Do It Anyway

"Do not grow weary in well doing for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."(Galations 6:9)

     It's easy to grow weary when pursuing to "do good" because of rejection, persecution, unappreciative people, insignificant results and our list of excuses could go on and on. Yet the motivation for us to continue can come from God's promise that, we will reap what we have sown. We may have yet to see our harvest but God can not lie; His word is final.
   I love this poem written by Mother Teresa  motivating us to continue "doing good" despite what others may do around us. Make your resolve to sow good seed my friend, I know we won't be disappointed. For God will keep His word.


 "Do It Anyway" by Mother Teresa:

People are often unreasonable, illogical and self-centered; Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives; Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies, Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you; Be honest and frank anyway.

What you spend your years building, someone could destroy overnight; Build anyway.

If you find serenity, peace and happiness, they may be jealous; Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow; Do good anyway.

The help you give someone today, will often be misused tomorrow; Help them anyway.

Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough; Give the world the best you've got anyway.

You see in the final analysis on judgment day it will be between you and God; It was never between you and them anyway...it's all about Him.

Blessings,

Polly

I heard Pastor Chris Hill, preach a powerful message Monday night. He said, 

"EVERY ENEMY HAS AN EXPIRATION DATE!"' 

Oh yes, oh yes, oh yes!!!

The enemy of fear, addiction, sickness, persecution, deceit, divisiveness,

The enemy who threatens your marriage, your children, your finances. 

The enemy who has taken some things from you: time, joy, relationships, health, your good character, your security, your hope, your dreams!  

Watch out enemy, your time is limited!

 My bible says in Proverbs, "once you label a thief he must return all he has taken times seven"!

Get ready to pay enemy, get ready to pay!

Blessings, Polly

It's The Little Things In Life!

I once heard a story about a young and successful executive who was traveling down a neighborhood street on the way to a meeting he was late for. Frustrated, he drove his newly purchased jaguar too fast through the neighborhood, while  on the phone with his secretary trying to get the correct directions to his meeting.    His aggravation was escalated knowing now he would be significantly late to his meeting. Oblivious to anything going around him, he never noticed the boys on a corner lot a few yards ahead. As his car passed the location where the boys were standing, their movement caught his peripheral view, he thought it necessary to slow down making sure it was safe to continue forward. About that time he saw a large red brick flying in the air, it smashed right into the side of his Jaguar door. Completely shocked at what just happened, he slammed on the brakes and backed up the car to the spot where he first heard the thump. The now furious driver jumped out of the car, grabbed the nearest kid, lifting him up by his collar he pushed him against a parked car and started shouting, "Who just threw that brick at my car? Do you see the dent made? You think it's funny? That's a brand new car and that brick is going to cost you and your hoodlum friends a lot of money to fix. Was it worth to you? What kind of thrill do you boys get out of participating in such a vandalizing act?"  The boys looked on in fear, not one of them spoke. 

"Speak up!" the angered driver persisted. Picking up the brick he questioned the boys, "Who threw this?"

There was silence. No one was going to take the blame, or so it seemed. Then, from behind a parked van emerged a boy about eight who timidly folded his hands and spoke, "I'm sorry Sir....I, I (stuttering) I didn't know what else to do. I threw the brick at your car because I didn't know what else to do (he repeated) no one else would stop..." Tears erupted from the tanned boys face. They trickled down to his chin, as he motioned to a spot just around the side of the parked van, "It's my brother, he rolled off the curb and fell out of his wheelchair. His head is bleeding and his face and chin are scratched. He is buckled into his wheelchair and we can't get him up. Please sir, could you help me? Please!!!!"

Moved beyond words, the driver tried to swallow the swelling lump in his throat as he approached the hurting handicap boy strapped in his fallen wheelchair, laying helpless in the street. He managed to get the boy back up into his wheelchair, with some help from his brother. He grabbed for his linen monogramed handkerchief and dabbed at the fresh scrapes and cuts, pushing firmly on the wound above the boys eye, hopefully it would stop the bleeding. He grabbed for his cell phone and called 911. Within a few minutes the paramedics arrived. A quick evaluation of the boy told them he would be fine, only a few stitches were needed and maybe an x-ray on the collar bone.

The young executive patted the handicapped boy on the head and wished him well. Walking back to his dented car, the younger brother ran to catch him reaching up to hug him, "Thank you sir, Thank you sir for helping my brother. I will pay you back to fix your car. Here  do you want my address? I don't have a cell phone or a home phone number but I could give you my mother's work number. It may take me awhile to pay you for the damages I have done, but I promise I will." Tears flowed from the boys eyes, as he kept glancing back over his shoulder to watch the paramedics care for his handicapped brother.

