First Day of School TBT

It's throwback thursday!

 

Soaking in the Son: Ephesians TBT

**repost from the archives- these thoughts from Ephesians came to mind as we prepare to return to Uganda.  Will you join us in the fight?  Will you pray for Uganda?

this view. the ominous clouds. the palm tree swaying in the breeze.
the sunlight illuminating the veranda. a storm is brewing.  but there is such beauty.

and we, with Christ, take our place above the storm in the heavenlies.  

"If we are to grapple, not with flesh-and-blood adversaries, but with principalities and powers in the heavenlies, we need to come to grips with one basic truth of God's Word: that when God raised Jesus Christ from the dead and set Him in the seat of authority "far above all", He made us co-sharers with Him in every stage of the mighty finished work and then seated us with Him.

From only one position is it safe to approach and resist Satan, and that is from this position in Christ in the highest heavenlies.  From this position Satan and his hosts are completely vulnerable.

So for us also (like the fighter pilots of World War II) altitude is a vital factor.  Victory depends on it.  Understandable, therefore, Satan's craft is dedicated to luring us away from this place of advantage and causing us to forget his vulnerability." -R Arthur Matthews, Born for Battle

So, how do we soar to our rightful place with Christ in the heavenlies?  And how do we stay there day in and day out?  Praise rises.  Gratitude lifts.  As we fix our eyes on Him in praise and thanksgiving- we take our place beside Him.  Praise is our response to His glory.  Gratitude is our response to His goodness- it unites us with Him.  And Satan does not want us thanking God for all things.  He wants us grumbling and complaining for every minor inconvenience.  It lowers us beneath him and leaves us vulnerable to his attack.  

As Ann Voskamp notes in One Thousand Gifts: 
"The brave who focus on all things good and all things beautiful and all things true, even in the small, who give thanks for it and discover joy even in the here and now, they are the change agents who bring fullest light to all the world."  

Will you take your seat with Christ in the heavenlies?  Will you thank Him for all things?  We need grateful, valiant warriors who will fight beside us for the hearts and souls of those in Uganda! 

TBT 2012: My Kitchen in Uganda

**repost from the archives: October 2012**

I'm linking up at Velvet Ashes today, on the topic of hospitality.  I chose this post from our 31 Days of Homemade Missions because I am really missing my kitchen in Uganda. We fly back to Uganda on July 17- I am looking forward to getting settled into our home there and start opening our doors to guests again! There are so many great posts in that series, please check it out if you're new here!

Yay for chalkboard contact paper labels!

Taking a little detour today, getting down to the nitty gritty of hospitality ... organization... I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with it.

Ok, so I love organization the first day when it looks all pretty, and then I hate keeping up with it. 

My mom sent me chalkboard contact paper and a chalk marker this week!  Hooray!  It has me in an organizing frenzy.  This is when I LOVE organizing!   

But when your ministry is hospitality, you've got to be a bit organized.  And, bottom-line,  if it's pretty I will keep it nicer for longer.  An organized kitchen will make prep faster, it will allow guests to help themselves more easily, and you will get better help in the kitchen when people know where things are!  That's a win in my book.  

My baking station- everything within reach!

I am not an organizing expert.  But here is what's working for me this week.

• Keep like items together.
• Store items where you use them most.
• Make it pretty and you will keep it pretty longer.

What works for you?  How do you keep things organized and sane for your ministry of hospitality?

Hallahan Kids Blog!

Today our boys are blogging on their own blog about a few things they are missing about Uganda- you don't want to miss it! 

Hallahan Kids Travel Journal

Vacation... and #tbt link

At the beginning of this series I said that not all of furlough is fun and games and vacation... and that is true.  But there is certainly wisdom in missionaries taking a vacation. 

Constant visitation with champions, a new church every weekend, staying in touch with faithful champions and cultivating new champions can be exhausting for a family!  There are days when we never take our "missionary hats" off.  And so as we were planning this road trip we knew we would have to schedule rest, or it simply would not happen. 
 

