Four.

Four.

That is the number of casserol dishes I broke in one night.

I didn't even know that was physically possible! But three went in one go as I was taking the stack out of the oven (our storage place for most ovenware) and then the last dish shattered when I took it out of the oven with freshly baked brownies. 

Of course, that wasn't the start of my rough week. Within only five days our family dog died, my laptop crashed, our truck was sent to the shop, the fridge stopped keeping anything cold, the bathroom flooded and I ran out of gas for the stove while cooking dinner.

If I were in my dream world, the laptop would be sent to Best Buy, the best mechanic would pop over to check the truck (and have parts on hand to fix it so easily), the fridge would be replaced on warranty, the plumber would swing by and gas would be delivered.

I enjoy the easy life :)

But as I sit here in complete darkness because, wouldn't you know, the lights are out... And I watch the crazy lightning storm right outside our apartment, I'm reminded of how good HE is. 

If this is only a glimpse of HIS power, I am in awe. The wind, the rain, the lightning, the thunder.

HE is strong and powerful and HE chose me to be HIS own! 

HE created me in HIS image and then put HIS Spirit within me to help me live this crazy life!

HE has given me brothers and sisters around the world that encourage me, cry with me, rejoice with me and support me.

A friend reminded me (as I poured my heart out to her) "and you are healthy..."

That is just the beginning. I am inside a warm home with a husband that loves me. I have a precious baby boy growing inside of me. Someone blessed me with the opportunity to go home so I get to travel to Bermuda this week. Our ministry is growing and we've seen many young people come to Christ this year. A girl came to church with us this morning with her children and one came last week too, others are seeking more of HIM, and GOD has protected us every single Thursday that we go out!

You see... Amongst the messy, there is a GOD who is still in complete control.

When we can't even physically handle casserol dishes without them crashing to the floor. HE is still present to get us through and give us rest.

It's funny. This last week I shared a devotional about David when Absolom (his son) was seeking to kill him. Poor thing was down and out. Sad, angry, dsicouraged, seeking refuge in the wilderness... Then along comes a relative of Saul (his deceased archenemy) who begins go curse David while throwing rocks and dirt at him. 2 Samuel 16.

Poor David!!! He was already down and out, then this. He couldn't get any lower. He even toys with the idea of deserving this treatment and allows the dirt throwing maniac to continue.

But when David and his men reached their destination "weary" the Bible says... There they were refreshed. 2 Samuel 16:14

REFRESHED!

Isn't that beautiful.

Friend, you might feel a bit like David. Down and out and then just one more thing pushes you over the edge. I felt a bit like that when the last dish shattered... But we are PROMISED refreshment in HIM.

That lightning throwing, thunder rolling, GOD of all creation has promised us rest in HIM. I know when I wake up tomorrow morning there will still be dishes to be washed, a house to be cleaned, no laptop and no truck - but also a Savior who is still on HIS throne and... Life will go on :) 

Praying for my bloggees today, no matter what you're going through. 

May you find true rest in HIM.

Fun Mom – Bad Mom – Sad Mom – Thankful Mom

I have always dreamed of being a “Fun Mom.” A careful balance of discipline, guiding and fun wrapped up in a happy life for my kids. Thankfully over the last few years as Robersy has worked with baseball ministry, I’ve been at Lily House and together we’ve worked with the church youth group so I’ve been able to try this out with kids that aren’t mine.

Up until last Monday that is.

It all started on Robersy’s birthday. We spent the morning together at home, I made some brownies and cake, and then I jetted off to lead a group to Los Montones for ministry.

Robersy had some errands to run and then wanted to spend the afternoon shooting hoops with some of his boys. I took a book since I know my hubby. Afternoon means early evening and an hour can easily turn into a couple of hours.

He played. I read. Everyone was happy.

We ended the night with brownies, cake and soda… then Robersy climbed into the bed of the truck with his boys so I could drive everyone home.

That is when it happened. Fun mom creeped in.

As I began to drive memories of my mother doing silly things while my friends and I screamed in the back seat flooded my mind, and then my actions followed.

Since we started on the main road I only swerved a little. Enough to make them chant my name. Adrenaline filled my veins.

