The Collision of the American Dream and The Poverty of the Liberian Culture

One might think that Liberia is one of the saddest, most desperate places on earth.  As a first time visitor, images so filled my mind that it became like a pile of pictures scattered on a table. I was trying to capture every moment, scene, smell and thought to desperately hold on to in my memory.  I didn't ever want to forget any of it.
When we arrived at the Liberian airport, the scene was like a mob.  From the primitive customs area, to the speedy baggage carousel, the humidity and the lack of AC, I knew I was no longer in the comforts of America.  Leaving the terminal building, we were greeted by many beautiful black faces, in fact I don't remember seeing one white person other than those on our team.  I immediately thought, "this must be how my kids felt when they first arrived in America".  It was mayhem and many young men were trying to assist me as I attempted to push 5 or more bags down a ramp with a rickety airport cart.  I wondered how hard it must be for these young men to come to the airport each day with hopes of making a little money, to be able to manage another day in this post war culture.
I knew immediately I would have to shift gears emotionally.  Sympathy and pity would be a luxury and would not serve the Liberian people or myself well.  They live in their struggle every day and it would be impossible for me to save or change all of their lives.  While they might see an American as their rescuer, I know that is far from possible.  So, I knew that all I could offer to them was the hope I see in them and for them.  I saw people who are dearly loved by God and people that He knows and loves and desires to be their God.  I wanted to give them dignity.  Dignity that doesn't come from what you have, but comes from the status of being a dearly loved child of the King.
In the beautiful dark skinned faces, I saw glorious light!  Smiles, joy, simpleness and focus.  The struggle of their lives was evident but not where I found my focus resting.  Not one person complained or asked to be relieved of their pain.  Instead, I saw resilience and perseverance.  Among the children in the orphanage/boarding school and deaf children's home I saw laughing, singing, praising, and worship out of joy and love for their God for everything He has done for them and that He would never fail them.  They showed me that true worship is focused on the One worshiped.
Due to a full schedule and an conviction of the experience, I needed time to allow God to examine my heart, to unpack my thoughts, emotions and experiences.  I was truly overwhelmed in an amazing way by it all.  As I returned, I would talk with God and He gently revealed to me that I have allowed many traps and snares to capture me.The bounty of what I own and mange doesn't necessarily make my life better and it is something that is slowly rotting our own American society.  Stuff never changes anyone for the better.  For me, it just drags me away from keeping my full attention on God.  My stuff and activities have become like close friends that bring me comfort. They make me feel happy and promise me happiness, entertainment for a hour or even a moment.  It's never lasting, just temporary.  Unfortunately the more I have, the more time it takes to care for it.  Really I don't own it, it owns me.
Joy has to be found in loving the things God values and hating what He hates. When I keep myself so distracted, I slowly slip and don't even realize it.  I see the evidence of it, but quickly apply a worldly bandage and move on.  All the while, God is calling out to return to sit and enjoy Him.  To taste and see that He is good.  He is all we need and really what my soul longs most for.
Because the distractions  of "stuff" is so
minimal in Liberia, the focus or even the awareness of God is greater.  I had the privilege of meeting and relating with a slice of humanity that is really living. In my observations, these are a people who possess an unabashed, undignified love for God.  A reverence that He is responsible for all there is or every will be.  That He is Lord!  He is greater than man and that He loves them.  Experiencing God through these Liberian followers of Christ, changed me forever. While I didn't see all of Liberia I saw 
enough to taste the sweetness of God's presence there that left me desiring more.  I came home knowing that God's heart is grieved over the sin of greed and pride that has so devastated this people group.  I believe more than ever that Liberia and many African nations are attacked by spiritual forces of the enemy because the people of Africa are sold out to their God.  They love Him and want Him to be glorified.  They recognize that He is God - Lord of All His Creation.  They haven't removed Him from their schools or their laws.  They haven't made Him a side note or placed Him along other gods as we have allowed here.  I saw "Lord", "God" and "Jesus" proudly displayed on buildings, taxis and businesses, not just churches.  These statements were not trendy or merchandised, they were just proclamations to what God means to them.

