His Excellent Orchestration

 God is so good. I love how He orchestrates certain things in our lives as encouragement and hope for us. Braeden has been discouraged lately and wanted to give up on sports all together because he felt like he was finished growing and no amount of work would help him be tall enough to go on the next level. Tonight we watched Kavontae Turpin fight with all his heart and play an amazing game out on TCU's field. After the game, we were waiting on the shuttle to take us back to our car and up walks Kavontae Turpin. Braeden went over to talk to him and asked if he could take a picture with him. At that point he realized that they were the same size...he had no idea. His confidence just did a complete 180. Praise God for allowing us to go to this game we hadn't even planned on going to, in order to be in the right place at the time. He is always right on time. 

Friendship

The past five months have been a little rough health wise for my parents so my sister and I had to really step up our game to help take care of them. I am so grateful to have a sister that when I get run down she jumps in to help and I can do the same for her. I must be extra special though because God not only blessed me with a sister, He blessed me with the best childhood friends ever! They knew I needed a break and some fun even if we all had to take a little plane ride to make that happen and meet up for only 24 hours. I can tell you first hand that true friendship is not being inseparable, it's being separated and nothing changes. We still laughed like we did back in middle and high school. Back then we didn't realize we were making memories, we only knew we were having fun. We did our best to reminisce and relive all those memories while we were in Vegas. We were delirious from lack of sleep but each time we tried to get a short nap, we couldn't stop talking and laughing. We laughed until we cried so many times. I am over the moon thankful for Lee and Nichole! In the end you always go back to the people that were there in the beginning. 

12 already?

I can not begin to fathom that in only 2 days my smallest angel will turn a shocking 12 years old. I think it hit me like a ton of bricks the moment I snapped a picture of her right before she walked into middle school cheer tryouts. I remember 4 years ago seeing pictures of the girls in Braeden's grade trying out for cheerleader and thinking gosh, they are getting so big. I think had I not had that memory of them I would still be in complete denial that my little girl is half grown. 

After drowning in a tad bit of self pity, I received a text saying that the new cheerleaders would need their pictures taken for the news paper on Monday morning, I decided that what I needed was a girl day and a little shopping therapy with my Chloe. This way, she would be thrilled to get a new outfit for pictures and I could attempt to savor  some one on one time with my not so little girl. I told her the plan for the day and how her Daddy and Braeden were going to spend the day doing boy things and that we were going shopping. She was ecstatic to say the least. She immediately ran to her room and started laying out her clothes and looking through her closet to find the perfect pair of shoes/wedges for the day and I sank a tiny bit more into the pit of seeing just how grown up she's becoming. As I sat and pouted over my cup of coffee and discussed these revelations of feelings I was having with Chad, I found out he too was dealing with the same issues. Wondering just where time had gone and who was this jaw dropping, gorgeous young lady growing up overnight in front of us? We ended our conversation as we heard Chloe coming out of the bathroom after finishing up her shower. After getting dressed, she bounced down the hall and completely melted my heart. 

Mom, will you blow dry and fix my hair for me?

It was as if God reached down then and there to wrap me in His arms, comfort me and show me I still have my same little girl I've always had. 

Absolutely, baby girl, absolutely.

We Can All Be Praying Parents

I'm pretty sure most parents, if they're being honest will admit that more than once they've thought they were complete failures as far as parenting goes. This has crossed my mind more than once when one of my kids have made a less than desirable decision in their actions. I have cringed when learning of things they've said to a friend or even a so called "enemy" out on the playground and thought to myself why on earth haven't I talked to them about not doing this or that. I must be a horrible parent. 

Back in January, Chad and I were asked to help teach a life group at our church on...(insert drum roll here)...parenting. As we prepared and prayed for the upcoming 6 weeks of classes we were more than encouraged. I learned that my husband is an amazing gift of a father to Braeden and Chloe. He doesn't set unreachable standards in academics or sports. He's not too harsh on them but he always follows through with appropriate punishment when punishment is required. In our house since Braeden was born and old enough to understand the word no, it is understood that if you do something you're not supposed to, there will be consequences. Now that they will soon turn 15 and 11, rarely do we have to dish out punishment. However, we are aware that we're coming into uncharted territory soon with having (gasp) 2 teenagers in our home.

We have all heard people say, "Don't be their friend, be their parent." Personally, when I hear that I feel sick to my stomach because I couldn't disagree more. Here's a revelation! Why can't we be both? When you think about it, who is it that your children confide in and usually know more about what is going on with their lives than anyone else? Their friends! When they are little let them learn that they can trust you to always be there for them and that you aren't going to flip off the deep end each time you learn of something they've done that is less than perfect. If punishment is needed, so be it. Get through the punishment and then use that opportunity to show them grace and love by explaining a time when you were younger and more than likely made the same mistake. Explain to them how you were able to overcome it and how no matter the offense you could never love them any less.

