Praying Friends

Job 16:20-21-My intercessor is my friend as my eyes pour out tears to God; on behalf of a man he pleads with God as one pleads for a friend.

It is no secret the life of Old Testament Job was turned upside down in the time span of a day. I can't imagine losing everything you've ever loved, worked for, earned, prayed for, been blessed with, in a minute. But that's exactly what happened. Job, a man who lived according to the principles of God, was allowed to be tested. 

Ever find yourself wondering what you did wrong? Why God is allowing something to happen? How could He? You examine yourself and like Job find no gross, habitual sin that you are guilty of and you wonder...is this punishment for something I'm not thinking of? Is it testing to make me stronger? 

You cry, pitch a fit, get angry, take a long walk to clear your head....oh wait..maybe that's just me. But you do whatever you can to deal with the emotions of loss and hurt and disappointment and fear. We try to cope. 

But Job, he knew the answer. He knew that his friends would eventually run out of the right words. He knew that people would forget. He knew that His losses would only be fully understood by his intercessor...His Lord. And He knew the Lord could be trusted with His tears. He knew that his intercessor would storm the gates of heaven just like the most loyal friend cheers and champions during times of distress.

I have a mother who has prayed over me since I was a baby. I have a husband who is a prayer warrior and I have friends that have lifted my arms in the wilderness and carried me to victory. I am truly blessed by those in my life who intercede on my behalf. 

But more important that all that is that Jesus Christ himself is my intercessor and His direct access to the Father God holds such promise and hope for me when I struggle to understand God's ways, His testings or my own consequences for sin. I am so thankful that just as my friends and family pray me through different situations, that Jesus Christ is hearing my pleas and lovingly and urgently taking those to the Lord God. 

Jesus...what a friend to this sinner.

Back on Track

It's no secret. I love when school starts. The steady rhythm of routine. The promise of cooler weather. The nights home alone as a football widow....LOL. Yep...I love every last bit of it. And I didn't even talk about the food....that deserves it's very own stand alone post.

This fall finds our family in the middle of a bit of craziness. School starts tomorrow, I start teaching piano lessons tomorrow, Savannah is playing volleyball, we're starting new ministries at the church and oh...we're moving. 

You might remember about a year ago when I posted about the 2 acre farm that we hoped to build....well...sometimes plans change. For over a year we've worked hard to pay off the land and to try to decide on houseplans....in fact I think I've pinned over 200 house plans...but nothing ever felt completely right. The idea of building excited me...and horrified Bruce and we had trouble finding peace together. Who knew it would be so hard to agree? (Those who have ever built a house with your spouse are frantically screaming at your computer..."we did, we did"..LOL) So we had just about decided on staying put...slowing down our plans...and just dreaming a little longer. Until I received a text about a 114 year old farmhouse ... be still my heart. I forwarded it to Bruce and his response was surprisingly..."Let's go look at it tomorrow".  After two more looks and an inspection we made an offer, it was accepted and we put our house on the market. And 20 days later we had a contract on our current house. It's all happened so fast! 

We've living in an old house before...the first house we bought was 100 years old...so we are aware that old houses need special care....in fact we have our fair share of painting and scraping and elbow grease ahead of us. But this new house definitely has some things going for it....awesome character, hardwood floors, an in ground swimming pool and lots more. It's got great bones and details. We are so excited!

God's timing has been impeccable (always is) in this process. And we weren't even looking. I'm thankful He knows what's best for us...even when we don't pay particularly good attention! In fact...I pinned the top house on pinterest last year, the bottom picture is the house we hope to be in at the end of the month: 

So....September for the Stinson's is going to be crazy....But we are embracing it....trying to stay on track with school and everything else....and we're busy packing up boxes...everyday. We will be the best kind of tired at the end of this month!

Days of Thanks- #27

Day 27- thankful for all the ways God answers prayers... "Yes", "no" and "I've got something better in mind."

2 Acre Farm

Sometimes God blesses you more than you know how to express, but you try. 

Sometimes, He gives you the desires of your heart, He gives you favor.

And sometimes, He knocks your socks off. 

That's how I feel about this...

We've looked, found and today, we purchased...

Our soon to be 2 acre farm.

We're determined to use this land to honor the Lord...

How that will look? We're not entirely sure, but we know He will show us in His time. 

