Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Hello from Uganda!

We have arrived safely! Praise God!

Our flights were excellent... ALL of our luggage made it here!
Elizabeth, Katherine and Andy on board the plane.

Touring around the city was quite an adventure!

Elizabeth Senyonga, Katherine and Elizabeth riding in the van.

Traffic was crazy! People on these motor bikes would weave in an out of traffic.

We visited a Baby Home here in Kampala.
We toured Christian Life Church.
Andy, Katherine, Gary and Elizabeth inside the church.
Our hostess has been wonderful, very gracious.
We will attend the National Celebration tomorrow. It is an entire day and night spent in worship and prayer to bring in the New Year. We look forwa rd to seeing how the Lord will move.

We have a full week planned: Visiting the orphan homes. Spending time with the children we have sponsored through Christian Life Ministries. Visiting some very special little girls :) We also plan to visit Jinja and the source of the River Nile.

Thank you for all your prayers!

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

This Morning

by Cheryl Sargent

I woke up this morning and got out of bed
a list started forming inside of my head

Of all of the things that had to be done
the list was quite long and not very fun.

I got dressed rather quickly and started right in
feeling tired and weary from the list without end

As I started my work of accomplishing tasks
a still small voice stopped me in my tracks.

'Why do you rush to accomplish these things
When you haven't yet spent time with the King?'

'There is so much to do! and not much time
My list is long, it fills every line!'

'How can I sit and read and pray?
There aren't enough hours in just one day.'

My heart stopped still, my eyes filled with tears
As I realized the truth, I trembled with fear

The work never ends, it will always be here
It's my Savior I need, I need Him to be near.

I fell to my knees with guilt and dread
But heard a whisper again in my head

'Come to My throne, I'm waiting for you
I watch over every thing that you do.

Forgiveness is only a prayer away
Come to My throne, sit and stay.'

I sat for some time, quiet and still
Asking and listening, seeking His will

As I layed all my plans at His holy feet
I began to feel strong, refreshed and complete.

I thanked Him for forgiveness He offers for free
I only had to ask for it and by faith believe

My Savior who loves me so much that He died
So that I would be saved and with God reconciled.

Now I may approach the throne of Grace
and meet with my Father face to face.

The tasks are still many, work still to be done
but with Jesus to guide me, I've already won.

I woke up this morning and got out of bed
a list started forming inside of my head

Of all of the reasons I'm thankful and blessed
I spent time with my Savior... and then I got dressed.

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Friday, December 19, 2008

What's going on...

We had our annual DANCE OUTREACH program...

Michelle and Katherine...

Abigail, Mia and Hannah...
Elizabeth and Rebecca...

Then we enjoyed LESSONS and CAROLS at St. Peter's...

My handsome young man, Nathaniel...
Elizabeth and Elizabeth...
Abigail singing Christmas carols...

Molly, Katherine and Katherine...

And today we celebrated the LAST DAY of school...

Nathaniel and Matthew...

singing... we wish you a MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Be Exalted O God

O God, be Thou exalted over my possessions. Nothing of earth's tresures shall seem dear unto me if only Thou art glorified in my life. Be Thou exalted over my friendships. I am determined that Thou shalt be above all, though I must stand deserted and alone in the midst of the earth. Be Thou exalted above my comforts. Though it mean the loss of bodily comforts and the carrying of heavy crosses, I shall keep my vow made this day before Thee. Be Thou exalted over my reputation. Make me ambitious to please Thee even if as a result I must sink into obscurity and my name be forgotten as a dream. Rise, O Lord, into Thy proper place of honor, above my ambitions, above my likes and dislikes, above my family, my health and even my life itself. Let me sink that Thou mayest rise above. Ride forth upon me as Thou didst ride into Jerusalem mounted upon the humble little beast, a colt, the foal of an ass, and let me hear the children cry to Thee, "Hosanna in the highest." Amen.

The Pursuit of God, by A.W. Tozer

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Remember Them. Honor Them.

This Christmas... remember those who will not be with their families...because they stand watch to protect our families and our freedom.


A Different Christmas Poem

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.
Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
Transforming the yard to a winter delight.

The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.
My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.

The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know,
Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.
My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
And I crept to the door just to see who was near.

Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.
A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.

"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,
"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"
For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts.

To the window that danced with a warm fire's light
Then he sighed and he said "Its really all right,
I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night."
"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,
That separates you from the darkest of times.