The successful business man extended his hand to the boy and said, "No payment necessary young man, I'm glad I could help you."

It was a long slow walk back to the Jaguar. The damage was very noticeable but the driver never bothered to repair the dented side door. He kept the dent there to remind him of this message: "Don't go through life so fast that someone has to throw a brick at you to get your attention!"

Are you driving the road of life in the fast lane? Maybe it's time to slow down, or better yet pull off to the parking areas reserved for the scenic viewers. Don't miss the opportunities to help a neighbor in need, or make it a priority to attend your daughters music recital or your high school son's basketball game. Maybe it's time to plant that garden you've or use your culinary gifts to bake a cake for your elderly neighbor's anniversary.

It's the little things that matter, for one day we will look back and realize they were really the big things in life. Are you making time for the important things?

 Blessings, Polly

#1---- I Thank God For My Family

Today I am most thankful for my family!

I will start with my parents.

My parents with their six grandchildren. (Dad now has
 dementia which explains why his eyes are closed.)

If you would have asked me in 1985 what I thought about my parents you would have received the typical teenage answer, "I have the worst parents ever!" Yet since I have become a parent myself, and now a parent of teenagers, my opinions of my own parents have drastically changed, as most of my siblings would agree.

We weren't always privileged to have everything we wanted, nor did we vacation at luxurious resorts or dine in Maryland's finest restaurants. We sometimes had had to walk to school or take the bus in those winter snowy cold months while others were chauffeured. It was required we eat dinner as a family most evenings and we looked forward to those rare occasions when Mom would talk my Father into taking us to dinner after church on Sundays.  We never took our cars through a car wash, Dad taught us how to fill the bucket up with dish soap, grab the garden hose and wash it in the yard. We were sure to finish the final task of white-walling the tires and checking the oil stick.

It was expected that we secured part-time jobs at sixteen to pay for the unnecessary expenses of our teenage lives but we still had to keep up our chores around the home. I reminisce at my mother's response when I (the eldest of her children) one day asked her why we were the only family in the neighborhood who didn't have a dishwasher. Her response, "I have three of them, Polly, Shelley and Erik". She sure got her monies worth from those dishwashers.

Yet what I did have was a mother and father who worked diligently at keeping a roof over our heads, clothes on our bodies, shoes on our feet. I had a Mom who never (in the entire time I lived at home) treated herself to a manicure or pedicure but instead put the money aside to take us to the Zoo, or the Ice Capades, or down the street for a Kold Kiss snowball.

Yearly family vacations were a must, planned months in advance to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Deep Creek Lake or Chincoteague Virginia. Every year prior to our trip Mom would spend a few nights without sleep, preparing the food, bedding, clothes and all the other necessities needed to enjoy the vacation. We always had room for others to come with us and she made sure they were each treated like family.

Our home wasn't the fanciest, the front door was sometimes missing some paint and the back door squeaked when you closed it. Cold air drifted through the windows on those cold snowy nights, the carpet had a few stains and the furniture was usually outdated, scratched and torn. But inside everyone and anyone was welcome! It didn't matter your skin color, black, brown, red, pink, yellow or white, Mom sat you at the table, fed you and loved you!

Most importantly Dad and Mom raised us to fear the Lord, to abstain from sin, to honor God with our first fruits and to assemble together with like believers to worship our Lord. They lived it in front of us, not at all perfect lives, but committed to a PERFECT SAVIOR who could and would provide so much more than we could ever imagine. Thank you Dad & Mom for your commitment to the Lord, the unconditional love you have bestowed upon me and now my family and the continuous support you have given all the days of my life! I love you both.

I love this man!

Skipping forward a few years - I am very thankful for my husband: 


When I met my soul-mate at Lee University in Cleveland, TN. tall, dark and handsome were some of the first traits that caught my eye, but later I found most attractive was his love and commitment to the Lord. It has proven to be his greatest source of strength as he leads our family and still NOTHING is more attractive to me even twenty-three years later after our first date. I am blessed by his guidance when sometimes I can't find my way, I have been comforted by his forgiveness when I often didn't deserve it, I am amused by his company that never seems to get old and I am confident and secure in his faithful love. He soooooo completes me and for that I am eternally grateful to God, for this man I call my husband.

Finally, I thank God for my children. Only a mother can describe what it feels like to have a "part of you" walking around on the outside of your body. It's been my greatest gift thus far, to be their mother. My children keep me honest, they keep me busy, they keep me learning. They keep me amazed, they keep me humbled and they keep me tired. They keep me happy, they keep me motivated and giggling on the inside. They keep me grateful, they keep me loved and on my knees in prayer. The joys of motherhood can not be accurately expressed in words, its love in it's greatest form!

