A Merry Gathering

The other day I was sitting around a tiny table, in a tiny chair, with some of my little 4 year old bff’s. They are so cute! This day was a little different, because we had a newcomer to class – a 2.5 year old little sweetie from Korea. As we sat around that table, I observed something. 

This small group of four 4 year olds and our new friend come from literally all around the world. We found the country of South Korea on the map first. Then we spun the globe a little to the right and found Hawaii, where twin girls in our class are from. Then we spun the globe a little more to find Oregon, where little Joy is from. We swung right again and found Switzerland, where sweet Lily is from. 

This is one of the amazing things about serving at a training base like YWAM Tyler. We get to have a multicultural experience right here in East Texas! On a daily basis, I hear different languages and accents – Italian, Korean, and Hawaiian – just in our little classroom! And another cool thing is seeing God’s creativity reflected in these small humans that have come from all over the world.

(Our little Korean 2 year old feels like she’s come face to face with some blond Disney princesses! It’s amazing to witness her wonder at a new country and culture!)

Neil and I still find it hard to believe that we get to do this full time! For this particular season, Neil is helping staff the School of Evangelism (SOE) and teaching Chemistry at the kid’s school, Christian Heritage School. I am serving full-time in the preschool that cares for the children of our DTS (discipleship training school) & SOE (school of evangelism) children. Nolan continues working at Chick-Fil-A, and the other 6 kids are in school (this is the first time in 18 years that I don’t have a small sidekick of my own!).

We are surrounded by the best family & friends that love and support and pray for us! We’re blessed! Please continue to pray for this school, and for our family as we serve together here! Coming soon: news on an upcoming outreach!

Hello to all of our family, friends, and followers!  Does anyone ever wonder where the phrase “Dog Days” comes from?  I actually had to look it up.  Apparently it originated with the Greeks and refers when the dog star Cirus was brightest in the night sky.  And what time of year was that?  During the punishingly hot summer.  And has this summer ever been punishing in Texas!  I believe East Texas has logged over 40 100-degree days this summer including a record breaking 107 degree day.  All of this with very little rain has resulted in drought-like conditions.  Absolutely brutal.  I don’t know how anyone survived here before air conditioning!  Anyways, let me recap the last couple of months and share the exciting news for our next adventure this fall.

Amy’s year-in-travel has looked a lot like mine last year.  She’s been in and out of town several times for both ministry and personal reasons.  She and Savana (more on her later) spent some time in the Dominican Republic in April helping to lead a DTS (Discipleship Training School) outreach.  In case you’re wondering how I survived her absence, we were all blessed to have aunt Lisa visit for a couple of weeks to help with the logistics of running the household.  So thank you…thank you…thank you to my sweet sister!

As Amy and Savana returned they hit the ground running, with Savana finishing the school year and Amy and I preparing for one of the biggest events our family had yet celebrated…Nolan’s graduation from Christian Heritage School!  What a special time it was to have Grammie and Amy’s sister’s family visit and celebrate with us.  We soon after travelled to Michigan to further celebrate Nolan with family and friends at his open house.  What fun it was to see the outpouring of love for him and our family!  If you’re reading this and you were there, we’re so glad you joined us!

Nolan, Landon and I quickly turned around back to Texas and back to work, while Amy stayed in Michigan with the rest of the kids so they could spend a few more days with Savana before she headed to college.  Wait a minute…COLLEGE?  I said I’d have more about Savana and her whirlwind year…and a dream come true!  Her next adventure was to join a group of high schoolers at Hillsdale College and set out for England and France to take a class about Winston Churchill and WWII.  And if y’all know anything about Savana, France is and has been her “thing” for quite awhile.  She had the time of her life experiencing Europe, and she may or may not already want to live there.  I don’t think any of us were surprised.

Shortly after Amy returned to Texas, she turned right around back to Michigan (I told you she travelled A LOT) for a dear friend’s wedding and to retrieve Savana from her globetrotting, before heading back to Texas.  So we all settled in together for our busiest season of the year, right?  Nope.  True to this year’s form, Amy (this time with Nolan) got to serve a group of teenagers for a week in July on outreach to New Orleans by cooking for them.

So now we find ourselves just a matter of weeks from the completion of staffing the DTS lecture phase, and it has been CRAZY busy!  Now that the kids have started school again, another layer of logistical maneuvering has been added to our plates.  But the Lord is faithful, and the answers and provision and energy are always there for us.  

