Friday, June 19, 2009

Mission.....POSSIBLE!

I can't believe it has been 2 weeks since I last blogged. I swore I would never be one of those bloggers that only writes once a month. I am not living up to my end of the bargain:) I wanted to make sure that I posted before we left for Costa Rica.

Rob and I have been so excited about this trip for so long. After our life-changing experience in Nicaragua, we can't wait to see what God has in store this next week. One of the hardest parts about leaving to go is leaving the kids behind. It really hits you when you have to sign papers deciding who gets your kids in case you die! That's scary:( Please be praying for me as I feel so guilty leaving them. But even more so, please pray for my dear parents who will have them all week!

The most exciting thing about these trips is getting to see God work out all of the tiny details, allowing the trip to be possible. We were really blessed to have someone donate some diver scooters for us to sell. That sale was able to provide each of our team members $500 towards their trip. That was a HUGE blessing. We also had some needs for some candy and toys for the children in Costa Rica. We were a little late in asking for support, so I was skeptical. However, after a friendly little Sunday School competition, we are taking 8 suitcases full of candy and toys! WOW! God is so faithful! I want to also make sure I mention the graciousness of Steve Carroll at Chic-fil-a, in the mall. He donated 150 little stuffed cows for us to take. Joe Fincher, of the Gator Shop, donated some Gator hats for us to take to the pastors. They really love that kind of stuff. Pro-Gifts also donated a huge amount of toys. We have been really blessed by their generosity. God had made this mission POSSIBLE!

This trip is really important for Rob and I. After Nicaragua last year, God really laid it on Rob's heart to be a missionary. We have a possible opportunity with the same group that we are going to work with in Costa Rica. It is very exciting, but also scary at the same time. Can you imagine me being too far from my Momma? We are really praying about it. I mean REALLY PRAYING about it:)

How often does God try to tell us something or lead us to something great, but we never hear Him because we are too busy with our own agenda? Or we are too scared of the outcome? I know for me it is quite often. We should know that He is faithful and will never lead us to something that He won't lead us through. We have to TRUST him. We will never know what we are missing out on, if we don't listen and take His direction. I pray that while we are gone, God will open our hearts and our minds to what He has planned for our lives.

Lord, thank you for the opportunity to spread your word around the world. May we be diligent in seeking those divine appointments that you have laid out for us. I pray that we will be BOLD in sharing Your good news, both here at home and in Costa Rica.


If at all possible, I hope to post at least one blog while we are there. I can't wait to share with you all that God has done this next week. Thank you for all of your support and prayers.

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Lessons Learned.....From Our Children

The Vaughn's went to the Gator baseball game Friday night. It was a first (and most definitely a last) experience for me. We were with some friends, and we decided to take the kids and go home, leaving the men behind.

Cade and his friend were in the backseat, and then I hear the sweetest words I have ever heard. Cade was telling his buddy all about Jesus; that he died on the cross, that we sin, he had all of his details in order. It was quite humorous that he was the most descriptive of Satan and Hell. He had that part of the discussion down pat:)

As I listened, I couldn't help but think how precious a child's faith is. As an adult, I have never had that kind of courage to openly share the story of Jesus with my friends. Cade never thought twice about it. I was so proud of him, yet somewhat ashamed of myself that I have never been that bold. I told him how proud I was of him, and that he did just what God wants us to do. He wants us to tell EVERYBODY about His love and what He has done for us.

I want to encourage you to be more childlike in sharing God's love with others. Never waste an opportunity. We never know what kind of impact we may have. If Cade can do it, I certainly have no excuses.

Monday, June 1, 2009

My First Grader

Here is the new first grader. I can't believe how big he has gotten. Oh be still my heart!