Sharing the love...

This is my Dad's favorite cake! I've tried different recipes and this one is my favorite! I adapted it from the King Arthur Flour website. The sourdough is not sour at all, it's just a delightful undertone! And please don't forget the coffee...it brings out the true nature of chocolate in this cake! Happy Baking! :)


Sourdough Chocolate Cake

cake
1 cup "fed" sourdough starter
1 cup milk (whole milk or 2% preferred) or evaporated milk
2 cups All-Purpose Flour
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
3/4 cup unsweetened baking cocoa (Dark or Dutch process works great!!)
1 tablespoon instant coffee
2 large eggs


icing
6 cups confectioners' sugar
3/4 cup butter
1/2 cup plain yogurt or buttermilk
1 tablespoon + 1 1/2 teaspoons espresso powder (or instant coffee)
1 tablespoon hot water

drizzle
1/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon milk
1 tablespoon corn syrup

1) Combine the "fed" starter, milk, and flour in a large mixing bowl. Cover and let rest at room temperature for 2 to 3 hours. It won't necessarily bubble, but it may have expanded a bit.

2) Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9" x 13" pan.

3) In a separate bowl, beat together the sugar, oil, vanilla, salt, baking soda, cocoa. and espresso powder. The mixture will be grainy.

4) Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

5) Gently combine the chocolate mixture with the starter-flour-milk mixture, stirring till smooth. This will be a gloppy process at first, but the batter will smooth out as you continue to beat gently.

6) Pour the batter into the prepared pan.

7) Bake the cake for 30 to 40 minutes, until it springs back when lightly pressed in the center, and a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean.

8) Remove the cake from the oven, and set it on a rack to cool while you make the icing.

9) Sift the confectioners' sugar into a large mixing bowl, and set it aside.

10) In a small saucepan set over medium heat, melt the butter and add the buttermilk or yogurt. Dissolve the espresso powder in the hot water, add to the pan, and bring the mixture just to a boil.

11) Immediately pour the simmering liquid over the confectioners' sugar in the bowl, and beat till smooth.

12) Pour the warm frosting over the cake. If you wait too long and the frosting stiffens up, spread it over the cake.

13) Combine the chocolate chips, milk, and corn syrup in a microwave-safe cup. Microwave till the chips soften, then stir till smooth.

14) Drizzle/drip the chocolate over the icing. You can do this while the icing is still warm, or wait till it's cooled.

An ABC update!

I know it's been several months since I've posted so here is an unusual update with some highlights from these past months!

A- is for apples- pineapples! We live in Trinidad and it's so beautiful here! It doesn't matter where you live, there is beauty around you....learn to see it and appreciate it! When I lived in the rolling hills of Arkansas...I thought it would be so neat and beautiful to live by the ocean...and now I live on a tropical island and it's amazingly beautiful...but don't fail to see the beauty where you are!

B- is for birthdays- December has four birthdays in it! Dad had his birthday and I made the traditional sourdough chocolate cake! (It's really yummy! You should try it!) Silas turned 11. ELEVEN. I think personally that is a crime, but so is Nathan turning 20! What?! That's ridiculous! But we're not going to talk about my own precious little guy Miles turning 14!

C- is cherishing the moments and friends- Time seems to be flying by so quickly! And we are really learning to love the people here and make some very good friends. You have to learn to treasure the moments because they slip by so fast! Learn to appreciate the people in your life and be faithful so we'll all be together in heaven!

D- is for dengue- In early October there was a round of dengue that went through several of the students and was a little scary! Dengue is a mosquito borne tropical fever. A couple of the student were in the hospital with it, and let me just say that the hospital experience here and in the US is vastly different. Think carry your own sheets and pillow...waiting for half a day or longer to get a bed...But they survived and are well again. :) Life can be a precarious position. May we never forget that!

E- is for evangelism class-The class I'm taking this month is Personal Evangelism I. And it has been a really great class! How important personal evangelism is! It needs to become a way of thinking versus a scheduled time. And we must be prepared to give an answer. God loved us enough to send His son....we should love the souls around us enough to be ready to share God's love with them.

F- is for funerals- We attended two funerals and two wakes last week. Funerals always make me think and examine where I am. Are you ready to go right now? Do you have things you need to work on? Start now...life is too short! One of the funerals was a cremation (which is done outside in real time) and the other was a regular grave. It is the proper tradition in Trinidad to wait and watch while the gravediggers fill in the grave, then the family puts flowers on the grave... so we sang for over 30 minutes. It was beautiful somehow...the lady was a faithful Christian, and there was beauty in the sadness.

G- is for good food, good fellowships- Lately I've been learning some of the Trini dishes and that's been a real fun challenge for me! It's a lot of curry and spice, Indian food and roti...We've also attended several fellowships (potlucks) and it's such a wonderful time with the brethren...there's nothing quite like sharing a plate of food with a fellow Christian!

