Happy Birthday to Chuck....To Kenya....With LOVE

Special Time at Grand Cypress

Juanita, Wendi & Lynn....catch up on cousin events...
Dinner at Hemingways was 'remember when' time...

A 'regular' at Grand Cypress

Our friend, Van, always has smiles and hugs for our family...

Please Watch these two short clips....You WILL Be Blessed!
A missionary's life is....different.
I have posted this before but if you have not watched these two video's...PLEASE DO because it will show you, CLOSE UP, what a young family with 4 children go through as they 'serve the Lord' in Africa.
Designed 'with a sense of humor' view, you probably have to watch it twice to gather the meaning of the song...
Our son, Chuck, who knows this little James Taylor missionary family... gave it to me...and they are priceless.
1st video....click below....then click on 'full screen' for best view...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWgkqciy0n0
2nd video...as they 'prepare' for the mission field...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00HwrirLw3Q
God Bless ALL our Missionary Families....

Liz Memorial....Family Reunion

Tom, Gracie, Wendi, Lynn, Jacob, Jr. and Jerry in front..

Always a bit of 'clowning' when this bunch get together..
Aunt Liz always 'understood' and knew these 'characters'...
and loved them dearly!

Gracious Susan & Bob...paid tribute with great dignity to their 'Mom'
Jacob, (the brat) Wendi, Lynn and brother Chad
Food is important to we 'southerners'....

Cousins with secrets...Gracie, Juanita, Wendi & Lynn

                                               Jorge, Lucy & Junior greetings and  'family times' rememberance

Faith & Vikki playing 'remember when'.....

Jerry and 'always smiling' sweet Lucy...

Mimi Cravey and Logan Copeland.
Old and Young alike WE ARE FAMILY!

Tribute to Liz

Elizabeth Fernandez's Memorial will be Sat. 25th at 2:00 p.m. Cornerstone Church, 4600 Gabriella Lane, Ovedio, Florida 32765...

Prayer....Changes....Things

Actually no one can tell you this and have you believe it....you must experience it for yourself in order to know the truth of it as a fact of life.
Don't take my word for it...try it for yourself...
I guarantee you that you will find
PRAYER....CHANGES....THINGS

What a Blessing!

Chuck's latest report from Mt. Elgon, Kenya...Africa

Remember he is the young man , the fabricator, that worked on the tail gate of Chuck's land cruiser...

What a blessing....

July 12, 2009

Close Call on Mt. Elgon, 1st Service @ Landmark Baptist Mt. Elgon, 9 Baptized 3 Stones