Now for the BIG news for this fall…wait for it…wait for it…Amy and I (along with our kids, minus Nolan) will be leading a DTS outreach team to Lebanon for a month and then to Bemidji, Minnesota for two weeks!  We’re so excited to engage with people in the Sidon and Beirut region and to share the Gospel and love of Jesus through community outreach, education and skills development, food distribution, children’s ministry, and general relationship building with refugees!  Our time in Minnesota will primarily be devoted to facilitating a Vacation Bible School at a small church on the Leech Lake Reservation.  Please believe with us for safety, favor, open doors, and open hands as the Lord uses us for His purposes and His glory!

As usual, we appreciate all of the prayer we can get as we continue to disciple the DTS students through the remainder of the lecture phase and outreach.  If you have any questions at all or want to learn more about what the Lord has done, is doing, future plans (as far as we know) for our family, or how you can partner with us, we encourage you to reach out to us!  We love y’all…God Bless!

Neil

The end of Family DTS outreach in November always brings a season of transition – this season we were anticipating pioneering Family Ministry at YWAM Tyler. The Freemans have been at YWAM Tyler since 2012, and this has been a dream of theirs for all this time! We’re so thankful to be a part of it’s birth here. But we didn’t know the details of what this ministry would look like. January and February have been full of seeking the Lord and obediently following the Lord in His leading. Here’s what family ministry has entailed so far…

– Pancake breakfasts in each of the student dorms. Sunday mornings became a time to bring “home” to the dorms in the form of hot breakfast. Even typing this out, the temptation to think “this is so small. Does it even matter or make a difference?” The Word is clear – the answer is YES!

– Continuing to grow and sow into the CHSFA (Christian Heritage School Family Association) – creating community and a sense of family in the school body.

– Neil is teaching Algebra 2 at CHS – connecting & discipling teens through math!

– Starting a MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group on base, that ministers to both YWAM mamas and mama’s outside of our base as well! We’ve been met with great enthusiasm! Our group already includes 15 moms, plus quite a few mentor moms! Childcare is a BIG need here – please pray for God to bring along a small team of people to meet this need.

– Hosting Home Group Bible Studies weekly – this is an awesome way to study the WORD that is simple, requires almost zero prep (just get that coffee going!). Separate blog post coming on some really awesome revelation I got from the Lord, straight from the Word, and the Holy Spirit!

– One of the things the Lord continues to stir in our hearts is that this ministry is not only to families, but also to our YWAM family… We’re seeing how important it is to connect with our growing kids, who are going in their own directions at an alarming rate (not alarming, bad; alarming, good – but lots of growth, lots of separate directions…) – we must be so INTENTIONAL inside our family to CONNECT. And we see where that applies to our YWAM family – there are so many ideas (great ideas!), and so many people, and so many directions… But we believe the Lord wants to bring unification to some areas that have become fragmented over time.

– Planning a family outreach, as a family ministry team, to New Orleans. In the 5 days we’re away, we’ll do homeless ministry, kids club, & evangelizing. Please be in prayer! There are 8 other families going! We’re so excited to love on the people of New Orleans, in Jesus’ name!

-Revamping & updating childcare facilities & practices here. As you can imagine, childcare is critical as we make available the family DTS. The family DTS just began in 2019, and our school leaders have worked with what they have had to make things work. But it’s time (before the next school begins this July) to address some of the details that need improvement. ***We are currently raising funds to build some walls, install some windows, replace some floors and paint. If you are interested in supporting this effort, please let us know!***

On a personal note, there have been some significant highlights already…

• Nolan got his driver’s license! This is huge y’all, and actually, there’s a blog post coming on this story too… AND, he started working at Chick-Fil-A (3rd blog post, coming soon… This particular story highlights Proverbs 16:9 – we make our plans, God guides our steps… Actually, if we can work it out, it’ll be a guest post from Nolan…)
• Savana was accepted into Hillsdale College high school study-abroad program! Now the real work is underway raising the needed funds… But she is well on her way, working hard for her part, and trusting the Lord for His…
• Landon & Lucie just tested for their orange belts in karate, and Eli earned his yellow belt. It has been a JOY to watch these awesome people work hard and meet goals. I knew literally nothing about karate until last year, when Eli asked for it for his birthday… It has offered great lessons in commitment, diligence and focus. 
• Tess continually amazes us with her creativity – especially when it comes to teaching and entertaining her younger brothers. And Titus is 4, going on 14… he goes to preschool twice a week, and has grown from dreading it and clinginess to walking himself into the building with a smile and confidence 😉

Looking ahead…

First up, New Orleans… we leave Friday, March 4, and will return on Wednesday, March 9. Please pray for us – for divine appointments, for team unity (our time together is short and sweet!), for good weather so we can connect with kids and families at Kids Club & parks, for the Lord to move in mighty ways – in and through our team.

