tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19547100733041472022024-02-19T07:17:52.541-06:00Rowley AdventuresWe are now in Belem, Brazil.
Come join us on our Brazilian Rowley Adventures!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00047366658585700322noreply@blogger.comBlogger77125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954710073304147202.post-4477707882574135212014-02-01T13:41:00.000-06:002014-02-01T13:41:51.223-06:00Pop tarts and Banana Bread <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I love to bake. If I had inexhaustible energy, I would throw all else to the wind, and just bake all day. Well, there are a few days I have thrown all else to the wind and done that. But I didn't have inexhaustible energy. By the end of the day, I felt like Medusa looked. Another picture image could be Pigpen from Charlie Brown cartoon series. Although, the reason he looked that way was from never showering...<br />
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Yep, rabbit trail.<br />
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SO, I have been chomping at the bit to do some baking posts. Something to do with time and not enough of it. And maybe because when I do have time, I'm baking or something else. :-)<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Homemade Pop tarts </span></b><br />
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Mmmm!! These turned out great. I used a Goiabada filling that is plentiful here in Brazil. Goiabada is a sort of stiff marmalade made from guavas. Guavas are a tropical fruit but you might be able to find Goiabada in stores in the States in the ethnic isle. Otherwise, any jelly filling works great, or even things like chocolate bar pieces.<br />
<br />
Recipe:<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 350. <br />
<br />
<i>Mix together:</i><br />
2 Cups flour<br />
1 Tablespoon sugar <br />
1 Teaspoon salt<br />
<br />
<i>Add with pastry blender or fork:</i><br />
1 Cup butter (or margarine), cut into smaller pieces<br />
<br />
<i>Add:</i><br />
1 Egg and 2 Tablespoons milk, whisked together.<br />
<br />
NOTE: Keep everything as cold as you can, even refrigerating your flour ahead of time. I always keep my baking goods in the fridge because it stays fresher longer anyway. This just creates a nice, flaky crust.<br />
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Briefly kneed the dough. Don't try to make it all smooth, but leave some pea-size chunks of butter. It does need to stick together though, so kneed enough to have a real dough. You can refrigerate until ready to use, or move onto rolling it out.<br />
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Separate into 2 halves, refrigerate the other. Roll out the dough to about 1/8" thickness. Try to roll out in a rectangle shape since you want to cut 3"x4" squares out (or smaller even).<br />
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I just cut my Goiabada and stuck it in the middle of the squares. Try to create "matching" squares of dough to go over the filling.<br />
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Cover the filled square with matching dough, crimp edges with edge of fork, and poke some holes on the top so it doesn't balloon in the oven. And they look cool. <i>Before placing in oven, brush the tops with some whisked egg and lightly sprinkle some sugar on top.</i> This just adds a finished look to it.<br />
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Bake for 20-25 minutes.<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Banana Bread</span></b><br />
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This keeps kids fed and helps fill up hollow legs. Yes, I'm a professional author about hollow legs. Having 3 boys in (almost) their teens qualifies one to write professionally about it. And banana bread is a must have. You'll see why below.<br />
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<u>Double</u> Recipe:<br />
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Preheat oven to 350. <br />
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<i>Smooch together in a mixing bowl with beater:</i><br />
6-8 ripe bananas <br />
<br />
<i>Add and mix well:</i><br />
1 1/2 Cups sugar<br />
4 Eggs<br />
1/2 Cup oil<br />
1 Teaspoon vanilla<br />
<br />
<i>Mix together and add to above:</i><br />
3 - 3 1/2 Cups Flour<br />
2 Teaspoons baking soda<br />
<br />
Add the floor by hand with a mixing spoon instead of beater. You don't want to over mix the dough. Stir until all flour has been "enveloped" well by the wet mix. Add more flour if needed, but it needs to be runny-ish-like... I also like to replace some of my flour with wheat germ and oat bran, differing in various amounts but never more than 1 cup of the flour. <br />
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Butter and flour 2 molds and pour dough/batter in, leaving enough space (about 1 inch) for it to rise. Sprinkle sugar on top. I like to use the large grain sugar.<br />
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Bake for about 1 hour, checking by inserting a toothpick in middle. If it comes out clean, it's done.<br />
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Allow to cool and cut into 1 inch or so pieces. But don't turn your back...<br />
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...or all you'll have left is the heel of one of the loaves. Sheesh. Those hallow legs can become troublesome at times. But, I guess that's why you are making the banana bread in the first place!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00047366658585700322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954710073304147202.post-3592446824275252042013-11-20T08:19:00.000-06:002013-11-20T08:19:49.300-06:00Flesh, Spirit, and Time<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="320" id="68617DC3-8262-432D-8448-74D9EC8DAF9D" src="http://mail.rowley.org/edgedesk/cgi-bin/viewmail.exe?id=014d0e315d9cc1ec3f64331f406bbed8b641&threadid=H570922617632680&download=2" width="320" /> </div>
Time is an interesting thing. As humans, everything we do revolves around time. Especially in the Western mindset. Then you move to a Latin country, and bam!, time isn't as important anymore. People and events take priority over time. Detailed schedules and pacing your day to accommodate events based on when they occur just don't happen. It truly is a change of culture and way of living. <br />
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I must be adapting into our Latin culture because I noticed I haven't blogged since July! How unWestern is that?! Sheesh...<br />
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In reality I have blogged many times in my head since then. I've had some amazing pieces. You would have been impressed. Some deep theological/spiritual thoughts, some humor mixed with regional mishaps, some personal thoughts... It was good. Maybe one day scientists will learn how to infiltrate our brain and connect it to blogs, FB, Twitter... Hmm, maybe not a good idea. Plus, we already have that with God. Why ruin a good thing. <br />
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Probably the most important thing is that between then and now I have done a mega amount of growing. Yep, mega. There's something about living through ups and downs in life that sweetens our disposition to change. You have to ascertain if you'll be changed toward something good, or if it sours your soul. <br />
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The most important lesson I have been learning is I have held on to this earthly life too dearly. It's all about me. It's about my wants and needs and when they are not satisfied, I rebel. Sometimes I can get really nasty (especially within my own family) or it's internal when around others. <br />
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Why is that? It's the battle between the flesh of this world and the spirit of God living in me. Since we are not in our glorified bodies yet, we wrestle daily with making decisions. So how do we make the right decision? What is the right decision? <br />
<br />
Very basic to begin with. You either believe there is a God or you don't. <br />
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If you believe God exists, than know He has left us a manual: the Bible. For the moment, throw out religion; that is, churches and denominations and any other preconceived thoughts you have about God. Take a Bible and talk to God, ask Him to teach you what you need to know and begin reading like crazy. Begin to truly understand this life. <br />
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Christianity is and isn't about time. It's about time in the sense that the passing/doing of an event molds you, stretches you, grows you. Or you can be stagnant I guess. You don't have to grow. But really feeling life and existing through the eyes of the Creator brings contentment, even as you live in a dead world.<br />
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Pst, this is a dead world. This is not what God intended. But He gave free will and choice. If you get stuck on the evil of this world, it's no wonder you get angry at God. But the open eyes of the one that sees this free will created it, also realizes God allows you to choose. A demanded love and respect is not love. <br />
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So, I have been going through my own wrestling matches. But it has helped me know God more. The turning point was listening about Jesus' temptation and the whole 40 days in the desert thing. There is no more powerful real-life understanding than fasting to see we are truly a meld of flesh and spirit. I did some "real" (I've attempted before and never really learned from it) fasting during a critical time in my life. My eyes were opened to the war of flesh and spirit. Let's just say the spirit was strengthened. <br />
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But it's a daily war. And with each new battle and victory, I become better prepared for the next. The spirit takes charge a little more each time, creating contentment over the sorrows and disappointments of the flesh. To borrow a phrase, it's a good thing.<br />
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Do you have some time? I encourage you to listen to this sermon/message from Pastor Bob Coy about fasting. I think you'll enjoy it. You'll laugh, you'll cry, it'll move you. Just do it. Trust me.<br />
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<a href="http://media.calvaryftl.org/player/index.cfm?fn=A1564" target="_blank">Find Them, Feed Them - Tempted</a></h3>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00047366658585700322noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954710073304147202.post-25147239682726264462013-07-18T19:28:00.000-05:002013-07-19T09:26:28.608-05:00What is UnseenWe get stuck on stuff. The story about "The Boy and the Filberts" by Aesop gives us a great visual through words:<br />
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A boy put his hand into a jar of filberts and grasped as many as his
fist could possibly hold. But when he tried to pull it out again, he found
he couldn't do so, for the neck of the jar was too small to allow the
passage of so large a handful. Unwilling to lose his nuts but unable to
withdraw his hand, he burst into tears. <br />
A bystander, who saw where the trouble lay, said to him, "Come, my boy,
don't be so greedy. Be content with half the amount, and you'll be able to
get your hand out without difficulty."<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">
Now, the moral of that story is "Do not attempt too much at once", but I think there's another side. I say the moral of the story could also be: "When we don't let go, we get stuck."</div>
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II Corinthians 4:18 offers some great advice: "...<span class="text 2Cor-4-18" id="en-ESV-28861">we look not to the things
that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that
are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<span class="text 2Cor-4-18" id="en-ESV-28861">It's all about the Unseen.</span></div>
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<span class="text 2Cor-4-18" id="en-ESV-28861">Let go of the stuff, whether you have it now or not. It's OK. I can say that. We have/had stuff. We were big stuff at one point too. This move to Brazil was a HUGE change to what we were used to. We had to let go of the stuff to move on. Literally. </span></div>
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<span class="text 2Cor-4-18" id="en-ESV-28861">I made a music video presentation (all original photos/video clips) based on one of my favorite songs, "Steal My Show", by TobyMac. It's a great visual of some of the things we had to let go of, but came here to see. Oh, and work on that unseen eternal stuff. Now that's good stuff. ;-)</span><br />
<br />
<span class="text 2Cor-4-18" id="en-ESV-28861">Btw, leave it in the small screen because it blurs when you expand it. Sorry. But not bad for my first music video. If you prefer, you can click on the following link for the YouTube version.</span></div>
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<a href="http://youtu.be/9n4ScgoaZSU" target="_blank">Youtube Video option</a></h2>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyMrvuZr37Y2wGPYGcGPrvD1k5JYZmfaigvDoiwUB-HRjr3BKAccRyQB2kdZQ4SfaIHauqlgL5lfBTBpDBZiQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00047366658585700322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954710073304147202.post-5831565733605074982013-06-17T18:43:00.004-05:002013-06-17T18:43:50.409-05:00Be PreparedBesides being the Boy Scout motto, "Be Prepared" resonates in our household like air to the lungs. I shake my head in disbelief and awe at the twists and turns my life, and now my family's life, has taken. We really <i>should </i>write a book! From my birth in Brazil (Becky), to living the corporate life and making a very good living (Bill), to homeschooling, to our ridiculous and wild traveling, to now living near the Amazon in Brazil. We would have you laughing, crying, amazed, wondering about us, but hopefully most of all, thinking about your own life. Are you prepared?<br />
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Prepared for what? Whatever comes your way. For the accounting of your life to God. For surrendering your will to be molded. For giving up control of your orderly world. For being responsible. For whatever is needed at different times of your life, with a touch of humor on the side. <br />
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My kids are teaching me what I seemed to have forgotten when I was their age. Take a chance. Enjoy the moment. And I'm teaching them what they need to learn (grudgingly at times...). Endure what you don't like (like sitting through a Brazilian service even though they can't understand most of what is said). Washing dishes by hand. Cleaning house. Walking or riding city buses.<br />
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This is a tribute to all who have learned to "be prepared" and who understand what Paul means when he addressed the Philippians: "...<span class="text Phil-4-11" id="en-NIV-29454">for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.</span> <span class="text Phil-4-12" id="en-NIV-29455"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>I
know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I
have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation,
whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want."</span><br />
<br />
<span class="text Phil-4-12" id="en-NIV-29455">We are in a season of not having plenty (on purpose - we chose to live near a 3rd world part of Brazil) but we have also lived in the plenty. And just a note to the plenty. Use what God has given you to strengthen others around you. Don't feel bad about having plenty. And those not having plenty, don't berate those that do. There is a season for both. </span><br />
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I hope you enjoy this Prezi. It is an awesome way to visually present things, and since we have so many photos (over 500!) of our recent trips to the river communities, this is a fun way to show them off. It was hard to pick only a few, but at least you can get a feel for the areas we go to (all within 1-2 hours of us).<br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="400" src="http://prezi.com/embed/xmttttme5gig/?bgcolor=ffffff&lock_to_path=0&autoplay=0&autohide_ctrls=0&features=undefined&disabled_features=undefined" width="550"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00047366658585700322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954710073304147202.post-37349950109582426992013-05-13T19:08:00.000-05:002013-05-13T19:08:53.829-05:00All things to all peopleFluid.<br />
<br />
A two syllable word, yet it holds so much meaning. It can mean mold-able, or pourable. If you apply it to a human being the meanings are endless ( no pun intended). <br />
<br />
I had the opportunity to go on a medical mission trip this past week with another ministry we are on the board of, Amazon Reach. One of the translators was not able to go last minute and I was asked to go. It turned out to be a great opportunity to be fluid.<br />
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Fluid in the sense I could go. Fluid in the sense I could be put into any situation to help translate. Fluid in the sense of adjusting to the living conditions (sleep in a hammock, possibility of no showers, and no privacy). Fluid in the sense of being all things to the people in the community.<br />
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The team that went was from all over the world. There were 5 South Koreans (2 from the USA actually), 5 Brazilians, 1 from Barbados (in the Caribbean), 1 from Germany, 1 from New Zealand, and 2 from the USA. <br />
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I loved it. Felt like I was back at my MK school, PACA. <br />
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We traveled about an hour by boat. Most of the communities we passed had wooden huts by the river and everyone gets around by boat. Keep this photo in mind to compare it to the last one. The extreme differences will amaze you. Fluid.<br />
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The first thing we did was set up our hammocks. This community had electricity and running water. We were able to stay at the local elementary school. Some people slept outside.<br />
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That afternoon we helped out with the children's program. The following 2 days they had double the amount of kids.<br />
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The next morning we set up medical care. This is the "triage" and "pharmacy" area. I helped here filling out "fichas"/ info sheets and translating for the gal that was taking blood pressure and blood sugar tests. <br />
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The lady that did dental saw over 25 patients while we were there, extracting teeth, filling cavities, and doing cleanings. Check out the dental chair!<br />
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Future doctors?<br />
