Election Day

Happy Election Day!

Being 2 years short of being able to vote, I'm obviously not going to be able to cast my vote this year. (Watch out for next election though!)

This post is not to bash either one of the main candidates running for president. And unless you live under a rock, you'll know their names are Mr. Barack Obama and Mr. Mitt Romney.

While there are many issues at hand that I could write about, I feel my heart being burdened with one particular matter.

Abortion.

Pardon my brashness.

Teenagers, young adults, people in general are going to have premarital, unprotected sex. There is no way around it. If you haven't noticed, it's very rare to come across a person who hasn't had premarital sex, or isn't sexually active whatsoever, outside the bonds of marriage.

What bothers me more than the fact that people are abusing a gift that God gave to us for marriage, is the shear fact that girls my age believe that contraceptives such as "The Morning After Pill" and abortions are completely acceptable.

Did you know that in some states (New York, California, Illinois, Washington DC, & NJ) a girl can schedule an appointment for an abortion without any parental consent? You can also completely bypass parental consent in any state given by going to court and asking a judge to excuse you from requirements. Don't believe me?; http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/parental-consent-notification-laws-25268.htm.

Wake up, America.

If you think you are old enough to be having sex, take into consideration that you could create life. This isn't a difficult concept. I feel as though my generation has completely demolished any value of human life that we had before.

A child is created at conception. A human. A baby. A heartbeat. Do not sit there and tell me that it's just a "Embryo, or a Zygote" or just a "Fetus". It's not scientific term, it's a heartbeat. A living being who has a life and a purpose.

Before we were born, God created our lives out. Whether or not you love your child, He does. There's a family out there that will take care and nurture your child if you feel as though you can't. My generation has been brainwashed into a selfish mindset. That if they give birth to this child, THEIR lives will end. Their dreams & hopes are crushed. Did you ever take into consideration the life of your child?

In Jeremiah 1:5 God says this:

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” 

Before he formed us in the womb! He knew us! He appoints us, and gives us life.

Psalms 127:3-5 Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.


What did Psalms just tell us? Children are a heritage from God himself. They're a reward. 

I'd like you all to consider who you're voting for. What they stand for, and if you truly believe that that person will change this economy. That may mean voting for principal, and not for the lesser of two evils. 

Our country is murdering innocent children. My heart aches for the lost souls who believe this is acceptable, and for the children who had no say. God wants us to be the voice for the ones who have none. I would be a coward if I didn't stand for what's true. 

Pray for our country and it's leaders. We're a fallen world and desperately need to turn to our Creator in times like these. 

-Hayley 

Why We Love

For those of you who actually read about our interesting life, I apologize for the time that has went between postings.

I have many things I would like to blog about, but really want to finish up the recap of our trip to South Dakota.  While we traveled way back in July (over 2 months ago) many of our experiences are still alive in my mind and life.

If you would like to catch up on where I was at in this journey you click on the following links:

It started as an early morning.
We finished up day 1 here.
I shared about some of the scenery & how it spoke to me here.
And you can see some of the storms we encountered here.
I talked about my first Native introductions here.
And reflected on where I would be today which was sparked on from a visit to Oyate Concern.

And if you are still with me and don't need to lay down for a nap (something I could do at any moment).  We will pick right up where I left off on our Wednesday of our trip.

Despite having a raging headache and an upset stomach, I made it through the morning with our meeting with the EDA (Economic Development Agency.)  The meeting went well and it was so impressive to see how God used Dave to get Phil and I in touch with people we would have never been able to meet on our own.

I learned something today.  While some white people are dreamers we have nothing on the Native people.  While Phil and I presented some ideas of what we were trying to get information on as far as the needs in Pine Ridge for industry.  Almost immediately, you would see the gears start turning and the light bulbs begin to brighten as they shared ideas on ways to bring jobs to the community.

It was a nice meeting and Phil and I had many questions answered, which in turn led to us leaving with even more questions.  I guess that is just how it is sometimes when you begin to start something from the ground up.

The following day we were able to all travel together to The Re*Creation center in Olgala.  Eric Sutton is a no frills kind of guy and what he and his team have been able to do in the community they are in is simply beautiful.

Re*Creation Center is a BRIGHT light in such a dark dark community.  They are a safe place for anyone who wants to come, especially children.  The people who are a part of Re*Creation live right on location.  Which means help is always available 24 hours a day.  During the summer they have groups that come in and want to do community service projects.  The center NEVER tells them what to do, and Eric was able to share some really cool things that took place this summer.

