Message From Bob Creson

A Message from Bob Creson Francisco Diaz is one of my heroes. He was the young Cakchiquel believer who worked with Cameron Townsend, Founder of Wycliffe Bible Translators, when he first went to Guatemala to distribute Spanish Bibles and tracts. When he met the young Townsend in late 1917, he’d only been a Christian for a few months, but he willingly spent a year with him, traveling through four Central American countries, sharing the good news. It was Francisco who sparked Townsend's vision for Bible translation. Hugh Steven tells this story: “One night camped out on a cold mountain ridge in Guatemala, a young twenty-two-year-old Cameron Townsend sensed a call by God that would change the entire direction of his life. With Cam on that ridge was his Cakchiquel colporteur companion and friend, Francisco Díaz. As the two men shared a simple meal of dried tortillas and a hard-boiled egg washed down with tepid water, Francisco shared (as he had done on several occasions before) his long-held dream for the Cakchiquels to have the Scriptures in the language of his birth. Francisco shared his puzzlement over why the Scriptures they were selling were only available in Spanish. Surely, he wondered, God could speak his Word to the Cakchiquels just as He had done to Spanish-speaking people.” Townsend took the challenge, and his vision was born. A few months later, Francisco died of malaria at the age of 36. He’d been a Christian only a year and a half and Townsend’s co-worker for only a year, but without question, he was faithful to his call: he was the instrument God used to persuade Uncle Cam to switch from Spanish to Cakchiquel, from distributing an existing translation to translating a new one. The eventual result was the organization we call Wycliffe Bible Translators, and the Bible translation movement worldwide was accelerated in a God-energized way. Francisco was a faithful steward, and his contribution to building the Kingdom, though brief, was huge. Now it’s your period of stewardship, and God is on a mission...will you join him? He’s not waiting around in His office for us to find Him. He’s always moving and acting—searching—and His actions are choreographed for a purpose. That purpose is to send a love letter to each and every person that will receive it. God loved the world so much that He gave His Son, His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will have an abundant and eternal life. But what about those who can't understand the message? Who will help? Who will pray, go and tell, and give financially so that this might be possible? The translation of the Bible gives people from every language community the opportunity to hear this message of love in a language that speaks to the deepest part of their being—a language that speaks to their heart. On this website, you’ll find ways to allow God to move in your heart, speaking to you about the needs of the nearly 200 million people still waiting for one word of Scripture in their language. If you spend some time here, you'll find Him speaking to you through spirited advocates, strategic givers, supportive intercessors, and people who are serving in vital roles contributing to the Bible translation movement worldwide. People like you—families like yours—have found ways to express God's love and concern for those waiting for Scriptures. Finally, this website is about opportunity and invitation to be a part of the team, extending this great love story around the world. Remember: Wycliffe needs teachers, administrators, IT professionals, and others—as well as Bible translators. God placed us here for the sake of those not yet included in the Kingdom. Be a part of extending His invitation to people in the language that they understand best—a language that speaks to their heart. Be involved in Bible translation. Bob Creson President Wycliffe USA

Twelve Meals in 3 Hours: Crock Pot to Freezer Meals

I was pretty productive today.  First, Anne and I went grocery shopping, then I made some freezer meals while Anne was napping. I found some great recipes online and decided to make them.   These are not my recipes.  I'm including links to the recipes below.  They were so easy to make and pretty healthy too.

Total Cost: $100 plus some staples we already had at home

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6 Meals, 1 Prep Time

http://www.sidetrackedsarah.com/2013/01/6-meals-one-prep-time-crockpot-freezer-meals-week-6/

10 Easy Crock-Pot Freezer Meals
http://www.mommysfabulousfinds.com/2013/10/easy-crock-pot-freezer-meals-2.html

Three Month Update

Anne is getting so big and started to really show her personality.  She is still very much a daddy's girl and Steve loves it.  In the last month, we have celebrated both her first Christmas and her first New Years Eve.

Anne's first "play date" with TJ Bone.  TJ is about 2 months younger than Anne.

Anne just loves her new exersaucer.  I can't wait to watch her discovery everything that she can do. 

She loves her play mat.

