April Orphanage Visit & PRAYERS for Cosmina

Thankful to Jesus for a JOY-filled day with our friends.

We now visit each of the individual houses for children independently; this allows us better one-on-one time with the children, and to work with them by gender/age as well.  The 3 homes are divided as follows:  small children (under 12), boys (12-20), girls (12-20).

This trip we focused on Easter, had discipleship time, sports time for older boys, craft time for older girls, and activities for the smaller children. (including their first ever pinata).

We are excited that our move will put us within 30 mins of the orphanage, and they have asked us to come more regularly for one-on-one discipleship of the children.

PRAYERS FOR COSMINA:  She is 12 and has suffered from epileptic seizures, which have cause her to have learning disabilities.  The State has decided that she must go to a group home at a school for children with special needs. The paperwork is in motion and the move likely to happen this summer.  Please pray for her.  This will be a big adjustment for her.  She has been doing so well (emotionally) with the love she has been given in the orphanage here. We trust God loves her more than us, and that His plans for her are perfect and good - and that HE will put the right people in place at her new residence.  Also, please pray for favor for us - it is very likely that she will be at a school in Alba Iulia (minutes from our new home) - this way we can check in on her; but it is only at the discretion of those in charge of her new home.

Thank you friends!

VIDEO: SERMON FROM THE CROSS/Easter 2023 (Subtitles in English)

 

Click on the link below:

Predica De Pe Cruce - YouTube

Best Recipe Ev-er !!!

Easter is coming and I pulled out one of the most requested recipes I have. Our family has changed our eating and exercise regimes, so I don’t bake too often anymore. But, with Resurrection SONday coming, they have requested “To Die For Carrot Cake.” It is sooo good, my family wont even order anything Carrot Cake from any restaurant menu—nothing can compare to or has beaten it (and boy do we love good food). Anyone who has ever tasted it, asks for the recipe. I have included it in the comments below.

There is another LIFE recipe I am sharing with you. One that has changed my life in amazing ways. It has been the cure for my daily anxieties (worry), and depression (sadness). I was once diagnosed in my early 20s as being “bi-polar” and was prescribed medications; but God intervened and changed my life when I asked Him to.

Like any recipe, you need the right ingredients. Here, you just need a fully surrendered and sincere heart before God. Start a conversation with Him and begin reading the Bible (His written Word). Just ask Him to speak to you when you read it, so you can know the TRUTH (the only way to counter a lie). Be intentional and committed. He has to be a priority. Set the time and place aside (every day He is waiting to spend time with us). My loved ones know what a day without my starting with Jesus looks like; they are too happy to give me my time with Him ;o) Do this daily, and I promise it will change your life. The way it has mine, and so many others.

ONLY God can heal a crushed and hurt spirit. ONLY God has the wisdom that we need. ONLY Jesus can forgive our sins, and help us walk in the victory of the cross every day.

I was first given this recipe about 14 years ago, when introduced to the AGAPE accountability program at our home church. Our pastor used it as his prayer list. Over the years, I have “tweaked” it (as you would any recipe) to fit me personally (I do not put butter in the frosting, and only make 1/3 of the frosting, the recipe's frosting is a lot!). As with any recipe, play with it a bit as you go. But, if you change any of the key ingredients, the recipe will not be the same or have the same affect. Mess with key ingredients and you can even ruin a recipes flavor.

As I mentioned, I have had this “recipe” (prayer card) over 14 years. There have been times when I neglected it, and I can tell you my life reflected that my prayer life was not so good on those days—the effects were not good. But don’t let days become a “season.” I have seen the affect it has on my putting it into practice daily—LIFE CHANGING. Put your prayer card where it is easily seen for you to remember and find a quiet place. My prayer time actually goes by more quickly and efficiently with a list. For many years I said “I don’t need a list” – believe me I DID! My brain goes all over the place without it. Keep a journal nearby for things God impresses on your heart. I will put the prayer card document in the comments too.

Remember it takes the average person 66 days to create/change a habit (but some take as little as 18, some as much as 254).

Walk with God daily, and be transformed and blessed

“Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. For My yoke is comfortable, and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

“This is what the LORD says, He who made the earth, the LORD who formed it to create it, He whose name is the LORD: ‘Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’” Jeremiah 33:2-3

“For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for prosperity and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. I will let Myself be found by you,’ declares the LORD, ‘and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you,’ declares the LORD, ‘and I will bring you back to the place from where I sent you into exile.’”

Jeremiah 29:11-13