Trough Creek State Park, PA

Our boys are great travelers, our marriage is solid and this pregnancy has gone smoothly- but we don't take those things for granted.  We have to work at them, and we have to protect them!  So we're on vacation in Michigan.  I hope to sneak in some more time to blog- to finish out this 31 Day challenge strong- but I am making my family top priority this week! 

Do you take a family vacation?  We didn't really vacation much when I was growing up.  But Josh and I have made the commitment to set some rest time aside each year.  We want to serve the Lord well and as long as we're able- so we're trying to find ways to increase our ministry sustainability! 

Maybe you don't have time or resources to take a vacation right now- this is a great post on "Keeping Sabbath Rest in our Daily Lives".   

What do you do to rest and recharge?

And if you're missing the ThrowBack Thursday post here's one about how we recharge in Uganda!

Autumn Bucket List! #tbt

The beauty of Uganda is that we live in the land of eternal summer.  The challenge of Uganda is that we live in the land of eternal summer.  When September rolls around and it's still warm in Uganda... I start roasting pumpkins, and making my DIY Pumpkin Spice syrup... Check out this post on how we celebrate Thanksgiving in Uganda, since it is throwback Thursday!  #tbt

All that to say: I love that we are traveling in the fall!  The colors are so pretty!  The flavors are so warm and delicious!  I printed out THIS FREE Printable Autumn Bucket List to make sure we don't miss out on any of the fall fun! 

There are 101 ideas.  Some of them we won't be able to make happen since we are on the road, others are Christmas prep that we won't get to until we get home in November- but it is a great starting point! 

We've already got a few things checked off our list:

• Make s'mores.
• Take a nature hike.
• Go to the park.
• Play in the leaves.

What's on your fall bucket list? Anything we MUST do while we're in America for the fall?  Leave a comment!

#tbt A Battle Plan

They've got us surrounded. We hear the sound of the armies advancing. They're getting into position. 20,000 Syrian foot soldiers stand at the ready. The people of Ammon are at the gate. And here we find David's men. In the midst of this dangerous situation.

"When Joab saw that the battle line was drawn against them before and behind, he chose some of Israel's best and put them in battle array against the Syrians. And the rest of the people he put under the command of Abishai his brother, that he might set them in battle array against the people of Ammon. Then he said, 'If the Syrians are too strong for me, then you shall help me; but if the people of Ammon are too strong for you, then I will come and help you. Be of good courage, and let us be strong for our people and for the cities of our God. And may the Lord do what is good in His sight." -2 Samuel 10:9-12

You and I are engaged in war whether we live like it or not. These are challenging days (We have been on the road for 24 days, and have sat in 44 hours of training at Headquarters, and are at our second and final Camp Meeting).

On the Road... in our X-Wing... Ready for Battle!

And what is so exciting is that if we are in God's business of ushering in the kingdom- we cannot fail. God will always forward His purposes, whether His people cooperate or not. What I love about this story in the Old Testament is its beautiful illustration of the partnership between the church and missions.

You are on a mission. We are on a mission. If your battle is too hard for you- e-mail us. We will pray. We will help you. And if the battle us too hard for us- we will let you know so that you can pray. And you can help us. We are not at odds- we're a team. We are excited that we can partner together for the sake of the gospel.

We head home to New Jersey on August 9!  Thank you for praying for us while we have been on the road- we couldn't have done it without you!  How can we pray for you and your mission?

**edited and reposted from the archives: June 2010

#tbt Taking the Next Step

University Leaders Retreat: Feb 2012

I know your willingness...

but are you ready for the next step??? Are you ready for action???

