tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27713804847756681642024-03-14T05:41:01.530-05:00The Clow CommunicatorIn HondurasJohn and Kathy Clowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03809163409173095658noreply@blogger.comBlogger303125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2771380484775668164.post-83762418796961415842021-05-25T17:05:00.004-05:002021-05-25T17:05:54.349-05:00Rejoining the Blogging World<p> Several months ago I stopped posting on social media. I needed a break. I discovered my stress level went WAY down! And now, I don't think I will return to the world of daily posting of pictures and a few short sentences of my musings. </p><p><br /></p><p>I do enjoy writing. I do love sharing about the ministry in Honduras. So, I am resurrecting this blog. </p><p><br /></p><p>My alarm just went off signaling that I am needed elsewhere..... until later!</p>John and Kathy Clowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03809163409173095658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2771380484775668164.post-68242342891027849572018-03-02T10:32:00.001-06:002018-03-02T10:32:29.651-06:00Look To The RightI just sent out our first newsletter of 2018. It's in the sidebar under newsletters. I also added a link to the newest video - team overview. <br />
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All is well here. John returns soon from his month long trip to the States. The boys and I are very excited about that!!! John and Kathy Clowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03809163409173095658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2771380484775668164.post-30020202405274422502018-02-03T15:49:00.002-06:002018-02-03T15:49:30.573-06:00Why I Rarely PostNot long after the last blog post which was in December, guess what I got? Yep, you guessed it, another anonymous email. This is why I don't post much on here. Every time I visit this site I wonder what the next email will say. So, for those of you who don't use face book, I'm sorry! Unfortunately it is just really better if I keep our updates more secure. We have lots of happenings going on. From the each of the ministries to our personal family. So, if you don't use face book and want to know what's going on - send a comment with your email address and I'll be happy to update you. <br />
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<br />John and Kathy Clowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03809163409173095658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2771380484775668164.post-45872424162633491022017-12-12T09:12:00.001-06:002017-12-12T11:39:50.366-06:00Curfew Ends (day 4-10) and OUR GIRLS ARE HOMECurfew week was so quiet that there wasn't anything to really post about. Until yesterday that is.<br />
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We have been planning for a month now to bring the girls home to Honduras. They were suppose to have flown in on Sunday, but due to the weather in SC, Rebekah couldn't make it out. So we had to delay them until Monday. On Sunday morning the opposing party called for a widespread shut down; 'taking the bridges', to start at 6am on Monday morning. Meaning they were calling for protest that would block all traffic and movement throughout the country.<br />
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We thought we were going to have to postpone the girls trip again. They were flying into San Pedro Sula and there would be no way to get them to La Ceiba. I was devastated, but we wanted the girl's safety over our desire to have them home. Our prayer was that the people wouldn't rally and protest.<br />
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The LORD answered our prayer. There was some protesting, but not the violence that was happening a week and a half ago. The military was able to keep traffic moving which meant John could get to the La Ceiba airport, fly to San Pedro, meet the girls and fly home with them. It took them a little longer than the normal 20 min drive from the airport to our home, but they made it home safely!<br />
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<b>AND WHAT A SURPRISE WE GAVE THE BOYS</b></div>
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We are looking forward to the next 3 weeks and 4 days that we get with them! Hanukkah starts tonight; our family being together is the only present we all need!</div>
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Please continue to pray for the political unrest in Honduras. It is not over and the potential for more protesting is imminent. We just pray that it is as 'calm' as it was yesterday. We pray that when the official announcement of the winning party is finally made - the end of protesting will occur. That would be a miracle for sure. But Hanukkah is the celebration of God's miracles. So, during this Hanukkah week (as well as the second week of Advent which is peace), our prayer is for God to give us a miracle of peace in Honduras. </div>
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John and Kathy Clowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03809163409173095658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2771380484775668164.post-32091704066286432902017-12-04T12:01:00.002-06:002017-12-04T12:02:44.788-06:00Curfew- Day 2 (really Day 3 of 10)Day 2: but technically as i think about it, day 3 of 10.<br />
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To catch up<br />
Day 1 started on Friday night at 11pm<br />
Day 2 was Saturday<br />
Day 3 was Sunday<br />
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(I'll post day 4 tonight - if I remember to!)<br />
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Yesterday was a calmER day. We were able to have the Cains and Troxells over to the house just to check in with them and SEE their faces to know they were doing ok. They are! The whole team is feeling the effects of your prayers as nervousness and angst is really at a minimal. John is seeing the McLaughlins today, but they too are doing well. John has stayed in constant communication with the Teguc team. Even though we can't see their face we know they are doing fine; keeping their trust and hope in the LORD.<br />
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The curfew goes into effect at 6pm every night. That is the hour that the 'bang your pots' protesting starts. Every hour on the hour, from inside their homes, protestors will bang their pots and make noise. Last night we had some neighbors who chose to leave their homes and walk the neighborhood streets with their pans. So, last night we had a small little parade in front of our home...all very peaceful.<br />
