The Sweeney Family

Tuesday Teachings - "Focus" Part One

2012-02-28T19:00:00.000-05:00

The following post is an updated teaching of a earlier post. It will be featured in several parts over the next week.

The story of Nehemiah is chock full of lessons for the believer. One of those many lessons is how to overcome the challenge of distraction.

In the book of Nehemiah, he has gone, with the blessing of the Persian king, to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.

It is good if you read the whole story so you can get an idea of the whole scope of things. Some of it is a lot of names. If those names are a challenge for you, I think God will let you slide by if you call Jedaiah, 'Jed' and Harumaph, 'Harry'. Really, don't you think God would like you to get the message He has for you before you get discouraged because you can't read all the names. When you decide to do a full study on it, then you can go back and look up all the names. Until then...

Chapter 3 talks about where everyone was working on the wall. Let's look at 3:28

From above the horse gate repaired the priests, every one over against his house.
Nehemiah 3:28

Each person was working on the part of the wall that was near their house. This is how we should be in this world as well as in the church. There are a lot of walls that need to be rebuilt. There are walls of this nation that need repair.

There are all different sections of the wall. Those who 'live' on that part of the wall are responsible for its repair.

Your calling is your 'home'. If your calling is blogging on certain topics, then perhaps that is your part of the wall. If your 'home' is politics, start rebuilding. If your 'home' is ministry, start repairing the breaches.

If you are going to undertake this task with the rest of us, you must be aware of one thing: you can not do it without calling on God first. I will address that in a future post.

Repairing the wall requires going back to the original plan. Only someone who knows the original layout of that part of the wall is qualified to rebuild that part of the wall. It is the responsibility of people that live on that part of the wall to fix it. Wherever you call 'home', it is your responsibility to fix that part of the wall. You may be a preacher, a missionary, someone who shares their faith on the job or a pray-er. Your home is on that part of the wall. Your security in the city depends on that part of the wall. Walls enable you to see the enemy from afar. It's your responsibility to repair that part of the wall.

Part of the reason that I had such trouble blogging in the past is that during the election season, I was so drawn to the political realm and had so many opinions on the various goings-on from a godly perspective, but didn't know how to separate the two. So, here I am, on my part of the wall. And I am here to stay.

Rebuilding the part of the wall that is near your house is also a personal matter. Take care of the wall near your home; your personal life, your marriage, your children. If everyone saw to the repair of their own part of the wall, the wall would be fixed.

Some parts of the wall have too many people working on them. Stick to your own portion and leave others' alone.

Not Just for the End of the Tunnel

2012-02-27T14:48:00.000-05:00

Then the LORD said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand toward the sky so that darkness will spread over Egypt—darkness that can be felt.” So Moses stretched out his hand toward the sky, and total darkness covered all Egypt for three days. No one could see anyone else or leave his place for three days. Yet all the Israelites had light in the places where they lived.

Exodus 10 : 21 - 23

"There's light at the end of the tunnel." Have you ever heard that? It's supposed to be comforting. For the believer, it should be disconcerting.

Usually that saying is used to emphasize that there will be an end to your current bad situation, your current discomfort, or your current struggle, shortage and lack. For the believer, there is no need for an end of the tunnel. Yes it would be nice to have an end to struggle and trials - and we all will someday. But even if your 'current' does not allow you to view the light at the end of the tunnel, have hope!

Just as the Israelites "had light in the places where they lived", we too, as believers have that light.

If the only light you are looking for is at the end, your "current" is going to stink. You are supposed to have light in your "current" - your here and now. When Jesus lights up your current situation, you won't even realize that you are in a tunnel!

He is in you.

Weekend Worship

2012-02-19T08:42:00.000-05:00

This should happen more often.

Weekend Worship

2012-02-18T16:30:00.000-05:00

...but I am Still Double Proud

2012-02-17T11:46:00.000-05:00

Cecilia has a blog here. She has struggled on and off with what to blog, how much to blog, if to blog. She has gone on breaks from blogging and come back again. In the middle of all of this, she has turned 18 - a challenge in anyone's book.

We have all made mistakes when growing up. She is doing well. I know in my own more recent "growing up" experiences (so what if I'm in my 40's?!), I have made mistakes also. Haven't we all? Cecilia, you're not alone in the learning curve. You just can't see us because we are around the curve, but we're there.

Anyway, Cecilia's most recent post is very well written and spoke volumes to me. I am glad she wrote it. I have posted it here, so it can speak to you too.

Double Lives Means Double MealsBy Cecilia As teenswe want to be able to make our own decisions (no matter how destructive), liveour own lives (without limits), to choose words (no matter how profane).If we feel restricted or stifled by someone, we defy. Some of us rebel in a waythat can be seen. We’re told to do one thing and we intentionally do it theopposite way. Others, are more subtle in their defiance. We form another life.Secret and unseen. Within it we are who we want to be, without another’s influenceon us.

As Ithink about my past I ponder:There’s aproblem, though, with this second life. It has no rules, limits or boundaries.When living a life without the protection of wisdom and reason self destructionis inevitable. Yep, it may seem like freedom now, but in the long run thethings I did: broke the trust, rose the guilt and took me far from God. Before Iknew it, I didn’t know who “Cecilia” was. Was she the “good girl” who listenedto the latest Christian music releases? Or was she that girl who secretly didthings that would keep her from sleeping at night? Nope. She was both. I wasburdened with living two lives. Two very real lives but two very real lies. Longstory short, this is what I did:But have renounced the hidden things ofdishonesty, not walking incraftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation ofthe truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. 2Corinthians 4:2
Irenounced it and thanked God for his redeeming power along with supersupportive parents. My life isn’t perfect nowadays. I have my mistakes, my baddecisions, but I live one life now. And if I pursue something that mightintroduce “another” life, I get back in check. Because really, who wantsto eat 6 meals a day...double meals?

I Will Bless the Lord at All Times

2012-02-15T07:29:00.000-05:00

A Psalm of David, when he changed his behaviour before Abimelech; who drove him away, and he departed. I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
Psalms 34:1 KJV

...at all times...?

Really?

I have found that most believers (and I'm including myself here), don't really follow this verse, although it is quoted many times over.

...at all times...?

in sickness?

when there's more month at the end of the money?

when your children are disobedient?

when your marriage is struggling?

when you lose your job?

when your parents seem unreasonable?

when all you can do is cry?

when you are so very overwhelmed?

when there is no sight of hope?

when you are hungry?

when you are angry?

when you are lonely?

when you are tired?

when your boss is difficult?

when your teacher is difficult?

when your sibling is difficult?

when life...

...is difficult?

So, that's my challenge for this week: to bless the Lord...

...at all times...

Weekend Worship

2012-02-11T20:00:00.000-05:00

Please be sure to watch it even if you don't know Spanish.

Enjoy!

2e

2012-02-05T09:00:00.000-05:00

1 Corinthians 6:19

“ Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit,

who is in you,

whom you have received from God?

You are not your own. ”

Weekend Worship

2012-02-05T08:30:00.000-05:00

These three are teenagers now, and still singing. This is an earlier video they made. You can find them here.

They are anointed for worship. I hope they bless you as much as they did me.

Weekend Worship

2012-02-04T20:00:00.000-05:00

Everything Will be Alright

2012-02-03T20:00:00.000-05:00

It is true that you planned to do something bad to me. But really, God was planning good things. God's plan was to use me to save the lives of many people. And that is what happened.
Genesis 50:20

Sometimes things don't turn out as planned. When that happens we still need to trust God. He knows that when things go wrong, He can still make them right.

I for one, am glad He can.

We continue to move forward in God's plans for our life. We appreciate your prayers as we do just that - move forward.

I know there are some who really want to know what's next. As soon as we know, we will share it all with you because you've been so supportive along the way.

Just because things don't work the way you expected them to does not mean you were not, or are not, in the Will of God. The course of events do not only depend upon your obedience and God's Hand, but also upon what others may or may not do.

No, things didn't turn out as we had planned; as God had planned. But God has planned good things. And that is what will happen.

It would be inaccurate to say that we are forgetting that which is behind, because there is really more positive than negative behind us, however we are pressing forward.

Throwback Thursday - "We Made It!"

2012-02-02T18:03:00.000-05:00

I received the following from a wonderful woman in my life through an email. I have made some adjustments and posted it here.

To Those of You Born

1925 - 1983

TO ALL THE KIDS WHO SURVIVED THE
1930's, 40's, 50's, 60's, 70's & 80's!!

First, we survived being born to mothers who smoked and/or drank while they were pregnant.
They took aspirin, ate blue cheese dressing, tuna from a can and didn't get tested for diabetes.
Then after that trauma, we were put to sleep on our tummies in baby cribs covered with bright colored lead-base paints.

We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, locks on doors or cabinets and when we rode our bikes, we had baseball caps not helmets on our heads.

As infants & children, we would ride in cars with no car seats, no booster seats, no seat belts, no air bags, bald tires and sometimes no brakes. Riding in the back of a pick - up truck on a warm day was always a special treat.

We drank water from the garden hose and not from a bottle. We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle and no one actually died from this.

We ate cupcakes, white bread, white rice, white pasta, real butter and bacon. We drank Kool-Aid made with real white sugar. And, we weren't overweight. WHY? Because we were always outside playing...that's why!

We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the streetlights came on. No one was able to reach us all day. And, we were O.K. We would spend hours building our go-carts out of scraps and then ride them down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes. After running into the bushes a few times,we learned to solve the problem.

We did not have Playstations, Nintendo's and X-boxes. There were no video games, no 150 channels on cable, no video movies or DVD's, no surround-sound or CD's, no cell phones, no personal computers, no Internet, no Facebook, no Twitter and no IM.

Old Fashioned Cell Phone

WE HAD FRIENDS and we went outside and found them!

