Is There Really Persecution Of Christians In China? by Randy Alcorn

One of our family passions and a huge part of our prayer life is for the persecuted church around the globe. It's no secret that one of those countries is China. In the latest newsletter from Eternal Perspective Ministries,Randy Alcorn writes about the current situation of the persecuted church in China...and as Christians we must not be complacent in our pursuit of prayer for the nations supressing religious freedom. Click here and go to page 12 of the newsletter to read Randy's perspective of the underground Chinese church. Randy Alcorn also penned the novel "Safely Home" about an American businessman and his Chinese friend who was an activist in the underground house Churches in Central China. The final moments of this novel are painful and bittersweet as this Chinese man is martyred for his faith in proclaiming the gospel to his countrymen. He is ushered into the presence of the Lord to hear "Well done my good and faithful servant...." Last year Julie was able to meet Randy Alcorn and he signed a copy of 'Safely Home' for our own little China doll..Katie. It sits on a shelf in her room....a reminder of where she came from and those left there we are still called to interceed for. If you haven't read this 'can't put it down' book...please, please do so!!It's a life changing read! It's available from EPM's site and from Amazon. Enjoy the pictures of our Katie Mei's first soccer day....she's definitely the peanut of the team...but had a great time! To make it even better...she did not beat anyone up:)(see previous post)... And...don't forget China needs our prayers!

"I should live not for the dot, but for the line. From the dot---our present life on Earth--extends a line that goes on forever which is eternity in heaven." From The Treasure Principle...by R. Alcorn.

Quick! Someone Tell David Beckham.....

....that the Princess Collection has taken over his job description!!Yes, all 3 girls are playing soccer. Friends Vickie and Mike started a league a few years ago....and convinced us to give it a try. These girls have never done anything like this so it should be marvelous entertainment for the spectators. Here's my predictions:
1. Katie-the only diaper-clad player on the team as it's a 3-4yr. old team...she's 2...will love it until some one takes her ball. Then the A*A* will rear it's ugly head and she just might beat you up. Or try to anyway. (that would be Asian Attitude!!...her forte.) All 34" of her. She's a tiny powerhouse.
2. Kristin aka. Eloise- will have fun until she figures out it involves work...then she will ask for a lawn chair to be placed in the middle of the field whereupon she will place herself...ask for lipgloss, glasses, and a spritz of water with fresh lemon. Oh yea...and an umbrella. She's not afraid make known her wants.Maybe we should have someone stop by and paint her nails??
3. Leni- who is on the same team as Kristin...will run a little...get tired..lay down in the field and begin to make pictures out of the clouds, find a bug, a stray dog to love, and not even notice she's being trampled on by other cleat wearing 5-6 year olds because she's forgotton she's here to play soccer.....until lawn-chair loving sister wacks her in the head with her flip-flop and brings her back to reality.

We'll let you know how it goes. The season opener is Saturday.

Our Easter Story....

Here's some pictures of our Easter Day! We usually do a big shin-dig with alot of families and have a big hunt...but let's just say...who put Easter in March this year?? Isn't it usually in April?? Why didn't someone consult me before they planned the calendar??!! We didn't plan too well...but had a blast none the less. We had a lunch after church with the fam...then had our own egg-citing (ha...ha) hunt for our little guys. The big people had fun too!! Let's see...Leni got the most eggs...much to Eloise's dismay...then climbed a tree, hung her basket on a branch then everly so quietly shoved in candy like she was preparing to hibernate!! By the time we found her...it was too late. Candy was hidden in every available space in her upper quadrant. After figuring out the eggs had candy in them...Katie and Cade stopped after every egg to eat...then threw the eggs on the ground. Katie would only eat candy ducks (no chicks or chocolate...only ducks) and she and Kristin bartered their findings with Grandpa being the auctioneer. Kristin still felt like she got the short end of the stick. She will live. She just has to vocalize the injustice....:) After this....we all loaded up (girls and all) to pay a visit to our resident Barista...at Starbucks. MMMMM....time for a doughnut!! (which are to die for there!!)Check out Leni's dress in the last pic....any suggestions? Maybe buy stock in Shout or Oxyclean?? Maybe not let her climb trees in Easter Dress? Maybe this mommy should've thought of that....

