Pray for our kids in the Philippines.

Got this from our daughter in Manila, Philippines.

Hi Guys-- this will be quick, as I don't have long and want to get our blog updated with more detailed information.
short points-- We had a Tropical Storm come through over the weekend, which turned into a Typhoon just after it passed over us... but while here it dumped 15+ inches of rain. We typically get 12 or so inches in the whole month of September... In all of this we had a landslide behind our condos-- no damage to our building and cars. We were without power for 3 days-- generator that would come on periodically but not reliable. We are safe and fine. We have food, water and power-- for now. Nearby areas of Marikina, Pasig, Cainta have been damaged greatly. If you hear of those areas that is our neighborhood. We can get out and around mostly. The ongoing concern and prayer would be for the warehouses of food storage-- for grocery stores--many have been flooded and all or most inventory lost. So pray for the supply of food and water to be replinished.

Also there are 2 more storm systems making a path towards the Philippines-- so pray for protection in that as well.

There are many families in our community whose homes have been ruined or damaged, so please keep them in your prayers.

With that there will be more information on our blog... We still don't have our internet-- but at least we have power.

love you guys,
Christa

Life Lesson

Naomi, her husband and children moved from Israel to Moab because of famine and the need for survival. During the 10 years they lived there her husband died, her sons married and died. She then decided to return to her homeland and one of her daughters - in - law, Ruth, went with her. Now most of us know that Ruth ended up in the lineage of Christ. But they didn't know that at the time.

Lessons learned:
1. God uses circumstances in our life sometimes to make major changes in our lives and position us in such a way to bring about his purpose.

2. Naomi suffered the loss of three loved ones and felt even abandoned by God. She could only see the immediate circumstances. Even tho' she felt sad, lonely and abandoned, she wasn't alone. She went through and experienced those negative emotions, yet God was with her the whole time.

3. Even tho't Naomi was overwhelmed by the little picture (her immediate circumstances), God had the bigger picture in mind. In the end he provided for Naomi in ways she never dreamed of; he "manipulated" (if you will) events to bring about his purpose; AND, He brought Ruth into the lineage of his son's birth on earth, thus providing for all of us what we need most - a saviour.

Do you (or I) know what God is doing in your life or the reason for events taking place in your life? Maybe not. Does God? Absolutely.

Can we trust Him to see the big picture and to take care of us in the mean time? Absolutely!!!

TRUST - and - OBEY! for there is no other way to be in the center of God's will and get the best results.
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Sept 14, 36 years ago

I remember it as if it were yesterday. My husband was still a student in college and we were living in Birmingham, AL. We were expecting our first child. I woke up in the early hours of the morning in labor. We headed to the hospital and I was sure he aimed for every pot hole on South 8th Street. It was the only way to go to St. Vincent's hospital. At 7:33 p.m. our first born child, a daughter was born. She was absolutely beautiful. Still in the delivery room, I told my husband let's have another!

She really was a beautiful baby - really. And, not because she was my baby and I thought so. Even others commented on how she looked like the baby on the Gerber jars. She had smooth pink skin and big brown eyes. I would sit by her bassinet and stare at her and watch her sleep. "For Hours!"

It was a joy to watch her grow. Her first steps, (holding those baby food jars). Her first tooth (finally, at 13 mos.) Her first day at school. Her first date, her first car. And becoming the woman God wanted her to be.

She was named for her Aunt and her grandmother and her name meant "the dwelling place of Christ." Today she is a beautiful women, with three children of her own. The meaning of her name has become true of her, for as she is serving the Lord on the mission field, He is able to reach out to others because he dwells in her heart.

Happy Wonderful Birthday, CB. We Love you! - mom and dad.
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9-11 Remembrance

God bless the USA!

Take a moment today and pray for our country!
Pause and say thank you for those who gave their lives.
Take a moment and praise God for those who lived
Pause and say God bless you for those who survived.
.
This country has always given its life to save others.
Jesus has done the same - for you and me. For eternity.

This week in Rogers, AR

-Last Saturday, I helped out at the library's booth at the annual Frisco Festival. I was quite tired afterwards, from standing on brick pavement for 3 hours, but enjoyed it nonetheless. I was scheduled to work Sunday afternoon, but got off as a result. Friday evening before, I did do a walkabout and found a store for local "starving artists" where they can sell their wares. I'm going to keep that bit of information tucked away in the back of my mind.

-Today was my short Friday, so I went and picked up my antique (!) bicycle. I had taken it to the repair shope as it needed a new seat and new tires put on it. It is a J. C Higgins and over 50 years old. It's called a 'touring' bike, no gears, just brakes. I took it for a spin for a five whole minutes. BOY am I out of shape. But I look forward to more outings on my bike.

-Plans with company for this weekend fell through, so I made new ones. MG and I are driving to Harrison, AR to see another childhood friend of mine (VW) who has also moved back to Arkansas after many, many years!!! I don't think I have seen her since our wedding. I know we kept in touch for a few years, but she moved to New Jersey and that nixed seeing each other.

-Oh, I have heard back from my friend, CC. We have finally established contact through Facebook pages and exchange of email addresses. She has moved to OR and is looking for a place to settle down. So, she doesn't have access to the internet yet through her own computer. She has to go to the local library to get online. - Boy, I know how inconvenient that is. Been there, done that!