We Moved!

07.29.15

    We are moved into the new house! We moved in on the 27th, Monday. Everything is going good with the neighbors and everything. but we have had a few plumbing problems! The sink has been leaking and we just found that once I drained the kitchen sink, water started pouring from under the wall in the hall! So Heith is calling landlord, and we are hoping she will have it fixed! I met Daniel Monday, saw him again yesterday, and will possible see him again today! He has been helping Heith with lightbulbs and the washer and the sink. Various things around the house. He seems pretty nice but I haven't spent much time with him though. So I don't know yet!

    We cleaned the new house for a whole day and half! It was so dusty! And paint splatters were a nightmare to get off the floors! But we did get it done! Hallelujah!!! I don't think anyone had fingernails after that! Some raw fingers maybe! lol! In the main rooms at least! So, yes, there was more!

    We may be going back to the old house today to clean and make sure we left nothing behind. The day we moved in the new house, our new neighbor brought us lasagna and green beans for supper! It was very good!

    Messy will be working here at the new house too, so she is trying to get used to coming here instead! lol! She keeps getting lost on the way her though it's not far from the old house! For her sake I hope she adapts easily and soon ! :) In the new house I have my own room with my own bathroom! I had my own room in the old house, but we all shared one bathroom (not counting the outside bathroom) [Just a half bath,] but it is still nice!

    We had hamburgers and fried potatoes from the suke down the road and some mac-n-cheese. It was all pretty good. Heith  got the boys bed built today so they wouldn't have to sleep on the floor anymore. Heith and Krystal and I all watched some Leave it to Beaver tonight. Well Heith joined us for the first episode so he could have some of Krystal's Peanut butter M&M's! lol!

    Oh yeah, the plumber came today and let's just say my hopes are not high! He came in telling us what was wrong before we even told him what had been happening! Heith thinks he knows what it is, but the plumber is thinking something completely different. So, I don't know! But I hope they figure it out and get it fixed so we can wash dishes in the sink again! We've been washing dishes in a small blue tub and dumping it out back  when we finish.

    Well, it's kinda late and I'm very tired! I sorry my writing has been scattered, but I've just been writing as I think of it!

        

        ~Sarah :P

P.S. I cannot believe I didn't mention this before, so I'll tell you now! Heith and Krystal had been praying for some good neighbors or friends for the boys. When we went to look at the new house for the first time, we heard a little boy saying hello in English. We looked over and there were white people next door! English speaking white people! We all introduced ourselves and found out not only did they live next door, they were from Indiana! What's more, is they had five kids! three girls and two boys. The four oldest were all about the same ages as the Fussner boys! If you have never been on a foreign field you will probably never understand the depth of how great a blessing this was! The Lord had given not only Krystal and Heith friends, but each of the boys! Our God is awesome! :)

   
         Simply,

               Sarah

Hard and Heavy Burden

I'm taking a break from the journal this week. I hope you don't mind! As Easter Sunday creeps up on us, I am continuely reminded of my Savior and what He has done for us! I know that is not the origin of Easter, but christians have come to celebrate our risen Savior on this day. I hope you enjoy this post!

"God, why is this so hard?" "Why does this have to be so hard?" "why must this burden me so?" "Why is this so heavy Lord?" I ask my Father as I struggle seemingly in vain to find His will for my life.

"Hard?" He asks scoldingly. " You think this is hard?"

Pictures of all He has done for me surface in my mind. This was hard.

Ouch. Though the truth hurts, He is right. This isn't hard. Caring for a people that hate you so much they long to see your blood running down your mangled back, that is hard. Having to banish man from the perfect garden you prepared for him, that is hard. Having to kill an innocent, spotless, lamb You created in order to atone for man's sin, that is hard. Sending Your Son to be born in a stable, knowing that filthy place will be the least of His problems in His life time- that is hard. 

"You're right Father! This is nothing. This is not hard. But it is still heavy!"

"Heavy? Really, Sarah? This is not heavy!"

A deluge of images then rush into my mind: My Savior climbing up Calvary, carrying my cross with the weight of all man's sin on His shoulders. That was heavy. The stones of wrath thrown in anger at Stephen, when his only crime was loving the Lord enough to tell others the hard truth- That was heavy! I then see the teardrops of blood running down my Lord's sweet face as He prepared to take on the weight of the cross, the weight of my sin, and the weight of unrighteousness. That was heavy!

This, my burden, is not. O Lord, my God! How can I say this is a hard, or heavy burden? I pray Father, You help me to see my "burdens" through Your eyes! I pray, You help me to stop worrying and focusing on the power these decisions and situations may have over me and my life! Instead, help me to focus on and trust in Your almighty power, and Your unending grace! 

"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee:

for my strength is made perfect in weakness.

Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities,

that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

2 Corinthians 12:9

May this ever be my prayer O LORD! That your strength would be made perfect through my weakness! Use me even in my weakest hour Father! Use my burdens to pursue Your will, to help Your cause, to make me useful to You! I may not understand everything right now, I may never, but I pray God will receive all the glory! Through the good, the bad, and the difficult times! 

    Simply,
        Sarah

P.S. The Lord continued to speak with me on this matter this week, so I thought this may be worth adding to this post!
My mother, Leah and I were just in Georgia this week. We took a day to run around and see the town my mother grew up in. We visited her old home, got to take a tour and picture all of the stories she has told us come to life in a whole new way!
We visited my Grandmother's grave. We took my pastor's advice and took some time to meditate and read the head stones. We saw a family, a parent and two children, had all passed on the same day. We also came across two children that had passed. One was four years old, and the second, three weeks old. They were siblings. They died about a year apart and  never had a chance to meet on this earth. What really touched me though, was what the headstone of the second child stated: "God is Gracious and Faithful". Soon after that, I came across a stone with the simple, yet sweet lyrics: "Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus". Even in heartache these people seemed to have faith and trust in the Lord! The Lord spoke to me again saying, " Sarah, you have known no heartache. Not true heartache. " This place was filled with the remains of stories and lives I know nothing of, and yet they spoke to me saying, "This hard! But even when life is hard, you can trust in God! He is still in control!"
We also had a chance to visit dear ol' Aunt Jean. I had never had the pleasure of meeting her before, but, what a blessing this ninety year old lady was to me! Even with alzheimers the Lord used her to speak to my heart again! She told us of some of her hardships and heartaches in her life and later stated, "I've lived a good life. It's been hard, but I don't regret a thing!" She is one of the happiest ladies you will ever meet! Someone who has seen true sorrow, endured true heartache, has the peace of God and no regrets! What a beautiful thing! May we all grow to trust the Lord that way! May our trust in God drive out all doubt, all feelings of uneasiness, and lead us to the peace of God we all too often push away with the cares and worries of this life! 
No, Father, this is not heavy! Gladly I will carry my burdens for Your glory! I choose to lay those that are unnecessary down at Your feet! I praise God for His strength in the hard and heavy burdens. I am utterly thankful that He carried the ultimate burden and that He conquered the task by rising on the third day! O thank You, my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

First Time Watching the Boys on my Own in Ethiopia

07.23.15

   

    Meseret came by the work [today], and work she did! Even though there wasn't much work to do!