In April, Savana and I (Amy) will be traveling to the Dominican Republic with a team from the winter DTS. We will be gone for just over two weeks. We’ll be serving with YWAM Azua. We are so open and available to whatever ministry opportunities the Lord puts before us. We will certainly be doing evangelism (through sports and kids ministries), as well as service projects. Please pray for this young team! They are hungry for the Lord, and eager to serve Him. Pray for unity, divine appointments, and protection as they (and we) travel. Also, Neil’s sister Lisa is graciously coming to help Neil keep all these spinning plates on the homefront in the air! We’re so grateful, and excited for Neil and the other kids to get time with Aunt Lisa!

Nolan graduates in May!! WOW! Neil and I are surely too young for this… We are so proud of him, and so thankful for his adaptability as we have traveled so much of his high school career. He is intelligent and kind and patient, and has gone with our flow in a big way; now he’s stretching himself, and stepping into things outside of his comfort zone. It hasn’t always been an easy road, but it has been good. MARK YOUR CALENDAR: we’re celebrating Nolan’s graduation with an open house at Auburn Hills Christian Center on June 4, 10 am – 1 pm.!!  

As I’ve typed, and read and reread this, I’m overwhelmed with thankfulness… God is so good. Honestly, Neil & I could not have imagined this adventure in missions for our family. We’re so thankful for His faithful leading and provision! And we’re so thankful for family and extended family and church family and so many friends who encourage us, pray for us, support us, and just downright love us so well. Thank you – xoxo

We moved! This past September, we were given the opportunity to move back onto YWAM Tyler’s base — this time into a house. A big house, in fact… This is Provision with a capital P, y’all! For the past 2+ years our kids have been tripled and quadrupled up in bedrooms — which has been really GOOD. But also, to live small has felt hard at times. Our current home has 5 (five!) bedrooms, plus some extra bonus spaces… Our Father is so good, and such a good provider. We are so thankful!

As we packed and moved, I got into a bin that holds calendars and journals from past years. I can never resist peaking inside those journals. As I did, a story leapt off the pages for me. The journal was from 2018. That summer, our family planned to go to Camp FaHoLo, an Assemblies of God camp in Michigan, for Kidz camp. Neil was slated to be a group leader for the boys, and I was going to do…something. Nolan & Savana aged out of camp, and Eli & Titus were too little, but we were all planning to go and serve in some way — by helping (leading, interacting, getting to know) the kiddos, the camp, our children’s pastor & his family, and each other. 

This particular entry though, was about how we were not going to be able to go because of how much it would cost for our family to be there. I wrote down my thoughts and shared my heart of surrender — it was ok. We had given our “yes” to the Lord, but if it wasn’t the right thing or time, that was ok. (Proverbs 16:9 and 19:21)

But that’s not the end of the story. In very short order, the funds came through that made a way for our family to go. And friends, it.was.AMAZING. Nolan & Savana helped me with the little guys SO MUCH, which freed me to facilitate a prayer experience for the campers (It was impactful for the kids, but if I’m honest, I may have been most affected…). Neil connected with 10 little guys… Landon, Lucie & Tessa got to experience camp, where we’ve seen God move in our kid’s lives in BIG ways. 

Maybe the most significant thing that happened, though, was a word Neil received from the Lord during worship and ministry time one evening. He heard two words: family ministry. Guys, this was 2018. We had no idea then what exactly that meant for our family. 

Just one year later though, we said “yes” again. This time to selling our home and coming to YWAM Tyler for the Family Discipleship Training School. That training included outreach — we spent 1 month in Canapi, Brazil, and another 2 weeks in Florida. We were doing ministry, as a family!! 

Fast forward to 2020… Neil and I joined YWAM Tyler’s staff. We’ve now staffed 2 Family Discipleship Training Schools. And we’re currently partnering with 2 other staff couples to pioneer additional family ministries through YWAM Tyler. Step one is dreaming with the Lord about what He wants to do in & through us, around and outside our YWAM base. 