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It's strange as we have good friends in both political parties. We remain very neutral and refuse to talk politics or give our opinion on the matter. Our hearts just remain broken for the unrest of this country and people we dearly love. This is our home. The place our children have been/are being raised. How can our hearts not break to see the depth of pain that the sin of humanity is causing.<br />
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Thanks for your continued prayers!John and Kathy Clowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03809163409173095658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2771380484775668164.post-28474978904953365692017-12-02T19:20:00.000-06:002017-12-02T19:20:07.496-06:00Curfew - Day 1December 2nd, 2017<br />
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On November 26th, 2017 the presidential Honduran elections were held. Normally, the results would have been announced well within two days maximum. That would have put us on Tuesday the 28th (which also happened to be my birthday đ ). Every day we have heard, "winner will be announced this afternoon." Things took a turn for the worst on Thursday. We woke up two mornings ago to hear that there had been riots and that the 'bridges were taken'. That is the way of protest here, to block traffic from coming and going. <br />
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Our boys had gone to school that morning, but just two hours in we received a notice to come pick them up. John and the other guys on our team finished up their meeting and everyone was back in their homes by early afternoon. The vote count continued to drag on; still no announcement as to who would be the next president of Honduras.<br />
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The protest began getting more violent. Rocks have been thrown, many things set on fire, stores and banks have been broken into a robbed, shots have been fired, and people's lives have been lost. Our hearts are breaking for the people of our beloved Honduras.<br />
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We spent Friday at home celebrating Elias' 7th birthday! We made it as festive as we could. We even face-timed the girls in so that they could sing happy birthday and watch him open his presents. We spent the day watching the news and keeping tabs on our team mates both here in Ceiba and in Tegucigalpa. Tensions continued to rise.<br />
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In order to calm the emotions of the people and bring order to the streets, military was called out and as of 11pm last night we were put on curfew. No one is allowed to leave their homes from 6pm until 6am until Dec 11th. There is a list of other constitutional rights that have been revoked right now as the political unrest rises. But, for us, that is the one that effects us the most. Although, really - we are usually in our homes during those hours anyway. Maybe just knowing it's a 'have to' instead of a 'want to' makes it feel different.<br />
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As you would imagine, the stores have been emptied of most all food. Liken it to a snow storm or a hurricane. We are in 'weather days' right now; just weathering a different kind of storm - a storm caused by human nature and not God's control of wind and rain. <br />
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We can see some angst in our boys as they are trying to process this all. Our girls are having to watch from afar their beloved country in heartbreaking times. As parents, we strive to be wise in what we let the boys see and hear. We pray that our girls will stay in peace, leaving us and many whom they love in the hands of the Father. Our team is doing well. We are keeping in communication with all and will continue to do so.<br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">WE ARE ALL OK! </span></i></b> </div>
Please hear me! We are safe, we have food and we are not anxious or panicked. Our hope is in the LORD our God! He is keeping us in peace as we keep our minds fixed on Him. <br />
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We do ask for your prayers for....<br />
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1.Honduras and her people - for the LORD to show Himself in a mighty way through this turmoil.<br />
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2. Wisdom for John as he leads the team here in country. He has many he is responsible for and he spends his waking moments in prayer for wisdom to lead them well. Join him, join us, in begging God for wisdom in all things.<br />
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3. Our children, and all the children on the team. From the youngest up to Josiah - that they would feel God's peace. That they would have the ability beyond their years to understand what's going on. ---- and that we would not all go stir crazy during this time ----</div>
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4. Peace within the walls of our homes. For the parents on our team to lead our children well, and use this time and situation to point our children to their great great Father!</div>
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5. Finally, that we would all be shinning lights to our friends and neighbors. That through word and deed we would be able to point others to Christ - to His peace and compassion; grace and mercy. </div>
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John and Kathy Clowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03809163409173095658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2771380484775668164.post-53011715814855140092017-11-03T19:25:00.002-05:002017-11-03T19:25:56.706-05:00PDEIt has been a rough couple of weeks for the PDE ministry (Puerta de Esperanza; single mom's home). Two weeks ago I received a call from Alma, the director, asking if she could come talk. Short end, she had to make the decision to tell one of the girls she had to leave the home. Many disciplines later for behavior, attitude, lake of responsibility - the final straw was some aggressive behavior toward another girl in the home. A few days later I went to PDE with Alma to inform the girls of the decision. The harshness, the coldness, broke my heart. This girl who had lived in the home for over a year, with a shrug of her shoulder, "no se preocupe, Kathy." (don't worry, Kathy). <br />
