Seeking

Hearts of Fire is Written by the Voice of the Martyrs. This 293-page book highlights 8 women’s stories of faith and gets you thinking about your own. This book has brought me a depth of conviction and encouragement, because it highlights what God can do, when a heart is fully surrendered and then empowered by the Holy Spirit, allowing ordinary women to do the impossible, in the face of persecution and/or testing. During a small gathering for my birthday in February, a sister in Christ told me about “this amazing book,” Hearts of Fire, and I wanted to start reading it, immediately. Early March, I was at the Grove’s annual rummage sale, and there it was! I was ecstatic. I also thought about starting a book club, so I began to pray. Shortly after, the same friend sent a text to the women from that lunch with a link to get a free copy of the book. A few said they also wanted to read it – this was the nudge I needed to start my first book club . Over the course of 12 weeks, 7 ladies and I...

For Rick, Jacob, Zachary and I, "Quarantine Life" doesn't look too different from "Married Life." We already spend a significant amount of time at home, make our own meals and seek opportunities to serve God and others in and outside the home. Granted, Rick staying home from work for 3 months (with pay) was one of the BIGGEST BLESSINGS ever!!! He and I had not spent so much time together since our 2-week honeymoon, 5 years ago. And last month we had the honor of recording our  testimonies  on a marriage podcast, and it's been such a blessing to hear it is encouraging others (listen by clicking here ). We are grateful God continues stretching, growing and using us . We are being practical, praying for wisdom, remaining cautious and are making the most of the opportunities/technology available. Most importantly, the Lord continues opening doors and drawing hurting people to be pointed back to Christ. I am so grateful to Redeem this Time for God, by Ri...

In June, we were asked to share our testimonies, how we met and were God is calling us to (Missions). Below is the abridged version, and you can find the podcast and more, by clicking here . How We Met... Depending on who you ask, the background story may vary :) but one thing we completely agree on is that God brought us together. [Rick] We met while serving at church, where we both were serving in children's ministry on Wednesday evenings. One day during worship (music), I noticed "her" singing and signing to the Lord. A few Wednesdays after, a 3 rd grade class needed help, and I was asked to assist. That was the Wednesday we exchanged names, occupations and a few other particulars. [Rick] After a couple weeks of serving together, I took courage and proceeded to ask "Aviana" out for coffee one Wednesday night, after serving. This was after a couple weeks of prayer and after she completely turned and walked away, the first I asked her. [A...

2019 was not a path I would have chosen for myself , if given the choice. As Rick and I began our quest knocking, seeking and asking God for His leading and blessing with missions in April, we had no idea what or who to expect. “Incidentally,” the day of our first conference call vetting a mission’s agency in May, we bumped into a very wise pastor-friend. He advised us, ‘Make sure you know their doctrine, statement of faith and stance on controversial issues like marriage and abortion.’ Upon talking to the rep, it was very clear, not all mission's agencies are created equal . We scratched them off the list, fast. Our next call was with a family from Italy. Night and day – they were very friendly, lively and sound. They also indicated the team’s need is long-termers. Many come and go, but not many come and stay. In June , we began hosting a weekly home bible study and potluck on Saturdays with 4 couples. We learned so much about the differences between hosting and hosp...