Threes

I was looking through my photos and found some pics I've never posted.  Three pics each of 2 of my grandkids.  

This is Dax.

He's going to be a big brother!

His baby brother's name is August Hosea.  

We may get to call him Gus.  Can't you just picture twin beds in the same room with "Dax" & "Gus" over their beds?  I foresee some laughing and talking from that room in the future.  I hope August has red hair, too...but it will be ok if he doesn't.  Dax is such a sweet boy--he'll be a great big brother!

This is Olivia.

She is now a big sister!

Her baby sister's name is Hadassah.

Olivia is already an awesome big sister.   

These girls have matching bedding for their beds!

Olivia can't wait til Hadassah moves into her room--which will happen when Hadassah learns to sleep through the night.  (Hurry, Hadassah!)

Don't you love her expressiveness?

Ever-Changing

One of my life goals is to always be growing, ever-changing.  I never want to become critical or set in my ways.  This past Tuesday, my prayer partners and I talked about growing old....not older...old.  We decided we wanted to be full of grace and love, flexible and thankful.  We wanted to be able to celebrate the differences we saw in people instead of comparing and being cynical or grouchy.  We wanted to hold things loosely and not become so attached to things that we're unwilling to move on or let go.  Mainly, we want to trust God with our lives.

When I was in my 20's, I watched one of my spiritual mentors grow older--Mrs. Somerville.  I erroneously thought that when you reached about 55-years-old, you just had it all together and had life figured out.  It was actually the perception people that age gave me.  I remember Mrs. Somerville laughing at me.  She told me she'd be trying to figure it out when she died.  And I guess she was.  I admired her.  She chose to go to a retirement center on her own and once she was there, she started a Bible study group.  She was full of grace.

Well, I'd like to tell you that I'm still growing and figuring things out.  I had a major breakthrough tonight.  I've had a difficult relationship in my life.  This past week, Amazon was offering a free kindle book, "Living Successfully with Screwed-Up People" and I downloaded it and began reading it.  One of the questions Elizabeth B. Brown asks is, "What do you need from this relationship?"  Wow!  I began writing in my journal and came to the realization that what I was seeking from my difficult relationship was value.  And it was as easy as that!  (Knowing Truth does set you free!)  I immediately saw that I've spent years trying to find my value in the wrong place.

But the next question brought some healing:  "What have you gained from this difficult relationship?" And I already knew the answer to that question.  I hoped to never be that difficult person in anyone else's life.  And I hope I haven't.  I hope to finish well...full of grace, love, flexibility and thankfulness. Thank you, God, for this difficult relationship.  Help me to be ever-changing so I'm more like Jesus and less like Becky.

Kisses from Katie

I just read this most amazing book!  My niece told me about it and I downloaded it on my Kindle to read.  It wasn't a book I was reviewing, but one I read for pleasure...or so I thought.  This book has actually made me uncomfortable with where I am and where I should be.

The story is about Katie.  On her 16th birthday, Katie told her parents she wanted to spend a year doing mission work before she went to college.  During her senior year of high school, her parents allowed her to take a 3-week trip to an orphanage in Uganda--hoping she'd get the notion out of her system.  Her mom actually went with her.  But instead of getting the notion out of her system, she found where she wanted to be.

I won't spoil the story for you, but I will tell you (because it's on the first page of the book), that she begins adopting children after she moves there...at 19 years old.  She now has 14 children.

You have GOT to read this book.  I downloaded it yesterday and was up until 3 a.m. finishing the book.  And my life, my ministry, my outlook will never be the same.  You can also follow her on her blog, but please read the book first--it will mean so much more!

The name of her ministry is Amazima which means TRUTH in the Ugandan language. Andy & I have both decided to buy books for people in our ministries to read.  I think it will change lives right here in Borger.  I've added a banner to the right >>>>>.

PLEASE go buy this book and read it!!!!!

Having Your Eyes Opened

Numbers 24

    ²And Balaam lifted up his eyes and he saw Israel abiding in their tents according to their tribes. And the Spirit of God came upon him

    ³And he took up his [figurative] discourse and said: Balaam son of Beor, the man whose eye is opened [at last, to see clearly the purposes and will of God],

    ⁴He [Balaam] who hears the words of God, who sees the vision of the Almighty, falling down, but having his eyes open and uncovered, he says:...

This hit me between the eyes this week.  (No pun intended.)  Remember Balaam?  The man whose donkey talked to him?  (And he didn't react as if it was strange!)  He had gone with the instruction to curse Israel.  But each time he spoke, he blessed them.  This was the third try to have him curse Israel.  He didn't even pray this time.  He just lifted up his eyes...and his eyes were opened.  They were opened to the purposes and will of God.  They were opened to the vision of the Almighty.  They were opened...and he blessed Israel...again.