As we are praying and preparing for our week out at Cherry Run Camp Meeting, I've been thinking about the youth who may be introduced to missions for the first time. What would be an appropriate first step in their missional-living? How can we inspire them to action, and get them excited to share God's mission with their friends and their parents? I found Paul has laid out great next steps and accountability for the church in Corinth! Let's check out 2 Corinthians 9:

I know your eagerness to help, and I have been boasting about it to the Macedonians, telling them that since last year you in Achaia were ready to give;
I'll be the first to commend enthusiasm and eagerness! I love when people get passionate about a cause! But when passion is all there is, I feel so let down! Passion without action is shallow and empty! Just like faith without deeds.
and your enthusiasm has stirred most of them to action.
Can other people around you catch your enthusiasm? Do people know that you are excited about what God is doing around the world? Are other people becoming missions-active because of your passion?
But I am sending the brothers in order that our boasting about you in this matter should not prove hollow, but that you may be ready, as I said you would be. For if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we—not to say anything about you—would be ashamed of having been so confident. So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to visit you in advance and finish the arrangements
And so Paul not only commends their enthusiasm, but makes plans to hold them accountable! Wow! What a challenge to me as we continue building our team! How can Josh and I be helping you on your missions journey? Could we get in touch with you and make a plan with you for how you want to grow in missions-activity this next year?
for the generous gift you had promised. Then it will be ready as a generous gift, not as one grudgingly given.
We are so grateful for those of you who have joined our team financially! But there are countless ways to use the gifts and talents God has given you to get missions-active! The key is your attitude of generosity, not the size of your gift (or whether that gift is financial or some other talent or resource).

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.

The harvest is great! Will you help us reap that great harvest? Will you sow sparingly, just the time and resources you can afford to give? Or will you sow generously above and beyond your means, in order that the kingdom might be generously harvested?

Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

Only you know what God is calling you to do. And as you pray about your involvement in the world, ask Him to give you a cheerful heart willing to give what He asks of you.

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work -2 Corinthians 9:2-8

Amen and amen. 

**edited and reposted from the archives July 2009

#tbt Scariest Moment...

**We are at World Gospel Mission Headquarters this week for debriefing and re-entry.  It's a time for returning missionaries to reflect on their term, and look for the hand of God, as they prepare for Homeland Ministry Assignment.  Since it is throwback thursday (#tbt), I figured I would share this post from our first term, which has come up in our reflection process today as the scariest moment of our first two years.**

April 19, 2012
It was one of those scary, exhausting nights- getting out of bed at 2am because Seth was having an asthma attack.  on retreat.  in a town we were unfamiliar with.  He was barking and wheezing, unable to breathe deep.  His finger nails were getting a bluish tint.  We had to get him to a hospital.  Would there be a hospital?  The night guard heard our commotion- Seth sounded bad.  And he brought the night manager.  As soon as he saw Seth he said, let's get in your vehicle.  I'll take you to the hospital.  TIA #1- this man coming with us to the hospital in the middle of the night.

At the hospital they got an IV in Seth on the first try- amazing.  Love gift from Jesus.  And after three medicines, moved us from Triage to a private room.  They were admitting us.  Sweet mama nurse kept praying and saying "God is good.  God is kind. You are a good boy".  Such an encouragement.  TIA #2- the faith and strength of this older Ugandan woman. 

Josh left to get some rest while I "slept" in bed with Seth.  When he called later to see what I needed him to bring, I said- a thermos of chai.  I need sugar and caffeine.  The hotel did not have any small thermoses.  But the restaurant coordinator, Honest, whom I had been working with, sent me chai in her own personal travel mug.  TIA #3- chai sent in her own mug- such generosity of spirit.

I love this country and her people.  Seth is doing fine now- thank you for your prayers that crazy night and day.  God hears and answers!

**edited and reposted from the archives

#tbt Looking for a Coach?

** At the beginning of our very first Homeland Ministry Assignment (HMA) we wrote this post.  At the beginning of this HMA we want to renew this invitation.  Want to go deeper?? **

Coach Reynolds and the Heritage Lions: February 2013

We believe that our mission this year- and every year- is to coach individuals to be more missions active. And perhaps you've been thinking, "I really need to be more involved in missions, I just don't know how." We would love to serve you in this way.

