Behind the Veils

I can think of an endless amount of reasons why you should read this book but I only have room for a few of the things that impacted me...........

- it showed me more of who God is
- it is a terrific picture into the Muslim woman's world
- it convicted me of my willingness to share the Gospel
- it gave me perspective on my view of what God's people are facing around the globe to take His Word to them
- it broadened my mindset of what darkness the lost Muslim world is shrouded in

In Behind the Veils of Yemen, a female Christ follower tells of her personal experience walking with the One True God and into the lives of the Yemeni women. I originally picked it up as part of my Around the World in 80 Books Challenge because it was based in Yemen. Little did I know how much it would impact my life. I know that the Lord, in His sovereign way, brought it to my reading list more for my heart change rather than a check mark on my challenge.

Just What I Need

I am really not sure what we were thinking all along, but this new plan worked amazingly well. My college roommates and I spent the weekend in Austin catching up and relaxing. The exciting part was leaving all 12 kids at home. We usually meet with all the kids......and have a great time. It's just not very relaxing. It's a lot of work. The kids just love being together and a fun time is had by all. This time around with 'mommies only' was just what I needed. These two girls have known me for decades and we just get each other. I am not their pastor's wife. I am not their counselor. I am not their employer. I am not their crisis manager. I am their friend. I don't have to be anything else and they don't have to be anything to me. Being a ministry wife can often put me in a bubble and these two have never been on the inside of that bubble. I like it that way. I'm sure they do too. Our relationship will always be different from those in the bubble. No matter what friendships I form in the church, at the end of the day, I am always married to their pastor.

I am reminded each time I talk to the roommates on the phone or see them how much I need a relationship like the one we have. It does not have expectations or requirements of me (perceived or real) and it allows me to be stretched and grow in the Lord. They love the Lord with all their hearts and want to see Him glorified in all of us. The Lord regularly uses them in my life to convict me, shape me and show me more of who He is. I am so thankful that though the miles separate us, the Lord continues to draw us close. Our time together was full of laughter, near tears, thoughtful and meaningful conversations, and no expectations for greatness. It was as treasured time and sure beyond great! We are trying to figure out how to get the three dads to keep the 12 again soon.

Our Resurrection Sunday

Resurrection Sunday was fabulous today.......worshipping the risen King, family and friends for a relaxing lunch at home and now enjoying the incredible day that the Lord has made. I am so thankful for the life He has given me. Amidst the thankfulness, I have such a sense of want......wanting others to know and love the Lord Jesus with all their hearts - that they may experience the eternal life He has for them!

Here are the little Linos all ready for worship - the most exciting part of our day.

So Far So Good

We are easing into some healthier eating changes around here. So far, we are doing whole wheat (homemade) bread, the whole wheat pancakes (recipe here) and wheat dough for our homemade pizzas. All of our pastas have been switched to whole wheat. I have added more fruit to our already fruit-heavy diet and eliminated some of the crackers and pre-packaged snacks that seem to disappear like candy around here. It's amazing - if you don't buy it, they don't eat it.

Everyone seems to be adjusting well to the changes, but it was not a seamless transition. The whole wheat pancakes taste much better with chocolate chips instead of banana. The bread is rather dense, so you have to only eat half a sandwich and some of the littles don't 'love it'. They eat it, but could do without a sandwich if allowed. Some of the pastas made the switch without anyone knowing they were wheat. Nathan did not even recognize it a couple of times. The texture is the hardest thing for me to accept. The wheat pasta seems a little rough to me and not nearly as slimy.

Vegetables are our biggest challenge. I don't like them - never have. Salads, green beans and green peas are staples that go over well in addition to a few carrots here and there. We are really lacking in the veggie department. That's next on my list.