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How can we not worry? Sending a young mom and her 1 year old daughter out into the world. She does have a mama in town who is willing to help care for the granddaughter, and she has a friend who is willing to let her live with her. But, my real worry is not her physical needs of shelter and food. My worry is the harshness that I saw and felt from her. My heart breaks for her heart. My heart breaks for Alma and the weight of the decision she had to make. My heart breaks for the house mom and the other girls and babies in the home who have been affected by the consequences of the poor choices that were made by a young mom. <br />
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Just one day later, on an early cold Sunday morning (cold being relative - but yes, it was cold!), Alma and I sat across the table from a grandmother who is probably the same age as I am, if not younger. She started out very defensive and then as Alma so loving explained to her the reasons why her daughter was no longer allowed in the home, we slowly saw a softening - or maybe she just ran out of things to be defensive about. Alma handled the situation with amazing grace, yet sternness. I am so proud to serve by her side. <br />
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Not just with PDE, but over the past several weeks I have watched so many tender hearts have to suffer the consequences of the poor choices, sin choices, of others. But, I have also seen those same people extend such grace and love, while still holding the sin accountable to discipline. So while my heart breaks for the suffering due to sin; I have to give thanks to our heavenly Father that there are His sons and daughters who are choosing to extend His grace and love to others. <br />
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It makes me stop and evaluate my own choices and actions. First: am I striving to have good actions, have the right attitude, say the right things -- so that others don't have to suffer for my poor choices? Two: when I do fail and I am confronted with my sin, do I humble myself and ask for forgiveness and seek restoration? Third: when others around me fall, do I extend the grace and the love of the ONE who has extended His grace and love to me so abundantly. <br />
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Please pray for Alma and her very difficult role as director of PDE. Pray for the house moms and the other girls and babies in the home. Pray for the future girls that God will send to the home.John and Kathy Clowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03809163409173095658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2771380484775668164.post-46733899966687748222017-10-25T20:48:00.000-05:002017-10-25T20:48:59.457-05:00LOOK LOOK LOOK I just added the link to our October newsletter on the right-hand side. Take a minute to open the link and read our October news. <br />
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In our Honduras world we have now entered rainy season. Our boys had a rain day today and they get another one tomorrow. When they have kids of their own they get to say, "We had to walk miles in torrential downpours to get to school" Instead of "we had to walk miles in the snow" LOL!<br />
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I had a rather funny generational moment with Elias the other day. I told him he could go put a movie in the DVD player and watch it. He had a very confused look on his face and the following ensued.<br />
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Elias: "it's not gonna play on the projector?" <br />
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Me: ''the movie will play on the tv."<br />
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Still confused he just looked at me<br />
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Me: "You know how you put the Wii disk in the white box and the game plays on the TV? Well, you put the DVD in the black box and the movie will play on the tv."<br />
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Elias: "WOW!!! That is SOOO cool!" says the kid who only watches netflix movies from the projector. John and Kathy Clowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03809163409173095658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2771380484775668164.post-75666816306163938322017-10-17T12:57:00.001-05:002017-10-17T12:57:37.533-05:00Comfortable and CozyThis parenting adults thing is hard! Why is it that every stage of parenting seems harder than the stage before? Probably because it's new, unfamiliar, unexplored territory. We just get 'good' at one stage of parenting, we get comfortable, settled, cozy and then the carpet gets pulled out from underneath. Once again we are left on our fannies trying to figure out how to pull our bootstraps up and get back to work. <br />
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I'm really making it sound more dramatic than it is. The girls are doing good. Making choices that show us they have been listening to all we just thought wasn't sinking in. It's fun having adult conversations with them and seeing them processing all their experiencing. What's better - seeing the Holy Spirit work in in their lives and them listening and allowing Him to lead and guide.<br />
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Pray for our girls and this amazing journey they are on. Pray for our boys as they aren't too far behind their sisters. And pray for little guy who has years to go! Although the dude thinks he as well is close behind. The other day he told me he didn't want to go away like Abi and Bekah when he finishes school. Little stinker, he thinks he's 16 not 6. John and Kathy Clowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03809163409173095658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2771380484775668164.post-64667332101004253482017-09-12T15:44:00.000-05:002017-09-12T15:44:42.307-05:00It's FallFall in Honduras is still.....hot! Although today it's a little overcast, I'm wearing jeans and I'm not sweating. <br />
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Last week, not so much. But we pretended. We hosted our team for our biannual 2 day long organizational meetings. We splurged and closed the house up and turned the AC on. We had lots of coffee, pumpkin bread, scones, cinnamon rolls, and so much more "fallish foods"<br />