    Messy went with Heith and Krystal into [what] I think it was Mercato. They dropped her off so she could go ahead to her next job and they went curtain and curtain rod shopping. I stayed at the house with the boys. It was actually pretty quite... for the boys! LOL! But they were all pretty good, so no problems there!

    Heith and Krystal got back after the boys and I had already eaten. The boys ate three pancakes each! Yes, we had pancakes for supper! I didn't cook much back then lol Plus, who doesn't like breakfast for supper? So I had to make another batch for Heith and Krystal and some chocolate chip pancakes for tomorrow.  Which worked out so [that] their food was warm when they got home. Right off the stove actually!

    Krystal showed me all of her new curtains they had made today. Hopefully we can put some up tomorrow!

    [For devotion,] I read some more out of the Charlie Coulson booklet. The boys seem to gobble it up! Krystal and I cleaned the kitchen after the boys were getting ready for bed and now here I am writing! :)

    Oh! While the boys were getting ready for bed Heith told me about Daniel and his sweatshirt! Haha! He was wearing a Justin Bieber one! But people here will wear just about anything, The people also hate gays! It is simply not a part of their culture. So Heith asked Daniel if he knew who [Justin Bieber] was. And of course he didn't. So Heith told him "Well, he's a queer." Lol, Daniel got really mad and was like "No way! Really? My sister bought this for me!" And Heith said, "Maybe a joke?" And Daniel said "Well it's not very funny!" Lol! He was so mad according to Heith and Krystal! They were both laughing as Heith told me the story! It was pretty funny! 

    Yesterday was Brother Bruce Radar's funeral. I haven't heard anything about how it went, but of course we all hope it went well. I hope and pray his family is doing okay! I know it's got to be hard! But with him gone, so is his sickness! He no longer has to worry about any of that! And for that, I am glad! He was ready to go! Well on that note I will stop! I don't know if I'll have time to write tomorrow, because we will be cleaning all day at the new house! Well good-night!

  ~Sarah ;P

Mud House

07.22.15

I can't believe I've been in Africa for almost 2 weeks now! That's crazy! A couple days ago Krystal, the boys, and I all walked to the stores to get bread milk and a couple of other things. We got to try donuts from the bakery. They were actually pretty good! Not nearly as sweet as ours in the US, but they were good! On the way home a man stopped us and said "look my baby." and gestured to his daughter who was probably about 4 or 5 years old. He shook our hands and told his daughter to do the same. She was super cute! I swear it's like we're famous here! ha ha! Seems like a lot of people want to talk to us. Which I don't mind! It's really cool to be able to communicate with the people here. 

We got the chance to go to a traditional Ethiopian house last night! Well, The Fussner's have already been, but it was a first for me! We went to Messeret's house for her young girls' graduation party it was a small mud house. The whole house was smaller than my bedroom at home. Maybe even half the size! it had a small kitchen and bedroom.  One bed, three people. The girls were adorable! Ficarasalaam and her older sister (I can't remember her name) are both beautiful! They are four and five or six years old. 

The food messeret made was so good! I would've eaten so much more, but I had too  take it easy because my stomach has already been a little upset since I've been here. But it was all Ethiopian food with the exception of lasagna. Cabbage and potatoes, green beans and carrots, bread, spring rolls, rice, and some other foods I don't know how to pronounce yet! But all that was homemade! [We had pretty good spread!]

We stayed for a couple of hours and visited with Messy and her girls, neighbors, friends, and family. Most cotuld speak some English, but some couldn't. Most were women but there were some men, but we didn't speak with them. I don't think they could speak English. The lady seemed impressed with the AMHARIC that Heith and Joshua knew.   

They are very pushy when it comes to food! You finisa plate they tell you to get more. No matter how much you eat or say no thank you! Lol! Ficarasalaam spent most of the night in Hheith's laps teaching him new words in Amharic.. And he taught her some English words. Both of Messy's girls caun read and write in English but they can't speak it. But Fica knows what cake is! LOL! [While] waiting for the food, we sat on the bed with the window open and the gate was open as well. Some of the kids passing by stopped to wave and blow kisses to us! It was so funny! They kept coming back too! LOL! When we gave the girls their present of chocolates and we're getting ready to leave, Ficarasalaam came to me and I started talking to her. I said "Ficarasalaam?" And pointed to her. And she started smiling and nodding your head yes. Then I pointed to myself and said "Sarah". She repeated Sarah and her grin grew bigger. She was so cute! She started playing with my hair and seemed like she was just having a ball playing with it! 

There was also a little girl there named Sarah. Heith told her my name with Sarah to and she started just grinning. She came over by me later and I pointed at her and said "Sarah!" Then pointed at myself and said the same. She started smiling and nodding then ran off to play. It was really fun to see and experience so much culture at once! We had homemade coffee and got to watch them cook the beans and everything! I thought it was good! We had chocolate cake.it was good, but since they use real sugar and not a lot it wasn't very sweet. The coffee here is so much better than American coffee! Though it was a small madhouse we said a lot of people and they're pretty comfortably and they had electricity! So that was nice!  

Messy has an oven small enough that she alone can carry it! It was pretty cool! Messy walked us out so we would make it up the slippery uphill climb that was their walkway to the house. It was dark so messy held her held my hand until we reached the stairs at the top. We hugged and said ciao. When we arrived earlier for the party message showed me how to properly greet someone. You take the person's hand and lean in and kiss close to their face three times. But I've seen people say goodbye the same way. Miss you seemed really happy that we came and she just kept thanking us! We had a pretty quiet ride home. We sauce two horses in the middle of the road, the car in front of us barely missed one of them! 
Once we got home and got the boys in bed, Krystal told me that Joshua was scared [and having a hard time going to sleep. He was pretty concerned and Krystal tried to console him.] Krystal prayed with him and he went to sleep.  he was almost crying when he was telling Krystal about it so he was pretty torn up about it. Krystal told me some about some violent things they had seen and that was common but she said that what Joshuah just described wasn't something she expected to see on the side of a busy road. So I don't know but I just hope Joshua can either forget about it or find peace about it through prayer! 
we continued  to talk about how the night had gone and the plans for the rest of the week,  and then we went straight to bed! Today nothing much but cleaning and we will probably try to pack a bit. Messy and her girls are coming to visit on Saturday so I'm excited about that! I get to meet Daniel on Monday he comes to help us move. Daniel is sort of like the fussners interpreter. Well, that's about it! Hopefully within the next week or two I can update my blog!(which I never got to do in Ethiopia! Lol!)