I love you both so much!

Noah and Karson I am so blessed to be your mother. I can not imagine life without you both. Your sweet smiles brighten my worst day, your voices I could detect in a crowded room of hundreds, it's music to my ears. Your hugs motivate me and on some occasions they have melted away my deepest pain. Your talents and gifts amaze me and I look forward to seeing how God will use you in the future. I, along with your Dad, will always be your biggest cheerleader. Don't every forget how much you are loved...

I love you!!!! --- Love, Mom

#2 ---I Thank God For His Protection

This is #2 in my elaboration of my list entitled "I Am Thankful For...".(The others can be located on my blog in numerical order.)

5.  God's Pruning

4.  Unanswered prayers

3.  Direction & Discernment

2.  Protection

1.  My Husband & Children

I am thankful for God's hand of protection over my life and the lives of my family and friends dating all the way back to the birth of my son who almost didn't make it. As a result of such a tragic birth it was confirmed that we name him Noah, which means "God keeps His promises".  

Later, I was involved in a huge car accident that could have taken my life, but I walked away with only a few scratches and minuscule neck pain. And again in 1996 we were faced with another car accident that could have taken the lives of Torrey & our friend Ray. I can't even imagine the other everyday incidents that we aren't even aware of, when God's Sovereign hand of protection allowed us to escape destruction. God is soooo amazing, I just can't praise Him enough.  He is Jehovah Nissi, the Lord my banner(protector) and Jehovah Shammah, He is always with me. 

Having the protection of a heavenly Father is a peaceful confidence that can't be purchased, nor can it be accurately described. Thank you Lord, Thank you Lord, Thank you Lord! 

Happy Thanksgiving,

Polly

#3- I Thank God for Detours & Delays!

This is #3 in my elaboration of my list entitled "I Am Thankful For...".(The others can be located on my blog in numerical order.)

5.  God's Pruning

4.  Unanswered prayers

3.  Direction & Discernment

2.  Protection

1.  My Husband & Children

One of my favorite scripture verses that I quote often is: "The steps of a righteous man(woman) are ordered by God." How true this has been in my life as I reflect on my #3 most Thankful gift this year, God's direction and discernment.

Many times over the course of my life God has directed my steps through prayer, fasting and seeking His revelation of things to come, all proving He is a Sovereign God who desires the best for His children. Yet I am also grateful for the times I didn't seek Him yet He still provided complete and accurate direction! In my life's journey there have been detours and even delays along the way, but through it all He has guided and directed every step.

In the past I may have begrudgingly resisted the many detours and long delays, but the older I become, the easier I recognize those detours & delays, initiated by the graceful hand of my Father, have always been for my own benefit.  He knows what's best for His children!

Modern Day Red Sea

A similar reaction came from the Israelites who resisted Moses when he was leading them to the promise land. In Exodus 13:17 & 8 it says, When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country which was shorter. No instead God said, "If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt." So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea. Talk about a detour and then to the Red Sea? Imagine what they felt as the marched forward right into a physical roadblock. Where were they to go? What were they to do upon entering the Red Sea? I can imagine their conversations went something like this:

"Seriously Moses? You have lost your mind, leading us to the Red Sea? Do you expect us to swim across this vast body of water? We will surely drown! How can you be so confident that God is leading us? You are a foolish man and we are a foolish people to trust in you or your God! I'm turning around now."

But you and I know the rest of story! The Red Sea certainly was not a blockade in their progression; it was a MIRACLE in disguise. For when the armies of Pharaoh descended upon Moses and the Israelites, God already had a miracle in mind. He gave commands to Moses to stretch out his staff over the sea and instantly the waters parted for them to walk across dry ground to the other side. Behind them waters rushed forcefully back into place drowning the Egyptian army and all of Pharaoh's men. The bible states not one of them remained.

If Moses, for even a moment had refused to obey the Lord when it looked like He was taking Him on a detour, Pharaoh's army could have easily captured them and this story would have ended without a miracle.

Yet that is how my God operates. He may not take us on the "easiest" route to our destiny and many times, it may look as if He has directed our steps right into a lions den, a prison, a pit, a red sea or some other type of roadblock. When all the while He was preparing a MIRACLE, proving who He is and how in control He will always be.


So today I thank God for the mountains, I thank Him for the valleys, delays, the detours and the road blocks... no matter where He leads me or how He leads me, I will follow completely!