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Day 3 we were off to visit families in the community. I was the whitest person there. And this after getting tanner than I usually am!! Oh well.<br />
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Day 4 the German gal and I visited this family. The grandfather has been sick and rarely gets out anymore. I shared Psalm 145 with them and prayed. I left them the New Testament I had and hopefully they will continue to read it. So, not only am I the whitest, but the tallest. But they were so accommodating. Love Brazilians.<br />
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Remember the photo with the huts and canoes? This is what we saw on our way back to port in Belem. The extreme difference in lifestyle is astounding. And the difference in distance is only 6-10 miles!!<br />
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Fluid. All things to all people. <br />
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There is so much to learn about the river communities and the people in Belem. They live in the same area, but most don't even connect with each other. We hope to be the bridge to connect the two so their own will be willing to disciple these young Christians. And many on the islands/communities have some form of religion, but most have syncretism - belief in Jesus with the addition of other beliefs.<br />
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We appreciate all who pray for us, support us, are involved with us, and stay aware of our happenings. We love it! Nothing like having an encouragement team behind you to keep you going. So, thanks again for being part of our lives.<br />
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Psalm 145:13b-16<br />
<div class="poetry top-05">
<div class="line">
<span class="text Ps-145-13">The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> is trustworthy in all he promises</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-145-13">and faithful in all he does.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-145-14" id="en-NIV-16335"><sup class="versenum">14 </sup>The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> upholds all who fall</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-145-14">and lifts up all who are bowed down.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-145-15" id="en-NIV-16336"><sup class="versenum">15 </sup>The eyes of all look to you,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-145-15">and you give them their food at the proper time.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-145-16" id="en-NIV-16337"><sup class="versenum">16 </sup>You open your hand</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-145-16">and satisfy the desires of every living thing.</span></span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00047366658585700322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954710073304147202.post-10546953645502080162013-03-31T06:45:00.001-05:002013-04-01T08:43:48.522-05:00Not my will<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The last 3 years have been the hardest since we started Believer's Bridge in 2007. In 2007 we lived in a nice comfortable HUGE house, Bill had a regular job and began working on the ministry. We had financial "security" (or at least the perception of it) and didn't realize how easy life really was compared to thousands across this planet.</div>
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<div align="center">
Our home in AL (yes, all of it).</div>
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Then in July 2010, after our initial research trip to Brazil, Bill was let go of his job and we were thrust into raising funds for our ministry and ourselves full-time. Even then God was preparing/cushioning the way.<br />
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We had bought our 200 sq foot RV sometime before the whole event. Used mainly as a means to vacation ($18-24 a night is SO much cheaper than staying at a hotel! Free if you can stay at a Walmart or other stop), w<span class="woj"></span>e then toyed with the idea of using it to travel across the United States making people aware of Believer's Bridge and raising financial support.<br />
<img alt="Click to play this Smilebox slideshow: New RV" height="330" src="http://smilebox.com/snap/4d5441784f5459794e54413d0d0a.jpg" style="border: currentColor;" width="420" /><br />
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I realize now that the little light bulb that goes off in one's head doesn't shed light on all the details of what one's ideas entails. <br />
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If I had known I would spend hours on the road, confronting broken down engines, popped tires, sometimes sleepless nights due to either cold or heat when your heater/AC doesn't work, showers in a space of about 3 sq. feet (and having to turn it on and off to save water <i>while </i>one showers), I may have decided to stay home in the warmth and comfort of a real bed, the use of a washer and dryer at any time, and the use of a real oven. Warm continuous showers are probably a huge plus as well.<br />
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But one doesn't know these things when one signs on to become a missionary (or a peace corp or military personnel for that matter). Oh, you might read about the hardships, but actually living it is <b>entirely </b>different.<br />
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<br />
" <span class="text Luke-22-42" id="en-NIV-25907"><span class="woj">“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” " Jesus said.</span></span><br />
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<span class="text Luke-22-42" id="en-NIV-25907"><span class="woj">Or another passages He says, "</span></span>He went away a second time and prayed, <span class="woj">“My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.” "</span><br />
<a href="http://www.littleheartsbooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/hardship-11-300x298.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" id="irc_mi" src="http://www.littleheartsbooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/hardship-11-300x298.jpg" style="margin-top: 61px;" width="200" /></a><span class="woj"><br /></span>
<span class="woj">Looking back I can relate to Jesus. But also know, I don't think any of us will ever fully understand while in our physical bodies the kind of agony of decision Jesus went through. I never once have sweat drops of blood while going through a stressful decision or event.</span><br />
<span class="woj"><br /></span>
<span class="woj">What I have been learning is to surrender my will. One. painful. step. at. a. time.</span><br />
<span class="woj"><br /></span>
<span class="woj">I believe this Easter I will have more understanding of that moment when Jesus agonized and fought with his physical nature to surrender it all to God, the Father, so that we could live in eternity with God without pain or torture in hell.</span><br />
<span class="woj"><br /></span>
<span class="woj">It is an amazing and eye opening moment when you can better understand an event when you yourself have agonized with your flesh to rule over it so that your will is not done but God's.</span><br />
<span class="woj"><br /></span>
<span class="woj">God tells Cain this very thing:</span><br />
<span class="woj">" "</span><span class="text Gen-4-7" id="en-NIV-87">If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.” "</span><br />
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<span class="text Gen-4-7" id="en-NIV-87">Jesus' death on the cross is salvation from life in hell due to the sin that entered the world. Accepting this truth and believing it gives anyone a deposit for eternity. But our living here on earth requires us to battle the sin that crouches at our door. </span><br />
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<span class="text Gen-4-7" id="en-NIV-87">Not my will but Yours be done. How do you live that? Find the answers in God's manual, the Bible. </span><br />
<span class="text Gen-4-7" id="en-NIV-87"><br /></span>
<span class="text Gen-4-7" id="en-NIV-87">Wishing you an Easter full of understanding and hope!</span><br />
<span class="text Gen-4-7" id="en-NIV-87"><br /></span>
<span class="text Gen-4-7" id="en-NIV-87">The Message - Isaiah 53:11-12</span><br />
<span class="text Gen-4-7" id="en-NIV-87"></span><br />
<span class="text Isa-53-11-Isa-53-12" id="en-MSG-7983">"Out of that terrible travail of soul,</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-53-11-Isa-53-12">he’ll see that it’s worth it and be glad he did it.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Isa-53-11-Isa-53-12">Through what he experienced, my righteous one, my servant,</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-53-11-Isa-53-12">will make many “righteous ones,”</span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-53-11-Isa-53-12">as he himself carries the burden of their sins.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Isa-53-11-Isa-53-12">Therefore I’ll reward him extravagantly—</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-53-11-Isa-53-12">the best of everything, the highest honors—</span></span><br />
<span class="text Isa-53-11-Isa-53-12">Because he looked death in the face and didn’t flinch,</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-53-11-Isa-53-12">because he embraced the company of the lowest.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Isa-53-11-Isa-53-12">He took on his own shoulders the sin of the many,</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-53-11-Isa-53-12">he took up the cause of all the black sheep."</span></span><br />
<span class="text Gen-4-7" id="en-NIV-87"><br /></span>
<span class="text Gen-4-7" id="en-NIV-87"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00047366658585700322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954710073304147202.post-13739763025171593892013-01-31T18:53:00.003-06:002013-01-31T18:53:42.137-06:00Wringing laundry...and not other thingsIt was one of those days a few days back. I determined to catch up on the laundry that just seemed to accumulate since it is nigh to impossible to do more than 1 1/2 loads of what most Americans would call a normal load of laundry per day here. <br />
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For three days straight I toiled washing load after load by hand, hanging the wrung out pieces to dry on our makeshift clotheslines. We get two options. I can either hang it in the back under an awning of sorts (no direct sunlight, but it can stay hanging when it rains) or up front either on the balcony or front entrance. The front fragrance is a mixture of diesel and various flavors of assorted smells. The back fragrance is usually that day's lunch, which, of course, includes beans and rice.<br />
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The last day of the three days I had just finished my last load, exhausted but knowing I had triumphed. I hung my last garment, started walking to the kitchen when I began smelling that unmistakable cigarette odor. What happened next was NOT a pretty sight. <br />
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I flew to the back muttering and grumbling quite loudly in English and Portuguese, letting the smoking man visiting my downstairs neighbor know how frustrated I was. I did not care. I had not spent my last day of laundry toiling to get the sheets clean just to have it smell like cigarette smoke!! Oooh, I was angry. I wanted to wring <i>his</i> neck. I yanked every last piece off, throwing it over my shoulder, continuing to mutter loudly, walked into the kitchen and closed the door loudly and soundly behind me.<br />
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The kids watched in amusement and fascination while I stormed to the front telling them about the "inconsiderate smoking man downstairs" and proceeded to make room on the front lines for the laundry. Sanguine personalities, such as mine at times, must be entertaining to watch.<br />
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It took awhile, since Josh commiserated with me, adding his own two cents about the smoking man, but when I finally calmed down I started thinking about how hard it truly must be to love one's enemies. Personally, the thought of wringing the guy's neck seemed much more satisfactory than treating the whole situation with grace or mercy. <br />
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"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8 <br />
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Just let that sink in a little.<br />
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Read it again. sink, sink, sink... Is it soaked in yet? Yeah. And we are supposed to imitate Christ. Ouch.<br />
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So, that's an area we can all work on, loving when the world looks on and says you are justified in not having to love. Grace and mercy. Harder for some of us than others.<br />
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I want to show you another reason doing laundry here is toilsome. In the photo below I am holding a filter that has ?, rust? iron? We are not sure, but it stains the laundry if we do not filter it out. You can see a distinct line of where I already brushed some of it off, it is not a shadow. Amazing.<br />
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Here's my "load" of laundry, about 3 sheets in the basin. The filtered water is flowing out quite nicely right after I have cleaned it. I can fill a 5 gallon bucket in about 20 minutes (after 10 minutes the flow begins to trickle more). Than, if I want to have more water, I would need to clean it again to get another full bucket in 20 minutes. Otherwise, I could let it trickle through for an hour or more. Either way, it's tedious to continually clean the filter or takes too long to let it trickle. This is hard work!!!</div>
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Now for some fun photos.</div>
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Awhile back we visited missionaries on an island. Oh. wow. Not only was it humorous to get there, but we did enjoy their beach. That in itself was worth it.</div>
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First, we boarded a city bus and rode for 40-50 minutes.</div>
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We saw many interesting sights. Coconut water anyone?</div>
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No? How about some oranges? $4 for a bushel full.</div>
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Views around town</div>
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Sheesh...<br />
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Next, we boarded a large boat and navigated for 30 minutes.</div>
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We are learning to fit in. Everyone wears flip-flops here.</div>
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And these are the sights we will see on the boat. A HUGE difference from the city.</div>
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We make it to the island of Cotijuba! It has been 1 hour and 20 minutes since we left Belem and our house.</div>
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But wait, there's more! Now we get to ride the "bonde". Think of it as a redneck Disney golf cart ride...except through mud and potholes for 20 minutes. No cars are allowed on this island, so this is public transportation.</div>
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Some typical sights. Ah, look, this boat is for sale.</div>
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We leave "down town" behind and head toward our destination.</div>
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This made me think of the slogan, "Beef, it's what's for dinner." </div>
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The bonde drops us off. We have arrived!</div>
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The life of missionary kids...</div>
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Ok, so there's a few perks to living on an island. We are glad to know these missionary friends. We've been told we are welcome to come back. Sounds good to me! (just have to travel almost 2 hours and endure some potholes...)</div>
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<span class="text 2Cor-1-3">"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,</span><span class="text 2Cor-1-4" id="en-NIV-28805"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God." II Corinthians 1:3-4</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00047366658585700322noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954710073304147202.post-74588824124519656562013-01-15T21:59:00.000-06:002013-01-15T21:59:15.187-06:00Just AdjustYou know, Pavlov was onto something. One accustoms oneself to one's own culture. Adjustment to another culture takes time, but can be done. And the adage that you can't teach an old dog new tricks isn't too far off either. However, with enough self-control, a proper amount of help, determination, and freedom to still live part of your old culture within the new one, it can be done. A healthy dose of the fruits of the Spirit cushion the whole adventure into a much better experience.<br />
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I think that was the part we were missing there for awhile. Sometimes one reverts to raw instincts (AKA the flesh) when faced with something challenging, like sports or traffic, or living in a new unknown-ish environment. One thing we have concluded, when people tell you something, make sure you only take it as their suggestion, not necessarily fact. This will make learning to be flexible much easier. ;-)<br />
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So, here's a run down of our first full month in Belem, Brazil. The first week we spent living in a room of missionary friends until the house we were to move into became available. During that time I got my voter's registration card which then allowed me to get my CPF (like a SS card in USA) so we can now ship our container of household goods to us. (I will be SO happy to get a washing machine!!)<br />
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The second week we moved into our upstairs house rental, where we unpacked our suitcases and 10 plastic totes. We managed to bring a portable/camping stove, microwave, a large toaster oven, a few camping chairs, cooking “gear” (pots, pans, cups, dishes, etc.), air mattresses, sheets, and pillows for bedding. Friends are letting us borrow chairs and tables, and a portable AC unit. We figured out how to Jerry-rig another window AC unit so the kids can have AC as well. We tend to just turn the AC on at night because we have been told electricity here is outrageous. We shall find out...<br />
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The subsequent weeks we continued settling in, knowing the area, meeting new Brazilians, and Bill's permanent residency taken care of and all official documents sent to Brasilia for approval. And just today I managed to get my RG (Identification Card) which will now allow us to open a bank account. Woo hoo!