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We spent two days reviewing our goals and objectives for each ministry in La Ceiba<br />
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MEDICAL: We have hopes of opening our downtown clinic and lab soon. Construction is almost finished and we are in the stages of obtaining licensing. Please pray that all will continue to go smoothly and we will find favor with the government in getting permits.<br />
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PETER PROJECT: The boys moved to a new home with more space and it's closer to our project center. PP is in great need of finances. Will you please seek the LORD on behalf of the boys? Will you please pray about donating to this amazing ministry?<br />
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PUERTA DE ESPERANZA (PDE): The last two weeks have been very challenging for one of the moms. The situation that brought her to us is one of violence and abuse. She suffers on many levels and it's effecting life all around her. Please pray for wisdom for Alma, our PDE director, and for the house moms who live at the home and help take care of the single moms and their babies.<br />
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SEMINARY: We see it on the horizon! Soon soon construction will be finished and classes will be held in our own facility. We are in process for getting all government paperwork in order to be an actual institution with the ability to offer certificate and degrees. Our hope is that in February of 2018 we start with a class who will become our first graduates with a seminary degree in 2022. Please be praying for those who will be our first students.<br />
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SHORT TERM TEAMS: The Cains did an amazing job hosting teams this summer. It was sweet for us to watch them take over and take the ministry to a whole new level. Adam is currently scheduling teams for 2018. If your church is interested in bringing a team down, get in touch with him! Please pray about partnering with us in the area of physically coming here and working side by side with us to further the Kingdom of God here in La Ceiba, Honduras.<br />
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You know that John and I don't actually DO/day-to-day involvement in the above listed ministries, right? Except for construction on John's part. So what do we do? We get the BEST job of all! We get to love and serve those on our team who are in the grit of the above listed ministries day to day, minute by minute. Please pray that God extends all wisdom to us as we strive to lead and serve this team with all humility and Christlike service to them. The work they do day to day is hard and stressful, many days with little reward. Many days can go by where husband and wife/father and kids get little time together. Please help us pray for each of our teammates. That they would...<br />
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<i><b>being rooted and grounded in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to comprehend the length and width and height and depth of His love, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you <they> may be filled with all the fullness of God...</they></b></i></div>
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<i><b>Eph 3:17-19</b></i></div>
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This is also our prayer for each of you!</div>
John and Kathy Clowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03809163409173095658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2771380484775668164.post-69845456326620031742017-05-31T09:59:00.000-05:002017-05-31T09:59:11.284-05:00When Parenting is Just HARD....It's not for the faint of heart. That's for sure! Parenting. At 23 I wanted so desperately to be a mom. At 26 the LORD gave me that desire. AND I AM SO THANKFUL HE DID. But when I anticipated a child, I didn't anticipate that parenting would be so hard. I knew there would be sleepless nights. I knew there would be moments when I would hurt for my kids. What I didn't anticipate was the constant tug of my heart and mind. Every second guessing every decision, every action, every word. Have I made the right choices? Have I done right by them? Have I said what I should to them?<br />
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My head knows the answer to that question: No and Yes. I am not perfect by any means. I have never claimed to be and I'll be the first to own my sin. Yet, I hold as tight as I can to the grace that has been given me. I hold tight to the ONE who holds tight, not just to me, but to my children.<br />
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I just received another anonymous email. I don't know why this person is so bent on criticizing my mothering. When I read it, I know it's a lie. But the enemy uses it to try and create guilt in me over not being a better parent. <br />
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So, when I am already in a hard parenting season. When I am already critiquing myself over the last 17 years. When I am already judging all that I should have done different. Someone else telling me that my "parenting skills are like that of a welfare ghetto queen" --- not really what my soul needed to hear today. <br />
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I choose to listen to a wiser voice.<br />
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I choose to focus on the written truth.<br />
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I choose to hold firm to...<br />
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<i>"B<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Arimo, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">eing confident of this, that he who began a good work in you (me and my children) will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Phil 1:6</span></i></div>
<br />John and Kathy Clowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03809163409173095658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2771380484775668164.post-48820933020230063932017-05-18T14:14:00.000-05:002017-05-18T14:14:53.111-05:00Our GirlsIt took longer than we wanted, but after a year of asking God to grow our family we were sitting in a dr office and seeing TWO 7 week old babies growing in my tummy. It seems like just yesterday; it seems a lifetime ago. We have been through rough waters and green pastures. We have climbed rocky uphill paths and smooth level paths through green meadows. People say, "I wouldn't change a thing." <br />