H- is for cHocolate- Well, of course chocolate had to be included...even if I haven't really had much lately...that chocolate cake doesn't count! Only dark chocolate counts! ;) Plus did you know that there are cocoa plants here? We've actually picked a couple pods and kinda sorta made our own chocolate! Cool, eh? :)

I- is for Isaiah- I'm talking about Isaiah Michael Purdom, not the book in the Bible...because I'm a real life Auntie now!!! He was born 7 September...and he's pretty cute! Wade and Leah look so great with him. :) It's amazing how babies create such beauty in adults! We get to see him on skype...and he's such serious little guy! Precious punkin! and he loves me of course! ;) He's at the adore Mummy stage..whenever Leah comes over he melts into a puddle of love! Hehe...

J-is for jet planes- Speaking of cute nephews...Mom went to the US for 8 weeks to be with Wade and Leah for the birth and also to help them move to Idaho where he has a preaching job. She had a wonderful trip and we while we were ok while she was gone, we were very glad when she came back! Jet planes...yep! They get you places!

K- is for keeping house- I helped a lot with keeping the house while Mom was gone...It's a lot of work and organization to run a working house for 8 people! But it was a good experience and I enjoyed it! :)

L- is for long distances- We live far away from our family and friends- but I'm thankful for modern conveniences like internet, skype and chat! And I'm thankful for those who put the effort into keeping up with us. :) I miss my grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins...:) But God has blessed us with computers, internet and such, so why should I complain?

M- is for music and singing- Music makes me happy! My sister playing piano the way she does makes me even more happy, but the happiest is singing. I marvel at God's plan for a capella singing! It's the only way. And I love to sing here....these people know how to sing!

N- is for Noah and the Ark- So...yeah...we name our vehicles...and we have a Toyota Noah...and so of course it's the Ark! We've been visiting several congregations so we've all piled into that small van and bumped along! And we've even carried people with us!

O- is for oceans- It's beautiful...that word seems flat when you try to describe the beauty and peacefulness of the ocean... but while we don't live on the ocean, I see it almost every day..and almost every night the sunset over the bay is so beautiful you have a tear. God is so good!

P- is for people- We've visited at least four new congregations recently and it's been great to keep meeting the Christians here. I love these people and this culture....it really gets into your blood!

Q- is for quiet- Two Sundays ago we went down La Brea side...down in south where it's bush, green, quiet, clear, fresh and peaceful. Since we live in the middle of a busy town the times out in places like that become precious. :)

R- is for reflection- 9 November was the anniversary for moving here... One year of living in Trinidad. It's been a great year too! Seems like it went super fast and slow all in the same breath; time is funny like that. But I'm very thankful for the time spent here. It's been good in so many ways.

S- is for school- Trinidad School of Preaching and Teaching. Dad teaches there some, Anna and Nathan are full time students, Emily and I are part time....and we've really enjoyed the experience so far. There are 16 other total students (4 in the second year class, 12 + Anna and Nathan in the first year class) and we've enjoyed getting to know them and helping them as we can. Two of them are from the island of Grenada, one is from Guyana, and two are from the US...;) We've had several limes by our house and we enjoy the fun and fellowship! (Limes are not a fruit in this instance...it's a get-together...coming and hanging out and they call it a lime! )

T- is for Thanksgiving- We had a very delightful Thanksgiving this year! And we shared it with some brethren which made it even better! We managed to find a turkey and trimmings and it was very delicious! We are blessed people! It was a great afternoon to share our traditions with the Trinis. :)

U- is for umbrellas- Gotta have your umbrella! It's been raining a lot lately! In fact flooding, landslips the whole scene! But there is always a rainbow somewhere after the rains....

V- is for victory- So here is something that will shock those who know me well- But I've discovered a sport I'm playably good at and enjoy! Yep, football! (soccer) We play up at school sometimes and just let me say that there was one time I kicked a goal...and it was sweet! haha...ok, that sounds really pathetic! Miles and Nathan really enjoy it and Miles is getting really good!

W- is for winter in the Caribbean- December and January is winter for the Caribbean and believe it or not, it's rather chilly to me at times...once you get used to certain temperatures, when they dip down several degrees it's chilly! Some of my siblings laugh, but I just put on my hooding and drink some cocoa! :)

X- is for eXams- The courses at school have been great! The exams have been a great challenge...and there have been many a late night at our house, burning the midnight candle and killing the midnight mosquito to prepare for those exams!

Y- is for yellow house across the street- We were invited to attend a function at our neighbors house. They are Hindu, so we waited till toward the end and just popped over- it was the 10 year memorial of the lady's husband's death. It was one of those unique experiences you store up to tell as a story later!

Z- is for "I'm the Alpha and the Omega"- God's power and providential care is everything. I see it daily and I'm eternally grateful for it. We don't have to wait for the sun to stand still to see the power of God. He works in our very lives as we are faithful to Him. May we never forget that He grants us each morning we are blessed with and promises sweet rest in Heaven at the end of the day. Never ever forget that.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Have a beautiful day!

:)

Full Time Sister

I know...it's been a while...like a LONG while! But we've been busy! A very good busy, and I'll post about that next. But right now...I have brothers on my mind...