No one opened his eyes...except the Spirit of God.  He didn't even open his own eyes.  We can try and try to open someone's eyes to the Truth, but we don't actually have that power.  Instead, let's ask the Spirit of God to do that work.  But first...let me ask Him to open my eyes.  That my eyes will be opened to the purposes and will of God.  That they will be opened to the vision of the Almighty.  That they will be open...to bless and not curse.

Olivia's Version of Old McDonald--2nd Post

She just couldn't get away from the tune of Twinkle, Twinkle!  She's a hoot!!  (And beautiful!)

Olivia & Twinkle, Twinkle...

This is Miss Olivia performing for me.  I love when she gets to the part, "Up above the world so high..."

The Wright's Have Moved

Well...it's official.  The Wright's have moved.  They were living in a townhouse and moved into a house.  They're still in Dallas and just a a few miles from where they were.  Their neighborhood is beautiful.  I'm so proud of the house they've gotten...I know they were tired of townhouse living.  But they had to wait until this little doll got to the United States of America before they could make the big change...or deal with more paperwork.

This is adorable Hadassah.  Lots of people have asked me if that is her Ethiopian name.  No...it's Esther's Hebrew name in the Bible.  And Hadassah (Esther) was in Ethiopia.  Interesting, huh?  Our Hadassah's middle name is her Ethiopian name:  Melat. (pronounced: May'-lot)  Hadassah Melat.  I think it's beautiful.  SHE'S beautiful!

But then...all four of the Wright kids are beautiful!  I took pictures of all three bigger kids holding Hadassah.  And this was the best.  Ha!!  The big Wright kids love their new sister.

Granny (my mom) went with me to help Jay & Amy move.  She did all of the packing of the things that were left at the townhouse.  She will be 79 years old next month...and she can still work circles around me!  It's really kind of embarrassing.  And she was thrilled to get to meet her new great-granddaughter.

People in Jay & Amy's church entertained the three oldest Wright kids Friday and Saturday while we worked.  They had a blast!!  They got to go see The Lorax, eat a multitude of junk food, shop, go swimming, and visit at a friend's house.  The people at All Saints Dallas are pretty special people.  I enjoyed getting to meet several of them.

Aunt La-La also went with me.  Granny packed...I loaded, transported, and unloaded...and Lindsey helped Amy unpack it and put it up.  It was also La-La's first time to meet Hadassah.  She even had her saying, "La-La" before we left! You can tell they fell in love with one another. 

Even though we helped pack, move and unpack, it was really all about #4.  (Great shirts, Mindy!)  We got to spend some special time with all of the family...but we want/need to get to know Miss Hadassah.   And she is a hoot!  She's never still and will be walking before we know it.  In fact, if you hold her hands, she tries to run!  And that pretty much sums up her happy personality.  She fits right in with the Wright family.  And I could tell she's feeling much more secure and comfortable with everyone.

By the way, the Wright's house is great---4 bedrooms and 2 baths.  Amy is still within driving distance to Central Market. ;)   And they met a neighbor across the street who is their age and from Amarillo!  I think they're really going to like this house and this neighborhood!  Now if Amy can just find everything....

Dax's First Birthday Cake

Dax wasn't too sure about his first birthday cake.  And he had an unusual way of "blowing out his candle!"  HA!  He would occasionally shudder with those bites of sugar.  Happy 1st birthday, Dax!!

Sisters, sisters...

