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?

Happy Thanksgiving!
I have so much to be thankful for. Taking a look back on the last three years I am amazed at all that I have experience and all the blessings I have to give thanks for this year.

2005 in Virginia with Friends

2006 - I took the picture and love it because 6 nationalities are represented in this picture from a less than traditional Thanksgiving Celebration.

2007 - Just one year later what a contrast -from the sweltering heat to the snow! A year with a more traditional holiday of visiting family.

Remind me to post pictures after our meal on thursday - letha

Prayer Reminder
No matter how we are feeling about the election process this week, one factor is always high on my list - the sanctity of human life. This blog is a request for everyone to take a minute to lift up these specific concerns to our heavenly Father. If your not convinced that human life begins at conception take a look at Kara's blog from October 15th.
Please take note of these statements from an email I received this morning from the director of Pregnancy Support Services of Wake Forest, a ministry to young women in our community. I volunteer my time every Monday because I believe that women need to be supported in love and given knowledge about the best possible life for them and their baby!
November 5, 2008
Hello Prayer Partners!Get your knee pads out...lots of prayer needs...

~ In 2007, Obama promised the Planned Parenthood Action Fund that the first thing he would do as president is sign the Freedom of Choice Act. FOCA basically lifts most/all of the restrictions on abortion--legal time limits, waiting periods, parental notification/consent, and possibly other items of imformed consent.
~ If he does not sign this in the 1st 100 days he will at least be making movement towards it. ~Following this action we foresee a multitude of strenuous regulations coming to Pregnancy Centers across the nation.
This is why we must become stronger than ever! In order to do that we need you praying!
Pray these things:
~God will raise up His church to do what they were neglecting to do when everyone was comfortable--feed the poor, care for the widow, defend the orphan, save babies, bear burdens, reach the lost.
~God will raise up workers for the things that really matter--that He will draw us in to narrow our focus on things that matter most to Him.
~God will raise up people with generous hearts that will fuel the fight for life nationwide so we can deliver hope to women and their families facing an unplanned pregnancy.
~Locally, pray that God will provide the facility, staffing, and a huge marketing campaign for PSSWF to grow our outreach and capacity to serve 1000s of women!
~ Pray for Obama...for his salvation...for his family...for his conscience to be moved by God.
~ Pray that we can trust God that He has raised THIS man up for HIS purposes!
~ Pray that we will see the revival of the Christian community out of this! I think we will :-)
Thank you for praying! Thank you for giving! Thank you for serving!
Fighting for life,
Amber