         Simply,
                Sarah

 I apologize for the vagueness of the last story! I decided it best to leave some of that out. But please let this be a reminder to pray for not only the missionaries, but their children! Moving to a new place is hard enough, but when the culture is full of violence and filth, it can affect the MK's in a big way! So please don't forget to pray for missionary kids! 

First visit to Sishu's

I have been staying busy! I haven't gotten around to posting lately! Life is about to become extremely busy, and there will be no apologies from me! I do want to try to stay on schedule as much as possible! Thank you to those that keep me committed! ;) I am going to miss some weeks this summer for sure! Life happens, and I refuse to apologize for living life, rather than sitting on the computer to write a post! I love my blog and I absolutely love that people are interested in reading what I write. I guess what I am trying to say is this: I will not be able to write every week like I did last year! I will try, but no promises! I will try to expound on all that is going on at a later date; but for now, lets get on with today's post! :) Thank you all for your understanding and for keeping up with my blog! :)

07.17.15

    Well, we are beginning to very slowly pack things away to move! Heith and Krystal closed on the house yesterday!

   Oh! And a couple of days ago we went out to eat at a burger place. The name of the restaurant is Sishu, just in case you find yourself in the area and need a good place to eat ;P It was so good! It was pretty cool too, because the tables, booths and even the highchairs were all made out of paper mache! It was pretty cool! The food was great! The ketchup was very different and the coke was too! But it was good! We also went out for ice cream and coffee afterwards, and it was all so good! The coffee, OH MY WORD! I'm hoping to bring some home with me! Which I did! :) Still have some uncooked beans :)

Krystal and I are probably going to be making a lot of curtains soon! Once we figure out what she wants to do with the curtains she has. 

    I've learned a few more words! I understand these may be completely wrong in spelling, and if you have knowledge in the Amharic language, please feel free to correct my errors!

 yik’irita (Yee-kirt-a) is excuse me.

Birr is one of the first words I learned. It is like a dollar to them, but 1 birr equals about two cents in American money. Most things here seem to be pretty cheap, food does anyways. The housing and vehicles on the other hand are quite expensive! $2000 dollars in US money a month is a good price for a nice house!

    Meseret, the Fussner's serantina, is really sweet and good at what she does! I really hope she finds the LORD! She worked for another missionary family before she worked for the Fussners so she has definitely had a Christian influence in her life.  Please continue to pray for her salvation!

    Devotion went well last night! The boys seemed to love it! I read a couple of pages of Charlie Coulson's story. I plan to finish over the couple of weeks but we will see!

    Heith is fixing the light in my room. It stopped working a couple of days ago! Don't know why yet!  I think it was just wacky Ethiopian wiring lol!

    I love going outside with the people here! Lol! Everyone stares and waves at us ferenjis! Some point and yell "Ferenjis!" or "Americano!" Lol! It's pretty rare for white people to live here I guess! They all want to talk to "the white people"! They don't seem to be prejudice as a whole, but we do stand out!

    Krystal is probably going to start school in a couple of weeks so I will be keeping the boys a [lot] more! Which is why I'm here! Well, I'll write more later!

    ~Sarah ;P

P.S. I walked down the street today with Joshuah to get Coke & Sprite at the sukes. [One man spoke to me saying] "You! How you do today?" I smiled and said "good". He seemed pretty happy to communicate with a ferenji! lol

Another group of guys passed us and one [proclaimed] "You look just like my sister! I love you! I love you so much!" Haha! I just laughed and kept walking as did they, but it was pretty funny! I also remember his buddies all elbowing him and laughing. I thought they were going to trip they were laughing so much! Joshuah and I laughed the rest of the way there and back! lol! Heith enjoyed this story, and I have heard him repeat it or he would have me tell it many times! lol! I really like it here!

The wonderful Sishu burger!

        Simply,

              Sarah 

Fussner's New Bate (House)

07.13.15

    The Fussners have a found a house! It is beautiful! They are hoping to move in as soon as the contract with this house is done, which is in 4-5 weeks! It is just completely perfect for all their needs! So praise the Lord for that! So, there you have it! My excuse for not writing was we had been busy looking at houses, and cleaning!
    I really love it here! So far I haven't missed any items or possessions from the states! Of course, I miss the people back home, but I cannot yet say I am homesick! 
    Krystal cracks me up! We just finished getting rid of all the mosquitoes we could possibly find in the boys room and also my own! It was quite hilarious to watch her! I told her I will eventually catch it on camera! Lol! Unfortunately, I never did! :(
    Heith has had quite a bit of building to do since he's been here it seems. He built my bedframe, his own iron bed, (Which was beautiful by the way!) and a wooden ladder. He also had time to make a wooden gun for the boys! LOL! 
    Since I have been here, Heith has been pretty busy with [language] school. I've been trying to pick up on the language a bit so I know how to say a few words. Not spell though!
"Wooha" ውሃ means water. 
"Ciao" means goodbye. 
"Sa-lam-no" =Hello
Still trying learn all that!
    The Fussners have a "ser-en-tiña" to help around the house, but she is also a friend to Krystal :). her name is Meseret. She is lost and she has two young girls. please pray for Meseret's salvation
    The Fussner's are hoping to start a Bible study once they get settled in their new home. Heith also assigned Thursday night devotions to me! So I'm going to have to think and pray about that!
    Well, I'm falling asleep while writing so I [will] write more later!

    Simply,
         Sarah

Arrival

This week I'm going to do this a bit different! I'm going to add a bit of commentary to the journal entrée. Let me know if you enjoy this or if it throws you off!

07.09.15

 

    Well, I had some serious jet-lag yesterday! To the point I was literally falling asleep standing up! But I made it!  The flight was long, but good! I watched TV, finished a book, played some short games on my kindle, [and] slept very little! I got up one time the entire thirteen hours I was on that plane! But I think I timed it just right because I didn't feel swollen at all. I beside a couple that were on their way to Uganda with a [church] group to help missionaries.  From the way they talked about it they often went to help missionaries around the world! Which was cool. I don't know if they were Christians but they definitely seemed to have good intentions! (I did talk with them a bit about their church and the work they were doing. I believe they were from a non-denominational church.)

Once I got to Addis Abba (which is where the Fussners live), I had found a lady to show me where luggage was located, then I found a man to keep pointing me a little farther, then another lady came to me and showed me which line to be in to get my luggage! LOL! Once I got in line, I met a man who said he was from Memphis! I think we both kinda were a little excited to know we were both from TN! But we made small talk until he went to the desk to get his passport checked out as we all had to do. 