Happy Easter!

Here are the little girlies....freshly washed, ironed, hair-doed, and nice and momentarily shiny....on the way to church Easter Sunday morning. We spent considerable time lately discussing the meaning of Easter, what the cross means for us and our resurrected Lord and Savior. In fact...Saturday evening was big, when the girls told the Easter story back to me. They did a great job and got their facts so very correct!! So you see... in the second pic...as we're talking up going to church to celebrate Easter and all it's meaning...Miss Katie decides it's time to do a rousing rendition of 'I'm a Little Teapot" just in case the photographer wanted entertainment during our photo shoot. There you go...tipping the teapot and pouring her out. Evidently...she was done with the Easter Story, and wanted the subject matter diverted elsewhere. The third pic this mommy loves! Nothing better than little girl hugs and kisses! Aren't they beautimous??!! More pics to follow soon. They weren't shiny clean for long....but boy, oh boy did they enjoy Easter!

p.s. I got several queries about the baskets in the post below....they're from Pottery Barn Kids...but purchased 2 years ago before we went to China. I didn't look at their Easter catalog this season to see if they're still available or not. They're washable and I wanted an heirloom for our girls and the Cadester. AND a big thanks to those that sent book suggestions both on here and to me privately.(see post below).. Thank you and I look forward to looking at your suggestions!

Poised....And Ready....

....for 3 little girls and one little boy!!

Lest we not forget..." Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in His name to all nations...!!" Luke 24:46

Happy Easter!

"Miss Thang"

Yea. Meet Miss Thang. With lots of 'tude'. Attitude that is. She's had it since day one in Nanchang, and not much has changed.:) This 34", 27lbs. of 2 year old likes to think she runs the entire VanLue show! Sometimes we laugh (you just can't help it!!) and sometimes we cry...but mostly we give her some good 'tude' right back....lovingly of course:) Take for instance this situation in the car. Kristin sits behind Katie in our van...and lately has started provoking Miss Thang by kicking her seat. On an action-packed interstate, this mommy hears..."YIN-YIN (Kristin)NOOOOKIIICCCKKKKSSSEEEEEAAAATTTT!!!" Sometimes actions speak louder than words..so Katie enforces her loud shreaking decibels with a superior-arm-folding-humph-lip-pouting-eyebrow-furrow-mean-stare. It's ugly and funny at the same time. Now, understand, there is nothing Kristin likes better than getting under Katie's skin and proving her stance as queen bee. In other words....more kicking resumes. Entire previous scene is repeated...LOUDER. Leni thinks they're nuts. Mommy wants quiet. So....mommy corrects both K's (while driving 50+mph. on interstate...)and both quiet down...but Katie holds pouting-arm-folding-mad stance to prove her point. And the next look in the rearview mirror shows these pics above.Yes, Miss Thang fell asleep (whew!) while look closely...Kristin is still kicking. Next time you see a swerving white mini-van on a Florida highway...get out of the way!

I Love These Kids....and more!

We did ANOTHER garage sale last weekend. We added more families and wanted to get rid of more stuff...so sell we did! Here you see 6 of the cutest, most adorable kids in my book hangin, and throwing rocks in our lake canal.That's Taylor, Colin, Lauren, Leni, Kristin, and Katie. Then you will see Julie and one of our bestest friends and T, C, and L's mama, Ms. Medana taking control of our sale. "Mizdonna" as our kids say is due with #4 next month and tomorrow is her shower to welcome Sadie Cox to this world! Only loyal friends show up at your yard sales..and she did!! The Easthams came to our last sale and this mommy did't have a camera or I would've photographed Miss Hope at her first yard sale:)..And here in a nutshell is what happened this week....
1. Sale begins....
2. Big girls had spent the night with Mom Jo...Katie had popcorn for break
fast at sale...along with fruit roll ups...who needs nutrition????
3. Kristin wakes up...comes outside and gets stung by a bee. Mommy runs
for ice while others are climbing trees...
4. 5 min. later Colin falls from about 6 ft. up out of
tree...with a giant thud. He did not bounce.
5. Mommy's prize sale (a lady was coming back for it)...a solid cherry
floor mirror, blew over in the wind and shattered the glass :(
6. Mommy and Julie and Katie ate an entire bag of chocolate pretzels
7. end of sale
The daddy says that's the end of garage sales for us for a while. I think he's right.