Then I sprayed them with the water that squirts out of the window washing thingy on the car (I’m sure it has some super professional name). Screams and cheers continued.

I slowed enough to turn in to the area where most of them live. A bumpy dirt road made for lots of squeals and then when I was able to I accelerated, “Woooohoooo! Go Sarah!!!!”

Since most of them are a bit older I decided to take it to the next level. That, my friends, is where Bad Mom came in to play. She was so similar to fun mom, but her foot crossed the line…

Brakes, pause, drive, brrrrrakes, drive…

That’s when the cheers fell slient. I figured it was because we had entered the neighborhood, until I saw Robersy shaking his head.

A KID HAD FALLEN OUT THE TRUCK.

Yes, you read that right. Even as I write this I am ashamed.

THANKFULLY it was that last “brrrraaaakkke,” but assuming I was coming to a complete stop poor Salvador stood up and as I drove he lost his balance and toppled out of the truck.

Thankfully “Repentant Mom” also made an appearance and I checked the teen’s (who is a lot taller than me) hands, knees and head before hugging him, embarrassing him and getting him home SAFELY!!!

Fun Mom and Bad Mom learned valuable lessons.

Over the next few days I prayed for Salvador that everything was REALLY ok, but we chatted again and he says it’s ok :)

From Tuesday onwards I had the privilege of serving with a group of 7 women from Columbia Baptist church. I'll get some photos posted once they post some :) We visited an orphanage, a school, Lily House and was even blessed with some relaxation as they (along with Bethel Baptist) pampered the missionaries and Pastor’s wives with foot massages, hand massages, a great devotional and gifts. It was a lovely week. But one activity in particular left a lasting impression on my heart.

On Wednesday the team headed to a hospital in San Pedro to visit new moms and their babies. It started off really well! The moms were excited and we even had a grandmother stalk us to make sure we made a stop at her daughter’s bedside with a gift too. LOL.

Nearing the end of our time a nurse asked us to visit a few moms that had premature babies and of course, since we had plenty of gift bags, we went to visit them too.

As we walked in, one sweet little boy caught my eye. He was in an incubator, but you could see his ribs as he grasped on to his next breath. No tubes, meds, or doctors looking in. Just a mom sitting beside him. “How old is your little boy?” “Only a few days old but he was born at 24.5 weeks.”

My tear ducts broke…

I hugged the hurting mom tightly and explained to her that my baby was the same age. Just as easily I could have been seated in her position, but God doesn’t do anything by accident. Her sweet baby was granted life by God Almighty and His will in this sweet boy's life would be completed.

We chatted a little more and I asked another woman to come and pray (mainly because I knew I couldn’t do it without sobbing over this sweet little boy just struggling to survive).

The rest of the day thoughts went through my mind, but it was only on the drive home with Robersy that I could get it all out.

“Why must the poor suffer? That wasn’t the best health care, she most likely couldn’t rush him anywhere else and he would have never been flown out for better care. If it were me in that chair I could have called my family who would give everything they owned to get us to the best care available. But all I could offer was prayer, Robersy. Prayer! That’s all. I didn’t have money with me… no special connections to amazing doctors that could help… just prayer.”

“Just God?”

I thank God for Robersy.

He continued, “Sarah, if bringing that tiny baby boy before the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the Creator of the world and the Giver of Life was ALL you could do… I’m most certain THAT was enough.”

Thankful for a husband that allows GOD to speak through him.

So I have learned some valuable lessons this week.

I’ve learned how far Fun Mom can go and to not allow Bad Mom to have a part in the fun. Then I learned how Sad Mom can be Thankful Mom when I understand in whom I place my trust and hope. Does it mean everything will be ok? No. But it means that I have a Savior who will carry me through both the good times AND bad.

Over all it was a great week of some great lessons and fantastic ministry. Robersy was also super busy! Our friend Ricky Ufret (former Pirates player) came for a conference and before he even got to where he was going he arranged to do a quick baseball clinic with Robersy’s boys. They loved it!