No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.
My Gramps died at 'Pearl' on a day in December,
"Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas Gram always remembers.
"My dad stood his watch in the jungles of 'Nam',
And now it is my turn and so, here I am.

I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.
Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
The red, white, and blue... an American flag.
I can live through the cold and the being alone,
Away from my family, my house and my home.

I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.
I can carry the weight of killing another,
Or lay down my life with my sister and brother.
Who stand at the front against any and all,
To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall."

"So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,
Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."
"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,
"Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?
It seems all too little for all that you've done,
For being away from your wife and your son."

Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
"Just tell us you love us, and never forget.
To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled.
Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us.

LCDR Jeff Giles, SC, USN

30th Naval Construction Regiment

OIC, Logistics Cell One

Al Taqqadum, Iraq

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Going to Africa

For. Real.

I am overwhelmed by God's goodness!

Pastor Jackson Senyonga and his wife Eve, founders of Christian Life Ministries, have invited us to Uganda! We are blessed by this opportunity.

We will get to hug and love on the children we have sponsored through their ministry. We will visit orphan homes. We will attend an all night prayer service, that I am certain will be a powerful experience. We will see Africa!

We are leaving at the end of this month. For. Real.

Although this has happened so quickly... and I am afraid of missing a detail... worried that I won't get everything done. I know... God doesn't miss ANY detail. I WILL trust in Him.

We ask for your prayers... that we will be used to bless His kingdom, that we will be faithful to accomplish His purposes!

For. Real.

Friday, December 5, 2008

12 Days of Christmas

"A cappella" never sounded so good! AND they're funny!




Thank you fellow bloggers for sharing such treats! :)

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Change...

It's that most wonderful time of year... Christmas. The celebration of our beautiful Savior's birth. A time to rejoice in Him.

I find my heart is not in the same place it usually is this time of year...

Normally, I would be asking the children for their wish lists... I would be searching for those gifts that would be special to them... that would make their precious faces light up with excitement. I want to do just that...

But... I find myself not wanting to buy more "stuff"... we don't NEED anything... praise God!

Instead... what if I can purchase something that would benefit someone else? That would give back in some way? Now that! I would love to do!

Christmas is the celebration of His birthday... Shouldn't we give in a way that will bless Him? In a way that will take our eyes off the material "stuff" and help us focus on making whatever we give bring glory to Him.

As I search for gifts for my family... what I want to do more than anything... is to have each one remember Him... it's not about US.

It is all about JESUS.

What better way to convey that message is there... than to give gifts that give hope.

As you search for gifts for loved ones, please check out Suubi. I am blessed by this young couple's desire to do something that will make a difference in people's lives... something that will "spread".

There are so many ways to give, while giving more. Junkposse, Land of a Thousand Hills, the list goes on! There are children to be sponsored through Christian Life Ministries and Katie's kids need sponsors as well.

I am ready... are you ready? To change... to quit the status quo Christmas gift giving frenzy of "stuff"... and to give gifts that will make a difference... for Jesus.

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Friday, November 28, 2008

Thank FULL

I am blessed beyond measure... REALLY.

All that I have is the Lord's. Every good and perfect gift. I am so thankful for His goodness and love! I am so thankful for His blessings!

I am... Thankful for my Savior... that I am His and He is mine.

Thankful for my husband... who loves me insanely, unconditionally... adores me, spoils me, and after almost 20 years of marriage... is still madly in love with me... and I with him.


Thankful for the blessing of seven children... that are healthy and happy... and that love Jesus.

(we missed you Brandon :)

Thankful for my son-in-law... and my precious grandbaby.


Thankful for Mom and Dad... for praying, supporting, and loving me. (thanks for driving down to see us :)

Thankful for the rest of my family... I missed each one of you.

... the list goes on and on and on...

I pray this holiday season...that we will look past the commercialism and chaos... and that we will appreciate what is truly valuable. That we will spend time with loved ones and that we will serve our Lord and Savior with gracious and loyal hearts.

"always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5:20

I am overwhelmed by my Father's goodness.

Monday, November 24, 2008

Sargent #73

Cheetahs Football

the coin toss...
ready to play...
down, set...
#73 going for the tackle... after Playoff Game #2... yes, this IS the look of defeat
Way to go Nathaniel... We are so proud of you!

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Uganda


Uganda 106, originally uploaded by Departure Lounge.

How is it that I love a country that I have never visited?

How is it that I love children that I have never met?

By God's grace... I do... I really do.

We are so blessed to have recently partnered with Christian Life Ministries in Uganda. This ministry was started by Pastor Jackson Senyonga and his wife Eve. Their mission is to "transform today's orphans into tomorrow's leaders".