This is my baby sister, Sandra.  I began praying for a sister when I was 7 years old.  And God gave me what I asked for.  Mom was surprised.  She was born when I was 8--and I lugged her around everywhere.  My hip was permanently shifted out to the side from carrying her on my hip.  I remember her first spanking from my parents.  I cried.  Oh my gosh!!  My heart was breaking from that first spanking.  Fortunately, my parents didn't do that very often.  I remember when she was about 4 and she fell off of the kitchen cabinet she'd climbed up on.  (She was a climber!)  The last thing I'd remembered was that she'd had a sucker in her mouth.  She fell off the cabinet and cried loudly and then held her breath (we all were breath-holders).  I began screaming to my parents that there was a sucker in her mouth.  My dad was digging down her throat when my mom found the sucker on the floor.  Oh.my.gosh.  This is probably the reason I don't do well in emergencies to this day.  I was scared to death!
It was so much fun being her big sister.  I helped her learn to walk.  I picked her up from the babysitter's house and kept her in the afternoons until mom got home from work.  She loved my boyfriend--in fact, I think he liked her more than me!  I invited her to come stay in my dorm room when I was in college.  (She was about 11 years old at the time.)  She was the candlelighter in my wedding (she was 12).  And...Andy & I came home early from our honeymoon because mom had surgery and wasn't doing well.  Sandra was staying with friends and I knew she'd be very insecure...so we invited her to our new home and she stayed a few days with us honeymooners.  I've always felt very protective of my baby sister.
She has become a beautiful woman--wife, mother, servant.  She has 5 children who are great kids!  I know how much she loves her family.  And she's such a servant--always helping with children and youth in her church.  She gives of herself without complaining.
Andy is out of town on a mission trip, so I asked Sandra to come over Saturday and go to the movie with me, eat out, and just hang out.  Because of our many children and my grandchildren, we very seldom get to spend time alone.  But when we do, I remember how fortunate I am.  I'm blessed that God heard the prayer of a 7-year-old and gave me a baby sister.  I'm blessed that I've gotten to be a part of her life growing up.  And it blesses me when I'm around her.  In fact, I can just be around her children and be blessed--seeing the results of her influence on them.  And she's become a wise woman.     She's quiet about it.  In fact...she reminds me of our dad.  He would just listen, show acceptance and love, and just interject a word or two.  He never wanted to interfere or give advice.  But when he did speak, I listened.  The same is true with Sandra.  She doesn't know it, but I listened this weekend to the few things she quietly offered.
Sandra is a woman worthy of praise.  God has done such a special work in her life.  She's pretty quiet and unassuming.  But her influence will only grow.  She has a big heart and loves deeply.  She's a pretty special sister and someone I love being around.  She doesn't realize how wide-spread her ministry really is....and will be.  But I love seeing how God is using her.  What an encourager!!  I'm proud to say she is my sister.

Teenager

When I began having children, for some reason I never imagined them being over 6 years old.  I  don't know what this says about me.  I guess I just didn't project too far into the future.  Or maybe I thought time was going to stand still.  I certainly never imagined having teenagers.  AND I CERTAINLY NEVER IMAGINED HAVING TEENAGED GRANDCHILDREN!!  

But now I do...or almost.  Matt's oldest daughter, Caitlin, turns 13 March 14th.  Since Andy & I were both going to be out of town on her birthday (and since her parties now are understandably with her friends), we took her and her family to the restaurant of her choosing last night.  One thing we can count on...we'll get to eat at Kabuki at least once a year! ha!  In fact, she gets to eat out 2 more times for her birthday and she's choosing Kabuki for each time.  That girl loves her some Kabuki!!

This is a photo of Caitin with her younger sister, Alexis, at Kabuki.  Alexis is 9-years-old.  Alexis had sushi.  In fact, Alexis has a sushi maker but hasn't gotten to use it yet.  I told her she needed to get with her Uncle Gary & Aunt Mamy.  Gary taught Aunt Mamy how to make sushi and they all love it.  Caitlin tried the sushi and made faces the entire time. ha!  These are two beautiful girls who are growing up much too quickly.

Caitlin can't wait until she turns 15 and can take driver's ed.  I fully intended to go by the driver's license bureau and get a driver's handbook.  I told her she could study for 2 years and ace that test!

Caitlin has a big heart.  She never meets a stranger!  She makes friends easily and laughs a lot.  She's very gifted--she loves to dance and is currently taking gymnastics again.  She's a natural athlete.  Shes's the first kindred spirit I've had in my family for reading--especially at her age.  I bought her a book recently when we went to Lubbock for Dax's birthday (a thick book) and she read it within 24 hours.  So she got the whole series for her birthday.  I'm betting she has them read by the end of this next week.  Caitlin has started babysitting.  She loves kids!  It's so hard for me to wrap my mind around her being old enough to do this...but she is.  She's a very responsible young woman.  Caitlin is also very appreciative.  She constantly thanks us for anything we do for her.  Oh!  And this girl loves animals!!  She has a menagerie at her house--ducks, goats, rabbits--with more to come, I'm sure.

I'm pretty proud of this girl!  We were excited when she came into our family.  It's been fun watching her grow and change.  We love you, Caitlin!  But I sure wish we could make time stand still...

Happy almost 13th birthday!

Be Careful Who You Partner With

This morning, I was reading the story of Korah in Numbers 16.  Remember him?  He's the one who got a following of others and came to Moses and Aaron and demanded,

"[Enough of you!] You take too much upon yourselves, seeing that all the congregation is holy, every one of them, and the Lord is among them. Why then do you lift yourselves up above the assembly of the Lord?"