    I went to get my luggage, [and] of course, being a little white girl, I stick out anyway! I obviously stuck out trying to continuously find the luggage! I got a lot of help and finally made it to baggage claim! I paid a guy WAY too much to help me, but he kept asking for more even after I gave him [a whopping] $25 [in] American cash! Haha! Stupid move on my part! But he did help me a lot! In my defense, I was tired, and really didn't care! I was just ready to get out of there to see the Fussners! but I finally put my foot down, and said no more! To which he thanked me and quickly went away! Probably afraid I would realize what a fool I was and try to take some of it back! Whatever! At least I know now! I hope he uses it wisely! LOL! Oh well!

    I made it out (with the rest of my money lol)  to Heith and we hugged. I'm really sentimental when I'm jetlagged right? lol Then we were on our way! I learned within the first few minutes of being here, they are all very willing to help you, for a price! Lol! Well we made our way to the house in the "mecina" (car) and heith showed me through town a bit and taught me a few words in Amharic. Ethiopia is definitely a very different place, but as of day two, I would way rather live here than in Washington DC! I was tired of it after just one day!

    Yesterday was pretty much a blur to me! I stayed awake for [probably] 29 hours [give or take a few]! Taking tiny naps on the plane that were maybe 2 hours together! So last night I slept for about ten to twelve hours! Call me lazy, but I felt great today! Well, I will write more tomorrow about what all went on today because it is midnight and I'm still getting over a tiny bit of jetlag!  (and... I don't write for another four days... but I had good reason! I'll save that for next week though ;) )

Ethiopia bound

    I must apologize for the lateness of this week's post! My excuse is a bit of a measly one; I was cleaning house for a game night with friends! (which was fun btw!) so sorry, not sorry! :) life comes first y'all!

    Between the last entry and this one, a big change had already happened in my heart! At youth camp on Thursday night, I got assurance of my salvation, and took a step in straightening out my strained relationship with the Lord. Thank God for His forgiveness and mercy when I failed and doubted Him time after time through the years!

Also, I stayed in Washington for one day and one night with my mom, which was really nice to have that extra bit of time together to sight see a little bit and just spend some quality time together. Though we didn't get a chance to see much of anything, we enjoyed the last bit of time we had before I headed to Ethiopia.

I will try to keep this short, but I hope you enjoy this entree!

07.08.15

    I am on the plane headed towards Ethiopia! I'm still not sure what to expect! But I think if I can get all of my luggage then I'll be fine! I had to check even my carry-on because it was too heavy! So I'm really hoping it all makes it there! If not, I have no clothes except the ones on my back! 

    As I've been sitting here looking out my window [I've been] think[ing], "Why did God place all of this up here where we wouldn't see it for centuries?" I think God likes to see us discover His creation one piece at a time, and He will continue to let us discover the beautiful pieces of His creation until He is ready for us to see it all at once! Now that will be a day! 
    Well, I'm going to try to sleep, beings that once I get there it will be about 7am [10pm our time!]

Simply,
    Sarah

Ethiopian Journey Begins

Here is the first of hopefully many more Ethiopian journal entrees I plan to post. I immensely enjoyed my time there and don't mind reliving a bit of it with you guys! That is, if you all enjoy this particular post! Please let me know what you think and if you'd like more! If I don't get any complaints I am going to continue sharing them! There may be some entries and bits I leave out, simply because some things are better left private. I don't know about you guys, but as I reread some entries on my own, I began to see a difference in how I viewed things and how my whole outlook on life began to change. It's kind of neat for me expecally, knowing what was going through my head and what I was struggling with through that time in my life. I hope you enjoy reliving this journey with me!

06.14.15

I haven't even left yet and the Lord has already started to teach me things through this trip to Ethiopia! I am still learning, but I am trying to learn patience! And to control my stress level! A lot goes into a 3 month long trip like this! I am super excited to get there and be a blessing to the Fussners. I know Krystal is ready for me to get there as well! Lol! She has texted me almost every single day trying to make sure everything is on track! I will be honest, it can annoying at times, being that I'm extremely busy with Izzy, VBS, youth camp, and even Rae (Izzys sister) through VBS week! So much going on and going through my head these past few months. I just hope to set them all aside this week at youth camp so the Lord can truly speak to my heart and prepare me for my trip. I haven't had a great relationship with Him as of late, but I truly hope and pray that can change through this week and my trip. 

Simply,

     Sarah

Goodbye Tuesday, Hello Friday!

     I apologize in advance for the super short post today! I could give you every excuse in the book, but I'll simply say, "life happens!" and move on from there! I will add, my sister Bekah has been terribly sick and we all covet all of your prayers! Thank you!

 

    You're probably wondering, "What in the world happened to the consistent weekly posts we were promised?" Well, my dear readers, I must admit that promise has been a bit hard to keep this year and the year has only just begun! So, my solution is to try a new day of the week! Friday seems promising! I am going to try to post every Friday starting next week on the 10th. I simply have too much going on on Tuesdays so I've thought instead of cramming so much into one day I am trying to even out the load a bit for myself.

    Also, I will probably become a bit lax even on Fridays, as I have much to do when it comes to writing! I have three books I want to write! Two I have started, one I have not! The one I haven't started probably has me the most excited to be honest! I am planning on reading years and years worth of my great grandmother's diaries in hopes to put together a biography about her life. I also have hopes to at least put a dent in the fiction book I have started this year as well. Whether I share that or not will depend on how it turns out. :) Writing the fictional book, and the research for the biography will be more than enough to keep me busy this year! But of course being the ambitious fool I am, I am also trying to tackle a few languages! At least learning the basics. oh and don't forget the bedroom project I would love to do! We shall see at the end of this year how well my ambitions play out! Maybe I will have read through 3 years worth of diaries and will have written a good portion of my fictional book in my newly remodeled bedroom! Again, we shall see won't we? One can be hopeful, right?
   
    I definitely have a list of things I'd like to get done this year, and yet I am not going to be too disappointed if they are not all achieved this year! I have a feeling God may change my plans, and that is okay with me! I am willing to throw all of my blueprints out the window to allow my God to be the superior designer of my life! Though I do wish I could see His blueprint spread out before me, I know I can trust Him!


    I'd love to hear about what you guys have going on and what your plans for this year entail!
Until next Friday!


Simply,
     Sarah
      

Safety

    I must take a moment this morning to brag on my God! How I thank the Lord for safety! Sometimes He keeps me safe from things I don't know about at all and other times He makes His presence known through His safety! This past week, a friend from church was in a single engine plane crash. I thank God for keeping him safe! The Lord has taken care of him every step of the way throughout his recovery thus far. I also have a friend that just left for Indonesia. He also made it safely! The family I stayed with in Ethiopia just traveled back to the states back in November. I have many friends around the globe who travel and though I worry sometimes, I know the Lord has His hand upon them!

