I am Blessed

The pictures say more than I can. How greatly blessed I am just to be a part of this family.

Sara Groves 'Hello Lord' lyrics

Hello Lord, it's me your child I have a few things on my mind
Right now I'm faced with big decisions And I'm wondering if you have a minute, cuz
Right now I don't hear so well
And I was wondering if you could speak up

I know that you tore the veil So I could sit with you in person
And hear what you're saying but Right now, I just can't hear you.
I don't doubt your sovereignty I doubt my own ability to

Hear what you're saying And to do the right thing And I desperately want to do the right thing

But right now I don't hear so well And I was wondering if you could speak up

And somewhere in the back of my mind I think you are telling me to wait
And though patience has never been mine
Lord, I will wait to hear from you Oh Lord, I'm waiting on you

Right now, I think you're whispering

I love Sara Groves and how the words of her songs seem to capture what I want to express. This song so perfectly expresses how I have been feeling this last semester. I am beyond excited to think that I will graduate in May and have accomplished something in the last two years, but what is next? If you know me I have always had a pretty well thought out plan - details for the day and the next couple years. Well, this summer I realized that everything I had pictured for myself was not happening, nor would it be happening in the near future, so where does that leave me? What am I suppose to be doing? I will do, my record is pretty good at taking on the seemingly impossible and getting it done. But I need to know, I need some assurance of what the right thing is and I have none. I am not a person guided by feelings, but I just don't feel good about any direction right now. When I was living in Aden, I knew without a shadow of a doubt that was where I was suppose to be, and when I walked into ALC I knew I would be returning, but now I am in a state of hesitancy. And I feel like I am running out of time. Do I work on patience or get up out of my pity party because things are not how I would like them and start running full force in a particular direction? So many questions. Lord, could you speak up cuz' right now I don't hear too well...

Two Years...

I realized this week that it has been exactly two years since I 'moved' back to America. I really cannot believe that it has already been two years, I feel and talk like I just got back a month ago. While I know this time in America has been growing me and challenging me to see life through yet another new perspective, I find myself constantly looking forward to the day when I get to go back. I had a class assignment this week that required me to evaluate what kind of legacy I am leaving behind. Am I leaving a legacy that makes the Lord's name greater? I find myself all too often focused on today and myself. My challenge for myself today is to make the most of the gift that God has given me today. To thank Him for all that he has done, is doing and will do in my life and be content to trust in Him alone and walk by faith. I want to leave a legacy of one who walked by faith and saw the power of the Gospel in her life.

Some of you know that the Getty's lyrics are some of my favorite...

I love this new song title By Faith

By faith we see the hand of God

By faith we see the hand of God

In the light of creation's grand design

In the lives of those who prove His faithfulness

Who walk by faith and not by sight

By faith our fathers roamed the earth

With the power of His promise in their hearts

Of a holy city built by God's own hand

A place where peace and justice reign

We will stand as children of the promise

We will fix our eyes on Him our soul's reward

Till the race is finished and the work is done

We'll walk by faith and not by sight

By faith the prophets saw a day

When the longed-for Messiah would appear

With the power to break the chains of sin and death

And rise triumphant from the grave

By faith the church was called to go

In the power of the Spirit to the lost

To deliver captives and to preach good news

In every corner of the earth

We will stand...

By faith this mountain shall be moved

And the power of the gospel shall prevail

For we know in Christ all things are possible

For all who call upon His name

We will stand...

I got this off of Heidi's blog, and since I really should be studying I thought now would be a good time to answer and blog 45 random questions.

1. Do you like blue cheese? No, yuck.
2. Have you ever been drunk? No
3. Do you own a gun? No.
4. What flavor of Kool Aid was your favorite? Grape
5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? Yes, it's irrational I know but I do.
6. What do you think of hot dogs? I go back an forth, love them cooked over a campfire.
7. Favorite Christmas movie? Too many to choose; Babes in Toyland, Charlie Brown, Elf
8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Coffee
9. Can you do push ups? I can
10. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? All of it! I have started quite the collection from around the world
11. Favorite hobby? Reading
12. Do you have A.D.D.? O.C.D? Nope!
13. What's your favorite shoe? the brown ones Hannah left behind
14. Favorite place you have travelled to? Africa, Asia and Europe
16. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink? Water, Diet Dr. Pepper, hot tea
17. Current worry? hmmm, I should be studying for a mid-term on Monday
18. Current hate right now? I've had a pretty good day, maybe I will think of something tomorrow
20. How did you bring in the New Year? In Canada with Mom, Dad, Heidi, Doug and a bunch of other friends.
22. Name three things you own that are near you: sitting on my rug from India, leaning on my pillow from Pier1, next to my pink backpack from L.L.Bean.
23. Do you own slippers? Yep, love them - one pair I got one Christmas years ago, and another from my old roomie Allison
24. What color shirt are you wearing right now? purple
25. Do you like sleeping on Satin sheets? I loved my old Sateen sheets so satin could only be better.
26. Can you whistle? If I concentrate really hard, sometimes
27. Favorite color? purple or yellow
28. Would you be a pirate? I'm just not that daring
29. What songs do you sing in the shower? Usually I don't sing
30. Favorite Girl's Name? Love all my nieces names...Sahara, Cambria, Tirza and Selah
31. Favorite boy's name? Zebulon
32. What's in your pocket right now? nothing
33. Last thing that made you laugh? probably Ingram
34. Best bed sheets as a child? CareBears! The pillow had one side bedtime bear the other sunshine bear!
35. Worst injury you've ever had as a child? Falling from a tree swing at Brackenhurst and landing on my tailbone
36. Do you love where you live? I am so ready to move on, it was fine for a couple years
38. Who is your loudest friend? ??
39. How many dogs do you have? No pets