N. Pl. Brothers:

1. A male having the same parents as another or one parent in common with another.

Well, I have 4 brothers. Ranging from 5 years older than myself to 14 years younger than myself! And I have a good and unique relationship with each one. I've been a full time sister for 25 years. And I love it! It's been an wonderful experience and I intend to keep it up, God spare life, for as many years as I'm granted. Oh, I know that time will change the face of each relationship, but the foundation will remain. Here are some thoughts....

One: Cook their favorite foods. I'm not saying the only way to man's heart is through his stomach. I am saying you should know and cook their favorites just because you love them and it's a way to show it. :) Yesterday I made egg drop soup for lunch because Silas loves that stuff. And last night for supper I made meatballs. Because Miles loves that meal! And you should have seen their faces! :)

Two: Listen to them. Sometimes that means listening about subjects that you may know little and understand less! Sometimes it's about silly stuff. But listen to them. You'll come to understand them and see things from their perspective.

Three: Sit with them (without expecting them to talk or pay much attention to you, it's about them!) Sometimes they don't want to talk. Sometimes they don't want you to talk! They just want to sit and let their minds be completely blank. If you ask them what they're thinking and they say "nothing", believe them! And just sit quietly with them.

Four: Be honest and never back down from the truth. They may get mad at you if their head is briefly messed up, but they will come around and see the light and hold on to the solidness of the truth you are standing for.

Five: Always love them. Even if it means tough love at times. They will never forget that love. Tell them you love them. They will love you back, even if they don't say it. Because boys love differently than girls.

Six: Cheer them on. Cheer for them when they do 10 dead hang chin ups, just as much as you cheer them on when they graduate from school. Just because you don't think something is your priority doesn't mean its not cheer-worthy!

Seven: Be happy with them. Be goofy, tell jokes and laugh at their jokes. Laugh for no reason...with them. :)

Eight: Help them stay focused on Heaven. Pray for them, encourage them, and most importantly, be faithful yourself. And practice agape love on them.

So...if you have brothers, start working or maintaining your relationship with them. It's vital to both of your lives. It's never to late to start.

I am so thankful for my brothers! <3

14 September 2011

I took some food up to the preaching school for my brother and sister's lunch. When we pulled up we could see a whole car full of people dressed very nicely in dark colours and Dad told me there was funeral service there later that morning. I looked down at my jean skirt and polo and realized how much of a frump I looked in comparison! I felt disrespectful somehow! But I greeted the sweet people as they sat there on the bench outside the building....shook the older gentleman's hand, kissed the cheek of this sweetheart older grandmother....dressed and coiffed to perfection. I found out that the funeral was for a lady from a congregation we attended twice before and I wasn't sure if I could remember her, but I did know the brethren so I decided to drop the food off and run back to the house, change and come back. So I did....I called my younger sister at the house and she ironed my black shirt for me. I did a record breaking clothes change, grabbed a purse from Mom's closet that looked a sight better than the grunge-green messenger bag I had been carrying...hopped in the car and Dad drove me back to the building. The cars were parked way down the road so he dropped me by the corner and I walked up to the building. The family was standing just inside the door by the open casket. One of the granddaughters was handing out the programs, but I don't remember that part to well, because as I looked at the casket, I realized that the sister who had died was one of the ladies that went door-knocking on a walkabout with us one night. She was 75 and fighting cancer at the time, but she still came and even though I only met her twice and spent maybe a total of 4 hours with her....I remembered her so vividly! There were so many people in attendance- As I sat in the pew and listened to the family remember their mother and grandmother, as scripture was read, as songs were sung and as the lesson was presented on the gospel plan of salvation, I was struck by how this woman's faithfulness effected so many! Words like generous, strong, gentle, faithful, willing, loving and compassionate were used over and over. One of her close friends and sisters in Christ read a beautiful memorial, and she was so touched that her daughters stood up beside her to give her strength and courage. It was touching and I learned the verse of weep with those who weep, right there. It was beautiful. A faithful Christian going home. And her family positively influenced and dedicated to stay strong by way of her.

The song Farther Along was lead and we sang it while people who wanted to could go and view the casket once more. We sang the whole song three times and the chorus more times than I remember, but I loved how the people were all so supportive! The emotions and caring was tangible. And then it was over...people quickly dispersed for the cemetery and I texted Dad for a ride back. While I was waiting I chatted with the students from the school and they asked me, "So have you ever been to a funeral on your birthday?" And I chuckled a little and said "No, never on my birthday" and smiled. But inside I was thinking about how little 25 years on this earth is compared to eternity; I was thinking about the number of people I've met and how I've influenced them. I was thinking about what would be said at my funeral!! What would be said at your funeral? It's good to think about those things: would they say faithful? Always cheerful? Or would they pick something else, oh, it would be good because you always focus on the good of people at funerals, but would there be an overflowing of faithfulness, inspiration to other to be so?

