DVDs of their experiences in Texas at Kenneth Copeland's annual conference -- all were so touched by the Holy Spirit and Kenneth even came and individually met and blessed each one! Tears of joy were endless!

We also got to see videos of their homeland, their churches and their congregations! The beauty of Ecuador was breath-taking. It is the goal of Stonegate Faith Center -- a small church in a small town in Indiana -- to build a church -- in the mountains -- for these people!! The excitement -- the committment -- the blessing -- the joy -- is uncontainable and without a doubt is a command from God. You can feel His annointing, His blessing and His will all around! Monty and I are so excited, so thankful and so blessed to be a part of this Divine Plan!

By the time we left they were all being divided among the 3 households caring for them over the next few days. The little boy was just awaiting another play time in the snow!! Somehow I imagine him knee deep in it first thing this morning -- learning what sledding is and covered in snow from head to toe! God has to be smiling from ear to ear!

Tomorrow we will be heading to this little church in Bedford to hear what God has for all of us. The Pastors are going to speak along with messages from Pastors Jan and Martie so I think I may need to pack an energy bar in my purse as who knows how long we will be there worshiping and praising and thanking God for this "God-guided adventure."

Please keep everyone in your prayers -- the nations are here -- and "with God, NOTHING is impossible." Be blessed. Susan and Monty

Snow to Zero -- God's Timing

Even if I were to post a picture it would be pure white! It snowed and it snowed and it snowed some more today! I lost count of how many inches after I measured 6 in our yard. I don't know who gave a count to the weatherman but they need a new tape measure! I got enough exercise to last for a week! After getting us cleared off (atleast 4 times) I cleared off the driveways and walkways of 3 of our neighbors. Remember -- we live in what is mainly a retirement community and since I love to be in the snow and it's not healthy for them . . .

Anyway, the snow caused our first Spanish class to be cancelled! The Parks and Rec department is offering beginning Spanish and we both have wanted and needed to know this language for a very long time. But now we'll have to wait until next Thursday to get started!

No school today and in some areas still no school tomorrow. The temps are to drop to zero tonight and the high tomorrow only in the low teens! Brrrr!

But God . . . tomorrow I will be riding to Indy to help pick up the 6 Ecuadorian Pastors and their wives and bringing them to the area. Thank the Lord that wasn't scheduled for today! Not only did the snow cause problems but the road we would take to the airport was closed due to a large accident! So . . . in all the snow and freezing temps and closings . . . God has it all under control and all we need do is trust in Him and leave all those details to Him!!!

I'm very excited about tomorrow and will let you know how it all goes!

The nations are coming to us!!!!! The mission field is right here!!!!!! All we need to do is step out our door!!!! Thank you Lord!!! We're ready!!!!

Until next time . . . be blessed. Susan and Monty

And we're off . . .

Last night was great! Our missions training school is officially off and running!

We have 6 students, 6 students who want to be there, who want to learn more about missions and who are committed to reading the lessons, doing the homework and listening to God's call for their lives.

Pastor Dave and Pastor Bruce and his wife, Karen, Chad and Del from our home church and Mary from my Tuesday morning Bible Study. A great group of people!

Our orientation is complete and their books are being shipped this week and should be here in time for our first official class next Tuesday. It's exciting for Monty and I to see their excitement and we are actually looking forward to going through the classes ourselves since it's been 4 years! God always has something more to teach us and just because we did it once doesn't mean we learned it all -- a far cry from it!

Please remember to keep us all in your prayers. God has something special for each class member and He always has something far better and more special than we can even imagine!

Also --- another winter storm is on the way and we are expected to be pounded with quite a bit tonight through tomorrow!!! Good ole' Indiana winter at it's best!

Until next time . . . blessings to all. Susan and Monty

Missions Training School

TONIGHT IS THE NIGHT!!!

Please keep us in your prayers as tonight is our first night of our satellite branch of our missions training school.

We have been working on this for the past who knows how many months and it's finally here!

We are excited about this "God-guided adventure" and ask that you keep us in your prayers -- and those who will be our students.

Will let you know how it all goes!!!