We are praying that God would lead us to 12 people that we could coach in a very intentional way in the coming months. If you would like that type of challenge and accountability- shoot us an e-mail. We'll be praying too- and maybe we'll e-mail you first :) We're excited about the new places God is going to take us as we strive to love His people and His world in a more complete way!

**edited and reposted from the archives**

Breathing African Air...repost

It's Throwback Thursday here on the blog and as Scott and Meg prepare to head home for furlough, I thought it was fitting to look back at where we started this Ugandan journey- our first post from Uganda:

Monday, May 23, 2011

breathing african air

We're here! And last week I'm sorry I didn't post my list- we were at Heathrow Airport in London, and the wifi wasn't free :( But here is what I was grateful for last Monday:

Caleb and Seth both slept... on both 8 hour flights!

And all our luggage arrived!  All 35 pieces between my brother's family and ours!  God is gracious.

And excerpts this Monday, on African soil, inhaling the new smells of African air...#3869-3904

 this corner of organization.  a bright spot in the midst of chaos. 

little boys feeling at home.  watching Backyardigans on dvd.  having our cousin here for the next 10 days

 

 funny things at the grocery store.

  

beautiful women and happy children.  at our welcome BBQ.

 

 good conversations. new friends and partners in ministry.

This view from our balcony. will. never. get. old.  

Beautiful, Stinky Feet

then and now...

“How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!” -Romans 10:15  

I'm hard at work on our final newsletter from this side- can't wait to get it in your hands!  It's a review of our first term- but more than that it's a praise report, a challenge, and a tool.  

We don't want to be the only ones with beautiful, stinky feet after this term.  How have you changed because of what God is doing in Uganda?  What have you contributed?  What role have you filled?  What have you learned?

We want to hear from YOU! 

Something I learned?  Don't bring white shoes to Africa.  What was I thinking?  Ok- your turn- GO!  Leave it in the comments!

By the Numbers: Our First Term

in which we recount {literally} some fond memories and astounding facts about our first term in Uganda:

first day of school: August 2011

• ___?__: the number kilometers we've put on our little Rav4, Wompus, since May 2011
• 2: the number of accidents that tough Rav4 has been in this term.
• countless: the times Jesus has protected us on the road.
• 4, 600 feet: the altitude of our house above sea level

Sunset from our back door

• 7am-7pm: the time the sun rises and sets every.day.of.the.year. in Kampala
• 1,000,000: the number of times we've told Siddeley, our puppy, "no" or "down" or "out" since he arrived in May 2012
• 4: the largest number of ATMs in one day, in failed attempts to withdraw money.

University Ladies Sleepover: March 2012

• 45: the number of women at our house for a "sleepover"
• 75: the number of minutes it took for all my university small group ladies to show up last Tuesday

Sword Drill at Heritage International School

• 27: the number of nationalities represented at Heritage International School
• 5: the number of student testimonies in chapel at Heritage this year {related- 0: the number of student testimonies last year}!  God is on the move!

Our guest, Randy Goodgame, teaching the ukelele

• 291: the number of nights we've had house guests {yes, that's 40% of our first term}
• 37: the number of times Seth has called our guests "customers"...
• 945: the number of coffee pots we've brewed. {one a day, and occasionally two}

Our own baseball team!

• 10: the largest number of children living on this compound at one time {Coppedges, Rambos, and Hallahans}
• 65: the number of days until Kelly and the boys get on a plane for America.
• 26: the number of days Kelly and the boys have to survive without Josh.
• 26: the number of days Kelly welcomes visitors and babysitters {just kidding, you can come babysit after Josh gets back} 
• innumerable: our thanks and love to you who love us, pray for us, support us, encourage us and read our blog! {and that goes double for those who comment on our blog}

So grateful!