Seasons Change but God Remains the Same

We've heard it before.  It sounds cliche, I know.  But life IS a lot like seasons, how it changes.  And it's okay.  And it's good. So here goes.  I just think it'll make us all feel better! :)  And... some comparisons just cannot be improved upon!

It's summer now, 2014.

Amber with Fabiana, our sponsor child.  She and Caleb got to meet her this summer on a Peru Mission Trip!

Heading to Moody Bible Institute In August With Our Daughter.  Caleb starts at Bryan College.

Caleb graduated in May...nearly 100 friends and family came to the big Brazillian BBQ!

Life is changing fast for me right now.  In many different areas.

 It's kinda like when autumn arrives and has settled in a while.
THEN. ALL. OF. A. SUDDEN......

A strong wind comes.
Oh, it is soooo beautiful to watch as leaves fly and fall everywhere! I run outside just to feel it, to soak it all in. And in between views of this invigorating wonder, I close my eyes and smile. Then, the rain comes harder, pelting me.   And the wind turns stormy and scary, and I run inside to hide from it.  I try to dry off, so I can peer out my window. And there I see it...

MY WORLD IS CHANGING.  The leaves are almost gone, leaving the trees bare.   I take another deep breath, knowing full well this is HOW IT IS SUPPOSED TO BE.  

 Everyone notices the changes...and they feel it too. What exactly?  Is it sadness?  Fear?  A sense of loss?  Uncertainty?  Not feeling God's presence as keenly while digging deeper inside our souls for greater faith?  The anxiety of wondering if we can all hold up under the changes and still be the same as before?

THE STRESS OF CHANGING SEASONS.

Wind and rain are necessary to bring about the changes.  

But right now, I feel wet.  Foreboding.  I feel like I myself am changing along with the people I love.  Striving for peace and trust through this season.  And I am trying.  I am seeking God's face.  Some days are better than others.  Some moments are.  Sometimes the rain is so steady and hard, I can feel the wetness of it in my eyes.  Breathe.  God is here in this moment.  He is here with me and with those around me.  And soon it'll let up.  God sees to it that it always lets up.

I think I need to grab God's hand and go back.  STAND TALL in the wind while the leaves rush and flutter all around me.  And smile. God is here.  I may get afraid and feel unstable sometimes.  But I know God won't leave us in this season alone.  God is here.

Trusting God to build up a church here in Morgantown! It's a blessing to be a part.

God's special gift to me!

Writing My Own 1,000 Gifts List/Journal Still!  It's just not been written on this blog.  Maybe I will transfer them from paper and computer to over here...another day. :)  God's gifts are everywhere, all around us!

God is here. 

~Sandra

Down the Mountain to the Jail

IT IS MY PRIVILEGE AND BLESSING
to minister to the inmates at our county jail.
The place is small.  It holds around 150 people;
THE OPPORTUNITIES TO SHARE CHRIST ARE GREAT!
...and we thank God!

Down the Mountain and Through the Town

to the Little Jail House We Go...

The Lord is "The Way"

so please help us pray

He will use us to let them know!

 

Down the mountain and through the town

to inmates, His love to show.

The "seed" we'll throw

We'll "weed" and "hoe"

MAY THERE BE NO FORGOTTEN SOUL!

 

Interesting how this ministry, this journey began...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 My heart has always gone out to the needy.  A precious brother in Christ, who for many years was our associate pastor, sometimes shared his long-standing ministry as a prison chaplain.   My heart began to wish I could go to them a few years ago, and the desire...the calling?...only grew stronger.  One day, after Sunday School, I went to him and said, "John, I want to go to prison".  I knew he would understand.

 

Within a few days, my prayer was granted, only God Himself did it, without even the help of our pastor friend.  My husband came home from an Elder's Meeting late one evening and said that the local jail ministry had been handed to our church from another church.  Just like that!  "Up out of the blue".

The following Sunday, still in awe at God's "giving me the desires of my heart", I found John and said, "Did you hear?  I'm going to jail!" 

