Feeding the kids this summer and Alayah stealing my heart :)

This summer We will be feeding the kids at Canyon Elementary School in Hungry Horse Monday- Friday. Not sure how its all working out yet or how many days We will be working but Lee is gonna work it out where no one has to work everyday including him. On the days we do work it will be 10-2. We will still be doing all our other ministrys. Right now our complete days off are monday and thursday but we could possibly be working at the school those days. At some point probably when summers over is when I will start my babysitting job. I am so EXCITED about it. Alayah stole my heart from day 1 :) (I kept her friday may25th) She was happy all day and just so sweet. And did I mention cute!! She babbled all day long. Of course Jeremy and I both were actting like idiots and babbled back. I cannot wait to keep her again Did i mention how EXCITED i am!!! :) Anyway I said all this to say Its gonna be a busy summer and We are heading into it full blast. We are ready to serve in anyway we are needed. God is taking care of us and we are looking forward to all HE has instore for us this summer.

Baby

Hey baby Mommy and Daddy got a new car. It will be alot easier to get a baby seat in with 4 doors. But thats not why we got it we got it for better gas mileage and its safier with all the break ins going on here. Let me assure you that you'll always be protected. Daddy and I would lie down our life for you I have no doubt in that. I am babysitting a beautiful baby girl now her name is Alayah and she is helping me feel the void i feel for you. Of course shes not mine and I still wish I could have you growing inside me now. But i know God has a plan and I am blessed to have Alayah in my life. Everything is going good baby. I am trying to do better and only have a carbinated drink every now and then because it will help me chances to get you. I am trying to be healthier for both of us. I love you so much. Its still so hard waiting for you And trying to be patient. I can do this though and one day when I hold you in my arms this is all just gonna make it a much more amazing moment. I can hardly wait for that day. Love, Momma

A blessing when you least expect it

As most of you know I ask God for a baby quite often in His time not mine, and even though I honestly mean it I still hurt and long for a baby. I know God sees each tear and feels each time I hurt. I know God will bless me with a child of my own in His time. But our God is so good and faithful that He gave me a unexpected blessing while I wait. I am now the proud babysitter of this beautiful baby girl.

No Shes not mine. She is Miss Alayah Baldwin, Her Mommy is Mandi Baldwin. Our story has Gods fingerprints ALL over it. See here We both are in the same town Mandi praying for a new babysitter and seeking Gods will in it all. And Me praying for Gods direction and thinking it would be a good idea to find a job to bring in a little more every month. (Friends and Family dont panic We are fine money wise Just would be nice to be able to start putting some back for trips home or just extra spending money) and of course Constantly praying for a baby.  So here We both are in the same town and what makes it worse is We have some mutual friends plus Mandi goes to Hungry Horse Chapel Which is one of the churches joined with Canyon Baptist to do the Beyond Borders for Christ ministry. Finally our mutual friend Cameron told Mandi about me and how I love kids and how Good i am with her youngest two. Cameron said God just told her to tell Mandi about me. So God brought us all together and blessed us all with each other. Even when We dont have all the answers God always does and I am so glad because as Humans we just usually make a mess of everything. God sees the bigger picture and He knew how to work it all out to where each one of us are very happy and have had our prayers answered. Even if they werent answered exactly how we expected them. God is SO GOOD!!!!

 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Newsletters :)

Hey guys Its newsletter time again. We will be sending them one day this week. If theres anyone who doesnt get one who wants one mailed or emailed to them you can either comment on this post with your mailing address or email or email them to me stephaniehmalone@gmail.com We send our Newsletters out quarterly. We do some through the mail and some through email. Our newsletters tell about our ministry and what were doing. I'm working on getting the newsletters on here so you can read them here but I have no idea how to do this and am having to wait on Jeremys help. So it could be quite a while before they get on here haha So let me know if you would like to recieve them via email or mail. Thanks

I am grateful for......