P.S. Today is Lauren's 2nd birthday! Happy Birthday Lauren!

Yes...I'm a Softie...

We've just come thru a 'rawther ruff' asthma season which I don't want repeated...but after a recent rain when the girls came in and said "PEEZ! Mama peez!! Tan wee pay n wain??? Peez?? (this would be Katie talk)- the others are just deafingly (is that a word??) LOUD!! saying PLEASE and then drawn out as if the very breath of life was being squeezed out of them...P_L_E_A_S_E...P---L--E--A--S--E!! To which I said...ok, mama's girlies go ahead. And there you have very cute duck-boot-wearing-2, 5, and 6 year olds doing what kids should be doing on a wet, rainy, afternoon!! They slept good that night!

And....We Interrupt Our Regularly Scheduled Programming...

...that being pics of cute little girls...to bring you our newest reading list from our house.:) We're big readers, as I've said before...not big tv watchers (although I just gotta have my "Jon and Kate Plus Eight" weekly fix :). So lately, what have we been reading?
While cleaning house, I went through some closets and found boxes and boxes of books from years of schooling Jason and Julie. I had to pull out and re-read old favorites that jumped out at me. The first one...don't laugh...was the "Trapp Family Singers" by Maria Von Trapp herself. You all know the Sound of Music version...but this is the real biography of the family. They fled Austria via Italy after the German invasion of Austria. One of the wealthiest families in Austria immigrated to America (thru Ellis Island...I've been there...toured the place...it's amazing..) towing 9 children and pregnant with the 10th. AND with 4 dollars to their name. Hitler himself actually lived in their Salzburg estate for a time during the war. The tenacity of this family is extraordinary as they fought for survival in a new country during wartime. I love history and reading this as an adult brought tears to my eyes for the sacrifices this family made.
The second re-read which is about the 25th for me on this one is "The Hiding Place" by Corrie Ten Boom. For me this was revelant because the German invasion of Holland happened for Corrie when she was in her mid forties.... Where I am now. I was able to put myself in her shoes this time and connect in a way I hadn't before. Corrie was in solitary confinement in a concentration camp for months with nothing but her overcoat...the same clothes she was arrested in...no blanket, no pillow, no companions except for an occasional ant. A worker smuggled in a copy of the 4 gospels for her....and when her lone light-bulb worked she was able to read and re-read these precious stories to herself. Then she gave her precious gospels away so others could have them. They were her only (and illegal) possessions. After reading the book, I also watched the movie which obviously skipped around...but you got the meat and the visuals of the destitution these people faced. Death was probably welcomed for many. This book definitely encourages you to rethink your perspective on hardship....I for one don't think I would last in solitary confinement without my I-pod. It has a Bible on it:) I put it on there for our trip to China, and as we flew over the inland of this massive country, I listened to it knowing there were people in prision not unlike Corrie Ten Boom right below my plane....all because they are Christians. Makes you think doesn't it??? This woman is on my very short list of personal heros!! (also there is Elisabeth Elliot and Amy Carmichael....)
Book 3 was given to me from my Daughter-In-Law Mel. It's "Hinds Feet On High Places" by Hannah Hurnard. "This book is an allegory dramatizing the yearning of God's children to be led to new heights of love, joy and victory. The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds'feet, and he will make me walk upon mine high places...Habakkuk 3:19." The story is of Much-Afraid as she walks thru the difficult places with her constant companions Suffering and Sorrow. Much-Afraid overcomes tormenting fears as she passes through many dangers and comes at last to the High Places...learning that the Great Shepherd was with her all the while. I'm still chewing on this one....and really enjoying it because it's in 'story' form...and very well written.
Last but not least....My current favorite and must read is another new release by John Piper titled "Battling Unbelief".Defeating Sin with Superior Pleasure. This is a very, serious book about a very serious series of sins. The chapter titles deal with anxiety, pride, misplaced shame, impatience, covetousness, bitterness, despondency (depression), Lust (not what you may think!), just to name a few. Discouraged? Don't be at all!! The whole premise of this book is to relay how faith works to liberate us from sin..specifically in the areas above. Christ died not mainly to make things go well for us, but to bring us to God. Piper says," Battling Unbelief is another way of saying, Living by faith in future grace. The unbelief that I have in mind is the failure to trust the promises of God that sustain our radical obedience in the future." Piper explains how God is for us...and having faith means we know the promises God has for us in Christ Jesus...then we use our God-given faith to fight fire with fire." We throw against the promises of sin the promises of God. We hold fast to the Christ-centered gospel (vs. a man-centered one) truth with all its promises, and bank on them in every situation." If you are currently struggling in any of these above areas I highly encourage you to get this book. It has been life changing for me these past few months, as it has given a practical, God-central approach ...in labeling these sins for what they are...but also bringing much hope for their defeat. I leave you with his 'glorious logic of heaven'..." Because God spared his Son no pain in saving us, therefore he will spare no omnipotent efort to give us all that we need forever. Absolutely certain future grace will come to those who trust Christ, because God infallibly secured it in not sparing his Son." Wow, and wow.
I would love to hear from others about what you're reading/have read recently. Feel free to comment here or email me privately with your response. I'm always looking for books!!!