More importantly, pray with them about the situation and make sure that they know you not only forgive them but, their Heavenly Father who loves them even more than we ever can, forgives them as well. This isn't a once and done type deal here. It has to be an every offense situation. Over time, I truly believe that you will become your kids' best friend. They will know without a doubt that they can come to you with any problem they may face because you aren't just the parent there to dish out only lectures and punishment. On the contrary, you are their friend who is there to help them and guide them through the same mistakes you've made. I am so thankful that we have this relationship with both Braeden and Chloe. I pray it will continue through the upcoming teenage years until long after they've left our home and have families of their own. I don't think it is ever too late to start this habit with your children even if they are in their teenage years already. Friendship and trust have to begin somewhere.

 

Chad and I finished up only our second lesson last night on parenting and I was again racking my brain, questioning myself. Do we do this or that? Do we do enough as a parents for Braeden and Chloe? Chad and I were both unexpectedly met with an answer this morning on a post it notes left for each of us by Chloe.

 

The answer was yes, yes we are doing alright as parents. The fact that she acknowledges and appreciates the things we do for her is a gigantic win. An even larger triumph is that she recognizes and cherishes our prayers for her. This goes perfectly with the wise but simple words of my husband during last night's class, "we can't be perfect parents, but we can all be praying parents."

 

Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.~Deuteronomy 4:9

 

Simmons Family Legacy

 

 

     Today we celebrate the life and legacy of our Grandma Eloise Simmons. Psalm 78:1-7 describes her legacy, the Simmons' family legacy perfectly. What a blessing it is to be a Simmons and instill a love for Christ and a heart to love and serve others in our future generations just like our Papaw and Grandma Simmons have done.

 

My people, hear my instruction; listen to what I say. I will declare wise ...sayings; I will speak mysteries from the past— things we have heard and known and that our fathers have passed down to us. We must not hide them from their children, but must tell a future generation the praises of the Lord, His might, and the wonderful works He has performed. He established a testimony in Jacob and set up a law in Israel, which He commanded our fathers to teach to their children so that a future generation—children yet to be born—might know. They were to rise and tell their children so that they might put their confidence in God and not forget God’s works,
but keep His commands. ~Psalm 78:1-7

 

 

 For the past couple weeks I've avoided any article/ post about Ebola because just seeing each one seemed to upset me more and more. Not because of fear for myself or my family, but because each post shows how heartbreakingly selfish people are. 

Several times I have wondered if possibly there was something wrong with me because of my views on the subject. Why I would, in a heartbeat willingly give up my insignificant first world problems to love on and care for a dying third world country. Not until today when I came across a Christian article did I finally comprehend the feelings I had been having. 

[...an "epidemic that seemed like the of end the world actually promoted the spread of Christianity." By their actions in the face of possible death, Christians showed their neighbors that "Christianity is worth dying for."...Nearly eighteen centuries after the Plague of Cyprian, Christianity still prompts people to run towards the plague when virtually everyone else is running away...]

Ayúdame a Sonreír (Help Me to Smile)

     I'm still trying to pull myself and my thoughts together after the past week so I can wrap my heart and mind around everything we witnessed. I'm still a mess. I'm so exhausted but I can't sleep because my mind is racing with 1,000 ideas of how we can help the church at LaRomana and the sweet little school ( Ayúdame a Sonreír) we visited. I've decided to just start a list of these things so I can start reaching out right away this week and put these ideas into action. Praise God for opening our eyes and allowing our hearts to break for what breaks His.

We cared so much for you that we were pleased to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you (LaRomana) had become dear to us.~1 Thessalonians 2:8

Let Us Not Grow Weary

Construction on the church has made amazing progress! We are about 1/3 of the way up the walls ...on the 2nd floor! We are tired but God is giving us more strength each day to keep working.  

We met an incredible couple (Nancy & Roberto) who has opened a school in their home to extremely poor children who aren't able to attend public school because they don't have birth certificates. It was absolutely heartbreaking to see such extreme poverty. I have never seen anything so touching in my entire life. I'm sure I speak for my entire family when I tell you my life will never be the same. We found out that we get go back to see these children again tomorrow to feed them and also take them school supplies for the next year, praise God! I don't know exactly what we can do beyond this, but those children will not be forgotten. We will figure out something to help those precious babies.

