My Life...As It Happens

Quote & Picture a day for one week: Day 7.........on day 12 (Oops)

2012-02-13T11:35:00.000-05:00

Okay, I don't know what happened to me, but I am determined to get day 7 done even if it isn't on day 7 ;)

"God is to be praised with the voice, and the heart should go therewith in holy exultation." - Charles H. Spurgeon

Me: "Jeremiah, praise the Lord!" Ahhhh my heart melts...I wonder if God's heart does too? :)

Cute Mr. Chapped Cheeks!

Quote & Picture a day for one week: Day 5 & 6- Monday and Tuesday....and a little bonus.

2012-02-07T11:35:00.000-05:00

Day 6 (today)

What comes into our minds when we think about God, is the most important thing about us. - A.W. Tozer

A Foggy Morning

Day 5

"If Love through me, Love of God,
Make me like Thy clear air
Through which unhindered, colors pass
As though it were not there.
Powers of the love of Good,
Depths of the heart Divine,
O Love that faith not, break forth,
And flow this world of Thine. "

- Amy Carmichael

White Chocolate Orange Cranberry Scones

With no refined sugar*

Dry Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

8 TBSP butter, frozen

1/2 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped

1/3 cup white chocolate chips

Wet Ingredients:

1/2 cup sour cream

1 large egg

2 TBSP + 2 tsp. Honey**

1/4 tsp. orange extract

1/4 tsp. vanilla extract

Method:

1.) Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position and preheat oven to 400 degrees F. In a medium bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Grate butter into flour mixture on the large holes of a box grater; use your fingers to work in butter (mixture should resemble course meal), then stir in dried cranberries and white chocolate.

2.) In a small bowl, whisk together all wet ingredients until smooth.

3.) Using a fork, stir wet ingredients into flour mixture until large dough clumps form. Use your hands to press the dough against the bowl into a ball.

4.) Place on a lightly floured surface (or onto a strip of wax paper with wax paper folded over the dough), and pat into a 7 to 8 inch circle about 3/4 inch thick. Use a sharp knife to cut into 8 triangles; place on a cookie sheet, about 1 inch apart. Bake until golden, about 15 - 17 minutes. Cool for 5 minutes and serve warm or at room temperature.

Enjoy!

*No refined sugar with exception of white chocolate chips.

** If you wish to make these with regular sugar, replace honey with 1/3 cup sugar added in the dry ingredients.

If desired, drizzle with melted white chocolate or an orange sugar glaze after the scones have cooled.

Quote & Picture a day for one week: Day 4 - Sunday

2012-02-05T22:56:00.000-05:00

Okay, okay... technically today is day five, but I ~~missed~~ skipped yesterday because the lighting was so bad in our house that I wasn't getting any good pictures. So, I'll just have to make up for it! :) Anyway, here is today's quote and picture. Enjoy.

"When a train goes through a tunnel and it gets dark, you don’t throw away the ticket and jump off. You sit still and trust the engineer." ~ Corrie ten Boom

Sweet Little Malachi
(Once again, the lighting wasn't too great this morning, but he's too sweet to not share!)

I liked his sweater :)

Quote & Picture a day for one week: Day 3 - Friday

2012-02-03T13:26:00.003-05:00

"You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream." - C.S. Lewis

My pretty kitty, Missy (This is how I see her)

(This is how my dad sees her ;)

Quote & Picture a day for one week: Day 2 - Thursday

2012-02-02T17:19:00.001-05:00

"As for me, I repent of ever having made a record or ever having sung a song unless it's provoked people to follow Jesus, to lay down their whole lives before him, to give him everything. It doesn't cost you much to follow Jesus - just everything!....If you want Jesus Christ to completely take over your life, you're willing to die for him, give him every possession, every friend, every loved one, every plan, every hope, every dream. You're willing to give it all up if necessary. I'm not saying that's what he wants you to do, but you are willing. If you're willing to come before his throne empty-handed, raise your hand. If you can't look at him in the eye and know you've been living a pleasing life before him, get your hand up and make it right. Jesus Christ is not your Savior unless he's the Lord of your life, and Lord means he owns and controls - lock, stock, and barrel - your destiny, your future, and your present. And he throws away your past as far as the east is from the west." - Keith Green speaking to an estimated 35,000 people (from the book 'No Compromise' by Melody Green and David Hazard)

To some, sick in bed with a head cold doesn't sound very pleasant. But for someone like me, who has been feeling the need for a time of rest in the Lord, it has been a blessing in disguise. Not only have I been able to catch on some sleep, but I have been able to enjoy a beautiful, sunny day with Jesus and accompanied by these three books:

The Bible, 'No Compromise' by Melody Green, and 'Keys to The Deeper Life' by A.W. Tozer

Oh, and of course I can't forget my little quail friend :)

Quote & Picture a day for one week: Day 1 - Wednesday

2012-02-01T22:45:00.002-05:00

Starting today, I am committing to sharing at least one quote and one picture from each day this week. I thought it would be a fun thing to do and it would also help me with the writer's block I've been dealing with these last two weeks :)

I would also be curious to know how the quotes impact you, so feel free to leave comments! :)

Quote:

Take St. Paul as our example. He stood forth in the midst of his shipmates and said, "God, whose I am, and whom I serve,..." Can we imagine him frittering away his time in aimless trifles, matters which had not as their end the salvation of the people on board or his own preparation for the battle before him? Could our attitude of life on board ship be always described in that single sentence: "God, whose I am, and whom I serve"?

- Amy Carmichael

Wow.

Picture -

Inspired by Bakerella

It's my mom's birthday today, and this is the cake I made her! Happy 43rd birthday, Mom!

In His Hands

2012-01-13T10:00:00.002-05:00

Though this week has been hard, it has also been a wonderful one. No matter how much I don't understand why the Lord allowed my mom to miscarry(see post below), I have felt His overwhelming presence in our home filling us with comfort, peace, and yes, even with joy.

I don't remember the last time our family laughed so much together out of pure, honest joy that could have only been given to us from our dear Savior.

*whispered*...Oh how He loves us.

There is no doubt in my mind that He has been holding us in His hands every minute this week. It's a wonder how such a big and mighty God can lead us so gently.

There were a few times when I was so close to asking the "WHY?" question and before I could get the words out of my mouth, it was like the Lord's hand was in mine and giving it a squeeze. He was merciful towards me and my frailty. I am so thankful.

The Lord has been good to us.

You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness... ~ Psalm 30:11

In pain, He comforts.

2012-01-11T18:25:00.001-05:00

He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD. ~ Psalm 112:6-8

On Christmas Day, my parents surprised the boys and I with the announcement that my mom was going to have another baby. We were SO excited and wanted to tell our family and friends right away, but my parents wanted to wait until the baby was 12 weeks just to be safe (my mom miscarried about four years ago).

It pains me to say that our family lost a sweet, sweet blessing this week. My little brother or sister is now with our dear Lord. And though our pain and grief is great, it is very comforting to know he or she is in the safest place anyone could ever be.

I want to thank our family friends who knew what was going on this week for praying for us and encouraging us with your cards and phone calls. You are wonderful!

2012-01-10T10:06:00.000-05:00

“Deep unto deep,
O Lord, crieth in me,
Gathering strength I come, Lord, unto Thee.
Jesus of Calvary,
Smitten for me,
Ask what Thou wilt, but give Love to me.” ~ Amy Carmichael

“He hath never failed thee yet.
Never will His love forget.
O fret not thyself nor let
Thy heart be troubled,
Neither let it be afraid.”
~ Amy Carmichael

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T00:55:00.000-05:00

2011-12-27T10:22:00.001-05:00

Oh how my soul is longing for the deeper things of God! I really cannot explain the change He has been doing in my heart in the last two weeks. It feels almost sacred. Just between Him and me. It's oh so beautiful and so stretching. Here I thought I had surrendered all of me, to only realize that I have not surrendered enough. There is still too much of me.

Oh God! Let there be more of You and less of me!

I find myself being drawn to Him more often during the day than I used to. Even the small, tedious chores seem more enjoyable as of late. Knowing that He loves me....I am so undeserving of such love! Nothing can compare to it. I am constantly at the edge of tears. My family probably thinks I'm depressed! haha If they could just see the inside of me that is feeling overwhelmed beyond what facial expressions and emotions can express! I don't quite know how to handle it.
There are times when I feel as though my heart will explode with joy and then there are others when I am so humbled that I feel like I can't get up. Does that sound depressing? I don't mean for it to be! It truly is not! Though sometimes being pruned can feel a bit painful, I believe it is only for a time. I think He just wants me to trust Him. I wonder if any of this change hurts because I am still trying to hold on to things too tightly. He shouldn't have to pry things out my life! He is worthy to have it all without explanation, is He not? ....Oh more of You and less of me....

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T20:49:00.001-05:00

"And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” - Luke 2:12

May the Lord bless you this Christmas season. My prayer for you is that you will draw closer to Him this year than you ever have before!