Have a great few days, and I hope these titles encourage your soul as well.

"You CAN trust an unknown future to a known God." Corrie Ten Boom

Belly Up to the Bar Girls~

Julie works many jobs...one of them being part-time at Starbucks. They opened a new store yesterday just 5 minutes from our house! Mommy took the princess collection to see Julie on their opening day...and they were served kids hot chocolate w/an extra pump...on the house! Here they are making themselves at home at the bar! Aren't they everly so cute?!(Leni didn't like it because it's made with mocha...not just chocolate syrup...but the other 2 guzzled it down! Leni eventually drank all hers...just s-l-o-w-l-y)

Julie's Birthday Bash!

Like I've said before. We've got a big family...so it's always someone's birthday! A great excuse for us to get together and party!! Friday A.M. Julie was awakened very early(!) by her friend JJ. She lives far, far, away...and drove over to deliver an album Julie's friends had made for her...of letters of encouragement, scripture, and pics of good times! Thanks JJ ...not only did you make Julie's day..but her mommy's as well. That was an awesome gift! Then the ladies of the household along with Mel and our one gentleman (Cade) had a birthday luncheon (forgot to take pics!!) at our new fav place...The Elephant Bar. Thanks Mom Jo! Julie then proceeded to the mall to spend birthday $$...before her hot date that night...with her dad :) Saturday night the immediate family got together for our traditional dinner honoring the Birthdaree. All 3 little girls wrote Julie "letters" explaining why in their own words they love her, and thought she was a good sister. Their words were priceless!! Out of the mouths of babes!! The night went off without incident...even when Leni threw a fork AT Kristin and hit her in the head with the prongs. (Surely now people...if you know K the least little bit...would see that this was probably a provoke!! on her part! It was...) Then Katie and Cade got into a verbal war that went something like this. "My MOMMY" as Katie holds onto my leg while shouting at Cade. Cade runs to Mel..grabs her leg and yells "MYYY MOMMY!" This goes back and forth with increasing volume while adults laugh....until we'd had enough. Right now, they either love each other (loudly) or strongly dislike each other (even louder). It's funny. The night ended (while Carolina played) with a giant wrestling match and Katie showing us the fine art of ballet. Obsessed,obsessed is she. :) All in all...a great night....and a great birthday honoring a wonderful daughter!

Happy 20th Birthday to this Amazing Girl....