You might think it's a little strange or morbid, but I'm very thankful I went to a funeral on my birthday. It made me really think. Really check my priorities. We should take every opportunity to check ourselves and be sure we are going the way we should. To be faithful to God. That's the most important thing you can ever do in your life. Ever.

I'll probably always remember my 25th birthday- and the funeral of the woman I met only twice. Because she lived for God and encouraged me to be even more faithful, to be even more encouraging and to thank God for every day with which He blesses me.

Why thanks!

Have you ever thought about the blogging world? How vast it is? How my great-grandmother couldn't even understand the internet? Well, I have really enjoyed reading different blogs, learning about and from other people, being inspired and encouraged....

Marli tagged me and she has a really neat blog- and she's a sweet friend too! I remember when they came by us one Sunday afternoon and taught us the very fun game of Bananagrams! Aren't you glad for the capacity God gave us of memory? Thanks, Marli, for the award and thanks for keeping up! :)

The trick is to post seven things about myself and pass the award to fifteen other bloggers!

Seven things...hmm....

Number one: I love to cook.

Two- I've read Plutarch's Lives

3-I'm the third child in my family...

Four: I still enjoy playing in the rain!

Numbah five- I love children, and teaching children :)

Six- I love the ocean...even before I lived near it!

7- I serve a powerful and almighty God.

Aunt Chas

Julia

Mrs. Debbie

Linz

Abby

Naomi

Emily

Lindsey

Anna

Mrs. Joy

Have a beautiful week!

Lessons from children...

This last month we've been working a lot with children. You may have noticed a strain of my love for children...hehe...well it's true. I do love children and Trini children none the less! You can learn so much from them! Here are some thoughts and pictures of some sweet little babies....

Children are always watching you. And copying you, and thinking about how you do things in relation to themselves.

-Children cannot learn if their basic needs are not met-

(food, drink, attention)

-Children learn fast-

-Children are bright!-

Children see beauty in unusual things, places and people. Why do adults lose their eyesight?

Kids will always say what their parents say. No matter what it is.

Children are what their parents are by default, until the age of accountability.

It's incredible what a difference even just a little attention and discipline will make in a child.

Even just a little!

Polite and well-mannered children are a joy!

And you can start when they are babies.

-Children of all walks of life are capable of respecting their elders.-

Kids don't need the latest technology to be happy and entertained. Have you ever seen a 7 year old boy walk on his hands for 6-8 feet?

Or played Mother May I with 10 little kids?

~Children sing from their heart~

~Children are a blessing from God~

I didn't "learn" that this month, but this little guy was such a joy, I had to include his picture!!

You can expect more than you think from children.

Sometimes little girls are better at making things like crafts, etc. But you haven't lived until you hear the sincere prayer of a little boy thanking God for a snack.

Children love Jesus. It's so simple!

-Children can memorize scripture-

Children understand that if Noah had used coconut wood, or any other wood except Gopher wood, the ark would not have worked. It's about simply obeying God's word to the letter. Why do adults complicate the Scriptures?

"Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall in no wise enter therein. "

Luke 18:17

Random, I know...but I was just shocked!

I admit to enjoying several Disney "princess" movies...but only the good old ones...Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, etc. And I really like Beauty and the Beast and Sleeping Beauty. And I tend to burst into random choruses from either one!

I also enjoy very much listening to classical music. The other night while on a Tchaikovsky bash, I was listening without paying much attention until bam! It started playing Once Upon A Dream!! So while I scrambled to find the right tab, there it was- The waltz from Tchaikovsky's Sleeping Beauty Ballet! Knock me over with a broom straw!

(you're going to be singing this now!!)

Did YOU know this random little fact?!

That they may train the young women...

For the last 6 to 7 weeks, Dad has been doing a class on church leadership at one of the congregations in south. While Dad spoke to the men, Mom did a class for the ladies.

She focused her class on what woman can do to be better elders, and deacons wives. She looked at the examples of Eve, Sarah, Rebekah and Abigail. Also several ladies from Acts. With every example she asked "What can we learn to be a better elder's wife or deacon's wife?"

Things like:

*Submissiveness is very simple. It's Satan and self that make it difficult. (I love my Mom so much! She has a whole pocket full of old sayings and phrases...she raised us on them! But she pulled a new one on me! She said in summing up submission- "There gotta be chiefs, and there gotta be indians." And she is so right. If we follow God's instruction and rely fully on Him, so many issues would be cleared up!)

*Women are vital to the church. Without faithful women, there can be no elders or deacons.

*Mothers should be training their sons to be elders and deacons.

*Mothers should be training their daughters to be elder's wives and deacon's wives!

*God's role for women must be maintained, the results are less than God's standard when the boundaries are crossed.

*Being a wife and mother is the highest "job" a woman can have. God designed the woman for that precise purpose.

*Satan is going to try to get at Christian ladies however he can. We must be standing strong!

The conclusion Mom made was taken from Titus 2:5 "to be sober-minded, chaste, workers at home, kind, being in subjection to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed:"

When we are living our lives as Christian ladies, loving our husbands, children, teaching, being sober, responsible, etc. We cause the Word of God to work and not be put to shame! And to put that in reverse, when we aren't living with in our God given roles, we are blaspheming the Word of God!