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I would. <br />
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I would change the times that I was too busy serving others to savor sweet moments with them. I would change the times that I yelled at them because I wasn't getting MY way. I would change the times we walked through sickness and heartache. I would change all the times we had to pull them away from the known to move them to the unknown. I would change the fact they didn't get to grow up with grandparents, aunts and uncles, and cousins. I would change all the moments I didn't seize to teach them more scripture and more of their Heavenly Father. I would change all the times where I THINK I have failed them.<br />
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It's a good think that I am not God. Because all of my changes would have made them miss all that God has been teaching them and the plans/paths He has ordained them to walk. <br />
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<li>Seeing me serve others: God used to teach them to be servants</li>
<li>All the times I yelled: God used to teach them about forgiveness and grace when you wrong others</li>
<li>All the physical brokeness: God used to teach them that He alone is their healer and comforter</li>
<li>All our moves: God used to teach them that He alone will never leave them nor forsake them</li>
<li>Leaving family: God used to teach them what it means to leave all and follow Him.</li>
<li>Not teaching them enough: God used to teach them that He has given them the Holy Spirit to be their teacher. </li>
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At least that is my prayer - that in all the ways I sinned against them and failed them - that God will use to teach them and continue molding them into the amazing young ladies they are already becoming. <br />
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<span style="text-align: start;">With everything in me, Abigail Ruth and Rebekah Ami, I LOVE YOU!</span></div>
John and Kathy Clowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03809163409173095658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2771380484775668164.post-31552876053668982542017-04-28T13:19:00.000-05:002017-04-28T13:19:02.099-05:00My Joy Is Not RobbedQuick update before the April Newsletter update (since i checked and haven't blogged since Feb)! I am not sure why I keep this blog going? Is anyone out there even checking and reading this?? hahah!<br />
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In just a few weeks we will hit our 7 year anniversary (5/4) of living in Honduras and our 14 year anniversary (5/7) of living in Latin America! May has always been a month where we get hit with lots of spiritual ware fare -- it has started early this year. BUT our joy remains. The joy of the LORD is our strength and in Him and Him alone we continue this path that He has placed us on.<br />
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Thank you for your prayers! Be on the lookout for April's newsletter (before May 1st).<br />
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Blessings - we love you all!John and Kathy Clowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03809163409173095658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2771380484775668164.post-62688052834083949852017-02-02T11:37:00.001-06:002017-02-02T11:37:28.647-06:00Tiana<div style="text-align: center;">
On the last day of January, sweet little Tiana was born to Roger and Jandery. On Feb 1st we got to meet her. Mom and baby and even dad are doing great! We continue to feel blessed and honored that the LORD has placed us in a position to love and care for the missionaries, Americans and Hondurans alike, whom we serve with. </div>
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This weekend John and Josiah will be helping move the Villanuevas from their current town four hours away, to their new home here in La Ceiba. Next week Kathy gets to go to Teguc to spend some time with the Halberts and their sweet babies, giving mom and dad a much needed date night! Then the next two weeks lots of time will be spent with the Spradleys as we help them close out their time serving here in Honduras with us. Please pray for us, for strength and wisdom, as we walk alongside and serve and lead our own family and our team family. </div>
<br />John and Kathy Clowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03809163409173095658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2771380484775668164.post-83852447239696341842016-12-28T14:25:00.001-06:002016-12-28T14:25:52.349-06:00A New Team Member!<div style="text-align: center;">
Our team is growing and growing! Our newest comes to us in the tiniest of forms.</div>
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Finnian (Finn) Graham McLaughlin was born on 12-26. </div>
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Congratulations to Seth, Renee and big brother Gavin!</div>
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Finn makes number 23 for Team Honduras. Dr Roger's baby is soon to follow in a few weeks. So many changes going on, I feel like change remains a constant theme for Honduras. Jan of 2017 we will officially be adding The Villanuevas (who will take on the girls home and teaching in the seminary) who have three college age sons. As well, The Nunezes (Ventura who has been directing the street boys center) will become active national partners on the team. They have one precious toddler daughter. </div>
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We continued to be humbled and honored that God has placed us in a role serving these young families and their precious kids. Thank you for supporting and loving us as we support and love all of our team! We pray you all had a Merry Christmas and that you will have a blessed New Year!</div>
<br />John and Kathy Clowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03809163409173095658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2771380484775668164.post-58978779708738609192016-11-18T07:19:00.001-06:002016-11-18T07:20:28.357-06:00A New Family On Our Team<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">MEET THE VILLANUEVAS</span></div>
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Rick, Raul, Alma, Chris, Jocsan</div>
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When John was asked to be team leader two years ago our team was already a large team. AND WE KEEP GROWING! What we are most excited to see the LORD do is add to our team national partners. The Villanuevas will be joining us in La Ceiba at the first of the year. Raul will serve in the Bible Institute and Alma will serve as director of PDE, the single mom's home. <br />