We’re so grateful for the reminder of who we are, and reminder of God’s calling on our lives. His timing on our move – and unearthing that journal – was perfect, as usual.

We are so grateful to the Lord for our amazing family, church and community, that has not only been instrumental, but absolutely critical to our faith walk and ministry. We are not who we are today, without your influence, prayers, and encouragement. Would you please be praying for us, as we step out into new areas of ministry at YWAM Tyler?

Also, Michigan peeps, we will be coming your way mid-December! We would love to see as many of you as possible!

Dear Family and Friends,

We are writing to invite you to become a partner in an exciting missionary journey to Detroit, Michigan and Bemidji, Minnesota. 

At the end of June, our family began staffing the Family Discipleship Training School (DTS) here at Youth With A Mission (YWAM) in Tyler, TX. This summer, the Lord brought 5 families to our school (9 adults & 12 kids). Together, we are learning how to walk closer in relationship with the Lord and share Jesus with others, encouraging them to do the same. Our purpose at YWAM  is “to know God and make Him known.”

Part of our training involves the practical application of what God has been teaching us, so on September 17, our outreach will officially begin. Neil and I were asked to lead a team of 3 families, which we’re doing as a family-

Some of the ministry opportunities include:

• Facilitating (with our kids doing much of the planning & leading) an evangelistic outreach, geared toward kids through a local church near our YWAM base.

In Detroit, MI –

• Partnering with a ministry to friends with special needs, helping winterize their farm and preparing products for ministry baskets used to bless several area group homes.
• Connecting with neighbors of YWAM Detroit and neighborhood park evangelism.
• Serving the growing YWAM base, as they undergo construction and grow as a ministry.

In Bemidji, MN-

• Running a VBS program at a church located on a nearby reservation
• Various service projects around the christian camp we will be staying, while we serve.
• Local evangelism in the city of Bemidji.

Like each of our student-families, we are responsible to pay for our own expenses to be a part of this outreach. As a family, we need to raise $7699. Would you prayerfully consider playing a role in impacting the people of Detroit and Bemidji through prayers and financial support?

Whatever the Lord leads you to give toward this outreach will be gratefully received. We will need all of our funds before September 10. As you give, the people of Detroit and Bemidji will be reached by the love of Jesus. 

We will be traveling from September 20 – November 5. We covet prayers for effective ministry, team unity, and safe travels. Personally, please pray for our kids as they juggle school during this season of travel & ministry. Also for Neil and I as we lead — that we would lead by the Holy Spirit — for clear thinking, and clear direction; for strength, and grace .

Thank you for partnering with us as we GO! Whether in prayer, financial, or both, we’re so thankful for your support of this outreach.

To make a tax deductible donation~

https://ywamtyler.org/funddonation/?uid=B0709685-CE0E-4A99-8556-FE389744FCC3

January, February & March, highs & lows:

Mostly highs, and a couple of lows, from the last 3 months:

• Hosting moms for coffee & conversation
• Celebrating winter birthdays — Landon turned 14, Eli turned 7, I turned… 
• Neil & I celebrated 18 years of marriage!
• Neil added teaching geometry @ Christian Heritage School to his schedule
• Neil & Nolan will be going on outreach with the School of Evangelism. They’ll be travelling to the Middle East mid-April through mid-May!!! We are so thankful for this opportunity for these guys to travel and serve the team, and WITH the team in the Middle East.
• Camping with the Murphy’s for part of our spring break (I feel like we’re officially campers since we’ve now experienced camping for more than 1 night in a row!)
• Participating & helping facilitate weekly parenting workshop
• Participating & helping facilitate a weekend marriage workshop
• Enjoying the snow, not losing water/power, and serving the homeless in Tyler during the Texas Snowmageddon
• Titus started 2 day/week preschool!
• Eli & Savana (that girl surprises us sometimes!) started karate!
• I get to participate in AHCC’s virtual MOPS group
• Neil got to teach in the School of Evangelism, as well as share at YWAM Tyler’s Family Night (Sunday evening service)

• Big challenges getting Nolan’s driver’s license… It’s a long story, but the short of it is that Nolan is going to be driving on a permit for 2.5 years before he’s able to get his license here {insert crying emoji}  He’s handled it well. I’m still traumatized by 6 month waiting periods to get appointments at the Department of Public Safety and the requirement that he drive for 6 months on a Texas permit…
• Adding another week to the end of the school year because of the number of weeks missed this year. (This is Savana’s addition to the list… they still get out of school mid-May 😉