Let's each help each other as we walk the path to heaven in our beautiful role as women for God. :)

14° 02 North and 60°58 West- St. Lucia, West Indies

Sometimes when we go to a beautiful place we see things like this....

And this....

Or this.

And we forget all about things like this:

Or this......

And this.



Not big things, not bad things. Just people. Who need God.

A little thought from Tolkien

My whole family loves to read...and lately we've had "The Fellowship of the Ring" floating around the house and we all take turns reading it and enjoying it together. We do crazy things like walk into the room and announce trivia questions like "How did Oin die" and "How many days was it from the time Frodo was stabbed to the time he got to Rivendell" and "How did Gandalf make his signiture "G" ? Things like that...and while we enjoy the movie, we still love to read the book and discuss it! :)

I ran across a passage the other day and I wanted to share it, because it has a really good principle. (and by the by, Gandalf and Frodo share this conversation in the mines of Moria in the movie, where as it's proper place is in chapter 2, The Shadow of the Past.)

Gandalf is telling Frodo the history of the ring and as Frodo begins to see the import of the matter this comes up:

"I wish it need not have happened in my time," said Frodo. "So do I," said Gandalf, "and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us."

Using our time wisely. It's not about what happens to us, it's about how we react to the events in our lives. I find that principle to be intriguing, and challenging. At least for me it's an ever present attitude choice: how am I going to react to the situation with which I'm faced. Will it be with a Christian spirit and a graceful attitude, or will it be out of passing emotions and lashing out?

So it's just a thought. And you could do so much more with this.

How are you deciding to use your time?

"I held a jewel in my fingers..."

~Sometimes its good for you to hold something beautiful in your hand and wonder at the design-

how something so simple can be so be so beautiful~

Eight little girls in little plaid dresses...

Thursday was my last day to teach at the Government school. It was kinda sad...I probably won't ever see those little girls again! But I do know that they heard some good, solid Bible truths, and I hope that they can remember at least some of it for the future. The power of influence is great and far reaching- I hope I never forget that!

Every other time we taught inside, but as they were preparing for graduation, we taught out under the trees! My group usually had one other boy, but he was hiding!

They are sweet little girls...They always touch my heart!

:)

Here are some of the funny things they said through the course of the seven weeks I taught them:

"Ah miss, do you have children?"

"Miss, are you an actress?"

"Miss, you are real, real white!"

"Are you from England?"

"Miss, since you live in Trinidad, dat make you ah Trini!"

And that doesn't count the all the little snatches of conversation as they told me about their lives, siblings, dogs, cousins and neighbors! I love it! :) I'm going to miss it.

"Ah miss, I remember Eli! He de judge with de bad sons!"

Today marks 6 weeks of teaching the R/I (Religeous Instruction) class at a primary government school here in Trinidad. I teach about 6 girls, ages 9-11, my sister Anna teaches a similar number of 8-10 year olds and my sister Emily teaches a class of 5-7 year olds!

It has been such a good experience teaching these young children. There has been the challenge of culture, a little language, and disciplinary differences. But they are eager to learn the Bible and soak up the stories and truths like little sponges. Some listen well, other take a little more work!

When we moved we brought a few visual aids for teaching; space was limited but the few we brought are fairly versatile. Mom's felts are great! But even so, I needed something for the story of I Samuel 26- Saul chasing David, David sneaking into Saul's camp, sparing his life and stealing Saul's spear, to sum it up!

One rule I've found- Children don't have to have fancy stuff for the story to come alive to them!

So here is what I made- I used just a yellow card stock paper 8 1/2 by 11, white scrap paper, sharpies, coloured pencils and tape. I drew and cut out the pieces, rolled tape on the backs and carried them to class on the back of one of my other laminated visuals. I then taped them to the yellow paper as I told the story. The tape was just un-sticky(from all the handling) enough that the moving around part of the story worked ok. Ideally I would cover these in contact paper and make magnets so it could be used again. (I may do that still!) The children loved it and listened the best yet!

The Word of God is powerful even when teaching children. It's good to help the children really see and understand the Bible truths through tasteful visual aids. But they simply don't have to be productions. A little creativity, a little simple art and some work can go a long way, especailly if you live in a place where that's necessary. (Just a little note, if you're not good at art, then brush up on it! You would be surprised how much it would help in a number of ways!)

I'm sure there are lots of ideas and helpful sites online, plus there are several websites and stores within the brotherhood to help too. Let's take advantage of all our resources and instill in our children, and those we come in contact with the wonderful Word of God.

And that from a babe thou hast known the sacred writings which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. II Timothy 3:15

Some Homespun Wisdom

My father was raised on a farm in Missouri and in turn reared his children on a small farm in Arkansas. He can tell some really neat stories about his adventures and experience. Many life lessons are learned living the way he did- life and death, hard work, profit and loss, the 'chance' of weather etc. In his Bible class Sunday as he taught on parenting and family, he used an illustration that really caught my attention:

"What would have happened if Adam had grabbed a hoe and chopped that snake that was bothering his wife?"