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Read their own words about what the LORD is doing:<br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>About us: The Villanuevaâs </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">When God calls a family to serve Him, the family canât go against His will. Our family was called by God to serve Him and His church and we have obediently been doing so for many years now. We are a family of five: Raul is a retired photographer, now a pastor and professor; Alma has a heart for children and women, and sheâs a teacher; oldest son Rick studies Business & Math at Bob Jones University in South Carolina; Chris studies International Business & Finances at Unitec in San Pedro Sula; and Jocsan is a senior in high school and currently takes some seminary classes at SEBCAH in Siguatepeque. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Whatâs exciting about moving to Ceiba?</b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-7bda0f8e-7789-51a0-cc86-e3de51bd851f"></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">God opened the doors for us to be part of this team before we even knew about it. We have talked with the brothers at âMission to the Worldâ and believe that we share the same vision for Godâs ministry. We believe that the bible institute to train pastors and leaders is crucial for the churches, âPuerta de la Esperanzaâ touched our hearts as a family, just like the rest of the projects âMission to the Worldâ has in Honduras. We believe these projects have a great future and we are excited about growing these ministries for the glory of Christ. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>What we need from you!</b></span></span></div>
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<li>PRAYER: prayer as we grow and adjust to unifying nationals and gringos on our team. prayer for the Villanuevas as they transition<span style="text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"> to La Ceiba and into the leadership positions of the Bible Institute</span><span style="text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and PDE</span></li>
<li><span style="text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;">Financial Donations: both end of the year tax-deductible giving as well as ongoing monthly pledges are needed to help the Villanueva family. The greatest need right now is to PDE. PLEASE prayerfully consider a donation today. </span></li>
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.mtw.org/projects/index/hn-puerta-de-esperanza">Click Here To Make a Tax Deductible Donation</a></span></div>
John and Kathy Clowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03809163409173095658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2771380484775668164.post-79182730771894190432016-10-06T10:31:00.001-05:002016-10-06T10:31:45.735-05:00October TravelsI have Septembers newsletter half written. I sat down just now to finish it, but can't get on my computer because of the mouse...no batteries in the house. So from the ipad, I'll type out a quick blogpost.<br />
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October is a busy month for us. Two separate trips to the States and trips to the capital of Teguc will keep our family apart every week except for one. And, actually...i am not even sure we have a weekend together this month đ<br />
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The girls have been given the incredible blessing from supporting churches and from dear friends to attend TWO college preview weekends this month; and Josiah gets to visit a college! It's surreal that we are on the brink of this stage of parenting. I laugh as I have two high school seniors and a kindergartner. LOTS of graduation stuff going on this year. Then we get to do it all over again as Siah boy becomes a senior next year! <br />
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We also have some medical issues going on. Our team has been hit hard lately. Personally for us we found out that I (kathy) have three herniated disks in my neck. I have been in a bit of pain for several months, with other symptoms, that led to an MRI. I am in physical therapy as well as on meds right now and praying that will be that. We covet your prayers for physical healing for our entire team.<br />
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until i can get the newsletter out......đłđ....have a great day and please know that we are praying for you! We love and are so grateful for the team (you all, us, our team here on the ground) that God has put together to expand HIS kingdom here in Honduras. This is HIS ministry and we all get to be apart of it! How blessed we are to be chosen by Him!<br />
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<br />John and Kathy Clowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03809163409173095658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2771380484775668164.post-25282250173398510742016-09-08T09:23:00.000-05:002016-09-08T09:23:08.106-05:00Summer and Anonymous <a href="http://us5.campaign-archive2.com/?u=dca094a2ea666fcb003b2ce64&id=907c43106b">SUMMER NEWSLETTER</a><br />
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Finally sent out a newsletter on our summer teams....and forgot to post it here. Imagine that! <br />
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Now that summer is over and kids are in school, let's see if I can remember to blog. Probably not, who am I kidding. But I'll try.<br />
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One thing that I didn't include in our newsletter was the ongoing anonymous emails that keep arriving. For three years they have come every 6 month; november and may. Without fail, Abigail received and email the end of May. Unfortunately they kept coming. In total she received four and I received one. I am finding it hard to pray for my enemies. But pray I will. I pray for the soul of the person. If this person is a Christian, I pray that God will have mercy. I say IF because the emails are grotesquely pornographic. We are doing all we can to find who this person is. But they are quite clever. We change emails, they discover them. In fact, I would venture to think that the person doing this horrible deed is reading this post.<br />
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<i>Dear Mr or Ms Anonymous,</i><br />
