For Valentine's Day, we invited the 30 ladies that were on the retreat in November to come to my house for cookie decorating and a devotional. My friend, Jeralyn, came Monday to help make more than 30 dozen cookies. We had dough and babies and boys running around, but only a few cookies were burnt. Emi said Filipinos like burnt things, so no worries!
There's the lovely Emi, stacking and counting the heart-shaped cookies. What a joyful servant and friend.
We were planning to make the frosting in the morning, so I had a large bucket of margarine ready (where did I put that again?). Monday night I wondered why the boys were suddenly so quiet. Why were they laughing with the door closed? Any mother knows that this is a signal to something happening. Slip-and-slide Margarine. VERY Hard to clean. Big trouble, boys. BUT, like my good friend, Allison, I had to quickly get a photo of evidence before we proceeded. Now what to use for the frosting? Or more importantly, where to put the children for bed?
Ah! A new day. Time for the ladies to arrive. This lady was fun because at the retreat in November the baby was "Sulod" (still inside) and now is "Gawas" (outside!). Born, Jan. 2! Healthy and normal delivery. And look how slim and strong the Mama is--praise God for that.
There's my lovely ladies, singing the song I wrote for them. It gave me chills and at the same time warmed my heart to hear them singing God's Word to the tune I wrote--they still remembered it! "Ang Ginoo nga inyong Dios, anaa uban kaninyo."
They're reading the words from the invitation--it was cute to see them bring their heart-shaped invitations like a ticket into a fun party! God's Word is written inside, a review from our message of Zephaniah 3.17 "God is singing and rejoicing over me."
Once again, the Lord gave me a tongue to speak Cebuano, though I have a long way to go. It was good to review what the Lord had taught us in November and also to hear testimonies about how God had used His Word in ladies' lives.
Ladies are listening and learning. What I love about this is the lady in brown on the floor is holding the notebook I gave her. That was what we used for devotionals in November, and she still has it and uses it like a precious gift.
Here's Ruen sharing a testimony about how God has been showing her his love and promises in daily life.
After the prayer, singing, devotional and testimonies we had the fun cookie-decorating activity. Enjoy kaayo!
Such careful work....creativity and artistry. Mom, you sent me these gel-decorators a couple years ago, and finally I put them all to use! So glad I had those, so they could write on their cookies.
Group photo--it's amazing how many people we can fit in my place. The camera somehow made it look like the walls come out, but really it is one narrow rectangle. Thank you, Lord, for this valentine gift. Your love is amazing, and we give you the glory!
The pink and purple sisters--friends!
Ate Gina surprised us with new shirts to match. Smile! Thank you for continuing to pray for this ministry and for these ladies. Pray for their marriages and children too. God is at work, and we are joyful to serve Him together!
For Valentine's Day, we invited the 30 ladies that were on the retreat in November to come to my house for cookie decorating and a devotional. My friend, Jeralyn, came Monday to help make more than 30 dozen cookies. We had dough and babies and boys running around, but only a few cookies were burnt. Emi said Filipinos like burnt things, so no worries!
There's the lovely Emi, stacking and counting the heart-shaped cookies. What a joyful servant and friend.
We were planning to make the frosting in the morning, so I had a large bucket of margarine ready (where did I put that again?). Monday night I wondered why the boys were suddenly so quiet. Why were they laughing with the door closed? Any mother knows that this is a signal to something happening. Slip-and-slide Margarine. VERY Hard to clean. Big trouble, boys. BUT, like my good friend, Allison, I had to quickly get a photo of evidence before we proceeded. Now what to use for the frosting? Or more importantly, where to put the children for bed?
Ah! A new day. Time for the ladies to arrive. This lady was fun because at the retreat in November the baby was "Sulod" (still inside) and now is "Gawas" (outside!). Born, Jan. 2! Healthy and normal delivery. And look how slim and strong the Mama is--praise God for that. 
There's my lovely ladies, singing the song I wrote for them. It gave me chills and at the same time warmed my heart to hear them singing God's Word to the tune I wrote--they still remembered it! "Ang Ginoo nga inyong Dios, anaa uban kaninyo."
They're reading the words from the invitation--it was cute to see them bring their heart-shaped invitations like a ticket into a fun party! God's Word is written inside, a review from our message of Zephaniah 3.17 "God is singing and rejoicing over me."
Once again, the Lord gave me a tongue to speak Cebuano, though I have a long way to go. It was good to review what the Lord had taught us in November and also to hear testimonies about how God had used His Word in ladies' lives. 
Ladies are listening and learning. What I love about this is the lady in brown on the floor is holding the notebook I gave her. That was what we used for devotionals in November, and she still has it and uses it like a precious gift. 
Here's Ruen sharing a testimony about how God has been showing her his love and promises in daily life.
After the prayer, singing, devotional and testimonies we had the fun cookie-decorating activity. Enjoy kaayo!
Such careful work....creativity and artistry. Mom, you sent me these gel-decorators a couple years ago, and finally I put them all to use! So glad I had those, so they could write on their cookies.
Group photo--it's amazing how many people we can fit in my place. The camera somehow made it look like the walls come out, but really it is one narrow rectangle. Thank you, Lord, for this valentine gift. Your love is amazing, and we give you the glory!
The pink and purple sisters--friends!
Ate Gina surprised us with new shirts to match. Smile! Thank you for continuing to pray for this ministry and for these ladies. Pray for their marriages and children too. God is at work, and we are joyful to serve Him together!
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