Love,
Polly

Thankful For.... (#4)

This is #4 in my elaboration of "I Am Thankful For".... (the others are located on my blog in order)

5.  God's Pruning

4.  Unanswered prayers

3.  Direction & Discernment

2.  Protection

1.  My Husband & Children

#4 - Unanswered Prayers -- I love that old country song that Garth Brooks use to sing entitled "Unanswered Prayers". The chorus went something like this:

(Made famous by Garth Brooks)

Sometimes I thank God for unanswered prayers 

Remember when you're talkin' to the man upstairs That just because he doesn't answer doesn't mean He doesn't care Some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers

Are you singing along? My Daddy use to sing along to this song in his old pick up truck when I was just a kid. I remember thinking, why would anyone agree with these lyrics? To me, they seemed so depressing. Little did I know!

Now that I am a little older and wiser I can say, there have been many, many, many times I have been thankful that God chose NOT to answer my prayers. Let me share a few in particular that may help to invoke memories of your own gratitude for unanswered prayers.

• Growing up, I prayed earnestly that God would allow me to marry my high-school sweetheart. I was in LOVE!!!!! I would have married that boy in a second, but he cheated on me and left me with a broken heart. It's probable that his behavior of "cheating" would have continued in our marriage. I thank God He didn't answer that prayer.
• During high school I use to pray our family would relocate to Southern Maryland about an hour from my home in Baltimore.  We had a lot of family who lived there and I just loved visiting and always felt it would be a great place to call home. My parents at one time were considering moving there, but thank God  He never answered that prayer. In the end, I had wonderful and life enhancing experiences in High school.  Homecoming Court, School Spirit, I lettered in two sports, was selected for the lead in our musical productions three years in a row and elected to represent the Baltimore County Student Government at the national level both my junior and senior years. Those experiences afforded me privileges to develop my leadership skills I would have never had the opportunity to do, if we would have moved.
• My senior year of highschool I started asking God to provide a way for me to enter into the University of Maryland Dental program. Upon graduation I learned I would have to attend a community college first before enrolling in their program.  I took that as God closing the door and instead I enrolled at Lee University. Why is this so important? For three reasons: I met some amazing people at Lee University who still remain mentors in my life. I ended up getting my degree in Business Administration which allowed me to focus my career as a software trainer for many years; eventually that experience has become a stepping stone, in more ways than one, for the ministry I am currently involved in. Most importantly while at Lee, I met the most amazing man, my husband, my soul-mate!

There are numerous other prayers I could mention that God didn't answer along the way but now looking back I can see He certainly knew what He was doing. God is so good and His plans for us are excellent, don't doubt Him friend.

If God has yet to answer your prayer it could be, He has better plans for you. 

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you" declares the Lord. "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future!'

Blessings, Polly

Thankful --- #5!

My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving!!!! It's hard to believe it's almost here. I might add, equally as important to me is celebrating the birth of my Savior at Christmas, but the sights, smells and sounds of Fall over excite me! It feels like the atmosphere changes, people seem to be more thankful and appreciative, they speak much kinder and are less negative. I don't know, maybe I'm giving too much credit to mankind and really it's just the weather change here in Florida provoking all this happiness. Regardless, I love the fall for all of the above mentioned reasons and in addition I get to spend time with family and friends, sharing, playing, having fun and creating lasting memories. No schedules, no cell phones......lots of uninterrupted time, just being together!

If you spend time at my dinner table on Thanksgiving Day, you will participate in a family tradition we call: "This year I am Thankful for..." Each guest at the table is given a chance to express the top three things they are most thankful for, specifically occurring within the year. It's amazing to note that rarely are the things my family and guests mention "monetary items" as you may consider might be, especially when children are seated at the table. I believe Solomon was accurate when he warned, "money and monetary things bring only temporary pleasures"! It's in fact those things felt with the heart that bring the most joy to our lives despite what age we may be.

I wanted to get a jump start on my family and guests, so I am taking the opportunity to list my Top Five Things I am Thankful For....on my blog.  It's a little different this year, so I plan on expounding on these bullets in future blogs for the month of November. So check back often and let me know what you think.

This year I am very Thankful for:

5.  God's Pruning

4.  Unanswered prayers

3.  Direction & Discernment

2.  Protection

1.  My Husband & Children

#5 - God's Pruning -- The bible says in John 15:2 "Every branch in me that does not bear fruit, He takes away and everyone that does bear fruit He prunes it, that it will bring forth more fruit." Notice John said God does the pruning. It's a blessing to know that I don't have to do the pruning myself. God is much better at recognizing a decaying branch or a rotted root.

Those of you who do any type of gardening know you can cut just about any bush back and within a few months (especially here in Florida) it will re-growth itself and produce more fruit or flowers.  We have several "bird of paradise" palm trees in our yard and one of the palms started decaying. My husband and I were debating whether to cut it back or dig it up because they are very expensive. He was  hesitant to let me do anything, but I knew that pruning it would get rid of the decay and the palm would eventually burst new growth again. So when he wasn't looking I pruned that thing all the way to the ground. (haa!) At first it looked like the poor palm would never make it back, but within a few months we began to see new growth and today it stands taller and more beautiful then it did before I got a hold of it and butchered it.