We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were no lawsuits from these accidents. We ate worms and mud pies made from dirt, and the worms did not live in us forever. We were given BB guns for our 10th birthdays, made up games with sticks and tennis balls and, although we were told it would happen, we did not put out very many eyes. We rode bikes or walked to a friend's house and knocked on the door or rang the bell, or just walked in and talked to them.

Little League had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those who didn't had to learn to deal with disappointment. Imagine that!!

No one had ADD or ADHD. We were disciplined to pay attention and learned self-discipline. Some just needed more of the 'discipline' than others.

The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of. They actually sided with the law!

Our generations have produced some of the best risk-takers, problem solvers and inventors ever. The past 50 years have been an explosion of innovation and new ideas. We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned how to deal with it all.

If YOU are one of them, CONGRATULATIONS! You might want to share this with others who have had the luck to grow up as kids, before the lawyers and the government regulated so much of our lives for our own good.

While you are at it, send a link to your kids so they will know how brave and lucky their parents were.

Kind of makes you want to run through the house with scissors, doesn't it?

You Can [still] Call Me Gershom

2012-01-27T14:43:00.001-05:00

It's been a long couple of weeks since we have been back in the States.

It's been long.

Haitian Market

When I first moved to Haiti, it seemed that for the first few weeks, all I did was fight back the tears. I would be with the children in the compound and have to go inside because I could feel this great wave of emotion coming over me. I would be in the store and have to fight back the tears - pretend something was in my eye. I would be in the truck on the road and have to keep looking out the window so those I was with wouldn't see me crying - but what I saw out the window only made the emotions well up more within.

I was overwhelmed by the lack. Complete lack. I had come to the conclusion that the people of Haiti [and I know this is a generalization] had less than nothing. The poverty was overwhelming to me - this suburban-bred white guy. They had less than nothing. If they had food, they shared it; shoes, they shared it; clothes, they shared it; homes, they shared it; tents, shared. Less. Than. Nothing.

What really got to me was that they [another generalization] were happy.

That was then.

That was culture shock.

Fast forward to present-day America.

When we came back a few months ago - and the short of-necessity trips we've made in the past year and a half, we knew when we were going back. This more recent trip carries no defined return date and therefore has a greater sense of permanence, and so, a greater effect on us.

American Shopping Center

When we came back this time, it seemed for these first couple of weeks, all I did was fight back the tears. I would be with my family and have to go to a different room because of the wave of emotion coming over me. I would be in WalMart and have to fight back the tears - pretend something was in my eye. I would be in the car, on the road and have to keep wiping my eyes so that I could see to drive. But trying to keep it in only made it well up more within.

I am overwhelmed by the lack. The lack of ... lack. Complete lack of lack. I have come to the conclusion that the people of the USA [another generalization] have more than enough. The over-abundance is overwhelming to me - this suburban-bred, but Haiti-experienced blan (creole for white guy). They have more than enough. They don't share much. Too much food, they throw it out; old shoes, send them to Haiti. How many types of popcorn or cookies can one family need? Pantries full. And if you can't afford it, your government will buy your food for you. So many cars. So many choices. If WalMart doesn't have what you need, maybe Kmart, or Target, or Staples, or Marshalls, or ....

What really gets to me is that they [another generalization] are so unhappy.

That is now.

That is reverse culture shock.

I'm not sure who is better off. Many of you would easily say, "Oh, we are way better off." I'm not so sure about that.

And she bare him a son, and he called his name Gershom: for he said, I have been a stranger in a strange land.
Exodus 2:22

It Burns so Hot!

2012-01-15T00:30:00.000-05:00

And when the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I.
Exodus 3:4

Photo Credit: Realistic Imaginations

Moses was just carrying out his everyday work. That's when God will show up; when we're going through the monotony of everyday life. On the job, at school, in your commute - God will speak.

He was guarding the flock as he did every day. God showed up. But He didn't speak until Moses showed that he was interested in what God was doing. Do we ever see God doing something extraordinary but don't show interest? Sometimes we become preoccupied with our everyday life and don't bother to notice. Maybe we don't have time to stop and look or listen. Maybe we have grown too accustomed to God's moves in our life that the extraordinary seems just ordinary now. When God shows up. We have to show our interest if He is going to speak. We may miss our appointment if we don't.

Finally, God used the unexpected to speak to Moses. How is it that you are expecting God to speak? Are you expecting Him to speak through His Word, your prayer time, your pastor? All those are definitely ways that God speaks - and they're good ways too. But, what do we do when God tries to speak to us through

your parent?
your child?
a street person?
a missionary's blog?

Do we listen? Do we follow?

If Moses hadn't listened; if he hadn't followed, a whole nation would have stayed in bondage.

Would God have found someone else? Probably. Would Moses have been blessed that way? Nope. He was who God had planned all along to do the job.

If you recognize that God is doing something spectacular, are willing to listen and follow, you may just set a whole nation free. Lord knows there are enough nations that need it.

The Old Rugged Cross

2012-01-13T20:39:00.001-05:00

[Warning: This post is linktastic]

I was out on the road today. Usually when you are out and about in Port-au-Prince, there are great opportunities to see some very funny, interesting, or inappropriate t-shirts.

I once saw a 70 year old-ish man with a bright pink shirt that said "Calvary Girls Rule". Once I saw a young boy with a too-large shirt that said "I Love my Italian Girlfriend".

Today, I saw a young man with a shirt that had Brad Paisley's face on it. Brad Paisley is a country music artist. I only knew that by the way he was displayed in full western regalia on the shirt. Country music is not a big draw here in Haiti, in case you hadn't guessed, so it was an unusual shirt to see, albeit not quite as funny as others I have seen.

Just a little while ago, while catching up on email during our daily electricity allotment, I was also listening to Elijah Streams.

The song, "The Old Rugged Cross" came on. I started to cry.

First, Elijah Streams doesn't play a lot of older gospel tunes, so it was unusual.

Second, I have always loved the lyrics since I became born-again.

Third, it's been a couple of very emotional days here. We desperately miss "The Mama", yet are a bit sad to be leaving the children here - we have become like family too.

So what do the t-shirts have to do with it?

I decided I was going to post a Old Rugged Cross video tonight on the blog. When I googled it, the first one to come up was by Brad Paisley - the guy on the t-shirt. Who'd-a-thunk-it?

So, here's "The Old Rugged Cross" as performed by Brad Paisley. :-)

I Will Never Understand

2012-01-12T01:00:00.000-05:00

We didn't live in Haiti on January 12, 2010.

Many of our friends did. We will never understand their outlook on life because we will never understand their experiences of January 2010.

If you would like to know more about that whole experience, here are some links to their stories (some may have photos).

We didn't live in Haiti on January 12, 2010. But the events of that day brought us here.

Ruth

James

Troy & Tara

Aaron & Heather

Jared & Jalayne

The Mangines

John

Bud & Jane

Ben & Katie

Ben & Lexi

...and this from Barbie, one month after the quake:

In the dark, we returned from our journey to our field hospital, our souls now overwhelmed with the young mother's devastation. As we opened the metal gate from the dirt road, in the darkened tented courtyard, we found our the patients singing loudly in deep prayer, arms raised and swaying over their heads. They had called the medical staff to the courtyard...and were singing to them. A deep soulful harmonious blessing. Nurses stood, stunned, eyes filling with tears, as their patients -- broken, suffering, tormented -- rose up in song, honoring them, praying for them.

So is the sound of the soul of Haiti. The sound of suffering and pain. The sound of hope, and joy, and love, and strength. Haiti...Such a strong word.

For Perla.....

2012-01-09T17:00:00.000-05:00

Nou sonje ou, Mama!

Life of flowers (Жизнь цветов) from VOROBYOFF PRODUCTION on Vimeo.

Do You See the Hand of God?

2012-01-08T22:52:00.000-05:00

James is a Haitian boy who will turn 16 this February 12th. His dream since he was 10 has been to become a pilot. For most Haitian boys, that is an impossible dream.

On January 12th 2010, James, then 13, was sitting outside the small cement block home he shared with his sister and two brothers along with his father. His father was down the block and his siblings were inside the home. The sudden shaking of the earth was so incredible that James did not know what was happening. He had never experienced anything like this before. He thought it was the end of the world. He saw his one youngest brother coming through the doorway. Seeing that falling blocks were about to move the door, James pushed him back inside and down to the ground. As James pulled himself back, the heavy steel door slammed shut. It would have crushed his brother's head for certain.

"There was so much dust", James says, "everything turned black. I could hear a lot of noises, but couldn't tell what it was. I walked toward the noises."

While the dust rose quickly, it settled slowly. As the dust cleared, it revealed neighbors homes reduced to nothing but rubble; it revealed the wounded; friends and acquaintances; it revealed a shut door with siblings behind it.

During the 25 seconds it took to reduce the capital city and its surrounding areas to what resembled a war zone, James life had changed. As he coughed back the dust and took in the sights around his home, he made his way back to the front door. His father had arrived. As they opened the door, they found Leonard, the smallest, unharmed because of James' actions. His other brother, Gladimiy was seated on the floor with fallen cement and blocks all around him. Where was Estherline, their sister? She had hidden under her bunkbeds, which now had cement and block all over them. James' father pulled her out. Their home was destroyed. They were alive.

Time soon found them on the grounds of the children's old school, where a tent city was now sprouting. That's where I met James and his siblings, in March, 2010. They had captured our hearts and the hearts of our leaders.

James & Estherline, March 2010

James and his siblings lived on the school grounds in their tent for 5 months.

Fast forward. James and his siblings lived at the orphanage where we served in 2010 and 2011 and have been with us at LHC since our return in August 2011.

As we prepare for our departure back to the States, we've been tying up some loose ends. We had one more thing to take care of. We won't be here for James' birthday. I wanted to really bless him good.