Saturday was our third evangelistic campaign to Mt. Elgon. With Terry under the weather I left Eldoret around 6:30am by myself to pickup our team of 12. These are folks from 4 different Churches in Western Kenya who have a burden for the people of Mt. Elgon. From our previous trips to Mt. Elgon I was fully aware of the dangers associated with traveling up steep mountainous terrain in an old truck loaded with people. But Saturday would be a trip that will be one for the record books for sure as we had a very close call on the way up the mountain. It was the result of two vehicles out of control on a narrow rocky road that could have ended with disastrous results. Just as we started our ascent up the steepest part of the Mountain on a curve I spotted a Kenyan Army Truck coming down the narrow rough road at a very fast pace. Now keep in mind that there was nowhere to pull over and let the truck loaded with soldiers pass. When I first spotted the truck I stopped. We are on about a 33 degree slope and when I stopped the truck died. Not only did the truck die but we started rolling backwards very quickly. Before I could do anything the Army truck was 10 yards in front of us and closing. The (wet drum brakes were not holding), I grabbed a handful of the emergency brake and it did not make a difference. So if you can picture this, the green land cruiser fully loaded rolling backwards down a very steep narrow rough path/road with a Kenyan Army truck pushing us. It was a formula for disaster. He could not stop and I could not stop. The only thing I could think of was all of us going over the edge of the mountain. We must have rolled backwards around 100 yds when I notice a gully that had washout so I steered the truck towards it. All I could do was dump the clutch and let the compression from the engine slow us down to hit the ditch. The Army truck narrowly missed us and we came to rest in the gully. It was a reminder of how dangerous it is climbing the mountain and also a reminder of the grace of God through his protection. You know that feeling that you get when you have just experienced something that could have been tragic. Well it was one of those moments and I guarantee that there were a dozen frighten Kenyans who were praying the whole time as well as one shaken American. Good thing Terry was not in the truck! After rolling backwards another 100 yard or so to a place where I could get a run up the Mountain we made it to the top without any further problems. By the way it does pay to pray for traveling mercy before every trip. We divided up into five teams and started out into the countryside. We were blessed with so many great visits. The people of Mt. Elgon are so ready for a relationship with Christ and to be taught the word of God. My team traveled for miles up and down peaks and valleys to a place that borders the forest which divides Kenya and Uganda. We met and witnessed to people that have never heard of Jesus. I am still amazed when we meet people that have never heard of Jesus or the gospel. After hours of hiking, sharing God’s Word and praying with people we saw 35 invite Christ to be there personal Savior. The work there has just exploded as people are looking for hope after the clashes. It is so sad to hear the heartbreaking stories of those that were slaughtered. As we were loading to leave a young preacher boy named Geoffrey said he could not go. He shared with the group that God had put on his heart to stay behind to preach Sunday morning to the folks so hungry for God. He is the same young man whose wife had a baby girl last week and named Teresa. Pastor Peter is already holding a weekly Bible study every Tuesday and now there will be 3 young preachers rotating to make the 6 hr trip every Sunday to share God’s Word as there is so many people eager for teaching and worship. What an awesome testimony for Geoffrey to leave his wife and newborn baby for what will end up being 3 days away because he could not leave the people without a shepard. Praise God for men who answer that call. Today we visited Mawe Tatu (3 Stones) for another Baptismal service. However this time we brought the two housekeepers Terry lead to Christ in Eldoret named Sarah and Erika as well as the fabricator named Kennedy who was saved a couple of weeks ago. They all wanted to follow the Lord in scriptural baptism so we took them to Mawe Tatu to be baptized. We are in process of helping them find a good scriptural Church home here in Eldoret where they can grow and serve. Please pray for these new converts. Beside the joy of seeing 9 baptized today we were thrilled to see Pastor Shadrachs home overflowing with new members and visitors. There were about 20 inside the house and another dozen that had to sit outside under a tarp, all adults. For a new church literally planted in the middle of a corn field God is blessing and adding to their number each week. Oh what God can do if we will just be faithful! The enthusiasm, joy and excitement to know God here is so contagious. You can’t help but be overwhelmed with what God is doing in the life’s of people. What a great God we serve and what a privilege! Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your life and especially for your prayers. I believe that God has answered them this weekend.

Chuck & Terry Fernandez
Kenya, East Africa

Need Bibles for Africa...

I have had many of you ask me how to contribute to Chuck & Terry's Missionary Life.
Today as I talked to Chuck on Skype, he was telling me about new converts like Sarah, Kennedy
who worked on his Land Cruiser tail gate etc. but needs to be provided with a Bible to help them in their spiritual growth.
If you would like to donate to their work here is the info below...
If you want to just help buy Bibles...they are $5.00 each and they purchase then locally
and they are buying these out of their personal funds which are limited.
Here is the link to donate...
http://missionaries2turkana.org/donate.html
the Ft. Cooper Baptist Church holds their funds in escrow and they access them through the banking system in Kenya. Chuck & Terry receive and know every penny that comes in....from whom...and every penny that goes out ...
Donations at the above link are credit card and Pay Pal and very secure...
If you wish to donate by check the address is:
Sending Church:
Ft. Cooper Baptist Church
4222 S. Florida Ave.,
Inverness, FL 34450
Mark your donations for the Chuck & Terry Fernandez Missionary Account...
Some of you, if you wish, can give me a check, or whatever, and I will see to it that it gets into their account and they know who it is from...
I asked Chuck how to help by buying Bibles and this is his reply:
"From: Chuck & Terry Fernandez:
Yes, just mark any special offerings: Bibles for Chuck & Terry Fernandez"
Please know that your money will go into the Kenya, Africa area to be used according to God's work through Chuck & Terry Fernandez.
You will receive news from Chuck & Terry through e-mail and monthly newsletter and be a part of it here at home.... as if you were there with them!
God bless you....as you bless them...

Florida 4th of July....Lil Turkey's special day...

Check out Melissa Jo, Turkey and her father, Tommy's,

fishing in Boca on the 4th...at

http://melissajofernandez.blogspot.com/

Daily Word — Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Love
We are one in the love of God.
Love creates a circle of strength linking us with our family, friends, and mentors.
At the center of every circle of love is the presence of God, for God is love.