My heart for anyone reading this is:  please consider going to a third world country.  Don't talk about it.  Don't pat others on the back who have gone.  GO!  You don't even have to pray and ask God if it is His will.  It is!  Matt 28:¹⁸“I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. ¹⁹ Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations,^[b] baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. ²⁰ Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. "Go into all the world and make disciples".  Yes, people are broken here and America is desperate to be saved (from ourselves).  But, the influence you have as an American is a gift.  I chose to go and share the love of God.  It was a privilege and an honor.  However,  I believe God sent me to change me.  Once again, I am confronted by many areas in my life that have slipped away from making God the center of my universe.

My heart is pounding as I have written these words.  I am not a writer, I have just opened my journal to you.  I have tried to share with you a small part of what God is doing in my heart.  Hold me accountable to this.  I look forward to all that He will say.  I challenge you again, will you go?  What could possibly keep you from an experience like this?  No trip I have ever taken has brought me more fulfillment than when I experience God among the the poor.

God brought me to this today:

Deuteronomy 8:11

Beware that in your plenty you do not forget the Lord your God and disobey his commands, regulations, and decrees that I am giving you today. ¹² For when you have become full and prosperous and have built fine homes to live in, ¹³ and when your flocks and herds have become very large and your silver and gold have multiplied along with everything else, be careful! ¹⁴ Do not become proud at that time and forget the Lord your God, who rescued you from slavery in the land of Egypt. ¹⁵ Do not forget that he led you through the great and terrifying wilderness with its poisonous snakes and scorpions, where it was so hot and dry. He gave you water from the rock! ¹⁶ He fed you with manna in the wilderness, a food unknown to your ancestors. He did this to humble you and test you for your own good. ¹⁷ He did all this so you would never say to yourself, ‘I have achieved this wealth with my own strength and energy.’ ¹⁸ Remember the Lord your God. He is the one who gives you power to be successful, in order to fulfill the covenant he confirmed to your ancestors with an oath.

 ¹⁹ “But I assure you of this: If you ever forget the Lord your God and follow other gods, worshiping and bowing down to them, you will certainly be destroyed. ²⁰ Just as the Lord has destroyed other nations in your path, you also will be destroyed if you refuse to obey the Lord your God.

This was written to the Israelites, but I believe it resonates to us.  No matter what home or where you live in America, you are privileged.  Just to have running water, sewage and electricity is considered wealthy to most countries.  I pray you thank God for your shower today.  Bless Him, yes BLESS Him for the provisions He has given you.  Also, perhaps as He reminds you, lift up the country of Liberia.  Pray for them.  Specifically, pray those in authority might once again allow American parents to adopt orphaned children, as the country will no longer allow this.

My Prayer:
God, be blessed today by those who love You.  We bless you for your love, acceptance and gift of salvation.  Salvation that offers us a relationship with You, that allows us to begin life eternally today.  I praise You for you goodness, patience and ever pursing love for me.  I pray that you will gently and lovingly provide obvious opportunities for those reading this to experience you in an overwhelming way.

I Love you all and Love that God has brought you in my Life!!

Sponsor...anyone???

Okay, I could try and write a sweet, tear jerking, guilt rendering blog here. But, I won't ask you to grab your tissues and hold on. Nope, I am just going to be forth right and ask you to consider sponsoring a child in Liberia.
I think the best testimony is always from an eye witness. Therefore, I will call Myself to the stand and tell you what I saw and heard. (not all right now....you will have to check in for updates).

In my brief opening statement, I met beautiful children that radiate their creator's joy. I was filled to overflowing by their tenderness and love that they lavished on the relationally starved American.
What I also so was children that didn't have paper or pens to write letters to send home with me. That lacked all the personal items we take for granted.
I didn't go expecting to sponsor any more kids, but "Rachel" became like an appendage to me. Leaving her with no hope just didn't see possible.

