The Week of the RING

This is the week at Teen Mania called "The Week of the Ring".
There will be five sessions this week designed to create a lasting impact upon the lives of the interns regarding "honor".
tonight the topic is "Honor"
Tuesday: Purity Ps. 119:9 How can a young person live a pure life? By obeying Your Word. Ps. 119:15 I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways. I will delight in your principles and not forget your word."
Wednesday: Integrity Proverbs 12:22 The Lord hates those who tell lies, but is pleased with those who keep their promises."
Thursday: Perseverance/Courage Ephesians 6: 10-20 The Armor of God
Friday: The Ring/Fellowship of the Ring I Timothy 1:5 The goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart, sincere faith, and a clear conscience.
Monday- March 2- The Ring banquet- when the August Interns will receive their honor rings- to be worn as long as they are living a life of honor.

I plan to attend all the sessions this week and be ready to learn all that God has for me...I am almost 68...is this crazy or what? I wish I had these kinds of opportunities as a youth...but...it is never too late...I want to press into God with all my heart, mind, soul and strength!

Below is a quote I received the other day in an e-mail. I thought it was very timely.


"Worry implies that we don't quite trust that God is big enough, powerful enough, or loving enough to take care of what's happening in our lives.
Stress says that the things we are involved in are important enough to merit our impatience, our lack of grace toward others, or our tight grip of control.
Basically, these two behaviors communicate that it's okay to sin and not trust God because the stuff in my life is somehow exceptional. Both worry and stress reek of arrogance. They declare our tendency to forget that we've been forgiven, that our lives here are brief, that we are headed to a place where we won't be lonely, afraid, or hurt ever again, and that in the context of God's strength, our problems are small, indeed."

A trip to Mrs. Lee's Daffodils

It all started because Kohl's forgot to remove a "security" device from a suit coat that Dave bought last Friday. So...I had to return to Tyler...asked Lisa to go along to take advantage of the "additional 30% off" coupon I had...and she asked me to go with them to the Daffodil fields today. What a great experience!




Mrs. Lee's "garden" is spread out over 1,000 acres in East Texas.
Mrs. Lee purchased an entire boxcar load of daffodil bulbs from Holland and they were all planted with approximately 40 workers, including Mrs. Carolyn Owens Johnson's grandparents, Mamie and Nathaniel Scott, whom worked for Mrs. Lee from 1952-1984. Mrs. Johnson is the current manager of Mrs. Lee's Daffodil Gardens.
Mrs. Carolyn Johnson greeted us at the gate and welcomed us to the gardens- we made the 4 mile drive through millions of daffodils- stopped and walked through them- watched the kids run and play and thoroughly enjoyed God's beauty and creation.

All on a Sunday afternoon

Thanks to the 5 people who contacted me and confirmed that they check in on me at times! I so appreciate that!
We had a great day yesterday- went to Tyler and shopped most of the day. Then met up with Sam and Lisa and Jon and Kelly for movie and dinner. A special Valentine's day for us. It is such fun and such a blessing for us when our kids want to do things with us! We are blessed.
Today has been a lazy day- after church going out for breakfast then sitting home reading and checking out Facebook and lounging in front of the fire! A great lazy day!
Last Sunday Sam and Lisa and kids came up for dinner and the day. Sam and his dad spent a couple of hours constructing a kite from scratch- black garbage bags- having to cut strips off plywood with the table saw- experimenting with different weights for the tail...and then...getting everyone outside for the debut!

UP...up...up....oh...we need a few adjustments..

..
it looks like the tree got it but...fear not...it was just not...something..


bring it down and try it again...and again...adjust the tail...too heavy?...up...up...up.....


CRASH! BANG!!! KITE SELF DISTRUCTS!!! SAM CANNOT CONTAIN THE LAUGHTER (Good thing that Sam said on his Facebook this week in his 25 things about himself...that his dad is his best friend!) All in a day's fun with the fam... We all enjoyed the adventure...and the guys learned some things about kite construction...Dave says they need harder wood...we'll see next time!