The Haitian people are a great people. They are full of dreams for a better life. James is a dreamer. Through all he has been through, though he has a more realistic view of his dream, he still holds tight to his dream of being a pilot. Those who are bold enough to dream big, may be fortunate enough to realize their dreams. Unfortunately for teenage Haitian boys, most of them will never have the opportunity to realize their dreams.

Then he took him outside and said, "Look at the sky. Count the stars. Can you do it? Count your descendants! You're going to have a big family, Abram!"

Genesis 15:5 (MSG)

God is about tangible dreams. God wants to give us something to hold onto until the manifestation of the promise.

We had the opportunity last Saturday, to make James' dream more tangible. Through the help of a Mission Aviation Fellowship pilot and friend named Michael, James took to the skies.

It was his first time in an airport.

It was his first time on a plane.

It was his first flight.

Seeing his land from God's viewpoint was nearly more than he could bear.

It was his first time in the co-pilot's seat.

Please scroll back to the first photo of James from 2010. Then I have a request.

See the difference?

Would you pray for James to continue to do well in school and to be able to achieve every little goal on his way to the big goals? Haiti is no easy place for anything. Success here takes prayer, help, and God.

Then would you consider giving to Love Haiti's Children? They are doing a great work in Haiti.

The earthquake changed a lot of lives. It changed our lives. It changed James' life. Will you let it change yours?

Who would have known what God had planned?

Do you see the Hand of God?

Help is Here

2012-01-05T20:49:00.000-05:00

Someone who has become a very good friend of ours here in Haiti has posted something that, when read, was a great help to me in our current situation. John McHoul has really reached out to our family the past few months and we are grateful for his friendship. He and his wife Beth have been in Haiti for 22 years and have a wealth of experience and knowledge. To say that they are doing a great thing here would be an understatement, because actually, they are doing several beyond-great things here. The original post can be found here.

Thanks again, John!

Those That Help Us Live in Haiti - Part One

by John McHoul

We have lived in Haiti for 22 years. There, in that time, have been, as in life, easy times and difficult times. The one constant has been God’s faithfulness and the faithful support of His people that has allowed us to live in this land of unlimited impossibility. And there, of course, have been the examples of others that we can look to and which bring encouragement and help us to hang in there in the struggles.I over the next couple of weeks will be posting about some of those that through their lives and faithfulness have been examples to us that have helped us live and minister in Haiti.

Let’s begin with the Old Testament Judge, Gideon the son of Josiah. You can read about him in Judges chapters 6-8.

God used him to deliver the Israelites from the oppression of the Midianites. He confronted his own weakness and doubts and saw his own plan for victory succumb to God’s plan. As so often, man’s plan put a lot of trust in man and man’s resources. God’s plan does just the opposite.

So Gideon recruited 22,000 men to fight against the 120.000 Midianites But God liked His odds better and had Gideon reduce his army down to 300 men. He said He did it because He didn’t want Israel to think that it was their power and military strength that defeated the Midianites.

God’s plan worked and Gideon and the 300 slew 120,000 Midianites but the job wasn’t yet finished and here in where I find HUGE encouragement and the oomph to continue on even when weary or discouraged.

There were two Kings of Midian, Zebah and Zalmunna, who decided not to hang around as Gideon’s 300 defeated their 120,000 so they fled as fast as they could to get away from Gideon and his army and although Gideon and his army were weary from the battle, the task was unfinished and we read in Judges 8:4 Then Gideon and the 300 men who were with him came to the Jordan and crossed over, weary yet pursuing. Gideon caught up with these two Kings and they came to the same end as their 120,000 soldiers.

I can’t tell you how many times over the past 22 years that I have come back to these three words: WEARY YET PURSUING and have found the inspiration to keep going on and not give up. Perhaps, you, as well will find encouragement and strength through the life of Gideon and in the three simple words: WEARY YET PURSUING.

Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.

Galatians 6:9

Alter the Altar

2012-01-04T23:54:00.000-05:00

Alter /v/ Change or cause to change in character or composition, typically in a comparatively small but significant way.
Altar /n/ A table or flat-topped block used as the focus for a religious ritual, esp. for making sacrifices or offerings to a deity.

And God said unto Jacob, Arise, go up to Bethel, and dwell there: and make there an altar unto God, that appeared unto thee when thou fleddest from the face of Esau thy brother. Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that were with him, Put away the strange gods that are among you, and be clean, and change your garments: And let us arise, and go up to Bethel; and I will make there an altar unto God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the way which I went. And they gave unto Jacob all the strange gods which were in their hand, and all their earrings which were in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the oak which was by Shechem. And they journeyed: and the terror of God was upon the cities that were round about them, and they did not pursue after the sons of Jacob. Genesis 35:1-5

As we enter the new year, it's a time to reflect upon our habits as a believer and see if there are areas where we can adjust or change. Is there a devotion that could be greater? Is there an area of faith that needs feet put to it?

Jacob led his people to dedicate themselves to God. First, they had to get rid of all the idols [mess] and be clean [a new dedication] and change their garments [a concerted effort]. Then they buried the gods [former practices] and the jewelry [unity with those who have same bad habits].

Then they journeyed.

It takes time to get from one 'altar' to another. They should be in different places. That's not to say that you should pick up and move your whole household just because you've decided to dedicate yourself to more devotional time. But the 'where you are' should be different. It must be if you don't want to be confused about which altar to go to. They left where they were because then they couldn't dig up the idols again. Very. Important. And let's not condemn ourselves if it seems we're without an altar for a bit. God will protect you during your journey when He notes that your heart is right - and headed in the right direction - toward Him.

So, what is it for you?

Whose altar do you have now that's just not quite working for you?

What idols do you need to bury?

What altar should we build now?

{new devotions

{faithfulness to the body of believers

{more time for prayer

{greater giving

{praying as a family

Happy Building!

Resolutions 2012

2012-01-02T20:30:00.000-05:00

Mama is Ranting Again!

2012-01-01T20:00:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite bloggers is blogging again. You are, right?

She can be found here - and is now linked on the side, too.

Welcome back, Mama.

*Note: For those of you who know us, this Mama is not the Mama (also known as Perla). She's a different Mama.

2e

2011-12-31T20:30:00.000-05:00

If you [really] love Me, you will keep (obey) My commands.

John 14:15

Wrestlemania 2012

2011-12-31T14:00:00.000-05:00

And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day. And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him. And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me. And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob. And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.
Genesis 32:24-28

There has been a lot of wrestling going on in the Sweeney household. I'm not going to get into any detail except to say that the following has been concluded as a result of said wrestling: We're going home. Even that statement is still being wrestled through, because it's unclear where 'home' really is. We own a home in Pennsylvania and when we go back to the States, that is where we dwell. We feel at home in Port-au-Prince because our daily lives are here, except for Perla, who is already back in the States. Meanwhile our true home is not even in this world, so, there's that....

We are still wrestling through a lot of things.

Jacob was doing some wrestling. He had just made a journey that was about to reunite him with his brother Esau. He was carrying guilt and sin for stealing Esau's birthright. You say, "Well Esau sold it." True. But Jacob knew it was not his to buy!

I enter 2012 wrestling. I'l be wrestling tonight and probably wrestling tomorrow. From what I see, I'll be wrestling for a bit. There are some things I need to work through. There are some blessings that I need. Most believers know the experience of wrestling with themselves. We probably do that more than we should, or even need to. But how many of us know, or are even willing to, wrestle with God?

There's

blessing

the

end

God changed Jacob's name. There's a lot in a name. In Jacob's time, it was representative of not only who you were but what you were. When He changed Jacob's name, He changed his identity. Is there something about your identity that you need, or would like changed? If you say no, you're either lying or your name is Jesus.

Within your identity, do you need

more success
more holiness
more favor
more grace
more talent
more intelligence
more wisdom

Wrestle with God until He blesses you. Let Him change your name in 2012.

2e

2011-12-28T09:23:00.001-05:00

Blessed (happy, fortunate, prosperous, and enviable) is the man who walks and lives not in the counsel of the ungodly [following their advice, their plans and purposes], nor stands [submissive and inactive] in the path where sinners walk, nor sits down [to relax and rest] where the scornful [and the mockers] gather. But his delight and desire are in the law of the Lord, and on His law (the precepts, the instructions, the teachings of God) he habitually meditates (ponders and studies) by day and by night. And he shall be like a tree firmly planted [and tended] by the streams of water, ready to bring forth its fruit in its season; its leaf also shall not fade or wither; and everything he does shall prosper [and come to maturity].

Psalm 1:1-3

Did You Get Everything You Wanted?

2011-12-27T08:30:00.000-05:00

The Homeschool Blues

2011-12-27T00:32:00.000-05:00

Guard Your Heart, Bro

2011-12-26T20:30:00.000-05:00

Here is a most excellent post on purity for young men (and old ones too) from Jamie.

2e

2011-12-25T22:32:00.000-05:00

For to you is born this day in the town of David a Savior, Who is Christ (the Messiah) the Lord!

Luke 2:11

His Prized Possession

2011-12-25T00:00:00.000-05:00

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

Luke 2:11

credit: Jennifer Hickey

And it was the third hour, and they crucified him.

Mark 15:25

Merry Christmas.

For Elijah

2011-12-24T00:30:00.000-05:00

This post is for Elijah. I know he will love it.

You are one of the most amazing children I know. You are cool and funny. You are brave and intelligent. You have done things that other boys your age would never even consider doing - even if their parents made them to do it like we do you. :-) You totally rock, dude!

Merry Christmas!

The Real Christmas

2011-12-23T12:08:00.000-05:00

That's Christmas (Short Film) HD from St Helen’s Church on Vimeo.