Like I butchered the palm tree, God definitely did some "pruning" in my life and in the lives of my family this year. Sometimes we don't recognize the "rotting decay" that has the potential to wreck havoc in our lives, until the damage is already done. Yet God in His omniscience is able to see in advance what has the potential to hurt us, kill us and ultimately destroy us and He comes in and prunes that branch away. It may hurt at first, but after we are able to recognize all the decay and rot buried deep in that branch, we are thankful He did protect us.

Friend if you are in a pruning process and God is removing materials, people, positions, titles, mindsets, etc from your life and you are having trouble figuring out why ------ TRUST HIM!!!!

You may not understand it now but you can be confident it's Him! He knows exactly what He is doing.

THANK YOU LORD,
for pruning our lives. You love me enough....

Blessings, Polly

HE IS MY EVERYTHING!

October has been an amazing month! God has answered some prayers that I know without a doubt could only be Him. My family has literally seen mountains move and miracles provided in the last three weeks that make me want to jump up and down and run right now, all over again. I wish I could give you the specifics, but I can't do that at this point.... In due time, I shall!

Some of these prayers we have prayed for months and some for years. What made the difference? I believe it was our memory verse for this month:

(Mark 11:24) Jesus said, "I tell you whatever you ask in prayer, BELIEVE that you have received it and it WILL be yours." 

Before I shared our memory verse with my family, I had to stop and re-read it over and over again. I have read Mark 11:24 a gazzillion(I made up that word) times before, but it was as if I was hearing it for the first time. What stuck out in my mind this time, was a revelation that changed my thinking. It was Jesus talking! I repeated the scripture verse again out loud adding my name in front as if Jesus were standing in front of me saying, "Polly I tell you whatever you ask in prayer BELIEVE that you have received it and it WILL be yours." Wow----(Put your name in front of that scripture and read it out loud!) That night my husband and I started challenging our children to not only agree with us in prayer about our needs, but to also BELIEVE that God would meet them. Oh my, does He keep His promise.

In closing I want to share with you my FB post on October 17, 2011. It says what I feel accurately:

As I continue to give God praise for answered prayers I want you to know that He is no respecter of persons, what He does for others He can do for you! I praise Him for HE IS MY EVERYTHING! He makes my crooked places straight, He orders my steps, covers me in protection all the while moving mountains! He is my strong tower, my redeemer, my adviser, my provider, my dream giver and my dream maker! His timing is perfect and His plans are flawless. Heaven and earth move on His command! He can't be measured, I can't ignore Him for His love is amazing, enticing, intoxicating, I just can't get enough of Him! I don't deserve Him, but I'm glad He's mine. Nothing is impossible for My God. 

I will bless the Lord at all times for His praise will continually be in my mouth.

Expecting Nothing In Return

A few weeks back our family spent an afternoon together in Downtown Disney in Orlando, Florida. It’s typical in most families to see the husband carrying the bags waiting patiently outside for the wife, repeatedly looking at his watch and counting the merchandise she gathers. Not my husband, he loves to shop! He takes his time browsing through the stores picking up every piece that catches his eye to sample it more closely. I on the other hand, would much rather be outside sitting on a bench-observing people. You could say, I enjoy “people watching”, if that is a correct description.

On this particular sunny day, a young boy captivated my attention. He was about fifteen years old and pushing middle aged woman in a wheel chair. It was obvious she was handicap, maybe Multiple Sclerosis, both her feet and hands curled under, she was unable to use either.  He made his way over towards the large oak trees where many of us were already seated, trying to find refuge from the scorching sun. In his hand he had an ice cream sundae and a few napkins.

I assumed the ice cream was for him, since there was only one. But my assumption was wrong.  For the next ten minutes I watched him feed this woman who obviously couldn’t feed herself. Each small scoop of ice cream he positioned just right into the handicapped woman’s mouth, being careful not drip any on her. After every bite he gently wiped her face with a napkin and from where I was sitting I could hear him ask her “Are you okay?” I alleged his concern was because she had trouble swallowing and he wanted to make sure she was ready to continue with the next bite. His pleasant gestures toward the young woman made her smile. You could tell he wasn’t there out of obligation or duty, his loving kindness towards her proved he was there willingly.

The sun was beating so hard even I was uncomfortable where I sat in the shade under the big oak tree. Sweat drops were dripping from the boy’s forehead as he continued to do his best to feed her, in the midst of hundreds of rude people bumping and pushing him. I couldn’t believe I hadn’t already thought of offering him my seat, so I got up and asked him to sit in my place, but he refused politely, “No thank you, I have to stand to feed her.”