I smiled a little smile, because it sounds a little funny, but it's true. It's the question of our God-given freedom of choice. Every day we're faced with the choice of whether or not to follow God, whether or not to sin, whether or not to be the parent, sibling, or child we should be. That sounds so simple, and the principle is simple, but carrying it out is the hard work. But it's doable work, never forget that.

We have so many beautiful passages of promise about resisting Satan and choosing God. Hold on to these, hide them in your heart and never give up.

"Be subject therefore unto God; but resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you..." -James 4:7-8

"And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out." -Genesis 39:12

"For we have not a high priest that cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but one that hath been in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore draw near with boldness unto the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and may find grace to help us in time of need." -Hebrews 4:15-16

I'm thankful for the wisdom of my heavenly Father and for the blessing of the wisdom of my physical father.

Another snapshot....

"And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so. And God called the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas: and God saw that it was good." Genesis 1:9-10

Living on this island with so many new to my eyes examples of God power in creation, has truly influenced my perspective. I grew up in the middle of the US, far far away from any ocean. And now I live within a kilometer of ocean and it effects our everyday life. I'm still learning about appreciating all this.

Sewing project

I sewed some little skirts for a lady we know in the church here....She needed some help and you know how I love to sew! And if you didn't, I do! :) I had about as much fun planning and shopping for the fabric as I did creating them! They are super simple: just plain gathered skirts. But with just a little extra effort you can make them really cute! I did a drawstring waist so they will fit any little girl...plus I added the pockets. :) A patch pocket is cute yes, but these little pockets just grabbed me and made me sew them!! I actually altered a pattern I found here. For all you "better at colour than me" people (you know who you are!!) I realize the purple pattern and the yellow are the weakest link, but I needed to only buy one contrasting colour and that's the best I had to work with! I really like all the colours...it makes me want to branch out myself!!

The sizes are about 8-10, 4 T and 18 month...

I was able to get one skirt of each size out of every colour of fabric. And I bought two yards of each! So that worked out really nice!

Do you see that precious popkin skirt there, the little baby one? The one that is so adorable that I could cry? Yeah, that was my favorite to make...and I can just see some sweet little Trini baby girl toddling around in it....Can't you?!

So that's my latest sewing project!

A snap shot...

Sunsets are so beautiful here...It must be the ocean, or maybe it's the latitude....or maybe it's just God's beauty here for us to enjoy. :)

“Nobody of any real culture, for instance, ever talks nowadays about the beauty of sunset. Sunsets are quite old fashioned. To admire them is a distinct sign of provincialism of temperament."

~Oscar Wilde~

Happy Mother's Day!

I hope everyone had a beautiful Mother's day! I'm very blessed to have the mother I have- She's so many wonderful things, but the most important part is that she is a faithful Christian! Everyday I'm seeing more and more how rare that is. My I constantly be learning and growing to be a good mother myself some day Lord willing!

"Grace is deceitful, and beauty is vain; But a woman that feareth Jehovah, she shall be praised."

Proverbs 31:30

“I regard no man as poor who has a godly mother.” Abraham Lincoln

~Heart~

This is my sister Anna. Here is a list of just 10 things she is:

(the list could be much longer of course!)

1. CUTE!

2. Funny....she has a way with words that keeps me pretty much in stitches.

3. A good picture taker- er...photographer. Sometimes I hold her lens cap for her. :)

4. A good computer helper person...she pretty much does everything computer-wise for me. Except I taught her to put pictures on her blog!!

5. She's one of my best friends.

6. She's a strong Christian and I'm blessed daily by having her in my life!

7. She makes me laugh....and helps me not be an old lady bump!

8. The person who sleeps on the bunk above me....hehe...and we have some good times! :)

9. A wonderful friend to have. <3

10. My sister and I love her!

"In the cookies of life, sisters are the chocolate chips."

Time for an update!

About April- *pant pant*

What a month! It was good, but busy was redefined!!

To start with....

Our whole family attended the sign language class at the Trinidad School of Preaching. It started bright and early at 7:30 am Monday through Friday. It's a bit of a challenge to get 9 people ready to leave at 7:00 am, but we made it! We all really enjoyed the class and have since then had lots of fun with the signing....sheds a whole new light on family 'code talking'!

On a more serious note, we were attending an island wide church function and there were 4 deaf ladies there and I was able to have a little conversation with them- it was very neat! I was a little intimidated, but Naomi and I were together and we really enjoyed it once we got into it! Even if I forgot a simple sign and had to ask Naomi!! You know most deaf people can read lips very well and they could see me asking and they got a big laugh out of that! :)

The second big thing was Dad teaching the Personal Evangelism part 2 class at the school. His part was to take them out and do actual door knocking and studies. Emily, Anna, Nathan and I joined the students of the school for that class every afternoon. It went very well- you really get to know each other working together like that. There can be so much good encouragement and memories from doing field work like that. And of course the people we talked to...we worked in a lower income area and you could feel the different flavour of the people there. Some were willing to talk, others not interested at all. Most times the people are polite, even really nice! But other times it can be a little discouraging! The days went by fast and it was a good experience especially for the students we worked with.