As we unite with one another in times of celebration and in times of crisis, we are strengthened by the love of God's Spirit.
Love soothes the mind and heals the heart.

Pure love knows no bounds or limitations.

It can be shared and felt by people in the same room or separated by miles.

(like Kenya, Africa)

The more love is shared, the more it grows.

We invite others into our circle of love to be blessed and be a blessing, to give and to receive, to heal and be healed.
"O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever."--1 Chronicles 16:34

Happy Birthday Celebration Faith, Joshua & USA

Our annual family celebration was a wonderful time, as usual...
The Edible Fruit Basket from all of Chuck & Terry's Family
was delicious and plentiful....

Joshua and I had a 'Gator Theme' party and everyone had to
put on temporary Gator tattoo's...

JJ's Poppa Tony had Joshua convinced that he had a 'money tree' in his

back yard. Joshua got his very own money tree and had agreed before party to

share all gifts with MaMa.

That sweet child after seeing his tree said that he would still share with MaMa.

When MaMa opened her gifts and found a 'big' bill, she really didn't want to 'be sweet'!

The child shall teach them....

Joshua does rock climbing at the Grand Cypress...

Night fireworks on the beach at Grand Cypress...

Janelle, Alex, Dylan, Joshua & Adriana...

Missed you Turkey and Kason...Thanks for the

phone wishes ...

Many wonderful and thoughtful gifts from relatives and friends.

God Bless you all for your cards and gifts...

Saying good-bye to Vann, our favorite, Mr. Grand Cypress,

is always the grand finale....celebrating the Good Life is

about PEOPLE who have 'the heart of faith' and are blessed

beyond reason....and share that blessing everywhere we go...

Guess What?

I have always been patriotic....would you expect less from a military family plus being born on the 4th of July which gave me a double dose!
Now I see, and experience personally, my America at a cross+roads. Many years ago I was taking a creative writing course at the European Military Division of University of Maryland.

I chose as one of my assignments....America At The CrossRoads
I wrote, I prayed, I wrote some more, I prayed some more....and then a strange thing happened.

My minds eye opened up to what, if anything, could undermine the strength of this great country America as I knew it then.
It was not 'things' ,arnaments, power, finanial successes etc.
It was....the hearts of the people who were developing, shaping the children, leaders as role models and Mothers. The character of the people of America could be the 'undermining' of the country itself!

In the past, great people of character, integrity, ethics, morals and plain ole 'good manners' were the making and shaping of this great land of ours as it was then in 1980 when I was writing my assignment.
It stands to reason that when those character traits no longer ruled in the hearts....America would change.
I could not concieve of that ever happening in my dear precious America.
After all, we were a Christian nation whose sense of decency was founded on many amazing documents but mostly....on the Ten Commandments.

Now as I write on July 4, 2009.....I am shocked to see....what I see.
Blatent corruption in role models and leadership of all levels...to include the family home.
I am sad....as if a precious family member has died and left a empty spot in my heart. I thought I would never see this day.
Yes, I am grieving BUT life goes on with or without me....this is my reality.
America is at the cross+roads and we can not bury our heads in the sand any longer.

I can not 'afford' this misery in my heart.

So I go to my spiritual Fax and read these words from

The Message Bible (and it is my personal message as well)

Zechariah 8:14-17....Keep Your Lives Simple and Honest

A message from God-of-the-Angel-Armies.

"Don't be afraid.

And now here's what I want you to do:

tell the truth, the whole truth, when you speak.

Do the right thing by one another, both personally and in your courts.

Don't cook up plans to take unfair advantage of others.

Don't do or say what isn't so.

I hate all that stuff.

Keep your lives simple and honest." Decree of God

....The Living Bible give me the true solution....Zechariah 46....

This is God's message...."Not by might, nor by power, but

BY MY SPIRIT, says the Lord Almighty---

you will succeed because of My Spirit, though you are few and weak."

2 Chronicles 7:14 (New King James Version)
14 "if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land."

Please join with other 'faith believing Americans' and myself as we pray the above words back to God so that He, by HIS Spirit, will heal our land.

May God truly BLESS America as we Celebrate, by faith, this 'answer to prayer'.

A Family Tribute to...Mrs. Doris Veal

Mrs. Veal. above, was one of my Mother's best friend.