                  Oh man I really dislike computer I had a whole post typed out and was almost done (it was a pretty long one too) and next thing I know its gone :(. Didnt make me sad it made me mad but I dont know how to make a mad face on a computer. So I really don't wanna type it all again. So im not going to haha. It was about ALL I am grateful for and just basicly praising the Lord for all he has given me. So God knows my heart so I don't feel I need to type it all again.
                 Sometimes I cant believe I ever got this blog going. Oh yes I love to write but I am horrible with computers. Oh and another biggie I CANT TYPE!!! I know I know go ahead and laugh. I basicly use my two pointer fingers. I know what your thinking and the answer is I did take keyboarding in high school. I guess I dont even need to say I barely passed and the only reason I did was I went in every morning and did extra credit and when I say every morning I mean EVERY morning. I still think I barely made a D.
               Anyway I have cooled off now and I think I am ready to try and tell you again what I am grateful for....

• I am grateful for this apartment. After We had prayed and prayed and knew Montana was where God wanted us We still could not figure out how We were gonna make it. I mean we were gonna do good to buy groceries Little on think about rent and somewhere to live but God had all this figured out way before We knew anything about it.

• The first one leads me right into this one. I am grateful for Canyon Baptist Church. They are allowing us to stay in this apartment and have done so much for us. I am proud to be the worship leader :)

• I am grateful for the friends We have made here in Montana. We have so many I am not gonna try to name everyone because I know I will forget someone. You know who you are and you have made moving 2400 miles away from everyone I know and love a lot easier.

• I am grateful for Canyon Community and Hungry Horse Chapel for coming together with Canyon Baptist and forming Beyond Borders for Christ. I am grateful for the unity and love I feel on wednesday nights. I am grateful for the school building and having a place to minister to these children.

• I am grateful to still have both sets of my grandparents living, But im even more grateful that they are all 4 christians.

• I am grateful for two christian parents who raised me in church. I have been loved and taken care of my entire life.

• I am grateful to have a good christian man by my side for better or worse. I am grateful that I found my soulmate at 19 and i am so grateful that He has held my hand and been there for me through everything this past year. He has been strong for me on days when I just couldnt be strong anymore. He will never know how much he means to me.

         I am grateful for so much more but im closing with this last one
 

• I am grateful that God chose us. I love the work God has for us in Hungry Horse Montana and Everyday I feel honored that He felt confident enough in me to call me to do it.

The reason for these letters

         First off let me say i'm sure people think this is crazy. To write letter to someone i have never met but One day I will met you and print each page and put into your baby book and when your older you'll treasure them. Some people will say you dont know you may never have children and if thats Gods plan for me thats fine by me but I have faith that I will because its a desire of my heart.
 Delight yourself in the Lord,and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4

   Let me also explain to you how much you were wanted. When I was little I played with babydolls ALL the time. I dreamed of the day when I would be a mom, and when i was in highschool and asked what I wanted to be I always said a mother. It was my dream it was so important to me. When your Daddy and I got married I longed for a baby. but your daddy wanted some me and him time first and I totally understood that. I understood but deep down I never stopped longing for you. I thought about what it would be like the moment I looked down at a positive pregnancy test or when a doctor laid you in my arms. I can cry just thinking about both of them. So never doubt for one second  whether you were wanted or not.

    I think about you constantly whether you'll be a boy or girl, Who you will look like, If you'll be born in summer or winter, What will you weigh, Will I ever be able to tell you in words how much I love you. How much longer will I have to wait for you? Some days I get very discouraged. See before We moved to Montana Daddy and I werent preventing you and I worried and cried alot. I went to doctors and they said my sugar was to high and I wasnt ovulating every month like I should. That scared me so bad because if I dont ovulate I cant get pregnant. So I prayed and prayed but I was deep down I was mad at God. Mad because Others were having babies. Mad because He knew how badly I wanted you. I was doing everything God wanted why wouldnt He bless me with a baby. But ya know what I wasnt doing everything He wanted. He was trying to tell me things but I wasnt listening. God wanted your Daddy and Me to step out on faith and move to Montana. So when I finally hit rock bottom and started listening and understood his plan for me I felt alot better. I wasnt mad anymore. So in july 2010 We moved to Montana and now more than ever I understand Gods plan. See there are lots of kids here who need love and someone to care bout them. No there not my own babies and I still long for my own but they need me right now. So I can pour my love into them while I wait for you.