40. Does someone have a crush on you? I wish
41. What is your favorite book? I could never decide

42. What is your favorite candy? starbursts, skittles, or M&Ms are hard to resist

43. Favorite Sports Team? I would have to watch the games to have a favorite
44. What song do you want played at your funeral? In Christ Alone, By Faith
45. What is your least favorite animal? sharks

My Weekend

I had a fabulously, though way too fast, weekend with the DeLaughters.

Didn't have time for many pictures but did get a few.

These kinds of weekends make me wonder what I am doing way over here in NC.

Look what I found!
Lady Lovely Locks and her friends

I have been telling friends about Lady Lovely Locks and no one seems to have had the joy of her in their childhood like I did. So here is a simple shout out to Lady Lovely Locks. Wish I still had the coloring books, dolls and lunch box, so many hours of fun!

I am sending out a picture
to remind my family

that I want to see pictures of them!

From the Inside Out - Hillsong
We sang this song this morning in worship and I love the lyrics.
I did not want to stop singing it, I think I have found another heart song.

A thousand times I've failed

Still Your mercy remains

And should I stumble again

Still I'm caught in Your grace

Everlasting, Your Light will shine when all else fades

Neverending, Your Glory goes beyond all fame

My heart and my soul, Lord I give you control

Consume me from the inside out Lord

Let justice and praise become my embrace

To love You from the inside out

Everylasting, Your Light will shine when all else fades

Neverending, Your Glory goes beyond all fame

And the cry of my heart is to bring You praise

From the Inside Out Lord, my soul cries out

Do I need to tell you all what I am suppose to be doing?
Bet you guessed, I am "writing" yet another paper and have no words.
I think I have what most people refer to as test anxiety...but I have never experienced in on test. I just can't get a paper written and this should be an easy one. The paper is going to talk about the Christus Victor theme of Christ's work in his life, his death and his resurrection. Often this theme is presented as an opposing view to the penal substitution theme of Christ' work. Was the cross necessary to appease the wrath and justice of God or to win the victory over evil and mankinds bondage to sin? Do we focus on God's love or God's power? With this in mind how do we present the good news to those still in captivity? I was challenged to present the gospel using the Christus Victor theme, and I surprised myself. I loved it! It made so much more sense to me why this girl needed Jesus! Always before I would have focused on His love and comfort for her during this difficult time. Now I can also share with her the hope of putting her trust in the One who has overcome this world. I can share with her that her decision today determines which side she will choose to fight for. Joshua 24:15 "And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."
And so in the paper I am going to discuss how I presented the theme, how I would improve it for next time, and how I plan to use the theme in the future among the women I serve.
So let me know your thoughts
Letha

Once again I am sitting in my room attempting to write a paper, and I escape for a few minutes to the wonderful world of the internet. I am struggling to express in words the depth of my thoughts and amazement at all that it means to be free in Christ. The assignment I am working to complete requires me to work through 7 Steps to gain personal freedom in Christ. I began the assignment fully skeptical of any man coming up with 7 magical steps and claiming that if you are willing to honestly work through them you will immediately attain freedom from all that entangles you (please note my sarcasm). But now two hours later I am still working through only the second step and am at a wonder at all that I am learning and trying to process. This is no magical seven step process, this is an opportunity, an invitation to allow God to search my heart, and reveal any untruth within it. An invitation to come to Him in total dependence and awe based on the truth given to me in the Scripture and understood through the ministry of the Holy Spirit (Psalms 139:23-24). I have five more steps to go, so I should probably get back, but I really wanted to talk about 2 Corinthians 11:2-3 "I feel a divine jealousy for you, for I betrothed you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ. But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ."
So much to say. Letha

My "New" Room

Here are the long ago promised pictures of my new room,

that just happens to contain a few of my favorite things.
To list a few:
1. Wall hanging from India
2. Pressed flowers from Madagascar
3. Zanzibar Chest

4. Pretty colored map of the world
5. Artist sketches of Yemen
6. Zebra Batik

7. Folded quilt from Gramma Gillihan
8. Fun pillows of all sizes
9. Lamp

10. Some of my books - others are hidden behind the fancy material beside my desk
11. Family Calendar
12. Old painting of African boy
And believe you me I have limited myself - my room contains so many treasures from those I love and places I have been.
Enjoy Letha

Doors of Portugal

I knew going to visit the Bustrums in Portugal was going to be an amazing vacation. I knew I was going to have the best time with my three beautiful nieces.

