My Children...His Missionaries

So very proud of my two oldest...they left on their mission trip to Laredo, Texas this morning. Laredo is right on the US/Mexico border and resembles more of Mexico than the US. The kids both prayed individually about whether or not they should go on the trip. Joel and I made sure they knew that we were totally okay with whatever they decided...as it turned out, they both felt that God was calling them to go!

It was with mixed emotions that I watched them load the church bus this morning to go...you see, for the first time my kids were going on a church sponsored trip that neither Joel or I were going on. It never crossed my mind how hard it would be...it was TOUGH! I have never considered myself the "over-protective" parent type - I mean we did send Hannah all the way to Washington DC last May without us! This was different though - we have ALWAYS been with them for church camps or missions trips.

However, the time had come for Joel and I to step back. Neither one of us felt that God was really calling us to go this time around. I don't worry at all about their safety - they are in GREAT hands and have the best leadership ever. I know they will work hard and do exactly what they are sent to do. It's the mom side of me that is struggling...will they remember sunscreen, will they lose things, are they drinking enough water, etc. Yet - in my heart of hearts I know it will all be GREAT!

As I thought about this, I was reminded of how that no matter where they, or I, go we have a Father with us - we are never venturing out alone! God is there, He is walking with us. If I can't trust my Father with my children - then I have learned nothing about trust. With that in mind - I am able to rest. In the grand scheme of things - lack of sunscreen and losing things really doesn't matter...they will be stretched and molded into exactly what God has for them and I am confident they will show the love of Jesus everywhere they go!!

Overwhelmed with blessings....

The past month or so we have literally been overwhelmed with so many major blessings! It is so hard to wrap my mind around it all. This morning in church, I was overcome with the greatness of all my Lord has blessed me with...I deserve nothing and yet, in His infinite mercy and grace God has blessed our family beyond measure!

In the midst of life - it's easy to complain, it's easy to focus on the have nots, the what ifs, etc. but we forget to take time and look at what is going GOOD, what we do have, what God has DONE for us!!! Of course, there is salvation and YES we need to be thankful and humbled for that but we also need to take the time and be thankful for the everyday blessings that our Savior has bestowed upon us!

Here are just a few that we have seen:
* A growing ministry
* Families growing closer to each other and in their faith
* Salvation of one of the youth at our church
* 100% financial provison for our two oldest going on a mission trip in a week!
* Blessing of the money to take our family on a true vacation for the first time in MANY years!
* Extra money through subbing to pay for all our kids camps this summer
* EXCELLENT HEALTH
* The ability to homeschool Hannah when she really needed an alternate form of education.
* A car that has run with no mechanical problems for a year!
* Joel being able to transfer to Wayland Baptist University for the last year of his education!
* A wonderful church family!
* The blessing of so many friends around the world!

Today - I am filled with "An Attitude of Gratitude"
Thank you Lord for blessing me above and beyond what I ever expected!!!

Appreciating single moms, moms whose spouses travel, and military moms...

Just have to say - God is SO good at giving me occassional reasons to taste the life of single moms or moms whose spouses are gone often...It's a LOT of work to be the only parent!

Joel doesn't really travel all to often...but when he does, I am so very thankful for him and all he does for us! This week Joel and the other Pastors from our church are at the Evangelism Conference in Dallas. Even though the kids are older - it's still a lot of work to be the only parent. The one to get them up and going in the morning, get breakfast, get them to school, get them from school, help with homework, get them in the shower, get them to bed, etc!

To all my friends out there who are single moms or the parent on duty the majority of the time - I SO appreciate and admire you! This week I have been praying for YOU -for strength, perseverance, patience, and rest. You are loved, you are treasured and you are precious!

To my wonderful hubby - I love and appreciate you! Thank you for all you do to help our family run smoothly! Can't wait til you get home Thursday!!!!

Letter from Hannah and Malachi

Dear Prayer Warriors:
We are both so excited to share with you an incredible opportunity that we have through our church. During our Spring Break, March 10-17, we will be traveling with a team from our church to Laredo, TX and working with local churches in that area in sharing the Gospel, repairing homes, and serving in many other areas.

Located right on the Texas/Mexico Border Laredo is more like Mexico than it is the US. The people there are impoverished in many ways and many have not heard of the hope that Jesus can bring. Our team will be meeting them where they are at and showing them in a hands-on way the love of Jesus Christ.