Mrs. Veal, being 92 years young, just left this life for her real 'Home'.

Being a real Southern lady , she and my Mom always referred to each other as 'Mrs. Veal' and 'Mrs. Baxter'.

They were hilarious!

Both being widows, they worked together quilting, putting up fresh vegetables and fruit, shopped together, attended community events together, traveled and saved each other seats in church. Both had the same values, ethics, faith and positive sense of humor.

BUT without a shadow of doubt, they were entirely and most magnificently....

Very Classy Ladies.

Today they are alive in our hearts and our lives were influenced immensely by these

Southern Women of Excellence.

"Welcome Home, Mrs. Veal", my Mama would have said in greeting...

"What took you so long?"

You can not give LOVE away...it always comes back to you!

Those who realize how much they are loved.....are able to love MUCH!

Thanks, Abby, for the reminder!

With Love....Across the Sea

Cont'd from Chuck & Terry....

From Cross City, Florida to orphans in Kenya, East Africa...

"We, also, visited a small orphanage and handed out witness dolls to the children.

These were dolls that were hand made by the Mommas of Scrub Creek Baptist Church

in Cross City, Florida.

They were shipped on our container to Turkana and we finally had the opportunity to bring some back to Eldoret to distribute here in western Kenya.

The orphan kids have never had a doll before so they were exceedingly happy to have something that was theirs to keep. Every doll has a witness bracelet which is used like the wordless book to share the gospel. We explained that the dolls were made and given by Momma's in the USA because they love them and the Lord. It was a priceless opportunity to see the joy on the faces of the little ones who have lost their parents at an early age and also to be reminded of God's giving people who care about others that are less fortunate and located thousands of miles from Cross City, Florida.

Thank you, Pastor Archie Knowles and your precious caring, loving and giving ladies.

This Saturday we will be traveling back to western to start a new evangelistic campaign in a village named Namarambi.

I have also been asked to preach a funeral for a man that was recently saved.

We appreciate your prayerful support."

Chuck & Terry Fernandez

Kenya, East Africa

Part II of...Chuck & Terry's Missionary Journey in Kenya...

Posted on 22 Jun 2009 by Chuck Fernandez
Mt. Elgon Part 2
6/14/09 Mt. Elgon Part 2-
Restoration & Revival-
Blessed be the name of the Lord!
Saturday we returned to Mt. Elgon with one more person than I wanted to take for safety purposes but the Lord watched over us and we made a safe journey to the top of the mountain. There are many good reasons for returning to the site of the previous evangelism efforts. We not only able to build on last week's efforts but we saw many of the seeds that were planted and watered bring an increase this week. This was especially true for Terry and her translator Mary who were able to lead many to Christ of whom they had witnessed to last week. When we arrived there were a large number of villagers who were anticipating our return and the reception we received was overwhelming. Not only were there many there to welcome us back but there were also those who were anxious to help us with evangelism. Our group of eleven had grown in number and we thank God for providing the extra Christians from Mt. Elgon itself because they were Mosai's and would be needed to translate from Swahili to Mosai or English to Mosai. Because of the remote location and altitude many who live there have never learned Swahili or English. Keep in mind the people we transported from the Ndivisi district are from the Luyia Tribe so they do not speak Mosai. Two of the believers who were anxious to help with translation was a young man named Samuel and a lady named Rose Mary. They met with Pastor Peter on Tuesday evening to start the first official Bible study of the Landmark Baptist Church of Mt. Elgon. They are both born again Christians who have been praying that God would bring a Church back to their village.
To better understand their hunger for God, His people and His Word you need to remember that when the violence occurred the entire village was burned to the ground including any place of business, home and Churches.
There was only one Church left and it was used by the enemy clan to store all the stolen property with the permission of the Pastor. No one will attend the Church because of that incident and they have been praying for God to provide a new Church where they can worship. We saw a genuine excitement and hunger for God that is rare to find in this day and age.
When they talked of the time of the clashes and the time without a place to worship, learn and fellowship they said they have been extremely discouraged and downtrodden but now they were so happy that the Lord has brought them hope again. It was definitely a Spirit lead and Spirit filled day. There were times during the day that we had huge groups of people around us as we were sharing the Word of God.
It is clear that God is going to bring revival to this land.
One of the bi-products of revival is the salvation of souls.
When the seven teams reassembled for a meal after visitation it was exciting to hear that there were a total of 52 professions of faith in Christ.
Now for the doubters who might say that they only received Christ because you are a white man visiting their homes and they will do what you ask them to do. I personally did not lead a single person to Christ on Saturday. I did share the gospel and enjoy doing the work of an evangelist but I met mostly with believers and my heart was lead towards encouraging them and praying for them on Saturday. So clearly the results can only be attributed to the glory of God. Pastor Peter will be retuning Tuesday nights every week to follow up with those that were saved and to have a bible study for those that are waiting for a church to ground them in solid Bible Doctrine. That is where the real work and commitment begins. He rides his bike four hours to the base of the mountain and then walks two hours up the mountain and has purposed in his heart to travel there weekly until he eventually moves there to be their Pastor. Already there are 86 new converts waiting to be baptized and discipled along with scores of born again believers hungry for a renewal of their faith. Truly this seems to be a land prepared by the hand of God. Sunday we returned to Mawe Tatu (3 Stones) to find the Church plant there growing and healthy. We enjoyed meeting new members, visitors and participating in the baptismal service. There were 11 more new converts baptized and becoming members at Landmark Baptist of Mawe Tatu. This weekend was truly incredible experiencing the Lord in so many ways. One the ways that you know that you are making an impact on the people's lives here in Kenya is when they name their children after you. Friday there was a baby girl born and the parents named her Joy Teresa after Terry and one of the little orphan boys who we helped at Mt. Elgon last weekend whose name is Jr. is now being called Carlos for Chuck. Please pray for us as we continue our language studies on Monday.
Thanks for taking time to travel this awesome journey of faith with us.
Chuck and Terry FernandezKenya, East Africa