What made this young boy so different? Why wasn’t he cruising around with his friends, or skateboarding down the middle of Down Town Disney like the other teenagers his age? What held him there, unselfishly giving to someone who couldn’t give anything in return?

The unselfishness and compassion of this young man to care for his handicapped friend touched me so deeply I quickly grabbed for my sunglasses to hide the tears streaming down my face. What about me? Would I be willing to do the same? Could I give unselfishly, expecting nothing in return? Not just today but everyday. Not just for a pat on the back or recognition, but when it’s unappreciated. Not just when others are watching, but when no one notices at all.

Matthew 25:40

"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

Reflection

Every day we are given opportunities, to help someone who cannot return the favor.  Not for recognition, or even a thank you, just because. Often I have had to ask God to forgive me for the motives behind my serve. To keep my heart pure and my mouth quieted from complaining. It’s easy to turn serving into a duty with the wrong attitude. Look for an opportunity to serve this week, it will be there. Just open your eyes and notice the need and then reach out and do something for someone without expecting anything in return.

My Prayer

Lord,

I am selfish, self-seeking, and lack compassion.  Please forgive me. I am blessed beyond measure by your goodness, yet I continue to serve myself more than I serve others. Open my eyes to see opportunities to help others. Give me a heart of compassion to serve not for public recognition or reward, but because you have already given me so much! May my life be more about You and less about Me.

I Love you Lord,

Polly

Nicaragua 2011

Imagine with me for a moment that you are standing deck-side on your boat, life preserver in hand attempting your best throw to the human being overboard paddling to save his/her life and they are screaming your name for help! As you quickly prepare to toss the Life Preserver to the wearisome helpless soul, you say a prayer asking God to direct your aim that it be good enough for the individual overboard to reach it and save their life!

Oscar & Rosibel (Directors of Sobre Las Alas Del Aguila)

I had the same feeling as I watched a courageous young man named Oscar Corea in his country of Nicaragua rescue thousands of children from empty stomachs. I wasn't observing deck-side from a boat, or shoreline from a peer, I was observing first hand at the feeding centers of Sobre Las Alas Del Aguila. I remember the second day of our trip seated on the bus approaching the next feeding center our driver blew the horn alerting the children to our arrival. They began to appear from the edges of the villages, overflowing into the bumpy dirt road. Hundreds of heads bopping up and down running as fast as their little legs could carry them toward our bus. Waving as they ran, you could see a glimmer of "hope" in their eyes. Hope of being rescued and the hope of a warm cooked meal...they knew we had Life Preservers on board and they weren't going to miss it!

Nicaragua

Kids running to meet our bus

We exited our bus and were greeted by the most precious smiles on the face of the earth. Every feeding center reflected a different scene, but one constant remained, there were hundreds of hungry children all needing our help. Their ages ranged from infants to teens and their smiles I shall never forget.

Marta! Oh she stole my heart.

Oscar and our team began to follow off the bus with the mission of "saving lives" on the forefront of our minds. Some on the team were assigned to play with the children while others like myself, were given the privilege to bless the feeding center volunteers with a much needed manicure and hand massage and as you can see from above, some of the little ones were excited to get their nails painted too.

Feeding Center - they were waiting on us!

Feeding Center one line of many...

The Team preparing meals.

Prepping the meals

On the opposite end of the center, others from our team prepped the food, chopped vegetables and gathered wood for the fire to prepare a nutritional meal for the hundreds who waited. Every day (several feeding centers per day) I was amazed how the single pot of rice and chicken would multiply, feeding every child in line. It reminded me of the story in Matthew when Jesus took the five loaves and two fish and fed the multitudes. I am still amazed at what God can do with "just a little". Life Preservers ------ I saw them everywhere!

Oscar giving kitchen utensils to the Pastor of this feeding center.

So thankful for a larger bowl and supplies which helps this Pastor feed more kids.

Life Preservers in the form of new cooking pots, plastic bowls, spoons and kitchen utensils which better equipped centers to feed more children from the community.  Life Preservers  in a hug, a handshake or a simple smile that extended from one mother to another. The language barrier could not and did not prevent the love of God's children one for another. A Life Preserver in the form of a warm bowl of chicken soup and rice, lovingly made, poured and distributed to everyone who came hungry. Saving lives, giving hope, filling empty stomachs ----the mission was being fulfilled.

Quickly I grabbed for my sunglasses to hide my tears. I was overwhelmed by the realization of knowing we held the Life Preservers in our hands and today we had the ability to save another life.