   Dont think that daddy didnt want you. He wants you very much but Daddy is scared. Mommy wants you so much that it pushes her fear aside but deep down im scared too. I wonder how I will do raising you here in Montana without my Momma or Daddys Momma to help me. I know others here will help me but I still worry.  I know that You will be the best thing thats ever happen to me. I know that You will fill my life with so much Joy. I cannot wait till We meet each other baby. I cannot wait to hold a positive pregnancy test and I cannot even imagine holding you. 

  I hope these letter show you how wanted and loved you were long before God even started creating you. I always want you to know that your loved and I hope these letter make you feel special and bring you happiness long after I'm gone.

                                                            Momma  
    
 

Just in Case You didn't Know......

This post is gonna be just some random facts and maybe some things you didnt know.
  

• We are faith based Missionaries. Meaning God called us and told us where He wanted us and we stepped out on faith and followed him. We have not been to missionary training school (not that We wont ever but just saying We havent at this point). Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. Acts 4:13
  

• We found a good home for our cats on April 19th. They are around a family with kids now and are very happy. We keep in touch with that Family. We have a dog named Molly. We adopted her from the animal shelter in November. She was my christmas present from Jeremy. :)

• I started this blog to help family and friends from home keep up with what were up to in between newsletters. We send out newsletter every three months. If you wish to be on our mailing list Email me your address (stephaniehmalone@gmail.com)

•  This blog was private at one time and I just felt it couldnt be a light to others if they could only see it if they knew me and asked permission.

• You can comment on any of my post. The comment button is at the bottom of each post. I would love feedback and to hear if you.

• No everyday is not a good day. We are human and we do miss home and have bad days. But We love what were doing and the work God has for us here in Montana.

• No We dont have any idea what 5 years down the road looks like or even 1 year for that matter, but We will go where and do what God tells us to. Even if that means going somewhere dangerous.
  
  Isaiah 41:10  fear not, for I am with you;  be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you,  I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
  
  

•  Some people think We are so brave but the truth is We get very scared. We were terrified when We moved to Montana especially when Jeremy quit his job, but We knew that God would take care of us and He has. We are so blessed.

• Yes We both want a family someday and We know God has a plan and We are content in knowing His ways and timing are far greater than ours.

If you have anymore questions about what were doing or how were doing Feel free to leave me a comment. Questions mean you care and are interested in us and our ministry :)

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A hard Mothers Day

I woke up on Mothers day with my head held high. Determinded to have a good day. We went to church and had a great service a few tears here and there, after service a lady from our church came up and said "I know this is hard for you" and of course i started crying and she hugged me and I just let myself break down. Then she looked right at me and said " no one realizes the hurt and sacrfice you make. We just dont think about it. I know you just wanna be with her (meaning my Mom) This meant so much to me! Now dont get me wrong I am in no way putting us up on a pedisstool, but Its was great to have someone realize that it hurts. Even though were happy and have a good life here. we had a good life at home too. I am honored that God chose us dont get me wrong but that doesnt make it hurt less. Some days are fine but some days are a constant struggle to put a smile on and pretend its ok. But sunday someone showed me that I dont have to fake a smile and its ok to admit that your sad or just not having a good day. I can be myself and show whatever emotion im feeling because I have friends here who care and who understand. Mothers day was worse than christmas for me. I think we were busy on christmas but We werent busy on mothers day and that means alot of time to think and miss home. Mothers Day was also hard because I have a AWESOME Mom. And I just felt like it was so unfair to not be able to be with her on this special day set aside for moms. I guess the old sayings true "Lifes not always fair" Anyway im not trying to have a pity party just wanted to share this story and let everyone know that yes we do have bad days. We are only human and sometimes I feel this life is unfair sometimes but think of how unfair it is that so many people are gonna die and go to hell because so many wont leave comfortable. They wont say goodbye to there families So that others have a chance to spend eternity with there families Now thats UNFAIR!!!