One really cool story- The idea of being available to the Lord has been a theme these last few weeks for us. It’s what Neil shared about, and as he prepared he was given many opportunities to practice. A couple of weeks ago, I ran to Walmart for some needed groceries. On my way, I noticed a guy walking along the road in that direction. After I finished shopping and checking out, I noticed that same guy in the store. I really felt like I was supposed to talk to him, but decided to get the kids & groceries loaded into the car first. Once they were situated, I headed back into Walmart to see if I could find him. I did. I asked him if he was ok, and if he needed anything. He said he was ok. So I asked if I could pray for him. He said yes (he is a Christian), but wanted to move our conversation outside. We were standing just outside the Walmart doors, and he shared some of the hard things he’s going through — lost tools (he’s a carpenter), an unpaid job, a broken down truck, license issues…. (It’s so crazy, Neil actually met this same guy a couple of weeks prior at the laundromat near our house!) He’s seeking the Lord for wisdom about whether or not to legally pursue his tools and unpaid work, and he really could use a bike for the meantime. His list of needs is significant, so together we took those needs to the Lord. No sooner had we finished praying and a brand new bike was pushed through the door…toward him. The lady on the other end said she just “felt like he needed to have that.” WHAT??? I asked him if he spoke with that lady & shared his need for a bike, and he said “no”. JESUS!!! Oh my goodness! He is such a faithful provider. He sees us. He loves us. He takes good care of His kids. I’m so thankful for a front-row seat in witnessing a miracle!

Prayer requests ~

-Details of Neil & Nolan’s travel. They fly out of Houston on April 17, and return May 14. There’s a big time change, and many hours of travel. Please pray for negative COVID tests to return in a timely manner (they must have that 48 hours prior to their flight), and just overall smooth travel in both directions.

-Those of us who are staying behind — this is the longest our family will have been apart from each other… There’s a lot going on on the homefront — a lot of moving parts, the end of the school year, juggling schedules, keeping up with active 3 & 7 year old boys, etc., etc.

-The outreach. The team has been there for 2 weeks — Please pray for unity in the team, EFFECTIVE ministry & divine appointments. The team has sensed from the Lord that He wants to do things outside of the ministry plans they’ve made. Pray for sensitive and obedient hearts to what God wants to do.

Praises ~

– Our family has been walking through quite a few transitions. I feel like since the new year though, we’ve settled as a family. We’re getting the hang of what staffing at YWAM is all about, we’re finding places to serve and grow, and we’re so thankful for and comfortable in the house we’re renting.

– We’re so thankful for the opportunity to participate in what God is doing! He is moving and stirring hearts. We get to be a part of what He’s doing in our little corner of Texas, where people come to learn and grow and be discipled! What a gift!

– Praising Him also for continued provision! He is so good and faithful and blessed us so greatly as we’ve stepped out in faith & obedience.

Hey all — I’m writing to you from frigid East Texas…. Brrrr….

Actually, it’s warming up, and the snow is melting… finally! It’s been a long week!

Power is being restored, but many are still without. And many without water (pray for my sister Stacie and her family… projected return of water isn’t until Tuesday)… It’s been a lot of days of sustained cold temperatures, and the state is truly not equipped to deal with cold + significant snow.

When we woke up Monday to 6″ of snow, we felt like we were in Michigan. The beautiful, white blanket is so familiar to us. But inside the familiarity of snow, was the unfamiliarity of not having any tools or equipment to deal with the snow. It was so strange to walk down our street covered in snow that didn’t have a single tire track. The snow on the road was completely undisturbed!

The deep snow, combined with the deep cold, literally made it impossible for most to get around. And when we processed the implications, it was sobering. If we can’t get around, what about EMS workers, and doctors? What about the people who were stranded in bad weather outside? What about the people who didn’t have heat or water?

It got me thinking about how our tools matter…. We felt helpless, in so many ways, without the proper equipment. The same is true for us spiritually. We can navigate the difficult seasons in life so much better when we’re faithfully equipping ourselves with truth from the Word and a growing relationship with Jesus.

Creativity abounds in desperate situations… A garden shovel is almost as good as a snow shovel; it turns out and rain boots can work in the snow with enough pairs of socks; car floor mats work like a charm to get a stuck-in-the-snow car moving again! Mike and Stacie are without water, so they saved up snow to have water for flushing toilets — genius! And free!