There doesn't seem to be an end to the amount of paper work or documents we've had to do. But in reality, were the situation reversed, I am sure foreigners in the US must have to do a lot of paperwork just to live there as well.<br />
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But the end is in sight. In fact, we will be visiting another missionary family on one of the islands soon and I think we will all enjoy the get-away. We met them at another missionary couple's house on New Years. We hope to see where and how they live and pick their brains on how things have been working for them.<br />
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To help you visualize our new environment, here are a few photos. Enjoy!<br />
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You can see a bunch more photos at<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1657729990"> </a><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: xx-small;"><a _cke_saved_href="http://www.flickr.com/yelwarlib" href="http://www.flickr.com/yelwarlib" target="_blank">http://www.flickr.com/<wbr></wbr>yelwarlib</a> </span> </h4>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scrumptious pie crust cinnamon twists from my little oven.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGyl6KvixnZdzayvt0VxQZHGfAXo8vdlvfva_sJEwOfCLG5cGieeL9rR8Smn-XxEM8qrYPD4jWjJgvkxLb7zhhHpjMAh2bD8JIDdiUkT-T_gkeAHdK6DBTGDHV89DKuWSnMC_k0AHY6VYz/s1600/IMG_1852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGyl6KvixnZdzayvt0VxQZHGfAXo8vdlvfva_sJEwOfCLG5cGieeL9rR8Smn-XxEM8qrYPD4jWjJgvkxLb7zhhHpjMAh2bD8JIDdiUkT-T_gkeAHdK6DBTGDHV89DKuWSnMC_k0AHY6VYz/s320/IMG_1852.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boys' current sleeping arrangements. Apparently hammocks are very comfortable.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhetVOGCvEt4ZvXf4KSWS7bFRW1os64qVzcegZqI_USkEoqu-B7BcYdX1MJaxCHrgyvTiAI9tyCJ0npgnS0xUiMgELfd6UADoNRrUzyAU2ayZLA1rHiRdS3FyyaR62-n_XjcmoPeG0t2IZW/s1600/IMG_1767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhetVOGCvEt4ZvXf4KSWS7bFRW1os64qVzcegZqI_USkEoqu-B7BcYdX1MJaxCHrgyvTiAI9tyCJ0npgnS0xUiMgELfd6UADoNRrUzyAU2ayZLA1rHiRdS3FyyaR62-n_XjcmoPeG0t2IZW/s320/IMG_1767.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doing laundry by hand and kids on technology. What a contrast!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuIHGzn6MFl1CwY_CZZZeT8DVIttES14-ErEpzGufdnj8G0z8jDS3om9svWpNfdQCht1qJuI7PzGmcXmTHY0cd7WOzf65_2uSCvpL2oO6kTGOHpUngLmrYczwlzE7SDSd4HEIoQqn0gpDo/s1600/IMG_1848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuIHGzn6MFl1CwY_CZZZeT8DVIttES14-ErEpzGufdnj8G0z8jDS3om9svWpNfdQCht1qJuI7PzGmcXmTHY0cd7WOzf65_2uSCvpL2oO6kTGOHpUngLmrYczwlzE7SDSd4HEIoQqn0gpDo/s320/IMG_1848.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Muffin size apple tarts. Yum! Recipe coming soon.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The living room, boys' bedroom, and office.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsShWyA11H52JxzyZChydch98_M5zi5EALRgq3HwZjjEdAtDsHi7VWWBUpup0gNidcvwZRcm0OKvGxt3PTDLRx_uuLiApGiLvx0oEfcGQVNoM7DOCXDNyrLGj-of8YZcB6AXXcHIONy_8I/s1600/IMG_1823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsShWyA11H52JxzyZChydch98_M5zi5EALRgq3HwZjjEdAtDsHi7VWWBUpup0gNidcvwZRcm0OKvGxt3PTDLRx_uuLiApGiLvx0oEfcGQVNoM7DOCXDNyrLGj-of8YZcB6AXXcHIONy_8I/s320/IMG_1823.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kitchen, complete with "cupboard" (plastic tote) and "pantry" (shelving).</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My oven. Woo hoo!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laundry room and 2nd kitchen-ish</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm4DW7JlV0-LE-bsHyMzgBY4AAhTtLTFkEqkmmOKj7dTJ1NZapTah8W8xbzUcOur0bzkKS9XQ3zhT_2-kYz_tqD-26B4I6765nTWsRHAPjzct4-f5rLuRCmGujJNpVhOEu304UHxPPHNpd/s1600/IMG_1829.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm4DW7JlV0-LE-bsHyMzgBY4AAhTtLTFkEqkmmOKj7dTJ1NZapTah8W8xbzUcOur0bzkKS9XQ3zhT_2-kYz_tqD-26B4I6765nTWsRHAPjzct4-f5rLuRCmGujJNpVhOEu304UHxPPHNpd/s320/IMG_1829.JPG" width="240" /> </a></td><td style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our "backyard" (it's actually just a cement balcony where I can hang laundry. That's the neighbor's house on the ground level.)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00047366658585700322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954710073304147202.post-52922693070698994122012-11-22T09:53:00.000-06:002012-11-22T10:20:59.446-06:00RamblingsMy thoughts have been so disjointed lately, that I figured that was the best title for this post!<br />
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We have officially become homeless. It sounds worse than what it really is. We have moved out of our RV and will be selling it. Meanwhile, through a series of events, we ended up house-sitting for a Florida family who live off a canal and have a pool. We see yachts every time we look out the back windows. Sheesh. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ZSxhuEjsNNWcXImBwtMWxOmwuAY8hKBHkIkg8swA67yPyl1p2f7Ax-P_cBLYnbbGE1gdKVuB8eDBfsUF2UWIhdv2dlHcndZ55GxeYCsxccDi9f-tdzLPgr7ww9ebUc0E8UiMc73NI4ba/s1600/photo(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ZSxhuEjsNNWcXImBwtMWxOmwuAY8hKBHkIkg8swA67yPyl1p2f7Ax-P_cBLYnbbGE1gdKVuB8eDBfsUF2UWIhdv2dlHcndZ55GxeYCsxccDi9f-tdzLPgr7ww9ebUc0E8UiMc73NI4ba/s400/photo(1).JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Robert and Andrew helping clean one of the yachts.</div>
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The boys have been eating up every minute here. Josh has caught and cooked a crab every night. Robert drives his RC boat in the canal every chance he gets. Andrew can't believe how many kids channels there are on TV. Bill and I are enjoying the amount of space. I am specifically enjoying cooking and baking.<br />
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From here we move into a friend's home on the 25th of November and fly to Brazil on December 13. We have been sorting through all our RV things to decide what absolutely needs to come to Brazil with us and what needs to go on pallets to get put in a container that probably won't arrive until another 3 months from now. Ouch.<br />
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Since houses in Brazil don't have basic appliances like refrigerators, ovens/stoves, and even cabinets, we hope to take either a microwave or counter top large toaster oven and maybe even a burner or two.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7St-sCg8Ob1X_udlpBlY-yLqq3ykOsnloAjbqkgZEsjeJcEzeiyK49b42qQM34BJ9XSSI1tZ6cXD9Mj2qdm9FImqQAtNuv-HxRWAvRB5cB2telE3-zO8vEf1AcJrCaP_MW5JNCf_F2BCK/s1600/kitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7St-sCg8Ob1X_udlpBlY-yLqq3ykOsnloAjbqkgZEsjeJcEzeiyK49b42qQM34BJ9XSSI1tZ6cXD9Mj2qdm9FImqQAtNuv-HxRWAvRB5cB2telE3-zO8vEf1AcJrCaP_MW5JNCf_F2BCK/s320/kitchen.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Typical kitchen in Brazil (especially a rental house)</div>
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We will do one last International Dinner fundraiser December 1 in Fort Lauderdale. The Brazilian bible study group we have been attending will be helping with the meal. Yum!!<br />
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<a href="http://www.believersbridge.org/news-and-updates/international-dinner-event/" target="_blank">Believer's Bridge International Dinner</a> </div>
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There is so much going on that the reality of moving to Brazil to live there hasn't really hit us. In the back of my mind I know what it will be like, but I worry for the rest of the family who has never done anything like this before, nor speak the language. A few positive things are: we do know some people there already and the Brazilians are VERY caring and giving.<br />
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Christmas will be different this year. Not only because it will be celebrated in another country, but because I realized these last few days that whatever presents we try to buy need to fit in our luggage, along with the microwave or toaster oven, all our clothes, kitchen items, bedding.... You get the picture. Gift cards are not an option as there is no such thing as a Walmart or Target there. So, I haven't figured out what to do. Maybe we can celebrate Christmas 3 months from now when our container arrives...<br />
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I am still homeschooling the kids. Robert is doing an online program, but it is not the same. The good news is it is accredited so if we stick with it he can go to any college when he graduates. Josh is doing SOS (Switched-On-Schoolhouse) which is a computer program. Andrew and I are doing the usual workbook system.<br />
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I am amazed I have not gone insane. What doesn't kill you, strengthens you?<br />
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On that note, I hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season! We will have a PO Box here in the States. Our faithful volunteer has been checking it for us weekly and lists all the mail we receive. Not sure if we will have her send accumulated mail to us or just ask her to scan letters so we can at least view them online. If you just want to communicate with us, email will be best.<br />
<br />
Bill and Becky Rowley<br />
PO Box 374<br />
Pelham AL 35124<br />
<br />
bill@believersbridge.org<br />
becky@believersbridge.org<br />
<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00047366658585700322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954710073304147202.post-14278552251921300712012-09-26T20:09:00.000-05:002012-09-26T20:09:27.623-05:00This thing called LifeThere's our organic side of life. You know, the bones, muscles, major organs (thus the word "organic"), and the other physical aspects, or living tissue. <br />
<br />
In a way, sometimes we become preoccupied with this side of life. Hey, when my stomach starts to rumble, food becomes a priority. I think we can all agree on that one. And clothing is a pretty staple part of living. No argument there. Everyone, no matter what race or time in history you come/came from needs these things, albeit in differing ways.<br />
<br />
The inorganic side of life, the unseen force/will that controls the physical -most of the time, is an enigma to most of us, just like the word itself. [Enigma - <span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">puzzling</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">inexplicable</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">occurrence</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">situation.]</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;">But that's just it. They are so intertwined that you can't have one without the other. A physical occurrence elicits a response from our soul/mind. Something as small as a mosquito bite creates an itch and mental irritation. Or something huge like an accident elicits bigger responses. Anything. Isn't that amazing? There. Just reading this (physical words) creates a thought in your head.</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;">This thing called Life is amazing, wonderful, hurtful, challenging, tiring, and intriguing, just to name a few. </span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;">So, here's another thought: why would God do that? </span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;">OK, let's go a little deeper now. After sin entered the world, were mankinds' responses different? Yes, I believe <em>that</em> is what changed. </span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;">If you would oblige me, could you read the following?</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"><span class="text 1Cor-2-10">"The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.</span> <span class="text 1Cor-2-11" id="en-NIV-28406"><sup class="versenum">11 </sup>For who knows a person’s thoughts<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28406S" title="See cross-reference S">S</a>)"></sup> except their own spirit<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28406T" title="See cross-reference T">T</a>)"></sup> within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.</span> <span class="text 1Cor-2-12" id="en-NIV-28407"><sup class="versenum">12 </sup>What we have received is not the spirit<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28407U" title="See cross-reference U">U</a>)"></sup> of the world,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28407V" title="See cross-reference V">V</a>)"></sup> but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us.</span> <span class="text 1Cor-2-13" id="en-NIV-28408"><sup class="versenum">13 </sup>This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28408W" title="See cross-reference W">W</a>)"></sup> but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words.</span> <span class="text 1Cor-2-14" id="en-NIV-28409"><sup class="versenum">14 </sup>The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28409X" title="See cross-reference X">X</a>)"></sup> but considers them foolishness,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28409Y" title="See cross-reference Y">Y</a>)"></sup> and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.</span> <span class="text 1Cor-2-15" id="en-NIV-28410"><sup class="versenum">15 </sup>The person with the Spirit<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28410Z" title="See cross-reference Z">Z</a>)"></sup> makes judgments about all things, but such a person is not subject to merely human judgments,</span> <span class="text 1Cor-2-16" id="en-NIV-28411"><sup class="versenum">16 </sup>for,</span><br />
<div class="poetry top-05">
<div class="line">
<span class="text 1Cor-2-16">“Who has known the mind of the Lord</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text 1Cor-2-16">so as to instruct him?”</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="first-line-none top-05">
<span class="text 1Cor-2-16"><em>But we have the mind of Christ</em>."</span></div>
<div class="first-line-none top-05">
<span class="text 1Cor-2-16"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span>I Corinthians 2:10b-16</div>
<div class="first-line-none top-05">
</div>
<div class="first-line-none top-05">
The believer gets his eyes opened to understanding, but we still have this war with our flesh. The non-believer doesn't have the Spirit to filter their decisions. Greed, pride, power, etc.; in essence, they are all related to selfishness. </div>
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</div>
<div class="first-line-none top-05">
OK, hang with me a little longer. I just can't leave this passage out. It explains the whole thing one step farther:</div>
<div class="first-line-none top-05">
</div>
<span class="text Rom-8-22" id="en-NIV-28139"><sup class="versenum">"22 </sup>We know that the whole creation has been groaning<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28139AR" title="See cross-reference AR">AR</a>)"></sup> as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.</span> <span class="text Rom-8-23" id="en-NIV-28140"><sup class="versenum">23 </sup>Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28140AS" title="See cross-reference AS">AS</a>)"></sup> groan<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28140AT" title="See cross-reference AT">AT</a>)"></sup> inwardly as we wait eagerly<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28140AU" title="See cross-reference AU">AU</a>)"></sup> for our adoption to sonship, <em>the redemption of our bodies</em>.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28140AV" title="See cross-reference AV">AV</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Rom-8-24" id="en-NIV-28141"><sup class="versenum">24 </sup>For in this hope we were saved.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28141AW" title="See cross-reference AW">AW</a>)"></sup> But hope that is seen is no hope at all.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28141AX" title="See cross-reference AX">AX</a>)"></sup> Who hopes for what they already have?</span> <span class="text Rom-8-25" id="en-NIV-28142"><sup class="versenum">25 </sup>But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28142AY" title="See cross-reference AY">AY</a>)"></sup></span><br />
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</div>
<span class="text Rom-8-26" id="en-NIV-28143"><sup class="versenum">26 </sup>In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28143AZ" title="See cross-reference AZ">AZ</a>)"></sup> himself intercedes for us<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28143BA" title="See cross-reference BA">BA</a>)"></sup> through wordless groans.</span> <span class="text Rom-8-27" id="en-NIV-28144"><sup class="versenum">27 </sup>And he who <em>searches our hearts<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28144BB" title="See cross-reference BB">BB</a>)"></sup></em> <em>knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28144BC" title="See cross-reference BC">BC</a>)"></sup> for God’s people <u>in accordance with the will of God.</u></em>" Romans 8:22-27</span><br />
<span class="text Rom-8-27"><em><u></u></em></span><br />
<span class="text Rom-8-27"><em><u></u></em></span><br />
<span class="text Rom-8-27">And now I'm going to go deeper. Mmm. Just take a moment. Take a few deep breathes in and out, and listen with the Spirit of God to one last thought:</span><br />
<span class="text Rom-8-27"></span><br />
<span class="text Rom-8-27">"<em>Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will</em>." Romans 12:2</span><br />
<span class="text Rom-8-27"></span><br />
<span class="text Rom-8-27"> </span><br />
Do not conform. To the pattern of this world. Selfishness. Giving in to my fleshly desires. They can be strong sometimes and can hurt others or others have been hurt by it. <br />
<br />
This thing called Life.<br />
<br />