Until then . . . missions = outreach! It's that simple! Susan and Monty

Happy Birthday Daddy

Happy 80th Birthday to my Daddy!

What a milestone! What a blessing! Where did those years go?

Well, looking at the picture of myself and my 3 brothers you can see that none of us are teenagers so I guess some of the years went there!

Yesterday we all got together and had a wonderful time helping him celebrate. Even his two sisters stopped in for some cake and ice cream punch. My youngest brother and sister in law have a house on one of the local lakes and we all had fun remembering, laughing, laughing some more and of course -- taking pictures!

Some of the grandchildren had written letters to Grandpa telling them how he has touched their lives. They were fantastic, so personal and so filled with love. I think we all make the mistake and wait until it's too late to let our families know how much we love them.

With our family it always seems like there's the "funny of the day" thing and yesterday didn't disappoint us. Just as one of my aunts sat down with her piece of birthday cake the dog decided he needed that cake more than she did and in less than a blink of the eye . . . yep, cake was everywhere and the dog went from helping us celebrate to having to sit in the car as punishment! You just have to laugh!!!!!! And we all did until late in the evening! My aunt took it quite well and after all was cleaned up even she was smiling!

It was a great day -- mainly because God has blessed us with a great daddy. So great that my brother who lives in Florida flew in to celebrate. All my life my daddy has been the picture of true "love" as God talks about in the Bible and I am so thankful for that!

Today is his actual birthday and all I can do is thank my eternal Father for giving me such a great and loving earthly father!

Until next time . . . love you Daddy!! 80 is SUCH a blessing!!!!!!! Susan and Monty

Powerful

They say a picture is worth a thousand words -- if only they could tell you just how cold it is here!!!

Last night was incredible and powerful beyond imagination! We had times of worship and praise with songs, times of intense prayer, more praise and worship, teachings and more teachings, healings and through it all God was "in the house."

We got it all started around 8:00pm and I made it till nearly 3:00 am. I should have stayed for the duration because even though I came home and went to bed there was no sleep. God kept waking me up every hour on the hour until I finally gave up and got up around 9:00am. So many things were going on in my head and in my heart. The entire night was so powerful for me and brought me so much closer to God. I am so thankful to be a part of this small yet mighty church! I know the folks in Ecuador felt God touching them because we felt Ecuador and their prayers touching us. Yes, they also held an all night prayer session last night -- for their Pastors who are now here in Texas and for the miracles they know will come from their visit.

Be sure and stay tuned as those Pastors arrive here next Friday and I am blessed to be able to go along to the airport where I will meet them and have a bite to eat with them on the return trip home.

But now -- my focus shifts to my family -- my dad. Tomorrow we are celebrating his 80th birthday. His actual birthday is Monday but tomorrow is our celebration. I cannot believe he's 80 --- what a blessing to live that long! My brother from Florida is here, flew up so he wouldn't miss the celebration. My dad isn't really the celebrating type -- he just wanted a quiet time with family -- like our family is quiet???? He's lost more hearing than he thinks!! :) We are excited to be able to get together as a family again and my thanks goes out to God for choosing such an amazing family for me to "land" in!! I hope to have a few pictures to share with you later.

Until next time . . . celebrate your own family and thank God for the power of prayer!

Susan and Monty (and Bitty and Samson)

An all nighter?

Night time snowfall is beautiful!

I know I have mentioned attending Bible Study each Tuesday morning and how special that morning is for me. This church is just getting started in the mission field and it's so exciting. The Pastor and one of her friends spent a month in Ecuador and the long range goal is to build a church there, up on one of the mountains.

In the meantime -- God touched that country so greatly that 6 of their Pastors are now in the United States attending Kenneth Copeland's conference in Texas and next week they will be here in Indiana for nearly a week! They have brought their wives with them and one brought their 9 year old son. It's so exciting to see what God has already done and even more exciting to know He has so much in store for all of us!

Tonight I am attending an all night prayer vigil for these Pastors and all involved. It should be awesome and I hope to have a full report over the next couple of days.

Monty and I have made ourselves available to be of any help possible in this new God-adventure! We know from experience that all God asks for is our obedience -- He has all the plans!

