Do you ever have those moments in your life when you just stop and look around you and then say, "Wow!"?
Today is one of those days for me. Let me share some of my"Wow!" moments with you this morning.
I am in Alaska. Wow! Alaska is one of those places that I have only dreamed of going to and I get to be here! It is definitely my kind of place - beautiful views, friendly people, and a coffee barn on every corner! Wow!
Speaking of coffee, did you know that today is National Coffee Day? And I get to be in a place where drinking coffee isn't just a hobby, it's a way of life! Wow!
Martha and Ian are experiencing something new this morning. They went to school today. The church we were with yesterday has a Christian school. My kids get to go to school with somebody besides Mommy and each other! I miss them! I love homeschooling my kids and being a homeschool Mom, but as I was scrambling to get the kids ready this morning, I had another "Wow!" moment. My "Wow!" moment came in the form of admiration for the moms that get their kids up, fed, dressed, and out the door on time for school 5 days a week - not to mention Sunday too! WOW!
So here I am in Alaska (did I say WOW yet?), celebrating the"Wows" in my life. You know, saying "WOW!" really is just another way of saying "Thank you, Lord!" and showing gratitude. So what makes you say "WOW!" today?
I think I'll just go get a cup of coffee from one of those Alaskan coffee barns to celebrate all the WOWS in my life - including National Coffee Day! WOW!
Grab a cup of coffee (or tea), and join me as I share the adventures of my missionary mom life on the banks of the Amazon River!
Showing posts with label coffee. Show all posts
Showing posts with label coffee. Show all posts
Monday, September 29, 2014
Monday, April 8, 2013
Strength as my day
After 1,000 cups of coffee (okay, okay...maybe not quite THAT many), and several bottles of Coca-Cola.....our taxes are done! Most people make their resolutions for a better year on January 1st. I make mine as soon as I get done haggling, struggling, agonizing, and lamenting over the taxes! You know, better receipt keeping, better organized, better.....you get the idea!
I'm confessing here to failing miserably at following Philippians 4:8-9! In fact, last night I was actually growling at the verses that are posted on the wall above my sink - as if that changes anything! Today, while I was waiting for help from the tax people (you know, take a number and wait.....), I had the Christian radio station playing on the computer. They were playing "He Hideth My Soul." In the second verse there is a phrase that says, "He giveth me strength as my day." I have often puzzled over that phrase...what exactly was Fanny Crosby trying to say? I realized today what it means...some days are tougher than others - those are the days when I need more strength. God gives us the measure of strength according to what we need for each day - for all the trials and blessings, the ups and downs, the joys, the doubts, and the fears. Isn't God so wonderful to give us exactly what we need, when we need it, and in just the right measurement?
May you be blessed today with strength as your day!
I'm confessing here to failing miserably at following Philippians 4:8-9! In fact, last night I was actually growling at the verses that are posted on the wall above my sink - as if that changes anything! Today, while I was waiting for help from the tax people (you know, take a number and wait.....), I had the Christian radio station playing on the computer. They were playing "He Hideth My Soul." In the second verse there is a phrase that says, "He giveth me strength as my day." I have often puzzled over that phrase...what exactly was Fanny Crosby trying to say? I realized today what it means...some days are tougher than others - those are the days when I need more strength. God gives us the measure of strength according to what we need for each day - for all the trials and blessings, the ups and downs, the joys, the doubts, and the fears. Isn't God so wonderful to give us exactly what we need, when we need it, and in just the right measurement?
May you be blessed today with strength as your day!
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Coffee and "Do Nots"
When we went to the "Big Tottus" yesterday for our weekly shopping trip, Matt and I talked about getting some donuts from the Dunkin' Donuts kiosk outside the store. As you parents know, many times we speak in "Code" when talking in front of our children. Since my children not only know English, but also Spanish and Sign Language, it gets rather challenging to speak in "Code" sometimes! So, yesterday I asked Matt if we could get some "Do Nots" (Isn't that what they really are anyways - "Do not eat me or you'll change shapes?") He agreed to the "Do Nots." Yippee!!!! When I asked Martha if she would like some "Do Nots" she said (very solemnly) "No.....Mommy, what is a 'do not'?" Daddy teased her and said, "You know it is something you shouldn't do - do not do this, do not do that...!" And the conversation ended for the time.