THANKS TO JUSTIN

2e

2011-12-23T09:50:00.002-05:00

Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign: Behold, the young woman who is unmarried and a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel [God with us].

Isaiah 7:14

Acquiescence Can Be Hell

2011-12-22T20:30:00.000-05:00

acquiescence - /n/ acceptance without protest

And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.
Genesis 3:6

He didn't say a word! What was this guy's problem? It's not like he didn't recognize the fruit. It wasn't like the fruit looked like every other tree's fruit. Adam was the smartest man on earth! Why didn't he say anything?!

Adam and Eve suffered a lot because of his silent acceptance. His son Abel suffered because of his silent acceptance. Cain suffered because of his silent acceptance. Adam's acquiescence has caused mankind a world of suffering.

He must have regretted his inaction more than once; every time he and Eve played the blame game about the whole 'tree incident'; as he stood over the wounds of Abel still wet from the blood shed by Cain; as he tilled the lifeless soil, day in, and day out - remembering the fertile land between the rivers. Regret for his silence.

In Haiti, there are a lot of struggles; a lot of pains; a lot of suffering. Without people speaking and acting on behalf of the Haitian people, it will only continue.

Fortunately, there are a lot of people working here to change the suffering; people who will never just acquiesce; who are willing to speak up. A friend of mine says that Haiti is a 'land of unlimited impossibilities'. It's true, but I thank God that there are so many possibilities in Christ.

I'll be sharing about just a few of the people and organizations here that are willing to work to make Haiti better for her people. I hope you'll be listening and add your voice to the few who toil in the vineyard. The posts will be over the next month or so and will feature a different ministry in each post. The tag for these posts will be 'voices', if you want to find them more easily.

2e

2011-12-22T12:46:00.002-05:00

You, Bethlehem Ephratah, you are little to be among the clans of Judah; [yet] out of you shall One come forth for Me Who is to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth have been from of old, from ancient days (eternity).

Micah 5:2

Bethlehemian Rhapsody

2011-12-22T01:00:00.000-05:00

This posted video is dedicated to my brothers and sisters; Mary, Tom, Kathleen, Don & Eileen, and all their families. I think you will like this video. Merry Christmas!

Complete? Trust?

2011-12-21T19:00:00.000-05:00

Genesis 6:22
Noah did everything just as God commanded him.

Sometimes I wonder - and sometimes out loud to my wife: "What were we thinking?"

I think Noah may have wondered the same thing - somewhere in the journey. Maybe as the lions were giving that sideways glance at the gazelles while saliva dripped from their jowls. "This can't be right," he said.

What made me think we could do this? What made me think that picking up the whole family (dog too) and moving to Haiti (of all places) was a good idea? I mean Haiti is not the safest place in the world, ya know! Most of the stuff I had heard about Haiti, I have had the (I wouldn't necessarily call it) good fortune to experience first hand. I know there are many other missionaries that have been here way longer than we have, who probably would shake their heads at some of this apparent whining.

But seriously, I have heard more gunfire than I really would have ever cared to hear. I have seen more riots than my white-middle-class upbringing ever afforded me. And I have seen more lying-in-the-street-shot-dead-just-last-night (or in one case 3 minutes ago over my left shoulder) bodies than I ever thought possible.

What in the world was I thinking? I mean, I can't blame any of this on Perla. Any of you who really know her knows that she will go wherever I go and she's always got my back. Although, her impeccable fortuitous character only makes doing something this ridunkulous easier to swallow. "Sure, honey. Let's do it! I'm with you." And off we went...to Haiti.

What made Noah keep doing what he was told to do? What makes me (you) do what God has said do, even though there may be difficulties and challenges (and experiences that some people I know wouldn't even be able to watch on a reality show without cringing) in the midst of it all?

Trust. Trust in God.

Believe me, Haiti would never have been my choice. No one but God could have gotten me

here

Do you place everything you have on only the promises of God? All my eggs in one basket? Sure. As long as God is holding the basket.....or the ark.....or the family....or the ministry....or the.....

When we were preparing to go home from our fist assignment in Haiti, we sat in a guesthouse room, together as a family. I looked at my family and said, "We did it." And without skipping a beat, Elijah pipes up: "And we're gonna do it again!"

Well, as we prepare to go back home from our second assignment, even though it's earlier than we had planned, we are certain that the same remains true. "We did it. - and we're gonna do it again." Though we may not be sure where we will be or how soon we will be there, we will be back on the mission field again - because God said, "Go." We trust Him; no one else.

Yes.

Complete. Trust.

Not For Sale

2011-12-20T20:30:00.000-05:00

And the boys grew: and Esau was a cunning hunter, a man of the field; and Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents. And Isaac loved Esau, because he did eat of his venison: but Rebekah loved Jacob. And Jacob sod pottage: and Esau came from the field, and he was faint: And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage; for I am faint: therefore was his name called Edom. And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright. And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me? And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he sware unto him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright.
Genesis 25:27-34

Sometimes we move without thinking. Sometimes we act on impulse. In fact, a large part of the retail business is built on impulse. The other large part of the retail business is built on desire. When desire and impulse are mixed together, it can be a dangerous combination.

Sometimes we risk that which is valuable for that which satisfies for only a moment. Esau did just that. He was hungry. He was empty. He was weak. He had a void that needed to be filled and jumped at the first good thing he saw. Not only did he act on impulse, but he gave away a very valuable possession in the process. Esau had a birthright. Esau's birthright would have provided him with a double blessing, the first blessing. A double portion was his for the taking. It was something that was meant ONLY for him and never belonged to anyone else - until he gave it away. He sold his birthright for a lunch!

As an example, most people will trust you at the start - until you prove to be not trustworthy. Trust is something that is given for free. It doesn't have to be earned or bought, unless you lose it or abuse it. If you are found to be a gossip, you have sold your birthright of trust - all for the strange satisfaction of breaking the selfsame trust.

[trust]
[life]
[integrity]
[purity]
[prosperity]
[faith]
[ ____?_____ ]

What is your birthright? What was your birthright that you sold or gave away?

Jesus told a similar story in Luke 15 of the prodigal son. This is our eternal hope; that even if we sell our birthright, if we return to Him fully, and with all of our hearts, He will restore it all to us. It is only through Christ that this redemption of our birthright is available; through repentance and faith.

Return to Him

Mass Transit - A Tribute

2011-12-19T09:00:00.000-05:00

If you didn't have the opportunity to read Mass Transit, Parts One, Two and Three, please make some time. It's a very funny story. At least we think so.

Since the original writing of those posts, my mother-in-law, Felipa has passed. She passed away in 2010, while we were preparing to come to Haiti.

I wanted to make this post in honor of her. She was a very caring woman. The way in which she loved her children and her husband was definitely something that Perla got from her. If you know Perla in the way she loves her family, you knew Felipa.

Felipa & Vicente Ayala

Weekend Worship

2011-12-18T12:00:00.000-05:00

Mass Transit - Part Three - THAT'S my In-laws' House !

2011-12-18T09:30:00.000-05:00

View Larger Map

My in-laws' house is somewhere in here.

After generously and in a VERY norteamericano sort of way, paying my taxi driver. I walked across the street to wait for what was probably the 'last-chance-bus' to home. Shortly, after I crossed, my taxi driver friend follows with some of his compañeros. He says they want to be sure that I get on the right bus. I am sure at this point that they all figure they will be handsomely rewarded for their efforts.

As the bus pulls up, they all mutter something in Guaraní. I say thank you and get on the bus. The taxi driver follows. He says he wants to be sure that I get off at the right stop. He talks to the driver in Guaraní. I imagine my whole saga being re-told, probably missing some parts and fabricating others.

I proceed to the third seat on the right, because my in-laws' house, when it passes will be on the right. I sit with my head and shoulders OUT THE WINDOW. I do NOT want to miss the stop this time.

I recognize each turn.

I finally see the half tires on the neighbor's property line. This is IT!. I pull the cord as he turns the corner.

On the road I see the silouette of my father-in-law. He is standing in the road in front of his house waiting for me. It was very prodigal son-like.

I get off the bus. He comes over to me. He looks very concerned.

I realize that the taxi driver gets off with me.

"How are you getting back?", I ask.
"You're going to drive me", he replies.

I look at him, puzzled. He laughs.

"No I'll walk", he says.

We all laugh.

I did NOT think that was funny.

He and my father-in-law talk a bit as I go inside. I think they ended up knowing each other - a friend of a friend of a friend etc sort of thing. Or at least that's what they SAID!

As I go inside, I am pleased to see my oblivious children. I am sure that any talk of my troubling MIA-ness was all in guaraní in the home, so they never realized that daddy was missing in the paraguayan campo. I could sense that my in-laws were worried.

As we lay in bed that night, my wife grabbed me. "I was worried for you Papi", she said, "I was praying the whole time."

"Aah!, What were you worried about? If I can do NY city subways, I can do Paraguayan colectivos!"

I am such a norteamericano.

There is a sequel. It happened 3 days later. I'll save it for another post.

Weekend Worship

2011-12-18T08:00:00.000-05:00

The Weekend Worship videos will have a Christmas theme as the 25th draws nearer. We welcome you to join us as we celebrate the birth of the Savior.

2e

2011-12-18T01:42:00.000-05:00

Even a fool when he holds his peace is considered wise; when he closes his lips he is esteemed a man of understanding.

Proverbs 17:28

Mass Transit - Part Two - Kilometro 21

2011-12-16T20:30:00.000-05:00

Please be strapped into your chair as you read this. I do not want anyone getting hurt as their laughter knocks them to the floor.

View Larger Map

This is Kilometro 21.

On the left, the large white building is the gas station with the tan building being a sort of 'convenience' store. On the right of the dirt road, you can barely make out some taxis parked on the corner, with some garages for repair/storage of those taxis just to their south on the dirt road.