I knew I was going to see new places and try new things. I knew the history of the country was rich and exciting, and I looked forward to taking it all in.

What I did not expect was how much I would love it all. What I did not expect was that my limited Arabic would come flooding back and I would be ready to jump back in language learning.

I did not expect to find doors waiting for me.

I love doors, you could say I adore doors. They are beautiful. They intrigue my curiousity as I wonder what mysteries they hold behind them. But most of all I see them as invitations to walk into opportunities for sharing the hope that I have.

Every door stands there as if waiting and asking me if I am willing. Am I willing to go through the open doors of Europe and share the hope of Christ?

Enjoy these pictures of a few of the doors of Portugal. While you enjoy the pictures remember the people of Portugal and those who have been sent out to live among them. "Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison - that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak." Colossians 4:2-4

Let us rejoice and be glad in it

I will rejoice and be glad in it
This is the day the Lord has made (Ps 118:24)
No other reason is necessary to have joy because
My joy is found in Christ

In his atoning sacrifice

In his resurrection and power
In his completed work
May I never forget my condition without Christ, so that
I will delight in Him always!
Joy is not something I can attain for myself
Joy is only in Christ
Joy is not having all the good things I want
Joy is knowing I am forgiven and a member of God's family
Joy is not something I can give to others, but my joy in Christ
will overflow as I chose to have joy in Him, as I chose to dwell on the things of the Lord, as I live as a witness to others, my cup overflows as I dwell on the joy set before me.
Joy is a command because I must remember to chose joy this day instead of the trappings of the world.
Deuteronomy 27:7 "and you shall rejoice before the Lord your God"
Psalm 18:11 "in your presence there is fullness of joy"
Philippians 1:18, 2:18, 3:8, 4:4

I Thessalonians 5:16-18

"Rejoice Always, Pray without ceasing, Give Thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for You"

Celebrating the arrival of my newest niece - Selah Elle DeLaughter! What more can I say? Hope all of you out there are enjoying and celebrating new life this Easter weekend. Letha

Bday Party Pictures

A few friends at my Friday Night Waffle Dinner

Birthday Memories

Bria found the cake irresistable!

Look how little the kids are! I guess it was 5 years ago.
I love this birthday memory and am so glad I have pictures of it.

Bday in TZ with Dad and Mom - 2005

And my 26th Cupcake Birthday Party
In about an hour friends will be coming over to celebrate this year with me.
We are going to have Waffles for Dinner!
Pictures to come
Letha

"Hello out there!"
I hear this phrase in my head and I actually had to physically say it outloud. I feel eight years old again (versus the 28 years old I am as of today). Don't know how many of you had the priviledge of listening to the tape of "Down by the Creek Bank" but that is where this one phrase takes me back to. I can still see the kids, and I'm there will them yelling out and hearing their echoes return. LOVE IT! Next the songs all start coming back, if you give me a call I will sing a few with you - at least the lines I remember.
Anyways, I realized recently that I have ignored my blog and thought today would be a fitting day to return. It is my birthday and a good day to reflect and share with friends and family. My 27th year passed quickly as it was full of study, travel, new friendships, new jobs, new church family; basically new everything. The most exciting part for me is that I can see the fingerprints of God in my life. I love that I have continued to grow deeper in my love for Him and for His Word. So even though I never planned in my great self planning skills to be here at this moment in my life I have great joy in knowing that God is using this time and place to shape me into someone who looks more like Christ daily.
Ephesians 2:8-10
"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Chrsit Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
I also want to give a shout out to the bible study I am now working through written by Jennifer Rothschild - "Fingerprints of God"
Thanks for being a part of my life - I promise some pictures coming soon.
Enjoy

Merry Christmas from Canada

We all woke up to a very white Christmas. We had some presents to open from Portugal, NC and Canada. Some are still stuck in Washington due to snowy weather :) There are a few waiting under the tree for Heidi and Doug to be able to come up.

Here is a picture of me and my new snowman enjoying some time by the fireplace while Dad was clearing a spot for company to park.

Here is the group who came in the snow to celebrate Christmas dinner with us and enjoy the day.

And the Snow just kept falling

It is going to be a beautiful White Christmas here in Vancouver

Having fun with Mom and Dad. We are enjoying every moment of the Christmas season in white. Merry Christmas!

I decorated for Christmas!

My VeggieTale Nativity it a hit even with the Seminary crowd

I have been waiting all year to display my three gifts of the Wisemen. Did you know the wisemen came from the Arabian Peninsula? Actually, I don't know that they did, but it is the ancient trade route for Frankincense, Gold and Myrrh. I love the image of the three gifts and the significance they represent. Let us worship the true King.

This is prettier in real life - with white lights.

Merry Christmas to all.

Here are the Thanksgiving pictures I am sure you all have been waiting for in great antcipation. And honestly, I would rather be doing this than writing the paper that must be done before I am allowed to sleep again.
Enjoy

My Yummy 1st Serving

I do believe that is some stuffing on my fork.

Me and my friend Alyson, we made a feast for ourselves

And on Saturday night we had a party with Ingram, so of course one more picture. Is it just me or do a look a bit jaundiced?