    I've also seen what some people, including myself, would consider miracles! A lady in church recently had a scare with brain cancer. Guess what? No brain cancer! No brain damage after removing the tumor! What a blessing! I've seen children that have lived through car accidents and cancer, and injuries that could have very well taken their lives! I myself was sick as a child, I don't know if it was serious enough to say it was a life or death situation, but I know the Lord kept me safe! He kept me here for some reason!  

Psalm 91:1 says,

 "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty."

    I have a problem with worrying, with giving my burdens to the Lord. But I see through all of my worrying, it is only proving my distrust to God! I was upset and worried about something that has been on my mind for sometime now, and as I poured out my heart to a dear friend and counselor of mine, he said, "But do we still trust God?" That convicted me! Do I trust God? Watching miracle after miracle through my lifetime and seeing His hand move in so many ways and in so many various lives including my own, how can I not?

    The safety of the Lord is simply one way He proves His love for us. I don't know if I fall "in the secret place of the most High" but I know, the Lord has over shadowed me since day one! So maybe I do! I have felt His presence throughout my life, and I know He will take care of me. A resolution for the year of 2017, not just an ambition, is to cast all my care upon him! Why? Because He careth for me! This is easier said than done! But it is doable!

"Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you."

1 Peter 5:7

 

    So not only should we trust Him, we should thank Him! Thank Him that He looks over our sin and filthy way of living and comes down to where we are in order to love and keep us safe as His children! What a God! That he would care for us! Thank Him! For He is worthy of all of our admiration! And our trust!

   

    Simply,

          Sarah

Perfect

   

    Happy new year everyone! I hope you all enjoyed the holiday season! I sure did! We had A LOT of gatherings at my house! I believe I speak for everyone when I say we enjoyed it all immensely! Now that all of that is over, my family is getting into wedding preparation mode! So much to do and so little time! Well, not so much to do, just so little time! We have only four days left! But that is not what I will be focusing on in this post! Today, I want to focus on what so many people do at the beginning of a new year. New year's resolutions. I quit making a list of resolutions last year, because I hate making promises or resolutions I'm not sure I can keep. So I started making a list of ambitions last year. Whatever we call them, we all have some things we hope to achieve in this new year! 

    

    We all strive for perfection, at least I hope we do! But What is perfect? Is it even possible? No, it's not. So why try, you ask? Well, to be perfect is an impossible thing if you are simply asking "Can I be perfect?" It is impossible to be perfect in an imperfect world, especially if you think about why it is imperfect! Mankind made it imperfect, how can we perfect ourselves? How can the unclean make the dirty clean?

"But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible."

    Now lets go to the dictionary and check it out. Today's dictionary will tell you that the word "perfect" means: "having all the required or desirable elements, qualities, or characteristics; as good as it is possible to be." But if you go back to the origin, the Latin word perfectus, when broken down it means, Do completely, or thorough. Now, I found this quite different from the modern dictionaries definition. Especially when you put it in a Bible context.

Matthew 5:48 "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect"

    If to be perfect means to be thorough, then these hopes we have to "perfect" ourselves this year, would mean being thorough in our resolutions and/or ambitions! To do them completely! Another definition I have heard for the word perfect is mature. I'd say it is a sign of maturity to be thorough and never leave things half way done! We are all guilty at one point or another of this, but lets resolve or make it an ambition to do better this year! Let's give it our all this year!
   
    We have our ambitions, resolutions, and goals for this year, but have we considered the good LORD's plan for us this year? I'm afraid we too often dwell on our own plans rather than searching for the will of our heavenly Father! How sad! Take a moment, if you will, to meditate on these things. Look at your lists of goals for the year of 2017 and ask the LORD if He has plans and goals He would like to add, or even take away. Are we willing? Willing to let the Lord be the Lord of our goals? Our lives? Are we ready to completely surrender our lives to follow the example Christ left for us? The perfect example of a perfect life?
   
    So to answer the question: Can we be perfect? No, not on our own. But, with God, yes, we can be perfect! How do I know this? Because I do not believe the Lord set unrealistic goals for us! We can see in His word he commands us to be perfect. It is encouraging to me that God has confidence that we can be perfect! That is enough to motivate me! The God of the universe believes that I, a sinner, can be free from sin! What? That just sounds too good to be true! But it is! Let's not let Him down! Let us lay our sin down at His feet and run the race of patience in the perfection of our LORD Jesus Christ! Let us answer the call into perfection!
  
    I simply felt I should give you this charge today. I do want to share something with you guys that I have found very "cool" in my opinion! Lately, my posts have been lining up with sermons or other things around me. For an example, I had started this post not sure if or when I would post it, and the following Sunday guess what my Sunday School teacher touched on? Perfection! He spoke about Examining ourselves and striving to be an "all in Christian" or a whole Christian. A mature or perfect Christian. You couldn't have slapped the grin off my face! I was touched that the Lord had heard my thoughts, and cared enough to answer through a message on Sunday! Nonetheless, I believe I needed the message without my silly blog! I'm grateful the Lord continually shares His heart with me, and allows me to share mine with Him! Though this may sound silly to you guys, for me, it was a small gesture from my sweet Lord for which I am continually grateful!


Simply,
    Sarah
  

Home

Hello Everyone!

  Here is just something I wrote when I started missing home in Ethiopia. Sometimes it takes a bit of distance to obtain some clarity. You don't always realize how important some things and people are to you until you can't see or talk with them everyday. I was thankful to find this as a bit of a reminder right before Christmas what this season should be about! I hope you all took time to appreciate your home and your family this holiday season! I hope you enjoy!

Home

[09.03.15]

  "Home. Home sweet home. Home is where the heart is. I have heard these quotes my entire life. I have seen them in and on placks hanging in a myriad of houses. Though they may be considered cheesy or cliché, I have found them to be very true!

  While I have enjoyed my time in Ethiopia, there is something extremely sweet about the name Carthage Tennessee. To me, though I may get a bit stir crazy at times, that is home to me. That is where I grew up. That is where my greatest memories were made. That is where my family is. The greatest treasure I can ever hope to have in this world!

  Within the small town of Carthage Tennessee, is a little house, that holds the most important people to me in the whole world. It holds some of the best and worst memories. But through each of these times the people there have grown closer than before. None of us are perfect, but that's a big part of what makes that place home. We have rejoiced together at each success, we have sorrowed together at each loss, we have laughed together, and at each other. So many emotions and memories within those walls! So to me home is not some magical place where everything is perfect and peaceful. Home is where people can be people . Home is a place where you can be yourself. Home is where everyone knows how weird you are, tells you how weird you are, but loves you despite all of your flaws! Through your faults and failures home is a safe haven. Home is not perfect, but perfection isn't what we should strive for, because we will never reach it on our own. Strive to have a relationship with Christ and the closest thing to perfection we can have on this earth will be possible! 