I can't believe I was able to locate this place on Google maps!

So here I am standing at Kilometro 21, (not my in-laws house). It is just before 9 pm. The buses I am told, run until 10. I am waiting for the bus to come by. I know the bus I was on was "no longer operating for the evening", but there are multiple buses that run the same route. I know what it looks like. It always stops here. There are other people waiting.

Two words: Taxi driver.

Oh, he seemed so helpful. I knew when he approached me that he was just looking for a fare from the norteamericano. I explained my recent adventure to him. He asked about where my in-laws lived. I gave him the half-tire-my-property-line-Paraguay vs Germany-Vicente-Felipa-three-turns-in-from-the-church 'directions'. He ended up being the only Paraguayan who did not pretend to know everyone in town. He looked puzzled. He calls across the street to some other taxi drivers. About 4 of them now are all talking Guarani seeming as if they are attempting to figure out the great mystery of the ages. One of the younger ones says something and they ALL say, "Oh yes, yes. I know where that is!" "Oh, Great!" I felt more secure with his uncertainty. He assures me that he knows where this church is and that the young kid actually KNOWS my in-laws. Heh.

Two words: It rained.

As we get into the taxi and drive off, it starts raining; not a lot, but raining. This rain is only the manifestation of the humidity I had been 'enjoying' all evening. I am 6'1" and 280 pounds. I sweat. Humidity condenses on me. He was shorter, but just as stocky for his height. Perspiration? We were equal.

I am not so sure what kind of car this was. It seemed to be a mixture of several different cars all put together in one of those garages. I realized as we drove off that this vehicle was a stick shift with no first gear. We jerked violently to a start. We were off! As we drove along toward the church, which is on this same road, the rain really started coming down. He winds up his window, except for a crack at the top. I follow suit. He is not using his wipers. We make a turn. I tell him that the church is straight ahead. he assures me that my desired destination is that way.

The car stops. "Is that it?" he asks. I look out the window to see a church. Nice church. Not the church. "Oh, OK", he replies. "It must be the one that is that way. We jerk to a start. We're off again. The rain is really coming down now. He takes me to about 4 different churches. None of them are the right one. If you knew the make-up of this area or any back roads towns in rural Paraguay, you would understand my amazement at the fact that there were even so many churches and that he knew where so many were! I keep trying to explain to him that the church that I am referring to is back on the 'main' dirt road. He assures me again that Fernando and Felipa live that way, and he knows how to get there. Oh, Father! Please come to my aid. It's Vicente and Felipa! Who knows who this Fernando and Felipa are. I am sure they are very nice people and may even take in a lost norteamericano for the night. But my wife and children are at Vicente and Felipa's house.

Three words: Mechanic for hire.

So as we are driving in the manifested humidity, we too big sweaty men in this Toyo-nissa-onda-ford taxi, the windows are fogging up. Now, as I said, he is not using his wipers. Had he used them, he may have avoided the fogging up of his windshield. Now, he is not using the defroster either. Such the foreigner I am! The car stops; and stops in the most secluded, darkest spot on the planet.

He reaches under his steering wheel. Again, I am thinking 'easy prey'. He fiddles around with something.

The engine dies.
The lights go out.

He pulls out a wire from the dashboard and connects it to whatever he was fiddling with under the steering wheel.

The radio, the wipers and the defroster all come on.

We sit there a while, in the dark.

He says nothing.
I am praying.

The windshield clears up.

He disconnects the wires again; dead car, no wipers, no defrost, no radio, no engine, no lights

He reconnects the other wires. The car starts, the lights go on, we violently jump over first gear and we're off again!

After our late night local Capiata church tour, I finally convince him at 9:30 to take me back to Kilometro 21 (not my in-laws house) so that I can at least make one final attempt to get on the last bus. He obliges me. We finally both agree on one thing: Kilometro 21 is (say it with me); that way!

I can now see 'kilometro 21'. It is well lit, there is a gas station, some taxis, some people hanging around, loud music. That is not my in-laws' house. We arrive. He charges me the equivalent of $1.40 for my 45 minute church tour. I pay him the equivalent of $7.00.

It has been almost 3 hours since I last saw Julian.

To be continued....

For Perla

2011-12-16T12:36:00.001-05:00

I am so proud of my wife. Today she took her oath of citizenship for the United States. She will make a great citizen. In fact, she was a great citizen before they made it official.

I love you Perla.

2e

2011-12-16T11:55:00.000-05:00

Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. And God's peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

Throwback Thursday - Mass Transit

2011-12-15T21:00:00.000-05:00

This week's installment of Throwback Thursday is the first part of a 3-part post from 2008 of an event that took place in 2005. It is a very funny story and I won't make you wait a whole week before part two is posted. In fact, I'll schedule it to post, just like I do all our posts. [we have to do that because of the inconsistency of the electric company here].

So, here we go...

I recently read a blog online and it reminded me of my own little experience with Mass Transit, albeit, in Paraguay. It was my first time in Paraguay and my first time venturing out alone. A great majority of Paraguayans depend on a 'transit system' of 'colectivos'.

I found this picture of one online but it really does not do the whole experience any justice. They are more than a colorful bus. They are a crowded yet economical, hot yet convenient method of very public transportation. A good description of a ride on a colectivo can be found in the second paragraph of this post. I went to the Super Seis to buy some food for the family. I knew I could do it. I went with my wife's cousin Julian. I love Julian. He is one of the most energetic, positive people I met in Paraguay. He is really going places. From the moment we got on the colectivo, Julian was announcing the arrival of his friend (me), the norteamericano! Everyone was so impressed, or so Julian thought. I let him be. He was having a great time. When we got to the Super Seis in San Lorenzo, I bought Julian lunch. We sat and talked for a while. We hung out in San Lorenzo. I did my food shopping and we headed back. The sun was setting and Julian asked me if I knew where to get off for my in-laws house. If he got off earlier, he could catch another colectivo to his house and he would get home quicker. I told him no problem. The bus could stop at the corner of their property and I knew I would recognize that. You have to pull the cord to stop the bus as there are no set stops.

Four words. It got dark fast. I thought I recognized the silohuette of my father-in-law standing by what could have been his front entrance, near what was possibly the corner where I definitely wanted to stop. But I wasn't sure. I figured since these colectivos run back and forth all day, I would just wait until we came back this way again and get off then.

Two words. Last stop. When the colectivo got to the 'depot', or the owners oversized yard, the driver looked at me, his sole passneger and asked in Spanish, "Where are you going?" I responded with the only familiar address I knew: Kilometro 21.

OK, so kilometro 21 is NOT an address, per se. It is actually a point on the main (paved) road where the gas station is. This is where you turn into the miles of back-country, cobblestone or dirt roads which weave their way through the countryside. It apperently is NOT my in-laws address. Well, it's where we always mailed their letters and stuff. Come to find out that all the mail for all of these people living back here goes to one location; on the main road. They have to pick it up from there. If you are ever going to Paraguay, be sure and watch several early episodes of 'The Waltons' first. You will be better prepared.

So this kid (15?) gets on the bus. He and the driver speak to each other in Guarani. That's an indigenous langauge that I do not speak. I only speak castellano (spanish). He smiles at me knowingly. I have heard of the dangers of being out in these areas at night and I am not liking how things are panning out here. Another man gets on the bus. The kids speaks guarani to him. He laughs as he looks at me. Easy prey, I am thinking. I am really going to have to call on Jesus soon. A woman gets on the bus. Everyone speaking guarani. Everyone laughing. OK, so now I am the butt of some early evening guarani joke, which will probably become folklore in later generations. She looks at me with concern. They speak some more. The bus driver waits for 2 more guys. He starts the bus. "OK", I think, "we're off." I won't miss the stop this time!

The woman explains to me that this bus is no longer operating for the evening. The driver is taking some of the bus 'company' employees home for the night. One of the employees lives near kilometro 21 and he will be sure I get there safely. Whew!

I get off the bus with this guy and he asks me where my family lives. I tell him, kilometro 21. He looked very confused. We start walking. I explain to him where my familia lives the best I can AND as it should be explained to any respectable Paraguayan. You see, they don't give directions in Paraguay like we do in the states. Try to follow along. As I said, I explain where my in-laws live: On the corner where the man has his property line dilineated with the half tires sticking out of the ground so people won't drive on his dirt; around the corner where the lady has a tienda with a TV in the front of her house and the other night when Paraguay beat Germany, everyone was watching in front of her store; it's three turns in from the church where they have the banner out front announcing all of the activities for semana santa; their names are Vicente and Felipa Ayala. "OH! I know where that is!", he says. We keep walking. We pass the church that is three turns out from their house. Yep! walk right by it! I am pleading with him to recognize the church as I do. He insists that kilometro 21 is that way; past the church. Then we pass another place; a house to which my father-in-law and I walked so that I could check my email; they have internet, for a fee. "Wait!" I say. "I know this place." I explain my previous day's journey to him. He continues to insist that kilometro 21 is 'that way'.

We pass by several other familiar sights. I don't bother saying anything because I know that kilometro 21 is that way.

I can now see 'kilometro 21'. It is well lit, there is a gas staion, some taxis, some people hanging around, loud music. That is NOT my in-laws house! I thank him and walk the rest by myself.

It has been about 2 hours since I last saw Julian.

To be Continued...

2e

2011-12-15T14:55:00.000-05:00

The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.

Proverbs 15:4

Tuesday Teaching

2011-12-13T23:30:00.000-05:00

"I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you."
Isaiah 44:22

If I sit back and contemplate the fullness of what He did for me; if I consider the vast pool of sin in which I was drowning; if I think on the magnitude of the consequence of my [wrong] choices in this life regarding sin, I can easily become overwhelmed bu my utter filth or His great mercy.