Posted on 15 Jun 2009 by Chuck Fernandez

Chuck & Terry's Life in Kenya...

Chuck and helpers repair fence and gate to compound in Turkana

Camp Mt. Elgon...the Evangelistic team..


Namawanga Baptist Church

Kenya, Africa....Words from our Missionary Son, Chuck & his wife, Terry...

Below is part of Chuck and Terry's Journal on his
http://missionaries2turkana.org/journal.php
This is Part 1....Will post Part 2 later...Please pray for them, continuously...

Posted on 15 Jun 2009 by Chuck Fernandez
6/6/09 Mt. Elgon- In the Shadow of the Almighty
After a short break from language school to visit Turkana we returned back to the Western providence to start a new evangelism campaign at Mt. Elgon and help encourage a new Church plant at a village called Namarambi. Before I get into the details of the evangelism efforts on Saturday I feel the need to give some you insight into the history of Mt. Elgon so you can better understand how the Lord is moving there and so you can better understand the range of emotions we went through before, during and after our visit. In brief, Mt. Elgon has a horrifying past over the last two years with some of the worst tribal clashes that have taken place in Kenya. There were over 600 killed there as well as many other atrocities that I don�€™t want to mention. These clashes occurred at the same time as the post-election violence here in Kenya but were not a direct result of the election. It was a time of opportunity for two clans within the Mosai tribe to fight for land. To make the matter worse a corrupt Army Colonel was sent in with a battalion of men to stop the fighting and ended up committing as bad or worse atrocities than the clans themselves. In addition the clans and the Army was a gang from bordering Uganda that came across to take advantage of the weakened tribe. There were four principle groups involved in some of the bloodiest and ruthless fighting that took place over the last two years. With that as the backdrop and news of a Canadian missionary couple being beaten and left for dead as well as a Belgium lady shot and killed there last year I had serious concerns. However after Pastor Peter Wanyonyi visited the Chiefs and District Commissioners we were given assurance that it was safe to return again with an evangelism team. So this is the bloody history of Mt. Elgon. You also need to understand that yesterday's evangelism efforts was God's answer to a young man's prayer from over five years ago. God gave Pastor Peter Wanyonyi a burden for Mt. Elgon over five years ago at a Pastors conference. He has been praying during that time that God would allow him to reach the Mosai tribe there and to plant a church. Little did he know all that would take place before God would answer that prayer. So with that as the backdrop Terry and I left El Doret at 6:30 am on Saturday to travel to Western. We met Pastor Peter and seven others from various areas to start our journey to Mt. Elgon. The Lord gave us traveling grace to Mt. Elgon and we started to climb the Mountain. Now keep in mind we are a group of 10 piled into the green camel (Landcruiser). The road up the Mountain was at least 33 degrees and maybe more in certain places. Mt. Elgon at its peak is around 13,000 ft. The dirt road/path without any guardrails closely resembled a trail with rocks and what we call Georgia clay. It was for sure a 4x4 low range climb that took around 45 minutes to make. When we arrived at the top Pastor Peter tells me that we were only about the 3rd vehicle that he has ever seen make it that high. He said most never make it up the mountain, I am thinking to myself and we did with 10 people on board? So just getting up the Mountain was a major accomplishment and getting down would be just as interesting. As we made it to the top we arrived at an area that could only be described as a refugee camp with an Army garrison located at the top of the mountain to separate the clans. The typical Kenyan housing of mud with thatch or tins roofs were very limited and the predominant housing was tents given by the Red Cross. Many people are scared to rebuild their homes until they feel it is safe again. You see the first thing that the rival clan did was burn the houses down, then they burned the storehouse and then proceeded to kill the men. After they killed the men, the Army arrived and did more of the same and actually hauled off all the sheet metal to be sold. We found many homes with widows and many women in the field working without a husband. We divided up into five visitation teams and we started out into the village that is a farming community on the side of the mountain. Terry went with her translator Mary and I went with Pastor Peter. As we shared the love of God through the gospel of Jesus Christ, I was constantly reminded of