• One group provided family portraits.  
• Another group of people came in and taught some skills such as knitting and crocheting.  The cool thing that took place because of this, is the Native's were able to teach the knitters their skill of beading.  What an amazing way to bond and build relationships.
• They were blessed with a brand new playground two weeks prior to our visit. 
• While we were there a group was building a deck on the building.
• Another church was hosting a basketball camp.

Re read the last paragraph I just wrote.  When groups of people call to volunteer their time at Re*Creation Center, Eric NEVER gives them a specific task to do.  Why?  Because God has equipped each and everyone of us with our own special talents and desires.  Each and everyone of us can reach out and do something for others in order to show Christ's Love.  The question is are you doing it?

So many people make excuses or don't feel like they are "adequate" enough to do God's will.  That is such a lie from Satan himself.  God has created each individual with their own unique talents and interests.  Why?  So that we can give Him the Glory & Honor he deserves.

What can you do today with what God has equipped you with, to show someone else that God Loves Them?

I will finish up this post with some photos from how we finished up our day at Re*Creation.  Before Phil and I left for South Dakota, my children wanted to do something for the children there.  They decided to make Warrior Bands that I could pass out to other children.  The day before I left we decided to put a scripture card on them.  We weren't sure what scripture we wanted to put on them and at the very last minute they decided on 1 John 4:19.  It is quite simple, but was the PERFECT way for me to share a bit of God's Love from my children with these children of South Dakota.  In fact, each and every child had the warrior band placed on their wrist by me.  And while they were getting them on, I was able to tell them that

"We love them, because He first loved us"

Go spread some love!

Where Would We Be?

The big yellow bus pulled up filled to overflowing.  And that is when it happened.  A young boy, Nathan's age, tapped my arm.  "Can we go and play?" he asked.

As I fought through tears I explained not right now.  He seemed to be okay.  And then he was back, "Can we go play?" I told him we could go inside to hear the stories and watch a play.  I would go with him and sit beside him if he would like.  He declined, went through the door and found his seat.

A young boy, with a water bottle filled with cereal hops off the bus "drinking" the dried cereal from his bottle.

A 13 year old girl with a smile and a heart that would light up any room.  So so sweet, such a joker.  When I introduced myself I was told, "Yea I know who you are." (My name was in the shirt I was wearing.)

A young mother, pregnant with her 5th child.  May 21st her brother passed away from diabetes.  3 weeks later her mother died from slcerosis.

"If you are going to truly make an impact, start as young as you can." Wise advice shared by someone who has invested in this community for ten plus years.

This Tuesday evening was like none other for me.  It is the point where my heart broke.  As I stood over looking the plains of South Dakota and the took in the views of the Oglala region thoughts of breaking generational behaviors flooded my emotions.

There is an entire generation being left to raise themselves just like their parents.  Alcoholism is rampant.  The feeling of hopelessness is all around which leads to unbelievable rate of suicide.  Cutting, abuse both physically and mentally....you name it.  It is there. Only on a much higher scale.

Where would I be without a faithful mother who stood firm on the truths of the Bible?  Would I be just another statistic?  Where would I be without the love and forgiveness of my Heavenly Father?  Where would I be?

These children need to know there is a better way.  These children need to know what true and genuine love looks and feels like.  These children need to know that they can be the ones who make the change.

But how will they know if there isn't someone there who can show them.  How will they know there is another way if all they see is hopelessness and despair?

What are we doing to show these precious little ones there is another way?  This is happening right before our very eyes.  People and children are suffering all over the world, but this is happening right here.  In the home of the free and the brave.  This is happening where you have every opportunity you can imagine.

Even in Pine Ridge South Dakota on the reservation there are church buildings that are erected all around.  But is the church truly doing what is commanded of them?  Are we so blinded by our every day comings and goings that we stop to truly see the need that has surrounded us?

Where would we be if someone hadn't care?  Where would I be if someone hadn't prayed?  Where will they be if we refuse to be the ones who care, pray and show them not only our love, but most importantly the Love of Christ?

Rob & Kathi Dyer, Tyler & Ayren Dykstra THANK YOU for being obedient to call God placed before you.  THANK YOU for not turning a blind eye and showing the love of Christ to so many who desperately need it!

God Bless!