I'm hoping it involves a missionary retreat, 

large garden to share with neighbors and those in need,

maybe some chickens or goats or cows....(Ok...I know it's only 2 acres)

 and a peace-filled home to break bread and nurture friendships...young and old. 

Only time will tell....

And until then...and even then...

Thanks, Lord for all these blessings.

The Increase

She was in my preschool class the first year I taught. From the first moment I saw her, I knew she was different. I had seen her paperwork and I knew that she came from a troubled home. Mom had abandoned her, dad was in prison and her grandparents were raising her. School started and she was the one who came in with cigarette smoke on her clothes and backpack...she was the one with the hesitant look in her eyes, but always a smile, always.

In October our church hosted a "Friend Day" and I invited all my students to come. But guess which one came? She did. She looked so pretty all dressed up in her cousin's dress that day. She went to Sunday School and Children's Church and then enjoyed a big meal in our Family Life Center. She heard more about Jesus and I wondered if any of it would stick with her.

Christmas came. For the Christmas program a few of the teachers got together to be sure she had a pretty dress for the Christmas program at school. This girl had stolen our hearts. She looked so pretty the night of the program and you could tell she felt special in her new dress.

Christmas went. And she didn't show back up for school. One week and I called her grandparents. No answer. Two weeks...no answer. Then one day the grandma showed up at the school. Mom was back in the picture and wanted her back. I was devastated. Grandma knew this was a bad idea, but the girl wanted her momma and after all momma's are important. The girl moved back in with mom a few towns away.

Living in a small town you run into people at the grocery store, gas station, hair salon. I saw Grandma a few weeks after and not to my surprise the girl was back with her. I was so glad. I knew this was the safest place for her. She didn't come back to school but started kindergarten in public school and finished the year in May.

She was walking down the hall at church yesterday when I spotted her. I had to look twice. Was that really her? I saw one of the bus workers walking with her and then, she spotted me. It was like a scene from a movie...we were running towards each other with arms opened wide. This little bit of a girl had been recruited to ride our bus for church. She had even brought her cousin. We took a few minutes to catch up about how kindergarten had gone and how excited she was about first grade and then she went to class. Smiling.

I walked down the hall with a stray tear or two streaming down my face. One more opportunity to minister to a little girl who has had a rough start. One more chance for this body of Christ to embrace a wounded family. One more time to share love with the fatherless. One more story about Jesus for her to hear. One more answered prayer...

I'm thankful for the bus workers who brought her in, for the Sunday School teachers who always have something for the children to eat in class so they aren't hungry, for the Caraway workers who have their lessons prepared and for Jesus, most of all, for Jesus who welcomes little children to come to Him. In a world where there is so much rejection and family heartache, it's good to see God's family reaching out in Jesus' name. Some plant, some water, but God gets the increase.

Multitudes on Mondays #22-31

Feel free to share your Multitude of Blessings by leaving a comment or linking up at A HOLY EXPERIENCE.

22. Grandparents to help us with our kids at a moments or months notice. Thankful for all the help they offered as we prepared and traveled to Peru.

23. Simplicity of summer

24. 15 ladies who've studied with me for 13 weeks to be more grounded in God's word.

25. A man who snagged our Pizza Hut bill the other night while we were out.

26. A good sale on kid's clothes

27. Tree that fell on our house but caused no damage

28. The pleasure of reading a good book

29. The testimony of a faithful man who met Jesus this week, but lived Jesus' message for many years

30. Fresh tomatoes from a church member

31. That His mercies are new each morning

What about you? Do you see God's blessings in the everyday?

Got Fruit? Review #6

On Sunday morning the people in Pichanaki take it easy....stores open later, families spend some time catching up and a very few people go to church. Wisely, Brent and Miriam have decided that for now church will be in the evenings on Sundays until the church is established. So, that being said, on our Sunday morning there we didn't have church. Instead we passed out tracks, inviting people to church. Over a three day period of time our team passed out over 7,000 tracks, 400 Kid's Club invitations, and 600 Bibles. People were practically begging for the Bibles....over and over we saw people reading the tracks and the Bibles after we gave them away. They were hungry for something...

Such a stark contrast to what we see in America. On any given day you can have dozens of doors slammed in your face, or find discarded Christian literature littering the roads, or worse, encounter Christians who don't want to go to church even though they know what Christ has done for them. It's like the world is satisfied with what they have in America....wealth, cars, homes, clothes, pride....and yet, the one thing that would satisfy all those cravings is discarded in the street like an unclaimed coupon. What a shame.

