BABYSITTERS, BOND-SERVANTS AND BEAUTY QUEENS

I just wanted to take some time to recognize people who usually don't get none Everyone raise your glass to the babysitters in your life!!!  Salud!  What's that?, you don't need babysitters yet?  Well one day you will, and when you do, remember this blog. 
During this last year, we have needed so many babysitters.  Much transition, many meetings, quite a few "not-so-kid-friendly" environments that we have had to be in, like hospitals, etc.  As a mother we come into times where I want the best help with my children while Uelese and I are loving on people, and I pray, "Dear Lord, please provide the perfect person to help me with my kids!"  And you know what?, He does! 
These ladies are bond-servants, people who work because of LOVE, not money or compensation.  They give without expecting in return, but they are receiving an eternal reward from Jesus.  Our hearts have been forever woven into theirs.  Our life paths have been knit together, and I'd have to say I am honored to be in these ladies' lives.   Its not even that they loved us that much in the beginning, but they have served us out of their love for Christ.  I feel so much dignity and gratitude when I am being served by women with this kind of attitude.  Let me tell you, the love has grown!

They are to me the beauty queens of the kingdom of God.   It's grown to the point that they are no longer just babysitters or friends, they have become sisters.  If the greatest in the kingdom of God is the servant of all, then these two are tied for first place!  They sparkle and shine with gentleness and wisdom.  Not only do they watch my children, but they nurture them.  Not only do they oversee my kids, but they train them.  Not only do they pass time in my house, but they clean it, fill it with love and bless it when they leave.  I respect their input into my family life.  Many women have done well, but these two ladies surpass them all!  With that being said, (drum roll please.....)


(I hope the many others who have served won't be offended ;o) Destiny, Vanessa, Fedisa, Nano, Sarah, and others I might have left out.)

First,  Aunty Jenn!, what can I say?  Even as I am typing now, it is because she took my daughters out on a special date to watch a movie.  I love the way you have befriended my kids.  To have the positive input you give is so priceless.  You always affirm and reinforce our authority.  You give so freely.  Your sacrificial dedication is so humbling.  How many pairs of slippers have you bought them?  At least 20!  Fun surprise runs to Peach Wave and Starbucks (mommy included).  You've helped us form the femininity in the girls and the masculinity in my son.  You teach them how to clean and keep things organized!  Who does that?  Only someone who see's that they are investing into the most precious thing on earth, a human soul.   I love hanging out with you!  I could write for hours of all that you've done.  The years keep piling up and the weekly blessings are amassing quite a weight of glory for you in heaven.  Thank you so much!


Second, Aunty Savannah!  She came on the scene when my son was just born, probably one of the most turbulent seasons of my life as a mother.  You served because you felt the nudge of Holy Spirit.  I don't know what my life would have been in that season without you, but I want to tell you thank you.  You gave sacrificially, and although I was a bit too numb in that season to realize how precious your sacrifice was, I realize now.  There are days when I am wading through the laundry room "sea of cloth" (LOL!) and I realize what you did week in and week out for months.  Not one complaint, not one criticism, just a faithful gaze and a steady heart of support.  Thank you for not giving up on our relationship.  Thank you for always personifying the love of 1 Corinthians; patient and kind, always hoping and trusting that God would work it all out for all our good.  This last visit reminded me of how much I enjoy you.  You are a very dear friend.  I miss you and I love you very much.  Aloha!

So Lord, would you crown these two women with more dignity than they have crowned me.  Will you bless them with peaceful homes, loving husbands and children who will be like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—

whatever they do prospers.  Pour out a hundred fold return on them for every time they have given.  Use our family as a perpetual house of blessing and refuge for them.  Keep them safe in the shadow of your wing.  Let their childrens' children serve and love you all their days, even to the 1000th generation.  Help me to love and serve them better.  Give them grace for an easy transition into married life when that time comes.  Thank you Lord, AMEN!

FACE TO FACE - A GATHERING OF BELIEVERS
Harvest International Church Nov. 4-7

These meetings were great!  Nestled in the "backwoods" of Missouri on I-70, is this little church with a big heart.  Their purpose was to encounter Jesus face to face.  We lead worship in the evenings, and it was so sweet to express our hunger for the Lord together and watch Him respond to our worship.  I feel like the meetings kept getting better until Sunday, the last morning,  was powerful.  Towards the end of worship, after singing "Lord I Come To You" by Darlene Zschech, what a great song, I transitioned into a song I wrote called "You're Beautiful".  The verse and chorus is:

(Verse)
Your face is so refreshing
Your love is so assuring
Your voice it brings me safety
And when I'm with you, I can do anything

(Chorus)
You're beautiful, so beautiful
Irresistible
And You're precious to me

It ended up being kinda like a theme song.  On Sunday, Holy Spirit broke in during that song and we started weeping.  Pastor Lonnie opened the altar for people to recommit their lives to Jesus because of His beauty and worth.  The altars filled up with weeping worshipers.  It was beautiful.  The message that followed by Dr. Dan Bohler was on the new song in Rev. 5.  It was a melodious offering from a seasoned friend of God.  I was on the verge of tears for most of it.  It made me want to joyously give every remaining day of my life to Jesus as a song of obedience and love!  I was so blessed to be there!  Thanks Pastors Lonnie and Lori!

REAGAN MIURA'S WEDDING
President's Hotel Nov. 7

Ho wow!  This wedding was amazing.  Reagan and Beckah tied the knot at the President's Hotel in downtown Kansas City a couple weeks ago.  Me and Uelese and our awesome band did the music for their reception.  Reagan, you were such an awesome, genuine, sweet and happy groom.  Beckah, you were STUNNING!  Super model status.  And what can I say... two thumbs up for bi-racial marriages (wink wink).  Only cute babies you guys goin' have!! 

We kicked off the reception with some of our originals as background music during the dinner.  The night got really fun as the crowd from Hawaii sang along as we sang oldies but goodies from the islands like "Drop Baby Drop".  I spent hours trying to figure out those ukulele licks when I was in high school :o)  The food was so 'ono and the location was pristine! Towards the end of the reception, Reagan did a dance of gratitude to Jesus.  It was powerful.  We were all in tears.  It was so cool to see this man so openly worshipful of his Lord and Savior at such a crowning moment in his life.  It was an honor to serve you two! 

I have included some pic's of the bride and groom, but we are gonna get more pic's of the band playing soon.


WHAT IT IS LIKE IN MOZAMBIQUE RIGHT NOW?

My sister and family are missionaries in Mozambique.  Right now they are in the middle of their summer.   While it is boiling hot over there, it is starting to get really cold over here.  So in my geeky engineer style, I thought it would be cute to post a little chart showing the contrast between here and there.  Analyze it and Enjoy!

Beira, Mozambique 

79 °F Partly Cloudy

Humidity:	72%
Dew Point:	71 °F
Wind Gust:	-
Pressure:	30.03 in
Visibility:	9.0 miles
Elevation:	26 ft

Grandview, Missouri

36.5 °F Clear

Windchill:	36 °F
Humidity:	78%
Dew Point:	30 °
Wind:	Calm