BEST FRIENDS...AWWWW God...you are so good!!




What does this week hold? What does the Lord have in mind for us? We just want to be so totally submitted to HIS will for our lives! Dave is engrossed in reading Pilgrim's Progress in prep for the college class he is teaching at Teen Mania- He is teaching Great Books and Portfolio Papers- teaches 4 classes on Thursdays. I will be working 3 days meeting with girls as we discuss our lives and how to draw closer to God. What a privilege to work with young women of this generation and see their passion for reaching the world for Jesus. I am a blessed woman!

Does ANYONE look at this anymore

I am just wondering if it is time to can this...doesn't seem like anyone bothers to check in on it....

This is just a random picture of fun and fond memories- leaving for Canada with Sam and Lisa!

Oh Say Can you see...this is wonderful

Turn your blog in to a book

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Check this out for turning your blog into a book.

For my Bethlehem Classmates

From Russia with Love

THE KREMLIN and CROISSANTS

Today started off later for me- I got up at 7:30- came out to the living area of our apartment and found Kelly sleeping in a chair and Matthew asleep on the floor. They have both gotten up at 5:30 when Jon called and then decided to nap out there. Kelly was so groggy that I insisted that she go back to bed. I fed Matthew breakfast then went to the computer where all my friends had responded to my pathetic plea for e-mails-and read with delight their responses. Matthew played quietly behind me with his toys- or so I thought......



Kelly got up about 10 and we spent the morning doing...???? I don't know what.





After lunch we headed over to the Kremlin


and bought tickets to the Cathedrals inside and to the Armory which is like a museum.
Since Kelly and I both taught World History- she at the high school level-me at middle school- we were enthralled with all the historical things about Russia and the fabulous display of everything from chariots to suits of armour- coronation gowns- table settings of gold silver, diamonds and rubies and the actual thrones of people like Ivan the Terrible and Catherine the Great. We had an audio tour which IN ENGLISH walked us through different displays of the museum. It was just a delight for both of us. The only down side was that Matthew wet thorough all his clothes, the snuggly and all of Kelly's clothes! WE got out of there at 3:48 and had to be back at our apartment by 4-the time at which Matthew's passport was to be delivered.On the way out we caught the changing of the guard at the tomb of the unknown soldier-the goose step of the Russian soldiers is so very Russian! We really high tailed it back-which made us arrive only 5 min. late but VERY hot and sweaty! It was a really fun afternoon though.
Tonight we had another gourmet dinner-





soup, salad, bread and dipping sauce!











And now, close to bedtime-we take our 2 Tylenol PM to counteract our chocolate- then have hot chocolate and chocolate croissants! They are quite a high light of Russia that Kelly found for us at the local deli-
It is QUITE the building and they are QUITE the treat!
So...tomorrow we pack up- take another trip to Red Square and St. Basil's and get ready for our departure on Friday!

There are Some Things I Just Don't Like!!!

Matthew eats almost anything...but this one was a definite no...can you believe it...a mini OREO! He also didn't like graham crackers or Cheerios but today he made the leap to try both of those again and liked them. I started off by soaking the graham crackers in water (his Grand Dad Hasz would like that! especially if they had grape jam and THEN dipped them in water...yuck!!!) but eventually he took the hard graham cracker and ate it! But the Oreo last night...he spit it out and managed to spread it on his face, the table, and anything else in sight...just to get it out of his mouth!
We later had a better experience just playing with an empty egg carton and the Noah's ark figures. He plays well alone but loves being played with also.
Two days and counting!!! Kelly got her passport back today...we should get Matthew's tomorrow-then have a day to wait until we leave here on Friday.We are both very anxious to get back home to Texas to hubands and children!