....who, bless her, got us for parents :) and somehow still likes us:) and puts up with the goings on of a very crazy life on a daily basis! We are so proud and blessed with daughter #1! Words are so inadequate to describe the gift this child has been to this family. She came into the world talking, singing, and laughing, and hasn't stopped! She is a true joy to be around and what impresses her parents most is the love she has cultivated for her Savior which she lives out on a daily basis. This love is evident in how she cares for her family (and all these sisters!), her job(s), her church and how she clothes herself in humility with her giftings, and especially how she honors and serves her very imperfect mom. God has given her a vision for missions....especially children ..that we have watched grow and are excited to watch come to fruition (if the Lord wills:)). She is truly a treasure! Happy Birthday Julie!!!! We love you!! More pics later cuz the party started today....and continues into tomorrow!

Absolutely No Animals or Daughters Were Harmed Or Mamed In The Making Of This Post....

Good thing the Daddy wasn't here to hear the screams! (yes..Julie! This means you!!) We have been watching 2 painted-lady cocoons knowing they were ready to hatch. They were in a jar in the kitchen....when lordy mercy...they hatched...got out!!! And one flew around the kitchen seemingly aimed to assalt any young lady in it's path. You should've heard the ruckus these girls can make! Now you'll see the mommy wielding broom..don't know why. It just seemed the proper thing to do in defense of the attack of the butterfly upon lovely daughters.(I know what you're thinking...you thought the pic was of Heidi Klum...with a broom:)The resemblence is astounding isn't it:)) After coming to my senses, I did the next best thing... Picked up the Clifford book Katie had made at preschool...coaxed vicious butterfly into container...and placed both fierce, violent insects on front porch...where they took flight. Order was restored to the kingdom. It was drama. If you ever need info on how to protect yourself or family members from rabid butterflies...call me.

Yo Adrian!.....

.....said my son to Katie when he saw her on Sunday. You see..we had a garage sale on Saturday at Mom Jo's house..not something I do often. In fact this is only our 3rd or 4th sale in 25 years! But Saturday was our day. Mom Jo (grandma) lives just down the street on 2 wooded acres...apparently full of bugs. Dear little Katie was apparently bitten sometime during the day...then her eyes swelled SHUT in the night. She woke up Sunday morning eyeless. I know, I know....a big stretch for a little Chinese girl! And her left ear was swollen twice it's normal size. Yes, Rocky Balboa lives in our house. Monday, she woke the same way. These pics were taken well into Sunday afternoon after we had gone to the "Hair-purt" (airport) to pick up our Daddy from his 'hair-pane'. The Daddy had been in Texas the latter part of the week...and when he saw Katie, he just said..."Wow. Allergic reaction!" Rocky lives....and ladies.....here's some advice. Do your garage sales when your husband isn't home. Mine has no idea what I sold of his and this wife doesn't think he'll even notice that I sold his_________!:)

If Haagen Daz Only Knew What They Did For Our Little Girl!!

Hello again! Last week the ladies of the household ventured out to one of our fav places! Can you say ....Ice Cream? Haagen Daz at that? The top photo shows a pic of Katie...just a few hours after we had gotten her...in our hotel in Nanchang. She had had her first bath (ever) and at 11 months, was wearing size 6-9 months (still swallowed her!). She couldn't even sit up yet. The orphanage had given us her daily 'menu' which said she ate certain things... but it soon became crystal clear that this child had never eaten solid food in her life! (all the girls had the same 'schedule' given to them) AND no matter how hard we tried to encourage her with tasty tidbits and morsels throughout our trip....this stubborn lady refused all and any food except her bottle....UNTIL...we found Haagen Dazs bars in our hotel's gift shop freezer! The child dove at them....so we spent $$$$ every day on the $6 vanilla bars just to see the child eat something. When we got to Hong Kong, we found an actual Haagen Daz store at the Peak.... and again....this tiny female got her own cone....and scarfed it down. This was the only food consumed by this child on her continent of birth....and believe me...we tried. True story. NOW.....1 1/2 years later...emerges a new, healthy, happy little girl that still dives for ice cream. Had to take pics at our local Haagen Daz of all our ladies indulging in one of our favorite passions! And especially our Asian princess who will always get her own way at Haagen Daz!