 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? Romans 10:14

Guitar Lessons

I just realized I havent even wrote about Guitar Lessons. On Saturdays at 12 Jeremy gives guitar lessons here at the church. They are free and open to anyone. He has about 7 here on average. They are all doing really well and catching on fast. Who knows maybe Someday one of them will be the next worship leader of Canyon Baptist Church. 

Innocent Giggles at Beyond Borders for Christ :)

Well for those who don't know I have my own class on wednesday nights now :). We have 5 classes for certain age groups and the youngest is Joys class which is PreK-1st grade. We have 2 workers at the school who have younger children tho so We were really in need of a younger class. Which is a blessing to me because anyone who knows me knows How I love babies! So After getting permission to use another room I finally started my class last wednesday. I will post pictures of my room soon. It was a room we were actually using to store our music equipment. I of course decorated (mostly because I was so excited) but also because I want it to be fun and welcoming. We have had moms before bring there kids in kicking and crying and begging them not to leave them So I thought a friendly atmosphere might help a little. My class is for 3 and under. This is our schedule We come to our room at 6 and have our lesson. Depending on if I have any little babies this can be as short as saying a memory verse together and of course We always sing "Jesus Loves me". If we don't have any little babies We have a bible story and then normally color a coloring sheet that goes with that story and has our memory verse for that week on it. I have them repeat the memory verse after me and then we say it together. We have a box of toys for playtime. At 6:30 we head to the kitchen to eat. We leave there about 7 and if its pretty We head to the playground If its too cold or rainy We go to the gym and play instead. At 7:15 the Big kids (highschoolers) come to the gym So I get my babies out of there. We normally head back to our class and they can play with there toys till 7:30 when the buses leave and there parents come get them. To some this sounds like just another job. But to me its a huge blessing!!! This Week I had two little girls ones 2 and ones 3 . I have there picture But I am gonna ask permission before I tell there names or post there picture. Anyway when we went back to class after gym time ( the wind was blowing to hard so we didnt go to the playground) The girls sit down on a blanket I have on the floor and laughed. So they start cracking me up and I said " Girls do you have the giggles" And they laughed and said YES!!! Everyone who came by our room could hear them and poked there head in to see what was so funny ( which None of us still know what they were laughing at). Those innocent giggles are so refreshing to hear and I'm so glad that I can be apart of teaching them about Jesus.

Feels Like I've Been Losin'- Tenth Avenue North Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

Jeremy singing the chorus of "Gods Not Dead"

Sorry the quality is not great It was taken on my phone

Time Flies!!!

Yesterday Jeremy and I celebrated our 4th wedding anniversary. We had a awesome day. For lunch a friend made my favorite dish Pollo Loco and brought right to our house. How sweet was that?? Its so great to know you are loved by others who havent known you very long and that they see and really appreciate the work We do. Then at 4 we went to the movies. I had forgotten what a movie theater looked like on the inside. (and I will forget again movies are SO expensive) Anyway We watched The Three Stoogies. So We had alot of laughs. Praise The Lord that We actually found a good clean movie on They are so few and far between these days. Then when the movie was over We actually agreed to eat at Ihop. My vote was for KFC. But Jeremy said everyone would laugh if He took me there for our anniversary. The truth is im a simple woman and I dont get into all those crazy things. We dont get to go out to eat alot So I wanted KFC let people laugh but Ihop was good too. I had been telling Jeremy that We need a good picture of us We havent had one took in awhile, but everytime I think of it no ones around to take it. Well Duh my camera has a timer. Ive had that crazy thing how long and never thought of that. Anyway We had a wonderful anniversary and Have a good new family picture.