~Misti~

New Introductions

This is part of a multi-part set of postings that I am going to be sharing about the trip to South Dakota that Phil & I were blessed to take.

Day 3

Today was very good.  Phil and I had the opportunity to travel alone with Dave.  We (I) woke at 5am AGAIN.  At 8 we meandered to Dave's and he took us through his field and around the dirt roads of Nebraska to Pine Ridge to meet Bamm.

Yes, those are cows you see.  We drove right through the fields on the roads Dave made to keep track of his cattle he raises.

Before we got to Bamm's home we stopped at Big Bats the local convenience store.  For the first time in my life I realized what it was like to be a minority.  I felt very uncomfortable for a moment, while there was really no reason to.  I just have never been one of the only "white" people in an environment.  And once again, a teachable moment arose and I (thankfully) was able to recognize it.

I have always taught my children that people are people.  God doesn't see color, race, wealth, etc etc.  We all bleed red, is something that has been used before in our household.  And so it was time for me to truly live out what I have taught my children.  All I could think of were the lyrics from "Jesus Friend of Sinners" by Casting Crowns.

Jesus, friend of sinners

Open our eyes to the world at the end of our pointing fingers

Let our hearts be led by mercy

Help us reach with open hearts and open doors

Oh Jesus, Friend of sinners, break our hearts for what breaks yours 

The very next segment of lyrics that ran through my head were from Brandon Heath "Give Me Your Eyes"

Give me your eyes for just one second

Give me your eyes so I can see

Everything that I keep missing

Give me your love for humanity

Give me your arms for the broken hearted

Ones that are far beyond my reach

Give me your heart for the ones forgotten

Give me your eyes so I can see

And that was all I needed.  To take the focus off myself and onto everyone else and to truly have the desire to see them the way God sees them.  I am so glad that I can honestly say that was the ONLY time I truly felt that way which became the start of meeting some remarkable people.

We traveled up the road to Bamm's home where we were greeted by Mrs. Doubtfire, a vicious chihuahua.  (Well, I guess vicious wasn't really the word I should use for her.)  She wanted us to believe she was vicious.  

Bamm immediately welcomed us and I took my spot on the couch under one of the largest mounted Buffalo heads I have ever seen.  Bamm shared his life story and truly showed us his ingenious, never give up attitude.  He is a true diamond on Pine Ridge Reservation.  

As Phil and I talked with him about needs among the Lakota people Bamm shared, "There are some of us who really want to work."

I totally admired his passion to show the Youth of the Lakota Tribe there is a better life and they can do something with themselves.

We had a rich time of exchanging gifts with one another and he brought out The Crazy Horse Staff he uses when he leads The Crazy Horse Ride.  It was such a breath of fresh air to see someone take such initiative and have a vision to truly make life on the reservation a positive experience for The Lakota people.

We didn't want to keep him too long.  He had a swimming pool/slide to set up that was donated.  He has a beautiful piece of property where he encourages youth to come and hang out whether it is cooling off on a 100 degree day with his swimming pool & slide or camping & riding horses.

So we loaded back into the Hunter Green Chevy Blazer & road tripped back to Nebraska to meet up with the rest of our crew. 

That night Phil and I were able to thank Creator for the new friend and contact that he brought into our path.

Thank you, Bamm Brewer, for opening your home & sharing your heart with us.  We look forward to continuing to get to know you.

~Misti~

Storms

This is part of a multi-part set of postings that I am going to be sharing about the trip to South Dakota that Phil & I were blessed to take.

Day 2 Cont.

"What are you expecting from this trip to South Dakota?"  I can not tell you how many times that question was asked of me before I left.

If you weren't one of the ones who asked that question and you really want to know my response, you are in luck!

I would reply, "I don't have any expectations."  Of course I would smile.  But I honestly, went on this journey with NO expectations what-so-ever.  Maybe that is why so many things up to this point (1/2 through day 2) really didn't throw me for a loop.  If you were with me on the trip you quickly learned my motto "Go With The Flow".  And quite honestly, I am so glad that we were able to adapt this attitude to truly allow God to do what he wanted while we were there.

With that said, while traveling to Rapid City Sunday morning.  I learned something new.  It doesn't matter how cool it is when you first wake up in the morning.  It gets warm VERY quickly.

I started my morning at 5:00am and 66 degrees.  In a few short hours we were at 88 and it only went up from there!  I also learned that while I absolutely LOVE warm (some would say hot) temperatures, 100 degrees consistently is really just HOT!  They don't have the humidity that we have here, so it was nothing but heat.  Not a lot of drenching sweat.  And I like that!