Chicken and rice meal

No kitchens, refrigerators, or stoves -- just some firewood a large pot and a few utensils!

A few days later our trip came to an end and we had to leave Leon, Nicaragua, the kids at the feeding center, Oscar, Rosibel and their team. We boarded the bus headed to the airport and arrived back in the USA within a few hours. After talking with my team-mates on the trip home, it's accurate to say we left a part of our hearts in Nicaragua. There is no way to experience such a fulfilling moment and not carry that experience with you forever. I guess that's what the Lord meant when he conveyed to his disciples that it was "more blessed to give then to receive."

Our American Team Nicaragua 2011!

Some feeding centers they are still without supplies. (Spoons, bowls, utensils, pots etc.)

Lining up the bowls.

I'll never forget these smiles!

Oscar's Team!

Empty stomachs!

What a monumental task one man and one women, feeding 10,000+ children a day! A burden carried by a courageous warrior named Oscar and his sweet wife Rosibel, who daily give of their lives to save others. Tears flow down my eyes and onto my cheeks even now as I type my blog, because I recognize their burden. Even with their vast efforts, still so many children in Nicaragua will go to bed tonight hungry, loosing hope that anyone will hear their cry to be rescued. God help us to recognize we hold the Life Preservers in our hands. We have the ability to save lives, to feed empty stomachs and empty hearts. May we stop trying to protect our own lives by holding so tightly to our Life Preserver, and instead may we be willing to toss them overboard to save another.

This experience has made me reflect on my own life and ministry. I must admit that I have repented on numerous occasions over the last week for my ungratefulness, my lack of compassion to the needs of others, my unwillingness to be concerned about the things the Lord is concerned about and most importantly my idea that what I do for the kingdom is enough. My mere sacrifices are small in comparison to what Oscar and Rosibel give on a daily basis and only heaven will accurately reflect the cost. They truly are heroes in the Kingdom.

Oscar and Rosibel -- True heroes of God's work. I love you both!

I am motivated by their sacrifices, for what matters to God should matter most to me. Lord I thank you for this experience, may I make it more about you and less about me.

If you are interested in giving to help Oscar and Rosibel continue their ministry in Nicaragua you can visit Honoringthefather.org for more details or you can connect with me on my website at www.moms4him.com  No amount is to small or insignificant. Every contribution helps! Thank you!!!!


Blessings, Polly

I'm Not Gonna Bow!

About four years ago my husband and I were faced with a situation that didn't go to well in our favor. It was a set-up by the enemy to wreck havoc in our lives. We were confronted with the decision to choose on the side of righteousness or rebellion, there was no way to escape this public escapade. I remember sitting on the couch one night with him as he explained that as much as it hurt to see people behave so ridiculously, we were going to always side with righteousness, regardless the cost. Although we were in complete agreement to obey the Lord that day, we knew we would be risking a lot by doing so.  We grabbed hands and prayed a prayer of protection over our family as we stepped out in faith to proclaim to the enemy that like Daniel, "WE WOULD NOT BOW".

Although this decision took place almost 1,460 days ago the enemy has been relentless in making us pay for our unwillingness to bow.

I hear from friends everyday who have made the choice to side with righteousness and as a result have suffered the same attack. Truth is the enemy has no intentions of bothering those who remain complacent because they're not a threat to him. He attacks those who are moving forward to posses the land, the dream, the call God has predestined them to fulfill. Adversity is the enemies' reaction to your progress. He launches an all out attack when we publicly and fearlessly take a stand. The problem is too many good hearted, God fearing Christians back down at the least level of resistance from a big mouth enemy. Yet no where in the scriptures do I find God giving the land, the dream or the vision to those who passively wait for it to drop in their laps. On the other hand, I see men and women who "fought the good fight", who "waged war against the enemy", who "moved forward to possess the land". In everyone of these testimonies their fulfillment of God's promise was delivered through struggle and often times a fight to survive! (Joseph, Daniel, Jonah, Esther, Ruth, Noah, Paul, John are a few examples and the list goes on.)

God is calling a remnant of believers who have what it takes to possess the land. Like little David the shepherd boy who wasn't intimidated by vocal harassment from a giant size enemy or Esther who knew she had a purpose to fill and so chose to cloth herself in the power of the Holy Spirit to save her people and like Daniel who was provoked publicly to bow before the enemy but instead remained standing in faithfulness to his God and saw the deliverance of His Lord.

Friend, no matter what threats the enemy launches at you today (a pit, a giant, a lions den) make your resolve to NOT BOW to evil, complacency, or rebellion. For you and I can be confident, we have the assurance that God gets the final say and the enemy looses in the end. (Doing my happy dance in the face of the enemy.)

