Musical Monday

Happy end of Monday to you!  I don't know if you have had a fantastic day or "just another manic Monday."  Whatever the day held, it was orchestrated by our Lord and He deserves our praise.

I have listened to the song below probably about 10 times today!  I wanted to share it with you.  If it doesn't make you wanna sway back and forth...then you need to listen to it until it does.  Take a deep breath in and enjoy, in Christ we truly have all we need.

Success in the Kitchen!

I am a fan of trying new recipes.  Unfortunately, these new recipes do not always succeed.  I have had my share of disfigured desserts, chewy chickens, and just all around flops!  My "by the book" personality enjoys knowing EXACTLY what to put in the recipe & a picture to go alongside the description in order to gurantee positive results. 

I tried a new recipe I found on Pinterest that I definitely think is worth sharing.  Let me take a minute and introduce you to Crock-Pot Lasagna.  I love some good lasagna, and I love EVERYTHING crock-pot.  Nothing like filling up a huge pot and smelling a warm meal preparing itself in your kitchen throughout the afternoon.  Now, I know making lasagna is not "difficult."

However, it does involve quite a bit of hands on attention and dirties up several bowls.  I tend to do my best cooking with only one pot boiling on the stove at a time.  Too many, and this chick enters high tense zone (not good when trying to handle bubbling sauce and boiling noodles).  It is for this reason I loved my discover of Crock-Pot Lasagna. 

Ingredients

-1 lb. ground beef
-29 oz can tomato sauce
-8 oz pkg. lasagna noodles, uncooked
-4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
-1 1/2 cups cottage cheese

Directions

1. Spray the inside of the crock-pot with cooking spray

2. Brown the ground beef, add chopped onion and garlic

3. Stir the tomato sauce in with the ground beef

4. Spread 1/4 of the meat sauce on the bottom of the crock-pot

5. Arrange 1/3 of the uncooked noodles over the sauce (I usually break them up so they fit better)

6. Combine the cheeses in a bowl. Spoon 1/3 of the cheeses over the noodles.

7. Repeat these layers twice

8. Top with remaining sauce

9. Cover and cook on low for 4hrs (You can start the crock-pot on high in the morning before you leave for work and then put it on warm when you leave and it's perfect when you get home)

10. Let the lasagna stand in the crock-pot with the lid off for at least 10 minutes

 

This meal is quite simple and makes great for left overs.  I wish I had a grand picture to show of our lasagna.  Instead we just have full and satisfied stomachs.  Trey was impressed :)  It is nothing fancy but it sure does hit the spot. 

 

Good luck and Happy Crock-Potting!

 

Kiddos & Canines

I may be a few weeks late on this announcement, but...we have new neighbors!  Scott & Monica Bidwell and their two kiddos Kilee & Josiah are now living next door to us.  Trey & Scott worked together at Crossings in KY.  It is more than a little surreal to have them here serving with Baptist Haiti Mission.  We are so thankful for them and so excited about the ministry team the Lord is putting together for BHM.  You can follow their adventures in Haiti on Monica's blog.  Check it out on the side of this page: "Bidwells in Haiti."  New neighbors with little ones means lots of activity.

We are currently working through a proper relationship between the kids and our crazy canine Creole.  Creole would never hurt a fly, however he is the size of a horse (slighly exagerating) with the energy of a tiny puppy.  He is currently under the notion that if the kids are running around and jumping, they obviously want him to run and jump with them.  How do you explain to a dog this is not the case?

In spite of all his excitement with the kids, they all like him!  Kilee (5) is quite the artist.  Just a few days ago I was presented with a beautiful drawing from her I would like to share with you...

Yup, that is Creole!  I thought this was such a cute picture of him I had to put it on our refrigerator.  Creole saw me taking his picture on the fridge today and joined me in the kitchen.  He was ready to pose for a real picture too...

 

He is learning how to sit.  It's amazing!  I have never been the biggest dog person before, but I tell ya what, this little man is growing on me :)

Dinner, Dishes, and the Book of Daniel

Ephesians 5:25-33

Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish…”Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.”  This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.  However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

"Walk in Love," is the title given to Ephesians 5 in my Bible.  A variety of verses from this passage were read and referenced at our wedding.  As I gazed into Treys eyes on that amazing day, I knew our lives together would be wonderful!  I would show and clearly communicate my respect and confidence in Trey and he would know exactly how to encourage me and take care of me...all the days of our lives...

If you have been married for any time at all I imagine a slight grin is running across your face at this moment.  Often the dreams and ideas we create in our minds about marriage do not quite line up to reality.  Being married to Trey Salter is by far the biggest blessing in my life.  However, it is oh so true that real life is quite different than day dreams.  Let me explain...

