of no reputation

Beautiful Birthday Batik (three B's)

2006-10-27T23:02:00.000-06:00

A few weeks ago, we were introduced to Batik. Batik is a Malaysian art form where different shapes of wax are painted onto fabric. Then the fabric is painted- the wax acts as the border to separate colors and keeps a white border. Then the fabric is washed in hot water. The wax melts in the washing and you are left with a beautiful, unique design. Today, for Rachael and Jamie's birthday, our friend set up a Batik Party. We arrived with a design already penciled on the fabric. Using a wax dispensing tool (Pic here), we painted the shapes and colored in the shapes. They will wash the fabric this weekend, then we will pick up the masterpieces....It was fun! All the girls helped each other and we met some other visitors that were at the craft place. (Pic is Rach and Jamie)

Our friend had done a project on the process of Batik for her language studies. She had all kinds of insight and showed us around. This is a very important part of the culture here. Women wear Batik dresses, sorrongs, and hang the art in their homes. (very cool and very beautiful!!!) We pray that the people here will know the glory of the Lord. That the handiwork that He skilled them with would bring honor to their Maker!

"Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to Your Name be the glory, because of Your love and faithfulness." ~Psalms 115:1

Little Women

2006-10-22T02:35:00.000-06:00

We are at home base for the next few days, before we take off again. God has done some amazing things- we couldn't have even imagined!! Thank You for your faithfulness to pray and encourage!
We went to the local university last night and talked with a few students. Our friends have been so gracious, welcoming us into their home...We have had the pleasure to get to know the three little women of the house. These ladies are energetic, fun to be with, and are teaching us all kinds of great things...
Meet Jesse (15 yrs) : Jesse is the oldest of the bunch. She sets an example to her younger sisters by diligently studying and is involved with the worship leading team at her school. We had the opportunity to come to a worship event she was helping to lead (pic here). Jesse loves to read, practice Mandarin (Chinese dialect), and has an eye for fashion. She loves the Lord Jesus and loves singing songs about Him!
Meet Andi (13 yrs): Andi is in the middle of the T-sandwich. She is great at sports and can whip Thomas at 4 square...heehee. She loves playing with children and is very good at making people around her feel comfortable and at home. Andi was recently in a drama production, which we had the opportunity to attend (pic here). Andi and her sisters have taught us how to play "golf", a great little card game. Andi loves Jesus and has a heart for others to know Him!
Meet Jamie (11 yrs): Jamie is the youngest of the bunch. She is witty- always makes us laugh with her clever outlook on life! She is a very creative artist, who loves to paint and draw. She also has a green thumb- several of her cucumber plants are growing in the back yard! Here she is cuddling with the "Baby". Jamie loves the Lord and shares about the beauty of God's creation with her friends.

So, we have had the blessing of knowing these hilarious, beautiful, warm friends. They have taught us about the latest movies, sports, and games here. Not to mention, helped us learn what is "culturally appropriate." These ladies and their parents love God, strangers, neighbors, friends, and each other in the way they live their lives. Please pray for them, that God would continue to protect them and grow them in the knowledge of Him!! Pray that God would continue to provide opportunities for them to share His love and grace with others!

"Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God." 1 John 4:7

Your Love, poured out

2006-09-24T21:23:00.000-06:00

~Your Love is poured out, that we may be called the Sons & Daughters of the King~

May they find you in my eyes
A prayer/song written in 1999 comes back to me as I pray for those
who do not have assurance, who know not grace, who do not have hope...

How do I demonstrate Your love?

To make much of Your goodness,

To bring Your peace.

Let every yearning of my heart,

Every desire of my soul-

Be sent through the fire and purified

for Your glory...

May others recognize Your face

Let them see Your hope and grace

May they find you in my eyes,

May I be nothing,

that You may be all.

What2pack&How2act

2006-09-24T20:47:00.000-06:00

Some silly questions to brighten your day..
1. How many heartburn pills should we take?
a. 1 pill
b. 3 pills
c. 311 pills

2. What should we do if we accidently shake someone's hand with our "toilet hand"?
a. smile
b. cry
c. run away
d. all of the above

3. What color leather pants should we take?
a. orange
b. hot pink
c. speckled
d. camo

4. True or False: Minnie should come to Malaysia in a space bag.

Jesus Just Come

2006-09-22T14:37:00.000-06:00

Jesus Just Come...Bring Purity...Bring Clarity...Breathe new Life....
Mend brokeness with Your holiness... Bring Abundant Life...
Bring Salvation...
Bring the Knowledge of You...Jesus Just Come...Have Your Way...
Walk Among us...Touch Hearts...Restore Souls...Have Your Glory...
Jesus Just Come

A faithful prayer warrior

2006-08-25T09:30:00.000-06:00

"I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me."
~Proverbs 8:17

Thank God my family has an example of what a prayer warrior looks like!! My grandmother, "Billie" (isn't that a cool name) has always been a beautiful example of one who seeks the Lord.

At night, after all the lights were out, I would sneak upstairs (when visiting my grandparents) and find my grandmother on her knees, pouring out her heart to the Lord. Most of the time, she never knew I was watching. I would sit and listen to her prayers. She would pray for everyone in the family by name. Her prayers always asked for guidance, protection, grace, and she would pray that all her children and grandchildren would know and love the Lord.

What a gift- to have a heritage of faith and prayer! I am thankful that God blessed grandma with a merciful heart and a drive to pray for others. Her example has made an impression on all who know her. I can't even imagine the impact her prayers have had on countless family members, friends, and government figures. I ask for that same passion for prayer.

This weekend, we will be going to Pennsylvania to visit my grandmother. Her health has been declining and she feels like God is calling her home. Pray for us as we go and trust God with the future....

What2pack&How2act

2006-08-19T09:20:00.000-06:00

Some Silly Questions....to brighten your day.....

What movie would best prepare us for our time in Asia?
a. The Sound of Music
b. Gone with the Wind
c. Dude, Where's my car?
d. Nacho Libre

Do you think it is appropriate to wear a wig while we are over there, or should we try to keep it simple?

What should we do if we see Anaconda ? (the movie or the actual snake because they both freak us out)

A Beautiful Song

2006-08-18T23:18:00.000-06:00

I heard my Savior say, "thy strength indeed is small

child of weakness watch and pray

find in Me thine all in all"

And now indeed I find Thy power and Thine alone

Can change the leper's spots and melt the heart of stone

And when before the throne, I stand in Him complete

"Jesus died my soul to save" my lips shall still repeat

Jesus paid it all

All to Him I owe

Sin had left a crimson stain,

He washed it white as snow!

of no reputation: Of no Reputation

2006-08-17T17:22:00.000-06:00

One of my favorite verses is from Philippians when Paul describes the Ways of Christ:"Who being in the very nature of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself of no reputation taking on the very nature of a servant....." As I look to Jesus' example to me of how He responds and relates to God, I pray that I could have the humility of Christ, to be willing to be a living sacrifice, poured out to Him, to give Him all glory, honor, and praise. That my name and reputation would only be His glory and fame.