I WONDER by Leeland

2011-12-20T11:42:00.000-05:00

All My Devotion - Kristene Mueller

2011-12-19T11:41:00.002-05:00

The Mountain Top

2011-12-16T18:26:00.002-05:00

Step...step...little step....step.... step....step...BIG step....Hang on!....step...step....don't look down, look up! ...step....deep breaths...step...step....step...stop. You made it. A cry of joy escapes your lips!

You're at the top of the mountain. You climbed this mountain for what seemed to be so long, but now you've made it and the view, oh wow the view... it is not disappointing. If fact, it's gorgeous and you don't ever want to leave this spot. It's so peaceful up here. The journey was definitely worth it, even despite the unknown you experienced and all the undiscovered things you found. There were also things that you have seen before, but think differently of now. Some of which were good and some not so much. In fact, many of them made you feel squeamish.

Nothing stopped you though. It was like something was pulling you, drawing you to the top. What more could there be? Ahhhh yes, this is beauty at it's best. The view is perf- but, wait, what is that? Another mountain, even higher than this one?! And it's obstructing part of your view. How can this be?

Suddenly there is a pulling at your heart again. It's drawing you to that next mountain top. Where you are right now is so wonderful; how could you leave? And the base of that next mountain looks even more undiscovered and unknown that the one you just left behind. Can you go through this again? Yes, not only can you, but you want to. Joy has suddenly filled your heart knowing there is more to be discovered. And so, you take your leave of this place. You will never forget it. It helped shape you into who you are today. But there's more......Deep breath.......you don't look back........step.........step.........step................

When I began to write this post, I didn't know where or how to start. The story written above, is more of a parable. It's my poor attempt at trying to explain the journey the Lord has me on right now. I feel so in love with Him, but I also feel like He is calling me to a higher place with Him. And I'm somewhat nervous about it...in a good way. So, I place my hand in His and allow Him to lead me.

Lord, Thy will be done.

He is our Healer/ Malachi's 1st birthday

2011-12-15T22:54:00.000-05:00

I'm sorry for the lack of posts lately. We have had a lot going on since John came home from Sudan. The biggest event was John getting sick with malaria the week he returned. It was pretty scary, but, praise God, after being in the hospital for five days and 25 pounds less, he was able to come home and has been recovering very well ever since :) He's pretty much back to normal now and is steadily gaining weight back. Thanks to all who were praying for him and our family as a whole during that time!

A few days after John came home from the hospital, Papa and Amma came down from New York for Thanksgiving. As usual, we had a wonderful visit and I look forward to their next visit on New Year's.

From left to right: Papa, Matthew, Jeremiah, Me, John, Malachi and Amma

Krystal's family joined us for Thanksgiving dinner too! We had a full house and it was so much fun.

"Siblings", maybe not by blood, but, definitely in our hearts.

Now the big news! Little Malachi Mutiso turned one on December 3rd. We celebrated his birthday early on Thanksgiving day while everyone was here. He wasn't quite sure what to think about the cake :)

Thanksgiving party

Actual birthday

Malachi is so lovable, kissable, and such a huge blessing in this family. I know God must have big plans for his life!

Okay, fast forward to today....There's only one week and three days 'til Christmas! Time flies by way too fast sometimes. I still haven't bought most of my gifts yet. Am I panicking? No, not really. Just feeling a bit rushed and I HATE anything about Christmas being rushed. So, that being said, I just may hit the internet to look for those last minute gifts!

Health, birthday and homecoming

2011-11-12T19:32:00.000-05:00

These last couple of weeks have been so busy! I find it amazing how much more time little ones require when they are sick. All three boys were ill and poor Jeremiah and Malachi still have runny noses. But, at least they are back to eating and playing like normal. Thank you for praying for them!

Sunday, the 6th, was my twenty-second birthday. I had a wonderful day! So wonderful, we didn't take any pictures. I guess that comes with getting older :/ At first it didn't feel like my birthday without John here, but, at the last second, I invited a few close friends over for homemade quesadillas and ice cream cake. YUM! We also watched 'Anne of Avonlea'. Or at least part of it. I had forgotten how long that movie is! I guess we'll just have to plan another day to watch the 2nd half together :)

So, now fast-forward to Wednesday, the 9th, and John is HOME!!!!! Only to get sick not even two days later. Poor guy has been in bed since yesterday late afternoon and literally all day today. I think I talked to him once and that was early this morning. We're not really sure what is wrong. It could be malaria or the flu. The symptoms are pretty much the same. Please keep him in your prayers!

Well, that's about it I think! We were supposed to leave for a short family vacation tomorrow, but, with John sick that probably won't happen, apart from a miracle of course and that is what we are believing for. Although, I promise it's not just so we can go on vacation! :)

A Good Night Sleep and John in Sudan

2011-10-25T08:11:00.004-04:00

Thank you for praying for Jeremiah! I think he is feeling a little bit better this morning. He slept through the night without coughing, which also means I got a full night's rest too! :)

( *Edit: Since writing the above, I have learned that Jeremiah in fact did NOT sleep through the night, but went upstairs to my parents room, not one, but three times. And one of those times slammed his bedroom door shut. I heard nothing. I guess I was tired. lol ....I also want to mention that baby Malachi is sick too)

I realized this morning that I never did post anything about John leaving! He left on October 11th for South Sudan and will be returning home on November 9th. He's there to see what can be done to help an internally displaced people group return to their village which was raided by the LRA awhile back. I am so proud of him, especially since he went there by himself! But, ugh! A whole month without my brother has been quite boring at times ( no offense to mom and dad!!!). I miss him so much!

It's one of those times when you realize just how much you love someone. It also makes me realize how much we have been talking and spending time together lately. I can honestly say that John is one of my best friends. I hope these next two weeks go by quickly!

If you think of him, please pray for him. Thank you!

Prayers please!

2011-10-23T08:51:00.000-04:00

Well, Jeremiah is sick again. He was up several times during the night and had to have a breathing treatment. The poor little guy is doing a little bit better this morning, but could definitely use some prayer.

I hate it when he's sick. Breaks my heart. Please heal him, Lord.

Ben Hur?

2011-10-18T07:58:00.000-04:00

Matthew's chariot

"Starting over"

2011-10-13T11:56:00.000-04:00

I have been so inconsistent these last two years with posting on here, and I think it's because I got into the mind set of whatever I posted had to be eventful. Which is not why I started blogging years ago. It started out to be more of a daily journal for me to look back upon later; And I want to keep it that way.

So, I'm getting back to the basics, so to speak! I'm going to post about the seemingly little, daily things that happen. Some days it may be about our family and other days it may be about what the Lord has been doing in my heart lately. Today is about a couple of those "little" daily things that we can never have back :)

Like Malachi being 10 months old already and has learned to sit up by himself and also has four teeth (Yes, nursing has become quite eventful for my mother nowadays). Oh, and he has had a hair cut since this picture was taken.

Here's Matthew eating blueberries until he almost looks like one himself :) He was quite proud of being so messy.

I praise God for this time I have with my family. I would have no one to blame but myself for taking our days together for granted :) Which in "saying" all this, I think my season of writer's block has been overcome! haha

Family Update Part 1

2011-08-31T10:11:00.000-04:00

I realized this morning that it has been awhile since I've written about my favorite people in the whole wide world! And, I'm actually surprised none of my extended family members have brought this to my attention before now :)

We are doing wonderful. The Lord has been so faithful and good. I'm finding that it has become pretty rare that a day goes by without Him teaching us something.

Krystal, Anthony, and the kids are doing well. Emma Rose, Erin, and Harrison started school back a little while ago ( I can't remember what day) and Anderson is starting preschool today. I can't believe he's big enough to be going to school! So, now it's just Krystal and Elli Karrington hanging out at the house together having mommy/daughter time.
Krystal is such a blessing and I am proud to call her my sister. The Lord knew what He was doing when He brought her into our lives so long ago.

John just left on Monday to fly up to New York to be with his good friend, Andrew, for a week (we follow him up later). He is growing so much in his walk with the Lord. He is a gentlemen, a hard worker, and very funny. I can honestly say that he is one of the best friends that I have ever had. So glad he's my brother. He is a blessing. In October he will be heading to Sudan to stay for a month by himself. When you think of him, please pray for his safety and that the trip will be used to draw him deeper in love with his Savior and give him compassion for others like he's never had before.

Jeremiah and Dad are at school this morning. This year Jeremiah has been enrolled into Kindergarten so he can continue speech therapy and further develop his motor and interaction skills. Ultimately, my mom wants to home educate him, but the Lord opened the doors for Jeremiah to go to school in town three days a week for two hours and one of us gets to stay with him the whole time. In some ways it's kind of like going to a home-school co-op three times a week. We are already noticing some good differences in him this year compared to last year. He's growing up so fast.

Well, that's all I have time to write about this morning, but more is to follow!

Be Thou My Vision - Ascend The Hill

2011-08-17T12:59:00.000-04:00

Eric Ludy - The Gospel

2011-08-07T17:27:00.000-04:00

Daily Surrender

2011-08-04T20:36:00.001-04:00

   Where do I begin? The Lord has been doing so much in my life and I feel so humbled that I don't know what to say! Sometimes the works of God are so unexplainable.

I will try my best to share what He has been doing in my heart of late.
First off, I want to give Christ the glory, honor, and praise for anything I write below, because apart from Him, I can do NOTHING.