There's more than meets the eye, huh? It doesn't happen overnight. But there's freedom, joy, fulfilled needed desires, and in one way you could say the "nirvana" of real Christianity. <br />
<br />
I think the Holy Spirit works overtime with wordless groans for all of us sometimes. But He is seeking those who want to renew their minds. <br />
<br />
This journey of starting Believer's Bridge has certainly been a test of not conforming to this world. Loss of home, loss of steady income, and living in an RV for about 2 years total has been a transformation all right. <br />
<br />
I know many of you have been going through your own journey, and I love the intertwining of our journies together to the glory of God as we wait for the redemption of our bodies. <br />
<br />
Don't give up. It will be hard, because the flesh groans for the things of this world. <br />
Romans 8:28<br />
<span class="keywordresultextras"></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00047366658585700322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954710073304147202.post-64469227661488133742012-08-18T09:31:00.000-05:002012-08-18T09:32:20.895-05:00Houses are overrated anyway, right?Funny thing about homes is you become attached to them. Literally. And most homes are securely attached to the ground. Honey, they ain't movin'. And most of the time, neither are you. <br />
<br />
Unless you join the military. Or work on the mission field. Or your company moves you.<br />
<br />
There are probably other things like being born to a nomad or circus family. I shudder to think of that lifestyle. In fact, it makes our current lifestyle sound downright stable. (And apologies to anyone who lives the nomadic or circus lifestyle...kudos to you.)<br />
<br />
Let's see, in the last 2 years-ish, we have lived out of our RV for 19-20 months, total. As you can imagine, everytime we returned to our secure home (the one without the wheels attached), we hugged the ground. Well, not really. But it did seem we got easily lost in there...2,200+ ft of space vs our 200 sq ft of RV space.<br />
<br />
Speaking of lost, where was I? Oh yes, living in a tiny RV for that long can drive one crazy. Wait, that's the wrong topic for this subject, although it does have it's merits. I'm fine. Really.<br />
<br />
What I was going to say is, I never realized how flexible one can become when one literally has no home. Our secure home (the one <em>without</em> wheels and 2,200+sq ft) recently became a rental home. And in our quest to make the best possible decision on what to do with our furnishings, and data we had accumalated from friends in south Brazil, we sold or gave away 3/4 of what we owned. On a side note, we now know we will need to take furnishings down in a container b/c it actually costs less. The cost of living in south Brazil is, interestingly enough, <em>much</em> less than in north Brazil.<br />
<br />
Anywho, when we moved out of our real home, our youngest son commented, "We're actually homeless!" To which I responded, "Not homeless, just houseless." After all, houses are overrated anyway, right? <br />
<br />
The epitome of our houselessness (there's a mouthful!) came a few days ago when we had to take the RV in to get the transmission fixed. It created a kind of funny and interesting situation. What does one do when one's home is "in the shop"? Imagine trying to explain <em>that</em> to your kids! <br />
<br />
The first night we stayed in a hotel. But the next day when we were supposed to pick up the RV, we were told they needed another day to fix it. We really did not want to spend more money on another hotel. In short, while mentioning our dilema to a group, one lady spoke up and mentioned we could stay in a camper they had. Very nice.<br />
<br />
At the end of that day, Andrew asked, "So, where's our home tonight?" Now, how many kids do you know (including yours) that wouldn't whine or complain about not having a "real" house to live in? If nothing else, at least our kids are fine with whatever comes. <br />
<br />
One of the homes we visited in Brazil had chains running from the gutter to the ground. Bill decided to take a photo and send it to Andrew to tell him that the homes in south Brazil had to be chained to the ground so they wouldn't drop off the earth... That's just Bill's personality. Life is never dull. So, thought I would share that since we've been talking about "secure" houses. <br />
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By the way, can you guess what the real purpose of the chains are? Hint: it has something to do with the gutters when it rains.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00047366658585700322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954710073304147202.post-71086760139672742712012-07-20T17:21:00.002-05:002012-07-20T17:21:34.543-05:00What CompelsMy personality loves to think deeply. I like to analyze. To a fault probably, but it's who I am. And I love seeing/understanding all sides to a situation. <br />
<br />
Which has me thinking as I sit here in what may become our future home in Belem, Brazil. Bill and I decided several weeks back we needed to plan this trip to come down and investigate what we are getting ourselves into and meet with people in the area. Smart guy.<br />
<br />
I think life is like certain combinations. For example, let's say that those who live by the beach fit into 3 different colors: yellow, blue, and green. So people with purple, orange, and blue would not fit into the beach lifestyle and vice-versa. Someone who had yellow, purple, and red could relate 1/3. <br />
<br />
You see where I am going with this. As people, we have this combination in us that makes it easier or harder to live in certain place, relate to things or people. There might even be layers of combinations. Age would be another layer. <br />
<br />
We become who we are by our surroundings -includes all kinds of things, like culture- and personalities. Throw in age and gender, maybe even physical or mental challenges and we tend to become comfortable with what we know (the color combination that makes us). <br />
<br />
A person limited to only 3 colors their whole life will not adjust very well to other color combinations. They'd rather not change. Or better yet, maybe they are black and white. They can't create other colors. A person with yellow, blue and red can create green, purple, magenta, etc. if they choose to.<br />
<br />
I have the advantage of having been exposed to various color combinations when I was younger so I have an ability to recall that to the surface. As I interact with the Brazilians on this trip, that's exactly what's happening. <br />
<br />
However, the reality of living in Belem has given me mixed emotions. The place we are staying may become our home when we move. It is very different than 1) where I have lived in the US for the last 22 years and 2) very different than my childhood homes of South Brazil. The area is more underdeveloped. It is normal to not have a yard, you don't put TP in the toilet (the plumping here is not designed for it), there seems to be no way to get rid of the sugar ants that take up residence along with you, and there are 3 layers of gates/ locks from house to street.<br />
<br />
SO, as I sat here processing all this and deciding if I could live, really live, that way for several years, my little analytical mind almost made my mouth burst out in laughter as I tried to place other people who have the black and white personalities in my shoes. It wouldn't happen. <br />
<br />
So what compels? Can anyone adjust? The short answer is yes. It might take longer for some, but the key would be the one color that everyone receives when they become a Christian. I have no idea what that color would be, maybe the magical color that can turn into anything depending on the situation. The trick is learning how to work it. And some choose not to.<br />
<br />
That's what compels. <br />
<br />
One dictionary meaning of compel is : <span id="hotword"><em><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">to</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">force</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">drive,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">especially</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">to</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">course</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">action.</span></em></span><br />
<br />
<span><span name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">I believe the best key to unlock the magical color we receive as Christians is love. It will sustain the course of action we choose because it is done out of the right motive. Most everything will fall apart because it comes from self. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span><span name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">My biggest prayer as we continue working with this mission is that we will be compelled by love and God's Spirit. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span><span name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><span style="color: black;">"Now to him who is able <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29272D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup>to do immeasurably more than all we ask <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29272E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup>or imagine, <strong>according to his power <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29272F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup>that is at work within us</strong> [AKA - that magical color], <span class="text Eph-3-21" id="en-NIV-29273"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></sup>to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. " Ephesians 3:20-21 Emphasis and addition mine.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span><span name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="text Eph-3-21">Front of house (there's another gate outside the photo to left)</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span><span name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="text Eph-3-21">Front full view of house</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span><span name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="text Eph-3-21">View from house</span></span></span></span></div>
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View from kitchen</div>
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<span><span name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="text Eph-3-21">"Back yard"</span></span></span></span></div>
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We visited a botanical zoo that is close to the house. HUGE water lily pads!</div>
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The reflected skyscraper made a neat photo too.</div>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00047366658585700322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954710073304147202.post-60375790044550573692012-07-07T14:50:00.000-05:002012-07-07T14:51:38.029-05:00Life ChangesLife has so many stages that can happen naturally. First we are children, and things are taken care of for us. Next, we branch out on our own, most of us attending college. Getting married brings on a whole new aspect of life. Add a few kids for another phase. Then those kids become teens and adults, and so on. The phases are just a natural part of life, anywhere in the world.<br />
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But what about the phases that are cognative choices, and not "natural"?<br />
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Those take a little more incentive and commitment. Those are life <em>changes</em>. We (Bill and I) have been known to live outside the box to begin with. So, the moment we decided to begin a mission organization wasn't too far out of line for our personalities. What we couldn't have forseen was how much determination and obedience it would take.<br />
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I want to give an extremely strong emotional response right now to the changes we have gone through since starting Believer's Bridge. But I can't think of a way to communicate that effectively. The movie, "The Ultimate Gift" comes to mind. So, go watch that, then come back and read the rest... or you can just keep reading and make a note to get the movie at another time. It will be worth your while.<br />
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Although we did not start off with millions of dollars, Bill was a top EO for several companies before God derailed us off that path (Bentley (CAD makers), Kinkos, Watsco, and others). But I am convinced that all that had a part in our abilities to run a mission organization.<br />
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So, fast forward literally from birth to now. Turns out my being born in Brazil wasn't just a chance happening either. It seems Brazil is cracking down on Visas and many missionaries are pulling out. My dual citizenship allows me to live in Brazil w/o any problems. Even the boys have dual citizenship. <br />
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Which is one reason why the timing seems to be now for us to go work in Belem, Brazil. We looked at it about 2 years ago, but things in Peru weren't completely set up yet. Now that we have the Rigg's (American missionaries) and 2 national workers in Andahuaylas, things seem to be settled there and our attention is on Brazil. <br />
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We have chosen to enter a phase of life probably many never experience, because it takes an absurd amount of courage and obedience. (Yes, I am bragging... now hoping lightening doesn't hit.) As we look at working in Belem, we decided to sell or give more than 3/4 of what we owned. I'm sitting in our RV outside our empty home typing this.<br />
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Out of the 1/4 that's left, some very special things are being stored across the country with several people. The rest we will be packing in footlockers to take when we have full financial support. Meanwhile, we will be living in our 200 sq ft space RV. <br />
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OK, so here's the thing: I was hyper-ventilating when we made the decision to sell/give our things instead of taking them to Brazil (think $10-20 K each way just for a container to get the stuff there). I finally stopped myself and asked God to give us peace if this was what He wanted us doing. And He did!!! (and !!) It was amazing! <br />
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I didn't ask God to provide $$$$ to get our stuff there. I didn't ask for a new RV (even though I would love for that to happen). I didn't even ask for full support right now so we wouldn't have to live in the RV. Although, I do think it will all come together. I asked God from a willing heart to provide peace if this crazy, insane plan was what He wanted. I think I'm starting to understand how Abraham felt. <br />
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So, I suggested a movie. I'd like to suggest a song as well: "Crazy" by Mercy Me. Just Google it.<br />
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There's nothing wrong with natural life phases, but the richness of character-enhancing living comes from a heart that accepts life changes. "The Ultimate Gift"... you need to watch it.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00047366658585700322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954710073304147202.post-50751844896375135742012-03-10T11:06:00.000-06:002012-03-10T11:06:39.929-06:00Home!Words cannot express the full extent of what it feels like to be home. The only comparison that keeps coming up in my mind over and over again is what it will be like when we are in our resurrected bodies in our real homes. Just like living in the RV pails in comparison to living in a real home, so I can only imagine it will be when all believers are home with our Creator. "Better is one day in Your courts than a thousand elsewhere..." Psalm 84:10a<br />
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A fun stop-over at a beach in Florida</div>
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The long traveling is now over. We are home to stay for awhile. We have experienced things that many will never know, much less attempt. But, like Paul with his missionary journeys, it was needed. We had to visit churches, family, and friends to share about the ministry in Peru, and possibly soon to be in Brazil. We have applied to several churches for financial support, shared the need for Bible teachers, whether on a Bible study level or seminary level, and best of all made some new friends and saw old ones.<br />
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Presenting our "Pennies for Pastors" program to an AWANA's group </div>
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Display board</div>
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As a family, we homeschooled and got to see some amazing places and scenery. When we first started, we set out November 2011, leaving our home on the market to sell since Bill had been let go July 2010 and we weren't even making enough to pay mortgage. We went ahead and applied for a home loan modification, leaving the results in God's hands, knowing that if we had to sell we weren't sure where we would live. One thing remained true: we felt sure God wanted us to stay in ministry. The faces of the Peruvians who had cried out for help to send teachers kept coming to mind. Who would step up to the call? <br />
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Painting the house to sell</div>
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We lived in our RV from November 2010 to February 2011, visiting Texas, Utah, and California. At the beginning of February we got the news that we finally qualified for a home loan. We took the house off the market, ecstatic God had allowed us to keep it. We returned home for about 3 weeks before heading back out to visit friends and churches in Florida, Texas, back to Florida and several other places. <br />
