Fasting and Testing

Sean and I recently went through an extended time of prayer and fasting to seek God's guidance for Kenya. This period was the longest either of us had ever fasted before. From past experience I was kind of expecting that God was going to speak to us either during the fast or directly after, if not both. But I'm learning that God doesn't always do what we expect Him to! During our fast, a friend of mine shared how she had done an 8 day fast and instead of seeing breakthrough, she actually ended up in a really intense situation.

Well, guess what? That is what ended up being the case with us as well. A week into the fast, something happened that basically pulled the proverbial rug right out from underneath our feet. I can't share the situation, but I can tell you that we endured a week of feeling as if our world had been turned upside down. In the flesh, we were confused~but knowing that God is not the author of confusion we submitted ourselves to His will and sought Him fervently for resolution to our dilemma. In the process, I felt as if I was dying. This was actually a direct answer to my recent prayers that God would help me to completely die to my self so that He might live through me.

We pray these things, friends, and we really have no idea what we are asking for! He will answer, but it will be in ways we never imagined. After a fiery trial of 7 days we received an answer of peace from our Father, and oh what sweet relief! He is so faithful. I can honestly say that I am thankful for this experience and that I trust He knows just what we need. We are learning that as much as we think we have surrendered all, there are still things that need to go on that altar of sacrifice. He is teaching us that we must find in HIM ALONE our all in all. Father truly knows best!

But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. 1 Peter 5:10

Where God guides, He provides! Faith building testimony..

Have a listen and be blessed! Sean and I have been going through Torben's Pioneer School and it is life changing. Check out his teaching videos at the Pioneer School page on Facebook. We highly recommend them! Our desire has always been to live like we were in the book of Acts. It can be done, but we have to go back to doing things the way the disciples did~which is the way Jesus taught them to live!

Another guy I love~George Mueller

I've lost count of how many books I've read about George. He's my hero. This godly man cared for over 10,000 orphans in his lifetime. George was a man of incredible faith whose #1 goal in life was to glorify God by trusting in Him for EVERY NEED. He vowed never to ask anyone for money. When faced with a financial need, he would say, "How the means are to come, I know not; but I know that God is almighty, that the hearts of all are in His hands, and that, if He pleaseth to influence persons, they will send help." And he would pray and wait until the need was met. It is estimated that the equivalent of around $150 million dollars in today's currency passed through George Mueller's hands during the 19th century.

This is how we want to live our lives as a family. God has taught us a lot over the past 14 years. We've discovered that if we seek His kingdom and righteousness first, we will have all we need (Matthew 6:33). We've learned to owe no man anything but love (Romans 13:8) We've learned that if we give, it will be given to us abundantly (Luke 6:38). He is a loving Father who supplies all our needs (Philippians 4:19) and He WILL provide (Genesis 22:14). We have so many testimonies of His provision for us when we trusted and obeyed Him!

One step closer to Kenya

One detail that needed to be taken care of before we could embark on our Kenyan adventure was our dog, Riley. We adopted Riley 2 years ago when his family was about to begin their own ministry adventure in Darwin. Now that they are settled into their own home, they are able to take Riley back so that WE can be free to travel! Aren't God's ways awesome? Isn't He so loving and kind and faithful? The fact that He is taking care of this little dog shows me that He surely will take care of us! Onward and upward!

My first Kenyan dish!

One of the staple foods in Kenya is called sukuma wiki, which is Swahili for "push the week". This dish is made of kale or other greens with tomato and onion. I just recently began to experiment with kale in an attempt to add more veggies to our diet, so I figured it would be great to try kale Kenyan style! Honestly, I prefer kale sauteed in oil with some garlic, but the sukuma wiki wasn't too bad. I guess I'd better get used to it!

Here's the recipe from Whole Foods Market:


2 teaspoons expeller-pressed canola oil (I used olive oil)
1 yellow onion, chopped
1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
3 ripe but firm tomatoes, chopped
2 bunches kale or collard greens (about 1 pound total), ribs removed, leaves thinly sliced
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and jalapeño (if using) and cook, stirring often, until softened and golden brown, 7 to 8 minutes. Add tomatoes and cook until collapsed and juicy, about 10 minutes more.

Add kale, 1/2 cup water, lemon juice, salt and pepper, toss once or twice, cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until kale is tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Spoon into bowls and serve.

Definitely don't skip the step of slicing the kale into thin strips like I did :) The kale is pretty chewy!

One Step of Obedience Leads to Thousands

*The free premier has expired, but you can still watch it by clicking on the "free ticket" icon* Be sure to watch the video AND the behind the scenes part!

I'm not able to embed this video here, but go to this site to watch a free premier video called "True Beauty~Deny Self" to see a powerful testimony of a woman who said "YES" to Jesus and what He did through her obedience.

Deny Self Premier

More on the Garcia Family

The Garcias also have a book coming out in Feb 2014 called "Rich in Love: When God Rescues Messy People". I've got it on my Amazon Wishlist!

A Little David

Please take 5 minutes to listen to this beautiful boy who was adopted (rescued) from Haiti. In the beginning it might sound loud and even a bit annoying, but if you continue to the end you will be blessed. He is anointed! These children come out of such pain and sorrow. They truly KNOW what God has done for them.

This is the work of God.  To rescue and redeem these children so they can be free to be who He made them to be, and to glorify His name on the earth.