What is Missions?

When people think of missionaries they naturally think of preaching, teaching, and passing out tracks. Right? I would say yes. What if you are a missionary wife? We certainly can't preach...(although our husbands would probably disagree). ;) Our ministry is first in our home to our children who did not ask to be missionaries. They are along for the ride and need to feel like life is somewhat normal in their home.(Don't get me wrong, I am not feeling sorry for my kids living on the mission field.) It is actually a wonderful opportunity for them! :) For now homeschooling, getting to know my neighbors, and building relationships are all part of my ministry.

What else can women do to minister on the field? Ministry can also include, but not be limited to: baking cookies for your neighbor on special days, crafting with ladies in your church, trying your best to use as much of the language you know to speak to your neighbor etc. Sometimes people need to friendly smile and kind words to go along with the tract you give them. We will never know what a person is dealing with until we make the effort. The truth is that people are hurting everywhere and we may be the only Jesus they see.

Can we do more than we are already doing... certainly. Do so carefully and don't forget about the ministry God has given you right at Home. I'm thinking of ways even now to help my children become part of the team in reaching Croatia for Christ. Hopefully I will share about our efforts later.

What Makes me a Christian?

1. It's not the variety of Christian music I listen to.

2. It's not my Christian friends.

3. It's not the good I do. Many people are good AND lost.

4. It's not even my modest apparel whether it be skirt or pants.

You see... none of those things make me a Christian. Those things help set me apart from those who aren't a Christian. They help others see the difference Christ made in me.

When I was just a little girl, He made it known to me that I was lost. I needed Him as my personal Savior. It wasn't until I accepted His FREE gift of salvation that I became a Christian.

His FREE gift is available to ALL who will recieve it.

No, I'm not perfect. I'm thankful for a forgiving Father who is full of grace and mercy when I mess up.

A little house keeping...

NEVER hurt anyone. Excuse me while I clean up and rearrange my BLOG. The warm weather we've been having is my motivation.

Out with the OLD, in with the NEW. Hope that you have a fabulous WEEKEND!

Urgent Prayer Request on FB today.

When I logged on to Facebook yesterday I found this from one of my friends in my newsfeed. An urgent need for prayer for this family. This is the blog of a newly expecting couple just weeks from delivering their first baby. Their story is a tragic one and really made me stop and think of how God has blessed my family and I with life. How would I would handle when they are going through? Only by His grace. I don't know them personally, but the Lord does.

Our little secret

So Proud of My Pastor

His Singing Group "The Virginia Boys" did a great job on their latest project~ Everyday. One of my favorite songs has made it to #73 in the nation on the Southern Gospel Top 100. You can listen here The Virginia Boys - Every Day to that song "For Every Cross There is a Crown". Just scroll down to the bottom of the main page and you will see the link to listen to anything off their latest project. I hope that you enjoy.

Not any time SOON!

Well, I have realized that pics from our arrival to Croatia and all the happenings aren't going to happen anytime soon. My computer is on the blink and unfortunatley the pics I need are on it! Hopefully we will find a place to see what the problem is.
On the bright side, we had a wonderful "First Christmas in Croatia". We were able to SKYPE with family and just take our time enoying the day. It sure was different though not having extra kids in the house and family so close. Praise th Lord for modern technology!
Today finds us HOME after a weeklong unexpected stay in Austria. Our visit was good, BUT....... there is no place like HOME. Erin and daddy are coughing uncontrollably and on the way to the doctor. Nothing that we are doing is working for them. Pray the doctors will give us something and they will get to feeling better soon.

Enjoying our New Home Away from Home

The last time I posted we just arrived in Austria at my brother and sister in law's home to recover from jetlag. Since that time we have moved into our home, obtained our visas, bought a van, started language school, and now enjoying A LOT of snow! So much has happened since we've been here.... I'll catch you up on the happenings in a bit. Now, my house is begging for some much needed attention.