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We came back home for maybe one week every month, the details have become blurry in my mind. All the while we continued to homeschool, up until June, sometimes having some fascinating places to visit, like St. Augustine, the Alamo, several science museums in various states, some of the missions in California, and who knows where else! Most of the time we sat in the main section of our RV doing "regular" school.<br />
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Castillo de San Marcos, St. Augustine, FL </div>
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Free cookies and hot chocolate, compliments of coupons to Flying J/Pilot</div>
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Josh studying about the Titan Missile II in Tuscon, AZ</div>
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For one week in August 2011, Bill, Robert, and I took a mission trip to Andahuaylas, taking 2 others who helped teach classes to the Quechua. This was my first time meeting our national missionaries, and they couldn't wait to meet the wife of the "jefe" (Spanish for "chief"). Seeing photos of the people and area was one thing, but visiting was something else. The grateful hearts were evident as we worked together, sharing truths of what God's Word had to say. After all, this is what they wanted to hear. To know and understand the meaning of Scripture so they could teach it to others.<br />
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Lunch time!</div>
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Celebration at the seminary in Andahuaylas, Peru</div>
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We came back for 2-3 weeks, I believe, and soon after started homeschooling and traveling again, mostly to Florida. After much discussion, we agreed we needed to make another trip out West to continue seeking financial support and follow up on the interest in working with Believer's Bridge to send teachers to Andahuaylas. Once more, we left in November (2011). This time we found a renter who needed a place to stay. We didn't have much time to evaluate this person's habits, but felt God had orchestrated the events. We needed some extra money and they needed a place to stay and could not afford a regular rental place.<br />
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Once again, we visited Texas, Utah, and California, with one exception. During the previous summer (July 2011), we had hosted a team from Faith Bible Church in Phoenix, AZ who came out to do some tornado relief work. We needed a place to leave our RV while we drove to Utah (were we celebrated Thanksgiving and my parent's 50th wedding anniversary) and a family in their church offered their home. So, after returning from Utah, we spent a little bit of time with them and their church. My aunt is also in the area, and we were able to visit her and her church, which happened to be a church that used to support my parents.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUeE351Gvs3zR3pmXzPHmEUjjSAMNFByapRnAnQA_st4fAuT0GYLPN31JLTlmd9jqAHNKhZCH1T5d-wOMTV_JBaooE1u-N_gGyaLkkTB6llK6E7xrlRD2GwkXxMp_G0APKFOo-lbRemRwC/s1600/AZteam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUeE351Gvs3zR3pmXzPHmEUjjSAMNFByapRnAnQA_st4fAuT0GYLPN31JLTlmd9jqAHNKhZCH1T5d-wOMTV_JBaooE1u-N_gGyaLkkTB6llK6E7xrlRD2GwkXxMp_G0APKFOo-lbRemRwC/s320/AZteam.jpg" width="320" yda="true" /></a></div>
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AZ team and some of our church people</div>
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This trip turned out a little different than the one in 2010. We did a lot more "dry-docking", which means we did not have full hook-ups most of the time so we could save money. It also meant water became like gold and we had to be very frugal with it. I've said it before, but bares repeating: there's a reason God only gave us boys! And these were the hardest times of the whole trip. And we'll leave it at that.<br />
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Desert camping</div>
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Meanwhile, back at the "ranch", turns out our renter assumed they should only pay part of the utilities, even though they were the only person using the house. There were a few other things going on, but I'm only going to mention this. Ironically, the message at the church we were visiting happened to be on Paul's unfair trial. So, even though I felt furious over the situation, Bill and I felt God saying, "Vengeance is mine. Don't get furious, but keep calm. Yes, it is unfair and you have the right to exact payment, but I'm testing your response to this." <br />
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Our last stop was supposed to be 2-3 weeks in Kingwood, Texas. After this we had planned to meet with some of our missionaries who are home on furlough, as well as another of our board member. Within a 2 day span, several things happened. Bill had a calm discussion with our renter about needing to move out, the church in Kingwood canceled their meetings, and plans for meeting our missionaries and board member also got canceled. Just like that we were free to go home. Our anxiety over dealing with our renter long-distance could now be dealt with in person. And we will leave that situation at that. The point is not to gossip but to show how God works.<br />
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We are excited to be home. We have space! And a real office! We are even more excited to see how God is still working some miracles. Our dryer's heating element apparently burned out. It had been having problems before we left. So we put out a plea on FB and email to see if anyone had an extra one we could have. That afternoon Bill called me up and said, "Someone we don't even know is going to buy us a new dryer!" How cool and neat is that? I love it when God's people work together for good. Our pastor will be delivering it Sunday from this wonderful anonymous donor. So, if you are reading this, Thank you!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5XuVxqf7mynna1SIGGbd5yxgvwKTGSPt46qjUMl5MNXj4ASf5l7P0JAeNvE3R8EL4RdiCHIfPzRZ-M-BtLJUUJpMQDpCi83JJpn1zQKHwPCY6iDd6kpoGJyBMy_KGAJADLBR23OwV6VEP/s1600/rvoffice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5XuVxqf7mynna1SIGGbd5yxgvwKTGSPt46qjUMl5MNXj4ASf5l7P0JAeNvE3R8EL4RdiCHIfPzRZ-M-BtLJUUJpMQDpCi83JJpn1zQKHwPCY6iDd6kpoGJyBMy_KGAJADLBR23OwV6VEP/s320/rvoffice.jpg" width="320" yda="true" /></a></div>
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Voila! Office, kitchen table, school room, bedroom - all-in-one.</div>
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And last, but not least, please pray we will get financial support from the churches we applied to. I have not mentioned before how much we are living off of, except to a select few, but our income is only about $1500. Our paycheck has been $1000 for the last year or so. Obviously we have been able to pay bills and survive, mostly because we have received some large donations and we have been frugal (we didn't buy any gifts for Christmas this year, not even for the kids.) Josh also helped start our "tent-making" business of selling jewelry, which helped us pay for gas and we used some to splurge on a Cracker Barrel outing.<br />
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<img border="0" height="90" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_bSBT6AXwHR_yhu1RT6MC3J6cTqm2N6s3Jnk_7uq_wMd2fdym_vw0e52bczhN4vP5fOIMasNjkLsfpJRQA9yArMaKUh6EuQIJizYV4LupvHUoLEgcbyA9cApqRwRCsqeC7aaFKM7g0u7t/s320/RowleyCreations.jpg" width="320" yda="true" /></div>
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<a href="http://www.rowleycreations.com/"><strong>www.rowleycreations.com</strong></a></div>
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And I think that is the point of me feeling free to disclose the amount. God will be able to use us to encourage others who struggle with finances, because let me tell you, I struggled with it for months. But now I see that God uses <em>everything</em> to His glory. It's not about the situation, it's about your heart. Once we learn this, He can do amazing things through us.<br />
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It's good to be home... Joy unspeakable!!<br />
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Here's an awesome verse for you:<br />
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<em>"May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word."</em><br />
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II Thessalonians 2:16-17 </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00047366658585700322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954710073304147202.post-86767581300920655412012-02-27T16:49:00.000-06:002012-02-27T16:49:28.012-06:00Oh the good of grief! I say "Oh good grief!" alot.<br />
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Which got me to thinking what a contradictory term it was. Is there ever any good in grief? And where did the term originate anyway? Yes to the first part and who knows to the second. But lets talk a little about faith, which, surprisingly, will answer the good in grief.<br />
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Believe it or not, we are still doing RV traveling, and out of the last 15 months (being home maybe a total of 3 months) we have seen and experienced amazing, crazy, fun, sad, moving, educational, and unbelievable things. And they have all taught us to grow in obedience toward the Christian life.<br />
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The result has been joy. Not at first. My fight or flight response is to kick and scream. Loudly. Ask my parents. I was a foot-stomper.<br />
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So once I stopped, since it didn't seem to be doing much good, except waste alot of energy, I turned my efforts toward listening. Alot. And I thought I'd give a try to what I was hearing. That's the obedience part. AKA, faith. (Faith comes by hearing... Romans 10:17)<br />
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Romans 10 is talking about giving the Gentiles the riches God had offered the Jews. Riches that offer abundant and eternal life. But verse 21 says, "All day long I have held out my hands to a <strong>disobedient</strong> and obstinate people." <br />
<br />
Faith requires action. If faith seems a little fuzzy to you, beyond your understanding, then understand this: <em>faith is the same thing as obedience</em>. A faithful person is the one who acts on what they read from the Bible.<br />
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James 2:18 "But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith <em>by my deeds</em>." (emphasis mine.)<br />
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So guess what? There is good in grief. Grief in the sense of obeying even when it hurts. That type of action matures a Christian like nobodies business!! <br />
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Somehow we have managed to stay sane, still find time to homeschool (much to our kid's chagrin), continue ministry work, and make/sell jewelry, all while living and traveling in 200 sq ft of space. (Obedience...) :-)<br />
I will include a few photos of our travels as soon as we get to an area with high speed internet. Meanwhile, I'll see if I can put a few up on Facebook. <br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00047366658585700322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954710073304147202.post-74267410066263310382012-01-13T12:14:00.000-06:002012-01-13T20:34:47.178-06:00"What are you doing here?""He [Elijah] came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, LORD,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-9393"><span style="font-size: x-small;">5</span></sup> Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep." I Kings 19:4-5a<br />
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"I have had enough, LORD", I said as we came to the end of the year last year. Oh sure, just like Elijah I had seen some great miracles and been part of things that one knows are only done through God's hands. But just like Elijah, I too felt like the amount of effort and energy one puts into going against the flow is exhausting. Especially when many churches have focused inward and raising support in this economy is difficult at best. <br />
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I have felt bitter toward many churches whom we have visited seeking financial and partnership support. Partnership in the sense of prayer involvement and finding new teachers that would be willing to go to Peru for a week or two. More have been willing to partner with prayer and teachers, which is very needed, but nevertheless, after almost 2 years of trying to raise support, we are still only at about 18%.<br />
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So, like Elijah, I had given up, which is why I haven't blogged lately. You know the saying, "if you don't have anything good to say, don't say it at all"? Yep. It is better to keep your mouth shut at times than to rant and rave. Besides, I think I've done enough of that with my family... poor guys.<br />
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"All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-9394"><span style="font-size: x-small;">6</span></sup> He looked around, and there by his head was some bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again." I Kings 19: 5b-6<br />
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I LOVE God's compassion and mercy. <br />
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Even in Elijah's depression and bitterness, God restores his physical and probably emotional state.<br />
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"The angel of the LORD came back a second time and touched him and said, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.” <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-9396"><span style="font-size: x-small;">8</span></sup> So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-9397"><span style="font-size: x-small;">9</span></sup> There he went into a cave and spent the night." I Kings 19:7-9a<br />
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re·store</h2>
<sup></sup><span id="hotword"> </span><span class="pronset"><span audio="http://sp.dictionary.com/dictstatic/dictionary/audio/luna/R02/R0238700.mp3" class="speaker" default="http://dictionary.reference.com/audio.html/lunaWAV/R02/R0238700" jquery1326474823484="176"><noscript></noscript></span> <span class="show_ipapr" style="display: none;"><span class="prondelim">/</span><span class="pron">rɪˈstɔr</span><span class="pron">,</span> <span class="pron">-ˈstoʊr</span><span class="prondelim">/</span> <span class="pron_toggle" style="display: inline;"><a alt="Toggle for Spelled" class="pronlink" href="http://www.blogger.com/" jquery1326474823484="83" title="Click to show spelled">Show Spelled</a></span></span><span class="show_spellpr" style="display: inline;"><span class="prondelim">[</span><span class="pron">ri-<span class="boldface">stawr</span></span><span class="pron">,</span> <span class="pron">-<span class="boldface">stohr</span></span><span class="prondelim">]</span> <span class="pron_toggle" style="display: inline;"><a alt="Toggle for IPA" class="pronlink" href="http://www.blogger.com/" jquery1326474823484="85" title="Click to show IPA">Show IPA</a></span></span></span> </div>
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<span class="pg"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">verb</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">(used</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">with</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">object),</span> </span></span><span class="secondary-bf"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">-stored,</span> </span></span><span class="secondary-bf"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">-stor·ing.</span> </span></span><br />
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<span class="dnindex"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">1.</span> </span></span><br />
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<span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">to</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">bring</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">back</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">into</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">existence,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">use,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">the</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">like;</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">reestablish:</span> </span><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">to</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">restore</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">order.</span> </span></span></div>
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<span class="dnindex"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">2.</span> </span></span><br />
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<span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">to</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">bring</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">back</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">to</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">former,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">original,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">normal</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">condition,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">as</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">building,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">statue,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">painting.</span> </span></div>