Please join us in prayer. The nations are coming to us!!!! We CAN change the world! We WILL change the world --- with God's help!

Until next time . . . be blessed! Susan and Monty

One Week

When we went to bed last night the grass was showing, the roads were clear and the skies poised for change. Change it did!

We awoke this morning to I don't know how many inches of snow covering the ground and it hasn't stopped all day long. The beauty is hard to describe! As I stood outside around 7:30 this morning listening to the muffled silence, only the sound of birds could be heard, I thought of God's beauty and how He says we are as white as snow in His eyes. All the "yuck" gone and replaced with pure white beauty! Won't heaven be incredible!

Schools here and all around are closed. But we are one week away from the first day of our missions training school and I am so excited to see who God brings to fill the seats! From day one Monty and I have placed our trust in God to bring those He wants to bring -- those interested in learning more about missions and their calling on their own lives. One week -- 7 days -- and we are ready!

Thank you, Lord, for seeing us as pure white--as clean--as sinless! You are a great God!

Until next time . . . Susan and Monty

35 Years????

Yep -- once again we awoke to a winter wonderland! Everything covered in pure white! And of course our pileated woodpeckers very thankful for the suet feeder on our tree! Good thing I made some fresh just the other day and good thing I got more shortening from my Mom to keep making more! Thanks to my Mom and my brother, Mark!

Yesterday was quite the day for me! Memories! Big time!

I attended a Lutheran elementary school from grade 1 through confirmation in at the end of grade 8. All through those years, through middle schools 9th grade and through graduation from high school there was a group of us girls who were always friends and practically lived at one anothers homes. Yesterday one of those girls buried her mother and I was blessed to be able to go to the funeral home and see her. It had been nearly 35 years since we had seen each other --- WAY too long! She has lived in Tennessee for years and we all know how time and distance and life in general takes us all our separate ways. Quite sad, actually.

I wasn't sure if we would even recognize each other and I was right. We both did double takes and then weren't sure until we saw each other smile and heard the voice. Even though the years have taken their toll on all of us -- that didn't matter! I think it will be that way in heaven, for sure.

She had 2 cousins that were also our same age and ran in our same crowd. I had seen one of them a couple of times over the past 5 years so he and I recognized each other. But the other one -- it had been over 35 years and we both had to hear the voice and see the smile to know for sure. It was amazing!

God revealed some things to me in that short hour. One -- heaven is going to be a great place because He promises we will "know our own" and I believe that to be family and friends. Oh how I look forward to that! A reunion like no other!

Two -- God tells us life is all about relationships (with Him and with others) and I have missed alot of past relationships. Yes, we all have some we would like to forget -- but those don't matter. It's those ones that bring back such smiles that some would think us "not proper" in a funeral home setting! There was no way we could catch up, no way to even try. A few quick questions amid trying to visit with everyone at once -- impossible. Third -- we need to do whatever it takes to try and maintain as many friendships as possible. Not one of us has too many friends! No matter how many, not enough!

So . . . I decided to expand my horizons on this computer thing even more. I finally went on Classmates.com and entered my information. Maybe there are others out there that I can reconnect with, others who have memories that will bring smiles to my face and joy to my heart. Goodness knows we all need to smile more and have more joy inside our hearts! So let's see what happens!

And so it was a great day, a day that centered around a room in a funeral home. Not where you would expect but yet where God planned it. And I also know that her mother, even though laying so still in her casket, knew we were all there, knew we got a chance to reconnect (even if for a very short time) and knew she was the one who brought us all together.

Thank you Ms Elsie -- thank you! And may you be reunited with all your family and friends in heaven and may God throw you an awesome party of celebration!!!!

Until next time . . . let's all cherish our families and friends a bit more! Susan and Monty

Preparing

This was taken when Rhonda and Jordan came over for Christmas dinner and he's thrilled with his new toys!