In all the distributing we did for Brent and Miriam, I am overwhelmed with joy to announce a new sister in Christ. Poula came to know Jesus on Sunday Night while we were in Peru. After a simple service where the gospel was taught she stayed behind and talk to one of the workers and accepted the gift of salvation. More exciting news is that the next week she brought visitors with her! She's already bearing fruit!

What are we doing to bear fruit? Would we tell 7,000 people in America about Christ and be happy with one soul? Are we prepared to share the gospel....do I know how to tell someone? do I carry some sort of literature or card or New Testament with me so others can be left with someone to ponder? do I pray that God will guide my path so that I will be able to share His story with someone? Just some things to think about...I want to bear fruit....but I am afraid that sometimes I don't make a plan! I completely "get" that it's the Holy Spirit's job to convict and woo.... but He uses people too and I'm more focused than ever to be prepared to be used!

The Road to Peru - Review #1

Over six months ago, when I found out we were going to Peru this summer, I began thinking of all the things I would need to do in advance to be sure this trip would go as smoothly as I hoped it would be. The GA grandparents agreed to take care of the kids, we applied for our passports, began taking a probiotic a month ago, bought a few things, packed the bags, said goodbyes and hopped on the bus that would take us to the plane that would take us to Peru. And that was the easy part.

What I didn't expect was the spiritual warfare I would encounter in preparation for this trip. About 2 months ago I woke up from a dream in a sort of cold sweat. The scene I had dreamed about was of Bruce and me on the plane but me hyperventilating over some sort of claustrophobic  incident I had experienced. And that is what planted the seed that I might have trouble on the plane.

I also had been dealing with a personal issue that was taking up way too much of my time and energy and was causing me to doubt myself, my abilities, gifting and worth. It's amazing how things can grow in the mind of doubt.

And then there was the small problem of the horrible cough and fever I had the week before the trip. Yep....someone wasn't happy.

But like He always does when we take our cares and worries to Him, God spoke through His words and gave me this verse to claim....

Ephesians 3:20

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.

And in a moment of complete doubt and worthlessness, God said....let me do the work in you. It will be more, it will be better, it will be powerful, it will be greater than anything you can do in yourself. Let me use all your insecurities....your sickness, your doubts, your pains...let Me do more than you can imagine.


In God-like fashion He stepped in and began working...even before we left the states. 


Here are a few things He did:

1. Supplied our needs...financially, physically and emotionally.
2. The plane ride there was as smooth as it could possibly be....and no incidents with claustrophobia at all!
3. God didn't allow me to feel 100% at any point in the trip. In fact, there were 2 days that I felt close to terrible....but God had a purpose....10,000 tracts were folded, over 100 wordless bracelets were made and a special time of prayer with our missionary wife in an empty church building happened because I wasn't able to GO and DO like I wanted...sometimes God has other plans....and sometimes they are beautiful....and different from the beautiful plans He has for others.
4. There was a moment in the trip that I felt like a light bulb went off for me. The thoughts I had been letting control me, the people who I felt had been hateful towards me, the feelings of inadequacies I have been letting overwhelm me all seemed very small in relation to the bigness of so many things I saw...things like poverty, filth, sin, need, sorrow, hunger, even love.
5. He showed me so many things that are universal...love, hugs, smiles, eye contact, encouragement.

It's not so much that God revealed Himself in huge ways (isn't the fact that He is God huge enough?) or called me to Peru or even asked me to do anything more. It's that He refocused my attention on the things that really NEED my attention. It's so easy to get caught up in all the things that go on around us, but at the end of the day, whether I am sitting at home in America, teaching at school, visiting Peru or working in my church, LOVE is all that matters.  Sharing the greatest love ever offered to mankind. Sharing it, showing it, receiving it, giving it, living it. It's all that matters. The other things that have grappled for my attention these past months were just tools the enemy used to distract my attention from the beauty of His plan, His love, His story. 


Spiritual warfare is all around us. Don't underestimate its power. But know that our God is greater.


There will be more on the Peru trip all this week. Want to view some pics from the trip? Click Here

Thankful Thursday

This weeks random list of gratitudes includes:

1. A beautiful Mother's Day with my family and many other mom friends.

2. The working together of many people to make a load lighter. Thankful for the many women who helped make our Muffins with Mom at church a success.