 

I was confused...He knew nothing about it.

 

Now my heart finds new meaning in "God works in mysterious ways".  There are no coincidences with Almighty God.  He orchestrates from His throne room in Heaven what we could never begin to figure out.  I stand amazed.

For the last six months or so, my husband I have been in that few
who've "made the sheriff's list".  There've been many rough spots
getting there, though,  and Satan has tried his best to destroy this ministry.
BUT OUR GOD IS GREATER.

 

 

 

The first time I walked into the hall with the cells and bars, I was alone.  But God gave the most absolute calmness and peace in my heart, that only the slightest of anxieties was able to fit! 

 

 

 

To say that I have gotten attached to these precious women, some not much more than girls, would be an understatement!  They are in my heart now.   In my journals.  Often in my prayers.  Each is so special and so unique.  They are no different than you and me.  They are wives and mothers, daughters and nieces, and friends.  Many profess  to know Christ as Savior and sometimes put my faith and walk with Jesus to shame...and to the test. 

Some of them are so caught up
 in darkness it seems hopeless...
 until I remember
Who it is there with us
waiting to forgive and heal!
 



All of them have lost their way
and need a friend.
Every person needs to be brought to,
or back to, Jesus-God's own Son.

 



SOME OF THEIR STORIES:

Meet "Jessila": (TRUE STORY). She always sat in the back, really not paying any attention, except maybe to the TV. But she'd smile at me. Sweet girl. Last week: Jessila--"Ms. Sandra, could you bring me a Bible? It has to be easy. I can't read well. I don't even care if it's one of those children's picture Bibles." Looking around cell, she says, "Well, at least I'm ASKING for a Bible! I've never wanted one before." (sweet, sincere smiles all around)....Now, fast-forward to this week. I can hardly wait to hand "Jessila" her NIRV (New International Reader's Version-written at 4th-grade level) New Testament ! It has big words...She won't yet know I'm holding onto a FULL "leather" NIRV Bible for her...let's see how she can handle THIS one first...THANK YOU, GOD!

 

Meet Rosalyn ... (TRUE STORY). She's young and happy-go-lucky. And she's the type that must have been pretty "popular" in school. Now she's in jail. And very addicted to Meth. During visits, it was rare for her to join us even a few minutes at the bars for our sweet routine: chat, encourage, read God's Word, share requests and praises, and finally pray together, our hands joined all around. Rosalyn just seemed to see no need. Later for a short time, she appeared to be getting interested in God, but it didn't last. OH! Then came that awful Saturday at the jail. Something major took place... and Rosalyn had been the instigator. New charges were added, and one ended up in the hospital. "Did you hear what happened, Ms.Sandra? With Rosalyn and a few others?" No, but I had ...noticed a new 'stillness' on 'Block B'. All the ladies seemed deeply bothered. Then I found out why.... Rosalyn was acting the same as always, showing absolutely no remorse or repentance, acting as if nothing had happened! And it also upset me, badly. Made me sad. HOW could ANYBODY be so unfeeling? A few weeks passed. Then, praise the Lord, something amazing happened! Rosalyn was up front at the bars waiting for me. She had maybe climbed the bunk to watch out the tiny window for my car?! "Ms. Sandra! Over here! I want you to know I have been reading the New Believer's Bible you gave me... with the 40 Days of Devotions in the front of it. Here, see? I am on Day 16, and I have not missed a day!" I notice tears in her eyes...TEARS!? "I am learning so much. I never knew any of this! I am going to finish this initial part and then follow the plan to read the entire Bible...It's changing my LIFE!!!" Yes. Praise God, more real tears. My heart is breaking with wonder and love for You, Father, how You can take such a hard heart and transform it with Your Word. Lord, I pray she gets saved. This one's in one huge predicament of a mess. Get her heart Lord! That's all that will matter in eternity.