   I can't tell you when it started. These feelings of something not right in my heart. Mostly towards my brother, John. Not so much now, but throughout the years we have had it out so many times towards each other. Most of the reasons were so pathetic, I blush to admit them. And looking back, our petty arguments have been mainly started by...me.

Please don't misunderstand me. It's not like my brother and I yell at each other all the time or something. We both love the Lord and each other so much and would die for the other if necessary. No, I'm mainly talking about the stuff that would start the arguments. Like giving my "2 cents" when it wasn't asked for. Or when I've talked to him like his words had no weight. When I would treat him like my silly little brother instead of the young man that he is now and is becoming. Instead of pointing out all the good things he did on a project, it would be the silly little mistakes instead. Talking over him when he was trying to explain himself. Oh, here's the biggest one, getting upset with him because HE COULDN'T READ MY MIND.

Yes, this young woman who hates strife and contention to the point of tears and heartache, has had attitudes that should never be present in a woman who calls herself a daughter of the Most High God, and has used words like fiery darts towards her beloved brother. Why? Just so I can be right. Or just so I don't have to carry the burden of being hurt again. In other words, using my backbiting words to try to stop anything that I thought would make me feel bad inside. I obviously was not realizing how much of a bigger burden I was packing up for myself and for my poor brother than the one I thought I was somehow preventing.

"Oh silly Megan. How could you be so blind and oblivious?" ...Well, I'll tell you. The hard part about deceit, is that it's so deceitful! And when you form a habit, it's hard to break. Especially when it comes little by little by little.

That's his way you know. The devil, I mean. He's out to "steal, kill, and destroy" at all costs and with no exception of persons. Boy do I hate him. He makes me livid (as my mother likes to say).

   Do I take all the responsibility for every argument that John and I have gotten into? The answer is yes. "WHAT?! Is John perfect or something????" Hahaha...ummm...no (sorry John! :P ).
Someday, I will give answer to God for my sin. And on that day I will have no choice but to only give account for my part. My 100%. So, my thought is, why not start now? Why not start taking 100% of my part of our relationship? I'm not responsible for John's reactions to things or how he chooses to treat me at times. That is between him and God. But I am responsible for my reactions and how I treat him.

   I am so thankful for the Lord's ever-present hand of guidance on my life. He isn't just opening my eyes to my sin. He is also giving me the grace to lay down my pride in order to change. He knows that I don't want other people to suffer from my faults. I specifically think of my future husband and children and I rejoice that through Christ, they won't have to deal with this in me like my family has over the years. It hasn't been perfected yet and may never be, but at least John and those I will be in relationship with in the future, will hopefully never have to question if I am seeking God for help and fighting the enemy about it or not.

I am learning to surrender daily. It's not always easy, but I believe the less there is of me, and the more there is of Him, the better woman I will be for it. Holy Spirit, please, have Your way.

More of You...Less of me

2011-08-01T12:17:00.001-04:00

I promise I have not fallen off the face of the earth :) An actual post is in the making, but, for now here is an intro, if you will, to what has been on my heart of late.

Happy 4th of July! Never forget...Freedom isn't free.

2011-07-04T10:27:00.000-04:00

Lord, with You, there's nothing I can't do...

2011-07-01T11:23:00.002-04:00

2011-06-24T10:30:00.000-04:00

‎"Now I begin to be a disciple. I care for nothing of visible or invisible things so that I may but win Christ. Come fire and cross and grapplings with wild beasts, the rending of my bones and body... only let it be mine to attain Jesus Christ." - Ignatius of Antioch

Returning to my First Love

2011-06-16T07:36:00.033-04:00

While being sick for the last four days with what we thought was Mono, but I think ended up being a semi-small dose of the flu, I was finding it hard to get close to Jesus. I simply did not feel like praying or reading my Bible. I was so sore and achey that I felt like I could never get into a position to read for any length of time. Something funny happened though. For some reason, I always seemed to be able to get on the computer with practically no trouble at all! Facebook found it's self under my attention for great lengths of time, as did recipe blog after recipe blog. Yes, the tv got much of my attention as well.

But I was sick! All I could do was lay down. Isn't that the way I was supposed to spend my time? After all, it isn't everyday that I have four days all to myself!

Maybe...But, I wish someone would have warned me of how empty and unfulfilling I was going to feel at the end of it all. Giving into my time of literal weakness, turned into a time of spiritual weakness as well.

Yesterday, my soul felt similar to the thunderstorms we got. Like the thunder, lightening and wind, I could feel a stirring in my heart to return to my First Love. Throughout the day it got stronger and stronger until, like the the clouds, I could no longer keep it in. I had to let loose.

I realized that living a life of mediocrity and lukewarmness, no matter how small it may have seemed at the time, is not an option for me. The pain in my body was no match for the pain of loneliness I felt for my Savior.
I still felt unwell, but when I realized what was happening, I chose to quickly open my Bible and started to read. I didn't care what I read, just as long as I got a taste of what it had inside it's pages. And I prayed. Oh how wonderful it was to draw near to my Savior. Does that mean that I didn't get on Facebook yesterday? No, I did. And I had some wonderful conversations with my friends on it! But there is a time and place for everything. Quiet time with Jesus should always be priority on my list for each and every day.

When I woke up to bright sunshine filling my room, my soul was filled with a deep joy like no other. These last few, kind of miserable days, were a wonderful reminder that the Lord truly can turn bad things into good and use them for His glory.

And guess what! I am feeling almost 100% better already! Praise God!

Elli Karrington's 2nd Birthday

2011-06-13T22:24:00.000-04:00

Happy birthday, Elli Karrington! :) ...and some other things...

2011-06-11T09:34:00.001-04:00

My mom, Elli, with here namesake Elli K. on Elli K.'s 1st birthday

Well, today we are off to Georgetown for Elli Karrington's (Krystal's daughter) 2nd birthday party! I'm looking forward to the two hour drive there with Mom and all the boys. I like road trips, big or small :) Hopefully I'll have some good pictures to post later. Especially one with Mom and her name sake.

The house is a little bit quieter these days. Dad and a friend left on Thursday for Sudan. They will be there for two weeks. If you would please keep them and our families in your prayers we would really appreciate it! The emotions are a bit more raw this time. You would think that after all these years and 50+ trips later, we would be used to him leaving!

Last week was pretty busy for us. John's graduation was last Saturday, so both sets of grandparents were in and then on Sunday we had the party. There was also a big surprise for John! His good friend, Andrew, secretly came down with Amma and Papa! John was ecstatic :) It was a sad goodbye when Andrew also had to leave on Thursday morning.
It's hard to believe that John is graduated now and will be beginning a new chapter in his life soon. I'm so proud of him!

Thailand - "Are you going back?"

2011-05-30T15:46:00.149-04:00

I am often asked whether or not I will be returning to Thailand anytime soon. It's an honest question and appreciate everyone's interest! I've been home now for almost 9 months and I cannot believe it. It has truly been wonderful to be home with my family and friends here.
There are not, however, very many days that go by that I don't think about Thailand and my friends there. Sometimes there is a deep loneliness I feel without them. I have thought so many times of how wonderful it would be to go back and see everyone. But, right now, that's really the only reason I would have for going back....To see my friends. And although that would be wonderful in of it's self, to go back for long term on that basis alone is not a good foundation. I have felt no leading from the Lord whatsoever to go back long term. If He says "Go", then yes, I will go. But, right now, He is saying "Stay home". And of course, I'm not going to complain about that!

I learned a lot in Thailand. I learned how to at least slightly begin to understand and live in a different culture, I got my pride and patience tested through all those language classes, and I also had the privilege to begin more relationships that I ever thought possible for one person to have at one time. Each person I became friends with, missionary or Thai, was and is a blessing in my life. God used them to teach me so much about myself and the areas of my life that need change or growth. I can't begin to tell you how humbled I feel to have been able to spend that season of my life there. But, even all that, cannot override the joy and peace I have for being back home. I have experienced a new found love and compassion for my "own" people here in Kentucky that I have never quite felt before.

In Thailand, God was preparing me for my future, and at home, He is preparing me for my future. I look forward to what is ahead.

Missy :)

2011-05-28T22:34:00.001-04:00

Meow

Bands For Life - Sudan

2011-05-27T16:14:00.002-04:00

My brother, John, is selling wrist bands for Sudan! He explains more below:

Hey everyone! I am selling Unashamed wrist bands for $5.00 each to raise money for Internally Displaced Peoples (IDP’s) in Sudan. IDP’s are persons or groups of persons who have been forced or obliged to flee or to leave their homes or places of habitual residence. In Sudan, there are so many of them and they need our help! They need blankets, mosquito nets, clothes, hoes, seeds, and malaria medicine. I only have about 25 wrist bands left, so get them while they last. Just post a comment on this post and leave your address so I can mail them to you. Thank You!!!

God Bless,

John

To go directly to John's blog post please click the link below.
http://ontrackwithgod.wordpress.com/2011/05/27/bands-for-life/

By the way, I just want to clarify that John is not making any money off of these for himself. He truly wants to help these people in Sudan.