As a family, we’ve enjoyed time together at home. I think we’ve learned to really embrace (for the most part) these little times of reset along the way. One of the highlights has been listening to the audio book version of “The Boys in the Boat” – It’s been so much fun! The kids have also gotten to spend quite a bit of time in the snow.

Neil and I found out about a lady who was rescuing homeless people off the streets and housing them in a local motel. We were able to spend a few hours at the motel for a couple of days, helping fill out assessment forms (they are wanting to connect these people with needed resources after this crisis is over), and also gathering information on these folks’ next steps out of the motel. Not one person refused our offers to pray with them.

The needs in Texas are great, from the homeless to those with homes, but without needed resources. Additionally, this week has had and will have a significant economic impact. Our local Walmart and grocery stores were closed for a few days — not even COVID did that!

We are so thankful for all of the prayers! We’re good — Keep ’em coming for Texas.

“O LORD, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, LORD. You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand! I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me.”

Psalm 139:1-10

Big brother Eli meets Titus for the first time

Titus came along in September of 2017. At that time, Eli was 3 ½. One afternoon, just a few days after Titus’ birth, we were home, and it was time for Eli’s nap (and mine!). Our normal routine was to read a book, and then I would lay with him in his bed and listen to Adventures in Odyssey with him until he fell asleep. And that’s exactly what we did on this particular day. Once I saw that Eli was sleeping, I relocated to my own bed for some much needed rest. I quickly drifted off into a deep sleep.

I was awoken, though, a short time later, by the persistent ringing of my doorbell. Our house is a two story house — all of the bedrooms were on the second floor. When I groggily came out of my bedroom, I saw Eli standing at the bottom of the stairs. He saw me, and said “Mom, that boy wants to talk to you.” He pointed his little index finger toward the back door. 

I came down the stairs to find our back door swung wide open, and an older gentleman standing right outside the door. I walked toward the door. He asked me, “Ma’am, is this your son?” “Yes,” I said. He went on to explain that he had found my little three year old around the corner, walking by himself on the sidewalk. I was horrified and terrified. I felt like an awful mom. I was so confused. How could this have happened? I don’t remember much about how the conversation ended… I only knew that I wished I could’ve explained that I had just had a baby, and Eli was napping, and I was resting, and…. 

The kind man left. Through tears, I started asking questions of Eli — what was he thinking? Why would he leave the house? I was just in my bedroom, why didn’t he come there & look for me? And on and on… Eli was bothered by my crying. He said “mom, I’m going to bed.” And headed up the stairs to his bedroom. I was left at the kitchen table to process ALL that had transpired in a very short time.

As I replayed all that had just happened, a few things came into focus.

1. Kids are crazy smart. I knew that I locked the house up before resting, but Eli was still able to get out on his own. Also, part of my normal pre-baby routine was to go to my next door neighbor’s house to let his dog out mid-day. I hardly ever napped before Titus came along. So, when Eli woke up and saw I wasn’t somewhere on the main level of the house, his logical thinking told him I was next door, taking care of Abby (the dog). He went there, because that’s where he thought he would find me. It totally made sense when I thought it through. He wasn’t being naughty or precocious. He was just looking for his mama.
2. I’m pretty sure the kind gentleman stranger at my back door was an angel. I had never seen him before, ever. And never since that day either. I am SO THANKFUL for God’s hand of protection on my sweet little boy that afternoon. The whole crazy scenario could have played out so differently, had the wrong person come across Eli first. DIVINE PROTECTION, people. This story is an obvious demonstration of His protection, but I’m convinced that there are many thousands of  ways He’s intervening and protecting, and we don’t have any idea of the harm or bad from which we’ve been shielded.
3. I cannot control all of the details. I felt the Lord’s reassurance that afternoon — I am not a bad mom. I wasn’t negligent that day. I love my kids fiercely, but I don’t possess any super powers that give me the ability to protect my kids from every harmful or bad thing that will come their way. But, I trust the One who does have control over all the details; the One who sees everyone and everything; the One who even sees into our hearts and souls. Nothing – nothing is hidden from Him. That brings me great comfort. Even in my many shortcomings, my God cares more – and better – for my kids than I ever possibly could.

This idea of not having control over the details has occupied my mind more and more as we watch how the world – our country – our community strive so hard to manage the details. 