  There is a hope and a joy that comes from being home. It's a good place to recharge. Though I would have loved growing up on the countryside, I would not have changed the home I grew up in for anything! Those creaky floors, those brick walls, those slanted floors, that caramel can imprint on the kitchen ceiling, those rusty old iron rails on the front porch... I could go on and on about the imperfections of the place, but we made memories running and sliding on those slanted floors, running around and climbing those brick walls, sliding down the old stairs on mattresses, laughing as we cleaned up the caramel all over the kitchen, hanging garlands and sitting on the front porch eating lunch on a nice summer's day. I love thinking back to all of the memories I have made in that little humble house! But to be honest the house is just a house. That place would not be worth a dime to me without my family. That is home. Where my family is. Where we can laugh, joke, and poke fun at each other. Where we can be ourselves and know that no matter what we will always be there for one another. That is what home is to me. Home is family. My Family."


    
    I thought it was neat that I already had this written and ready to go and my pastor spoke about the home on Sunday! "Home is a difficult word to define", He stated. Maybe I touched to definition of the word! "Home is not in a place, but in a Person." He said. Oh to be in our eternal home with Christ our Savior! I hope you all have that hope! I'm not sure when that day will be, but can you imagine the glory of that day? Though I long for that home, I am thankful for my temporary home as well! The Lord has been so good to me and I cannot tell you why, except to say what He reminds me of daily! He loves me. He loves me! How could He ever love me? A sinner saved by grace, redundantly returning to that sin He continues to bring me out of! How great Thou art my gracious Father! How can I give Him anything but love? I want to appreciate my Home more. Not only this season, but for the rest of my days!
Another angle we could look at is this: "Home is where the heart is" Yes, I know, it's a bit of a cliché quote, but ask yourself, "Where is my heart?" Your heart can be anywhere or in anything. The heart is a flexible thing in where it can fit into any place you decide to put it. So where is it? It will be revealed in the way you live. Your habits and your conversation will give you away. Is it your job? Your possessions? Your family? Your pets? Or maybe it's something that shouldn't be in your life at all? Maybe it is a habit that is tearing your family apart or numbing you spiritually. Whatever it is, that is personal, but the Lord gave His life so that you might give Him yours! Give him your heart! Saved or lost! If you are lost, I ardently hope you give your heart over to the Lord! If you are saved, well you already have haven't you? But you continually take it back for yourself. I know I am guilty of this from time to time! It is easy to forget to whom you belong when you have a free will, but without free will our relationship with Christ would be mechanical and nothing special. Can you choose Him again? Choose Him daily! If "Home is where the heart is", where is your Home? Is it in Christ? 


I hope you all had a very merry Christmas, and I wish you all a happy new year!    

  Simply,

      Sarah

P.S. Hey guys and gals! I truly appreciate hearing from you guys! Give me some ideas on what to rant about next or even some tips on how I can my blog more enjoyable for you! Thank you for reading!

Encourage/ Update

   

    Wow! 2017 is swiftly approaching! How can this be? Cornerstone's mission's conference this year was tremendous! Though we missed having our regular preacher, Bro. Danny Farley, we heard some much needed messages from Bro. Brent Logan. I am so glad the Lord worked it out for him to come!
    Our giving for the coming year was projected to be almost 715,000 on Wednesday night. The following Sunday night it had raised to about $762,000! Praise be to GOD! Now we must be faithful to give as we promised. I am confident in my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ!
    Though I am disappointed the great conference is over, all good things must come to an end. I am excited to see what the LORD has planned for the new year! A fresh start. Hmm, that sounds nice! This has been a good year all in all, but it has definitely had it's ups and downs! A new year makes me feel as if I can start over. Rewind, take a step back and reflect on the past year in order to do better in the next. Boy, do I have some work to do!
    I am not in the mood to lecture this morning, but to encourage! I know we can all use a bit of encouragement every now and then! I sure do! I encourage you to pass on the encouragement this season! A simple, "I'm praying for you" or "Keep doing right" may make more of an impact than you realize! I am convinced that I have the best group of friends anyone could ask for! I have friends that encourage me in the way they live and with their words. The Lord knows exactly what we need when we need it. The Lord may decide to use you to lift up a brother or sister out of discouragement! Don't squelch that opportunity!
    I don't know why, but within the hustle and bustle of the season I can easily become stressed and discouraged with all the things going on! It is also easy to lose focus and become so busy we forget what we are supposed to be celebrating! A simple word from a friend to tell me they are praying for me, sends my focus spinning back into place. These are the friends I hope to keep throughout my life time! I love you all!
   As of other happenings:
• Some of my best friends just returned from Ethiopia about two weeks ago! It is great having the Fussners back in the states! How I have missed them!
• Christmas, Christmas, Christmas!!! Parties and shopping and lists and decorating and yes it is that time of year again! I do enjoy getting together with family and friends simply to spend time together!
• Wedding showers and preparations! Yes my little sister's wedding date is almost here! January 7th will be here before we know it! Twenty-five days!
• My cousin, Caleb, just got married as well!
That is enough to keep us busy!
Thanksgiving went great! I think everyone enjoyed themselves for which I am thankful! I am looking forward to Christmas now! Just please don't come too quickly, I am not quite ready! ;)
Well, this post is another bunch of my ramblings! Hopefully, once the holiday season is over, I'll be able to sit and write something of substance! I will be taking another break for the holidays until the 27th!
As always, thank you for your time! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! May you all stay warm and well!


  Simply,
        Sarah

Survey!

Hello everyone!

    Let's do a bit of a throwback, shall we? I used to love doing surveys in my tween years, so why not give it another go? Huh? You guys can learn some oh so random facts about me, and maybe I can have a bit of fun in the process. Also we can get some of the annoying holiday questions out of the way! :) It may be a tad bit juvenile, but here it goes!