After a gorgeous drive we arrived at 

We couldn't have timed everything more perfectly.  As we were pulling into spot #31 to drop off our rental car Phil got the text that Kathy had landed.

After a rental car exchange and some hugs we were back on our way to Nebraska.  By the time we pulled into the cabin our entire gang for the week had arrived.  We were greeted by Kelly & Damian (who ventured the trip to South Dakota by driving from their home in Florida.)

Everyone got settled in for the week & we had a very relaxing afternoon.  

Later that evening we got into the van and made our first mini trip onto the Reservation.  Damian and I were the "newbies" so we both had a quick look at where we would be spending most of our time the next week.

And then, wouldn't you know it the sky went from this.

To this:

And all of this took place in a very short period of time.  We were thankful that our trip to the Reservation ended up being shorter than we originally planned and while we did have some pretty strong winds and rain that we drove through.  Within 10 minutes, our view from the cabin looked like this.

As I sat on the back porch looking out at the sky I was reminded of yet another life lesson that I had really been living for the past year or so.  And something I really watched someone people very near and dear to not only my heart, but also my entire family go through and learn.

Life is totally full of unknowns.  None of us are granted the next month, week, day, or even second.  We may think that we have things all planned out.  Life may look like that it is going to work out just as you have in your mind.  

But many times, just like the storms that roll through the plains of Nebraska and South Dakota at a moments notice.  Your life can take a drastic change from what it originally looked like.

It is during those times when our true character begins to show through and the real growing takes place.

I heard a statistic that said every 10 years you are going to be struck with some sort of unexpected emergency in your life.  What that emergency looks like can take many forms.  What I do know is that whether my emergency means that my house needs to be resided & reroofed from a hail storm or that a major healthy concern hits our family.  It is going to happen.  And when that storm blows through I have learned the following: 

• Live each and every moment to the absolute fullest that you can.  
• When faced with a storm that is blowing your way, know that it isn't going to be there forever.  Just like the storms that blew through our area.
• They come.
• Sometimes they are unexpected
• Most of the time very inconvenient.  
• However, just hang in there & soon enough it will have blown over.

How about you, have you had any storms blow through your life recently?  Have you had some moments just going about your every day life that God has taught you something?  

Share! Chances are someone can either relate with you or can really benefit knowing that they aren't the only one who is in the moment that they are.

~Misti~

Scenery of Life

This is part of a multi-part set of postings that I am going to be sharing about the trip to South Dakota that Phil & I were blessed to take.

DAY 2

5:00am comes much earlier in South Dakota than it does at home.  I certainly am not used to Mountain Time.  The rain storm calmed the high temperatures and it was 66 degrees out while I sat on the porch and enjoyed God's beautiful creation.

We were greeted by Dave.  He had been out bright and early in his Honda checking on all of the cattle as well as for any smoke that he may see.  They have had such a dry summer that any time a storm blows through the area like it did last night, the chance of a fire starting from lightening is very high.

Phil went to the "bomb shelter" to retrieve our rental vehicle.  Remember in my last post found here I promised that I would share photos of the shelter we used for our vehicle to keep it safe from the hail.  I know some of you have been up late at night wondering what in the world such a shelter could look like...so now you no longer have to wait anymore.  Seriously though, it is so common to have areas underground like this and by the end of our 2nd day in this area, I completely understand why!

It seriously was pretty cool and it kept our Chevy Equinox nice and dent free.

Driving from Nebraska (where our cabin was) to South Dakota (where we did everything) I realized that I really am not used to being able to see so many miles ahead.  As Phil and I cruised down the road at 70-75 mph, the sun was shining, the sun roof was open and we had worship music blaring through the speakers.  It was a glorious morning of worship, even though we were unable to be at church.

As we were driving I took this photo. 

 Several miles later we were looking at this.  And when I say several I mean 37 miles later.

And as we continued to drive the same area I had been staring at for over an hour looked like this.  It was at this moment I realized that I truly have lived a much more sheltered life than I ever thought.  I honestly had never been some place where you could see so far ahead and as we got closer and closer the scenery looked completely different.

You know, it is kind of like our life.  So many times I look ahead at my schedule and I think I have the clearest view of what is going to happen.  I mean, it is all planned out and everything is clear and concise on paper.  And as time goes on and we get closer and closer the planning and "scenery" starts to change shape and look.  This used to throw me into a tailspin.  What was I going to do?  How am I handle this or that?