I am who HE says I am

I have been feeling much better the past few days. I actually got to go to the bible study The ladies from Georgia came to put on for us. I am so glad because I feel I was really meant to hear our lesson. I learned that I am not who other think I am. I am not who the enemy (the devil) tells me I am. I am not who I tell myself I am. So often We get caught up in all these things. The biggest thing for me was I AM NOT MY PAST!!! Praise the LORD don't We all need to hear that. Once We have asked forgiveness for our sins and God has forgiven us its time to stop carrying around the guilt of those past mistakes. I struggle with this daily but alot of it is because the devil uses our past to make us feel unworthy. Another thing that hit home for me is I am not my education. Over the past years I have had to listen to so many other peoples opinions about me not going to college. My highest level of education does not define me. The last one is My identity is not based on my family. To often We judge others because of what theyre family members have done or are doing. This is also wrong. We are not who our families are.I am who God made me to be. I wanna live my life to follow his will for me. I have already discovered that in my case this meant leaving comfortable. It meant leaving all I knew and moving 2400 miles away from all my family and friends. I know im not in foreign missions But never underestimate what God can do. He just may be preparing us to leave a lot more comfort than We ever imagined.  I can hold my head high and do what God has called me to do and not worry about who my family is,  If I went to college, or anything about my past Because I AM who God The Father says I am.

Acute Bronchitis:(

Acute Bronchitis:(   I started feeling sick last wednesday  but you know had to keep on keeping on By friday I flat out had a cold and was coughing I practiced with the praise team and was determined to sing sunday (for easter) We had been practicing for it for over a month. Anyway on saturday I was a little worse but still was planning on singing. On sunday i was a little worse than saturday so decided to sing the first 2 songs but sit out the last one (it was Gods not Dead by the newsboys Its very upbeat and i knew i couldnt handle it) But then after sunday school i was WAY WORSE so no singing for me (Jeremy did great tho :)) anyway so monday We had to go check prices for drum sets (for the church) anyway I sit in the car alot and tried to take it easy (during all these days im taking nyquil daytime and nighttime) anyway monday got me some delsyum Its suppose to be great for coughs and at this point it constantly felt like when you are drinking a drink and it goes down the wrong pipe. I was constantly coughing or feeling the need to. My head was hurting not sure from just coughing or like sinus pressure (doctor later said hes sure its from both) But it seems a light had come at the end of the tunnel i took the delsyum and it seemed to help I felt alot better and it was so warm monday night We even went for a walk. Then tuesday morning I felt horrible I just laid on the cough and as the day went on i felt worse and worse and then i decided i was gonna see if jeremy would take me to the walk in clinic first thing wednesday morning ( jeremy was fishing with lee) when he got home i asked him and he said get in the car were going now. No need to argue not that I had the energy anyway. We have a walk in clinic in our walmart so we went there but surprise it had close (not for the day either like literally its gone)anyway we went to another walk in clinic down the road and thats where we got the verdict BOOO :(

New Again Brad Paisley & Sara Evans Music Video

Praise Report

Praise The LORD!!!!!!!! Sorry just had to get that out. This is My Mamaw just hours after having  Balloon surgery on her heart (valve). Im not to sharp on my medical terms but anyway My family and I would like to thank everyone for the prayers As you can see they have her up and walking And are talking about possibly letting her go home tomorrow. Please continue to pray since its a 6 hour drive home it will be rough on her but I know she will be in better spirits once she gets home. She wrote me a letter one day last week telling me that if the unexpected happened not to worry because She would be in Heaven. As I sat and read that letter and of course cried like a baby I thought of how much I personally and my family have worried over the past few months as we waited to hear when the Doctor would schedule the surgery, And although after reading the letter I still worried I did have some peace. My heart goes out to families who dont have that peace. See thats why Im over 2400 miles away from my family because my husband and I desperately want to help others have that peace. Peace that only comes from knowing Jesus Christ as your personal Savior. I am so thankful things went well today but im even more thankful that If they hadnt My Mamaw would be standing with Jesus right now.

This is a beautiful song It gave me chills Its called "If He Calls you" Please listen to it.