One who is worthy

2011-05-26T07:28:00.003-04:00

"Many of us are missing something in life because we are after the second best. I put before you what I have found to be the best - One who is worthy of all our devotion - Jesus Christ. He is a Savior for the young and the old. And He, only He is the One who can bring out the best that is in us. Lord, here I am." - Eric Liddell

2011-05-20T23:08:00.003-04:00

"We do nothing. He does everything. All glory must be returned to Him. God has not called me to be successful. He has called me to be faithful. Pray for us that we may not spoil God's work." ~ Mother Teresa

John and other things :)

2011-05-11T09:51:00.004-04:00

Yesterday afternoon John got his senior pictures taken and I was able to tag along. I, of course, brought my camera with me. This is just one, but if you click the picture you can see more!

"Be strong and courageous."

2011-05-06T06:26:00.000-04:00

I have the tendency to only read in the New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs. But in the last couple of weeks I have been reading more in the Old Testament and it has been fascinating. I feel like I have opened an old history book that has been collecting dust upon a shelf and I am now being refilled with the knowledge it holds in a fresh light.

Except for a few exceptions, it has not been much of a desire of mine to fill my brain with a bunch of war stories. And that is exactly what the first half of the Bible is filled with! It's still kind of hard for me to read about people being stoned or hung to death (or worse), but instead of this time only being able to focus on the grossness of war, it has been amazing to see the hand of GOD on each of those situations! I read of Joshua's bravery and faithfulness even when he felt like he had no more strength left. I read of Elisha's humbleness and passion to see the Israelites return to the Lord. I read of Rahab, who's bravery helped to save God's people and then, I am also brought to tears when I read of her redemption. And do I have time to talk about David, Malachi, Jeremiah, Esther, Deborah, Moses, Miriam, Ruth, Abraham, Jacob, Eleazar, Samuel, Caleb.........Shall I go on?

My heart yearns to walk with God like our early fathers and mothers did. Those people stood when no one else was standing. They fought, even when things looked hopeless. They kept talking though no one seemed to be listening. The expectations were high; for some, very high. But they were obedient.

Oh how my heart cries out to the Lord for an outpouring of His Spirit upon this generation. Our culture's expectations for young people are so low and it's robbing us of our passion, courage, dreams, and work ethic. We are the Joshua's and Esther's of this generation. And it's time for us to be strong and take courage.

Puppies

2011-03-29T07:35:00.000-04:00

I just had to stop by and share the good news!

We sold 3 of our puppies yesterday! Talk about encouraging :) The Lord has been faithful to wipe my worries away. I'm so happy!

A bit of this, and a touch of that...

2011-03-22T23:00:00.000-04:00

   Gosh, it's been awhile since I posted. Sorry about that!

   Life has been pretty low key lately. Something that I'm thankful for. I like to be busy for sure, but, I don't like the feeling of not being able to catch my breath. Why can't everything stay peaceful like I want it to?! ;)

   This post is probably going to be filled with random goings-on so please bear with me.

Our puppies are still for sale. They're almost 10 wks. old now and really need to go. We have had absolutely no interest in them at all. A little strange to me and also a little overwhelming, but, I have to trust in the Lord's timing. I just feel like several people are really missing out on these pups. They are adorable and each one has a great personality. I'm going to miss them when they go!

  John turns eighteen in five days! I almost can't believe it. Seems like yesterday we were running around the farm catchin' crawdads in the creek. Oh, and let's not even mention his graduation coming up in June! We're both still so young, but, already life seems to be rushing by us. Thankfully, I don't think we have many wasted years and I look forward to the ones ahead, Lord willing. I am so proud of John and his heart to follow after God. He believes the Lord has called him into ministry and is now praying about exactly what that is supposed to look like.

   One of my best friends just entered into a courtship not long ago! I am super excited for her and I am interested in what direction God is going to take it. She is such an encouragement for she wants to please the Lord so much through this relationship. This is the first time that I have had a friend who likewise believes in and is actually experiencing a courtship. It makes me look forward to the day when a young man calls my dad up to talk about me (insert silly grin here) :)) I'm afraid this situation has got my head wandering a little too much lately. Ahhhh, the Lord's timing is perfect, I know.

Well, not much else is going on. I do wish I could remember all the silly little things the boys do to share with you. They are getting so big. Today Matthew wore the cutest little cap, over-all shorts, and alligator Crocs shoes. Wish you could have seen him :)

Well, folks. It's time for all good girls to be in bed, so I better skedaddle. Hope ya'll are having a very blessed week.

John Mulinde's prophetic message at IHOP 3/1/11

2011-03-08T18:48:00.000-05:00

My dear readers,

It will not be a mistake or a waste of your time to watch this video. Please watch it and open your hearts to what the Lord would want to do in your life.

Labrador Retriever Puppies for SALE!

2011-03-03T18:24:00.000-05:00

Hey all!

Remember that litter of pups my doge, Breeze had? Well, they are ready to go to good homes now!

There are 7 in all... 5 females ($500)... 2 males ($400). They've gotten their booster shots, have been wormed twice and have been examined by the vet. He loved them! There is a cute one just waiting for YOU!!! :0) Let us know if you're interested and we can give you more information. Hunters preferred, but all good homes will be considered.

New find

2011-02-22T10:05:00.001-05:00

I don't usually get overly excited about clothes and such, but the Lord truly blessed me last week with two articles of clothing that I have desired to acquire for a long time now - A dress and a jean skirt that didn't make me look even shorter and wider than I really am :) Everything I have been looking at (dresses mainly) have been so expensive ($50 - $70) and not as modest as I would like. Not anymore! I found this dress online...

Norma Kamili - Women's Cap Sleeve Woven Dress (Wish I had a picture)

...drum roll please....unashamedly on Walmart's website for a total of $20.11! Not kidding! I'm so happy :)

And then I found a nice long jean skirt on sale at Cato for about $10.99!

I'm excited, not so much because of the clothes, but because I feel like I'm already being taught to be more frugal before I have my own family someday. It takes some looking, but it can be done!

Introducing...

2011-02-08T23:20:00.000-05:00

Lensistic...Life captured by a complete amateur.

Lensistic is my newest blog. It is a photo journal for myself to get a feel for how I'm doing with photography. Please(!) feel free to comment, especially if you have experience with a camera. I could use any advice you might have.

Love Came Down

2011-02-08T15:03:00.000-05:00

Love never ends.

2011-02-05T07:46:00.003-05:00

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. it does not insist on it's own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hope all things, endures all things.

Love never ends. ~ 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

I'll be the first to admit it...My attitude isn't always the best. I wish I could say I that I am perfect all hours of the day, every day. But alas, I am not. Just ask my family :/

It's this part of being human that's, well, a tad bit human.

My dad spoke about love a couple of Sundays ago. It was a really good message. Too good...I felt convicted.
I long so much to treat everyone with the same kind of love Christ shows us but I feel like I fall short so often. It's easy to SAY that we love someone, especially during easy times, but do we always ACT like we love them? The part of the verse above that really got me this week is, "is not irritable". Oh dear. How many times have I gotten irritated with the actions of others, OR was the one being irritating?! More than my little fingers can count.

I have asked God and myself many times, "Why is my strongest point my weakest point as well???". It gets quite confusing at times. And this is only one subject. What about all the others?! Will I ever grow up? Will I ever get this right? My best is feeling like it's at the bottom of the barrel.

I could go on and on about this, but that's not really going to help. And trying to love on my own strength isn't going to help either.

Going back farther into 1 Corinthians 13, verse 2, it states that if we have not love we are nothing. And yet, let's go even deeper than this: Without Christ we have not even the love. So where does that leave us? A stressed out, muddled mess that is getting pretty much no where. Can anyone say, "Oh dear."?

Amy Carmichael penned this, "If I have not compassion on my fellowservant, even as the Lord had pity on me, then I know nothing of Calvary love."

Ahhh, but God. If we are fully committed to Him, then we can, as Philippians 4:13 states,"... Do all things through Him who strengthens me.". The Lover of all lovers also promises us that He will never leave us nor forsake us. When we are weak, He is strong! Are those not the most freeing statements you have ever heard?

Love is a decision, not an emotion. We have a choice today. I choose to do my best to love others. How about you? C'mon, let's go glorify Christ together.

If love through me, Love of God,

Make me like Thy clear air

Through which unhindered, colors pass

As though it were not there.

Powers of the love of Good,

Depths of the heart Divine,

O Love that faileth not, break forth,

And flood this world of Thine.

~ Amy Carmichael

2011 favorite picks so far

2011-01-30T15:48:00.000-05:00

My friend, Liz did a fun post not long ago with her favorite 2011 finds so far. I thought I would do the same.

Homestead Blessings - The Art of Gardening dvd (So practical!)

V.P. Dress from Shabby Apple

Pottery Barn ~ Framed Vintage Chair Prints

Pottery Barn ~ Gemma Milk-Glass Table Lamp (blue)

The happenings

2011-01-14T08:39:00.002-05:00

Hello!

