Michelle Castner – The Castner Chronicles

Greetings from a beautiful Chile! We are enjoying cooler days, the sounds of the children returning to school, and the changes in scenery that the early fall brings. We are also in the process of packing up our house and preparing for our furlough back to the States. We are looking forward to being at home and spending time with our home church and visiting our supporting churches.

3

Beverly Hammett – Streams in the Desert

Many things have happened since our last update. I would love to tell you everything, but I shall limit myself to 3 cultural experiences.

The first and biggest cultural experience was my husband’s case of malaria. When he woke up on Monday morning complaining about a severe headache, muscle pain, joint pain so severe he could hardly walk, chills, fever, and feeling very tired, my nurse’s brain immediately thought, “Malaria.”

Kristin Hammett – Village Vista

It’s a lovely Saturday afternoon here in South Africa. As I write, I am sitting on my back porch. Everything is a very vibrant green with the recent rain we’ve had. There is a pleasant breeze blowing. There are a few exotic birds frolicking in the nearby tree. There is also a distant Patch the Pirate CD playing. 🙂

Debbie Wilhite – Africa’s Ambassadors

Due to rains and other circumstances it had been awhile since I’d walked the large circle of our driveway. Last week I picked up the pace, so to speak, and donned my sneakers, grabbed a book of Scriptures to meditate on as I made the rounds, and headed for the dirt path.

1

Courage

I recently read through the book of Joshua, and over and over again in that book, the Lord instructs Joshua to be courageous and strong! Certainly Joshua’s soldiers needed to demonstrate courage as they conquered cities and fought wars, but is courage important for a young girl, too?

That Little 3-Letter Word

I’m sure you’re wondering which three-letter word to which I’m referring. It’s a word that perhaps strikes a little embarrassment, as well as allot of curiosity, in your mind. Yet it’s something you’re familiar with—thanks to that box located in the middle of your family room. It’s most likely a verbal taboo amongst some of your friends and especially your parents! Yep, that three-lettered word I’m talking about it sex. (Wipe that smile off your face young lady ;o)

Life – Curveballs, Confusion and Chaos?

In praying for what topic I should write this month’s article on, I kept drawing a blank. But then while I was reading in Deuteronomy I came across the verse that begins with this statement: “And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee…” After reading through the chapter, I couldn’t let go of a question that had begun to rise up in my heart. “As a woman what is required of me?” In my job, in my family life, in my daily routines there are many things that are required of me. But what does the Lord require of me?

1

Finishing With Joy

As you already know, the final push to the deadline of anything is often the most daunting time period, too. Not only are we in the last days of this pregnancy, but we are in the last few weeks of our school year, trying to patiently wait out these lingering weeks of cold, winter-like weather, and striving to keep the kids focused on finishing the school year well and not going stir-crazy in the process!

1

Just Be You!

What does a “minister’s wife” look like? Well, they come in all sizes, shapes, and styles. Some are tall, some are short, some are skinny, and some are more round. They also come in all varieties. Some are outgoing and boisterous, others are more reserved. Some are the life of the party, but others enjoy being more in the background. Some are out front leading the troops in the charge, while others work behind the scenes. Some like to wear their hair long; others prefer a more short variety. Some like to wear classy clothes; others tend to like the country look.

The Planting Season

What is it that you possess? Valuable to you is your time. Benjamin Franklin once said, “Doth thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that is the stuff life is made of.” Each day is filled with moments that we can use for His glory and honor. Our every service can be devoted to Him and done as for Him. If we don’t waste our time plodding through our daily tasks, then we will have time “left over” to do that which God has equipped us to do, thereby being a blessing to others.

1

Character Building

If you don’t have time to read a book then a booklet may be just right for you. This is a great, little sixty-two page booklet written by Booker T. Washington. Booker was a former black slave, who founded Tuskegee Institute at 25 years of age. He and his wife were very humble people who could have indulged in his fame and fortune, but instead chose to live a sacrificial life so that they could improve the lives of others.

Our Steps Are Permanent

Our steps are permanent.

Our actions cannot be undone.

They’re stamped in time’s concrete;

Sealed with evening’s setting sun.

Parmesan Twists

Here is a “twist” on serving bread or rolls with your meal. My daughter first made these many years ago. What a nice appetizer, accompaniment to soup, salad, or any meal. Wouldn’t they be lovely served with an Easter Ham dinner!

The Flip Side of Calcium’s Coin

Remember growing up being told to drink your milk for strong bones? Now a days, we all are concerned about taking our calcium to prevent osteoporosis. The government even raised the RDA for calcium from 500mg to 1,000mg per day. You would think that our bones would be rock solid and no longer an issue to contend with in America. What if I told you, as a rule, our calcium intake is sufficient?