Another day in Moscow

The day started off with Matthew being ravenously hungry as usual- he DOES enjoy eating- seems to eat anything offered to him and EVERYTHING offered. You can see here- the oatmeal above his left ear-and the general mess he made-he is not real good at feeding himself but gobbles down every bite put into his mouth. He does not know how to hold a sippy cup upright to get the liquid into his mouth which is a bit frustrating for him.
Kelly and Matthew took naps, then lunch, then we headed over to Red Square just to get out and do some souvenir shopping. We walked through the department store across from Red Square- it is 3 stories but the 2nd and 3rd are -2 and -3 on the elevator because they are underground- very interesting- I have seen more trim- cute girls in their very sheik dress- and NO overweight women or men anywhere! The streets are spotless and the people well dressed and friendly -well-at some things. Like women and men offer us seats on the subway but NO-ONE will hold a door or allow us to go through first- even with a stroller.
Kelly is nursing something- fever and sore throat and flu like symptoms. Please pray for her!
Tomorrow we head out for a few more visits with country officials. Just 4 more days in Russia until we head home on Friday. We are both very anxious to be home!

Russian Sites

We have been in Moscow for a total of 5 days now and are getting a bit more used to getting around. Today Kelly and Matthew and I ventured out on the Metro (the subway system). It is only because I am with world traveler, Kelly, that I would attempt such a fete! We started out this morning in the middle of downtown Moscow and went out to see the Cathedral of Christ our Savior. It is a beautiful Cathedral but a bit frustrating since all the historical facts, etc. are in Russian and we, both being history buffs of sort- well= at least we both taught Social Studies! Anyway- we couldn't read it! Tonight we have spent some time on the internet reading a bit of Russian history for some of our future ventures! Kelly carried Matthew all day in a front pack and since we got off at one stop a bit farther than we had intended- we got lots of walking in. We had to stop and have pizza to recoop and then came home and napped quite a while. So...tonight we will be up reading and updating our blogs. Be sure to check in at Babyjellybeans.com and put in Matthew Hasz for more details from Kelly.
Matthew is doing so well in adjusting to his new life. He had a rather rough day yesterday- but for his first outing and probably first restaurant meal today- he did great. He took his morning nap in the front pack and enjoyed while awake- seemed to be taking in all the sites and sounds of Moscow. He is sleeping and eating well and is a happy little boy. He sings- which is so cute- and smiles often. Tomorrow we will venture out on two different Metro lines to take in a Shopping District. Kelly does not have another "meeting" until Monday when we go to the Ministry of Education and the American Embassy.
We so appreciate all the prayers of you all. Thanks for stopping by!

From Russia with Love

Here he is! With his happy and proud mama! We were on the way home from the orphanage after a LONG day of getting all the proper documentation in Moscow and then again in his town- 2 hours from Moscow. We got him about 7 last night and then drove home in beautiful snow to Moscow. He slept well all night and woke up singing! What a joy!
Today we are off to the DR and then to the Passport office (which is closed today..but...we'll see) Things are going well here. THanks for all your prayers and keep praying. We would like to get out of here before our Dec. 5th scheduled departure and that all depends on getting the passport and visa earlier. Prayer can move mountains...and Passport and Visa offices!

We're Going to Russia

Last Wednesday I got called out of Staff Chapel at Teen Mania to receive a phone call from Jon- He and Kelly were in Moscow, Russia. I knew that their court date had gone well that day and that Matthew was "officially" theirs. So- it was with fear and trepidation that I made the walk from the Cafeteria to the Ad building to await the call. Why would they be calling me???? They had already talked to Dave in the morning and given him all the details. What had gone wrong? When the phone rang- Jon sounded quite relaxed-some small talk- then asked me if I would like to come to Russia with Kelly to pick up Matthew next week. I was so surprised and so honored to be asked to do this...so after checking with Dave ... and making sure the Hasz 4 were covered ( I had already agreed to assume partial care of Dave and Beth's kids while they are in Italy) I said yes.
Now, we are anxiously awaiting my passport and Visa which are on a rush order and are due here by Friday.
Sunday is the take off day for Moscow and Tuesday is the day that Kelly can get Matthew. We then have to stay another 10 days before we can leave the country with Matthew. Since Kelly is a veteran world traveler and tour guide- she will keep us busy I'm sure. Our apartment where we will be staying is just 2 blocks from Red Square so we'll at least see those sites.
I ask that you pray for all the details of this trip and I'll keep you posted and updated.