On Saturday Robersy then took about 40 of his players to Bani (where Robersy is from) to play against a team there. It was a day filled with plenty of unexpected adventures (which is where my puke and poop FB status came from), but the boys had fun and the Gospel was preached! 

To finish off the weekend Robersy then preached at our church's Family Day service as well as another church in Los Fundos before we raced off to see Ricky once more before he left.

Needless to say... today we shall rest. 

We are thankful, blessed beyond words and TIRED. 

Until next Monday bloggees. Enjoy a little cuteness factor from Family Day. 

Photos we shall entitle "Stole a Kid" (I looove him!) & "Awkward Bump Photo." 

LIVE, LAUGH & LOVE.

Dirt filled nails with an eternal promise

Our nails filled with dirt as the two of us sat on the ground to pick out the colored beads that been swept between the rocks and mud outside. Dozens of tiny silver, glass and wooden beads... one at a time. A time consuming, thankless job that needed to be done. My bead-picking partner was not in the mood to chat so we picked in silence which gave me the time to think and pray while picking, picking, picking...

At the end of each day the Lilies tidy up their work areas. Some wipe down tables while others fold fabric, then someone always sweeps. Now, the mature women understand the value of every bead that has been bought or donated to the ministry. The younger ladies on the other hand, well... they're just anxious to get back to the house. So many times the beads are carelessly swept outside to be hidden among the filth.

Precious and costly - only to be neglected and forgotten.

Much like the thousands of women here in the Dominican and around the world. 

Formed by the very hands of God Almighty and bought with the perfect blood of Jesus Christ only to be told by this sick world that they mean nothing. 

They are told that the abuse was their fault, that they are paying for their mistakes and we find them scarred and broken at the entrance of strip clubs and bars.


This past Sunday I visited a small church in Monte Largo with 3 women that were here serving from the States. Pastor Junior was speaking on faith in whatever circumstance we find ourselves in and he read a passage from Isaiah 43 which begins, 

"But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, YOU ARE MINE."

I don't think I heard one more word during the sermon. I kept thinking of those dirty, broken, forgotten beads that were swept into the dirt. Walked on. Kicked. Left alone.

The precious girls we meet every Thursday night that have the same story of heartbreak, abuse and rejection.

And there is our Beautiful Savior with His hands in the dirt redeeming, calling and claiming each young lady as His own.

I don't think we'll ever quite understand the cost, but I will continue to thank Him every day for saving me and for allowing me to share His great sacrifice with the many women we meet here on the streets of Boca Chica.

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This past week was a busy one with a baseball team and our first women for October Women's Month. Thank the Lord, everything went well and we got to enjoy some baseball games and serving with new friends.

We're so thankful for those who come to serve here!

On Thursday night Robersy shared at a church in Los Montones and we were encouraged to fellowship with friends there. 

Had a doctor's checkup and all seems to be well with our little boy. Continue to pray for good health for both mommy and baby! 

AND FINALLY (mush alert!).........

Today is my handsome hubby's birthday. 28 wonderful years that God has given him here on this earth and I am thankful that God has given us 5 of those together. Robersy is one of the most God-fearing, humble, prayer-filled men I have ever met and although I stress him out and talk his ear off :) I thank God every single day that this man is mine! 

I could go on for ages, but to spare you all, just say a little a birthday prayer for my Boo today. That God would bless him with many, MANY more years and that his birthday would be filled with many blessings.

Robersy Antonio Lara - I love you more than you know <3

Swelling baby bumps with pro-active prayers

Dominicans are most definitely some of the most honest people I have ever met. Dominican friends and family do not hesitate to tell you EXACTLY what’s on their mind whether you want to hear it or not. But it’s always said so sweetly so you’re left wondering whether it was an insult or a compliment.

The point where it gets a little awkward is when people you have never talked to in your life are honest with you too. For example…

This morning as I was finishing up my morning run (sweaty and gross!) a sweet, little old security guard crossed his arms and squinted his eyes as I drew closer. As I began to see his lips moving I took my earphones out to hear what he was saying.

“Como?” the Spanish version of HUH?!

“I just don’t understand,” he began. “I watch you running all the time. You were doing great in the beginning! But over the last few months that you’ve been running you just seem to be gaining weight in your stomach. What are you eating?”