<i>We love you. We forgive you. We pray for the LORD to have mercy upon your soul. We pray that you would be able to bend your knee and ask forgiveness....not from us...for it is not against us that you sin...but against the LORD of lords and the KING of kings; God Almighty, maker of heaven and earth. Please repent before you are turned over to satan for the destruction of your flesh. We do not want to see that happen to you, but to see you restored to fellowship with the Heavenly Father. </i><br />
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Would you all continue to pray for our enemy with us. That he/she would be brought into submission by the LORD. Pray for our girls as they are the most targeted. Pray that the words they have seen would not have lasting scars on their emotions. Pray for us as parents that we would know how to use this situation to best teach our girls and point them to Christ in all things.<br />
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By the grace of God alone we press on to run this race that He has called us to. We look not at what surrounds us, but turn our eyes to the ONE who stands at the finish line. To HIM be all glory and honor and praise forever and ever!John and Kathy Clowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03809163409173095658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2771380484775668164.post-19417355224489185312016-07-06T11:17:00.001-05:002016-07-06T11:17:03.803-05:00JuneNice title, hey? I told you I struggle with titles...<br />
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I tried to get a newsletter out in June, but it didn't happen. I'll combine June and July and hopefully get it sent out before August ;)<br />
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But a few things from June:<br />1: we celebrated 19 years of marriage<br />
2: Elias gave his life to the LORD<br />
3: Josiah turned 15<br />
4: John turned 48<br />
5:Abigail left for the USA and Belgium<br />
6:Hosted Rich Wolf, for a few days<br />
7: Evan turned 13<br />
8: We hosted two great teams<br />
9: Celebrated other Team La Ceiba birthdays and anniversaries<br />
10: Both sent off and received interns<br />
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Please continue to keep us in your prayers as we battle in the heavenlies. The anonymous emailer has sent his/her third email to Abi in the last 6 weeks. That as well as some other darts flying towards our team is leaving a few of us drained mentally. Your prayers are what helps us to press on! It is only in the strength of the LORD that we continue. For when we are weak, He is strong. Blessed be the Name of the LORD!John and Kathy Clowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03809163409173095658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2771380484775668164.post-88467334762450307612016-06-28T12:03:00.000-05:002016-06-28T12:03:52.730-05:00I Struggle......with Titles. Seriously I have sat here for several minutes trying to decided how to title this blog! Also I love to use "....", but I have been informed by the younger generation that using "..." gives the connotation of being mad. I assure you, in my writings, it is not the case. I use them as a pause when I just can't seem to finish the sentence. Mainly because my brain needs the pause! haha!<br />
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"What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my LORD, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage that I may gain Christ." Phil 3:8<br />
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I have been meditating on this verse for days. It took on a deeper meaning for me after Sunday when we listened to a Tim Keller sermon on John the Baptist. John thought of himself as the lowest of the low...really he didn't even think of himself because his mind and thoughts were so full of Christ. I want to desire nothing more than to see Christ lifted high and glorified in all things. I waste time on facebook and instagram and blogs; seeing and reading what others are doing. I write and post what I am doing. Why? For the recognition? Which then leads me to meditate on Proverbs where it talks about not boasting about yourself. Or Matthew, not letting the right hand know what the left hand is doing. Or Corinthians in not commending ourselves, but letting the LORD. But even then...I don't desire to keep quiet about myself with the intent that I will receive recognition from the LORD, or a reward in Heaven. Ok...maybe sometimes that it is my motivation. But I WANT to be like John, so lost of myself that my ONLY thoughts are of my LORD, of His amazing grace and love and compassion and mercy and justice and ALL THAT HE IS! That HE is my motivation for what I say and do. He is who I strive to point others to...in my home, in Honduras and on social media. I fail, I know I do. So I praise HIM that HIS mercies are new every morning. That every day is a chance to point others to Christ. <br />
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Elias asked Jesus to be LORD of his life. He still struggles with disobedience and stubbornness. But his sweet questions of how the Holy Spirit helps us. His tender prayers that the LORD would forgive him and make his heart clean. This crazy amazing being that the LORD has given to us, a responsibility to point to Christ, is being used by the LORD to point myself to Christ. I see in him glimpses of myself, my stubbornness and disobedience...my need for the cross. So I run...trying to throw off all that hinders...I run to the ONE who holds me steadfast in His loving arms.<br />
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<br />John and Kathy Clowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03809163409173095658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2771380484775668164.post-74315276999341873822016-04-04T15:37:00.005-05:002016-04-04T15:37:47.568-05:00It was brought to our attention.........that many of you wanted more info on why the school closed. We recently sent out March's newsletter with a detailed note about the school closing.<br />
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We do appreciate everyone that put prayer, sweat, love and money into not only the building itself, but also into the students. We wholeheartedly believe that your work was not in vain. Only the LORD knows the full impact of the labors. <br />
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We hope in Him; knowing that He who began His good work WILL complete it. It might not be our plan - the way we thought it would look and function. But if there is one thing we have learned (sometimes the hard way), HIS WAY IS ALWAYS THE BEST!<br />