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Weight: Before Christmas, she was 10 lbs, 6 ounces, but she is probably over 11 pounds now.  She is getting so tall too.

Eating: She still loves to eat every 1 to 2 hours during the day.

Sleeping: We are still working with the same bedtime routine, with a changes now and then if it's not working. She usually sleeps between 3 and 5 hours before waking up again for a new diaper and a snack.  Christmas morning, she slept for 8 hours straight. Merry Christmas, mommy!

She will occasionally refuse to nap, but when she does she naps for between 2-4 hours during the day.

Milestones & Firsts: Well, everything is new for her.  

Some noteworthy things were:

* We loves to see her smile.  She is definitely recognizing us and will smile when she sees us. It just melts my heart every time.

* I added book time to her morning routine.  Her favorite books are My Favorite Bible Promises and Counting with Baby Mickey.

* Her favorite toys are her zebra and the bed box on her play mat.  She is also getting used to the exersaucer that we got out on NYE.

* She is still not a big fan of tummy-time, but she is getting better.  She can hold her head up while in a seated position.

* She is starting to make more sounds. I swear sometimes she says, "Oh mom" when she needs me.  I'm sure it's just my imagination.

* We celebrated her first Christmas last month with the reading of the Christmas story and opening her stocking on Christmas morning.

Hello 2014: Reflection on 2013

Today, I looked at my reflections from 2012.  2012 was a year of pain and growth and 2013 was a
 year of blessings and recovery.  I can't wait to see what 2014 has in store for us.

 

Anne at 5 weeks with a beautiful heartbeat.

Anne at 12 weeks outside.  We love her so much.

• Anne was definitely the biggest development of 2013.  The first weekend of February, Steve and I found out that Anne was on the way.  We were overjoyed and terrified.  Two weeks later, we heard a heartbeat, her heartbeat, for the first time.  For the next 8 months, I felt her grow and develop inside me.  We celebrated every milestone with excitement.

•  Our Wycliffe ministry continued to grow in 2013.  We love being a part of such an important ministry.  We are a part of ending Bible poverty around the world.  There is still so much more work that needs to be done.
• Steve and I celebrated our 6th wedding Anniversary on May 5th.  I love Steve more and more every day.  He is a great husband and father.

• My sister got married on May 25th and was privileged to be the Matron of Honor.
• On October 9th at 2am, my water broke and we headed to the hospital.  At 4:17pm, our beautiful rainbow entered our world.  She is perfect in every way.  We have loved watching her grow and learn new things.  Today, she is 12 weeks old.

Christmas 2013

Merry Christmas from Us!

Words can not fully describe how special it was to celebrate Anne's first Christmas.  Thinking back to last Christmas, I can definitely say that this year was filled with so much joy.  Anne won't remember much, if anything, of this year's Christmas but we will.  On Christmas Eve, my family celebrated Christmas at my parent's house.  We had dinner and gave each other the wonderful gifts that we purchased.  I love Christmas.

Christmas Day, we got up early and got ready to travel to Aunt Michelle's house.  Anne was well rested.  She gave her mommy a Christmas present by sleeping for 7 hours straight between Christmas Eve and Christmas.  Anne and I sang some Christmas songs while she ate breakfast and I got her dressed.  Then I read her the Christmas story out of Luke chapter 2.  She was wiggly and doesn't yet understand the amazing gift that was given to us on Christmas, Jesus, but she will as she gets older.

She will just love the presents that she received.  Great Grandma made her a rainbow colored baby blanket.  I love it.

 My mom gave her this wonderful bear.  It talks and will teach her about her body, sing songs, and help her learn language.

 The many faces of Anne's first Christmas.

 ...And now we are ready for start the journey back and go to bed.  The drive was really snowy, but Steve got us home safe.  Christmas wore her out and as a special Christmas present to mommy she slept for 7 hours again last night.

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM WYCLIFFE

Bob and Dallas 2013 Christmas Greeting from Wycliffe USA on Vimeo.

Thank you so much to the people that have supported our Wycliffe ministry this year. 
Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Let It Snow

* Now 25°,  Light Snow Feels Like 14°

It's a cold snowy day today.  The snow looks so pretty but I'm not looking forwarding to going out in it later.  It's been coming down pretty steady all day.  The news stations are predicting 4-6 inches before it's done.   Anne was just staring out the window earlier in awe.