1. What is your full name? Sarah Gayle Aulridge
2. When is your birthday? June 25, 1996
3. How tall are you? 4'11"
4. What do you miss? Ethiopia
5. Favorite color? Always changing, but at the moment it is forest green. But I always come back to light pink for some reason.
6. Favorite quote? "What we do in life echos in eternity"
7. Favorite place? Any road in my car :)
8. Favorite food? Open faced sandwishes
9. Favorite movie? The Gladiator
10. Musical group? The John Marshall Family
11. Musical instrument? I take piano, took clarinet, and guitar. I wasn't too keen on the clarinet, but I enjoyed guitar. Just decided to focus on one thing at a time :)
12. First thing you notice in a new person? Honestly, height. lol Then smile
13. Shoe size? 6
14. Eye color? Hazel- Brown and green
15. Hair color? Brown
16. Ever pulled prank? Yes! I love pranks!
17. Favorite song? Currently, "All Along"
18. My current relationship status? Single
19. Favorite holiday? I really like the Fourth of July, but Thanksgiving and Christmas have to be at the top of my list!
20. Do you have/want any piercings? My ears are pierced and that's enough for me.
21. Do you have/want any tattoos? Nope and nope!
22. Last book you completed? The Voice in the Wind
23. The last person you texted? Aunt Dana (One of my many "Mother #2"s lol)
24. How many past relationships? None
25. How long does it take you to get ready? Depends. if I have two hours I might take it! but if I am in a hurry and only have 15 minutes, I can be ready in probably 5 minutes. Granted I may look like I got ready in the dark, but yeah 5 minutes! :)
26. Music at a loud or reasonable level? Loud can be a reasonable level right?
27. Do you enjoy the outdoors? I am not very athletic, but yes I immensely enjoy the outdoors
28. Favorite form of exercise? Hiking or walking/running
29. Do you have any allergies? Possibly gluten, and fall or any other major "transition season" lol
30. How often do you get on Facebook? About twice a week
31. Where do you work? State Farm office as the front desk secretary
32. How many siblings do you have? I have four sisters. Only three at home though. Two as of January though- She's getting married!
33. What was your favorite subject in school? English. I love English! With the exception of my junior year. I hated all school that year. But I probably soaked up more information that year than any other in Writing.
34. What college major would you like to pursue? Oh so many possibilities! Maybe an English Major. That's what I am throwing around right now anyways.
35. Sarcasm? Yes or No? Blahahahahahahahahahaha!!!! No. ( For those of you that don't understand the language of sarcasm, that means yes.)
36. Three of your biggest fears? Falling, rejection, and spiders. In that order.
37. Favorite candy? Peanut butter M&M's
38. Most books read at once? Seven or eight
39. Favorite childhood book? Danny's Dinosaur, Ten apples on top, I'll Love You Forever, Curious George, The Lazy Lady Bug, I Love You, Blue Kangaroo!,... And tons and tons more! ...Okay you get it, my parents read to me a lot as a kid!
40. Favorite childhood movie? Toy story 2, because Jesse is awesome. I am was Jesse!
41. Favorite childhood toy? My Woody doll.
42. Favorite sport? Basketball
43. Place you would like to travel? Everywhere! But I'm probably supposed to pick one. For vacation, Italy. For missions, A jungle somewhere :) Anywhere really.
44. First car? A White 1992 Honda Accord. AKA Stella, yes I name my cars...
45. Favorite season? Summer!
46. Idea of a perfect evening? A rainy day with a mesmerizing book and Ethiopian coffee in hand, cuddled under my favorite quilt
47. Idea of a perfect date? Hiking, and a picnic or stargazing. Nothing big and fancy. Just sweet and simple.
48. Would you like to get married one day? Yes, I would love to!
49. Do you want kids? If so, how many? Definitely! At the very least four. Seven sounds like a good number to me.
50. How long does it take on average to write a blog post? About 2 hours.


I don't know if you guys enjoyed that or not, but it was actually kinda fun for me :)
With thanksgiving and Christmas and mission's conference at my church all being right around the corner, I have decided it best to take a break from my blog for a while. I will not be posting for two weeks. My next post will be on December 13th. I hope you all have a great thanksgiving this week wherever and with whoever you spend it! Happy holidays everyone!


  Simply,
        Sarah 

Stronger



Hiking at Fall Creek Falls
Photo Creds go to Kelley :)

Hiking Trip

[11.12.16]

  I went hiking with a group of friends from church today and I continuously thought, " Oh how the Lord continues to bless me!" I spent the day with friends I've had my whole life and some that are a bit new to my life. Though they all come from different places and backgrounds, they all continue to grow more and more important in my heart. If you have ever been in a time of your life when you didn't have many good friends, you will appreciate them all the more when you do have them! I know I do! I thank God for good godly friends that make an effort to do right! And influence me to do the same!

  Today I was asked by one of these friends if I had found some inspiration for writing while hiking. Did I find inspiration today? Yes. Yes I did. I found inspiration soon after this question. Not that I wasn't looking for it before, but I couldn't seem to see it when I could feel it was staring me straight in the face! So I gave a simple  "I don't know yet." answer and then prayed, " God, inspire me please! What am I missing? Help me to see what you would have me to see." Then boom! There was today's post! I was surrounded by inspiration within a second. So much that I'm afraid this post may appear a bit scattered. It's amazing what a small prayer can do! Huh? There was the intro! On to the actual post!

Hiking

  "Life is a journey." "It isn't about the destination, but the journey to get there." "Life is a climb, but the view is great." There are many quotes to choose from when it comes to finding an analogy for this life. Many have to do with hiking, or climbing. Life can be hard sometimes, and that's, well,... life. It's not always fair, or easy, but if we quit paying attention to only our footing we will be able to enjoy the beauty of the journey! Have some faith in this life! Look up! Yes, there are some times we must be tedious in our journey, but we are missing the blessings that are right in front of us if we choose to do so all of the time! Take some time to enjoy the journey! It doesn't have to all be full of somberness and perfection. Life is messy and it is no use trying to make it perfect. Just make sure it is worthwhile. Make sure it's clean and holy and lifting up the name of Jesus! Don't forget your destination, but enjoy the path God has laid before you! Have "Joy in the Journey!"

Trees

  As the guys were messing with some of the smaller trees trying to bend or even brake them, I saw that they weren't always as weak as they appeared. Sometimes the smaller "trees" being more flexible and willing to bend their natural will can be stronger than the tree growing naturally in one fixed direction. Some trees may look big and strong and beautiful, but are completely hollow on the inside. Where a smaller tree can be stronger because it is full of life. I see this as a great analogy of our salvation in Christ! When we are saved the Lord fills us with the life and strength of Jesus Christ. But if we try to only look and act the part of someone important or even saved ,the outside truly is not what matters. It's what is on the inside that really counts! No matter how big, strong, and beautifully put together we may look, without Christ on the inside we are all weak! A more uplifting side of this is this: even the smallest, and weakest of us can be made strong through the salvation of Christ our Lord!

  Now for those of us that are saved, we can also take a lesson away from this. Do we grow how we want to grow or do we allow flexibly for the Lord to bend us wherever He desires? He won't brake us without making us better than we were before! He may brake you, but He will never leave you broken! Unless you are stubborn and decide to try to fix it yourself. Believe me, it doesn't work that way!