Houston We have a drummer :)

  Well the last few months all Jeremy can talk about is I wish we had drums It would be great to have drums lol. Of course We have been praying for The music ministry at Canyon Baptist Church to grow not just for drums. So last Sunday Jeremy felt led to make a announcement. He told the church that We know there is talent here at Canyon Baptist Church and We are praying and wanting a worship team (since we have been here its just been Me and Jeremy) We learn more and grow more with a team and We have been praying about this for along time. Jeremy told everyone to pray and do what God would have them to do. Well We now have two ladies interested in singing, and Joy working on learning how to play chords on the piano. Last but certainly not least We had drums for the first time Sunday night. Yes you heard me right!!! DRUMS God gave us drums (and of course a drummer hehe) I wont give names but I will say a new family has recently moved into our community and the boy just happens to have a passion for playing drums. We are so thankful!!! Who Says God doesn't answer prayers!!!


Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from…the Father.”    James 1:17

A good meaningful Name

   Well I have always said something thats very important especially when your working in ministry is consistancy. Of course im the worlds worst! When I first decided I wanted to start a blog It was all for fun. Partly because my mom doesnt have a facebook and its a way for her to get to read and keep up with our ministry (not like I dont tell her every last detail on the phone but anyway) So I didnt put much thought at all into the name. I actually have even changed it a couple times throughout my blogging days. But over the last few months I have felt lead to blog for Gods purpose and His Glory. I wanna tell our story and my hope and prayer is that my story will touch someone along the way. So one thing I decided I had to do was keep it simple No more over the top backgrounds and layouts I Even had some music on it at one time. You will notice its gone now. Then I knew my last thing was to be consistant I needed a good meaningful name to come and never leave again no more changing. Wow thats hard I thought and thought and got no where and  finally just tonight I said God please show me what name you want me to pick for my blog. Gods timing is funny sometimes!! I had just laid back in a hot bubble bath When I literally said out loud His Purpose, His Glory. And there we have it. I want to live my life for His purpose and His glory and I want my blog to be a light to a lost and dying world. Somedays I feel silly for thinking I would ever reach anyone this way, but if God says to write I write and who can argue with the King of Kings. I certainly cannot and will not!  So anyway Just wanted to let everyone know even though I started blogging back in august I am still very much a work in progress but at least I have a good meaningful name now.

Hopping off my pedastle

     Were Back!!!! Getting to go home and see family was awesome, and We are so thankful that We got to. We are also very happy because going home truly showed us that We are exactly where we need to be (in Montana). I love the work We do and it is rewarding although most of the time it feels like it takes way more than it gives. If just one person is saved by us coming to Montana that makes it all worth it. Some people get so caught up in numbers that they can make themselves crazy over them and all they see is numbers. I must say at times i'm guilty of this too, but God said where two or more are gathered He'll be there too.
  We had the privledge to speak at four churches while we were home. We are so thankful for there willingness to listen to our story and how they can help if they feel led. Although We love what We do and get a since of fullfillment by being the worship leaders at Canyon Baptist Church. It was wonderful to be able to sit back at each church and just praise God while someone else did all the work. haha But really we truly enjoyed getting to have a break and worship God Who is SO worthy of our praise.
   Sunday morning Lee spoke about The virtuous women. It really hit home for me especially when he read the verse about Her being delightful. I dont know about everyone else but my attitude most days is far from delightful. I dont feel that i'm  a terrible person or a awful wife. But I could definitely improve, and thats what I want. I just wanna be better A better worker, a better friend, a better wife, a better daughter, a better christian, and a all around better woman. I wanna strife to have a delightful attitude. As Christians I hope we all have some of these same goals. It wont be easy but as you go throughout your week try to remember to have a delightful attitude. Even when you have a rude customer, or your husband tracks mud through the living room Just smile and say thank you Lord for my job that provides for my family and Thank you Lord that I dont have to be lonely because you have blessed me with a husband.  We sometimes get so caught up in our day to day things that We forget how truly blessed we are. So next time you pray instead of asking God for things First Thank him for all he's already given you. I am very guilty of this as well. One thing I feel like alot of people wanna do is put Jeremy and I up on a pedastle. Yes We followed God without ever being to Montana or knowing how We would buy groceries But this is what God asked us to do and We do not need to be praised for that. We should all do what God ask of us. This has been on my heart lately So I just wanna get it out there. We are not higher up than anyone We are STILL sinners SAVED by grace!!! God deserves ALL the praise.
  I also wanna thank everyone who reads my blogs. I know there sometimes few and far between and other times it seems like theres a new one everyday but As christians We all have a story and We need to share it. So I urge everyone you dont have to be a good speaker or a good writer Just if you feel led to ever say anything or do anything for God Dont let any of these silly obstacles  stand in your way. God will bless you for doing what He ask of you. No matter how big or small it may seem.