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<span class="dnindex"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">3.</span> </span></span><br />
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<span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">to</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">bring</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">back</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">to</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">state</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">health,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">soundness,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">vigor.</span> </span></div>
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<span class="dnindex"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">4.</span> </span></span><br />
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<span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">to</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">put</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">back</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">to</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">former</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">place,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">to</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">former</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">position,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">rank,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">etc.:</span> </span><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">to</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">restore</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">the</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">king</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">to</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">his</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">throne.</span> </span></span></div>
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<span class="dnindex"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">5.</span> </span></span><br />
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<span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">to</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">give</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">back;</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">make</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">return</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">restitution</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">(anything</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">taken</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">away</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">lost).</span> </span><br />
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Just reading the definitions is invigorating. Who doesn't want to be restored when they feel drug through the mud?! And God does that. He didn't give Elijah "one upside the head" ,as my brother used to like saying, but restored his health knowing the journey would be too much if he didn't.</div>
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And here's the first thing God asks him after all that:</div>
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"And the word of the LORD came to him: “<em>What are you doing here</em>, Elijah?” " I Kings 19:9b (Emphasis mine.)</div>
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I've always just read right over that thinknig it just meant, What are you doing here on this mountain? Shouldn't you be somewhere else?</div>
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I think it means something a little deeper: What is the <em>reason</em> you are here? But Elijah must be tihnking what I originally thought because look at his answer:</div>
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"He replied, “I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.” " I Kings 19:10</div>
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And I replied, "Lord, we are trying to get people on board with us so we don't go under and can continue training Peruvians in the Bible but all the churches have rejected us and we seem to be the only ones doing your work!" So, yes, I am prone to exageration but there's a lot of truth in there.</div>
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But God replies:</div>
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"The LORD said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-9400"><span style="font-size: x-small;">12</span></sup> After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-9401"><span style="font-size: x-small;">13</span></sup> When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. I Kings 19:11-13a<br />
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I have been through hurricanes but never any that could shatter rocks or tear a mountain apart. That must have been intense. I've also been in an 7 point earthquake. Let me tell you, things get moved! I'm curious how huge the fire was, but if it follows the magnitude of everything else, it must have been ginormous!<br />
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But it was only the whisper that God was in and Elijah came out (with cloak over his face.)<br />
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"A gentle answer turns away wrath, <br />
but a harsh word stirs up anger." Proverbs 15:1<br />
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And God asks the same question:<br />
<br />
"Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” " I Kings 19:13b<br />
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Interesting, because Elijah gives the same answer but I have a feeling there wasn't anymore bitterness in Elijah's tone. Just a statement of truth:<br />
<br />
"He replied, “I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.” " I Kings 19:14<br />
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God must have been satisfied with Elijah's state of heart and restored condition because God's answer is:<br />
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"The LORD said to him, “Go back the way you came, and go to the Desert of Damascus. When you get there, anoint Hazael king over Aram. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-9404"><span style="font-size: x-small;">16</span></sup> Also, anoint Jehu son of Nimshi king over Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to succeed you as prophet. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-9405"><span style="font-size: x-small;">17</span></sup> Jehu will put to death any who escape the sword of Hazael, and Elisha will put to death any who escape the sword of Jehu. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-9406"><span style="font-size: x-small;">18</span></sup> Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel—all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and whose mouths have not kissed him.”" I Kings 19:15-18<br />
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God restores Elijah's health, takes him into his confidence on a mountain, and helps him see the purpose of his life. Which in his case was to continue the journey he had started, while at the same time God gives him specific directions which probably were very encouraging for Elijah. He was finally going to see some results. <em>But his heart had to get back on track first.</em><br />
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"<em>What are you doing here?"</em> Here on earth, living this life that God gave us. Are you bitter at other Christians right now? Or feeling depressed? Get restored. Realign your heart to listen to the truth of God, who comes in a gentle and caring manner. He cares for your current state-of-being and once you are ready to listen with a contrite heart, He's ready to work with you and you Him. <br />
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SO, want to help us financially? We've started a jewelry business as our "tent-making business" (Paul in the Bible used to make tents to help provide extra income when the churches didn't give.) <br />
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You can visit our website at: <a href="http://www.rowleycreations.com/">http://www.rowleycreations.com/</a> and see if there's something you like and help us out too! Thanks!!! We also do jewelry parties. If you'd like to help host one when we are in your neck of the woods, that would be wonderful! Just leave me a comment and I will get back to you.<br />
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00047366658585700322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954710073304147202.post-56135237647367524342011-12-06T13:11:00.001-06:002011-12-06T14:11:54.709-06:00While you were sleeping......we avoided an accident! And yes, you might recognize that title from a movie that was made a few years ago. But it seemed to fit perfectly. Except in our case, God's angels were working overtime last night.<br />
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We were on our way to the Anza-Borrego Desert for a few days of R&R before we headed into San Diego. Bill and I were talking in the front of the RV and I had just finished saying, "Well, we need to make sure we pray often to stay aligned with God's will as we continue growing Believer's Bridge." The back wheels fish-tailed and we swerved into the other lane. There was no on-coming traffic which was the first praise.<br />
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Bill gently guided the RV back to our lane but it felt like we had blown a tire so we pulled over on the shoulder as far as we could. Adrenaline running, Bill and Robert jumped out the RV and started looking to see what was the problem. <br />
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After a few minutes Bill came back and said he couldn't see anything. He turned the engine on and tried moving the RV forward. A horrible noise came from the back but the RV didn't budge. So the guys took the car off the back and Bill got the idea to see if he could back up the RV. It started to back up but the whole RV shook and made a horrible noise and stopped.<br />
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As he went back outside he saw one of our wheels in the middle of the road! After recovering it he looked at the area and found that the lug nuts had broken off and the second tire (the RV has 2 wheels per side in the back) was still on but angled funny.<br />
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What seems to have happened is the lug nuts broke and that made us swerve but the tires stayed on. Second praise. If they hadn't, we are pretty sure the RV would have fallen on it's side or at the very least ruined the axle by breaking or bending it and who knows what other damage could have happened. <br />
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As it was, the wheels stayed on until Bill backed the RV up, but only one came off while the other continued to hold the RV up. Third praise.<br />
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We have AAA RV coverage (fourth praise) so they were finally able to locate someone who could tow the RV backwards to a tire auto shop in Brawley, CA. The town was only 12 miles from where we pulled off the side, but the tow driver had to come from 85 miles away. <br />
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Bill put on the flashers to the RV and car and put a flair on the road since the RV was barely off the side of the road. The fifth praise was it happened on a straight stretch of road with clear visibility on both sides.<br />
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So we slept in the RV (the tow driver put the tires back on, but w/o the lug nuts and bolts) in the auto tire parking lot and Bill talked to them in the morning. The owner of the shop seems to be a Christian and Bill also told him about our work in Peru. I believe he is from Mexico.<br />
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Right now we are waiting for Bill to come back with more lug bolts but he has to drive to El Centro to an Auto Zone which has them for $2.50 versus the $15 ones they originally wanted to get. <br />
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SO, we are all safe and VERY thankful for the miracle that happened. Thanks to all who pray for us!! There seems to never be a dull moment around here... Once we get the wheels secured we plan on heading to the desert and RELAX!!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi2_gJI4_DbZ0M6bVQvj2wYHSgk4a1CdLMDfsNH1ns4VpIAykgkb8NH494Jq77mp_iPP5fhyCdqRIe8TBbsuA4PLxt05ewjl_iUcGsfWzSnITJqNyXczAB1oRifEguroHX-X8mpV3wgrpl/s1600/IMG_4220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi2_gJI4_DbZ0M6bVQvj2wYHSgk4a1CdLMDfsNH1ns4VpIAykgkb8NH494Jq77mp_iPP5fhyCdqRIe8TBbsuA4PLxt05ewjl_iUcGsfWzSnITJqNyXczAB1oRifEguroHX-X8mpV3wgrpl/s320/IMG_4220.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The "crooked" tire</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii85w_qBDjjMrFkOwkldy2QSJqAPpqL8FH2aP1Tt6yjkGyc8-5gzM37vnO9sZswJtbcJeWFhfv1MqpFwRLrdsYUPBo1p43HAWyIwRD82-ZKWDIsAQtSwmR0ygZ0uytMs5wdP9q5wu-VCro/s1600/IMG_4228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii85w_qBDjjMrFkOwkldy2QSJqAPpqL8FH2aP1Tt6yjkGyc8-5gzM37vnO9sZswJtbcJeWFhfv1MqpFwRLrdsYUPBo1p43HAWyIwRD82-ZKWDIsAQtSwmR0ygZ0uytMs5wdP9q5wu-VCro/s320/IMG_4228.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The huge tow truck hooking up the back of the RV</div>
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And that, folks, is what an axle looks like...</div>
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Have home, will travel...unless the wheels fall off.</div>
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<em>"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29546"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">3</span></strong></sup> And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29547"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">4</span></strong></sup> Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29548"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">5</span></strong></sup> Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29549"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">6</span></strong></sup> Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." Colossians 4:2-6 </em></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00047366658585700322noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954710073304147202.post-3225174735794283722011-11-15T17:31:00.001-06:002011-11-23T11:13:11.403-06:00Praise and Prayer, and everything in-betweenWe left our house Thursday, November 10th, heading west, with stops in Texas, Arizona, Utah, and eventually California. <br />
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Praise: We were able to speak at two Sunday School classes at Kingwood Bible Church and reconnect again with some new supporters. (We had a salsa and chips "picnic" in the parking lot as we sat around and talked.) <br />
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Praise: We were also able to see family on Bill's side who "happen" to live in the same town (most assuredly a God coincidence.) They treated us out to eat and boy, did our kids eat! Good thing both places were buffets. At any rate, it was good to catch up.<br />
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Another praise: About 1 1/2 weeks before we left, we were able to get renters for our basement. It is only temporary, but helps keep the house occupied while we are gone and also will help our support. However, we had been using it for our office and had to move everything out (and think about packing for a 3+ month trip.) <br />
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Prayer: We ended up with colds, all at different times and various degrees. Not fun, and added more stress. Please pray we will recover soon as we <em>still</em> have coughs and some yucky stuff.<br />
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Here are some photos of time spent with family in Texas. We went to a park and it just happened to be Pioneer Days. They had hey rides, rope tying and all kinds of other things.<br />
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Reproduction of a storage area.</div>
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Fun on stilts.</div>
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Homemade see-saw.</div>
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Hmmm, barely enough room for four.</div>
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Since we were in Texas and we had to go through this area, we decided to stop by. Can you guess where we went? (btw, this became a field trip for the boys... how fun!)<br />
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The famous Alamo church building/fort.</div>
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Our next stop was Arizona. So, we stopped by the PIMA Air Museum.</div>
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There are hundreds of airplanes! And the kids had fun pulling each other in the green wagon...</div>
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A retired Presidential airplane.</div>
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Our next stop was Ogden, UT to visit Becky's family. <br />We made it there just before the snow started falling.</div>