  Another one of my friends looked at a tree that had grown in an seemingly disfigured way. "Can you tell me why that tree is growing that way?" This question being laced with a bit of sarcasm, I didn't take it completely serious. Why does God choose to grow us in the way He does? Though we may not understand, and the way of the LORD can seem odd to us, I know He has a plan that is better than anything we could've ever imagined! Just think of Joshua and the wall of Jericho! What an odd list of requests the LORD asked of the Israelites! I cannot tell you why the LORD chooses to do things the way He does, only that we must trust Him and His will, not our own. The obvious way is not always the best way! His way truly is perfect!

Roots

  I found myself watching my footing a lot in order not to fall. There were a lot of roots which to me were quite "cool" and very beautiful in their own way. Ironically, I've been thinking and praying about this a lot lately as you all know! My own roots. I've been hesitant to plant myself here for fear of the Lord uprooting me and moving me elsewhere. That would okay with me, though I know it could be painful to leave everything behind. We grow through our pain. Despite myself, I see the Lord has planted me here. Also, it's not exactly about planting myself in a place as much as it is planting myself in the Lord!  How much stronger I could be if I quit worrying about what place I need or want to be and simply focused on where I am in my walk and relationship with my Savior? It's funny how God can use even my clumsiness to teach me a lesson. It just goes to show you that He really does like to use our weaknesses to shape us for His purpose. And remind us how great He is and how small we are when we look at the big picture!

Stronger

  It seems to me a have an unintended repetitious theme for my post today. Strength. Or more specifically, getting stronger. In the LORD of course. Okay. Lots of short sentences happening here... sorry... Anyways, I know I haven't been doing all I can do to grow stronger in my relationship with the LORD. Who fault is that? The fault lies with none other than myself. Yup! I am the one to blame for the lack of time, the lack of interest (ouch! But true!), and the lack of focus to get closer to GOD! The hard truth is not fun to admit, but we as Christians all struggle with this at sometime or another and I just happen to be struggling a bit right now is all. I am working on it though! I am making myself sit down and read my bible, pray, and sit in silence in order to prove to Christ that I at least want to want a better relationship with Him! I force myself to focus on what the LORD is trying to say instead of "just reading". Your daily bible reading ( and yes it should be daily), is not just something to check off your list! I am guilty of this myself. Maybe we can all learn to do better together! I want to encourage you all to do better as I try to do better in my own walk with the LORD. The song "Have I done my best for Jesus" Enters my mind at this time. Have I done my best for Him? To put it simply, no. No, I have not. Have you? Let's all purpose to do better. To get stronger in our relationship with Christ and in our faith! As we go through this life, we are going to meet some obstacles. Though that isn't always fun, the path that obstacle may bring you on, may lead you on the most exciting adventure of your lifetime. Not only that, but we usually become stronger on more strenuous paths. So as my pastor wisely said on Sunday, Thank GOD for the struggles. Whether it be a physical illness, or a spiritual battle you are facing. There is a hidden blessing in every trial you go through. Maybe we will use our scars to help others heal. Again, I can't tell you why God does certain things certain ways, but He is right! He is always right! Let us grow stronger in a way that the LORD would well pleased!

  My blog hit over 3,000 views!!! I was seriously considering not writing this week on account of not having anything to write about. Yes, I have had a bit of the cursed writers block! It's not fun folks! Although, I've only been stuck with the lack of inspiration for my blog. Curious I know, but it has given me the chance to work and write a bit of other things that have been calling me for quite a while now. This week I felt as if I have started to get over my writers block. I must give credit to whom it is due! My sweet LORD is always giving me inspiration and I must thank Him for it! I also must say that the biggest inspiration second to my amazing God, is you. My readers. You guys amaze me! That you would take precious time out of your day to read my random thoughts simply baffles me! I love hearing what you think about what you are reading! I love knowing when or if you guys are enjoying what I am putting out there, because if not, then I may be wasting my time as well as yours! That is not my intention! Weirdly, I get a bit nervous when I find out "so and so" is reading my blog. I may act like a completely nervous fool, but I do appreciate it! I know this is a very public blog, which is why I choose not to discuss certain topics and aspects of my life with you guys. So why do I become nervous? Who knows? Probably because I over think it. (Always!) I start wondering about what you may have read, and what you thought about it. So let me know what you read and what you thought! Just ignore my awkwardness when you do! Believe me, no matter how nervous or awkward I may seem, I absolutely love hearing from my readers! When you take time to let me know that you enjoy my blog, that is what keeps me writing publicly. Why? Why do you read the published bit of my mind? It really doesn't matter why. But that you do, and I thank you for your time! I hope you all continue to read and I hope I can at least give you a small blessing each week! Again and again I will thank you guys!!!

   
Simply,

          Sarah 


P.S. Here are some pictures, as promised!

Photo Creds go to Amie :)

"Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend."
Proverbs 27:17

VOTE! - Election Day 2016

    Here I am listening, and waiting for the election results as I am sure many Americans are today! I've never been big into politics, and this year hasn't been very different. But this is my first presidential election where I actually have a voice! I must say I do care and I am a bit nervous about the results! Someone has to win right? So I did vote! I did use the voice given to me! I am hoping for the best when we as a nation deserve the worst! 

    I want to urge you to vote! If you don't vote, what was the point of the fight for our freedom of speech? If you don't vote as a woman you are giving up the right that many women before you had to fight for! Please! Go vote today if you haven't voted! It takes maybe five minutes of your time, to put your vote out there. To support the future! To honor the men and women that fought to give you this right! Support the future for this generation and the next by the simple action of voting!

    I simply want to urge you to make a difference where you can! It is your voice, your vote! Use it! You cannot complain if you don't! Don't you dare claim to be a patriotic person with a love for your country if you don't vote! You cannot say you have a heart for you country if you don't care about the outcome of her decisions! So yes, I am begging of you all to go out today and place your mark on the future of the United States of America!  

    I also want to urge and beg of you all to pray! I hope you are all praying with me today! Don't pray "let this person win" or "that person lose"! Pray that the good LORD will be merciful unto us again! Pray that God withholds His wrath from us for the few righteous men and women in this country! "Peradventure ten shall be found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for ten's sake." I pray God will extend the same promise to us in America as He did to Abraham when he was speaking of Sodom!

  I know this is quite a short post today, but I hope you remember whatever happens it will be okay! Thank the God He is still on the throne! Either way. Trump or Clinton. Republican or Democrat. God, is still in control! I can find rest and hope in that one fact alone! I hope you can too!

    Simply,

          Sarah     

P.S. Would you guys be interested in reading my journal from my trip to Africa? Or would that bore you? I'm thinking of putting it up and letting you guys reminisce with me! Let you know!