Like there is always something that needs to be done?
Well, that's how it's been lately for me.
We've just been so busy.
Last week, we had my Uncle and Aunt, missionaries on deputation to India, visit with us for a few days. It was such a joy and encouragement having them here with us. They were able to share a little with our congregation about what God has done and is doing in their lives and in the lives of the Indian people. Folks seems to be very interested and many made commitments to pray for them daily. My Aunt sang at the beginning of the service and I cried immediately, more so out of missing her and her singing than anything else. But I saw many crying during her song, which doesn't happen very often in the the churches here. I was so thankful to be a part of that service! You can view my Uncle and Aunts ministry presentation here.
These two people are very precious to us....
-My Uncle married Michael and I. -My Aunt sang at the ceremony. -Michael was saved after hearing him preach. -Michael was his youth pastor and then associate pastor. -My Uncle helped us dedicate all 5 of our children. -My Uncle preached our "charge" message to us just days before leaving the States. (you get my point?)
Today is the last day for Candle in the Corner Giveaway. Winners will be announced soon. Thank you to those who gave sacrificially so that God's work can continue on across the globe. Pray for all these missionary families as the holidays approach and the lack of loved ones, family and friends could make for a difficult few months.
God Bless You all.....
I've missed you all and soon hope to be back at blogging more regularly.
Portugal is in western Europe, bordered solely by Spain and the Atlantic ocean. It's home to approximately 11 million people. Most of these people live along the western coast line and know nothing of our Savior's love.
fishermen
We serve in Barcelos where approx 124,000 souls reside.
Barcelos is a small town known for its pottery and the most widely-recognized symbol of Portugal -- the Barcelos Cockerel.
A 13th-century legend says a pilgrim on his way to Santiago de Compostela stopped in Barcelos and was wrongly accused of theft and sentenced to death by hanging. He was spared when he stated that to prove his innocence, the roasted rooster that the judge was about to eat would get up and crow. It did, and since then, brightly painted ceramic cockerels are sold throughout Portugal as symbols of good luck.
Barcelos Rooster
canal
We've had the privilege of serving in this beautiful country full of culture and history for the last 20 months.
baptism at the river
We share the story of Jesus with any who will listen. stone pic nic table
Viana
Barcelos
Guimaraes
In Barcelos is a large weekly market held every Thursday for the last several hundred years. It's a tourist attraction for folks from all walks of life. It was at this market where I purchased the items I will be giving away as part of the Candle in the Corner Giveaway. market
Of course I had to buy a Portuguese Rooster!!
Ceramics and textiles are two of Portugal's largest exports. However, this rooster isn't ceramic. It's metal which will help insure it reaches your home safely. The tag explains the legend..in about 6 different languages, in case your interested! ;) click to enlarge
All of the roosters are hand painted. No two are alike.
The second item is one of the textiles that are exported, a set of three table runners.
And for this special occasion......
Drum Roll Please......
Here is my first ever vlog!
Disclaimers: 1. That's my dog panting in the background! 2. Yes, I am as country sounding as you thought I'd be. 3. I can't stand this video, but because I LOVE missions, I'm posting it. 4. I even added some of the "bloopers" at the end, so you'd know how difficult doing a vlog really is!
Thank you for your interest in missions and the Candle in the Corner Giveaway!
Go on over to Heidi's blog and read all the details. It's a wonderful giveaway/fundraiser for missionaries around the world.
Candle in the Corner giveaway is a chance for you to help support missionaries in other "corners of the world" that could be facing financial hardships due to the dollars struggle to keep up with some of the other world currencies.
It's easy to donate and the rules are simple. Each day over the next two weeks she will be highlighting missionaries from these different countries:
Spain Portugal Indonesia Taiwan South Africa Russia Paraguay Uganda Brazil Argentina Botswana
On these days, each represented missionary will reveal their items to be given away. Your donation will automatically enter you for all of the drawings.
So go on over....she even did a VLOG!! Who can resit a video!? Heidi is an angel for doing this to help missionaries around the globe....even going as far as to video herself in an effort to help encourage you to participate!
Heidi over at Moms, Ministry and More has invited me to participate in an event to help raise funds to support overseas missions. It's a type of giveaway.
However..... it's not your usual giveaway. It's so super cool I can hardly stand it! It doesn't begin until Oct 27, but go on over and read about it....then come back and tell me if it's not the coolest idea around!
I get to participate by donating cultural items from my field of service (Portugal, for you slow folks) to be given away. I had the best time shopping for my giveaway items, but I can't show you what they are yet.....I know...secrets...suspense.....this is SO fun!! I LOVE surprises!
You will have opportunities to get extra entries by helping promote the event on your blog or social networking site.
I'm running late this morning getting everything together for a 4th of July cook-out with friends, so this has to be short.... plus it's been one of those days and I've only been out of bed for 30 minutes.....
I forgot to put my 8 pound pork roast in the crock post last night so we'd have wonderful tender pulled park BBQ sandwiches today....uh-oh....now we might be eating PB&J.
There are two days left to vote for your favorite caption. Mrs. Tracy is winning by a landslide! You other ladies need to start campaigning....The polls close at 6:30pm CST Thursday!!
Leave a comment with a caption for the following picture.
Be creative!
That's it! Easy huh?!
You have until Monday, April 20th to leave a caption.
After that I will post the finalists and let you, my readers vote on a winner.
Update: After a little thought and a bunch of questions, I've decided that one caption per person is the limit. If you've already submitted more than one, I'll choose my favorite when deciding the finalists.
Here is the picture!
This is my mom. The picture alone cracks me up! I can't wait to see your captions! And the winner will receive.......
one of our new ministry t-shirts!
(A big thank you to our models Bro. Jimmy and Kacey!)
How cool are these?! Be one of the first to have one. If you'd rather just buy one instead, leave a comment or email me. They're $14.95 and that includes shipping.
Three days left to post a comment for the give-a-way. Click Here!
Last Sunday after church, we headed outside to give bike riding lessons. I've posted a few pictures...well...a lot of pictures.
Faith, the athletic one on the bunch decides to go first.
"Faith, put your feet here."
"Wooahhh...Daddy.....I'm a little crooked!"
Crash... right into the garden! At least she's still smiling.
Faith took a break while Lib took a shot. But it was short lived.
Faith tried again, and again ended up in the garden. But she didn't give up. Look at Lib helping her. They can be so sweet ...sometimes!
Hey...she's got the hang of it now. She has the look of confidence!
Lib and Brooklyn decided it was safer being the cheerleaders.
"This is how it's done, girls!" (Kind of reminds me of the circus when I was a kid)
Trinity stayed inside and loved on Major
And I made an Apple Crisp. Starr over at Cooking With The Preacher's Wife posted this recipe and believe it or not it was my first time to bake with apples. (I know Nanny...shame on me.) It turned out wonderfully, and it was so simple. Click here for the recipe.
Our friendly neighborhood girl came over to play last night, but it was homework time in our house. She wanted to help Faith, so here is a little video of them working together.
My mom and stepdad are coming in a week. Preparation are already being made! We've been looking forward to this for a while. We'll celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas and three birthdays while they are here. All good excuses to eat!
Okay, only three days remaining to post a comment to qualify for "The Kitchen Trio". Click here to see the rules.
