My Thoughts for Today::

The harvest is plentiful and the workers are few....  I am praying to the Lord of the harvest to send more workers!  People who are grounded in the Word of God, willing to get their hands dirty and desire nothing in life but to please Him, serve Him and bring Him glory.  Every day I realize how great the mission field is here.  How dark it is.  How, without Jesus, it seems so hopeless.  We have been told doing ministry here is like "plowing through concrete".  I could not have expressed it better myself.  Please join me in prayer for more help!  God knows exactly who He has in mind.  This town is desperate for truth!  Please consider joining us, if nothing else, please pray for God to change hearts here in this community.  I'm so excited to see all that God has in store for so many broken lives!  He is working, and I praise His name!!!

Bless you!

THE HAPPENINGS

(I did have several pictures to post with this, but was not able to get them to work for some reason...)


Hand Update: I am down to a finger splint. I do still have a pin in my finger that will have to be removed at some point (not sure yet if that will require me to have another surgery or not). I still have physical therapy weekly. My finger is straight again, and I even have a tiny (very, VERY tiny) bit of some sort of wiggle in the tip of my finger. I'm not sure I see it, but my therapists says she does. The goal is to be able to get a good closed fist in order to have as good of use as I can again. For now, I'm still very clumsy and frequently drop things!


Bozeman: We went to Bozeman with Evan this past week. I had high expectations of doing book work with the kids. Instead, we went to parks, went swimming, got some modeling clay and paints and spent time doing some crafty projects. We all enjoyed the break!


Hunting: Evan and I both had a successful antelope hunt this last Monday. There is nothing like a day antelope hunting with my hubby! I LOVE antelope hunting! Both antelope are cut up and in the freezer. We even enjoyed bacon wrapped tenderloins the other night... yum!


Gardening: In 3 hours time, I sold most of the pumpkins that grew in the garden this year. I also had a successful year of canning tomatoes, with many thanks going to my neighbor who did many of them for me right after my surgery. The kids just picked a wagon full of green ones that are ripening in the garage because we have had several nights of hard frost this past week. I still hope to be able to can some of those!


Bible Studies: We started a Sunday night study here in our home. We held the first one around the campfire, the second one in the upper room of the barn, and this past Sunday we were in our living room because it was just too cold out there. Please keep praying for the barn to be able to get completed!  Our ladies study continues to work through 1 Peter.  I just finished studying for tomorrow night -- chapter 3:1-6 -- wives submit to your husbands, and we will also touch on modesty, a topic which I also have a blog post rolling around in my head which will hopefully find it's way on here at some point!  The Thursday night study continues at the shelter.  We just keep plowing trusting that obedient hearts bring glory to God and also that He is doing a work in the hearts of those who come!  Alcohol is a terrible stronghold.

Myah's 10th Birthday is this coming weekend.  To celebrate, she and I are having a mommy/daughter date on Thursday.  We plan to go to town and do some girly things, one of which is to get her ears pierced!  (We are also going to talk about 1 Peter 3:3-4!)  I think we both are pretty excited for some time alone together!  Also, she picked out a new horse helmet for riding and plans to decorate her OWN cake this year!

School:  We have our good days and our bad days.  Days that we are done at 11am, and days that take us until 4pm.  We have thoroughly enjoyed our journey through history in light of the old testament so far this year.  I personally have learned SO MUCH, and I think the kids have as well.  I'm looking into a different math curriculum for Joel, so if any of you homeschool moms out there have any suggestions, I'm beginning my research.  We currently use Singapore, but I think something a bit more hands on might be in order for his way of learning.  I'm leaning towards Math-U-See at the moment. 

I'm also in need of some good literature suggestions for Myah.  I can't keep enough quality literature in the house for her.  She will read books 3 times over, put them down for a while and read them again later on.  She has devoured many books in the "Christian Heroes Then and Now" series and has learned about so many missionaries through those books! 

Kiana is blossoming this year.  I can't wait to see where she's at in a few months because her desire to learn has drastically intensified these past couple of weeks.  She also attended art class with Myah today for the first time.  She has beautiful handwriting, loves to draw, and is working very hard at reading!  I think Math is her favorite subject, though!

I leave you with a verse I wrote down this morning....

 "For you, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You."  Psalm 9:10b

PRAY.