There is a lot, and I mean A LOT of information to wade through. From political events, news reports, Facebook opinions, government orders — there is so much for us to think about, make decisions about, process… And at some point, I need to stop taking in more information, and lay all of the information at the feet of Jesus. And actually rest. Yes, rest.

But please do not throw out the baby with the bath water people! This post is in no way encouragement to live irresponsibly. God gave us amazing minds, and I believe He really expects us to use them! But neither can we occupy the place of God when it comes to control over the universe – the world – our nation – our homes. There’s a point at which I have to say, “I’ve done all I can do. I’m trusting the King of the Universe.” 

He gets the final say. 

I wouldn’t have it any other way.

*A note on “protection from” & “protection through”…  We are not promised smooth sailing on this side of eternity. See John 16:33 “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” We know the end of the story, guys. We are most certainly walking through difficult times. Who are you trusting? In what are you hopeful? Please let it not be your governor, or current president, or future president… Let it not be your doctor, or even your mask. Our God is faithful, unfailing, trustworthy. When (not if) you travel a rough road, may you look to the One who has promised to “never leave you or forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)

My husband and I have seven kids — 7. Yup, we’re crazy.

I won’t bore you with too much detail, but baby #1 came via c-section, and babies #2-#6 came more naturally. But when you’ve had a c-section to kick things off, natural childbirth brings risks & strategies. I had an amazing doctor who knew me and understood me… we had a system that worked, people. 

Fast forward to expecting baby #7. My favorite, number one, ONLY doctor who knew me and knew how my body delivered babies was no longer in the business. Me: SOBBING. For real. What was I going to do? Could a baby of mine come into the world without Dr. Zaidan?

The answer is yes.

I felt early in that pregnancy the Lord saying quite clearly, “you do not put your trust in a doctor; you.trust.me.” 

And even when I didn’t feel it, I would remind myself of those words: “You, Amy, trust me, Jesus.” Okay…. 

Fast forward again… Not one of babies #1-6 came out by themselves — they ALL had to be evicted. I think I came to believe that if my babies weren’t forced out by Dr. Zaidan, I would just be pregnant forever. It would be fine…

My due date for sweet Titus was September 17th. I didn’t mention that there was just one date off the calendar for me for possible delivery dates — it was September 12th, a Tuesday. Tuesdays were my MOPS (Mother’s of Preschooler) days. I loved this group, and September 12th was our first meeting of the year. I did NOT want to miss this gathering.

Don’t you know that in the wee hours of the morning on 9/12, my water broke. It turns out that my body would actually eject a baby when my time came!! Amazing! And I missed my meeting! None of the normal protocols were in place! No epidural, no pitocin, no Dr. Zaidan. Healthy baby. Healthy mama. <3

And the Lord reminded me that He is trustworthy BEYOND what I can even imagine.

As I’ve reviewed 2020 and taken in even the events of today, I see how easy it can be to get caught up in the latest news, the latest crisis, the latest solution, the latest news… and I think sometimes we don’t even realize how much of our hope we’ve actually pinned on something — or someone — other than God.

That was true for me with my doctor. I didn’t mean to elevate him to an object of which I put my trust… but when I faced the reality of his absence, I realized how much hope I had in him, and in our methods. 

God is bigger than ALL of the crazy 2020 has held. He’s bigger than COVID-19; He’s bigger than our racial conflicts and injustices, He’s bigger than the U.S. Election; He’s bigger than Trump, He’s bigger than Biden; He’s bigger than a vaccine. He never shelters in place. He doesn’t shy away from sick people, from crisis, from storms, from conflict, from little people or big people. 

I am not advocating sticking our heads in the sand (tempting, but not the right move). We’re called to engage — but not in political debate or arguments that divide. We’re called to engage others with the LOVE of Jesus. 

That probably looks like listening WAY more than talking. 

It looks like loving my neighbor next door….. and, may I suggest, even my Facebook neighbor (we’ve learned a few things about our Facebook friends, have we not?)…  

It looks like listening more to God than the news…or talk radio…or podcasts. 

It looks like loving God and loving others, in action, not just words. (But your words ARE powerful, people, so let’s check them before they leave our brains…SPEAK LIFE)

It’s crazy out there, y’all. Head-spinning cray-cray. Be thoughtful. God gave us minds — for heaven’s sake, use them! Seek TRUTH. Start with the Bible. Measure every bit of news you take in against the Truth of His Word. Use your mind. Listen to the Holy Spirit. 

Love God. Love others.