O Give Thanks Unto the LORD!

It was a day of cooking and fun and sleeping and movies and eating and cooking and sleeping and eating and cooking and...
Saturday morning 18 girls stepped out of their "homes" to a crisp, windy but sunny day and headed north from Teen Mania to our home for a day of Thanksgiving dinner preps from SCRATCH! About the only thing that came out of a "box" was corn starch and baking soda. We started the day about 9:30 with all the raw ingredients- a turkey, flour, yeast, cranberries, celery, onions, apples, pumpkin (this was in a can-but not the pre-mixed kind); potatoes, etc. By 4:00 after all the girls had several turns in the kitchen they turned out a 16 lb. stuffed turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, sweet potatoes, corn, green beans, a luscious salad, a cranberry relish jello salad, Parker house rolls, and PIES! 2 pumpkin, cherry, apple, chocolate and lemon meringue. What a feast it was.
Some of the girls had never cooked anything from scratch so we had some interesting moments- learning to READ and follow the recipes....working with yeast doughs, and lots of laughs and just really great fellowship. We had girls from all over the country, from California to Maine, Washington, Colorado, Virginia, Oklahoma, Indiana, Ohio, and beyond.
Thank you Lord for the opportunities you give me to speak into these young girls' lives. I am so blessed!

Children ARE a heritage from the Lord!

Yes...how blessed we are! For 3 days we had the 4 youngest of the Smith kids with us while the rest of the family was on a Teen Retreat for parents and kids from their church. We had lots of fun times-swimming- crafts- going to cousin Henry's soccer game- garage sales- making funny faces- stories- Bible time-church this morning- and just hanging out with them. Ana created a "State Fair" on Sat.- complete with "roller coaster" which occupied much of their time. Fun!


Tonight Sam and Dave are out in the tree stand- waiting for the right deer to come by! God is good!

I Care About More

This is What I care About

Prayer for Jon and Kelly Hasz!

We just wanted to ask all of you to PLEASE fervently pray this next week specifically for three people who are KEY in getting little Matthew home where he belongs with his Mommy and Daddy.

1. Serge. This is the coordinator in Russia who will be getting all the documents he needs today. He tends to be incompetent and not do his job. Please pray God will light a fire under him to get this process moving forward rapidly. All of this COULD be finished in as little as a week (if all three of these people would be motivated to move quickly . . . but could take up to six months if they drag their feet!!) Let me emphasize that QUICKLY is crucial as Matthew has a serious heart condition and needs to be with his Mom and Dad as they will then be making very serious decisions about his needed heart surgery.

2. Whoever is assigned to translate the documents. This person will be receiving the documents tomorrow morning and they COULD be completed in as little as TWO DAYS. If this person isn’t motivated though, it could take up to a month!

3. The Judge. Serge is able to meet with the judge on Tuesdays and Fridays. If he will get the paperwork done quickly and the translator will also move quickly, the judge COULD have the paperwork by THIS Friday. He then could either turn it around the NEXT DAY . . . or sit on it. We need to pray that all three of these individuals will MOVE QUICKLY.

The final thing that would then need to be done is for the judge to request any final papers needed from the orphanage. The orphanage is really great about expediting the process as they recognize that is best for the children.

When all of this is completed Jon and Kelly will receive their long awaited phone call saying, “Book your flights and come get your son!”

Please everyone, take a few minutes even now to join me in fervently praying God will war on their behalf and enable them to bring little Matthew home.