I have swept away your offenses like a cloud...

Before my wife and I were dating, when we were 'just friends' [she had it all planned and I was oblivious, but that's another story], we used to lie back on the grass with some of the children she cared for and watch the sky.

It was her way of getting the children settled down [and staying close to me]. We would watch; point out things we saw. One of my favorite parts was watching the clouds appear from nowhere. I actually had a little sadness when they then disappeared into nowhere. But it never seemed to be a violent event. Easily they came and easily they were swept away.

...your sins like the morning mist.

Being owners of our own business, we have had more than ample opportunity to awake and set out before dawn. Our drive from Pennsylvania to New Jersey would take us through a simple mountain pass. During certain months, this area is frequently in a fog - a morning mist. Depending upon the time of day or the time of year, you may find yourself driving through the clouds, over the clouds, or under the clouds. Frequently, you would see the evidence of a past morning mist that had been burned off by the rising sun. Again, not really a violent event, just a there one moment - gone the next kind of thing.

This is how God describes the removal of our sin. We know that the crucifixion was indeed a violent event and that was the payment. But God describes the removal of our offenses as a there one moment - gone the next kind of thing.

And then, the clincher:
Return to me, for I have redeemed you.

In many Christian churches, the redemption is taught as a reason to return. Come to Christ so that he can redeem you. That's unscriptural. We can return to Him because [He has already] redeemed us.

Fantastic!

Just Stop Shopping Right Now.

2011-12-13T15:29:00.001-05:00

H/T to Janette

And He Shall reign....

2011-12-12T01:00:00.000-05:00

I've been reading a lot about the commercialization of Christmas this year - more than past years - which is strange because I'm not even in the land of Christmas comercialization right now.

Anyway, I saw this and it nearly made me cry. Wouldn't it be great if some churches did this in their local mall? It would be awesome to remind everyone that after the presents are wrapped and unwrapped; assembled and put aside; after the tree is put out at the curb, He shall reign!

Weekend Worship

2011-12-10T01:00:00.000-05:00

Christmas Ruins Lives

2011-12-09T18:22:00.001-05:00

Great take on the birth of Christ right here. Thanks, Matt.

Can I Stand the Test?

2011-12-08T01:00:00.000-05:00

And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:
Genesis 3:4

There are certain truths that I am certain of.

God is omnipresent.

God is omniscient.

God is omnipotent.

I am also certain that the Word of God is true in every sense.

I am certain that I am

saved

healed

victorious

and delivered.

As I take into account those truths [of which I am certain], I must be able to stand the test when it comes my way. How did you do the last time some spiritual truth was challenged in your life. I have to admit, sometimes I do not do all that well. Sometimes I feel no more successful at facing faith-challenges than Eve. She knew the truth. She dwelt with the Truth. Hmm.

I write today to encourage myself; to help myself for the next challenge that comes my way. Yes, it's coming, all right.

When my faith is tested in the area of salvation and freedom from sin, am I certain that I am saved? [Acts 16:31]

When my faith is tested in the area of my health, am I certain that I am healed? [Is 53:5]

When my faith is tested in the area of victory over circumstances and challenges - when faced with imminent failure, am I certain that I am always victorious? [2 Cor 2:14]

When my faith is challenged by temptation, anger and the like, am I certain of my deliverance? [John 8:36]

Yes, I am. In all these things I am certain.

For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:38-39

I am CERTAIN.

An Eyeful

2011-12-07T01:00:00.000-05:00

We haven't posted some random photos in a LONG time. They always get a lot of hits and feedback, so here they are:

One of our Ice Cream Nights

There is also a corresponding video for Ice Cream Night starring Perla and Leonard. You can view it here.

Here are the first papayas - one is a basketball.

Some sandal photo journalism Cecilia was doing

Toys

Love. These. Children.

You can support the children and the orphanage through their website: www.lovehaitischildren.com

Tuesday Teaching - Can I be Baptized?

2011-12-06T12:14:00.001-05:00

It's a question I've encountered more times than one would expect, here in Haiti. The Haitian church in general, though, admittedly not across the board, has put so much restriction and tradition into their beliefs and doctrine, that it becomes a challenge for some adherents to answer a simple question such as this.

So, let's tackle it. Note: this is not an exhaustive teaching on baptism itself, but an attempt to break the titular question down so one can give a simple answer.

Can I be baptized? Well, let's see if you meet the requirements that God has set forth in His Word.

And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
Acts 2:40-41

It says here that the people heard the Word of God, received it and were baptized. Have you heard the Word of God and received it gladly?

If ye love me, keep my commandments.
John 14:15

If you have in fact, received the Word of God with joy then you are willing to obey it. Are you willing to obey the Word of God?

Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 2:37-38

Has the Word of God "pricked your heart"? Have you, by the Word preached and taught to you, been convicted of sin? "Convicted" - a conviction in your heart that sin is displeasing to God and there fore should be avoided at all costs. I know we speak Christianese sometimes. So, have you been convicted of sin?

Have you repented of that sin? Repentance is not just a change of heart, but a change of mind also. It is doing a complete 180 degree turn, stop going our way and start following God's way.

He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
Mark 16:16

Do you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ?

So, can you be baptized?

2e

2011-12-06T01:35:00.001-05:00

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world.

Romans 1:8

Some Comic Relief

2011-12-05T01:00:00.000-05:00

Coming Soon....

2011-12-03T19:33:00.001-05:00

The Podcast is back!

Soon, you will see our podcast back on the webpage. Stay tuned to the blog for an update....

Weekend Worship

2011-12-03T01:00:00.000-05:00

2e

2011-12-02T01:00:00.000-05:00

I call Heaven and Earth to witness against you today: I place before you Life and Death, Blessing and Curse. Choose life so that you and your children will live. And love God, your God, listening obediently to him, firmly embracing him. Oh yes, he is life itself, a long life settled on the soil that God, your God, promised to give your ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Deuteronomy 30:19 - 20 MSG

Great Expectations

2011-12-01T20:01:00.001-05:00

It is possible to be disappointed.

Did you know that, dear reader?

It is possible that what you desire to be fulfilled, can not be fulfilled by another person. It's even possible that you, yourself can not do all that you have dreamed was possible.

The expectations we have of

others,

ourselves

and life

do not always match up with what is possible. Yes, with God, all things are possible. That speaks to the abilities and power of God. However the Will of God has been intercepted and derailed ever since the beginning of time by the enemy and man and sin and culture. There are some things that will never change.

Does prayer work?
Yes.

Is God all-powerful?
Yes.

Does He give man freedom?
Yes.

Does man mess things up?
Frequently.

Our great expectations can only be fulfilled by God - and then only when man doesn't get in the way. All too often WE are the man (or woman) that gets in the way of God fulfilling our own dreams and desires.

What to do then? What is the remedy for this?

Well, it's a good thing for you that I have had many opportunities to experience this! :-)

First, if your great expectations are derailed by some other human being, and this person is frequently causing problems for you, you should not include them in the big picture. You can still be friends with them. Don't ban them from your Facebook lists just yet. But definitely do not include them in your plans any more. If you are willing to risk the friendship of someone who may be offended, tell them what the dealio is. You may be saving them from having to handle the next option on their own on the future.

Next, look at yourself. This is never easy - an inventory of self. If you find that you are the cause of your own failure - the source of increased challenges in life - CHANGE. I'm not sure which is more difficult; the discovery of the mess in you or the cleaning up of it all. Many times, people will not tell you that YOU are the problem, especially if your character is not conducive to openness about yourself, like I used to be, and you'll have to do this on your own. Sorry, Charlie.

Once you've sorted out all of the problems, including yourself:

[make a fresh start]

[redraw the lines]

[rewrite the plan]

Your Great Expectations can be met.

You can succeed.

You can achieve your destiny.

It's just a matter of change occurring; either you or them - or both.

If nothing changes, nothing changes.

Wishing God's best for you....

And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint.
Galatians 6:9 AMP

You Might be Celebrating Thanksgiving in Haiti if....

2011-11-24T20:31:00.001-05:00

We had the opportunity to spend Thanksgiving with over 70 missionaries and NGO workers today. The fellowship was awesome. The food was divine. The children had a great time. It was fantastic to be able to spend time with others who 'get it' and are completely free about it. Life in Haiti is no joke - life in Haiti as a 'blan' (non-Haitian) is no joke either. Unless you've done it, you will never 'get it' - never.

To give us a little laughter before dessert - and now to give you all some insight you otherwise wouldn't have, the children of Heartline Ministries presented us with a "You Might be Celebrating Thanksgiving in Haiti if...." routine.

Here's the WHOLE routine. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T06:49:00.001-05:00

1Thessalonians 5:18

And in all things give thanks, for this is the Will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Tuesday Teachings - Repentance - Part Two

2011-11-22T01:00:00.000-05:00

What does repentance provide for the believer?

Romans 3:20 - 26
Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

Repentance provides justification or right standing with God. Justification is a change in a person's standing or relation with God. It is an act of God that frees penitent sinners from the guilt and penalties of sin.

Justification is God's answer to repentance and faith.

In "Repentance - Part One", we looked at the plight of the Israelites, God's chosen people, after their disobedience and departure from God. We read how utterly disgusted God was with them and that He said He would not help them anymore. We saw their repentant hearts toward Him. Here is His answer...

Judges 11:21
And the LORD God of Israel delivered Sihon and all his people into the hand of Israel, and they smote them: so Israel possessed all the land of the Amorites, the inhabitants of that country.

To justify is to declare righteous. When God justifies a person, he acquits them, not based on their innocence, but of His own love and grace.

Ephesians 2:8
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Romans 3:23
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Because men rebelled against God and entered into sin, there is a separation between man and God. All men are sinners by nature and are condemned by a holy and righteous God.

WE NEED JUSTIFICATION!