The past couple of days have been very busy ones. With less than 2 weeks until we start our missions training school there's alot of follow up and preparations to get done. I have called all the Pastors we visited before the holidays to remind them the time is nearing and to see if they have any questions or anyone who has signed up. That takes some time as I wait for voice mails to be returned. I do have another local church requesting information so tomorrow I can drop off a packet to them. Phone calls back and forth to Alabama at the main headquarters have been helpful and we are counting down the days! Please keep us in your prayers.

Today was my day to take my grandson to preschool and then stay with my granddaughter through the afternoon. She can't understand why I didn't put a truck radio on my Christmas letter since mine in my truck doesn't work! She's convinced I need to get a "pink one."!!!!! I love those grandkids so much!

My mother called today to say one of my closest high school friends lost her mother. It will be a good opportunity for me to go to the funeral home and see her. I hate to admit but it's been atleast 25 years -- she's lived in southern Tennessee for I can't remember how long! Her mother was 87 years old -- but she's still her mother!!!

I also received a phone call from one of our past volunteers this afternoon. We had a nice long talk and they were concerned about the homeowner whose home they had worked in back in the fall of 2009. It was great to talk with them and in doing so they asked for some extra special prayers. They have a 15 year old who is into drugs and having an extremely tough time. Rehab hasn't seemed to help much so please keep this entire family in your prayers. I can't imagine how difficult that would be! Thank you Lord for sparing me and my children from walking that dangerous path!

Until next time . . . let's all count our blessings! Susan and Monty

Peace

I told you I would have photos of Christmas and here they are. From my parents to my nieces to my son, my daughters, my grandson and my granddaughter -- it was amazing and we are so thankful to have been able to be home with all our families!

And now we are in the new year -- new expectations, new plans, new "do overs", new resolutions, new this and new that . . . the old is gone! For some this is a relief and for others it's a bit scary. How about you?

Pastor Dave nailed it this morning in his message! He entitled it "A Year of Hope" -- how appropriate. There were times during his message that I wanted to stand up and shout in praise! It might have startled him a bit and most definitely the rest of the congregation but . . . Romans 15:13 (NIV) says; "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overlfow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

It was when he asked us if we'd ever seen anyone without hope that I wanted to shout the most! Working in disaster situations brought so many folks to my mind! All has been lost and hard as they have tried they eventually have hope fade away and sometimes it's lost completely. But . . . God . . . I have literally taken photos of a homeowner upon the arrival of the very first team of volunteers --- and then returned at the end of the week and took another photo. That homeowner is different, so different that it shows in their faces. Most of the time they don't even look like the same person. The team hasn't really accomplished all that much in that first week --- but --- they brought hope --- they were hope! In fact, they were "overflowing" with hope! And it spilled out all over the homeowner and everyone they met while on their trip!

Their hope brought excitement and anticipation to the homeowner. The team may not have known what they were going to be doing or felt as though they couldn't really do anything important or worthwhile. But they trusted that God was walking before them and had already prepared the way for them. It was that trust that brought about their hope which filled them to overflowing which flowed out on others. A wonderful and perfect chain reaction!

That hope also brought joy and peace -- to them and to the homeowners. That hope brings that same joy and peace to everyone who will receive it! Everyone! Even you!

My question? How are you facing this new year? Are you trusting in God? Are you looking back to all the times He's been with you? Are you standing on those times, filled with trust that reassures you He is still standing with you? Are you overflowing with hope for this new year?

Joyce Meyer wrote one of the most wonderful and worthwhile books ever -- The Battlefield of the Mind. Our minds are where our hope is born or dies. What is your mind focused on? Are you positive in your thinking? Are you negative in your thinking?

I challenge you to read your own version of Romans 15:13. Read it, think about it and maybe even write it down and paste it to your bathroom mirror -- right in front of your face!

Then believe it! Stand on it! Base your very life on it! You'll be glad you did!

I, for one, believe 2011 is going to be an incredible year! God is going to move in the greatest and most powerful way we have ever seen or experienced! He has plans -- for me and for you! I want to be open and ready and waiting to fulfill those plans! Joy! Excitement! Anticipation! I want to be overflowing with all of those!!!!

How about you?

Until next time . . . bring it on 2011 . . . Susan and Monty

PS: Thanks Pastor Dave! Thanks so much!