The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results. —James 5:16

EXPERIENCING GOD chelly

"It is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose."

For the third time in my life I am working through Henry's Blackaby's "Experiencing God" Each time God reveals new things to me but this time is the BEST.
On day three, He says, "God takes the initiative. When He comes to a person, He always reveals Himself and His activity. That revelation is always an invitation for the individual to adjust his life to God."
That weekend I felt like I should go in to work on Monday- I don't work that day but since ESOAL was on Thursday and I wouldn't be working that day- I decided to go in-even though I had no appointments scheduled. I was there about one half hour, had printed something and went to the next room to get it off the printer- returned to my desk and in a few moments one of the girls I know-plopped down in my chair. She had been next door visiting someone near the printer and heard my voice and heard God tell her to come see me. A painful, troubled young woman sat in the chair. I immediately prayed and then asked her what was going on. She proceeded to tell me about a horrible toothache she had been experiencing for 4 days. (I immediately thought of a dear friend of ours whose son had a similar pain- went to the dentist- the dentist said it was probably a tooth acting up that had work on it some years before- and he died in his sleep that night.) I, of course, did not tell her this but took it as a red flag that I needed to do something to help her. We bowed and asked God for wisdom on what to do. (God was inviting me to adjust my life to His right then and there!) To complicate matter for us (but not for God) she told me she had no money and no dental insurance. God- we really need you to show up here!
The first thing I tried was a local dentist who had done much work for several of our immediate family- they referred me to United Way- who referred me to a local Texas group- who said they were too busy with Hurricane Ike relief to do anything about local problems. Not knowing where else to turn I called my dentist in Quitman- and they said since it was a wisdom tooth problem we needed to speak to an oral surgeon. $$$$$ They gave me the name of one in Tyler whom I called, explained our dilemma to which they said...we'll call you back. They did and said they would see her about 3 that day.
We drove to Tyler- crying out to God for help and mercy. Driving up to this very exclusive looking Oral and Facial Surgery office we entered the waiting room which was furnished with beautiful leather furniture and furnishings and had 3 very polite ladies behind the counter who "helped" us. They gave Chelly many forms to be filled out- one being the financial form. It said that "having no insurance, I take full responsibility for all charges." She looked at me and I told her to go explain her case...to which the lady behind the counter replied- If you don't sign it- the doctor won't see you. She looked at me and I said, "You HAVE to sign it." She did. They soon called her name and we went back and had the "round the head" x-ray; (I KNEW this was a very expensive x-ray..a few years back the dentist in FL wanted Dave to do that fro $700!) We then waited with a nurse to see the Doctor. She was very kind and knew the Lord. Finally the Dr. came in and examined her. Chelly explained that she was leaving to be on the road with Acquire the Fire in just 6 days- The Dr. proceeded to tell her that she needed to have and one and possibly 2 wisdom teeth removed. He then asked if she had any questions. She said, "yes- I understand what I need but I don't have any money." He looked at her kindly and said, "I will cover it." Music playing, butterflies flitting- sunbeams dancing- we were praising the Lord and Chelly was crying!
He made arrangements for the surgery the next morning at 8 am and took out 2 wisdom teeth. (The Dr. is also Christian and was so kind.)
Chelly is now in Amhurst, Mass. at the ATF tonight-totally healed and rejoicing in the goodness of God. TO GOD BE ALL THE GLORY...GREAT THINGS HE HAS DONE...
I just praise and thank our God for inviting me to be a part of this miracle.

She FINISH FINISHED!!!

Wisconsin Company led by #302; 2nd Lieutenant Lisa Hasz








Lisa- We are SO very proud of you and what the Lord has accomplished through you during this ESOAL. His hand is upon you and preparing you for great and mighty things for His kingdom. We just love you SO So very much!
And this is just one happy man and one happy family to have their mom back!


These are the women of Wisconsin Company who finish finished. This is one tough group of women who are out to change their world!


MOMMY! LET'S GO HOME!!!!