We have had the privilege of meeting with Pastor Jackson and Eve and are blessed by their humble spirit as they work to further God's kingdom.

Our hearts were overwhelmed with joy as we opened our package and revealed the precious faces of children whose lives will be changed by sponsorship through CLM. Glory to God alone!

Please visit their website and prayerfully consider sponsoring a child.

We CAN make a difference! One child at a time.

"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress..." James 2:27

Sunday, November 16, 2008

I Cry Out...

"Lord, teach me to listen. The times are noisy and my ears are weary with the thousand raucous sounds which continuously assault them. Give me the spirit of the boy Samuel when he said to Thee, 'Speak, for Thy servant heareth.' Let me hear Thee speaking in my heart. Let me get used to the sound of Thy voice, that its tones may be familar when the sounds of earth die away and the only sound will be the music of Thy speaking voice. Amen."

The Pursuit of God, by A.W. Tozer

Friday, November 14, 2008

Happy Birthday Katherine

Sweet 16...
a favored little sister...
the middle sister... literally :)
an adored big sister...
full of fun and laughter...

beautiful inside and out...
our precious daughter...


We are so proud of you Katherine. Happy 16!
We love, love, love you!

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Remember our Veterans




Remembering with honor, veterans from the past

and those who now protect and defend the freedom we cherish.

Remembering to pray for their safe return

and for those that wait in anticipation for them to come home.

Remembering that freedom is not free.

Thank you to all those who lay down your lives for the sake of others.

We remember...

Friday, November 7, 2008

Lunch Date

Precious Ava...

we hang out on Fridays...


It's a tough job...


But somebody's got to do it ... :)

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Starting Block


Starting Blocks, originally uploaded by C-Ray.

We were recently informed that the organization we were working with in Uganda has closed its program.

What does this mean?

It means we pray for direction for a new organization to work with to bring our children home.

We are disappointed that we have not moved from the starting block in this journey, but are trusting the Lord and that His timing is perfect.

Ready to start...

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

A Prayer for our Nation

by: Billy Graham


Heavenly Father,

We come before you today to ask your forgiveness and to seek your direction and guidance.

We know Your Word says, 'Woe to those who call evil good,' but that is exactly what we have done.

We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values.

We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery.

We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare.

We have killed our unborn and called it choice.

We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable.

We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self esteem.

We have abused power and called it politics.

We have coveted our neighbor's possessions and called it ambition.

We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression.

We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment.

Search us, Oh God, and know our hearts today; cleanse us from every sin and set us free.

Amen!'

Saturday, November 1, 2008

A Few "Treats"

The lovliest Ninjas... (my ninja is on the left :)

A beautiful butterfly... (my butterfly :)

Academic Scholars... (my scholar is on the right :)


Me and my beauties... (to big to dress up :(

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

On a Mission

Do you want to be inspired... encouraged... have your heart blessed...


Read Katie's blog. Read her whole story. Start at the beginning. You WILL be blessed.

She is a lovely 19 year old girl that has passion for Jesus. And she lives that passion out to the fullest! She has an incredible heart for the children of Uganda.

Her mission, the mission God has laid out before her, is to send 150 children to school. She needs sponsors for these children. Please, read her story. Pray. Can you help?


May the God of peace, Who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with every thing good for doing His will, and may He work in us what is pleasing to Him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Hebrews 13:20-21

Saturday, October 25, 2008

Roasted Duck

The Duck & the Devil

There was a little boy visiting his grandparents on a farm.

He was given a slingshot to play with out in the woods.

He practiced in the woods; but he could never hit the target.

Getting a little discouraged, he headed back for dinner.

As he was walking back he saw Grandma's pet duck.

Just out of impulse, he let the slingshot fly, hit the duck square in the head and killed it. He was shocked and grieved!

In a panic, he hid the dead duck in the wood pile; only to see his sister watching! Sally had seen it all, but she said nothing.

After lunch the next day, Grandma said, 'Sally, let's wash the dishes'.

But Sally said, 'Grandma, Johnny told me he wanted to help in the kitchen.'

Then she whispered to him, 'Remember the duck?' So Johnny did the dishes.

Later that day, Grandpa asked if the children wanted to go fishing and Grandma said, 'I'm sorry but I need Sally to help make supper.

Sally just smiled and said, 'Well that's all right because Johnny told me he wanted to help.'