I would like to let you hear what my my Daughter Dora says about having a sponsor:

My name is Dora Peed; I live In Charlotte, North Carolina with my family. I was adopted from the Daniel Hoover Children's Village run by African Christians Fellowship International (ACFI). I just wanted to say thank you for your support to the orphans of West Africa, Liberia, especially the Daniel Hoover Village. Without support, the kids that are adopted and the kids that are still at the home will not have a life in which they can build a future. You may think that the gifts you give to feed the kids are not much, but to me it meant a lot. It gave me hope that I was going to have a meal for that day and a place to re

st my head. The gifts and letters that are sent, give us support and something to hold on to. Knowing that you have family in some part of the world who is thinking of you is very special to us and we cheer every moment of it. Because some sponsors would not send letters to the kids they are sponsoring, when other kids received letters, it make them sad. A simple letter alone can really make a difference in a kid s life. Sometimes ink on a piece of paper can change the life of a kid, because he or she knew someone somewhere is thinking of them.

I just want to say how grateful I am to all the sponsors and their families for taking the time to look through the eyes and love of Jesus to help the orphans of Liberia. We can t repay you for all the things you have done for us, but God has a greater reward for you.

Because of Him,
Dora

What the kids value most in Liberia is someone knowing their name. I am attaching the link for the sponsorship page. I know many of you are so generous already. I wouldn't ask this from you unless I knew it would be a blessing to you. Also, my daughter Dora is still in Liberia until July 12th. If you hurry and let me know. I can tell you about some of the kids and possibly get a letter from the child or even a picture from Dora for you.

I am anticipating this whole village being sponsored. Oh, there are actually two "homes". The other one is a Deaf Home. More kids to love. Perhaps you have a heart for special needs children. They made such an impression on me, I am going to learn sign language so I can communicate better with them.

So, I ask you SPONSOR ANYONE???

The Link is on the sidebar....

What are you waiting for????

Is that the rain I hear...

I think I am finally on East Coast time. Yep, its tough to do but I have to move on.

I don't mind the role I play here, I just miss the roles I played there so much. I miss loving on children, spending time just hanging out with them, trying to empower them children by telling them they are loved and special, that God knows them by name and now I do too. Watching them grow before your eyes as you build them up. I miss the worship with the Liberians, the freedom that have to express their love for God and their undignified worship. I miss the freedom PERIOD that the Liberians have to just live life without so many regulations and rules or expectations of being politically correct or tolerant of things that are evil in the sight of God.
The coolest thing I noticed was that all the little things in life that I have learned along the way...were actually valuable tools that I could use to minister to the Liberians around me. i.e.. Sign Language that I think I learned in high school...experiences from the other mission trips that kept me able to operate from a practical point of view and not just an emotional one (that never helps anyone).

Many more things, I will probably blog about. Only because I never want to forget. It's not just the poverty and 3rd world conditions that challenge me. Its the people. Their joy, their faith, their belief in God isn't just one dimensional. Its so much more. It challenges me to where my own relationship to God is at. Its just priceless. Its like being in heaven early and not wanting to leave!!
Can't wait to see them again...here and in eternity!

Liberia -2010

Quick Review of My Life Changing Trip to Liberia...
Things I already miss:

• Children walking arm and arm with me, longing to be held, making sure the hair is not in my face, reminding me to zip up my fanny pack, loving that I was there and knowing somehow in God mysterious ways that He loves us and we are family because of Jesus Christ!
• Building encouragement into the lives of kids that may not always know that they are loved by God and specifically created to live out His purposes in their lives.
• The Liberian accent"o", and the joy in kids faces.
• The laid back Liberian culture.
• Laughing with our team!
• Trying to see how many people we can stuff into a mini (and I mean mini) van!!
  
• Everything!

Reasons I glad to be home:

• My Husband that is loving, supportive and encouraging...but mostly "gets" me and my craziness.
  
• Missing my family and knowing they understand the mission field and were anxious to hear all the details.
• Sweet friends and church family that I know love and support me.
  
• Cotton (my Bichon)
  
• Having A/C and not be sticky 5 minutes after you get out of the shower.
• Not a whole lot else...could repack and be gone next week.
  

I Failed Miserably Today and Yesterday and the Day Before.

No matter how hard I try, I just can't seem to get it right. I say things like, "my heart is in the right place", "I was only trying to help", "I don't get it, she never messes up like me". Sometimes I feel as if I can't get it right.
Why do I think I shouldn't fail?
Perhaps, it because I live in a culture where success is worshiped. However, failing is actually something God allows us to experience. He wants us to not just be obedient to Him,but to totally trust Him and experience His true, unconditional love. The love that can only be experienced when we trust Him.