Each of us has prayed specifically about our call to go on this trip and we both feel that God is calling us to take this step of faith and reach out to others. Hannah – I have a love for the Spanish/Mexican culture. After taking Spanish for the past 5 years, I am so anxious to use my knowledge of the Spanish language and speak to them about Jesus and His love. Malachi – this is my second mission trip and I am excited to tell others about Jesus as well as serve alongside my team.

We know that prayer is very important to any mission trip. As a team, we have been asked to ask at least 15 people each to pray for us both before and during the trip –combined we are seeking at least 30 Prayer Warriors for this trip. By committing to being a Prayer Warrior – we ask that you will pray daily for us and our team from now until we return on March 17.

Although prayer is our number one request, we would also like to invite you to help financially with the cost of the trip. The total cost of the trip is $450 per person or $900 for the two of us. Attached to this letter, you will find a form indicating the three ways, according to the IRS that one may contribute to the trip if you are able and feel led to do so. Contributions are appreciated but are not the primary purpose of this letter.

Thank you for your prayerful consideration in joining us either as a Prayer Warrior or by contributing financially as we prepare to reach the people of Laredo for Jesus Christ. If you decide to join our team, please let us know so that we can keep you updated about all prayer needs both now and during our trip. You can e-mail us through Mom’s e-mail or write us at 103 Davenport St Borger TX 79007.

In Him,

Hannah and Malachi Arrington
arringtonmom@yahoo.com

For Blog friends: We couldn't figure out how to attach the contribution statement but if you are interested, e-mail mom and she will get it to you!

A not so great parenting moment...

Shooting it straight...there is no brilliant lesson or truth in this post. It's simply a post to share that minister's family or not, we have our struggles our issues, our down times.

Tonight - one of those moments. Our oldest has always been vastly different than me. She beats to a different drum and she has a strong will all her very own and I LOVE THAT about her...it's just that sometimes our beats clash (okay, well since I have no rythm to begin with....) For instance, as a 3 yr old she had an EXACT opinion about what she should wear - match or not. I on the other had, was of the opinion that she should match! Ha ha!

Anyway, one area that we are VERY different is that of cleanliness and organization. I cannot function in disorder, I really can't. Now, it doesn't have to be detailed and OCD but it has to be straightened, picked, up and generally clean. Hannah on the other hand...she could careless, the messier the better.

Tonight it was once again the room...she likes it cluttered and "lived in". I like it tidy and straightened. Enter the problem...I ask her to clean it, she picks up a few things but not much, and yep....I lose my patience.

Not the poster parent moment for sure...I did appologize, I did help with the room, I attempted to meet half way on expectations but just not one of those moments I am proud of.

So the point...still working on this parenting thing but thankfully I have a BIG GOD who is able. He holds, He encourages, He loves, and He forgives....

Now...what "mess" can I live with! Ha ha! Oh - parenting tips on getting a teen to keep a semi-decent room are MORE than welcome! LOL

A Royal Child, A Mama, and An Advocate...

A Royal Child, A Mama and An Advocate...at some point in my crazy whirl wind of a life I am one of these or all of these and if I am honest, there are times when one or more of these tends to try and conflict with the others and they don't work in harmony with one another.

I do believe that it IS possible for them to work together and to compliment one another IF I can keep them in the right order...yet, other times like yesterday and today I think I sort of get them out of sink!

Our son, Tyler, has been struggling with some bullying issues at school. He has reacted appropriately at times and other times not so much...most of the time he is the receiver of the bullying. So, as I was faced with how to deal with it all I have to be honest...I started venting to friends. I know, I know - Go to God first but I didn't.

As I talked with a few different friends and I shared my frusteration with the school and how it was being dealt with my friends were so good to quickly jump on the band wagon with me...I mean to tell you, they were up in arms and ready to fight! Yet, as I was talking with one of them and explaining that I really felt like I needed to tread carefully with the school due to not only the fact that I substitute for the district but also Joel and I ministering to families and children and want a good relationship with the schools something hit me pretty hard! My friend said "yes, but first you are an advocate for Tyler..." Of course Mama Bear ROARED "HECK YA!" at this.

The more I thought about it though it hit me - NO, FIRST I am A ROYAL CHILD. I represent the KING OF KINGS and it is HIS Name I proclaim. Therefore, EVERY reaction should be one that brings honor and glory to HIM. Not because of a job or ministry but simply because I am HIS!

Now, am I still a Mama? Yes! Am I still the best advocate along with my husband for Tyler? Absolutely! Yet, if I am doing my FIRST DUTY well...that of a Royal Child - then the other two will fall into place! I can be an excellent Mama because of who I am in Christ. I can be an amazing advocate because of whose I am!