So we had that on top of the usual Sunday worship, (Oh, and Dad is also doing a series of Sunday morning class on Home and Family at the La Romaine congregation!) mid-week Bible class and the usual interaction we have with the folks here. It was good to be busy and focused on something so specific. And we made lots of good memories, I love my family! :)

So that was April! Now it's May and we're back to a more usual routine for us. I'm getting all in gear to do some more sewing, so that'll be coming soon! :)

Have a wonderful month!

This is Kimone, one of the deaf ladies. :)

some thoughts on courage

When you live in the mission field you see and hear all sorts of new things. Some funny and interesting, some terrible and heartbreaking. Yesterday I heard an older sister in the Church here say in refrence to her conversion many years ago, "My husband say I leave you if you get baptized." She didn't say how the story turned out, whether her husband left her or not, but she was baptized, she remains a faithful Christian, raised several faithful children and has faithful grand children now. I don't know anything about the husband....if he was ever converted. But this I know- she had courage.

Do we have that same kind of courage? Would we risk our husband leaving us to obey the gospel? Do we have the courage to stand up for what is right? What about such issues as modesty, purity, discretion, and faithfulness?
Not every courageous act is as heroic sounding as this woman standing up to her husband. Sometimes it is simply standing for the truth as a family; with the knowledge and experience of being alone sometimes. Perhaps its modesty- and not only modest apparel, but modest words and actions.

I'm thinking as I type this out, "Why do we always get on these modesty and propriety speeches?! Let's learn this lesson, girls, let's learn it!!" But then I must remind myself that Satan is out there, he's got the world and he's after us! (to quote Br. Harrub from fb) We've got to be courageous, we've got to stand for the right, because the world will not, and God is depending on us to do the job.

There are times that I'm brought to tears when I see and hear what the brethren do here to be Christians. And I'm both inspired and encouraged to do better, and shamed and rebuked in my failings. I know I can do better; I know we all can.

"These things have I spoken unto you, that in me you may have peace; In the world ye have tribulation; but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."

John 16:33

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Happy Birthday, Mom!!

Yesterday was Mom's birthday.....I love doing birthdays! It's been fun finding new things to do here in Trinidad- It's been good for us to stretch our minds and find new things....but don't worry, there was still lots of singing and no work for Mom and more singing, and the birthday variations on the piano, and more singing....:) So I baked her a cake, we played a game together and generally had a wonderful time together!

I'm very thankful for my Mom. :) She's a wonderful woman and I'm honored to have her in my life. If you live by your mother go hug her or call her or something! :)

Two Little Girls

I had two funny and neat conversations last week with two little girls. They are both around 10 years of age, from the same congregation and have spent enough time with me to be comfortable enough to talk to me! I can understand their shyness...what would you do if you weren't used to seeing white people except on TV and a whole bunch of them came and were there and...*gasp* talked to you!!! I love talking to the children here- their big brown eyes, peering over their little brown hands, covering their mouths in a gesture of bashfulness....their whispered name and age...:)

Ok, the first conversation was with Precious. Precious is a popular name for girls here! I think it's precious! Teehee...;)

We were sitting on a bed chatting and she was admiring and touching my curly hair.

Precious: "Your hair so pretty! It so soft and curly!"

Me: "Thank you, Precious! I think your hair is pretty too! I like your cane rows!"

Precious: *blush and plays with barrets on her plats*

Second conversation is with Sharice, a few minutes later. (she didn't hear the previous conversation)

Sharice: "When de las time you go to de beauty shoppe?!"

Me: "Oh, I just do my hair myself!"

Sharice: "Oh! You need to go real bad! Your hair lookin real shabby!"

Me: "Well, I kinda like it this way!"

Sharice: "It need plated- maybe even a wig!"

Me: *bursting with laughter inside* Oh really?! Well, I don't know! I think I'll just keep it this way!"

Isn't it funny, how the way you are raised influences your thinking? I smile at these girls...they're cute, they have a fresh perspective and they're funny. :) And they have beautiful little heads of black hair in cane rows and plates with little colorful barrets. <3

"Conscience of benefit received"

All this week I've been thinking about how blessed I am. It's so easy to get carried away with stuff and forget.

Tomorrow is the Memorial service of a dear sister in Christ. Her name is Shauna and she went Home last Saturday and I've been thinking about her family all week. About her sisters, about the family she left behind. I can break down and weep with just the thought of losing one of my sisters; I can't imagine the pain of the actual event. The power of influence is far reaching and I've been influenced by this strong Christian woman and her family. It makes you think. It makes you count your blessings.

Sometimes it's good to write them down, to meditate on them and truly thank God for all you have in your life.