3. The opportunity to watch others grow and mature in Christ....it's so exciting and makes ministry work very rewarding too!

4. That God is the ultimate healer....and what he doesn't deliver you from he means for your good as part of His purpose to bring more glory to Himself.

5. For answered prayers for lots of people I love.

So....what are you thankful for?

Thankful Thursday

This weeks gratitudes include:

1. An enjoyable trip to Canton, Texas on Saturday. Bruce kept the kids so I could enjoy a day away. It was so nice!

2. A super first week teaching a new ladies class at church.

3. A hard lesson in parenting and restoration learned....and hopefully remembered forever :)

4. Beautiful weather.

5. My friends who breathe life, wisdom and humor into every day of my life.

Thank you Lord for these special gifts.

Thankful Thursday

I just about missed it. Thanks to a friends post I was reminded to get my list of gratitudes on the trusty ole blog!

This week I am thankful for:

1. Some one on one time with Bruce on Monday. I share him a.lot. and I don't mind but  it sure was nice having him all to myself for a day.

2. Savannah is loving tennis! Finally a sport she likes! The magnitude of this praise seems slight compared to other things but if you know Savannah it is a huge step!

3. The opportunity to intercede on behalf of others.

4. A few major chores accomplished this week.

5. My sweet class...who finally after 7 months now includes me in their list of people they pray for every morning. So sweet! ...and did I mention they can say the pledge of allegiance better than anyone I know?

So....what are you thankful for today????

Thankful Thursday

This week I am thankful for:

1. A God who sees everything and knows exactly how it will all work out...and in the midst of that teaches me great and valuable lessons that I need in order to honor Him more.

2. I got to visit with my friend Mel and her girls and see her baby Grayson the other night. What a blessing to see God working things out for their good..slowly but surely. You can read a little of her story here.

3. The opportunity to speak at a women's event in Gilmer, Texas this weekend. Humbled by the opportunity...thankful for the enlarged territory.

4. Friends who talk about what God is doing in their lives. It's motivational, inspiring, exciting and uplifting.

5. Some quiet time alone with the Lord last weekend....you know...that kind you don't get everyday...several uninterrupted hours of communing with Him. I needed it.

So....what are you thankful for this week?

Thankful Thursday

This week I'm thankful for:

1. An unexpected sick day at home with Savannah. Hate she is sick, but love the quiet time we got to spend together.

2. My mom, stepdad, mother in law and father in laws relative good health. Several of my girlfriends parents are really struggling with their health. It's scary and a little worrisome to watch our parents struggle with illness as they grow older.

3. Passport papers are in the mail!

4. A great new little pair of shoes...for $8!!!

5. A sweet time of fellowship with the missionary and host wives on a mini shopping spree on Saturday.

Thank you Lord, for all my blessings!

Thankful Thursday

This week I am thankful for:

1. Friends who look out for my best interests.

2. The opportunity to serve.

3. Missionaries.

4. Words of encouragement from preschool parents.

5. An unexpected lunch date alone with Bruce/

How has God blessed you lately?

Thankful Thursday

This week I am thankful for:

1. Health...Tucker has battled something for weeks now and finally I think we might be on the mend. His color is getting better, he's acting more like his old self and he hasn't had a fever in 48 hours.

2. Health...Mine...the meds that the dr. put me on are working and so nothing serious (meaning surgery or worse) has to be done at this time. This is a relief and also buys me a little time to research and figure out the best options for me.

3. Motivation....sometimes you need a good kick in the pants to get things going. I've had that recently and although painful, on the other side it's a real blessing.

4. Two special friends who have birthdays this week...I'm thrilled to be a part of their lives and so blessed to have their friendship, wisdom and love in my life.

5. The youth group at church. They've stolen my heart...and as God has seen fit, just about the time I realized how much I loved them....our church hired a new youth pastor. I'm happy that our youth will have someone solely devoted to them, but sad that we won't share that closeness with them like we have the last 6 months or so. They are a special group...God's got big things in store for them...watch out world!

I'll Pray for You

I feel like I've been saying "I'll pray for you" a lot lately. Friends hurting, sick kids, grieving loved ones, health issues...and the list goes on. There's really nothing else I know to say that comforts the heart more than those words..."I'll pray for you".