   I trust you are now recovered from the last couple of months and are enjoying the start of this new year.
   I haven't been writing very much lately, because, honestly I haven't had a lot to write about. I could write more, but I think I would start to sound very redundant. :) But, if you want to hear about a five and two year old and dirty diapers everyday I can do that! By the way, Malachi is doing great and has definitely grown. He is such a blessing.

This week actually has brought some changes for me and I think it best that I get to those.

   Since I know I am not going back to Thailand in February now, and John has my old job at our (GRN) offices, I've been trying to think up ways to make some money from home. I think it is good for now and the future. I have already been selling magnets on Etsy, but I really wanted to try something bigger, yet easy enough and not so time consuming that it takes me away from my regular "duties". So, this past week I have been experimenting with candles! 100% Soy candles to be exact. So far I really like making them! I've chosen to work with soy wax because I appreciate the organic nature of it. Plus it doesn't give off as much soot as paraffin does and they seem to last longer.
But, could I have your help? I would love to know what your favorite candle scent(s) is and/or what scent you would like to be seen on the market! I would enjoy it so much if you would leave me a comment with ideas that I can take into consideration with my candles. :)

   Three days ago my dog Breeze gave birth to seven adorable, healthy puppies! There are four black, 2 white(at least right now they seem to be. they may turn more yellow later) and 1 yellow. Five females, two males. It was really neat to be able to experience watching the delivery and, in my case, staying up till 4:30 in the morning ;) haha, anyway, here a few photos of the pups. Hope you enjoy and I also hope you are having a wonderful day! Stay close to Jesus...He is worthy.

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T10:40:00.001-05:00

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

2010-12-25T01:03:00.000-05:00

It is almost 1o'clock on Christmas morning. I just finished wrapping gifts and watching a film with my brother.

As I put the last of our gifts under the tree, I was suddenly overwhelmed by the thought of some families not even having one gift to give or receive. I began to feel even more overwhelmed and saddened that I'm not sure if I even know any families like that. There is only one to blame for that, and that person is myself. Have I intentionally not reached out very much to the people in our town that are in need?...I don't think so. And yet, I feel that selfishness has had too much room over the years.

I certainly don't mean to put a damper on Christmas and having a wonderful time with our own families and friends, but it's always good to be reminded that everyone is not as blessed as we are. And so, what am I going to do to help change this area in my life? I don't know yet, but I do know that Christ Jesus was meant to be shared...not hoarded. I want Him to open my eyes to those around me that are in need spiritually and physically. I hope that each one of us will remember to pray for the Lord to give us hearts of compassion and also motivation to do something about what we feel and see.

On a lighter note....

We have a white Christmas here in Kentucky! Yay!

I hope you have a wonderful day with your families and that the Lord will bless your home with His presence. Not only is He the "reason for the season", but for everyday that we live on this earth. May perfect peace fill your hearts. "God bless us...Everyone." ~ Tiny Tim.

Merry Christmas,

Megan

Getting ready for Christmas

2010-12-17T10:10:00.000-05:00

My Amma and me

Baby update #3

2010-12-07T23:23:00.000-05:00

Photos by Tom Zurowski

Baby Update #2

2010-12-06T06:28:00.001-05:00

Malachi was born at 10 o'clock am on 12/3/2010 and weighed in at 6 lb. 4oz. and measured 19 inches long! Both momma and baby are doing just fine :)

They came home yesterday around lunch time and everyone if very happy to have them back. The hard part now is trying to keep Matthew from climbing all over them! Jeremiah is already acting protective over his new little brother and loves to hold him. He is so gentle.

Thank you again for your prayers. We deeply appreciate it.

Baby Report: Malachi Mutiso Zurowski

2010-12-03T10:24:00.000-05:00

Hello!

I just want to update everyone on how my mom's pregnancy is going.

Malachi has been a text book perfect baby, except for his weight. He was weighing in smaller than the doctor would like to see so instead of going in on Monday, December 6th she went in THIS MORNING! Malachi entered this outside world only a few minutes ago! I don't have anymore details just yet, but Dad's text said that he's beautiful. Thank you all who have been praying. We certainly do appreciate it!

More details to come!

Esty

2010-11-26T17:02:00.000-05:00

Hey All!

Just wanted to announce that I have opened an Etsy account :) Please check it out by clicking the link on my sidebar and let me know what you think! Thanks!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-24T23:33:00.000-05:00

A little game of...

2010-11-17T09:24:00.000-05:00

... catch-up. I feel like this game is an endless cycle with me. Maybe someday I will get a hang of coming up with something to write about on a daily basis :)

  It has been a bit over two months since I have returned from Thailand. And during this time I haven't been extremely busy, but my days have definitely been full. And for all you curious minds, they have been mainly filled with re-capping the 15 months I was gone (which includes sorting out many different emotions), visiting friends and family, baking, making crafts, going to a weekly women's Bible study, helping with house chores (blessings!), running errands(Wal-mart should love me) and watching my little brothers. Oh what bliss! My Lord is so good to me. I really couldn't ask for anything more. And yet, in some ways I do want to be busier. I have some ideas in mind that will hopefully solve that soon.

Inevitably, I have also been diligently praying and seeking the Lord about my future in the midst of taking each day as it comes. He has been faithful to guard me from worry and desperation to find an answer right now. Rather, I have been filled with much peace and though I do have my moments of impatience to know what the "next step" is, overall I humbly feel like I have never trusted the Lord as much as I am right now.

Many of my friends have mentioned that they have been praying for those exact things for me, so I know that our Great God is listening and cares about even the smallest desires of our hearts.

   Our home is filling more and more with anticipation and excitement as the day for Malachi's birth is approaching. Only three more weeks!!! Mom has been "nesting" the last few days. She washed all the baby's clothes and stored them away in a new storage unit that fits perfectly in the boy's closet. Today she has a doctor's appointment for a normal check-up and an ultrasound. She is bringing me with her because I wasn't here for all the other ultrasounds and this will more than likely be the last one. I am ecstatic! :)

   Well, I am running out of time this morning, so more will have to written later. Thanks for stopping by! God bless you!

And then came another Fall day...

2010-10-24T20:19:00.003-04:00

Please feel free to make comments!

One Fall day...

2010-10-21T23:40:00.001-04:00

Simplicity

2010-10-16T10:28:00.001-04:00

2010-10-15T21:30:00.013-04:00

Do not let your adornment be merely outward; arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel. Rather let it be the hidden person of the heart with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.
(1 Peter 3:3-4 NKJV)

Jeremiah: Heart Check-up

2010-10-14T20:30:00.013-04:00

For those of you who did not know, Jeremiah's heart has been fully relying on a pace-maker since he was 6 months old (he is now 4yrs.). The doctors told us that if anything was to happen to his pace-maker, he would die. Well, I want to declare that YES God does answer prayers!!! Jeremiah went for his yearly checkup in Lexington today. The doctor said that his heart is now able to beat 42 beats a minute ON IT'S OWN. And now if anything was to happen to the pace-maker, Jeremiah would still live.

We realize that it's not right to live in fear, but, needless to say I think we were able to let out a beautiful, deep breath today. I cannot even begin to explain the joy that is in our hearts. And although we don't really understand why the Lord is allowing Jeremiah's healing to take so long, one thing we do know is that He is faithful and our prayers have not gone unheard.

I want to thank those of you who been praying for Jeremiah for these past four years. You are great blessings in our family's life.

Country Girl Recipes: New Post

2010-10-07T09:22:00.001-04:00

www.countrygirlrecipes.wordpress.com

Here and there, this and that...

2010-10-04T17:31:00.009-04:00

Sorry Folks, for the last month I have been hit with a sickness that no writer wishes to be in the grips of. It is called "Writer'sBlock". Blech. I'm not sure how or why, considering that life has most certainly not been the least bit boring. Well, maybe a little bit. But we won't go there ;)

Anyway, I'm back now! So, without further adieu, here is what I call the "updated version of Megan's life at present".

I left Thailand on September 1st and I have been here in the "Land of the free, home of the brave" a.k.a The United States of America ;) for over a month already! I cannot even begin to express how wonderful it is to be reunited with my family right now. It feels so good to be serving in our home again. I feel very blessed by all the sweet greetings from my friends here and from people that I had never met before, but heard about me from my family =) It has also been wonderful to be going to The Chapel. I love hearing my father preach every week!

The Lord blessed me with a record-breaking recovery from jet-lag which was awesome. It was nice to not feel like the room was constantly spinning around me. I haven't really dealt with any culture shock either! Although the amount of different Pop Tart flavors at the store was quite fascinating.

My focus right now is spending time with my family and friends and seeking the Lord about the "next step". Honestly, I kind of feel like I'm at a stand-still of sorts. Not in a bad way, but in a peaceful way. God is so good!

All I ask is that you will join with me in prayer. I believe that if it is God's will for me to return to Thailand in February that He will provide the means to do so in His timing. And if I am not, then I know He will also give me clarity and peace that I am making the right decision.

Thanks for reading my ramblings! I look forward to posting more often. Get ready to hear about some craft stuff I'm working on!

Here are some recent pictures of Jeremiah and Matthew :

9-11-01 Remembered - Darryl Worley "Have You Forgotten?"

2010-09-11T08:35:00.000-04:00

As time goes by...