We bundled her up in her snowsuit to get some pictures of her in First major snowstorm.  She was not a fan of the cold.  We did not stay out for very long.

Decorating for Christmas

Anne 'helped" me today decorate for Christmas.  Steve put the tree up this past weekend, but I haven't had a chance to put the ornaments on it yet.  I took advantage of the fact that mom was over to get the Christmas decorations up.

 I love this picture.  The Christmas tree is an ornament that was given to me by my Aunt Honey on my First Christmas in 1981.  The other was given to Anne for her First Christmas,

 Anne has her own little stocking.  I can't wait to put a little toy in it for her to open on Christmas.  She won't remember this Christmas since she is so young but we still want to make it special.

Two Month Update

I captured her laughing.

Our sweet little girl is two months old today.  Yesterday, we had her baby dedication.  She was beautiful.  She had her 2 month doctor's appointment today and got her first shots.  She did such a great job.  She fussed and cried a little while getting the shots.  Poor girl.  After I gave her some infant Tylenol, she calmed down a bit and has napped most of the afternoon.

This is Anne before her shots

 

This is Anne after her shots.  She seemed so confused about what happened.  She knew that the nurse hurt her but didn't know why.  She looked at me to rescue her.  She was pretty snuggly when we got home.  Then I put her in her swing for a nice long nap.

Weight: 9 lbs, 15 ozs

Eating: Milk is still her favorite food.  Steve has been taking the first morning feeding to give her a little extra sleep.

Sleeping: We have started trying to set up a bedtime routine.  If it's a bath night, we start with a bath.  She loves bath time.  Then we put her in a sleeper for the night and give her a bedtime snack.  She gets a new diaper and while she is getting a diaper change she gets bedtime lotion (a little baby massage) on her belly, arms, and legs.  Last, she gets swaddled and rocked to sleep.

She usually sleeps between 3 and 5 hours before waking up again for a new diaper and a snack.

Milestones & Firsts: Well, everything is new for her.  

Some noteworthy things were:

* I love her smiles.  I know sometimes it's just gas, but other times I think it's because she recognizes us.

* She celebrated her first Thanksgiving with a trip to Michigan.

* She had her first sleep over and Grandma's over Thanksgiving weekend.  Steve had to work all weekend and I didn't want to be alone in the house the whole time.

* We took her for her first Black Friday shopping.  We didn't stay out long and went in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.

* She loves her morning sing-a-long time during her breakfast.

* Her floor mat has gotten quite a bit of play in the last few weeks.  She is starting the focus more and reaching for the toys.  She isn't grabbing yet, but I think she is close.  For now, she just hits them to get them where she wants them and sometimes gets fussy if they don't "listen."

* She has started rolling on her side more and if propped up on her side she will try to roll over.  She is not a fan of "tummy-time" anywhere other than on Steve or myself so if she does roll over she gets fussy fast.

* She absolutely loves bath time.  It won't be long before she grows out of her sink bathtub.

* She loves to nap in her swing.  Sometimes she sleeps up to 3 hours during the day in her swing.

Thanksgiving 2013

I have so much to be thankful for this year.

1. "The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song." Psalm 28:7
   
   I am thankful for a God that loves me unconditionally and provides for all our needs.  I'm thankful that I serve a God that doesn't give up on me, even when I feel like giving up on Him.  I'm thankful for a God that hasn't a perfect plan for each of us, even when I don't understand that plan.  I'm thankful that God is my strength and my comforter.
    
2. I'm thankful that we several Bibles in our house because we are blessed to have an abundance of English translations available to us.  I'm thankful for an organization, Wycliffe, that has a goal to bring the Bible to every people group, even those that don't even yet have a written language.
   
3.  I'm thankful for my amazing, loving husband.  We have been through so much in the last few years and have grown stronger together.
   
4. Anne is our rainbow baby and a blessing.  Someday she will understand what that means.  We love her so much.  Words cannot even begin to describe what a miracle she is.  There are days that I just stare at her beautiful face in awe that she is really here.  I'm thankful that I'm able to stay home and take care of her everyday.  I love watching her experience all her "firsts."  The look of awe and wonder on her face when she figures something out or experiences something that first time is so fun to watch.
   