There was a showdown between them and God, Moses & Aaron...and Korah, Dathan & Abiram and their households were swallowed up in the earth.

The next day...the congregation came back murmuring against Moses & Aaron, "You have killed the people of the Lord."

God was angry and began sending a plague among the people.  Moses instructed Aaron to take a censor with fire from the altar and incense upon it among the people to stop the plague.  The plague was stopped...but not before 14,700 people were killed.

I think there are so many lessons in this story, but I want to make this point:  Be careful who you partner with.  It only takes one person in rebellion to start a revolt against God.  I've seen it a lot lately. Mothers who are in rebellion and lead their adult children into rebellion.  Church members who lead a rebellion against leadership.  Dads who rebel and destroy their families.  Young people who rebel and destroy their lives.  Lots of rebellion going on...still.  And just because we're not seeing the earth open up and swallow people doesn't mean God's not angry.

The person we need to be partnering with is GOD!  If you're not partnering with Him, who are you partnering with?  And why?  And the only way to know if you're partnering with Him is to be in the Word and know what His desires are.

Be careful with whom you're partnering.  It can mean life or death.

What Grows in Darkness

There are so many verses that tell us that we don't belong in the darkness.  For instance:
Ephesians 5:11
Take no part in and have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds and enterprises of darkness, but instead [let your lives be so in contrast as to] expose and reprove and convict them.
Colossians 1:13
[The Father] has delivered and drawn us to Himself out of the control and the dominion of darkness and has transferred us into the kingdom of the Son of His love,
1 Thessalonians 5:5
For you are all sons of light and sons of the day; we do not belong either to the night or to darkness.
1 John 1:5
And this is the message [the message of promise] which we have heard from Him and now are reporting to you: God is Light, and there is no darkness in Him at all [ no, not in any way].


It's kind of like a petri dish.  You innoculate a petri dish with a culture and leave it in the dark and when you check it in a few days, weird things are growing in it!  I remember doing this in a science lab.  It totally grossed me out.


In the same way, if we allow sin to remain in our hearts and keep it covered, it will grow.  Satan loves secrecy.  He knows that if we allow things to remain in the dark, it will grow--even mutate into another sin.


God has no darkness in Him at all.  He is Light!  He invites you and me to bring things to the Light.  What's exposed can be forgiven and healed.

If I Could Teach Myself

If I could go back and teach a 25-year-old Becky anything, it would be this:  submission.  The interesting thing is that I was taught submission at that age.  But it came from the legalistic mindset...or at least, that's how I heard it.


Unless we get that one thing right, we're going to have a hard time in our relationship with God.  Submission is a great key to life.  If we're not submitting, we're resisting.  And with resisting comes striving.  And with striving, there is no peace.  I heard someone say this week that when we resist God, we draw near to Satan.  I'm sure that came from James 4:7--inverting what it says.  "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."


God has an order.  He has a plan.  And we can either submit to it or resist it.  One brings peace; the other brings striving.  I think I know why we resist submission...because we have to die to pride.  We'd rather be right than submit.  It's a battle of wills--our will or God's will.  And it's just so hard to give up our will.  It takes death.  And who likes to die?  


It's taken me a long time to get there.  (Not that I've completely arrived, mind you.)  I remember even having to confess to a pastor a few years ago that no, I wasn't holding an offense against him...I just had a problem submitting.  And not just to him...to anyone.  And it was true.  I saw things pretty black and white and felt right most of the time.  And I didn't want to submit to someone I felt was wrong.


But God.  God has been chiseling away at my life most of my life.  I've walked through some very hard things.  And I've had to die.  I realized I wasn't right all of the time.  (I know...you're shocked!)  But what I did learn was submission.  And instead of it being legalistic and scary, it's so sweet.  It's coming to a good God who has a wonderful plan for my life that's been prearranged and made ready for me to live.  Submission means that I come in agreement with God for that plan.  I quit kicking and screaming like a 2-year-old, demanding my own way.  I quiet myself and anticipate all that my Father has for me.


The hard part is not seeing what that plan is.  That's why I must press myself in to my Daddy and know His heart.  As long as I trust His heart, I submit.  When I don't think He's working fast enough or doing what's best for me, I quit submitting and try to "fix" my own life.  I take over and assert my will over God's will.


Yes, I wish I could go back and teach a 25-year-old Becky what I know now.  A life of submission is peaceful.  It's trusting a heavenly Father who loves me.  I'm just not sure that Becky would have listened.  But I still wish I could go back and tell her.