No matter How Small

 Where did the month go??!!!?!  As our visit comes to a end We are feeled with many emotions. But the strongest one is the longing to be back in Montana doing God's Work. We cannot wait to get back and hit the ground running. This trip has more than confirmed that we are right where we need to be (in Montana). It has been one crazy month!!!  Getting pulled one direction and then the other the whole time is so tiring but We are so thankful to have so many people who love us and wanna see us. I never thought this visit would consist of sitting at the hospital with Papaw and staying home with Him while Mamaw went to Duke For her consultation. But God knew and that is why He helped me come to the decision to stay with them while I was in TN long before we ever came. Being on the mission field you sometimes miss alot. Just like Mamaw will be having surgery in a few weeks and I will not be here. But I am so thankful for being here this time and doing my part in helping take care of them. You cannot beat yourself up or get down in the dumps about missing thing That you would have normally been right there for Like My Cousin Daniel who will graduate High School in May Because I am gone for a purpose and a very important purpose. I am playing a part in changing lives. And although sometimes I feel like all I play is a small part with the little things I do I realize that every job is important and worthwhile no matter how small.

A Quick Update!!!!!

Sorry Its been so long guys. I have been having an amazing time visiting with my family. My first time flying was not a bad experience at all. Its so nice to get home the same day and not a few days later.  Everything has not went as planned though because sunday night the 19th My papaw got very sick and had to be taken to the emergency room and was admitted to the hospital. I stayed there with him during the days and He was released wednesday So now I am helping stay with him at home. He is feeling lots better and I truly appreciate all the prayers. My Mamaw has to go to Duke Hospital in North Carolina on monday the 27th and now that all this is happening Papaw is staying home So I will be staying with him. So as you can see things have been crazy but I wouldnt trade it for anything because sitting on the other end of a phone line is tough and I am so happy God knew all this in advanced and worked it out to where I was here :) We serve a awesome God and even in unhappy situations such as this I can see how He has worked things out for the better! Also while im giving a quick update I would like to tell everyone not to panic when you cant find me on facebook. I am deactivated for now. So much negativity and drama I just needed to seperate myself from it. If you wanna  get in touch with me call or text and if you dont have my number shoot me a email stephaniehmalone@gmail.com and ill send it to you. Just wanted to give everyone a quick update Were doing great though and cant wait to get back to Montana and get back to work :)

Not giving up Just putting things on hold

Just realized I have some old post on here about how I desperately wanted to start a family and some of my struggle but I never explained how that just went away. Well it didnt just go away I have dreamed about being a mother all my life and I cannot wait for the day when I hold my own baby. But I was being selfish See all the while I was getting upset with God for not giving me a child God was trying to give me 70 but I wasnt listening. I know your saying 70 huh are you crazy. What I mean is all that time God was trying to tell me He wanted me in montana. On wednesday nights we have a childrens ministry called Beyond Borders for Christ ( check out my post to get all the details about it)  A couple weeks ago We had 95 and 70 of those were children!! Thats the 70 God was trying to give me No there not mine and I dont get to bring them home or see them everyday but every wednesday I get to love them and feed them a meal and watch them smile and hear them laugh. My former pastor Derek (McCosh) once told me to pour myself into the children God has placed around me. I do that every wednesday. Some of these kids arent loved or took care of but on wednesday nights even if only for a little while I try to make each one feel special even if its just be placing a cup of water in front of them and talking to them for a few minutes. God has never asked me to give up my dream of becoming a mom he has just showed me that right now he has other plans for my life and I am honored that He is using me and feel so blessed for my 70 children.