Psalm 91:1...." He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. "
We met people that lost loved ones who were put to death in unspeakable ways, people that were in need of a touch from God. People living in land that needed healing. We met men who were struggling with life, hope and love. We met mommas that were still traumatized by the past. The message of the gospel is what is needed in the life's of the lost not only to give them eternal life but to give them hope and a reason to live. We assured them that God had not forgotten them and Jesus is also the source of comfort and strength. There is a place in the shadow of the Almighty that we can dwell knowing the fullness of God here on earth. It is in that place that we encouraged those affected by the recent violence to dwell and know that He is God and that He never leaves nor forsakes us. He loves us with an everlasting love and His grace is sufficient for us no matter what life brings our way. Not only did we see 27 professions of faith on Saturday but we also had a chance to minster to many hurting people. We lead entire families to Christ, many taking a break from weeding in rows of corn, digging up potatoes and picking green beans. The word of God was planted, watered and for some God gave the increase. We were also able to give medical aid to several very sick babies. The day with filled with sadness from the losses and joy from the additions to the kingdom of God but in the end we believe the name of Jesus was exalted and God was glorified. The people were definitely ready and in need of the Love of God. Please continue to pray for Mt. Elgon as we will return again next weekend to continue the evangelism. On Sunday we visited a small group of believers that meet in a home in a village called Namarambi. We had a great time of worshiping and preaching with these folks. We have organized an evangelism campaign there as well in three weeks. As we close our weekend our hearts are full of joy and our cups runneth over from the grace God gives us to be privileged enough to do His work. Nothing is more humbling than to be used by God almighty. Thank you for your prayers and allowing us to be a part of your life.
Chuck & Terry Fernandez......Kenya, East Africa.

From the Pages of...The Great Gatsby

My cousins, Betty & Ray D. as they attend a Gala Event

at the University of West Florida Book Club.

See their page at:

http://ray-fortner.blogspot.com/

Remember these are the 'characters' that we did the

'diamond digging' at Arkansas Diamond Park

which I wrote on my Oct. 3, 2007 posting...

'CraZy people' my 'kin folk'!

Why Worry? When You Can PRAY!

Have you ever been called a ....WORRYWART?
Mulling over things in our mind, day after day and repeating a thought process on a specific subject or person builds a energy field of activity that can seem like a 'dark cloud'....
I know.
Been there, done that!
When does the concern and caring thinking convert from 'looking for answers' logically to....WORRY?
Actually for myself, there is an 'invisible' line which I never know is there .....until I pass over and feel the consequences.
When I 'feel' the loss of my peace is the first sign....and even more dangerous is when I suddenly 'lose my joy'.
Then I am in 'real trouble' because I am not 'normal' .....me!
It takes a period of time before I realize that peace and joy is out the window and I am operating on 'nothing'.....

SUDDENLY, OUT OF THE BLUE it dawns on me......I have gone tooooooo far! I am out of my natural 'prayer zone'. Prayer to me....and my family (thank God) is as natural as breathing! Would I forget to breathe? How long would I last if I did? That is what happens when I get into a 'worrywart' phase.