2010-08-24T00:27:00.008-04:00

John has been here for 2 1/2 weeks now, and we are having a blast! The picture of the two of us is from the day John saw the ocean for the first time. It was a perfect day. Thank you for praying for him while he was traveling to come here. He is settling in just fine.

It is hard to believe that in one week, I will be standing on United States soil... Kentucky's to be more

specific!

Wow, how my time here in Thailand has flown by. A lot of emotions rolling around inside me the closer I am to leaving this land that I have been calling home for over a year. Five months to be away sounds so long, and yet so short to be home with my family. I am looking forward to seeing as many people as I can while I'm back. I just

know that my time in America is going to be a time of refreshing and more growth. I am anticipating to see what God has next.

I enjoyed teaching English more than I could have imagined. I don't like to talk in front of crowds, so teaching sounded quite intimidating at first. I'm thankful for Brian and Mary Beth's encouragement when I almost backed out. If I had, I know now that I would have missed out on a lot. Such as children's smiling faces, nervous laughs, eyes brightening when they got a question right and the opportunity to share the Gospel with one of my fellow teachers. Being able to be used by God to verbally share the Truth with a Thai person for the very first time since I have arrived in Thailand was one of the most wonderful and beautifully, humbling experiences that I have ever had. I am so thankful to have been able to be used for His glory.

Another plus for now having some English teaching experience is being able to come up with a lesson in 10 minutes. John and I were asked to teach at a one day English Speaking Camp in a town called Pattalung about and hour and a half away. We were originally told that lessons were already prepared and would be waiting for us when we got there, but, that was not the case when we walked in. Oh well! God's grace is sufficient in every kind of situation no matter how big or small, right?! We quickly came up with two different lessons and ended up having so much fun! I think I would do it again in a heart-beat. And John, who has never taught English, did great! The kids loved him.

After the camp we, along with the person we were riding with, went to a nature reserve nearby. It was actually a big lake connected to the ocean, and it was beautiful. I wish I had the pictures to show you. It wasn't a lake like we are used to seeing in the States, but rather more like our natural wetlands. It was completely open space and there were so many water buffalo and birds! An experience I will never forget =)

A New Little "Z"

2010-07-26T22:05:00.003-04:00

Announcement!!! : The new baby is a ..........BOY!

Yes, I am going to have another wonderful little brother :) I am so excited!

Normal Christianity

2010-07-23T03:23:00.002-04:00

'The moment we actually deny our self, pick up our cross, and follow Jesus Christ...is the moment we are surrounded with the power and presence of His Spirit - not just every once in a while, but every moment of every day.

We might admire women like Amy Carmichael and Gladys Aylward, but we will never showcase that kind of radiant, set-apart femininity unless we are willing to deny ourselves and follow Christ as radically as they did. ' ~ ( Set-Apart Femininity by Leslie Ludy pg. 69)

Fun, Food and Friendship

2010-07-12T11:19:00.005-04:00

Wild Olive Tees is giving away free stuff!!!

2010-07-04T21:35:00.002-04:00

Check out Wild Olive tees giveaway! You could win up to $75 worth of their products. Their shirts are great!

http://www.wildolivetees.com/givin-it-away/

Happy Independence Day!!!

2010-07-04T03:21:00.004-04:00

What makes a nation’s pillars high
And its foundations strong?
What makes it mighty to defy
The foes that round it throng?

It is not gold. Its kingdoms grand
Go down in battle shock;
Its shafts are laid on sinking sand,
Not on abiding rock.

Is it the sword? Ask the red dust
Of empires passed away;
The blood has turned their stones to rust,
Their glory to decay.

And is it pride? Ah, that bright crown
Has seemed to nations sweet;
But God has struck its luster down
In ashes at his feet.

Not gold but only men can make
A people great and strong;
Men who for truth and honor’s sake
Stand fast and suffer long.

Brave men who work while others sleep,
Who dare while others fly...
They build a nation’s pillars deep
And lift them to the sky.

~ Ralph Waldo Emmerson ~

Chocolate Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies

2010-06-30T22:05:00.004-04:00

One of my favorite cookies are Chocolate Peanut Butter No- Bake cookies. They have been a favorite since I was a kid, so I have tasted quite a few and most of them have all been considered the "best recipe". Well, although ALL of those cookies were DELISH....I believe I may have just found the best recipe yet. No, it's not my own; I found it on the internet, wrote it down, made them, tasted them and now I'm going to share them with you! So why are they, in my opinion, the best? Well, you know how a lot of the time these kind of cookies dry out quickly and then become crumbly and messy? Well, these did not do that! They stayed together and also stayed chewy. Mmmmmmm

Sorry I don't have any pictures!

Ingredients:
2 cups sugar
4 tablespoons cocoa
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup milk
1 cup peanut butter
1 tablespoon vanilla
3 cups oatmeal
Waxed paper

Directions:

In a heavy saucepan bring to a boil, the sugar, cocoa, butter and milk. Let boil for 1 minute then add peanut butter, vanilla and oatmeal.

On a sheet of waxed paper, drop mixture by the teaspoonfuls, until cooled and hardened.

This recipe from CDKitchen for Chocolate Peanut-Butter No Bake Cookies serves/makes 24

P.S. I found that they keep better in the refrigerator!

"Someday My Prince Will Come"

2010-06-14T22:27:00.005-04:00

A Prayer For My Future Husband ~ by Anne Connor

Lord I know there is someone,

In this world for me
Keep him safe from harm,
And from temptation help him flee

Make him a leader,
Who can guide me through the years.
Give him a loving arm to hold me,
And to dry all my tears.

Mold him to be a father,
As you have been to me.
Always keep him by my side
A right arm forever he’ll be.

Cause his love for you to grow,
And a true doctrine let him know.
And in his life forever,
Let your light always show.

Place him in the ministry,
So more can hear God’s word
And when the trials come,
Help us praise you Lord.

Give him a compassion,
Toward those who are orphaned
And to such as these,
Our home will always be open.

Finally Lord I ask you,
Help him keep himself
Because a Christian man like this,
Is valued above great wealth.

Divine Romance ~ Phil Wickham

2010-06-14T01:17:00.003-04:00

Unashamed

2010-06-11T11:43:00.004-04:00

My brother, John, just launched his new blog 'Unashamed' .

John recently recommitted his life to the Lord and is now using his new blog to share what God has been teaching him lately. It's really cool! Click here to hop on over to being encouraged to live an "Unashamed" life for Christ ~ Unashamed

Today marks...

2010-06-10T22:38:00.000-04:00

1 year ago today I landed in Thailand! Little did I know how this place and the people I've been with would be used to change my life. God is so good!

Today also marks my new little brother or sister's 13th week of growth! Mom called me on Skype the other day to show me the first ultrasound pictures! We are all so excited.

1yr. in Thailand

2010-06-09T21:45:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow (the 11th) marks one year in Thailand for me. I laugh when I think about how I was only supposed to be here for four months! God certainly has His ways of changing OUR plans, doesn't He? : ) I am happy to be able to say though, that this has been one of the best years in my entire life up to this point. I am thankful beyond words for my time here in South Thailand with the Stubenrauch Family, Garsee Family, Christina, P'Thak and the Thai friends I have made here. I don't think they realize just how much the Lord has used them to further mold and shape me into the women He wants me to be. I can only hope that I have been at least half of a blessing to them as they have been to me.

The month (April/May) I spent in Khorat with my dear friend, Margaret, and her family was wonderful. The Hoar family definitely knows how to make someone feel special. I have come home more refreshed and ready for the next months ahead. It was great to still be able to take Thai lessons while I was up there too. Khruu (teacher) Usanee is a Christian (My teacher down here in Hat Yai is not) so she was able to help get me started with learning how to use some higher vocabulary that I need to know when I talk about God. It was really neat.

And oh! Speaking of Khorat, Lake Lovorn is doing MUCH better! Thank you for keeping him in your prayers. At his last doctor's visit he was able to move his arm up to his mouth during his 'water therapy' session! Praise God!

Some special things are going on lately. Our team dynamics are starting to change now. Colton Garsee left for America a couple of months ago to go to Bible school, and just this past month our good friends and fellow missionaries, the Pruett Family have left Thailand to be led by God elsewhere. It was really hard to say goodbye to them, but we are all so happy that they are walking in obedience and faithfulness to the Lord.

Chase Garsee left the other day to go to a 2 month worship school. He'll be back in August, but even to say goodbye to him was somewhat hard because it's the start of a new season in his life, knowing he will be going back to the U.S. at the beginning of the new year for college. I kind of felt like I was saying goodbye to one of my younger brothers! I don't like goodbyes, even if they mean something good is happening!

I think above all of these farewells, the hardest one for me will be when my wonderful friend/former roommate, Christina leaves to go back to the States too. We have done SO MUCH together this past year. I can hardly believe it's all about to end. I cannot wait to hear about what else the Lord is going to lead her to do in the near future though!!!!

I love all of these dear people so much and I am extremely proud of them. I would also like to ask on their behalf that you would please keep them in your prayers, perhaps when you are praying for me? I know they would appreciate it immensely.