God transfers the guilt of the believer onto His account.

The death of Jesus made justification (righteousness) and forgiveness of sins possible.

2 Corinthains 5:21
For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

How do we receive justification? How does it work?
1. Grace...

Titus 3:7That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
2. Blood...

Romans 5:9
Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
3. Faith...

Romans 5:1
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
What does justification do?

1. Removal of the penalty of sin...

Romans 4:7
Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.
2. Condemnation is gone...

Romans 8:1
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
3. Peace with God...

Romans 5:1
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
4. Christ's righteousness is ours...

Romans 4:5
But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

2Corinthians 5:21
For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Repentance is necessary.

God commanded that all repent. Repentance must be a conscious decision to turn from sin and follow God. It is necessary for salvation; necessary for a walk with God. God desires repentance for us that we no longer go our own way.

Repentance should LOOK LIKE REPENTANCE.

Repentance justifies the believer. It is received through faith, His Grace and His Blood.

Repentance and Faith in Christ remove sin and condemnation and provides righteousness and peace with God.

Tuesday Teachings - Repentance - Part One

2011-11-15T01:00:00.000-05:00

Hebrews 6:1 - 2
Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.

Repentance from dead works and faith in God are two foundational issues in the life of a believer.

Repentance is the first step. It must be taken in order to even enter into a true relationship with God. It is taken in faith. Faith is the substance of the christian's whole life and walk.

Acts 17:30
And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent.

God commands us to repent. If we don't repent, then we are in sin. Then we have to repent! :-) There is no choice or option given here. We do not have the luxury of choosing NOT to repent. It is a command. We do not have any options to repenting. We can't just go make God some brownies instead. That's not repentance, that's making brownies. Confession is not repenting, it's confession. Being, or saying you're sorry is not repentance. It is being or saying you're sorry.

Both repentance and faith are gifts from God the Father to us - we turn from our ways to follow Him.

Both repentance and faith go beyond our initial experience of salvation and work actively throughout our walk of sanctification.

What does 'repent' mean?

From Webster's Dictionary:
REPENT', v.i. [L. re and paeniteo, from paena, pain. Gr. See Paint.]

1. To change the mind in consequence of the inconvenience or injury done by past conduct.

2. In theology, to sorrow or be pained for sin, as a violation of God's holy law, a dishonor to his character and government, and the foulest ingratitude to a Being of infinite benevolence.

There is an implication of conscious moral separation from God; a personal decision to forsake sin and enter fellowship with God.

It is a conscious decision to make a 180 degree turn and go the other way, forsaking all that we thought was good and right in our own way and choosing to go a different way.

Have you ever been lost while driving? I am usually pretty good as long as I can see the position of the sun and know what time it is, (thank you Boy Scouts). Well, I never let on to my family that I am lost unless it's completely hopeless. They usually hear something like, "Oh, don't you just love this dirt road, it's so beautiful out here today." But if the sun has set or there are serious clouds and we are on a road she has never seen before, and every curve is to the left, my wife knows we are probably lost. But she never says anything. Thank you, honey. I like to try new roads and find shortcuts. I know some of you are laughing right now because either you or your spouse or your parents do this too. But sometimes I get so lost, the only thing left to do is turn around. I was going in the wrong direction. I had gone astray. I had to turn around. Completely.

Why is repentance important?

Well, as we saw earlier, it is commanded. It is also essential for salvation:

Mar 1:15
And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

Luk 13:3
I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

Act 11:18When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.

Repentance is something that God himself desires for all of us. He is patient with us. OK, He's more than just patient. The Word says He is longsuffering! Sounds like a true father to me!

2Pe 3:9
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

If we do not repent before God of our ways, then we are choosing to go our own way. Our own way will lead us in the wrong direction. In fact, our own way goes against God's way or away from God Himself. Who wants that? A friend of mine likes to rap. I told him he should use this in one of his songs. If we go our own way, we will surely go astray.

Isa 53:6
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Our own way leads us astray. Because of this, we should indeed choose repentance and follow God.

Repentance calls for a renunciation of self confidence and will initiate a confidence in God.

Judges 10:15 - 16
And the children of Israel said unto the LORD, We have sinned: do thou unto us whatsoever seemeth good unto thee; deliver us only, we pray thee, this day. And they put away the strange gods from among them, and served the LORD: and his soul was grieved for the misery of Israel.

Try reading the rest of this passage to get an idea of what the Israelites were going through. They had turned their backs on God. He told them that he wasn't going to help them anymore. They repented. They realized what they had done to God and told Him that He could do whatever He wanted with them, (duh) but just please save them from this current attack. We must confess that we have sinned, turn from it, put it aside and place our confidence in God.

It is key here that they got rid of all their idols. Repentance should look like repentance. There are times when our sin involves other people, directly or indirectly through actions. Sometimes it is only known between us and God, through our thoughts or feelings toward others. Either way, repentance should look like repentance. Something should look different. It should be a visible change; visible to God or others.

Act 26:20
But showed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.

'Works meet for repentance' = Put away the idols.

1Thessalonians 1:7 -8
So that ye were examples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing.

The Thessalonian Church had a faith in God that was heard about in other places; so much so that Paul didn't even have to preach in some of those places. People were believing simply because of the repentance and faith of the believers in Thessalonica. Repentance should look like repentance. We must repent and turn to God.

THANKS !

2011-11-11T15:35:00.000-05:00

To all the veterans I know, and many more that I don't know....

Thanks!

Throwback Thursdays - Open Air Video

2011-11-10T01:00:00.000-05:00

Here's a video of me doing some Open Air Preaching 3 years ago in Easton, PA.

Things have definitely changed since then. I was very nervous to preach open-air, until I started doing it. Never would have done it if God hadn't said 'go'.

Apologies for the poor sound.

Are You a Stranger?

2011-11-09T01:00:00.000-05:00

Tuesday Teachings

2011-11-08T01:00:00.001-05:00

We are starting a new Tuesday post theme: Tuesday Teachings.

It's self explanatory really. Posts on Tuesdays will be teachings from the Word.

So, here's the blog post line up so far:

Saturdays and/or Sundays: Weekend Worship - Posts, usually videos, to get you into the spirit of worship.
Tuesdays: Tuesday Teachings - Teachings from the Word of God.
Thursdays: Throwback Thursdays - reposts from our own former blogs - or those of friends - oldies but goodies.
Fridays: Friday Fix or Friday First - Things we miss about wherever we are not that week or what we or the children experience for the first time.

Anyone have any ideas for Mondays or Wednesdays?

Comment on the blog (not Facebook) with your ideas and we'll go from there.

We'll be starting Tuesday Teachings next week.

Next Tuesday: "Repentance - Part One"

"Get it Off!"

2011-11-08T01:00:00.000-05:00

2e

2011-11-07T01:00:00.000-05:00

Blessed (happy, to be envied) is the man who is patient under trial and stands up under temptation, for when he has stood the test and been approved, he will receive [the victor's] crown of life which God has promised to those who love Him.

James 1:12

Weekend Worship

2011-11-05T02:00:00.000-04:00

This should get you worshiping...

October 31st

2011-10-31T00:00:00.000-04:00

Bon Fet!

2011-10-29T20:06:00.002-04:00

Happy Birthday to Estherline!

Weekend Worship

2011-10-29T03:00:00.000-04:00

I hope you have a great time at worship tomorrow. Watch this and I think you'll be in the right frame of mind...

Friday Fix

2011-10-28T03:00:00.000-04:00

We're going to flip 'Friday Fix' on it's head this week.

We're going to make it a 'Friday First'.

Sometimes we crave things that we don't get here. You can look at some other Friday Fixes to get an idea. But this week, the children here experienced a first, which got me to thinking....

Anyway, we had pretzels.

Yup, that's all. It was pretzels.

We were having tuna salad sandwiches and the plates looked like they needed something extra. Cecilia had recently come back from the States and brought some bags of hard pretzels. I put some on each plate.

They loved them.

It was cool to see them put the pretzel up to their eyes like glasses - like we all did, right?

So, that's our Friday First - and it's the first Friday First.

Pretzels.

Я каюсь

2011-10-27T22:00:00.000-04:00

The title today is in Ukranian as a way to say thanks to the many readers that we apparently have in that great country. Can't figure that one out, but last month we had as many hits there as in the States, so...

It says, I Repent.

Throwback Thursdays - "Tell Someone"

2011-10-27T03:00:00.000-04:00

It's important to tell someone who is also saved about your new found faith in Christ. It will serve a few purposes:

You can draw on support from other like-minded individuals
Someone will be praying for you
It may open a door for your new church home, if you do not have one already
You can learn from the experience, strength, and hope of someone else who has been down this road before

Both the woman at the well (John 4), and the Gadarene demoniac (Mark 5), went to tell others about their experience. The account of the woman says later that many of the Samaritans of that city believed on Jesus because of the woman's testimony.

You now have a testimony. Share it with someone.

Earthworms

2011-10-24T02:00:00.000-04:00

On this day, I actually saw 2 earthworms. And before this day, I didn't even know they existed in Haiti.

The first one I saw was AT LEAST 2 feet long!!

This is the second one.

Home Sweet Home

2011-10-23T03:00:00.000-04:00

Something Out of a Horror Movie!

2011-10-22T20:37:00.001-04:00

You will need to know a couple of things.

First, here in Haiti, it is very dusty and hot. Things, people and animals get very dirty in a single day.

Second, my son's full experience with horror movies is limited to Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' video.

So, you can imagine my surprise and amusement the other day when, as he was looking at my hands, he made the following statement about my fingernails:

"Man! They look like something out of a horror movie!"

And of course 10-year old boys' fingernails always sparkle....