Picture below taken from Canyon Hills.com

Distractions!

Isaiah 26:3 "You will keep him(her) in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee, because he(she)trusts in you!

Just this week my neighbor's daughter, who is new behind the wheel, was backing out of the driveway when a tiny bee flew into her car and began swarming around. The young teenager was so distracted by the bee, she forget she had her foot on the gas and ended up backing into the neighbor's mailbox behind her.  The irritant bee, tiny in size, yet so effortlessly was able to distract her to the point of destruction. Thank goodness it was only the destruction of the mail box and a dent to her car.

Life throws us many distractions, some are tiny as a bee but have the ability to irritate us to the point we see them as an elephant in size. Other distractions sneak up un-noticed, seemingly insignificant at the time but when focused on can detour us down a one way street we wish we had never taken.

The enemy loves to use distractions to keep us focused on the problem rather than the Provider. He is cunning and sly, using desperate measures to detour our attention, savaging our emotions, and depleting us of any physical or spiritual strength to even want to turn around. It's during these times we need to press in closer to our Lord and be determined to stay focused on Him. The scripture says, "He will keep him(her) in PERFECT peace whose mind is stayed on thee, because he(she) trusts in you."

The word PERFECT means:

1. Excellent or complete beyond practical or theoretical improvement.
2. Exactly fitting the need in a certain situation or for a certain purpose. 

Did you hear that? Excellent and complete peace, what more could you ask for?

God can and will keep us at peace and appropriated on the right course if we keep our focus sustained on God and His word. Oh yes He is that faithful, He just desires us to be.

So roll up the window (shut out negative & critical voices), close the door (separate yourself from the enemy), STAY FOCUSED on a God who is omnipotent, all powerful and has a good plan for your life.

Blessings,

Polly

The Pink Envelope that Motivated Me!

A few years ago I went to my mailbox to retrieve the mail. I don't even know what prompted me to, usually my husband is home before I am and he delights in getting the mail. (inside joke) Opening the door to the mailbox buried beneath the pile of bills, magazines, and coupon advertisements a pink envelope solicited my attention! I love the color pink, so naturally leaving the other mail inside the box, I reached for the pink envelope first.  I quickly flipped the envelope over and to my delight the envelop was addressed to me and written in the most beautiful calligraphy penmanship I have ever seen. In the top left corner the out of state return address was written in the same penmanship, but I didn't recognize the address or who it was from. My curiosity was heightened and naturally I couldn't wait to see what was inside so without delay standing in the middle of my driveway I opened the envelope. The inside flap was decorated with beautiful black & white velum paper meticulously decorated with pink, black and white glimmer jewels. It sparkled in the sun! The penmanship continued as the note read:

April 28, 2011

Dearest Polly,

You may be surprised to receive this letter from me, but I just couldn't resist. I guess I could have just as easily sent my message through Facebook or email, but I knew God was prompting me to hand write this for you. I will take the credit for the color choice and design of the card (I hope you like it and I hope your favorite color is still pink.) however the message is inspired by God. 
     
Polly, your love for God is strong, unwavering and contagious. Yet it makes you a great target for the enemy. In my prayer time today I was drawn to find this quote for you. I had to dig a little deep to locate it but I am so glad I did. I have penned it below. Reading it again for myself, it brought strength to my soul and joy to my heart. I hope it will do the same for you. 

     
Remember God has a great plan. My husband and I are praying for you, Torrey, and the children. No matter what you face today, don't every stop dreaming, don't ever stop trying, don't ever stop obeying, don't ever stop speaking....your destiny awaits. 

Love,

(Mrs. -------)

 Quote by Theodore Roosevelt

It’s not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the door of deeds could have been done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement and who at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat.

Deuteronomy 1:21

 "See, the LORD your God has given you the land. Go up and take possession of it as the LORD, the God of your fathers, told you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

(Polly adds)
The pink envelope was a word in season. God always knows what we need and exactly when we need it. I hope this quote inspires you to keep moving forward. Many who jump on the ban wagon to criticize those who are actually in the arena, are only doing so because of the lack of determination and motivation they have within themselves.

Those who compare become critical. I have since learned people who are intimidated by you, will talk about you in hopes that others won't find you so appealing.....even so TALK GOOD ABOUT THEM! You will sow a harvest of good.

I am so thankful for my dear friend's letter to me penned with God's message. I hope it encourages you. Don't give up  my friend. You may be tired, weary and worn, but you are still in this journey and He hasn't forgotten about you.

Challenge: even through your struggle take a moment and send a note of encouragement to someone else. You will see even in its simplest form you are sowing good seed and you just may be the words of encouragement they need to take another step.

Blessings,

Polly