When we wer finally done with our shopping - more about that another time - we stopped by the "Do Not" kiosk! Wow - was that an exciting moment when Martha realized what a "Do Not" was!
This morning when I asked Martha if she was ready for cereal, she said, "No. I am ready for a donut!" I knew Daddy had saved her part of a donut for breakfast this morning so I went to get it. As I headed toward the kitchen, I heard her say, "May I have "coffee" with my donut?" Martha and I have a "tradition" all our own. As you know, coffee flows abundantly through my veins, and Martha (being an exact replica of her Mama) has decided she likes coffee. I make her "coffee" - evaporated milk, warm water, sugar, and a dusting (very light) of coffee. She loves it and it makes a nice warm drink for cold mornings!
So this morning, Martha and I are drinking our coffee together, and she is eating her donut! My father-in-law (who is a retired police officer) would be so proud to see us holding up that most beloved of all police traditions - coffee and donuts!
When we wer finally done with our shopping - more about that another time - we stopped by the "Do Not" kiosk! Wow - was that an exciting moment when Martha realized what a "Do Not" was!
This morning when I asked Martha if she was ready for cereal, she said, "No. I am ready for a donut!" I knew Daddy had saved her part of a donut for breakfast this morning so I went to get it. As I headed toward the kitchen, I heard her say, "May I have "coffee" with my donut?" Martha and I have a "tradition" all our own. As you know, coffee flows abundantly through my veins, and Martha (being an exact replica of her Mama) has decided she likes coffee. I make her "coffee" - evaporated milk, warm water, sugar, and a dusting (very light) of coffee. She loves it and it makes a nice warm drink for cold mornings!
So this morning, Martha and I are drinking our coffee together, and she is eating her donut! My father-in-law (who is a retired police officer) would be so proud to see us holding up that most beloved of all police traditions - coffee and donuts!
Monday, August 20, 2012
Just a Moment!
Aahh! Quiet...beautiful silence.....can you hear it? The only sounds I hear at this moment is the heater - yes, you read it correctly, the HEATER, the noise of the buses going by, and the sound of the tea kettle telling my water is ready for a cup of delicious Monaco coffee in my favorite coffee cup!
And now I know you are wondering a couple of things at least. First you are still probably hung up on the mention of the heater. Yes, it is cold outside....well, okay it is all a matter of perspective. I realize 61°F is really not THAT cold! But after living in the Philippines for 7 and 1/2 years, 61° might as well be 31°! When you put it in Celsius - it sounds even worse - 16°C!!
Next you are probably wondering how in the world am I experiencing such blissful quietness and solitude? Nope, it is NOT 4a.m.! The kids have gone to bed early (not much nap today, so they - and Mommy - were ready!), and Matt is down playing "futbol" (soccer) with the guys!
Do you ever have days when you wish you had "just a moment"? I find myself repeating those very words every day. My response to Martha calling for help from the bathroom? "Just a Moment" - as I hurriedly dry my hands from washing dishes! My answer to Ian asking for "a snack, Mommy, a snack"? "Just a moment" - as I come in from switching laundry loads that I just remembered! My answer to my Dear Honey needing help with a project? "Just a moment" - as I am finishing up lunch preparations! Sometimes I find myself needing my own "Just a Moment"! Then God sweetly gives me that "moment" - like right now. God has given me this moment to share my cup of coffee and some of my thoughts with you. How thankful I am for these moments.....like when the power goes out while I'm catching up on my blog....!
...Power's back on! When I think about that phrase "Just a Moment" I find myself wondering just how many moments of my day do I actually share with my Saviour? Yes, I have my quiet time every morning, but do I really let Him share every moment of my day with Him - or do I say, "Just a Moment, Lord...!" How thankful I am to realize that my Lord never tells me, "Just a Moment, Sarie....I have to finish the dishes first!" How grateful I am when I think of all the "moments" God has given to me!