I have always desired to serve God. Even more than have a relationship with Him, my desire was always one of earning His love by doing. Basically,it is a warped works mentality. True love "does", I would reason in my heart. How can I love God if I am not willing to serve, sacrifice and suffer. While, I would agree that God's grace is fully experienced when we are relying on Him through difficult times and places of suffering, I don't believe, my God willingly gave up everything to die in my place for my sin, my selfish, self-seeking, self-centered desires so that I would just feel obligated to Him. Instead He gave it all so that I might experience an amazing, passionate love relationship with Him.
My marriage would be quite miserable if all my husband did was serve me, take all my sufferings upon himself and feel the need to do things for me but never enjoyed just being with me. What makes my husband so amazing is that he tells and shows me regularly that I am his choice, I thrill him, I am fun to be with, I make his life richer and he feels lucky to have married me. That is what makes my heart sing. Because, without that, all the serving and suffering on my behalf would leave me feeling empty and unsatisfied. (I must admit however, his help with the household duties is wonderful, but hopefully you get my point).
The Holy Presence of God dwells, lives, inhabits, resides in me. He is walking with me, and me with Him. He never leaves, He is always there. I am not alone. I am not on my own. I should experience all the fullness and blessings that come with my godly inheritance, right now, right here. His Kingdom is here right now. I am not awaiting something to come. I can know it now.
How is it that I am missing it? Why should I ever feel empty, discouraged or lonely?
That million dollar question has a simple yet profound answer. It brings us back to the question that the serpent was posing to Eve. It wasn't just about her becoming like God. No, in his craftiness (which we are warned about) He was asking her to doubt God. Had she chosen to trust her relationship with God, she would have realized, "God loves me and I can totally trust my relationship with Him. He wouldn't lie to me, he wouldn't keep good from me. He loves me and everything I need He has and will provide".
So why did God let Eve fail? He let her choose not to trust Him at that moment and therefore fail in such a way that it would not only change her life, but affect all of His creation forever. Only in her failure would she realize that God alone is trustworthy. He would never fail her. Yes, she would fail Him, but He is God and could never fail her. He never fails, never leaves, never stops loving, never condemns and never hurts us. He is The Way, The Truth and The Life. All I need, all that will bring me satisfaction, joy, peace and true living is found in Him.
That should be like a virus that is so contagious, that everyone in my presence would immediately become infected by His Love.

Heavenly Father, keep me from getting so wrapped up in being a "good child" that I miss what you really died to give me. Love that enraptures and captures me in such a way that decisions come easy, serving just happens and loving others isn't a "choice" or even an "option", but rather a way of life.
Thank you for letting me fail. If it takes me to a place of fully trusting You, I know that by letting me fail, you are only drawing me closer to yourself. A place I long to be.

You've Got a Friend...

This has been quite an emotional weekend for me. My dearest friend and mentor's husband has taken a job many miles away in the bitter cold Northeast.(It's in Detroit, but I'm a southern girl and anything north of NC is bitter cold.) She has been my buddy for over 10 years. We grew especially close after we both took an incredible leap of faith and adopted children from Liberia, Africa. We have laughed and cried and laughed and cried, but really just laughed ALOT! Mainly at ourselves, but definitely at the crazy lives we find ourselves living. We are living proof that God has an incredible sense of humor.
I cried and hurt last night as I realized that the reality of the situation. My buddy is moving away! Thank goodness for cell phones, because we will need to stay on top of each other's lives. Our husbands will just have to deal with the need to chat.
As I cried to the Lord,I asked, "Why?". Why did he feel the need to take my dear friend so far away? Did He ever hurt and cry as I was doing? God brought to my mind the shortest verse in the Bible: Jesus wept. It made me realize that He knew how my heart was breaking because he too had cried with his friends after their brother Lazarus had died. He also reminded me of his tears of agony in the Garden of Gethsemane. How, He was having to say goodbye to his closest friends on earth,his disciples, bye to the life of 33 years on earth. How he was having to make a painful choice to fulfill a greater purpose, His Father's plan. My friend Debbie has been praying for God's best as her husband has looked for a job. She truly is a woman after God's own heart and desires to follow God wherever he takes her and her family. God has a greater plan and purpose to fulfill in her life and her family's lives. God's ways are not our ways, even though we want to convince Him, we have some pretty good ideas about how things should be.
I will miss my friend more than she will know. I am not saying goodbye, rather, see ya soon. I know God will bring her family back to Charlotte if, His plan, His perfect plan allows. For now, as I blot my swollen eyes, I will hold on to His promises that He desires the best for us. Only He can know what that is. My job is to follow and surrender, no matter where the path will take me. I love my dear friend and her beautiful heart. Her willingness to die to self, in the most difficult ways. Even when she leaves everything she knows and loves. She will go with dignity and support from all the lives she has invested herself in. Mine will never be the same because of my dear friend, Debbie Alexander!
Love you friend!