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There's a few more praises: we have set up a new program called, "Pennies for Pastors". This is a way that anyone can help an indigenous leader/pastor just by giving loose change. So many pastors in the Andes region of Peru where we work go without basic needs that we set this program up to be used in churches, classes, organizations, you name it, to encourage anyone ages preschool-100yrs+ to help other believers with basic needs. Due to the exchange rate, pennies and loose change can make a HUGE difference to someone in another country.</div>
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We set up a website for it at: <a href="http://www.penniesforpastors.org/">www.penniesforpastors.org</a></div>
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SO, the main praise is: we will be launching the program with Washington Heights Church's Awana program starting January 2012. If you think your church or organization would be interested, let us know!!</div>
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Also, we will be speaking to the pre-K-2nd grade next Sunday at Washington Heights about our mission work, and then onto the Spanish church (also part of Washington Heights) to present to them.</div>
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It has been good to see family again and soon to celebrate Thanksgiving. And on Saturday we will be celebrating Becky's parents 50th Wedding Anniversary. </div>
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There is a LOT to be thankful for!! We hope "y'all" have a wonderful Thanksgiving too!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00047366658585700322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954710073304147202.post-8743542240288446022011-11-05T22:20:00.002-05:002011-11-05T22:20:49.474-05:00Again and again. Then again...The rat race can wear a person down. I can't even imagine being Moses leading a bunch of obstinate people through the desert. I know he must have had moments of despair. I probably would have thrown in the towel after the first 1-2 years. <br />
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So what keeps a person going when the odds are against them? You've seen it over and over again in movies. Read it in books. Heard the stories. The guy is in dire straights and he takes out a beat up photo of his girl. The memory of her is enough to keep him going.<br />
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I finally realized that's the same way with us. We take out our Bibles and read about the love our Father has for us and the encouragement He whispers when the going gets tough. <br />
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It's a tricky thing being in any kind of position. I have a heart for people who get put in the spotlight and set on a peddle stool. What is it about humans that we make them out to be larger than life? Moments of feeling broken down are natural for everyone, including the person in the spotlight. Especially the person in the spotlight.<br />
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So, yes. I have felt weary lately. Not only physically (which I either have a pinched nerve or fractured rib in my back- the Dr.s haven't been able to determine exactly so I have to monitor myself) but also mentally. Which can get to the spiritual. And that's when your roots are going to grow deeper.<br />
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But it takes a conscious decision to make good and right choices when you feel weary. There's a verse in I Corinthians 15:58 that says,<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i> "Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let <b>nothing </b>move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."</i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Man, that is powerful. It's a shot in the arm to keep going. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">So, we are less than a week away from heading out in our RV again. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">For 2-3 months. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">To continue raising support.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">To continue finding teachers for Believer's Bridge Institutes and Seminary.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">I have consciously started to cringe at the thought of being in 200 sq feet of space for 90+ days again. Homeschooling kids and making do in a tiny kitchen with an oven that doesn't work right. My only comfort is knowing that we'll be in the warmer climate of San Diego and we'll get to see our old friends and new friends again. There are some quality people out there.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span><br />
Good thing I'll have a photo, uh, book to look at that will remind me why we are doing what we do. <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00047366658585700322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954710073304147202.post-89360879890368509642011-10-22T15:08:00.001-05:002011-10-22T15:10:37.716-05:00Quilt Tutorial, Block "A"As promised, here are the steps to make the <a href="http://rowleybb.blogspot.com/2011/09/staying-busy.html">quilt square I started working on</a>. We'll just be making the top part of the quilt in this tutorial. <br />
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We'll just skip an introduction and get right to it:<br />
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1) The first step is to pick your fabric colors. I chose 2 contrasting colors and a neutral color (white, beige, etc. works great.) Mess around with colors by using crayons or markers on some graph paper. Or go to a fabric store and have fun! I used the 45" fabric, but you could use the 60" and have extra that way.<br />
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If you want to make a twin size quilt, buy: (otherwise, use any fabric you have on hand)<br />
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-1 1/4yd (+ extra just to be safe) of neutral color<br />
-2/3 yd EACH (+ extra just to be safe) of the contrasting colors<br />
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2) Next, cut 4" strips of each fabric, cutting a total of 12 strips for the neutral color and 6 EACH of the contrasting colors. If just doing one square, use just one strip each contrasting colors and 2 strips of the neutral. I left my fabric folded in the middle. You can iron it before you cut if there are wrinkles since that could keep you from having a straight cut. <br />
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3) Now, UNFOLD your strips and put RIGHT sides together (the nice side of the fabric faces each other, so the outside part is facing out) of a neutral color and a contrasting color. Match them up as evenly as you can. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEg5O160RG3QR7RT5JMtx1eFzw_09vTICEgjQz5aPlWDAtojbtHP7Eb2GvkWPINm0yQd1cFC3BWUFi_yUMuh7J8kE2cc8SwQ-YmCqc8RqfQ5RKQEfxNDSKZ0xHlkAPtnjjjf-mDMC3dWBy/s1600/IMG_3809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEg5O160RG3QR7RT5JMtx1eFzw_09vTICEgjQz5aPlWDAtojbtHP7Eb2GvkWPINm0yQd1cFC3BWUFi_yUMuh7J8kE2cc8SwQ-YmCqc8RqfQ5RKQEfxNDSKZ0xHlkAPtnjjjf-mDMC3dWBy/s400/IMG_3809.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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4) Using a self-healing mat, quilting ruler, and rotary cutter, cut 4" squares from each combined strip. Each 45" strip will give you 10 squares. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTWQw5GQB9JKlOASPaqiTCXaR7xHeMKpaTq6lSXnD4wpfoa6noNqza7IBw5lPBvXf9BoRE0b2-u50jidHmcHOyJBu8wvut0j1TXNDEn7N6DuBz9_v5Hyg1s5b34wtongfGcvIrDyVwStFq/s1600/IMG_3811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" rda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTWQw5GQB9JKlOASPaqiTCXaR7xHeMKpaTq6lSXnD4wpfoa6noNqza7IBw5lPBvXf9BoRE0b2-u50jidHmcHOyJBu8wvut0j1TXNDEn7N6DuBz9_v5Hyg1s5b34wtongfGcvIrDyVwStFq/s400/IMG_3811.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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5) Next, you need to cut each square into triangles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can cut each square individually, or not move any of the squares you just cut and cut those diagonally (see photos below.)</div>
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THIS way ... (red side just happens to be up)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Ttbl9lhF5WtW3Clac2znazpNoN4KIPCOJ2VgImIAMvz4Os3KCieRz9dpAkUihQ5eDAMgOOnCM_Xl6ebDv2_B1-2PZxEeqZdvqgEJVHb8yZl_8y95cMrMiic9fer8u_spa_s5XX0eK_lW/s1600/IMG_3814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" rda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Ttbl9lhF5WtW3Clac2znazpNoN4KIPCOJ2VgImIAMvz4Os3KCieRz9dpAkUihQ5eDAMgOOnCM_Xl6ebDv2_B1-2PZxEeqZdvqgEJVHb8yZl_8y95cMrMiic9fer8u_spa_s5XX0eK_lW/s400/IMG_3814.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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or THIS way (white side just happens to be up.)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSGHu80MeHlTPeUzIesnLGzoYyXyPAS8QtaqBG_VhyphenhyphensvCeisKyhDbqLCzUgiz2zeWer2dlJU9lSCstYK9bxhaiy7ALMilgOnqe7xPjmUg6o8S8Oo1OwW_5KvYzo5nbcy8RLjB_q0Vc0J9A/s1600/IMG_3815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" rda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSGHu80MeHlTPeUzIesnLGzoYyXyPAS8QtaqBG_VhyphenhyphensvCeisKyhDbqLCzUgiz2zeWer2dlJU9lSCstYK9bxhaiy7ALMilgOnqe7xPjmUg6o8S8Oo1OwW_5KvYzo5nbcy8RLjB_q0Vc0J9A/s400/IMG_3815.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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6) <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Once I have my diagonals cut, I stack them alternately (see photo.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This makes it easier for me to chain piece them together.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoKd_WlP9ATqvRJYfh-V06in6WOpynARilmzYhjfVhFKEfUOJI3oDTxkWA5L7Vv5pcb4AfinXd6tdZY1SdkGqJ9K_0DzyDD64ngHJiOExH2xMIzV9OQ9NxVAliGats0HkNdO8UvfqYSGWJ/s1600/IMG_3817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" rda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoKd_WlP9ATqvRJYfh-V06in6WOpynARilmzYhjfVhFKEfUOJI3oDTxkWA5L7Vv5pcb4AfinXd6tdZY1SdkGqJ9K_0DzyDD64ngHJiOExH2xMIzV9OQ9NxVAliGats0HkNdO8UvfqYSGWJ/s400/IMG_3817.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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You can see the contrasting colors peaking out from under the white.</div>
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7) Sew a ¼ “ seam on the long side of the diagonal for all the triangles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I used red thread for the red fabric and blue thread for the blue fabric.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I would sew all of one color first, then the other color.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, you could just use the neutral color for your thread and not worry about changing it out.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Once sewn, iron the seam towards the dark fabric. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Next, just follow the sequence of photos below to see how to make the Quilt block.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivOYOlpwYWrN6sHNDEoY54vLPbZw4Wphg1uE-yU-XZv_p50mvgMWidH0zGCPXyR2tzdajvyl2XAM45CUuedQLYHhrpvOonf_-jss2RF3cQwCT4sa055uNDJh9N5nT_SpmIumWZtyJmoRvh/s1600/IMG_3818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" rda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivOYOlpwYWrN6sHNDEoY54vLPbZw4Wphg1uE-yU-XZv_p50mvgMWidH0zGCPXyR2tzdajvyl2XAM45CUuedQLYHhrpvOonf_-jss2RF3cQwCT4sa055uNDJh9N5nT_SpmIumWZtyJmoRvh/s400/IMG_3818.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Top row</div>
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Middle row</div>
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Top, middle, and bottom row.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhalemQMK7N48HedxRTbut6HydJFLSj5Q9KclMRjA0U7XhVELL5LISbXW16SatTUEz_dNd406vvLt9wfNQa-HYrlzFw7192cWOyG3hQbLr5WV0f_7kFxzf2yPtX55pmBjjg3AyLOPHtytyI/s1600/IMG_3823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" rda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhalemQMK7N48HedxRTbut6HydJFLSj5Q9KclMRjA0U7XhVELL5LISbXW16SatTUEz_dNd406vvLt9wfNQa-HYrlzFw7192cWOyG3hQbLr5WV0f_7kFxzf2yPtX55pmBjjg3AyLOPHtytyI/s400/IMG_3823.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Stitch all rows together and voila, you have Quilt block "A".</div>
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The trick is to not sew over the points, but match the points up. This gives a nice sharp line.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Make a total of 8 "A" Quilt blocks if you want to make a twin bed size quilt. Otherwise, you could make pillows with just one quilt block by adding a border and backing.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Stay tuned for how to make Quilt block "B" (and finish the quilt) for the next tutorial.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Enjoy!</span></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00047366658585700322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954710073304147202.post-52646081717729451292011-10-21T17:09:00.002-05:002011-10-21T17:10:23.434-05:00A Homeschool Fun Friday (AKA "Staying Sane")It's been a long year. <br />
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If you've been following along from the beginning of our traveling/blogging adventures, you have laughed with us, cried with us, and probably marvelled at us sometimes (either in a "wow" way or a "scratch your head" type of way.) <br />
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We first started traveling in our RV for ministry purposes September 2010. Until now (October 2011) we have lived 10 of those months in our RV. <br />
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You may think that sounds kind of fun and adventurous. In some ways it is, in others it means some sacrifices. Those that have actually been inside our RV can understand. 200 sq ft of living space (which include kitchen, bathroom, beds, etc) can create the perfect conditions for explosive pressure. Fortunately, we have defused quite a few possible eruptions. But none the less, one's sanity is tested a little more than the average family in a regular home. <br />
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Constant traveling also means we homeschool. <br />
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Homeschooling itself can challenge one's sanity. So even though we have been back home for a week +, the schooling has not stopped. In fact, we seem to finally have some form of consistency. And I proclaimed today and consecutive Fridays as Fun Friday. <br />
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A Fun Friday will be a special treat for having good attitudes and good manners, I will reward the kids with an academic movie (think History Channel or Science or other) instead of their regular lesson. We'll also be a little more lenient on the schedule for the day. Maybe they can sleep in an extra 30 minutes, or stay in pajamas. <br />
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We'll also have fun like having a special dessert before lunch or maybe I'll create a Mystery Jar with things like, "Skip doing a Worksheet" and "Act or tell my report instead of writing it". You get the idea. The point is for both the students and teacher (me) to get a little break and look forward to Fridays.<br />
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As a kick-off, today we had dessert before lunch and a special History Channel movie. This one was on the Exodus of the Israelites. The kids had to listen carefully and try to figure out what was Biblical fact and what wasn't. The person with the most correct got to go out with dad for a B1G1 (Buy 1, Get 1) DQ treat. It will probably be something different next time.<br />
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But when the movie was done we discussed it and read the passage about the plaques and parting of the Red Sea to validate what was true or not. It was really fun and the kids learned alot.<br />
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Speaking of learning, Josh and Robert have been quite busy with projects. Josh, as you may know, started selling jewelry he makes to get some side cash. Because of that little venture, we actually have a couple who owns a salon who would like to partner with us to sell our jewelry (I'll be making it too.) If this takes off, we hope to expand that into other places.<br />
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Joshua's "Shop" at our RV spot (believe it or not he was able to make over $50 profit)</div>
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Making a pair of earrings (the pink one I'm holding up)</div>
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Finished product</div>
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Making a display for his jewelry</div>
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Robert has been working on a new engine design, what he calls an "impeller" (vs. a "propeller".) He's been experimenting with PVC pipe to see if he can design a system that can move you through the water without having a propeller on the outside of a boat. This is coming from the same kid who hates to read, unless it's a car manual or engine book. Go figure!! (Wish I had know that years ago when I was pulling my hair out trying to get him to read Dr. Seuss books aloud!!!)<br />
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Robert modifying a weed-eater motor</div>
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The miniature boat he made to test on</div>
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My favorite sane spot when we are home...</div>
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So, here's to sanity and the creativity in homeschooling! And a restful weekend...<br />