Realizing the battle is stronger than we will ever comprehend.  Realizing that we have no strength on our own to make a difference in people's lives.  Realizing that nothing can change without the strength and power of our God, who greater, who is stronger, and who is higher than any other.  If Our God is for us, than nothing can stop us.  He turned water into wine.  He opened eyes of the blind.  He is the only light that can shine in the darkness, and the only One who can bring us out of the ashes.  There is none like Him, and we can do nothing without Him.  So, we must pray.

We finished James up in our women's study last night with a challenge to deeper prayer for others.  Nothing will change in this broken world -- nothing can change in these broken lives without the power of our great God.  The enemy is strong, but our God is greater.  He wants to heal.  We are called to pray. 

Just as in the end of James, where we see the elders of the church restoring a sinner through prayer, and Elijah is restoring the backslidden nation of Israel through prayer, so are we called in verses 19-20 to do the same for those who have "wandered from the truth".... through prayer.  It takes prayer.

These Scriptures show us the picture of confession, prayer and healing taking place.  What helps a person?  God.  What does James say in 4:2?  We have not because we ask not.  We need to interceed for people to be restored in their walk with Him and for sinners to come to Him.  We need to ask.  If we don't, who will?

As a wise man once said, "Busyness is not OF the devil, it IS the devil."  We make time for so many things in this life that are fleeting, and yet we make so very little time for prayer.  As I'm writing, I'm speaking to myself just as much as anyone else.  It's going to take discipline, and most likely a rearranging of our current daily schedules to fit in more time for prayer.  My heart's cry has been, "Lord break my heart for others that I may be so drawn to prayer for them, and not just out of a "duty" or "guilt" to do it."  We will not succeed in this task if it is only done for those reasons, and I believe only God can instill a passion in our hearts to do it.... so ask Him.  What greater pleasure can we have than to see hurting sinners come to the mercy and grace of Jesus Christ.  It can only be done through prayer.  Please, pray, keeping in mind, that it's only because our God greater... our God is stronger... our God is higher than any other.

IT’S BEEN A WHILE…. SORRY!



I’m not so good at typing one-handed, so I’ve kind of been avoiding the computer lately. I've also been having a little trouble with posting for some reason.  Here’s what we’ve been up to:


SURGERY:: They put two pins in to hold my bone together on my right ring finger. I literally cut a chunk of bone off when a ladder folded in half on both of my hands on my birthday. I bruised up both hands pretty good, had stitches and needed surgery to repair the broken finger. I have 3 fingers now in a splint on my right hand. The bruising on my left hand has healed up pretty well. 3 more days, and they pull the pins out, and I will go down to a smaller splint. I can hardly wait!! In the meantime, I’ve been very thankful for lots of help.

RINGSHOPPING:: They had to cut all of my rings off because of the swelling. They can repair my wedding band, but my engagement ring that holds my diamond has worn so thin over the years that I need to replace it. I have never been very good at making those kinds of decisions, but think I finally found what I had in mind and at a price that we can live with. :)


GARDENING:: The weeds don’t stop growing and the plants still need water even though I had an accident. Thanks to many helpful hands, my gardens are looking pretty good! I’m most excited about the pumpkins!  Praying we don't get any hail!


FAMILY VISITING:: Even though it can be hot, I really think June/July are some of the best weeks to visit here. Hardin has its own little festival celebrating the battle of the Little Big Horn. We went to the Native version of the reenactment this years with Evan’s parents. It was REALLY good!  We also rented a boat and took it out on the Big Horn Canyon. Swimming, rock jumping, even seeing a very cute black bear pretty close up! After Evan's parents left, my mom arrived to help out.  It's been wonderful having her here and I look forward to spending the rest of the week with her!

4H:: Myah has weekly trips with Cowboy to the fairgrounds right now preparing for fair the end of this month. It’s going very well. Both of them really seem to be enjoying it and are learning to work well with each other.

Swimming Lessons::  We start 3 weeks of lessons tomorrow!  Kids are excited!

Hay::  Cut, baled, and stacked, and I couldn't help out with one bale this year...

Animals::  Still making 12 bottles a day for the calves.  Added 3 piglets from the rodeo on the 4th (what were we thinking???)  Found out that what were GUARANTEED to be 2 female rabbits were not so... waiting for baby bunnies...

Bible Studies::  Studying James 3 this Wednesday at the women's study.  Finishing up John 14 on Thursday night at the shelter.  Sent another lady for treatment; I'm so excited for her!  We just keep plowing...praise God it's Him that does the work.  What a blessing it is to serve Him!  It's my desire that we always walk listening to His voice guiding us (Isaiah 30:21).  Though I fail so often, I desire to walk each day obedient to Him.

