Simple Seed and Love

I've been feeling very much like a wilted flower lately. I want to share something encouraging with you, because I know it will encourage me as well.

As most of you know, I had some huge family problems this Christmas break. But that's not the focus of this story. The focus is the faithfulness of my Lord and Savior!

When I was 15, I participated in a Christmas card program for US troops. I sent off a bunch of cards, writing about things I liked and wishing those who received it a very Merry Christmas. Both my parents were in the military, so I understood what it would be like to be away from family during holidays.

Well, I remember getting 2 letters back. One was from a guy who I thought was creepy and the other from a young Air Force guy. Thinking back, he wrote a really nice letter. He talked about how Jesus was the best person in his life. I was taken back by it and never wrote back. I hated God and Jesus at the time. I was into some really nasty stuff.

I remember throwing out the creepy guy's letter, but I kept the other one. In fact, I still have it, 12 years later. I would often read those lines he wrote about Jesus over and over.

I became a Christian 3 months shy of turning 20. I began writing the guy letters to tell him how he planted that seed. After all, it was the first time that I had ever heard about having a relationship with God! Every letter I wrote was eventually returned to me. He had moved on.

I used the phone book and military locators to no success. I gave up. I had been anxious to tell this person what the Lord had done in my life. I had guessed I would just have to wait until I got to heaven.

Again, this Christmas, the person came to mind. This time I tried Facebook and would you believe it? He was on Facebook. I found him and prayed about what to write. I had so much to say! I couldn't wait to tell him about this 12 year old letter. I wondered what his reaction would be.

Praise God his reaction was positive and now we can keep in contact. (He and his wife are going into missions in the next few years).

It's it just amazing what God can do? How he can take a few words that we might seem would have no power and bring to tug a person's heart towards the Father? How much does the Father love us to inspire someone to write someone he (or she) has never met about His Son. I am forever grateful to our Lord for it!

So, with this Valentine's Day, I encourage you to love someone and tell them about God's saving grace! You'll never know what kind of heart your words will seep into. After all, Jesus did not give us the "Great Suggestion..."

A New Hair-do and an Author

Claire cut all my hair off. Two days later I met famous author, Philip Yancey, at my church. He gave a really good talk about prayer. Connected nicely to what I have been learning in my class. Oh yeah, I'm back in school taking a class this year.

It's that Time Again!!

Boot Camp!! Join us in New York City this summer!




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Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

New Year, New Thoughts

Hey Y'all. I haven't been really into updating here. Sorry. There's so much that I want to say, but yet I can't say it in this forum. Shame. The entire world needs to hear it. I haven't felt like saying much of anything else. I stand in awe at the Creator.

When persecution arises, who will be there?
No one.
Who will come to my defense?
No one.
No one but you my G-d.

There's not one ounce of strength left within me,
yet I am still standing by your grace and mercy.

My L-rd, come to my aid.
Rid me of my trial and turn my mourning into joy.

Comfort me, oh G-d, 'tis another day of need --
needing you -- needing your saving grace and perfecting love.

My soul cries out -- L-rd, my G-d, take over.
Bring glory to your name
so that all the world would know you are G-d.

And I will sing your praises among those who hate you.
Though they shoot arrows, a melody will arise from my heart
to your throne -- one that speaks of your goodness to me.

How you saved me.
How you forgave me and gave me life as a sign
of your love for the world.


Lebanese Flower. My favorite restaurant with some of my favorite people.
Entertaining the kids at church with Christmas carols.
My 1st Thanksgiving. Yes, I cooked all this.

UAE National Day!

I temporarily solved my problem with Safari. I haven't been able to upload or attach anything to my blog, emails, etc. I don't know what's wrong with it, so I tried Firefox. It seems to be working. I have a lot of pictures to upload. It will all take time I'm sure.

The UAE celebrated its 37th National Day about 2 weeks ago. Everyone told me how crazy Abu Dhabi would be. Actually, the Puerto Rican Day Parade is crazy. This was nothing. It was so calm (except for the traffic and people spraying silly string at you from their overly decorated cars).

After 3 Months, I Finally Have Internet!!!!!

And I am extremely behind in my emails. Sorry, I just can't keep up. Things have been really hectic. We are coming up on an Eid break....2 weeks off!!! Then we go back to school for 5 days and have another 16 days off until Jan 4, 2009!!! I can't wait. I just want to sleep in one day. If I ever cross your mind, please remember to pray for me. Things are good here, really good, but under heavy attack. There have been many times where I feel as if I know what Job went through.

Well, I tried to add some pictures, but it seems as if Safari still doesn't want to work for me.

A few things I've done so far:

Taking Arabic classes (I had my first exam today).
Had a BBQ in the desert.
Rode a 4x4 over sand dunes.
Smashed a cupcake in this guy's face!
Witnessed my first RAIN storm in the desert.
Broke my tooth.
Went to a student's birthday party....and danced.
Had parent/teacher interviews.
Praised my boys for their outstanding performance during fire drills.
Read a great book about a missionary couple.
Met really wonderful new friends.
Said goodbye to some lovely people I've met here.
Gave a bunch.
Preparing for Thanksgiving.
Saw some falcons in the desert.
Played with fire.

...but most importantly....

becoming closer to my Lord and Savior!