5. I'm thankful for my family.  I'm thankful for parents that are still married after 33 years.  My parents taught me the value of marriage and commitment.  They taught me the value of work and that there was no such things as a free lunch.  I'm thankful for sisters and a brother that love each other.  I'm thankful for an extended family that loves each other.
    
6. I have some of the greatest friends anyone could ask for.  The few years have not been easy for me and one thing you realize when bad things happen is who your friends are.  I'm thankful for their listening ear and their hugs.  I'm thankful for the new friends I made in an incredible online support group.  I don't know how I would have got through it without them.

I have so much more to thankful for.  I could list things forever.  We have a home, food to eat, electricity, jobs that provide for our needs, a ministry that we love, monthly financial partners that believe in us, people that love us that prayer for us regularly, and much more.

Happy 1st Thanksgiving Anne!

One Happy Mom

 I love watching Anne learn new things.  She doesn't usually like to lay on the floor.  Frankly, she is not often a fan of not being held.  We have been trying to have floor time a little every day just so she gets used to playing by herself.  This morning though I got out her play mat to see if she would at least try to play with it.  She seemed to enjoy looking at all the colorful animals.  She just sat and stared at the lion for several minutes.  She is so close to grabbing ahold of the giraffe.  She just hits it and occasionally pushes it by her face.

 She loves her new swing.  Our friends Mike and Sarah has a swing similar to this one and she loved it when we were in Ohio.  For the past week, she would only take about 20 minutes naps by herself.  Yesterday, she slept for 3 hours.  I was able to get all the dishes and laundry done.  I even got to cook myself some lunch.  Thank you Once Upon a Child.  Today, she has been napping for an hour.  We will see what I can get done today.

I'm so in love with this little girl.

Anne's Nursery

I figured since she is almost 6 weeks old now, it's probably time that I post some pictures of Anne's nursery.  She is one blessed little girl.  We love her so much.  She has a great view out of the backyard out her window.  Her rainbow bears keep watch of the room.

She has more clothes then I do.  She has a closet in her room with newborn sizes that she is wearing now and 0-3 month that she will be wearing next.  In the other room, we put the bigger sizes that she will grow into.  It's hard to imagine her that big since she is so tiny now, but she is growing so fast.  Her socks, hats, blankets, burp clothes, etc are in drawers in the other room too.

Her changing table and baskets of onesies and sleepers in newborn and 0-3 month size.  The big basket on the top shelf has her cloth diapers in it.

Her dad is a bit of an Ohio State fan so it should be no surprise that her room is Ohio State themed.

Rewarding Wycliffe Weekend

We had another fun-filled weekend.  Steve was invited to speak at two different churches, one on Saturday evening and the other on Sunday morning.  Friday afternoon, we drove to Toledo, OH to visit Steve's Grandma.  Anne loved meeting her Great Grandma.   Steve's brother Randy and his father stopped by his Grandma's house to meet baby Anne too.  We stayed overnight at Steve's Grandma's apartment on Friday night.

Then Saturday, we were off to Lima, OH so Anne could meet her Aunt Stephanie, Uncle Carl, and her cousins Ariana and Heiress.  Of course, Anne loved them too and they loved her.  Saturday was a busy day with a lot of driving.  Anne did a great job tolerating being in her car seat for so long.  Saturday evening, we stopped at Great Hope Missionary Church in New Carlisle and Steve shared with them our Wycliffe ministry and how they can be a part of it.  Anne was so excited and proud of her daddy that she started cheering (ie: crying) right as he started talking so I missed a portion of his talk.  It was a pretty small church and everyone was really nice and welcoming to us.  They invited us to join them for their after church potluck too.

Saturday evening, we stayed with our friends Mike and Sarah again.  They are spectacular friends and Sunday morning Steve shared about Wycliffe at their church service.  We are so excited that God is opening up these opportunities for us to share the great work that He is doing in Bible Translation.  We are always looking for new opportunities, not just to whole churches but also to small groups too.  God has been good to us this year.  We are praying hard that He continues to provide as only He can.