How to Handle Life with a Traveling Husband

I have only known marriaged life with a traveling man. Somewhere into our marriage of almost 14 years, I had to come to terms with my resentment of feeling like a single mom when he was gone. I would countdown the days until he would return home and rescue me from my tired,exhausted self. After praying through my feelings and emotions of this lifestyle I found myself in, I heard God calling me to rejoice about it! HUH??? I had to start enjoying the time with my kids and find things about his being gone that were a blessing, not a burden to bear.

So, here's some things I came up with:

• I don't always have to make a "real" dinner (Our treat when Dad is gone is French Toast w/Blueberries).
  
• If I do cook, I can make things my hubby doesn't really enjoy, but I do.
  
• My hubby is a little more structured than I am, so I can kinda let things go and be spontaneous when he travels. Of course, the kids usually get to bed too late when he is gone, but we have fun!!!
  
• I get to have one of my kids sleep w/ me which is a treat for both of us! And, I also get a break from wifely duties.
  
• I also need some time to myself and it just refreshes our relationship to get a breather now and then.

I could go on...but these are my things that I rejoice in. You probably have your personal list as well. I think the hardest part of his erratic schedule is that I can't ever make solid plans at times. But, I know he is working hard to provide a comfortable living for us. He has had to miss some of the kids events, which he loves to go to. He also gives up some of his own personal desires to be with us at home, because he is gone a lot. While it sounds so inviting to a "stay at home" mom to get to travel, eat dinner in a nice restaurant, fly to a far away place and be among other adults, my husband says he would always rather be at home. I know he means it. The grass is always greener.
So, I have made a choice not to resent, feel sorry, burden my husband, or complain about the job God has provided for him. I hope you hear encouraging words and not "lecturing" words. Us "traveling husband" moms need to constantly encourage one another. We also need to thank our husbands for the sacrifice they make as well.

On a funny note: it never fails...like clockwork something always happens when David leaves. Things break, need repair, someone gets sick (me last time) when my schedule is packed and I have to be three places at once, it goes on and on. It's just humorous really, at this point. But, I always seem to manage and thanks to some kind women in my life, I get a hand up when I feel like I'm drowning!

Whatever your faith says that God is, He will be!

I just read my Streams in the Desert devotional this morning. We had a very trying, challenging morning with one of our children. So, when I read the devotional I wasn't ready for what it said. I was to continue to trust God even when the future doesn't seem so bright, when fear would feel like a more logical response than faith. Then, at the end of the devotional I had to gulp. Because, my faith is really based on what I believe about the God I call my Savior. God keeps bringing me around to this subject of Trust. I have put my trust in this invisible God to pay my sin debt and freely give me eternal life. So, why is everyday living out this principle of Trust so tough?? Maybe because eternity is some abstract time in place that will happen "someday".Perhaps believing for one day is easier than just believing God today. Am I really believing God is holding my future in His Hands? Do I know Jeremiah 29:11, "I know the plans I have for you, to give you hope and a future" or is it just a quote that sounds like a good life verse about trust. I am an "authenticity" addict. I don't like "boxed" foods, I prefer the "real" food, that is homemade. I don't own a lot of "knock off" material things. I figure why pretend to have something you can't afford. The only thing I am okay with is costume jewelry. I can't afford real jewels so luckily the look alike costume stuff is actually quite savvy. So, when it comes to living out my faith, I am very black and white in my thinking. I am either walking with the Lord spending time in His presence or not. I can't stand that lukewarm place when I am playing "godliness" but really dissing God daily. I figure it's pretty obvious to most when I have strayed. I have been a believer from a young age and I can act pretty spiritual when needed but God knows even if no one else knows and that is really the whole point!
If I have put my God in a compartment of my life that makes me feel comfortable, then He will only be as big as the compartment I created for him. Gratefully, our infinite God can't be hedged in! My faith will be only as small or as infinite as the God I serve. I questioned this morning whether God really was able to exist outside of my immediate needs. Will he really carry me? Does He have my future securely in His hands. I am choosing to trust that my Incredible God is bigger than my, in comparison, small problem du jour. His ways are not my ways. His mercies are new every morning, and He can do more than I can imagine, think or dream. All He asks is, when my world is crumbling apart, that I remember He is and always will be in control. Not only of my life, but bigger than that, the universe!