As for my plans, I am supposed to arrive in KY on September 2nd! Yes! I have my ticket :) But before that happens, in these next few months it looks as though I will be starting a "job" teaching English to some young students at our local wat (temple) school once a week. And my brother, John, is coming to visit for the whole month arriving on August 4th!!! We'll go back to the States together.

I am looking forward to coming home for awhile. Not only do I want to come home to visit the people I love, but I also really want to take the time to think, pray and re-cap. At this point I do believe that I am returning to Thailand probably in February after being able to help my mom with the new baby (YES! It's true!!!! Mom will be 13 wks along tomorrow!) as she recovers from her C-Section. But I do want everyone to know that those plans could be subject to change. And if they do, it will only be because that's how the Lord wants it to be. I have chosen to be completely led by Him. My life is His. And oh what a refreshing, burden-lifting thought that is!

Update from Lake's Mom

2010-05-23T05:01:00.000-04:00

Lake Lovorn update from Lake's Mom, Sandy : UPDATE: All IV's and the catheter have been removed. Haven't seen the major wound yet, but all minor wounds were dressed and look great. No signs of infection. Off of the morphine...Will see surgeon this morning to remove drain tube in major wound. Then, hopefully discharge tomorrow!Please PRAY FOR EMOTIONAL STATE OF LAKE, MADALINE, and GABE. We need Jesus come into this memory and remove all fear!!

Lake Lovorn Update

2010-05-22T02:52:00.000-04:00

Lake is being moved out of ICU now. The doctor did a test on his hand and he couldn't feel his pinkie, he was able to feel his other fingers and make a partial fist. He can have clear liquids for lunch and a soft diet for dinner. He will be able to come home in 2 days. He also wants his siblings and two friends to "camp out" in his hospital room with him! Thank you for praying!

PLEASE PRAY FOR LAKE!!!

2010-05-21T22:23:00.000-04:00

Yes! I am home from Khorat! But I will save a different post to share with you what I did up there. For now, I ask that you please pray right away for 7yr. old Lake Lovorn! He ran through a plate glass door thinking it was open. He is the son of missionary friends of ours up in Khorat. His parents names are John and Sandy. Lake cut an artery and a nerve under his arm and several muscles. They had to harvest a vein from his thigh to repair the artery. The nerve that goes to the hand was cut also. He lost a lot of blood. He has woken up from the surgery now, but he is very nauseous from the medication, still in ICU and not able to drink anything yet. Pleasepray for him & his family!

Khorat

2010-04-25T21:47:00.001-04:00

It is very HOT in Thailand right now. If any of you want a nice tan, now is the time for a visit to this tropical country! Speaking of visiting...My brother, John, is coming to visit me in August!!!! No words can fully express how excited I am about seeing him. Prayer that he will be able to raise enough money to come would be appreciated. The time of year he is coming is the start of the high season for tourism so tickets tend to be pretty expensive. He will be here for a whole month and then we both will be coming back to the States together in September! Yay!

I am currently in the north again in Khorat. I will be spending this next month with my friend, Margaret, and her family while the Stubenrauchs are on a sabbatical. It is a huge blessing from the Lord to me to be able to come up here. Margaret's family has been a great encouragement to me since I've been in Thailand. Taking this month to be with them is going to be (and already is) a good time to gather my thoughts and be refreshed in my walk with the Lord. This may seem kind of small to some, but for this farm girl, to be back around horses again is also another blessing : )

2010-04-25T21:45:00.001-04:00

He Knows

2010-03-12T21:39:00.000-05:00

"I will bless the Lord who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me. I know the Lord is always with me, I will not be shaken for he is right beside me." ~ Psalm 17:7-8

I'm not sure if any of you remember my post about the struggle I was having discerning how to be here in Thailand and yet still be the daughter I need to be for my family back home, but, I realized this morning that I never shared what the Lord has been speaking to me concerning that issue. Long story short, God has been taking me through a journey of fully placing that area of my heart in His hands. He knows why and how long I'm to be here. I don't have to understand all the time. I am learning that when I place my trust in Him, that every step I take is led by him. He knows my heart and I am going to do my best to trust him for wisdom and discernment, and oh how freeing that is!!!!!

Sir Micah

2010-03-11T11:37:00.000-05:00

As of late, Brian has been making up stories for Asia, Mercy and Micah set in the olden days of castles, kings, queens, princess and knights. The main characters are Princess Asia, Princess Mercy and Sir Micah. All of the stories have been about brothers protecting their sisters and girls honoring their brothers and rejoicing in their femininity.

Well, apparently these stories are having an effect on Micah.

Tonight as I walked into the Stubenrauchs home, just coming back from Bible study, Micah(almost 3 yrs.) came running up to me with his semi-new wooden sword and shield. This is our conversation from then on:

Micah: "Look at these! Do you like them?"

Me: "Yes I do like them. They are so cool! Are you going to protect me?"

Micah (with a big grin): "Yes I will! ...(swinging sword around and slashing the air in front of him)...I'm going to protect you from the bad guy!"

He then readily gave me a hug and a kiss goodnight.

Tonight I am going to bed feeling very special :) I thank the Lord that He is continuing to raise up young men of strong character who desire to protect and honor the women in their lives. And I look forward to the day when/if the Lord blesses me with my own "Sir Micah".

Young knight (author unknown to me)

I wear the clothing of a Knight-at-Arms
And bring about me all my noble things.
My sword and shield, my silver coat of rings
To ready stand to keep my land from harms.
I ride my horse all in my battle gear
And fight to free the innocent from wrong.
I climb the castle tower, high and strong.
And open up the gate to rousing cheer.
I know that some will say I live a dream
That "Knights and what they stood for all are gone".
I follow not their words for they are wrong.
For Knights do live, and what they give does gleam.
One only needs to do the deeds of right
To live again the honor of a Knight.

Language Progress

2010-03-09T03:24:00.000-05:00

I started to learn how to read and write in Thai today!!!

2010-02-23T09:30:00.000-05:00

"But their idols are silver and gold, made by the hands of men. They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but they cannot see; they have

ears, but cannot hear, noses, but they cannot smell; they have hands, but cannot feel, feet, but they cannot walk; nor can they utter a sound with their throats. Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them." - Psalm 115:4-8

In the past few months the Lord has been using Psalm, chapter 115, verses 4-8 to really remind me that the gods of this nation are not real!!! And they can be overcome by the prayers and obedience of His people. Hallelujah! I still feel so humbled that the Creator of the universe would trust me to help the Thai people to be set free through Christ from the demonic strongholds that Satan has on them. Although I am still seeking him for wisdom on how to exactly do that with my language limitations, which, to be honest, can be quite frustrating at times! I thank the Lord for his grace!

Since I haven't really written lately about what we have been doing over here, I will do so now.

In the last 2 1/2 months, I have spent a week with our team, and more of our fellow

missionaries who are serving in the North, in a town called Songkhla. I have celebrated Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's away from my family for the first time, been to Malaysia for three days again for visa renewal, traveled north about 16 hrs. to and from Khorat (3 hrs. northeast of Bangkok), made a last minute trip a week after coming home from Khorat back up to Bangkok with the Stubenrauchs, and started back to learning Thai after having a 2 month break. It's been a very busy 2 1/2 months and it has all been good!

The highlight of all those trips for me was our team's week in

Songkhla(December), which I have already mentioned in a few posts below.

Since our time there, the Lord has been "opening doors that no man can shut, and shutting doors that no man can open". The people in our village have been more receptive and two families have accepted Christ as their Savior! In fact, one of the couples, who had been living together unmarried and have a child, were married this past Sunday in our little church to show their commitment to one another before God and their new brothers and sisters in Christ. Such a blessing to see!

We continue to pray that the Lord's power and love will sweep across this nation and He will draw his people unto Himself.

Thank you so much for your prayers, emails, notes on Facebook and financial gifts. I have truly acquired an even better understanding of how important friends and family are by being in Thailand. Aside from God's grace and His promises to supply our every need, I don't know what I would do without each and every one of you. I love you! And I wish every one of you could join us here to see the hand of God on this nation.

With Love,
Megan

I have been able to buy a scooter of my own now thanks to a friend in America!

Random Monday

2010-02-15T06:15:00.000-05:00

This cowgirl is missing her boots and holey jeans. She's missing jumping over fences while also trying not to get her leg caught on barb-wire; she misses catchin' crawdads in a creek, pickin' flowers for her mom, playing catch with her dog, hunting with her dad with her very own camo gun, playing in a club house made of hay bales with her brother, and laying in the soft green grass of Kentucky.

....

Ahhhh that felt good.

Works of Love

2010-02-10T12:59:00.001-05:00

This week I was in Bangkok with the Stubenrauchs, and when we were there, we ended up going to a book store. While there, I found a book about Mother Teresa. As I flipped through the pages of pictures and Mother Teresa's quotes, I was deeply moved as the Lord reminded me of how even though the things we do to reach out to other people, we may sometimes view as being small or not count worthy, could actually be the very thing a person needs to make a difference in their life. Even the smallest acts can make a big impact.