2e

2011-10-03T00:30:00.000-04:00

Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child. If thou afflict them in any wise, and they cry at all unto me, I will surely hear their cry; And my wrath shall wax hot, and I will kill you with the sword; and your wives shall be widows, and your children fatherless.

Exodus 22:22-24

What Happened?

2011-10-02T12:00:00.000-04:00

If you are one of the 4 or 5 people who regularly read this blog, you're probably wondering what happened?

Before I answer that question, let me take the opportunity to thank our readers from the Ukraine. We've been getting a lot of hits from there and are glad to have you.

Перш ніж я відповім на це питання, дозвольте мені скористатися можливістю, щобподякувати наших читачів з Україною. Ми отримуємо багато хітів звідти, і раді, що ви.

We were all back home for a month. We had a lot of business to take care of there with Northeast Maid and Janitorial Services, our business, as well as personal things and getting the children started in the new school year.

The prep time to go back, the time back, and the time to return to Haiti didn't allow for a lot of blogging.

That being said, we're back now - glad to be so - and settling in to our new home in the Butte Boyer section of the La Plaine area of Port-au-Prince.

Still not a lot of time to blog, but we just wanted to stop in and say hi.

From us and our new children, wishing you all the best!

www.lovehaitischildren.com

2e

2011-09-12T01:00:00.000-04:00

The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.

Psalms 19:7-11

Ten Years Later

2011-09-11T08:46:00.000-04:00

Just be quiet and put up your flag. We don't really need to watch the footage all over again. Ten years ago, FREEDOM was attacked. To "remember", just put up your flag.

Weekend Worship

2011-09-10T01:00:00.000-04:00

Friday Fix

2011-09-09T01:00:00.000-04:00

I got my Friday Fix this week a little early - Thursday.

We were hanging around after church and I suddenly realized that it was still an hour earlier in Haiti. I made a phone call.

It was so great to talk to some of the boys in Mariani. They were passing the phone around like a hot potato down there. Every other sentence of mine was "Who's talking?" It was so much fun. I let them know that we were coming back around the end of the month.

I'm not sure who had more fun, us, the boys, or our church family hearing us converse in Creole for the first time.

I'm not sure what to call this one.

A Haitian heart fix.

2e

2011-09-08T15:32:00.000-04:00

Go through, go through the gates; prepare ye the way of the people; cast up, cast up the highway; gather out the stones; lift up a standard for the people.

Isaiah 62:10

You ARE the standard of God in the earth!

Weekend Worship

2011-08-27T01:54:00.001-04:00

Weekend Worship

2011-08-20T01:02:00.001-04:00

Friday Fix

2011-08-19T05:45:00.003-04:00

The altar at Overflowing Life Christian Center.

This Friday, I need a fix of the altar at OLCC.

This Friday, as we draw closer to our return to the States, I find myself desiring more and more to be at the altar at OLCC. If you have ever been there 'on business', you understand why.

I miss it a lot. I have taken care of a lot of things there. Yes, I can pray anywhere, but home is always better.

If you see me next week for the first time in almost a year, and I'm walking through the red doors (are they still red?), and I don't spend time to chat, please just excuse me. I will be on my way to the altar, to do business with the King.

You may hear crying. You may hear shouting. Singing and screaming may come too. Please just excuse me, while I'm at the altar, doing business with my King.

If my wife is with me at the altar, leave her be too. My children won't have time to run and play. The Sweeney family will be at the altar of OLCC doing business with the King.

We'll have time to catch up on stories, lives and happenings in your world and ours - but only after we're through, doing business with the King.

2e

2011-08-18T09:24:00.001-04:00

^{Phillipians 4:8 - 9}

Practice what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and model your way of living on it, and the God of peace (of untroubled, undisturbed well-being) will be with you. For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them].

Throwback Thursdays - "We Made It"

2011-08-18T07:36:00.003-04:00

This post, originally from January 2009, really takes on new meaning, now that we've been living in Haiti for one year (with no refrigerator or microwave).

I received the following from a wonderful woman in my life through an email. I have made some adjustments and posted it here.

To Those of You Born

1925 - 1983
TO ALL THE KIDS WHO SURVIVED THE
1930's, 40's, 50's, 60's, 70's & 80's!!

First, we survived being born to mothers who smoked and/or drank while they were pregnant.

They took aspirin, ate blue cheese dressing, tuna from a can and didn't get tested for diabetes.

Then after that trauma, we were put to sleep on our tummies in baby cribs covered with bright colored lead-base paints.

We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, locks on doors or cabinets and when we rode our bikes, we had baseball caps not helmets on our heads.

As infants & children, we would ride in cars with no car seats, no booster seats, no seat belts, no air bags, bald tires and sometimes no brakes. Riding in the back of a pick- up truck on a warm day was always a special treat.

We drank water from the garden hose and not from a bottle. We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle and no one actually died from this.

We ate cupcakes, white bread, white rice, white pasta, real butter and bacon. We drank Kool-Aid made with real white sugar. And, we weren't overweight. WHY? Because we were always outside playing...that's why!

We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the streetlights came on. No one was able to reach us all day. And, we were O.K. We would spend hours building our go-carts out of scraps and then ride them down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes. After running into the bushes a few times,we learned to solve the problem.

We did not have Playstations, Nintendo's and X-boxes. There were no video games, no 150 channels on cable, no video movies or DVD's, no surround-sound or CD's, no cell phones, no personal computers, no Internet, no Facebook, no MySpace and no chat rooms.

WE HAD FRIENDS and we went outside and found them!

We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were no lawsuits from these accidents. We ate worms and mud pies made from dirt, and the worms did not live in us forever. We were given BB guns for our 10th birthdays, made up games with sticks and tennis balls and, although we were told it would happen, we did not put out very many eyes. We rode bikes or walked to a friend's house and knocked on the door or rang the bell, or just walked in and talked to them.

Little League had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those who didn't had to learn to deal with disappointment. Imagine that!!

No one had ADD or ADHD. We were disciplined to pay attention and learned self-discipline. Some just needed more of the 'discipline' than others.

The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of. They actually sided with the law!

Our generations have produced some of the best risk-takers, problem solvers and inventors ever. The past 50 years have been an explosion of innovation and new ideas. We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned how to deal with it all.

If YOU are one of them, CONGRATULATIONS! You might want to share this with others who have had the luck to grow up as kids, before the lawyers and the government regulated so much of our lives for our own good.
While you are at it, send a link to your kids so they will know how brave and lucky their parents were.

Kind of makes you want to run through the house with scissors, doesn't it?

Missionary reunited with Haitian ‘son’

2011-08-17T21:35:00.000-04:00

I just think this was a great story. Sometimes we don't ever get to know the difference we've made.

Missionary reunited with Haitian ‘son’ - MorningJournalNews.com | News, Sports, Jobs, Lisbon, Ohio - The Morning Journal

...Til We Meet Again

2011-08-16T19:48:00.000-04:00

As we prepare to leave this place, our hearts our heavy. We are leaving friends and friends who have become family. Though only a handful of them would understand this, this is dedicated to each of them.

Where Am I?

2011-08-11T00:50:00.000-04:00

I'm in between.

It's been a while since we've posted anything. Here's why, I think.

We are in that moving phase again; when you are getting ready to leave home to go somewhere foreign.

"What?! Where are you going, now?!?", you ask?

Well, to Pennsylvania, of course. It's become a foreign place now.

So, we're packing up things, packing up lives, packing up our hearts....that's the most difficult part, I think. We are really going to miss these children. I am pretty sure the feeling is mutual. Even the ones who never really seemed to 'warm-up' to us are now asking us to stay. Sorry, no can do.

There are many reasons we can not stay at CHO. There is only one that really matters though. God said it is time to move on. We obeyed in coming. We will obey in leaving. And we will be blessed again for our obedience.

So, we are in this place called 'in-between' right now. And it's hard to blog. There's so much going on that can be blogged about, but most of it can't be blogged about, if you get my meaning.

Keep praying. Check the prayer requests page.

13 days until we are in a foreign land. When have I heard that before?

Throwback Thursdays

2011-07-28T06:01:00.001-04:00

Children - Part Two

From 9/3/08

A follow - up to this post.

OK. I knew that that one bible verse was gonna get to somebody. I never imagined so many. It's the truth of the Word of God. But just to help you out, here's some clarification.

This is the verse I quoted:

Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die. Proverbs 23:13

This is the verse that follows it:

Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell. Proverbs 23:14

Keeping my child from hell (if God put it that way, so can I) sounds important enough for me. Some don't use the word beat, they call it a whoopin', or a spanking. It's all the same truth of scripture. The word 'beat' has been, well, beaten. Here is the truth of the matter.

What we refer to is this meaning from Webster's:

1. To strike repeatedly; to lay on repeated blows, with a stick, with the hand or fist, or with any instrument, and for any cause, just or unjust, or for punishment.

We are NOT referring to this Webster's definition:

3. To break, bruise, comminute, or pulverize by beating or pounding, as pepper or spices.

Obviously, there is quite a difference.

In the original Hebrew text, its literal meaning is as follows:

נכה
nâkâh
naw-kaw'
A primitive root; to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively): - beat

The Hebrew definitions go further, but as I should have mentioned in the previous post; I don't think everyone can handle them. I was actually reluctant to post the one scripture, but in the interest of the Truth of the Word of God, I did anyway. I am posting this follow-up to clarify the original. I won't do this all the time. I know this can be a sensitive subject, so I chose to address it in case there were others who were confused.

I thought it was important to post the follow-up that was originally posted in 2008, since it aroused so much confusion at that time. Things haven't changed much since then anyway. And the Word never changes, so...

2e

2011-07-26T00:01:00.000-04:00

Proverbs 18:22

He who finds a [true] wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.

Weekend Worship

2011-07-23T06:49:00.000-04:00

Grab your tissues.

Play the video.

Worship Him.