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. ~Galations 6:9



I am Yours and You are mine

Just one of my favorite pictures on our way home, probably 15 minutes off the coast of the Dominican Republic. I was overwhelmed with emotions from the previous week as I sang this quietly in my head....
 

"You call me out upon the waters
The great unknown where feet may fail
And there I find You in the mystery...
In oceans deep
My faith will stand

And I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine"

 

 

Enlarge the Sight of Your Tent

La Iglesia Acción Misionera y el Centro Enseñanza Generatión del Reino

      We are settling in at home but Braeden and I are both still waking up early as if we were heading to the new church site in La Romana. I am so excited for my new friends and family in the Dominican Republic to have their church and school finished as soon as possible. We were able to spend some time with them in their present church / school and it was overflowing with people. I have been reading in Isaiah... 54:2 -3 where God is instructing the people through Isaiah to enlarge the site of their ministry and make room to hold many more people. By obeying and doing so, their ministry would be blessed by multitudes of people coming to know Christ. He instructs them to not hold back. I can tell you the people of this church in La Romana are not holding anything back, they are offering all they have. They fed us by nourishing us with the food they had and also spiritually by their passionate prayers over each one of us that were working on their new building. They gave their time, money and a love like no other to us while we were there. God says that by not sparing anything their church will begin to grow even more, not just in the surrounding areas but throughout the world! This gives us a sense of urgency to help the church in La Romana finish enlarging the site of their ministry and help them reach out to the multitudes of people around them. I can not wait to see how immensely God is going to bless this church and it's people in future!
 

Enlarge the site of your tent, and let your tent curtains be stretched out; do not hold back; lengthen your ropes, and drive your pegs deep. For you will spread out to the right and left, and your descendants will dispossess nations and inhabit the desolate cities. ~Isaiah 54:2-3

Guide Me

     Chad and Braeden had plans to serve on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic this coming March, but as usual, our plans are not always God's plans. Shortly after Christmas, Chad found out that he wouldn't be able to go. Inevitably, I jumped at the chance to serve along side of my seasoned little missionary. As the new year approached I made a conscious decision to de-clutter my mind and heart of unnecessary things such as social media in order to devote extra time to spiritually preparing myself for the endeavor ahead. Today was no different. I came in from taking Chloe to school and cuddled up on the couch with a blanket, cup of coffee and my bible. My hope and prayer is that God will pour in to me the words, His words, that I will need in order to touch other's hearts (as well as my own) for Christ while I am there. I came across the most perfect scripture this morning in Hebrews.

By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed and went out to a place he was going to receive as an inheritance. He went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he stayed as a foreigner in the land of promise, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, coheirs of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. ~Hebrews 11:8-10

     The excitement inside of me has been building with each day as we get closer to our departure date. I find myself looking over maps of the D.R., studying it's history and looking up pictures of it's larger cities. Like Abraham going in to the promise land, I'm not exactly sure of where I'm going. As Christians we may not know why or where God is guiding us, but we do know our Guide. That in itself, is overly satisfying and exciting! I too, am looking forward to seeing this new city God is leading me to help Him build! 

Who is it that you are REALLY glorifying?

     566....there are 566 connections on my Facebook page, most of which I would say are Christians. Among these Christians are people who would consider themselves to be AOG, Baptist, Calvinist, Catholic, COG, Episcopal, Methodist, Pentecostal, Presbyterian or simply Non-Denominational. I love when I can scroll through encouraging updates, scriptures and photos. However, over the past year I have noticed in posts that there has been more of an increasing emphasis on the religion itself or predominate figures of those religions.

This past Sunday morning at church during our worship time we sang the song "How Many Kings" and it spoke louder than ever to me.

How Many Kings

In the words of this song....

How many kings, stepped down from their thrones?
How many lords have abandoned their homes?
How many greats have become the least for me?
How many Gods have poured out their hearts
To romance a world that has torn all apart?
How many fathers gave up their sons for me?
Only One did that for me.

Exactly....ONLY ONE did that. It was NOT a certain religion nor was it the Pope, Mother Mary, Adrian Rodgers, Billy Graham, Joyce Meyer, Joel Osteen, C. S. Lewis, John Calvin, Charles Spurgeon, Martin Luther, Amy Carmichael, William Carey, David Livingstone, George Muller, Hudson Taylor, Lecrae, Andy Mineo, Trip Lee, KB, Tedashii or Derek Minor.

The Great Commission clearly states in Matthew 28:19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

While we may cherish each of our own religions, denominations or religious figures, there is only One that we should be making known to others, worshipping and giving glory to and that is our Savior.