So here is my list:

*Salvation through Christ. The ultimate sacrifice of Jesus giving His perfect life for the world of sinners.

* My family- Both of my parents are living, I have three wonderful brother still living at home, I have my three best sisters sharing a room with me, I have a great oldest brother and sister-in-law and baby on the way! Part B of this is a wonderful relationship with each member of my family. :)

* Since I live in Trinidad, I'm very thankful for modern technology to keep up with people all over the world.

* My friends, extended family and Christian family- all over the world as they are.

* I have a safe place to rest. A snug roof over my head and mosquito netting for my bed. I know people who have neither.

* Good water

* Good food

* Shoes on my feet, clothes in my closet

......you can see how the list goes on. This is just the tip of the ice burg so to speak. I'm blessed beyond measure!

So I encourage you to count your blessing and also pray for the Heck and Morton families. Especially tomorrow.

The Importance of being Ernest

Tonight Dad and Mom had an engagement so we kids had a fun evening together.

It went something like this....

It started out with breakfast for supper. Biscuits, gravy, bacony eggs and peach jam. Simple but very tasty. We all love a good breakfast for supper!

Next, Anna got some music going and we did the dishes. Some might call dishes a chore, but when we're all in the kitchen, working together and singing together...it's fun! You should try it sometime!

Oh and don't forget the part where Naomi plays the annoying part of the Netherfield Ball from Pride and Prejudice...Starting with "My mother bids me bind my hair...." and ending with a brilliant rendition of the Turkish Rondo! How does she manage that?!

"Let's play a game!!" And whist was the choice- yeah, that's a new one we've learned! It takes an even number of people and there are only seven of us. So. We have a problem, Houston! *drum roll please* Nathan to the rescue! *dum ta dum!!* He'll just split his amazing personality and be two people at once! (I helped him with the name) So Anna, Miles, Naomi and Nathan were on one team and Emily, Silas, myself and Ernest were on the second! We all sat at the table and had a blast! Let me just insert that Nathan's team and Ernest's team both won! What's with that?! ;)

(I wish you could have seen him hopping up, trotting to one chair to be Nathan, then running back around to be Ernest!! Hehe...he's cute!)

So then we watched a move and had a nice relaxing evening together. :) I know we're crazy but I love my family and I'm so thankful we can have so much fun and good times together!!

"Bingo!!" "Scrabble!" -You would have had to have been there!!! ;)

A facelift...

I did something new last weekend! I've always been interested in recovering chairs....just never tried it! The chairs that were here when we moved have quite a story...It started back in the 1960's when one of the first missionaries to Trinidad moved here and set up housekeeping, which included a 6 piece dining room set. That same table and chairs passed down through at least three missionary couples and now us. Dad did some shoring up work, inserting pegs and glue- and we girls recovered them. I think that's kinda neat...all that history in a set of chairs...anyway! It was very easy and quite a bit of fun...I love working with my sisters! :)

Here is the original chair....

Just pull out the staples....

Staple on the new!

Tada! Doesn't it look good? Mom found this material...I think it looks real nice.

:)

What are you thinking?!

We went to this tiny little congregation this afternoon that meet in a 10 by 25 foot room next to a automotive store. There were 13 members there plus us 9.....it was a neat experience, very humbling and makes you appreciate so many things. The lesson tonight was especially thought provoking- I want to share my notes with you- and ask you to think about it too.

The title of the lesson was "Checks from the neck up" (if that seems a little different, just think cultural differences.)

The mind is like a well. What goes into it will be drawn up.

"Have this mind in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, existing in the form of God, counted not the being on an equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men; and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, becoming obedient even unto death, yea, the death of the cross. Wherefore also God highly exalted him, and gave unto him the name which is above every name; that in the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven and things on earth and things under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

Philippians 2:5-10

Three check ups for our minds-

I) Set our minds. Colossians 3:1-2- "Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are upon the earth."

We need to be sure our minds are focused on the right things. II Corinthians10:4-5

II) Renew our minds. -The old one is taken away and you get a new one. Romans 12:2-3

Matthew 15:18- "But the things which proceed out of the mouth come forth out of the heart; and they defile the man. "

Ephesians 4:22-24 - "and put on the new man, that after God hath been created in righteousness and holiness of truth."

III) Gird our minds. Gird means to put on the right garments.

Luke 12:35

When we gird our minds properly we will understand why we are on the earth: to be servants.- John 13:3-5

Philippians 2:7 and I Peter 1:13-15

As Christians we must know what is right and what is wrong. And do it.

Be holy in all manner of living. I Peter 1:15- "but like as he who called you is holy, be ye yourselves also holy in all manner of living"

What you store up there [the mind] is what you show the brethren.

And the end of the matter is this:

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Philippians 4:8

What are you thinking?

I know this is very simple, but upon reflection of the passages we must all be challenged to examine ourselves, and keep our minds pure and on the right track. There is so much out there, Satan is so alive and anxious to entrap us. Let us not grow weary in renewing our minds and living Christ-like lives this week.

Have a great week!