Quickly I have the answer, not to the problem, but to the 'me' problem.

Matthew 7:7[ Effective Prayer ] “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you."

PRAYER....CHANGES.....THINGS .......

I found my reading for today...great..it is entitled 'weak and strong believers'...
Here is the main verse...
Romans14:1..."Give a warm welcome to any brother who wants to join you,
even though his faith is weak.
Don't criticize him for having different ideas from yours about what is right and wrong."
...The study guide says this about the subject...

...........Who is weak in faith and who is strong?
We are all weak in some areas and strong in others.
Our faith is strong in an area if we can survive contact with sin without falling into it.
It is weak if we must AVOID certain activities or places in order to protect our spiritual life.
It is important to take a self-inventory in order to find out where we are weak and where we are strong.
Whenever we feel called to go into the world in whatever capacity,
we should ask, "Can I do that without sinning? Can I influence others for good, rather than being influenced by them for evil?"
Our answer will show whether our faith is weak or strong in that area, at that time.
...........In areas of strength, we should not fear that we will be defiled by the world.
Rather, from our position of strength we should lead the world.
In areas of weakness, however, we need to play it safe.
If we have a strong faith but shelter it, we are NOT doing Christ's work in the world.
If we have a weak faith but expose it, we are being extremely foolish.
Strength and weakness are NOT permanent conditions.
Strength may diminish if it is not put to the test, and areas of weakness may develop by God's power into areas of strength...

Happy Father & Son Day!

A beautiful Florida day begins and I am thankful that I live in the good ole USA!

Having traveled the world extensively as a career military family, the sights we have seen world-wide are awesome. Beauty is everywhere. From skiing down from the top of mountains in Switzerland, Austria, and Germany to religious sites in Israel, pyramids of Egypt, Red Square at 'then' communist Moscow, Finland, Copenhagen, England, Italy, Spain etc. and the list goes on and on...This is the qualifier that tells me at this moment in time....

......THERE IS NO PLACE LIKE HOME.

HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS....

....Ecclesiastes 3:1 "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.."

To Chad in New York. at Samsung Charity Benefit...We Love You

Happy Birthday, MY Dear Yvonne

Yvonne, her granddaughter, Alayna, and I celebrate
Yvonne's birthday by acting silly and having fun...
My cousin, Yvonne, is one of the most inspiring persons
ON THIS EARTH! She can do ANYTHING she sets
her mind to and this sure got me into a 'lot of trouble'
when we were children...
Yvonne would 'think it up', I would do it...and be caught
as 'the guilty one'!
Yvonne, without arms.....drives, cooks, works in her yard, cleans, dresses
herself and cares completely for herself and others.
She, also, uses her laptop and programs every electronic gadget in her household.
Anything I can do...SHE CAN DO BETTER!
She helped to make me 'very competitive' just to keep up with her and her 'escapades'....
Yvonne, dear, I salute you as being...
A WOMAN OF EXCELLENCE....
and more important.....AN EXCELLENT...WOMAN OF FAITH!

My dear sweet 'innocent (not!)" cousin...

Picture below:
Yvonne's son, Spence, and one of his three daughters,
Alayna. One daughter, 'Tory' was at church camp.
Tory, a beautiful and smart teen-ager, came later and told us about
her camp and helping other children.
The other daughter, Ashley, had just given birth to a beautiful
baby girl named Clare.
Yvone, also, has another son, Chris, who along with wife Tisha, have three children
Spence is a grandfather at age 38!

BIRTHDAY GIRL with a gleam of mischief in her eyes...ALWAYS!

"People May Not Always Remember What We Said To Them
But They Will Remember How We Made Them Feel."

Please Watch these two short clips....You WILL Be Blessed!

A missionary's life is....different.
I have posted this before but if you have not watched these two video's...
PLEASE DO because it will show you, CLOSE UP, what a young family with 4 children go through as they 'serve the Lord' in Africa.
Designed 'with a sense of humor' view, you probably have to watch it twice to gather the meaning of the song...
Our son, Chuck, who knows this little James Taylor missionary family... gave it to me...
and they are priceless.
1st video....click below....then click on 'full screen' for best view...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWgkqciy0n0

2nd video...as they 'prepare' for the mission field...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00HwrirLw3Q

God Bless ALL our Missionary Families....