:)

I just rubbed my swelling belly. “Well I have been eating a bit more lately, but I’m trying to keep up with my exercise. The problem is this baby just won’t stop growing!”

I love to hear an old man laugh. HA-HA! Finally it made sense and after his list of counsel (running less, walking more and eating well) I jogged off to the house. Laughing as I went.

Now he was pretty positive. In other instances (especially while running) I have had evil glares, wagging fingers and comments of how I hate my baby and want to kill it because I’m exercising.

Little do they know it’s not because I hate my baby that I’m running… it’s because I love him!

Now I know this a controversial issue so this isn’t a debate, but there are several positive effects of exercising while pregnant. From health and development benefits for baby as well as muscle and circulation benefits for mommy while she is birthing baby :)

I do what I do in preparation for a healthy future for the two of us!

This past week SCORE had an amazing conference on prayer, thankfulness, fears and many other topics that “hit the nail on the head” for each of us that attended. GOD knew what we needed and HE provided a godly man to deliver HIS message.

Robersy and I both have verses, notes and quotes scribbled down from the several sessions that we attended, but GOD has been reminding me of one message in particular that I needed regarding prayer.

Many times as we come before the mighty throne of GOD ALMIGHTY we bring requests to try to fix things that have already happened, for example…

“LORD, I pray for my grandmother (mother, daughter, sibling, etc.) that is sick.”

“FATHER, I beg you to bring my daughter (son, husband, wife, etc.) back to YOU as she has backslidden.”

“GOD, I lost my job and need money!”

“LORD, my husband wants a divorce. What do I do?”

I think we can all say that we’ve prayed one or more of these things. But the preacher made an amazing point. We pray once something happens… but what if had prayed pro-actively? Ask GOD for things before they reach a point of desperation.

One example and the rest you can figure out.

“LORD, I pray for the health of my grandmother. I pray that you would give doctors the wisdom during her check-ups to see any issues before they become something bigger. I pray that she would remember to take her medications and that myself and the family would be ready and willing to help her as she ages to take any physical and emotional burden off of her. GOD, may your hand be upon grandma and would you do as you see best for her life.”

If I am exercising for the good of baby and my future… why don’t I pray in the same way?

Well, now I do. Thankfully GOD spoke to my heart during this and other sessions to redirect my prayer life. Don’t worry… I still pray for the big stuff that has already happened (so please keep sending your prayer requests!). That needs prayer too! But I have begun to pray for things more pro-actively.

Example: LORD, I pray for Kyle and Deborah. I ask that you protect their marriage and remind them daily that you are the only ONE that truly matters. As they draw closer to YOU may their marriage, ministry, finances and relationships with others be strengthened for YOUR glory.

Phew!

Let me hop off my little soap box :) I just can’t stay quiet about what the LORD has been teaching me!!! I pray it might me an encouragement to someone today.

Being sensitive to prayer this week and seeing how GOD has answered has left me with lots of “WOW!” moments.

Over the last few weeks I’ve been asking around for the number of a Lily that was having a baby. Nobody could find it and I felt horrible since we figured she had had the baby weeks ago.  We couldn’t contact her. So on Thursday a friend and I were praying over some girl’s names before we went out to the street only to come across this young ladies number. When we called she was SO excited that we had called since she had the baby 2hrs before we called!!! How faithful is GOD?!

I also received a call from a girl we met months ago in Boca Chica. Once she lost her job, she lost her phone and as a result, we lost contact. Praise GOD she had my number written down somewhere and called to say she wants to chat!

Robersy and I were attempting to take the burden off others for youth group this week and figured between the 2 of us we could get songs, games and the preaching accomplished. But with the conference and other responsibilities this week we were a little overwhelmed. UNTIL… a fellow youth group helper came to say he wanted to do the games this week. GOD provided the help we needed! And youth group went awesome!!!

Oh the things you can do with a water bottle :)

Thanks Junior!!!

We had a couple of Robersy’s boys over for lunch on Sunday. Robersy had a great time of fellowship with his kiddies… and I enjoyed being trapped in my room watching Netflix. That is not sarcasm. I was thankful! HA-HA!