But how many times do we say those words and then never do it! As I reflected today on the many times I've recently expressed my concern about things to God in prayer, I was reminded of the great confidence and comfort that people gain from knowing others pray for them. I know personally that it encourages me to know others pray for my requests. It's also a blessing to hear how God answers the prayers we pray for others.

I guess today I just needed to be reminded that people count on me (you too) to bring their heart's cries to the Lord. For those who are hurting too deeply to speak the words God already knows, we can speak for them. We can be the echo of a mother's heart as she pleads to the Lord to bring her child back to Him.  We can be the urgent message to the Savior for the cancer diagnosis of a friend when she can't find the words. We can be the joyful shout to the Lord when He answers our prayers for healing or forgiveness or provision. We can have a part in a glorious conversation with a King who knows us by name.

Really, is there any greater privilege?

Thankful Thursday

I have so much to be thankful for this week. Head over to Women Taking a Stand to link up with this week's Thankful Thursday bloggers.

This week I am thankful for:

1. Making the final payment to the credit card company.

2. For the opportunity to have worked from home the last 3 1/2 years with a Christian PR firm.

3. For the opportunity to quit that wonderful job and focus on my family and their needs right now....I know crazy...with the economy and all...but I am thankful for the still small voice that tells me "do this".

4. I am thankful for a husband who knows my heart and allows me to be who I am....even when I am not sure who that is!

5. I am thankful for a God who knows the path ahead and makes the way clear one step at a time.

So...what are you Thankful for this Thursday?

Thankful Thursday

Thankful Thursday snuck up on me...and just about got away! Nevertheless...it's never to late to take time for thanksgivings in my life.

1. A wonderful time of fellowship with friends on Saturday. The weather was perfect and we were able to spend most of the day outside under the porch. The kids played and we lingered over leftovers. It was so nice.

2. Thankful for the great job my kids did in AWANA this year. They both made me so proud. Savannah received a really special award as the outstanding Spark for the year. Made this momma a little teary eyed!

3. Thankful for a few projects that got tackled and finished this last week. It finally looks like we are completely unpacked! (It only took us 7 months!)

4. Thankful for my sister who sent my kids a special little gift out of nowhere this week. Really thoughtful!

5. Thankful for clear direction God has given me regarding some decisions that needed to be made. His timing is perfect.

So, what are you thankful for today?

Jehovah Jireh- My Provider

A year ago, I was wondering where Bruce was going to get a job to support our family. Today, I am reminded of God's faithfulness through the last year. I am also in awe of the many ways He was proven to us that He is our Provider.

From a new ministry job, larger tax return than anticipated, to unexpected gifts, to an occasional one day job here and there, to ends just miraculously meeting, to an attentive pastor who checks on our needs regularly- God's been providing for us!

And not just providing....but blessing...you know...over and above what we could even begin to imagine.

I guess today is just one of those days that I have to sit back and think about the goodness of the Lord. I'm in awe. Ever had a day like that?

Thankful Thursday

This week (and always) I have so much to be thankful for. I've linked up today with Greg at http://gregsgeneralstore.blogspot.com/
- join in if you want...or share something here that you are thankful for!

1. It looks like everything is right on schedule with the sale of the house in Gunter. This will be so good to have behind us. Thank you Lord!

2. Savannah and I had a great time at the homeschool field trip to the Spy Exhibit last week in Dallas. She has talked about it for days..it's amazing what they pick up even when we think they aren't paying attention!

3. After much prayer and a nudge from the Holy Spirit...God allowed my boss and I to have a conversation about me reducing my hours. I've become increasingly burdened/convicted that I need to spend more time being mom and wife. This is a huge step of faith on many accounts and I am thankful that God allowed the conversation to go so smoothly. I'm blessed indeed.

4. Our prayer service at church on Wednesday nights continues to be one of the most rewarding times of the week for me (if you are in Sulphur Springs and  need a mid-week spiritual battery charge- join us at Central Baptist Church). Last night we learned about being wide open to receive all God has for us...how he wants to bless us, but so many times our own stubborn will gets in the way- just like the Israelites.

5. I'm thankful for friends -near and far away- who I enjoy....whether laughing, crying, goofing off, talking, praying or just catching up...they are too numerous to count (thankfully) - but I am thankful for their presence in my life----and you too, my bloggy friends.

Hope you have a very Thankful Thursday!