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<em>"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-27948"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">17</span></strong></sup> For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last,<strong><sup><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></sup></strong>just as it is written: 'The righteous will live by faith.'" Romans 1:16-17</em>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00047366658585700322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954710073304147202.post-39632180391417282842011-10-08T22:17:00.000-05:002011-10-08T22:19:23.983-05:00Under ConstructionIt's been a while coming, but I've decided to tweak the blog style/template once again. Down the road it will probably change again only because we will most likely be switching over to Word Press (a content management system that is all the rage lately... although I have messed around with it and like it.) <br />
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For those of you that don't like change, sorry. I know it's hard to get used to something and the rug gets pulled out from under you. It will be OK. Sometimes change is for the better. <br />
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I hope to also add much more information about Believer's Bridge so folks can have a full understanding about what that is and what we do. And we'll go from there. I've noticed Blogger (which is where this blog is hosted) also keeps updating the way we can tweak things, so I'll be exploring their new additions to see if there is anything worth adding.<br />
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If you view this blog through your mobile, you may not notice too many changes since it will only show the basics (makes for easier reading I think.) Beyond that, I enjoy graphic design and doodling on the computer/internet so I think of this as my "Becky" time. <br />
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<em>"I am the first and I am the last; <br /> apart from me there is no God. <br /><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-18541"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">7</span></strong></sup> Who then is like me? Let him proclaim it. <br /> Let him declare and lay out before me <br />what has happened since I established my ancient people, <br /> and what is yet to come— <br /> yes, let them foretell what will come. <br /><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-18542"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">8</span></strong></sup> Do not tremble, do not be afraid. <br /> Did I not proclaim this and foretell it long ago? <br />You are my witnesses. Is there any God besides me? <br /> No, there is no other Rock; I know not one.” </em><br />
<em>Isaiah 44:6-8</em>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00047366658585700322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954710073304147202.post-58200791299056059782011-10-04T19:27:00.000-05:002011-10-04T19:28:55.750-05:00The other, that, and this"This, that, and the other, Part II" seemed too obvious. Just go with it. :-)<br />
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So, over a week has gone by and I'm finally posting. It's been a l-o-n-g week. I'll endevor to give some highlights, seeing as I can't remember everything.<br />
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Let's start with some things I forgot to mention before. A few praises in the support-raising efforts. We visited Calvary Chapel Birmingham 1 week before we came to Florida. The first week we were here we received an email from them saying they felt God had us meet for a reason and they would like to support us for $30/month. Woo Hoo!<br />
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We also submitted an application for missionary support to another church in the Birmingham area before we left and hope to hear back from them soon. Our main reason for visiting Florida was to follow up on our request for support from Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale. Bill thinks it could take up to even a year to get support from them, but God is amazing and He is in charge. Keep praying for the doors to stay open and the process to move effeciently there.<br />
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This past Sunday we just had some friends tell us they'd also like to support us. Awesome! <br />
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The kids visited ReachFM radio station today and got a fun tour. See photos below. It is also home to Creations Studies Institute, which has a museum and they also offer Elementary and Middle school science classes. As we walked by, they were having a class for some homeschoolers. I ended up talking to the teacher and she invited Andrew back for the afternoon for a free class.<br />
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Bill ended up taking Andrew, and in the course of events, he and the teacher got to talking about Believer's Bridge. I guess our ministry really touched her because she ended up giving Bill some money for the ministry. <br />
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SO, there is some encouragement on the support raising side. The numbers aren't high, but the hearts behind the supporters are gold. <br />
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We have been meeting with friends and friends of friends. In fact the next few days are already booked! The other highlight was Bill was able to share about Believer's Bridge on ReachFM this past Sunday night. I'll have to see if we can get the recording so we can post it. From that, he met a man who works with Food for the Poor, where we will be taking a tour tomorrow. <br />
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Tonight Bill is meeting with the man we first met when we got here who helps with translating Chuck Misler's work into Spanish. Who knows where that will go! God has this intricate way of weaving an incredible tapestry of time, events, and people. Some things may seem weird to us, but if we have learned anything on this journey, it's to obey.<br />
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We will be wrapping up our time here soon and be back in our Alabama mansion (<em>anything</em> will feel like a mansion after weeks in our little RV casita.) From there we hope to continue meeting with other churches to request financial support and see how they can partner with our minstry.<br />
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Here are a few photos of things we've done. Enjoy!<br />
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Andrew making an "omlet-in-a-bag".</div>
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Once you put your scrambled egg(s) and desired ingredients in the bag, you boil it for 3-5 minutes.</div>
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Little blurry, but voila! "Omlet-in-a-bag."</div>
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ReachFM (94.5 in Fort Lauderdale) studio (and no, it's not live.) This is where they can record and broadcast later.</div>
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Not the best photo, but this is the live studio and the DJ is behind the computer monitor. Bill and Robert on the left. The gal in purple is just visiting.</div>
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Robert by the entrance to the Creation Studies Institute. They only open on the weekends, so we weren't able to tour it. But this wooden dinosaur was pretty cool.</div>
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<em>As water reflects the face, <br /> so one’s life reflects the heart.</em></div>
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<em>Proverbs 27:19</em></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00047366658585700322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954710073304147202.post-49064850338879874332011-09-24T08:51:00.003-05:002011-09-24T08:55:48.459-05:00This, that, and the otherThis is what happens when life becomes busy. There's no way to create a common theme. The best explanation for everything that has happened since being in Florida (officially a week now), is this, that, and the other. So without further ado (which, by the way, is from an old Norse phrase, "at do", or "to do"), let the story begin.<br />
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Narrator: (preferably read in an English accent)<br />
"It was a sunny day when the Rowley's arrived at the RV park in South Florida. They were cheerfully greeted by the 2nd in command, who(m? - all you grammar buffs can use the correct form...) they had come to know on their previous visit. With all the pomp and circumstance they could muster (which was absolutely none), they detached their newly acquired car, parked the RV, and set up home. This took all of 28 minutes...."<br />
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"Having arrived on a Saturday, they took full advantage of the situation and attended the Calvary Chapel evening service, conveniently located only a few minutes away. Sitting in the cafeteria for service, they were able to meet with a friend who had recently journeyed with them to the remote area of Los Angeles, in Peru of course." <br />
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"It was their good fortune (although I don't think fortune had anything to do with it - more like providence really) that this friend introduced them to another friend who was involved with Koinonia House, a ministry of Chuck Misler. His responsibility (from what this narrator could gather) was to help with translating materials (or at least oversight of it) into Spanish. Coincidence? I don't think so! Phone numbers were exchanged and hopes of something more coming of it were in the minds of both."<br />
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"The following days became a mix of homeschooling for the mother and children, hunting for suitable 'office' space for the husband (anywhere quiet and a sturdy table, with preferably electric outlets), who worked on setting up meetings and responding to emails."<br />
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"Thus began their 47th? (they've lost count at this point) adventure since they embarked on this incredible, and at times baffling, bewildering, uncertain, and yet inspiring, courageous, and promising experience. It is certain the journey is not over and there's still more work to be done."<br />
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End narration.<br />
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Yep, it's never boring around here. Of course, Robert would disagree. He's in the "I'm bored" stage. But I remember going through that too. However, one thing I have resolved to do is find things to keep the kids occupied so 1) they don't get into things they shouldn't or aren't good for them (oh you know, drugs, bad influences, rampant internet-related things...) and 2) so I don't have to hear, "I'm bored. There's nothing to do." I've decided to make a MakeDo box.<br />
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Yes, a MakeDo box. I actually got the idea from a website. It will be a box with reusable parts that boys (I guess some girls too) would like. Things like hinges, small solar panels, nuts and bolts, electrical wires, gears, etc. that the boys (mostly Robert b/c he's into that) can create things with and take apart. I might have to make each boy one for their likes. We'll see. <br />
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Something else I got back into is menu-making. I learned how to create a menu paper set-up thing-a-muhjig from, believe it or not, a Calvary Chapel seminar a long time ago when we used to live here. I've never forgotten it and use it frequently. I'd like to show you what I do:<br />
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a. b.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs4dEdIwd2LZNYe7PGkC92C6TzFUvbm52_XkRGgbyfySFzd-lEeoOddRrQFRNuf0bG1PfvClCWa5jbO4V62-ln3jHDon7C59iAjbl1xkrtcO8eBkS7K61FA6gmtq6-ojAQro9fw5b5xCvL/s1600/IMG_3917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hca="true" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs4dEdIwd2LZNYe7PGkC92C6TzFUvbm52_XkRGgbyfySFzd-lEeoOddRrQFRNuf0bG1PfvClCWa5jbO4V62-ln3jHDon7C59iAjbl1xkrtcO8eBkS7K61FA6gmtq6-ojAQro9fw5b5xCvL/s200/IMG_3917.JPG" width="200" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqBB4QdBWRnM5YsFWBWMjAtKSimdevj1yAZ3CnLDgk_WmX6FHGmjUUQglx_MAeOPx41CT4f0hLB_tQZiY2b6sFo7vbXZsWm1X0T-ysdlqC9wNTJXP_6cz5_7LpM524bu6NvK45caE2Cf6O/s1600/IMG_3918.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hca="true" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqBB4QdBWRnM5YsFWBWMjAtKSimdevj1yAZ3CnLDgk_WmX6FHGmjUUQglx_MAeOPx41CT4f0hLB_tQZiY2b6sFo7vbXZsWm1X0T-ysdlqC9wNTJXP_6cz5_7LpM524bu6NvK45caE2Cf6O/s200/IMG_3918.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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First, get a plain 8 1/2 x 11" paper. Fold it in half and fold in half again (a). Open and fold those sections in half, so it looks like (b).</div>
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Next, you will fold the paper four times the other way. Once that's done you will have a perfect set-up for a weekly menu. Just write, "Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner" on the short side inside the last 3 "boxes" and the days of the week on the top 7 boxes. Make sure to black out the top corner. Should look like this:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvSL5_6Qm4oeGxtDoP95UQH7Mb5vS1cKRaH9LAlTkALsaqjhzlnrv3I6jAk6NSCcjUiQVor4bm7DF5l0Pt-2ov5Zp5UhqSHjo6BoZQwYl5ivsFsI7xHkdPno1hUtfZZpxY30uO_WUr2j1R/s1600/IMG_3921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hca="true" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvSL5_6Qm4oeGxtDoP95UQH7Mb5vS1cKRaH9LAlTkALsaqjhzlnrv3I6jAk6NSCcjUiQVor4bm7DF5l0Pt-2ov5Zp5UhqSHjo6BoZQwYl5ivsFsI7xHkdPno1hUtfZZpxY30uO_WUr2j1R/s640/IMG_3921.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Now <em>you</em> have to come up with a menu! You can also use the back side to create a 2nd week of menus!</div>
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Enjoy!!</div>
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PS- I will try to post how to make the quilt squares for the <a href="http://rowleybb.blogspot.com/2011/09/staying-busy.html">quilt</a> I started soon. (Of course, I can't continue it until we get home again, but I did take photos before we left.)</div>
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<em>"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." Galatians 6:9-10 </em><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00047366658585700322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954710073304147202.post-26576903228325686572011-09-17T15:22:00.000-05:002011-09-17T15:25:59.470-05:00A Saab Story- Disclaimer: Robert came up with the blog title -<br />
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But I thought it was pretty funny! <br />
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Anyhoo - <br />
We made it to Florida, towing our newest family vehicle behind. A 2000 Saab 93, four door, stick-shift, gets good gas mileage, and can fit the 5 of us, plus some trunk space. And the price was right. And remember all that painting we did not too long ago? Well, that payed for the Saab. You can read why we needed a new (used) car <a href="http://rowleybb.blogspot.com/2011/06/that-wasnt-on-itenarary.html">here</a>. <br />
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In true Rowley fashion, we put the tow bar brackets on ourselves. In order to tow a vehicle behind an RV, you can do one of 3 things: 1) Attach tow bar brackets to your vehicle and use a tow bar, 2) Use a car-dolly, or 3) Use a trailer. <br />
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I was going to take photos of the before and during process, but by the time I found the camera and had the time, Bill had already put the bumper back on and was tightening the bolts on the brackets. So, here's the final result of our do-it-yourself project:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6tiG_6gYih93EokhjAVz4wXjdeb94wVhtqA_A_RanXG7uMwPqQMSdKOT9O-V_ufZW7ohyphenhyphenq85eKsgVxyMzhbG7MDB3FGGrLsig0Gkm-Z7JHqToZLKc3TxO0fBYR-agIao8_udIjZofD64T/s1600/IMG_3916.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6tiG_6gYih93EokhjAVz4wXjdeb94wVhtqA_A_RanXG7uMwPqQMSdKOT9O-V_ufZW7ohyphenhyphenq85eKsgVxyMzhbG7MDB3FGGrLsig0Gkm-Z7JHqToZLKc3TxO0fBYR-agIao8_udIjZofD64T/s320/IMG_3916.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOWjcJaiMP6w97w-GR8vgbE1WjP7MZIzN0cd_0340t3w_1zyqqchlr-qxtHu7oArx7p-3kbJXnhBFLkzg-mzuNaH04PsGd1g9Itt_xNjWZTg_h5jVRjt550QOk5-Zfx3_AniXWv97BVnyu/s1600/IMG_3855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOWjcJaiMP6w97w-GR8vgbE1WjP7MZIzN0cd_0340t3w_1zyqqchlr-qxtHu7oArx7p-3kbJXnhBFLkzg-mzuNaH04PsGd1g9Itt_xNjWZTg_h5jVRjt550QOk5-Zfx3_AniXWv97BVnyu/s320/IMG_3855.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Normally you would put the brackets inside, directly on the frame, but the frame on the Saab turned out to be a little different than we expected. So... we had to cut out about two 6" sections of the foam on the other side of the bumber, stack four 6" pieces of 2x4's, drill 1/2" holes all the way through the 2x4s, through the frame and through the front bumber. The bolts you see sticking out are actually 8" long. Like I said, wished I had gotten some before and during photos so you would understand what I just said!</div>
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Needless to say, we got everything worked out and made it to Florida. Woo hoo!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4U2K8UjnvGq7894sAFCWZsoalGa4e3D6zZXZ1-L3P36L-o2aqPzgzVKv91ff167CqgVmHG8aA950ObN0e4csxolxqLEexJuH9AbPm4FnpRUkC12DaiKP8pZNo5Rz2Zro-J-8ySo6Y_yF9/s1600/IMG_3915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4U2K8UjnvGq7894sAFCWZsoalGa4e3D6zZXZ1-L3P36L-o2aqPzgzVKv91ff167CqgVmHG8aA950ObN0e4csxolxqLEexJuH9AbPm4FnpRUkC12DaiKP8pZNo5Rz2Zro-J-8ySo6Y_yF9/s400/IMG_3915.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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