Tina wrote a little article!!

Tina has been thoroughly enjoying the benefits of a weekly Skype group put on by Velvet Ashes. The group of women meet virtually each week to discuss the realities of living and serving abroad. Although the group members live in China, Africa, Mexico, Ecuador and North America the reality of life abroad is something they have in common.

Tina took advantage of the opportunity to share what God is doing in her heart regarding the concept of "Home" and was able to share this with the Velvet Ashes online community. If you'd like to read her article click here!

If you know any women living abroad please encourage them to check out Velvet Ashes for encouraging articles, book suggestions, online community and connection groups!

Foundation of TRUTH -

God's been using scripture to hold us up. His truth never changes and this foundation is invaluable. Here's how these truths have impacted us. Hopefully they will be an encouragement to you as they apply to your everyday reality.

2015 Family Verse

Joshua 1:9 - Be strong and courageous, do not be terrified, do not be discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. 

* We weave in and out of daily life declaring this truth as we have learned to live with the necessary realities of bars on our windows and doors. Living with this constant reminder of compromised safety and "interesting" law enforcement regulations can seed fear, especially in Georgia and Reese. We meditate on the TRUTH that we are not to be afraid but to LOVE HARD and TRUST. 

When The Struggle Is Real

Zechariah 4:6 - Not by power, not by might, but by my Spirit says the Lord. 

* We only want to do what He would have us do. "Fake it until you make it" or "Muscling It" just isn't an option. Without God's wisdom, we will mess things up and fast! We rest in the TRUTH that we are being led by the Holy Spirit as we seek Him and surrender to His leading and obey. When the language barrier seems too big or the cultural differences too confusing we remember we are being led by the One who KNOWS and IS and HAS BEEN and WILL BE forevermore. 

Deep exhale.

2016 Family Verse

I Thessalonians 5:16-18 - Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you.

* After one and a half years of living abroad we've noticed a dullness in our spirits. An "Eeyore effect" if you will... We know the answer to a downtrodden spirit is worship and thanksgiving. So, we've resolved as a family to create a culture of thanksgiving and rejoicing in our home. We plan to pick apart everyday life and highlight all that we have to be thankful for, rejoicing as we reach for high heights -- all while laying every need and desire down before Him who can. We want to shine the joy and hope that comes from personally knowing Jesus -- it starts in our hearts, then overflows into our home and then into the world. May it be so in 2016.