However, just like when we were traveling toward these hills in South Dakota, we had to keep going.  I wasn't able to tell Phil, "STOP!  We can't go any farther.  This is all I can take."  Just like our life we just keep traveling and traveling and traveling and before you know it you are passed that scene in life and ready for the next scene of life, whatever that may look like.

Every single one of us will experience highs and lows in our life.  Every single one of us will look at a situation and see one thing and then all of a sudden that scenery will change.

What happens to you when the scene changes?  Does your life crumble down around you?  Do you have a hope that not matter what is thrown at you you can persevere?  It may not be smooth strait paths, but there is something in you that helps you to know that everything will be okay.

I am reminded of a little wall hanging that is at my kitchen window.  It says:

"I may no know what the future holds

But I know who holds the future"

What does your scenery look like right now?  Take some time to loosen the grip of the wheel and allow God to direct you down the road.  It may not be smooth sailing, but I can assure you that He is the one who holes the future and has a much clearer picture of the final scenery than you or I could ever have.

~Misti~

The Conclusion of Day 1

This is part one of a multi-part set of postings that I am going to be sharing about the trip to South Dakota that Phil & I were blessed to take.

Day 1 (part 2)

We were making our way to the airport and that is when Phil's cell phone rang.  It was Kathy (our trip organizer) frantic.  She had missed her early morning flight and there was no flights that she was going to be able to get on until the following morning.

Again...God showed up.  Not a single bit of worry or panic came over either of us.  "No Problem," Phil said and we continued on our way.

We just so happened to be flying out of the same airport that Kathy was (another non-coincidence because we typically fly from a different airport).  However, we were able to meet up with her and she gave us the necessary paperwork we would need when we touched down in Rapid City and we were on our way.

The day couldn't have been more perfect.

Our first flight was waiting for us at our gate when we arrived.

The flight to Denver was on time!

Phil had one last final moment of being upright.

 And then it was time for him to "squeeze" into his spot on the plane.  It was at that moment I realized why he doesn't really care for flying all that much.  Planes really aren't made for people who are 6'5''.

Our next set of flights were just as uneventful.  

Proof that I really did fly with Phil.  (Please don't mind the HORRIBLE photo.)

Up, Up, Up above the clouds.  There really is NOTHING like it.

We have ARRIVED!!!

This is the very first glimpse I had of South Dakota Landscape.  Can you say BEAUTIFUL!?  WOW!  There is so much sky.  I seriously could NOT get enough of it.  I constantly found myself looking at the sky and the clouds and the way the sun was shining through the clouds and it was just breath taking!

Oopps.... I got away from what my journal was saying.  I'm only inserting this blurb because I find it quite funny now that I am reading what I wrote.  And now, I will begin to continue typing what my journal that day said.

My 1st thoughts:

WOW!  How beautiful!!  You literally can see for miles and miles and miles.  I remember teasing Phil about how all of his pictures from last year were sky pictures.  Now I know why! How can you NOT take pictures of the sky?  (Obviously, that made quite an impression on me.)

My 2nd Observation:

There is NOTHING but fields of Angus beef and an occasional group of horses.  That's it!

And the rays of sunshine reaching from the heavens down to the earth-- I have NEVER seen such glorious rays as I did today.

Towns are few and far between (and I thought we had nothing!)  And directions to our cabin in Nebraska were as follows:

Turn Left at the gas station

Go NORTH 4 miles

Turn EAST 1 mile

NORTH 4 miles

WEST 1 mile

God was definitely with us because THEY ACTUALLY WORKED!  No road names or numbers required.  haha

We were greeted by Dave & Pat and their precious dog Mia.  (The owners of the cabin.)  I felt like I have known them for years.

We unloaded the car just in time to get it parked in a fall out shelter to keep it safe from the hail. (I named it the bomb shelter pictures to follow in tomorrows post.)
And then the wind came & rain & lightening & you betcha HAIL!

The locals searched for wildfires as Phil and I drifted off to sleep.  I was exhausted and couldn't keep my eyes open at 8:50pm (local time.)  Then I realized it was 10:50pm back home.  And I had been up since 4:00am back home time.  No wonder I was able to sleep through the heavy winds & rain.

And that concludes our 1st day of our trip.

~Misti~