Here is a shot from when we were watching the eclipse later that night. Robersy wore his shades to "see better" and of course... there is no "normal" when taking photos with my hubby.

GOD has provided, helped, sustained, guided and nourished us this week. We are thankful for the moments to sit under HIS Word, think, laugh and fellowship with others.

May our lives be a sweet fragrance to HIM.

Ninja reflexes and falling for YOU!

Following most of my runs along the beach, I don't track a lot of sand in to the house. I'll stomp my sand sneakers on the pavement of our neighborhood until I reach our little apartment. By then it's minimal and I still take my sneakers off by the door. Less sand... less housework.

However, today I trailed a little more in. Mostly because it was down my left arm and left leg.

Yup... I fell.

I can see the look on my mother's face right now! But never fear ma!!!

I had been walking at this point and while walking down some awkward stairs on the beach I toppled. However, my ninja reflexes caused me to lean more to the left and I landed completely on my side. No impact for baby... and only a scratch on my knee.

I fell hard. Which reminds me of yesterday...

.......

Yesterday following the church service, L (who has been visiting the church regularly) was sharing her heart. "I want so badly to give my life to CHRIST... but I'm scared."

She is SO close!

We talked about her fears, doubts and worries. And I had the joy of bragging on my SAVIOUR and sharing the peace, hope and salvation HE brings.

She asked me to pray for her since she feels a literal battle inside of her, which I explained is normal when flesh is fighting Spirit. So we sat there in the car and prayed.

"FATHER, L is falling for you."

Following our conversation I knew it wasn't time. I would never push and pressure, but I did show her in GOD's Word how she could become a child of HIS and then we agreed to meet this week to chat some more.

PLEASE pray for L. GOD is at work, but so is the enemy. Ask that our SAVIOUR would shine light and understanding on this broken and hurting soul. Pray she falls hard in to the arms of JESUS.

...............

We've had some rainy days this week so Robersy had to cancel 2 days of practice, but he's thankful for the time he had to study and rest. His games this Saturday went great and the Gospel was shared with teams that had visited from the capital, PTL!

I had some tough lessons to teach this week (David & Bathsheba: How sin leads to more sin, while confessing leads to repentance AND Taming the tongue - Christians and swearing), but was thankful to see GOD at work in each lesson.

Youth group was FANTASTIC on Friday! Two of our newer leaders took over the games and it was so encouraging to see their energy and ideas. The teens loved it! Robersy followed with a great lesson on the Bible and how we can trust what it says.

Here are some pics from Friday - As always, I only share the most flattering photos, lol!

This week we're at a conference each afternoon. Pray for spiritual refreshment and a blessed time with our SCORE team :)

Thank you for your prayers and encouragement! We are thankful for what GOD is doing and love sitting on the front lines as we see HIS hand move.

Raindrops keep falling on my head!

I love the mornings that you just don’t have to get up!

I’ve always been an early riser. I can wake up super-fast, walk the dogs & go for a run without an ounce of coffee in my system… let’s call it a gift :)

But I still enjoy just lying in bed. Not a care in the world. Thinking, praying, resting.

However on Sunday morning I was not awake… not resting… I was asleep! Fast asleep! Dreaming of the most bizarre things, as I have done for several weeks during my pregnancy; like, REALLY bizarre things. I’ll have to share some one of these days.

UNTIL…

I was suddenly awakened by the freezing cold rain that blew through the window above our window and on to my warm, DRY body. I jumped up like a startled cat and closed the windows, grabbed my warm, fleece blanket and cuddled up to my hubby... who was STILL fast asleep.

But now I was awake. Wide awake. I had just run a marathon around our little apartment and the rain was so cold that my poor heart had to beat a little faster to try and warm me up. LOL.

It was a wake-up call.

At various occasions in my spiritual walk I believe God gives me a wake-up call.

It could be one distinct event that causes me to think, reflect and make a change OR it could be a reoccurring theme that pricks my heart each time it’s mentioned.

This week my wake-up call was the word, “REMEMBER.”