 

Meet "Mary"...(TRUE STORY). She went into the Rhea County Jail, well, let's just say "very messed up". The women inmates often ask about her. PRAISE GOD, I can tell them, "Mary's in church. She's Facebooking about things like cooking with her family when they get home from church. Mary's saved and praising God every day!"...True Hope!

 

Meet "Livia": (TRUE STORY). She's quiet. Wary. Watchful. Hard. She's either giving that rare slight smile or, more often, smirking from the back wall...I never knew what she'd give those first several weeks. Then... Something's Shifting. I can see it in her; feel it. I recognize it as the very real possibility that God's Holy Spirit is wooing her heart. Last Few Weeks..."Livia" is always right up front at the bars. Asking LOTS questions, as she is reading the Bible through, cover to cover, for the first time. She saves them up for me, those the others can't answer. "WHY are there so many lists of people's names?!" (I will look it up and give her the real, the deep, answers.) "What are 'graven images'?" "What does 'covet' really mean?" I am still not certain of her salvation, but let me tell you, that lady brings me the greatest joy! I love her smiles and transformed countenance, her curiosity...and the tears over God's love that have replaced the smirks. "Lord, should I privately ask 'Livia' tomorrow if she has a personal relationship with the One she's growing to know? I've told them the plan of salvation many times. Father, I think it's time..."

I am excited to say I have started a Bible Study for the women I have ministered to while in jail, and now out.  I feels amazing to meet with them, not through bars, but in a church kitchen preparing food to eat and sitting around a table, Bibles open.

I hope you have "caught the fever", for I surely have it!
More to come on this ministry....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fall Is In The Air

The days are getting shorter.

The air is getting cooler.

Time to get up in the attic and bring down all the autumn decorations.

And for one plain, pitiful wreath, it's time for a makeover.

Fall Hydrangea Wreath

by Mom and Amber

Step 1: Gather All "Ingredients"

Pine cones. Hot glue gun. Scissors. Ribbon. Twine.

And of course, a plain wreath, and plenty of hydrangea blossoms (in their fall colors).

Now It's Time To Begin...

(As you can see, I didn't get out the camera until after we'd already started!)

Step 2: Cover Wreath Completely With Hydrangea Blossoms

By sticking the stems into the wreath, and using hot glue.

Step 3: Secure Pine Cones Throughout Wreath

Using twine and hot glue.

Step 4: Add Finishing Touches

Such as silk flowers and leaves, ribbons, etc.

Step 5: Hang and Enjoy!

The finished product.

WELCOME FALL!!!!!!

Sugar Sweet Tradition

Do traditions really mean alot?  To my family? I've often heard say
 they truly do.

I know they truly make a difference for me,

and I can only pray and believe that these little things
which we faithfully do, partly because we believe they matter,
mean something deeper to my sweet family, too.

What are our traditions?

Are we faithful to carry them out at the appropriate time and place?

Probably we all are more deliberate at some than others.

 I wonder why
we choose the ones we do and let others slip by?

Is what matters more the actual thing we are doing?

Or the fact we are doing it?

Probably both.

Let's pick and choose which special little habits to faithfully tend to wisely.

And you know what?  The longer I live, the more I am

beginning to think that we instinctively know what works
 to make our loved ones feel loved and wanted,
 and that make us feel the same way...together.

When that combination becomes obvious,

maybe it's time to start, or just to steadily continue, a family tradition.

Amber and Mom at their annual Dress-Up
 Mother-Daughter
Christmas Cookie-Decorating Party
2011

One Courageous Guy

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SON!  WE LOVE YOU SO VERY MUCH!

Caleb James, one of our Two Amazing Teens, is growing by leaps and bounds and is  counting days til he gets to "trash" his Learner's Permit for his DRIVER'S LICENSE!
Although I am a bit bumfuzzled over where the time has gone, I must admit that I am excited for him and very much proud of who he is becoming day by day with the Lord's help.  Son, keep serving God at home, at church, and everywhere you may find yourself.  Remember He is the most important Person in your life and you belong to HIM-created by and purchased by His blood....He wants you!!!