She whispered again, 'Remember the duck?' So Sally went fishing and Johnny stayed to help.

After several days of Johnny doing both his chores and Sally's; he finally couldn't stand it any longer.

He came to Grandma and confessed that he had killed the duck.

Grandma knelt down, gave him a hug and said, 'Sweetheart, I know. You see, I was standing at the window and I saw the whole thing, but because I love you, I forgave you. I was just wondering how long you would let Sally make a slave of you.


Thought for the day and every day thereafter...

Whatever is in your past, whatever you have done... And the devil keeps throwing it up in your face (lying, cheating, debt, fear, bad habits, hatred, anger, bitterness, etc.) ..whatever it is...

You need to know that God was standing at the window and He saw the whole thing.

He has seen your whole life. He wants you to know that He loves you and that you are forgiven. He's just wondering how long you will let the devil make a slave of you.

The great thing about God is that when you ask for forgiveness; He not only forgives you, but He forgets.

It is by God's grace and mercy that we are saved.

Did you read the story above?? R e a l l y read it??

The Lord showed me through this story that I act like "Johnny".

I confess... I "beat myself up" almost daily. My reasons... I wasn't patient with the children, or I wasn't loving to my husband, I was unkind, or selfish, or I didn't make a "decent" meal before practice, I didn't say the right thing, I didn't serve someone the way I should have, I was rude, or... the list goes on.

I am letting the "ducks" pile up. I am LETTING the enemy use this stuff to keep me in mediocracy. I am LETTING him keep my mind on the person I used to be, and on what I can not accomplish. The TRUTH is "I can do all things through Him that strengthens me." Phil 4:13

H E L L O!! I belong to Jesus! When I stop LETTING the enemy tell me what I can't do or how I fail daily because of all my weaknesses... and I remember the TRUTH, that I belong to the Lord, then I am effective for His kingdom. Because the TRUTH says "...greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world." 1John 4:4 When I stand on the TRUTH, I remember "if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed." John 8:36

Thank you, Jesus. I don't have to hide the "ducks". I can bring them to You, and ask You to forgive me, and You do. The TRUTH is "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 1John 1:9 Thank you, Jesus.

So I ask you... what do you do with your "ducks"? Let's give them to Jesus and have roasted duck for dinner.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

What's in a Name?

"Following the Leader" came from something I say to my children all the time. It goes like this...

"Why are you in front of me when you don't know where we are going?" as they walk so slowly that I am stepping on them, because... they don't know where to go.

Or they might take off ahead excitedly, and then continuously look back to make sure I am behind them, asking "Are we going in the right direction?!"

I usually reply in a calm and loving way, patiently saying, "You must folloooww whoever knooowwsss where to go!"

My confession...This is such a picture of what I end up doing in my life with my Savior. I too will get in front of Him and try to lead. He is so faithful to lovingly remind me "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me." Mk 8:34 Our prayer is that we will be faithful to follow.

Come back and see us! I'll try to be witty, but... I'm not promising anything. ;~)

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Hello Blog World

I would like to say "Thank you" to all the wonderful, God-fearing, Jesus loving, life living bloggers out there. You have inspired me, encouraged me, made me laugh, made me cry and now... I have a serious issue with "blog stalking". I may require counseling.

We are starting this blog in an attempt to keep family and friends posted on our journey to adopt a son and daughter from Uganda. I'm sure I'll throw in other happenings in the Sargent household as well. We are excited to begin this journey (the adoption, not the blog :) and hope you will come along beside us and pray with us as we "follow the Leader" wherever He may lead!

Friday, October 3, 2008

My Hearts Song

Here I Am



Sometimes Your calling, comes in dream

Sometimes it comes in the Spirit's breeze

You reach for the deepest hope in me

And call out for the things of eternity



But I'm a man, of dust and stains,

You move in me, so I can say



Chorus

Here I am, Lord send me

All of my life, I make and offering,

Here I am, Lord send me

Somehow my story is a part of Your plan,

Here I am



When setbacks and failures, and upset plans

Test my faith and leave me with empty hands

Are You not the closest when it's hardest to stand

I know that You will finish what You began



And these broken parts You will redeem

Become the song that I can sing



Chorus



Overwhelmed by the thought of my weakness

And the fear that I'll fail You in the end

In this mess, I'm just one of the pieces,

I can't put this together but You can



Chorus



Here I am, all my life an offering to You, to You

Somehow my story is a part of Your plan

Here I am



DOWNHERE - Ending is Beginning - Centricity Music - 2008