" We must not drift away from the humble works, because these are the works nobody will do. It is never too small. We are so small and we look at things in a small way. But God, being Almighty, sees everything great. Therefore, even if you write a letter for a blind man or you just go and listen, or you take the mail for him, or you visit somebody or bring a flower to somebody - small things - or wash clothes for somebody, or clean the house - very humble work - that is where you and I must be. For there are many people who can do big things But there are very few people who will do the small things." ~ Mother Teresa

Let's go love someone today.

Catching Up

2010-01-13T07:01:00.000-05:00

Last month, our team met with several other missionary families in a nearby city for meetings about reaching the Thai people better with the Gospel. We were greatly in need of encouragement and motivation. And since those meetings, God has given us those exact things. He has been opening doors left and right! A whole family has been born-again and in just the past few days another young man's life has been completely changed around all for the glory of Christ! My room-mate, Christina, just moved out to have a house her own. She has had several opportunities to share with her neighbors. Plus Brian and Clint are in the midst of descipling three men who aren't even Christians yet. God has amazing ways to remind us that He is still at work in Thailand. He is so good!

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-24T19:26:00.001-05:00

Update about my Dad

2009-12-08T01:12:00.001-05:00

Dear Friends,

Tom and our field coordinator are safe. Thank you so much for your prayers, they are working. Here is an update on their situation:

Tom and our field coordinator gave their statements on the “accident” today (again, the woman is making up the story that she was hit by GRN’s truck – totally lying). The Police chief of the county is leaning toward believing that they are guilty of hitting the woman. The woman is still holding to the fact that she was hit by Tom and our field coordinator’s truck as well. She is still in the clinic and won’t let go of her stance. Tom is free to leave the country at this point (a high official they have favor with is standing in his place) and our field coordinator will have to go to court which could possibly take up to a month. No mob formed against them today.

Now, a few more details...

The day before Tom and our field coordinator were accused falsely of hitting this woman, 10 United Nations workers were abducted, beaten and tortured, all only a mile from where Tom and our field coordinators “accident” occurred. The next day is when Tom and our field coordinator were accused and threatened for 4 hours. That is also when there was a search happening for these UN workers. Also happening that day, a high ranking government official of southern Sudan was the target of an assassination plot as he was returning to his hometown in the same county where Tom and our field coordinator were being held. The official’s driver was killed and he was wounded. Also, the commissioner of the area was traveling with the police chief of the entire Central Equatoria area, who was one of the people behind the assassination plot (the commissioner didn’t know this). Finally, the governor of southern Sudan was also traveling the country that very day as well. So all this was happening on the very day Tom and our field coordinator were being wrongfully accused and threatened. The devil was having a hay-day in that area to say the least that day.

So, all that to say, Tom was wondering why none of the people in higher rankings were coming to his aid that day. Little did he know that all this other stuff was happening the very same day - they were tied up in that. Finally, the head of the Southern Sudan Relief and Rehabilitation Commission, Lawrence, caught up with Tom and apologized for not being available to help Tom and our field coordinator. He was aware of their situation but couldn’t get to them because of all this other stuff that was happening simultaneously.

Tom and our field coordinator have favor with Lawrence and the Commissioner, and know they are not guilty. However, as said before, the woman still claims she was hit, and the local police chief is leaning in that direction. Our field coordinator is going to have to go to court at this point unless things change. Tom is also concerned for our field coordinator’s safety too.

Please continue to pray for justice to be done, and the truth to come out. Your prayers are making a difference. Little did we know that Tom and our field coordinator were one of many scary situations that were occurring in that area that day. Tomorrow they will be meeting with high ranking officials in the government about all these situations, and what can be done to help prevent these several things from happening again. Pray Tom and our field coordinator will continue to have favor in their eyes and will speak clearly the words needed to be shared.

Again, Tom and our field coordinator are safe. Thank you for praying for us and them, and we continue to ask for your prayers on their behalf.

The Zurowski’s

Please pray for my Dad

2009-12-07T08:24:00.000-05:00

My dad is currently in Sudan checking on the school and I believe he is also checking on the IDP Camp we helped earlier this year. A situation has occurred and details are as follows in an email my mother wrote to our GRN partners.

Dear GRN Friends,

Over the last 2 or 3 days, Tom and our field coordinator, have been involved in a very serious situation. While traveling back from purchasing supplies from the city of Yei, they drove by a lady on a bicycle, who decided to “fake” as if she was hit by their truck. The lady fell in the gravel on the side of the road on her own power (the truck didn’t hit her at all). As a result a mob from the village quickly surrounded Tom and our field coordinator in the truck. The mob was out of control and wanted to kill both of them. From there they were taken into custody by the police and were further threatened. The mob of about 100 people continued to threaten Tom and our field coordinator from the outside of the hut they were for 4 hours, until they were able to be escorted back to Loka and the GRN compound by the police chief and 20 armed soldiers.

There are more details to the situation, but the bottom line is that both Tom and our field coordinator desperately need your prayers. They have to return to the village where all this occurred tomorrow (Monday, keep in mind they are 8 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time). They have no idea how the people will respond when they return to the village. They are being required to come to give statements to the police chief about the “accident,” and may have to go to court later. Tom is concerned not only about the now, but also realizes that our field coordinator travels through this village often to get supplies in Yei. It is easy to see a truck coming, and the mob could easily attack GRN’s truck the next time he comes through.

Tom and our field coordinator seem to have found some sort of favor with the gentleman who is the “second in command” in the county, and also with the police chief. However, after Tom and our field coordinator were escorted back to the compound, the “second in command” was attacked and beaten by the mob for his role in protecting them. The concern is that if the mob will do that to one of their own, what will/could they do to them.

The situation is still very volatile. Again, Tom and our field coordinator never hit the lady, and have not done anything wrong. Pray that the lady who is lying and acted as if she was hit would fall under conviction and would confess the truth. Please pray that justice would be done, and that Tom and our field coordinator’s name would be cleared. Again, the fact that the second in command in the village was beaten by the people without any recourse shows how different things are handled in Sudan than in the U.S.

Please pray for us and our field coordinator’s family as well. Thank you for going to God on their behalf.

The Zurowski Family

Thanksgiving

2009-11-25T08:03:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow our team will be celebrating Thanksgiving! I can't believe how much is being made. This is JUST the dessert list:

2 pumpkin pies

pecan pie

pumpkin cheesecake (made by yours truly)

lemon bars (also made by yours truly)

apple pie

and peanut butter balls

We are going to be stuffed! And it's going to be so much fun :) We are also having a sleep over at the Garsee's house which everyone is very excited about.

This is also going to be my first Thanksgiving away from home. I kept telling everyone that although we always celebrate this holiday at home, it never really has been a huge ordeal (except when we lived in NY with the rest of our extended family), so it wasn't really bothering me to be away from my family specifically for the holiday. But, now that the day is upon us I feel like I am constantly on the brink of tears! I miss my family more than ever right now. We have also be talking a lot about Christmas already and listening to Christmas music which is making me feel even more homesick. I am extremely thankful to be surrounded by a group of people that love me and understand my feelings about being away from my family. It doesn't take away all the pain though. Only the Lord can do that and I believe his grace is sufficient.

I hope and pray that you have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your families! God bless you and thank you for your prayers!

Binding into One

2009-11-20T03:43:00.001-05:00

I am need of doing some heart rambling.

At home, I was learning how to sew, bake & cook and was working under my father at the office to help with the ministry thus preparing myself for working beside my future husband. And my mom, she helped me to really take part in the responsibility of our home and pretend it was my own thus preparing me for the future again. I never thought that I would be leaving home until I was married and had one of my own, because as a daughter, I believe that is what I am called to do. Serve my family until God sends a godly man to marry me and then we will go on from there and do missions or whatever the Lord calls us to do.

But, God had other plans. He decided to gently confuse my heart a little bit by sending me to wonderful, beautiful Thailand away from my family before I am married and where some things are the same, but, where everything is also so different. I absolutely LOVE the team here. They are my second family. And yet, they are not my real family like Dad, Mom, John, Jeremiah and Matthew are. Yes, Brian and Clint are my authority here, but, although Clint is very fatherly and reminds me of my own father sometimes, I won’t ever serve him like he is my father, because he’s not and I don’t even live in his home. Plus, he and Amber have never raised a daughter before. They have four (soon to be five) sons that have become almost like brothers to me.

And Brian, again, definitely has authority in my life and has daughters (although they are still very young), but is more like an older brother. He and Clint, nor their absolutely wonderful and godly wives, can’t possibly understand me like my real family does no matter how they try. And that’s okay! That is part of the beauty of learning how to live and work with one another. But, here is the purpose for my ramblings: As a young single woman away from my family literally on the other side of the world, how do I continue to live out my convictions and standards that God has put in my heart of what a godly and submissive daughter is to be like without the actual physical presence of my parents? I still feel a bit torn between what the Lord has put in my heart to believe and what He has actually asked me to do. Both things are so right, I know they are. But how do I bring them together as one?

Anyway, I’m not necessarily asking anyone to answer my question, but, if you do have any encouragement please feel free to give

I’ve posted some new pictures on my photo blog! From The Land of Smiles . God bless you and thank you for keeping me in your prayers as I am here in Thailand!