You can say, "Ouch or Amen" with me.

Was that you on the Oprah Show??

It's been awhile now, but I wanted to just write down our experience on the Oprah Show. If I can digress, How cool to be so famous that you have your own show. I like the sound of "The Becky Show". I don't think anyone would watch, but it sure is fun considering it.
Okay, our story...
In February of 06, my Liberian Mom Friends won a cruise sponsored by Good Morning America. They called it a Girls Getaway and we were privileged to be one of many groups of 10 women that won the trip. It was fun and wonderful. We laughed and ate and laughed and ate. A great break!! While on the trip, my friend Genia talked with Gail (Oprah's buddy) and she wanted to know about our story. Gail liked it and published it in the "O" magazine (I like it, the "B" magazine). Anyway, the producer of the show decided to include our adoption story in the show about Amazing Families.
So, the producers came here and interviewed the 5 Families that initially adopted choir boys and then did a live feed to Chicago for Oprah to interview us.
The whole process was fascinating to me. I love Drama and have acted in small dramas at church,etc.. But, I realize more and more that what comes across the big screen is more exciting than the actual event of doing it. It's a very time consuming process and a whole lot of work went into our little 20 minute segment. It gave me a new understanding of how television programs work. I'm sure its an exciting field to work in, but it is definitely a lot of work!
Oprah was very gracious and understanding in her interview of us. We felt privileged to be able to share what seemed like a small act of obedience to God with a Big world. All of us Mom's agree that it is such a surreal process. This is our life and we dance this dance everyday. But then all of a sudden someone notices it and thinks it's a big deal. The danger comes when you start thinking YOU are a big deal. When really GOD is the big deal. He is amazing! He looks all over the world and moment by moment chooses men, women, boys, girls, teens, single parents, and singles to use in a big way. The sad thing is, we reason with an All-knowing God that he has got it wrong and our comfort zone is our priority. So,He should probably find someone else that is looking to have their world turned upside down and choose them. I think all of us Moms and Dad's would say, "God, didn't give us enough time to really figure the whole thing out. Because if He did, I might have been asking Him to move on". While we didn't do it with the case of our Liberian children, I must sadly say, I have asked God to, "move on to someone else" in many other areas of my life.

So, for you that may watch this and think, "wow, what amazing women". Please Don't! Please stop and say, "God, I want to be available to be used in whatever way you might see fit". Because the truth is...This has been the most adventurous, exciting, amazing, difficult, sacrificial, bountiful, and wonderful that has ever happened to me. Even with all that, I still feel like a nobody. But, then I remember, I am my Heavenly Father's Pride and Joy. He has a my picture on his desk!! If you know Him personally, your's is there too.
If you don't have a relationship with God, email me, I would love to invite you to join my Daddy's family!!

For you animal lovers..What I learned about God from my Dog!

I was awaken this morning at 3:45 by my little white fuzzy Bichon at the end of my bed, gagging on something and then depositing it on my white goose down comforter. My husband was not happy, but I willfully got up and cleaned it up. Honestly, it took me back to the years of having little ones and never getting the a good full nights sleep. However, this early morning wake up didn't bother me,(and I get very easily upset when I don't get a good night's rest). But, while I was cleaning up her mess, I knew she didn't do it intentionally. She had probably scrounged something up earlier that wasn't dog stomach friendly.