Has this miraculously solved Tyler's bullying issue? No, not yet but I know that it will all work out for the best of Tyler if I as his Mama am representing the King in an appropriate way. Now though - I am going to have lay this burden at the feet of the King and let HIM be the ultimate advocate for my Tyler Bay!

Whose are You? Are you representing HIM well?

Re-Group!!!

Wow! It's been awhile since I blogged...I really haven't disappeared, just life has been BUSY!!

Quick update on life:

Joel - doing AMAZING at leading our Children's Ministry here at FBC Borger. We had an awesome Children's Team Retreat last weekend where we found purpose, direction and were able to start really moving ahead and getting some things up and going!!! We are REALLY excited about church, the ministry, and all God is doing in this area! He will start another semester of classes in the next week or so - looking at transferring from Liberty to Wayland's Virtual Campus but not sure if that's going to pan out or not. It would be SO amazing for him to graduate from Wayland where he first started but at this point we are just ready for him to be DONE and have that past us.

Ronnie - well, I am not "officially" working full-time but have taken a longer term sub job as an aide with a pre-kindergarten teacher (the youth pastor's wife). Her regular aide is out on maternity leave. It is EXHAUSTING but so much fun! Let me tell you, I have a new appreciation for those who work with children 5 days a week! Ha ha! I am also overseeing the lesson plans for Hannah's homeschooling although Joel and I both grade and help her with assignments. I am really LOVING it!!! Seriously, I kind of wish I could take the courses with her but oh well! LOL

Hannah - she is really taking to the homeschool thing! She talks to us more about her assignments and classes than ever before. Since I am working, she takes her school stuff and sits in the lobby outside Joel's office and does her school work. The staff has all been very supportive of us in this endeavor so the church is her "school" for now! Ha ha! She has also built up quite the little babysitting business and is enjoying her own $!

Malachi - doing great. Pretty much in the Jr. high boy thing - friends, band, messy room (which we make him clean), etc.

Kestra - has had the BEST semester ever with good grades, making lots of friends and totally soaking in the Jr High life! Ha ha!

Tyler - ever the fire ball and on the move! He is doing okay in school although would much rather be building, exploring, cooking, anything else really! He has had some bullying issues but for the time being that seems to have been resolved.

In the midst of all this, God has really been speaking to me about re-grouping. I have felt that since the end of Christmas break I have been in "maintenance" mode. I have simply been going through the motion, no real point, no excitement, just go mode. However - this past week has been a WAKE UP CALL!

It started with the retreat! For the first time in a LONG time, I was EXCITED about not just a single area of ministry but about what God was doing in the life of an entire church and how He was going to be bringing about renewal and LIFE!!! I believe that the Children's Ministry may be the catalyst for that, or it may just be one of many little sparks that ignites the FIRE but I am very confident that SOON First Borger will be on FIRE like it hasn't been in some time...hope to post more on that soon.

It continued with the sharing of our "words" in our Sunday School class! As I began to see how God was speaking to each of us individually it dawned on me that as we grow individually and get excited as individuals - we will then get excited as a class, as a church, as a community, etc!!! I was so giddy when I thought about it - the impact will be ASTOUNDING and definitely contribute to the FIRE in our church...

It ended with 65 hours of SICKNESS! Yes, you heard me...for 65 hours I was basically in my bed with a few exceptions and going to the Dr. I got strep throat for the first time EVER and it had me down flat...UGH! Yet, during that time I began to realize that I had just gotten in the routine of going through the motions but the fire, the passion, the PURPOSE was gone. I had let "life" take me from the purpose of my creation - TO BRING GLORY TO GOD.

This morning, the pieces all fit together and I saw this giant picture of what God was showing me the past 9 days...COME BACK TO ME. Because of my "busy-ness" I had gotten away from my quiet time, my joy, my passion, my purpose. I shared with our family today that if the reason we were created was to bring Glory to God - then EVERYTHING we do must center on that purpose. So when we allow anything to stray us from that purpose - we lose site of God. That's what had happened and as it happened to me - my kids followed my lead and it began to happen to them. Suddenly, I realized why there was disconnect, disharmony, etc - the purpose had been lost: TO BRING GLORY TO GOD.

So, this is my "re-group" time: time to capture that purpose and the joy and passion I have for that purpose. God blew the whistle, called the TIME OUT to my life and said "Ok, get your head back in the game! Remember the purpose to what you were called - to bring glory to me. Now, go back to the game BUT REMEMBER THE PURPOSE!"