I was helpless, and He saved me

I can not believe another summer has came and unfortunately gone so soon. Being the second day of school, there are no kids running around or snoring on the couch after a late night of watching television. My quiet time this morning is just that...quiet.

As life is all to often like a rollercoaster, I find myself on that uphill climb. You know, where you feel like you've almost made it back to the peak and you can throw your hands in the air as you shout for joy? This morning my eyes and heart landed in the 116th chapter of the book of Psalms. With God's perfect timing, no doubt, it washed over me and left me with a smiling heart.

I love the Lord because He has heard my appeal for mercy.
Because He has turned His ear to me,
I will call out to Him as long as I live.
The ropes of death were wrapped around me,
and the torments of Sheol overcame me;
I encountered trouble and sorrow.
Then I called on the name of Yahweh: "Yahweh, save me!"
The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is compassionate.
The Lord guards the inexperienced;
I was helpless, and He saved me.
          Psalm 116:1-6

In the last month we were faced with the ultimatum of  "move or have no job". This was a huge decision to consider. Do we leave everything and everyone behind for a job and a promotion? Or, do we stay and be left with possibly no job at all to provide for our family? Our first response of course was to simply pray and seek God for His will in this situation. During that time I was reminded several times of a sweet scripture that basically gave us our instruction on what to do as we waited and prayed:

The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.
          Exodus 14:14

Needless to say, the Lord did exactly that and a job presented itself for Chad here. This job will mean sacrifices for us all in several different areas of our family life. Regardless, we are so grateful for how He always provides.

Prophet of the Most High

It is 4:00 in the afternoon here at home but 1am in Dubai. I pray that Braeden and his mission team had a fabulous day while there in Dubai. Just think....after 6 months of preparation HE'S ALMOST THERE! So exciting! We've been studying the book of Luke in our life groups the past few weeks and I love how each time you go back through a book you may have already read, something different stands out. That is exactly what happened as I read these verses from the first chapter in Luke when Zechariah prophesied over his son, John.

He has given us the privilege,
74 since we have been rescued
from our enemies’ clutches,
to serve Him without fear
75 in holiness and righteousness
in His presence all our days.
76 And child, you will be called
a prophet of the Most High,
for you will go before the Lord
to prepare His ways,
77 to give His people knowledge of salvation
through the forgiveness of their sins.

Braeden immediately came to my mind when I read this. Even though he won't be able to talk to his friends or family for an entire month, even though he will not have the luxuries of a bed, real roof over his head, running water or electricity...he counts it as a privilege to serve our Savior despite his emotional and physical discomfort. I love how he serves Him without fear like this scripture says and how he is determined to go and give His people knowledge of Him and His salvation.

My angel is absolutely a prophet of the Most High and we are so incredibly proud of him!

I have no greater joy than this: to hear that my children are walking in the truth. ~3 John 1:4

Overwhelming Emotions

The final day is here. We dropped Braeden off on Saturday for missions and ministry training in Garden Valley, Tx. Once again we seen the instant transformation of our usually shy son change into a confident outspoken young man. I'm reminded of the conversation in Exodus between God and Moses. Moses was pleading with The Lord to send someone else to the Pharaoh in order to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. He tried to explain that he wasn't fit to do so because he felt as if he was slow and hesitant to speak. Then in Exodus 4:12 God responds "Now go! I will help you speak and I will teach you what to say." 

I fully believe this is what happens to Braeden each time he prepares to leaves. He is overcome with the confidence that only God can fill us with in order for us to lead others to Him. 

I am overwhelmed with emotions today as we get ready to travel back to Garden Valley to attend tonight's Commissioning Ceremony. This will be the last time we are able to see Braeden before he flies to Zambia. I remember breaking down like a blubbering idiot last year on this day so I'm quite familiar with this feeling that is coming over me today. These are not emotions of apprehension and fear but rather love, pride and gratefulness for such a child and Savior. I am grateful that when Braeden is not within my reach, he is in our Heavenly Father's hands. 

You will keep the mind that is dependent on You in perfect peace, for it is trusting in You. ~Isaiah 26:3

Trials & Triumphs

Last week was quite a week. The tornadoes demolished parts of Oklahoma and thousands of people's lives were turned upside down on Monday.

Tuesday, the storms made their way through East Texas and my Facebook news feed was filled with statuses complaining about having no electricity for a few hours. My thoughts were of the people Braeden spent last summer with who NEVER have electricity or running water. I got the kids together and we prayed for protection and that Chad would make it home safely since he was out working, running tools around for a job. We thanked God that we still had a home to give us shelter from the storm unlike the many people in Oklahoma.