 

The picture you see above was taken last night after we finished dinner.  We had just enjoyed a wonderful night of "Brinner" (breakfast for dinner.) Over the past several weeks we have been working our way through a Beth Moore Bible study on Daniel.  Yes, real men do Beth Moore studies :)  There are audio sessions we have that go along with the study.

We were a tad behind on the audio sessions and decided to listen to one last night.  Side Note: My ability to listen and absorb information while doing another task is non-existent.

As much as I would like to say this is a secret, my sweet loving husband is very aware of this struggle.  Being aware of this struggle, Trey volunteered to do our dishes from dinner while I sat at the kitchen table and took notes from the session.  Insert Halleluiah Chorus Here.  I was instantly encouraged by how clearly I saw Treys desire to sanctify me and wash me in the Word last night.  (I snuck the camera down by my books in the middle of the session so he would not notice me taking his picture, pretty sneaky).

As I sat and absorbed the information from our time in Daniel last night my heart melted at the scene in our kitchen.  I have never day dreamed about dinner, dirty dishes, and Daniel as a way my husband would sanctify me through the Word.  However, it was real life, it was walking with the Lord, and it was perfect.

Thank you, Trey, for choosing me to be your bride.  I could not have asked for a better husband!  Thank you for encouraging me and leading me.  I am so proud of the man you are and your love for the Lord.  I respect you and look forward to many wonderful years with you.  Happy 1 year Anniversary of life in Haiti!  Your Wife- Chelsea  p.s. Feel free to do the dishes anytime you want ;)

 

Mercy Filled Monday

Phillipians 4:8, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."

I am currently reading Elizabeth George, "Loving God With All Your Mind."  It is an enjoyable read, while quite challenging all at the same time.  Phillipians 4:8 is the theme verse throughout the book.  Chapter after chapter she encourages the reader to think on what is TRUE.  We are not to dwell in the past year, the past month, or even the past two minutes!  True things are real...the present reality.  This also includes not dwelling on the future, the next day, the next month, or the next year.

As I have accepted this challenge to think on what is true, I have noticed quite a bit of changes in my thought life.  One of these changes came to my attention early this morning.  If you have spent any time following this blog, you are probably aware that Monday mornings are NOT my favorite.  Instead of dwelling on how much I can dislike the first early morning after a weekend, I asked the Lord to help change my attitude.

The alarm clock sounded at 6 a.m.  I hit snooze for a few minutes (I do believe the Lord gave us an extra measure of grace by placing a snooze button on the alarm clock, He knows it is difficult).  I took a few more minutes of shut-eye and then got up and started the day.  What was true about my Monday morning?

The Lord had allowed me to rest and then He opened my eyes.  The fact that I woke up this morning was truth that He had a plan for my day.  I spent a few minutes outside on a power walk/jog and then returned to the house to do some 30 Day Shred (work-out dvd). 

Throughout my time of exercise I sought to think on what was true, honorable, just, pure, anything that was worthy of praise...(Phil. 4:8).  As I thought on these things, each thought ended in praise to my Lord.  I began to wonder if Phil. 4:8 is the Lord's way of saying, "Look to me!  Think about me!  Seek me!  When you do this, all else will fall into place."

During breakfast and a little Monday morning house pick-up I continued to intentionally think about what was true.  8:00 a.m. one of the guards who works on our mission came to my house to get his equipment.  When I greeted him at our door, he was excited and wanted to show me something.

I walked outside with him and we stopped at this bush right next to our house:

I have walked passed this bush 1 million times and never given it a second thought.  This morning however was different.  We stood there for a few minutes and then my eyes gained focus on this:

Burried deep within this bush is a humming bird nest.  This morning there are two eggs gently nestled in the nest.  I was so excited to see the nest today.  True confession, had I noticed the nest a few days ago it may have not been as big of a deal to me.  I have sometimes thought watching bird nests was well...for people a little bit older than me.  However, this morning was different.

The reality of thinking on what is true means I take each moment for what it is and trust in the Lord.  The picture of His care and protection for a tiny tiny tiny bird was a clear indication that being at peace in the present, at rest in His arms, is ALL I need for today.  I look forward to checking this nest on a daily basis waiting for the little birds to arrive.

Senior in High School or Senior Citizen we all need to focus on the truth found in everyday.  Stop and enjoy the humming bird nests the Lord gives us, the nest is our present reality, and everything else will follow as He has planned.

Simple Sunday

We had a wonderful Sunday worshipping at Legliz Thomassin.  Pastor Edrice preached about the joy that is given to believers when we know our name is written in the book of life.  Praise God that His grace is sufficient for us.  We are thankful to be having a restful Sunday and hope you are enjoying yours as well!