CALEB'S 16TH BIRTHDAY PARTY!
Looking at the guest list below, maybe it is his dad and me who are the COURAGEOUS ones! ;)  Well, it should be one big house full of love and it is our privilege to have his Amazing Friends over.  Some of these are over here A LOT...we've considered filing adoption papers. LOL!  And some not much at all, but are friends through church, extracurricular events and through hanging out at their homes or together with other friends..  Hopefully, these will realize just how welcome they are in the Doolittle home and will be frequent guests of our Amazing Teen.

THIS WILL BE ONE COURAGEOUS PARTY!

(The Party Plans)

Dressed and ready for Airsoft with his buddies
With a sad hug, Caleb says, "Mom, I'm getting ready to be deployed."
 This is one of our many slightly askew rituals.

• Guests arrive around 1:00-ish.  I believe we'll be bringing some home from the Basketball Game.
• Eat.  Vegetable Platter; Mini-sandwiches; Chip 'n Dip; AND AMBER'S HOMEMADE CREAM CHEESE AND CARROT BIRTHDAY CAKE WITH ICE CREAM!

• Sing to the Birthday Boy. Do-ra-mi-fa...
• Airsoft Guns and Glue Guns!  Yippee!!!  Guys play Airsoft. If you have ever played or seen this played, you know you need lots of COURAGE for this "game"! :)  Girls have other plans during this time; they will work on  "Button Art" using glue guns they'll bring.  NOTE: COURAGE needed only if  get burned, so they'll be careful!  We also have some new table games, like Password and Bible Stratego!

GIRLS' PARTY ENDS AT 5:00.

AMBER GOING TO A FRIENDS' FOR A SLEEP-OVER.

GUYS MAY STAY TILL LATE.    STAY FOR "THE SLEEP-OVER" IF THEY CAN.

HUBBY AND I WILL EACH DRIVE TO CHURCH TOMORROW FOR THEIR TRANSPORTATION! :)

    GUYS:

• Play some more.
• Eat dinner.  Menu being decided upon. :)
• NOTE:  At this point they were going to watch the new movie "COURAGEOUS".  However, that  was when the party was to be on Tues.  Our Pre-paid newly released DVD cannot be picked up til then, so the movie will be a surprise!  May also play some Wii games.
• Get to bed at a good hour for church tomorrow.  We'll be taking two vehicles.

GUEST LIST: (*Pending)

• Caleb
• Amber
• Joe
• Jacob
• Benjamin G.
• Emily

• Ben
• Bethie
• Crystal
• Danielle
• Jonathan F.
• Kara
• Megan
• *Michaela
• Stephen
• Karis
• Micah L.
• Nathan L.
• Josh P.
• *Nathan R.
• *Gage R...............................So, I'll let you know how it goes.  Should be lots of fun and I look forward to sharing the day with Caleb and his Amazing Friends.

MY GUY
Do you ever feel so blessed, you cry?  Good.  I feel better! :)

P.S.  I HOPE YOU FOLLOW US ON OUR HOMESCHOOL GROUP BLOG, WHICH I MOSTLY DO MYSELF.  FOR SOME REASON, I WRITE ON IT SOOOO MUCH MORE FREQUENTLY.  PRAY I WRITE MORE ON THIS ONE IN 2012.  LOVE YOU ALL!  Sandra for the Doolittle Family

                                         

SADDLE UP YOUR HORSES!!!

WE'VE GOT A TRAIL TO BLAZE!

"Preach the Word; be instant in season, out of season..." (II Timothy 4:2).

OUR AMAZING TEENS-Amber & Caleb
With "Muffin", THE SHERIFF'S DEPUTY

3 Guinea Fowl--- Our Great-Great-Great Grandkids???

Eight or so years ago, we were visiting a fellow homeschooler's home, when we heard a strange noise.  "Oh, those are just our guineas", Terri commented.  "We got them years ago to keep ticks and bugs out of our yard. Haven't had to treat the dogs for ticks ever since".  Then from around the back of the house appeared a group of the strangest looking "birds?" we'd ever seen.  Cute?  Not sure.  Ugly?  Definitely. 