As I lay awake this morning, because of course it was going to be hard to fall back to sleep, I knew God wanted me to know that He loves me soo much. In my heart, He said, "Becky, I love you with a love like you have for your little puppy"! Even when I continue to do things that are messy and irresponsible, he doesn't sigh and yell. He still loves me, even when he has to continually clean up after the mess I make of things. (let's not even begin to talk about house training). He doesn't get angry and punish, he just shows His unconditional love over and over again. And, when I do things that are just ugly results of my nature (my old human instinct) he just accepts me because that is part of loving. Dogs are animals and they will always act like animals. Even though they can seem to be human at times, they are still dogs. I am a human being, even though I show God-like qualities as long as I am in this human earth suit, I will act like a human. That is why we need God's grace.

Cotton, my little fuzz ball, has brought so much joy into the life of our family. She greets us excitedly when we come home. She loves to just be where we are. She makes us laugh at her antics and she justs "does" being a pet so well. So, we love her and enjoy her so much.

I think about my love for her. No matter how dirty or stinky or naughty she is, I am just still going to love her. Isn't God like that? His grace is like that. Cotton doesn't earn my love, I just love her. Even when she disappoints me and creates extra work for me, I can't help myself. I still love her. Now, before you think I'm dog crazy, I am! But, I know God must give me living examples of his never ending love. He will always spend money on me to feed me, clean me, groom me. He will take me for car rides with him just to allow me to be near him and go where He's going. He will nestle me close and love having me in his lap so I can feel His heart beat and feel Him near to me. He will let me know that He will always take care of me, and as long as He is near, I am safe. I hope that you will see yourself as a treasured posession of your Heavenly Father. I could never replace my little fur ball. She was, I believe, created for our family. Another gift from my Heavenly Father that demostrates in a physical way His incredible love for me. I am soo glad Cotton gagged this morning. I got a life lesson from God about His presence that has got my tail wagging. Now, do I long to be with my owner the way Cotton longs to be with me??

LIBERIANISE.....

Good morning, I am writing this blog for my Co-Liberian moms and dads. I was reading a quote in a book and shared it with my daughter, Dora. It is from the 1700's by Charles Wesley. It's English but it takes a moment to digest it, sometimes like when reading the King James Version. I told Dora,"if I was transported back into that time period, can you imagine trying to communicate with the people of that time period. They speak English, I speak English what's the big deal. Can you imagine sitting in a class room trying to learn from an instructor that uses that type of English? How about interacting with the people of that time?"
She had wide eyes as I asked her. In her mind, she may be thinking, "actually I do know, I did it two years ago".
It was an AH-HA moment as I realized that for my liberian kids it was kind of the same thing. They were transported into a different culture, and since Liberia is about 20 years behind the times, a different time period. While I was speaking English, many times the words were clear, but the implications were confusing. This could cause frustration on both ends. Even now, both of my kids speak with a lot less dialect. However, the meanings of my words sometimes cause them to pause and consider. I must confess I have taken that as unwillingness to cooperate, disrespect or just indifference towards me. I may have been wrong in many cases. Perhaps they were pausing to try and figure out what the heck I was talking about and they were just tired of asking me to say it again. Africans (specifically Liberians) I have noticed carry a burden of pride around. They have used this as a coping mechanism for so long they don't realize the weight they are lugging. So, couple that with misunderstanding and you have a recipe for anger and resentment.
The good news is, the longer they are here, the more this language becomes their own. I wish I had been more compassionate to the challenge they were facing with communication. Below is the quote,you may recognize it from our praise music. But, written in this style, it sounds beautiful, but doesn't communicate with us as effectively as our modern day words do.


And can it be that I should Gain
An interest in the Savior's blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain?
For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing Love! Haw can it be
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

Charles Wesley (1707-1788)

Blessings as you navigate the waters of rearing children, no matter where they come from...Becky

Beck's Bits

I've been meanig to do this for awhile now. Just want to encourage, vent, communicate and hopefully help someone along the way...