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Thank you for your continued prayers as we seek the LORD for future direction.<br />
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<a href="http://us5.campaign-archive2.com/?u=dca094a2ea666fcb003b2ce64&id=8597084b4b">Link To March Newsletter</a>John and Kathy Clowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03809163409173095658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2771380484775668164.post-42533324756554369582016-03-26T15:01:00.000-05:002016-03-26T15:01:13.447-05:00Votes NeededWe have been in desperate need of a new prayer card for well over a year now. From John's new job description to growing kids....our current one is a little outdated. Thanks to <a href="http://emilymarchphoto.instaproofs.com/store/?page=multipleCategories&event=1340435">Emily March Payne</a> we have a few to choose from! So help us out! Vote your favorite :)<br />
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I have also thought about asking MTW if we can make a collage photo of these pics for our prayer card???<br />
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John and Kathy Clowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03809163409173095658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2771380484775668164.post-7778903008076373692016-03-10T10:44:00.002-06:002016-03-10T10:44:27.118-06:0019 years and countingThe second best 'yes' I ever said happened 19 years ago. (The first was 37+ to Jesus). My sweet man asked me to be his bride and there was no other answer but YES. Actually, his question was "how do you get the screen off?" He was on a ladder at my second story bedroom window. I took the screen off and he put the ring on. Then I asked if I could look at it (after the amazing kiss of course) followed by my screams of joy. I freaked my parents out who had NO IDEA what was going on.<br />
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He is a man of few to no words. That's ok cause I generally have enough words for the both of us. Spoken words aren't always needed. We generally can read each other and every year we get better at it. I have learned (ok ok I'm trying to learn) to speak less; He has learned to speak more.<br />
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It's our language that is 19 years in the making!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdiFYIyya8MGBW6_H0M3u4fTlV91mFvYtGI08eS_V_HpSuIG7HY3HyZbx7KGv25qF54hyphenhyphencyM2D_fMt5o3Klt_Qh54nymSuWCtmbp5-ld28tcsbx0QegLZPpHeabO_wnAzZKR0TX8y8GGM/s1600/Mar+10%252C+2016+10%253A42%253A36+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdiFYIyya8MGBW6_H0M3u4fTlV91mFvYtGI08eS_V_HpSuIG7HY3HyZbx7KGv25qF54hyphenhyphencyM2D_fMt5o3Klt_Qh54nymSuWCtmbp5-ld28tcsbx0QegLZPpHeabO_wnAzZKR0TX8y8GGM/s320/Mar+10%252C+2016+10%253A42%253A36+AM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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That's us! 19 years ago!</div>
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John and Kathy Clowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03809163409173095658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2771380484775668164.post-46996890649776681672016-03-03T14:07:00.002-06:002016-03-03T14:07:58.932-06:00Be a Miracle This morning I was asking...ok begging...God for a miracle. Honestly, more than one and they all had selfish gain. It was all good stuff, all God-honoring. When I opened my eyes, the miracles I asked for had not happened, still have not to my knowledge happened. <div>
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I went on with my day. And then I heard this song (I was planning on linking song here, but now I can't remember the name or who sings it...shoot...I can't even remember the tune to TRY and come up with it). A line in the song "be a miracle". Basically what I got out of the song is instead of sitting waiting on a miracle for myself, go do something nice for someone. Be available for God to use me to impact someone else's life through a kind word or deed. (If anyone knows what song I am talking about feel free to message me!)</div>
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Would the miracles I would love to see help me able to impact other's lives more? I would like to think so. But, would it be me loving in my own strength instead of God shining through my weakness? When I am tired and just physically worn out, will my husband and kiddos still get kind acts of service, encouraging words, loving hugs, or just my time? Will my teammates see Jesus in me and feel supported, encouraged and loved? </div>
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Putting others first doesn't come easily for me. It's a battle I fight...laziness and selfishness. I like comfort. But who doesn't? </div>
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I am still asking for a miracle. Believing that if God desires He can do it. And, if he chooses not to, then that's ok. Because I know...that my God is for me and not against me! He created me to be me for a plan and a purpose. I choose to press on and let Our Father give a miracle to my family today through my kind words and service.</div>
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well...i'll try anyway...maybe I should be made to report back at 9pm!</div>
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John and Kathy Clowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03809163409173095658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2771380484775668164.post-60508633831182813402016-03-01T20:43:00.003-06:002016-03-01T20:43:41.243-06:00If February had 30 days........then I would have actually had a blog post in the month of Feb. But alas....the month came and went! Welcome March<br />
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I hope that you have been keeping up with us on our FB page. We do keep that updated with current photos of all that's going on. The construction of the seminary is moving along! Soon we hope to be raising the roof.<br />
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Check out the sidebar and you'll see that I just posted February's newsletter. Please take a moment to click on the link and read about/see pictures of what's been going on.<br />
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<br />John and Kathy Clowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03809163409173095658noreply@blogger.com0