Intrigued by the unique look of the animal, as well as by the fact that the tick-control stuff we always get for our doggies at the vet is quite expensive, we began to question our homeschooling friends (who else would have guineas running around their yard???), and a few months later, they proudly delivered to our home a brand new set of about eight freshly hatched guineas.  After staring a few moments at the sweet litttle things, we thanked our buddies, and they left us.  We were now the proud owners of a litter of little guineas.

         For weeks, we tended to the strange little animals' needs, as we kept them inside our house in a cage, which we worked hard to keep clean.  We fed them the feed our local co-op store recommended for growing fine guinea specimens, kept them well watered, and yes, we talked and cooed to them every day.  The kids loved em'! As they grew, they slowly turned from the cute little "keets" to the things we had seen running madly around our friends' yard. Our home became filled with strange sounds that came from the cage in our homeschool classroom.  Visitors were either thrilled or disgusted by our "pets".  Truly, we weren't sure ourselves what to make of them.  but as the saying goes, they were "so ugly they were cute", with their little speckled feathers, and we'd never have to worry about bugs and ticks in our yard again.

       

            In time, we decided the birds were old enough to be let into our yard, and none too soon, for we were, frankly, getting tired of them in the house. "Do you think we should move their cage out to the porch for a week, to let them adjust to the great outdoors?" our children worried. So, after the week of porch-living, again we allowed them an adjustment period by putting their little cage out under some shady trees in the lawn. Finally, a couple of months after we began raising the fowl, one night we left the cage door ajar.

The next morning they were gone, never to be seen again.

I called another homeschooling friend whom I had recently learned, had raised guinneas most of her life.  "Well, Sandra, they are the dumbest animals God ever created.  Lots of ours used to run away.  Often neighbors would call saying our guineas were in their yard again, and several times a flock would just wander off and not come back for a very long time, or not at all.  They're just dumb, but I always enjoyed raising them".

A couple years after loosing our guineas, we began seeing a few around here and there in the neighborhood, but nowhere in particualr.  We often wondered if those were the very birds we'd poured our time, money, and effort into, but no way to really know.  Then a couple weeks ago, about the time our daughter had her tonsils taken out, we awoke to strange noises in our yard.  From around the back of the house appeared five of the strangest looking animals we had ever seen.  They clucked and warbled and gurgled and purred.  They ate our ticks and bugs and drank our dogs' and cats' water.  They hung out under the birdfeeders.  We wondered if maybe they were our great-great or maybe even greater grandchildren.  And we were thrilled!  Yes, they were indeed so ugly they were cute with their pretty little speckles and tiny vulture-like heads.  

Then two of them ran away.

But the other three have been here for over a week.  We call them the three stooges; Moe, the dark-feathered one; Larry, because he's more "harry" (fuller feathered); and Curly, because he's the other one.  And we count them as blessings.  The sad part is they may or may not be here tomorrow, but we kinda like them here now.  Have you ever seen a guinea fowl? 

 To save you some "google-time", I have included here some pre-googled photos.  They would  have been our own photos, but my daughter, the photographer, (and the one who uploads, downloads, adds to-whatever it's called... anyway,  I don't know how to put pictures onto my computer, and I don't take really good photos anyway) is still recovering.  But, just to clarify, they actually do look just like this.  I'm serious!!!  In fact,  how "cute" one thinks guinea fowl to be all depends on how close-up they have seen one.  But judge for yourself.  Feel free to leave a comment! lol

This looks quite similar to "Moe, Larry, and Curly"

See, here are the pretty white speckles!

And here is the tiny, vulture-like head!

Side profile.  "Ain't I just so cute?"

"Look, things could be worse.  I could be a blue-header!"

(smile)