Child Training::  Does it ever end?  I'm looking forward to fall routines again.

WEEK IN SUMMARY 
(more details & pictures to come...)

Aside from all the amazing ministry that tops the week, I have not laughed so hard, nor so much in such a long time. Giant marshmallows, smores in the rain, community milk jugs, song creations (from some very creative people), amazing testimonies, Godly fellowship, unforgettable worship and campfire times, many LATE nights & memorable conversations, lifelong friendships made, complete unity, growth together in the Lord, amazing servanthood, huge mountains moved in many ways, and lots of precious time with the Lord. Though I am completely exhausted, I could not feel more refreshed.  None of it could have been accomplished without Jesus, and He deserves ALL the glory! Miss you all already, and can't wait until August!!!

PLEASE PRAY FOR JOSEPH

He is back in Montana. Evan met him at the airport, and took him, his brother and sister-in-law (who he will be staying with) out for lunch. He seems to be doing well, but this is a pivotal time in his walk, as he has to come home and face temptations. He told Evan he will call him everyday for accountability. We are still HIGHLY encouraging him to go back for phase 2. We ended up getting him a round trip ticket, because it was cheaper, so he can fly back the end of the month. For the first time, he showed some interest in possibly doing that. Please pray that he does, as we really think it's the best way to help him stay strong. Please pray for him to have strength and fight the temptations he will be facing here at home. Pray for him to stay in the Word, and keep his focus on the Lord. He plans to share Thursday night at the study.

SHELTER MINISTRY



Tandra put together this great slide show video of the ministry taking place at the shelter. The first few times I saw this, I couldn't watch it without tears. Through the highs and lows, the joys and frustrations, it's been amazing to watch God work. It's also been very humbling, but a huge blessing to watch Him change and mold me personally in so many areas through this ministry. We have all been stretched so much this past year in so many ways. Please pray for each of these people, as we know God desires to change hearts and heal the deep brokenness. Each of these beautiful people has a story.

Please pray for God to continue to pour out His wisdom and discernment in every circumstance we face -- many days and situations are really tough and are way beyond us. Also, please pray for our children -- that through the interactions we have through this ministry, sometimes in front of them, that they will always remain safe, and that they will learn the importance of sharing the Gospel to every person! Knowing Christ more intimately, bringing Him glory in all things, and proclaiming the Gospel to all people.... that is our focus.

BIBLE STUDY UPDATE

Thank you all so much for your prayers. Tonight was amazing. Peaceful. Men seeking truth with honest questions. Lots of soberness! One guy who was released from the jail as the study was going on, "just felt led to walk over to the shelter" even though he didn't expect it to be open until 11:00pm. Evan had a great time to talk with him and pray for him at the end of the night. Another guy, "Crazy Horse" as he has been known until tonight (who's real name is Joseph) is seeking. We have never seen him like he was tonight. Normally, we see evil, disruption, chaos, drugs & alcohol. But he keeps coming back! Tonight he was completely attentive and even was singing with the group, quietly as it was. He wants to go to treatment. We are praying about talking to Farren about sending him to U-turn for Christ.

Just wanted to give a brief update and let those of you know who are faithful to pray that God is working! Praise Him, and thank you for your faithfulness!!! God bless you!

Ezekiel 36-37

PRAISES & REQUESTS

1) Rose: She is doing well! I have decided to do a study called "Journey Into the Gospel" available for FREE download here with her when we meet on Tuesday nights. (The book we are currently studying with our kids, "The One True God" is also available for free download on that same page, along with several others...) "Journey Into the Gospel" is taking us on an in-depth look, through Scripture, of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Please continue to pray for her strength to fight her temptations to drink, a job for her, and the fact that I feel I need to talk to her about a difficult issue this coming Tuesday.

2) Our friends, Aaron & Jamie. Aaron left for deployment to Iraq this past Tuesday. He will be gone 400 days. Jamie is home with their two boys and is expecting their third the end of August. Separation is obviously the most difficult part of this all. Pray for safety for them all, but also that God will use this time for His glory, and that He will be their constant companion and encouragement during this time.

3) Bible study was amazing this past Thursday!! I so love it when the room is full of attentive people, and distractions are kept to a minimum. We had several new people (both from the street and not), and had some great opportunities for prayer ministry at the end. Please pray for us to have wisdom and discernment as we pray for the people coming in and their needs. We are facing some things that are very difficult, and we want to be sure to deal with it appropriately. Praise God that the battles are not ours, but His!! All glory to Him!