Simple Brilliance in Little Hearts

I am reflecting tonight, on a wonderful day with two darling 4yr old girls. We did nothing special, but they are very special.

I had to pick up some documents and deliver to my husband; so, they rode along. Boring? Not if you have "car blankets" and a Barbie movie (which inspired side-ponytails for both.)  By the time we made it home, it was warm enough to roam around outside and find some amazing twigs for a fun craft. Now, to venture inside and play Dr./Vet (depending on which comes out of the toy box, doll or animal.) 

Did you know it is not the value or popularity of toys in a toy box at Mrs. Mary's?  It is more the "Art of the Hunt."  For a theologian, there is great satisfaction from diligent research of an inspiring literary masterpiece or historical artifact.  The dissection and study of the language, culture and era all deeply intertwined.  It is equally satisfying for a young child's heart to go through a mature mama's junk drawer, or toys held over from her own kids' early years.  Those treasures can be discovered, inspected, discussed and pondered with the awe!  The discovered items might be carefully protected for future use, or tossed as an artifact to be later researched for its past importance and current relevance. 

As we approached lunchtime, we started to watch Strawberry Shortcake and do the puzzle - no this is too MUCH! Let's get out our lunches and sample Mrs. Mary's crackers with peanut butter and Nutella!  Now, when we usually take rest, we absolutely have to start our valentine and twig craft!!!  But first, let's learn that we are doing this to remind us that we should love others because our very first love ever came from God! L said: "my daddy told me that's a verse ."  Alright darling girls, let these dry and you go rest a bit. This lasted about 30 minutes - sort of. 

Finally, I let them inch their way toward their baby dolls who needed exams and cuddles. I suggested, a half hour later, if they clean up their toys and play outside for a bit before we leave. Oh my, did the toy box fill up fast, what fun!   We picked up a big kid (Zach) from school. C said: "Hey I know him, he's my friend from church!" L said: that is Zachary Stevens, Mrs. Mary's son."  We sadly took one of the darlings home, and headed back to my place, where we stayed outside until we saw her mommy drive up.  

Childhood friends are special y'all.  First of all, you don't have to know each that well, and you can still play nice together.   You may be a little older than the other (or younger.)   One 4 year old will seldom ever ask the other who she or he voted for or what their position is in a current media event.   Their focus is who has a sick mommy and can we pray for her - OR - What is the other child's daddy doing for work - or - where are Mrs. Mary's big kids and will Hannah still be their babysitter when she goes to college.  The most important thing to them today, is if they are both healthy enough to play together and how they will share the day together.  The important matter is we can learn from toddlers and preschool kids. You don't have to agree on a show, or what you will play at the moment. You can take turns or compromise and still have a day filled with wonder. Let us never let that go!  It takes some people years of intense study and research in deep theology to miss the most basic concept.  We should play nice, be good, think of others, not be selfish and realize we love, because God first loved us. 

We all expect kids to watch us and learn from us; and,  even if we don't, they ARE watching and will be a reflection of what they see in us (that's deep.)  I, for one, choose to turn things around for a moment and learn from the most innocent among us.  They want their friends to want what they have.  They want to have fun and are excited to see each other.  When they have a particularly happy time, they instinctively wish they could somehow share it with their family and friends. 

My final thought is this:  I have seen time-out work wonders, and my insistence for them to be "nice" is received and attempted.  Even when two very young children disagree strongly on what they should play or watch next, we can basically come to an agreement and move forward with our happy lives in a very short time.  We usually have no outbursts or hurt feelings; and, never are hard feelings harbored so deeply the children no longer want to come together again.  To the contrary, no matter what their time before has been, they always prepare for their next visit together with excitement, and joyful anticipation! 

This is simple brilliance learned from little hearts; and, makes me want to be better.  Thank you L&C, you gave me plenty to ponder on this special day.

Costa Rica 2016 - Our First Mission Advenuture

Well, the last time we communicated was before the big Costa Rica mission trip; as we were working to earn, and receiving your generous offerings toward our trip.  We tried to get thank you cards to each and every one of you, but are sure we missed some.  So, to start, we are deeply appreciative of every single prayer, offering and word spoken over our June, 2016 mission trip to Costa Rica.  We went in a group of 25 to serve with The Abraham Project.  The orphanage and school there is just so exciting to see.  Children are either orphaned, or have been removed from dangerous situations.  The work we did while there was to help clear the land for a new building phase and host a VBS for those sweet little kids.   We want to share with you what your gift of sending us meant to us, and to our spiritual growth this year.

The most significant miracle and God encounter might have happened before we even boarded a plane.  This trip was not cheap; and our family sent two teenagers.  Hannah was the first to express a deep desire to go.  Her heart felt a tugging and she confided in mom that she knows she will be working with children in her future just as she has most of her teenage life.  She continued to believe if God truly is calling her, he will absolutely provide the way.  She accepted every babysitting job and they both worked every event to which they were invited.  When they wrote a letter to friends and family, countless cousins, grandparents, friends and accuaintances stepped in to provide and to pray.  However, it did not come fast or easy.  The week before our 1st financial deadline the kids only had $25.00 between the two of them.  This did not bother them in the least.  Mom told the kids we could help, but they must also look at a very real possibility that the monies won't all come.  They said with their 12.50 each.  It's fine, Mama.  We know God's got this.  If we are meant to go, the money will come.  If it doesn't, then this was not our time - but it's in God's hands.  With their feet out over Jordan the flight money came in three days through paychecks and donations.  $2400!!!

What a beautiful testimony of not only God's provision, but the faithfulness of his saints.  They have had leaders pour into them from birth and the fruit is ripening each day.  For Hannah, this was an Aha moment.  She could not stop laughing as she expressed how she believed and he really really did provide.  Her relationship with our LORD was somehow changed the day she learned the money came.  Her gratitude to those sending her would never be enough; and her knowledge of Jehovah Jireh had never been greater.  This was a turning point in her living for God; and, walking with God.  For parents, little else will be more special than that.  The kids still had to raise another 1400 for the trip expenses, but this seemed insignificant because of their knowledge that it would come.  And the week before they left, they had donors from all over sending in until they had nearly 1,000 OVER their trip cost which hopefully fulfilled those last bits the other travelers were lacking to pave the way.

As our family saw God call our kids and provide for our kids, we realized they were totally in His care.  We had not one worry while they were gone.  The children were so darling and grateful for every little song and craft they did.  Jacob said it was great being with the kids; and the way they interacted with the teens was confirmation that this trip and their servanthood was making an impact.  Prayer was a major theme for the week and for Jacob this was powerful.  They were worshipping together at the beginning of the week and he had a prayer; but fear held him back.  This became a burden to him, so when they were in a prayer group Jake asked for prayer to release him from this fear.  He got help and prayer from his friends, and later went to his youth Pastor J.D. to ask for prayer over this burden.  "The next few days, I was more open to pray and I tried not to let my fear stop me from humbling myself before God and just opening up to Him.  I've learned it doesn't matter if your prayer is pleasant to other people's ears, it is pleasant to God and He hears you and will bless you."

So, for the impact God made through us we are eternally thankful; and, for the impact this had on our lives we can never thank you enough.  We understand more than ever the meaning of "God Bless you as you give."

You can follow the kids at Elevate Student Ministry of Christ Church Nashville.
To learn more about the Abraham Project you can follow them here:  www.abrahamproject.org  they also have a Facebook page.