Psalm 118:24

This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

After church today :)

Missionary Flights International

Baptist Haiti Mission is blessed on a regular basis by the work of Missionary Flights International.  This organization is responsible for the "snail" mail and other shipping that takes place for BHM from the U.S. to Haiti.  Friday is "mail day" here at the Salter house thanks to MFI.  Yesterday morning at 6:30 a.m. Trey and I loaded up in a vehicle for a trip down the mountain to do some work for MFI.

We spent the entire day in Port-au-Prince working on the new mail room for MFI.  Roger Sands, a new missionary to BHM, has been working around the clock for the past several weeks to prepare a new space for the many deliveries that come in and out of Haiti on behalf of MFI.  While Trey and Roger travel down quite often to work on this project, yesterday was my first time.

Above you will see a picture of the new MFI Haiti House.  This building began as a plain container (it looked just like the bed of a semi-truck).  A piece of land alongside the Domestic airport in Port-au-Prince was chosen for the container.  A foundation was layed, and the container set in place.  A huge amount of work has gone into this container and the end is in site!

Roger and Trey placing wooden boards over the insulation inside the container.

Trey and Roger spent the entire day using power tools and taking care of business.  I am always so amazed at how Trey navigates around the world of construction.  The tool world is definitely not my place, but I'm thankful for a man that knows what he is doing.

I spent the day brushing up on my painting skills.  Roger had already painted the majority of the outside of the container.  I came in and did the second coat and some other sections.  By the end of the day I was quite sweaty, covered in paint, and ready to not see another straight line or measurment again!

We know there are people working around the clock to make a ministry like Missionary Flights International possible.  We are beyond encouraged by the work of this ministry and look forward to all that is in store for the future.  I can hardly wait, tomorrow is Friday, bring on the mail!



Standing in front of the "Customer Pick-Up Window."  Thank you MFI for getting our packages to us!




5 Days of Outreach

Below is a story I wrote today for Baptist Haiti Mission.  Thomassin Church is the church Trey & I are attending in Haiti.  We are blessed to be a part of this special family.  You can see this blog and several others by visiting our website, www.bhm.org,  Check it out:

Wednesday morning at 5 a.m. Pastor Edrice Romelus and 40 others departed from Thomassin Church on a rented bus, for a long journey to the province of Gros-Morne. This journey was not planned to be a vacation or retreat, but a mission trip. The mission trip had been planned for several months and took place last week.

Thomassin Church is one of over 350 churches associated with Baptist Haiti Mission. Lead Pastor, Pastor Edrice Romelus of Thomassin Church, is also The Superintendent of Evangelism for BHM. Thomassin church is an easy 10 minute drive down the mountain from the mission property in Fermathe.

When asked why the church was going on a mission trip, a member of Thomassin Church responded by saying, “Jesus died to save us. We know Jesus is coming. Many people need to know this. We must go and preach the gospel.”

Last Sunday morning, in preparation for the mission trip, Pastor Edrice taught from Matthew 28:19-20,

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

The congregation listened intently. Several “amen’s” were said, and applause was given as the church filled with excitement and expectation of the many things God had in store for their mission trip.

One week ago, an all-night prayer meeting and time of fasting was held at Thomassin Church. People on the mission team, as well as family members participated in this time of preparation. A tremendous amount of details and preparation occurred to make this mission trip possible. There is no doubt the hand of the Lord was all over this trip. A trip planned many months ago, fell perfectly only a few days after Hurricane Isaac hit the country.

Several families in the provinces suffered losses as a result of this storm. It is in the Lord’sprecious timing that He sent His messengers to these hurting areas. Difficult sleeping arrangements, extreme heat, low food supplies, and limited water were all factors of this trip. The 40 mission team members arrived back in the Thomassin area late last night.

Throughout the day BHM has been receiving reports from the Thomassin Church mission trip. 50 people in the Gros-Morne district gave their lives to Jesus as a result of this trip! This was the first time for many people in this area to hear the gospel. A husband, his wife, and their 8 children are one of many families who gave their lives to the Lord as a result of the messengers from Thomassin.

Join us today as we praise God for this trip. Pray the Lord would continue to bring people in the Gros-Morne area into a relationship with Him. We are excited to hear this will not be the only mission trip made by Thomassin church.

“We had a wonderful trip. There are so many people who do not yet know Jesus. I hope to return one day to help those in Gros-Morne continue to share about Jesus,” said a Thomassin church member.

Praise God for the example of our brothers and sisters in Haiti who are taking seriously the call to “GO.”