I actually lost count of how many times this topic was mentioned in Bible studies, devotionals and ministry in general, but it kept coming up in different ways throughout the week.

On one day in particular a young lady at the Lily House came to speak with me. She had been thinking about her past. She recounted the abuse, situations and decisions that had led her to the street. But then she smiled. “Then HE rescued me!” In the midst of pain and rejection and desperation there was something worth celebrating. CHRIST had sought her and bought her with HIS life. Sweet memories.

Yesterday at church we heard testimonies of discouragement, thoughts of suicide and hurt… turned VICTORY due to the work of our LORD JESUS!

Then again, last night we sat around the LORD’s table and REMEMBERED. HIS death, HIS blood, HIS resurrection.

Time and time again the Bible speaks of this topic. Altars were built, wells were dug, sacrifices were made… to remember.

Sometimes it hurts to look back and remember. Many times the pain is too much.

But when we stop to think of ALL that CHRIST has done in our lives it is a pleasure to remember. 

How HE had the victory, how HE carried us through, how HE heard our cries.

Don’t be afraid to remember.

REMEMBER.

This week we celebrated another Sunday with women that returned to church with us from Boca Chica and a new girl even came to visit.

Youth group is up and running! Thankful for a visit from the GAP students and the help from several members in the church.

One of the boys on Robersy’s team will potentially sign with a professional baseball academy in 2 months (YAY!).  My hubby has enjoyed not only training them in their baseball skills, but investing in their spiritual lives and knowing that he is sending boys that have given their lives to the LORD. We will wait and see what GOD does.

We are praying for delicate situations passing with women at the Lily House. We need guidance and miracles from GOD ALMIGHTY.

Thank you for your prayers! 

All those nooks and crannies!

I would consider myself a VERY clean person.

In fact… I pride myself in this! My OCD keeps dishes washed, floor swept most days and generally most things in order. I also enjoy putting other people’s homes in order too! Ask my mom… she hates to leave me in the house alone when I’m in Bermuda visiting. She knows things will be tossed in the garbage and things will be moved :)

 On a serious note though, I feel like my house is pretty clean.

HOWEVER, there is one person who makes me feel like the filthiest person alive.

My dear friend from ministry comes over once in a blue moon to help me do a thorough clean and since I’m pregnant, and therefore culturally banned from chemicals and hard work (HA-HA!), she insisted on coming over and cleaning my house.

On our way home from lunch I mentioned, “You know… it probably won’t take long so once you’re done we can watch a movie and relax before you head home.”

2 hours later she is still in the bathroom…

As I sit here feeling lazy (she literally won’t let me help, like I’ve got some life-threatening disease) and slightly embarrassed about how clean I THOUGHT I was I can’t help but ponder over James 1:22-25.

²² But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. ²³ For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. ²⁴ For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. ²⁵ But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.

I look at my home when I finish cleaning. “Pretty good, Sarah!” But when my friend walks in to my house and begins to clean I think of all the nooks and crannies that I haven’t touched in months. She finds them ALL!!!

It’s the same when I look at my life. “You’re doing alright, Sarah. Staying out of the clubs… not boozing it up… good job me!!!”

Then I open God’s precious Word. And HE convicts me of the areas I need to get working on. My mouth, my heart. Those nooks and crannies that need some work!

Friend’s, stay in the Word! We may think we’re “alright” and not as messed up as “so and so” but as we meditate on His Word, He perfects us and allows us to continue serving for HIS glory!!!

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In other news this week... Thursday night was great! We met some precious young (and VERY young) ladies and were encouraged by many who were just excited we were back. 

God continues to work and on Saturday morning I received a call from one lady (remember L whose mother passed away and she went to Haiti for a little bit) who asked to bring her family with us to church and then another call from a mother who wanted her 2 girls to go to church too. 

We continue to seek direction from the Lord in regards to Thursdays, but we are encouraged to see the fruit that God continued growing in the ministry even when we were away for a bit.

Robersy has been keeping busy as well. We love seeing our "sons" grow and many of them are now leading the devotionals in baseball practice and taking on other responsibility in youth group and other activities.

Thank you for your prayers!
Let us know how we can be praying for you :)