Wednesday came along and while we were at my sister's graduation Chad called to let me know that our AC went out at the house. I was a little discouraged but only because we still had a 3 page list of supplies left to buy for Braeden's mission trip which was going to be pretty expensive. Still we didn't complain, we thanked God again that we live well enough to afford a home that has AC. Believe it or not there are people out there who don't have the slightest clue what air conditioning even is. We lifted the windows when we got home that night and made it a camping adventure...and ended up cold by morning time. :)

Thursday, after a long exhausting elementary school field day, the house was super hot so we played outside until it was dark again. One of our neighbors came over to look at the AC to see if he had any idea what might be wrong. He said our capacitor had gone out and get this...he had a brand new one (the exact model we needed) in his storage building! I was thinking no way, this is too good to be true. Within 5 minutes we had cold air and he didn't charge us a thing, praise God!

Friday I began to get everything rounded up for Braeden's car wash fund raiser. I was talking to him about the car wash and how we both hoped to be able to not only pay for the rest of his trip but also that we would make enough to buy all the supplies he still needed. Then he said "oh that reminds me, here's a check someone gave me today to help me with my trip" I nearly fell over, it was the exact amount we had estimated his supplies to be! Again, God provided....and his suitcase is now packed and ready to go, praise God! Friday night the weather was showing rain all day for Saturday, still we continued to load everything up for the car wash.

Saturday morning proved to be dark and cloudy, we went anyways. Even though it looked like rain the car wash still raised over $600! Once again, God provided. Sunday met us with several more donations to Global Expeditions for Braeden's trip. As of Friday he still needed $2,487 and today he currently needs only $1,349. Within a couple days God provided more than we could have ever expected for B's mission trip!

As I look back I realize throughout my prayers last week I never once asked God for any of the things He had provided. Instead of worrying or complaining I simply kept giving Him heartfelt thanks for everything we already had. You see, God knows what we need before we even do. Sounds so simple doesn't it? I can tell you though, it's a whole other extraordinary thing to be able to experience it the way our family has this past week. Praise God!

Don't worry about what you can't control. What you can control is your attitude, your effort and your focus. -can't remember where I heard this but I loved it and saved it in my notes a while back :)

Summer Is Coming

Every time we are able to visit Teen Mania/Global Expeditions we are overcome with emotions and memories of the very first time we dropped Braeden off to fly to the islands and jungle of Panama. On the drive home last night I saw the sparkle return to Braeden's eyes as he talked about his impatient excitement to serve and make a difference in someone's life this summer. This is what this kid lives for...to make a difference, listen to kids' problems, pray with them, feed them, hold and squeeze them and show them they are loved. He tries so hard here at home only to be laughed at when he asks someone if he can pray for them. It hurts my heart when I hear these kids that he has to spend every school day with calling him names and making fun of him for simply wanting to be a good caring person. But, thank goodness, Summer is coming and in 84 days he'll be with children that will absolutely eat up every drop of attention has to pour out on them :)

Preparing for Summer 2013 Missions!

Just left Global Expeditions! We got Braeden's travel release forms for Africa along with a few donations turned in AND Miss Chloe filled out an age exception application to possibly get to go on her very first mission trip this summer. She is so excited and hopes they will allow her to go.

Melting Heart

Went to hobby lobby to buy my wrapping paper like I do every year and seen this...then lost it. Such a strong connection between this scripture and Braeden and Chloe to me. Had to leave the store crying, trying to hold it together and I didn't even get the stuff I needed :-/ GEEZ!

Inspiration

I guess the past year is pretty well summed up by saying we are more than blessed. We have trusted God to move us where we need to be moved in EVERY area of our lives and He has been faithful to not only provide but bless us more than we could've imagined. No, I don't mean in money or things. I mean love, happiness and a peace inside that's indescribable. We let Braeden spend an amazing summer in the islands & jungle of Panama where he taught VBS and did phenomenal things for God even though we missed him like crazy! He has been such an inspiration to us. He had me doing the paperwork for his next mission trip while he was in the hospital recovering from being sick right after he got home from Panama. Braeden will go to Baja, Mexico this December on a short trip to help build homes for needy families. A friend of ours shared a verse from Isaiah with us when she came to visit him in the hospital that says "a small child will lead them"...and wow, is he ever! I am humbled by the way Braeden let's God lead & direct his ways and super excited about the artistic work he's doing on his hats and shirts he's designing to benefit missions. God has brought us full circle back to where we were 15 years ago and we are letting Him use us this time around. We've learned that God will remove you from somewhere in order to teach you, so that he can put you back where you were to use you. It's a great feeling when you know you are right where God wants you!