Here's a picture of one of my favorite moments! This was at the "Parque de las Aguas" (Park of the Water Fountains). Matt and I got to go there for our anniversary! (Power's out again...my clothes in the dryer will NEVER get dry...but that a "Life on the Mission Field Moment"!)
Have a beautiful week thanking our Saviour for all those "Just a Moments" He gives you this week!
And now I know you are wondering a couple of things at least. First you are still probably hung up on the mention of the heater. Yes, it is cold outside....well, okay it is all a matter of perspective. I realize 61°F is really not THAT cold! But after living in the Philippines for 7 and 1/2 years, 61° might as well be 31°! When you put it in Celsius - it sounds even worse - 16°C!!
Next you are probably wondering how in the world am I experiencing such blissful quietness and solitude? Nope, it is NOT 4a.m.! The kids have gone to bed early (not much nap today, so they - and Mommy - were ready!), and Matt is down playing "futbol" (soccer) with the guys!
Do you ever have days when you wish you had "just a moment"? I find myself repeating those very words every day. My response to Martha calling for help from the bathroom? "Just a Moment" - as I hurriedly dry my hands from washing dishes! My answer to Ian asking for "a snack, Mommy, a snack"? "Just a moment" - as I come in from switching laundry loads that I just remembered! My answer to my Dear Honey needing help with a project? "Just a moment" - as I am finishing up lunch preparations! Sometimes I find myself needing my own "Just a Moment"! Then God sweetly gives me that "moment" - like right now. God has given me this moment to share my cup of coffee and some of my thoughts with you. How thankful I am for these moments.....like when the power goes out while I'm catching up on my blog....!
...Power's back on! When I think about that phrase "Just a Moment" I find myself wondering just how many moments of my day do I actually share with my Saviour? Yes, I have my quiet time every morning, but do I really let Him share every moment of my day with Him - or do I say, "Just a Moment, Lord...!" How thankful I am to realize that my Lord never tells me, "Just a Moment, Sarie....I have to finish the dishes first!" How grateful I am when I think of all the "moments" God has given to me!
Here's a picture of one of my favorite moments! This was at the "Parque de las Aguas" (Park of the Water Fountains). Matt and I got to go there for our anniversary! (Power's out again...my clothes in the dryer will NEVER get dry...but that a "Life on the Mission Field Moment"!)
Have a beautiful week thanking our Saviour for all those "Just a Moments" He gives you this week!
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Riding the Train
I got to ride the train yesterday! I was so excited when my friend Ruth asked me to go material shopping with her in a place called Gamarra! Gamarra is quite a ways from here, and it meant taking the train to get there!
I have always loved trains, so you can imagine my excitement of getting to actually ride on the train. I have been saying for a long time that some day I want to drive the train! I don't think anyone will ever let me drive this train, but who knows?
Gamarra is a place that is (as Matt would say) "slap full" of people! But there are all kinds of material shops there. Any kind of material you can imagine can be found there! I was able to find some material for Martha. She's been growing like a weed and is in need of some new culottes and skirts. There is a Deaf lady (Lupe) here who sews beautifully, so I am planning on asking her if she would be willing to sew some clothes for Martha!
Well, my coffee cup is almost empty, and it is almost time for our language class, so I must run! Have a great day!
I have always loved trains, so you can imagine my excitement of getting to actually ride on the train. I have been saying for a long time that some day I want to drive the train! I don't think anyone will ever let me drive this train, but who knows?
Gamarra is a place that is (as Matt would say) "slap full" of people! But there are all kinds of material shops there. Any kind of material you can imagine can be found there! I was able to find some material for Martha. She's been growing like a weed and is in need of some new culottes and skirts. There is a Deaf lady (Lupe) here who sews beautifully, so I am planning on asking her if she would be willing to sew some clothes for Martha!
Well, my coffee cup is almost empty, and it is almost time for our language class, so I must run! Have a great day!
Monday, July 23, 2012
Welcome!
I have decided that I would like to have my own blog - separate from our website. We will still have the blog on the website. I wanted something that is just for me, and my everyday life - a place to put recipes if I want to, a place to come to with a cup of coffee and share my days with you! So....welcome to my world.....!
Location:
Villa El Salvador, Peru
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