Facebook

Well I said I wasnt getting a facebook but in 2009 I did and of course loved it!!!! But today I sit here with the huge question is it really a good thing for me to have?!!? Here are a list of my pros and cons rolling around in my head.
pros
- Two days ago I had a prayer request and within 5 minutes had 8 people (who didnt even know the person they were praying for) praying.

- Helps me to get prayer request and keep up with how the person is recovering

- Helps you keep in touch with family back home


Cons
- has been known to send out dirty videos and pictures from your name without your knowledge

- People often pick fights and post hurtful things about others

- It often seems like just a bunch of people gossiping and just a bunch of nosy people

- Alot of miss communication and incorrect information

- Alot of pictures and things get posted that should never ever be posted

I feel like if im doing the right things and trying to share Jesus and my testimony as much as possible im doing good, But I often wonder if God even wants us on a site like that with so much bad going on all around us. I once saw a picture posted of someone who had gotten arrested (in handcuffs and everything) and the picture had many comments about how justice was served and so happy hes off the streets. Hope hes in for along time. I did not know this person and I have no idea what they did but I do know We  all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God -Romans 3:23 And I also know thats someones son and im sure that momma is broken hearted enough and doesnt need more threw up in her face. Just today I saw a picture of a car crash (a bad one) someone had seen as they were driving home from work and felt the need to take a picture and post on facebook. They had lots of comments and said they heard someone died in the wreck. My heart broke because there is a family somewhere whose hearts are breaking too and I hope and pray they never have to see the picture floating around facebook. Life is full of things that can be used for good and can be used for bad As Christians we must use everything we can to share the gospel and facebook is no different. My concern and prayer is that while we are on there trying to do good We are not sucked into the bad because so many times thats the way it happens instead of the other way around.

Mission Of Joy

 What is Mission Of Joy??
Mission of Joy :The Mission of Jesus, for Others, and Yourself.
Mission of Joy is a 501-C3 nonprofit mission agency.  
The mission is to tell the world about Jesus Christ through teaching God's word, his love, and acts of service.

Jeremy and I are proud to be working under Mission of Joy.

My Testimony

      I was born and raised in Athens, Tn. The bible belt. I was very fortunate to be born there and to have 2 loving christian parents. I was raised in Clear Springs Baptist Church. A place where I felt I could be me. Where everyone was family (quite a few really are my family).  On  March 25, 1999 when I was 10 I accepted Christ as my Savior. We were having revival that week and it was Thursday night. The man preaching that particular night was Earl Graves. Before he started he asked someone to lead page 14 in the baptist hymnal "I'll Meet you in the Morning" and He said turn to the person sitting next to you and let them know if  you'll be meeting them in Heaven someday. I was sitting with my Mamaw Harmon as the music started and everyone began to sing She turned to me and said Stephanie have you thought about being saved? My heart started pounding as I shook my head yes and then she said do you wanna be saved today? I shook my head yes again. She went up to the alter with me and Ralph Swafford prayed with us. My mom and Dad came up to the alter too and my momma cried and cried. My Daddy normally sat in the back but when We got up from the alter him and momma hugged me and we all sat together on the row momma and me always sat on. That night as I lay in bed I felt relief and peace like I had never known, and I thought to myself if I die im going to Heaven something I couldnt say even the night before.
       My preacher Dink Harris explained to me that the next step was baptism. I understood but I wasnt ready. I am terribly afraid of water especially the thought of going under. Everytime I turned around someone was asking when you gonna get baptised thats the next step you know. I put it off and off until i was 14 I made my way up to that alter one sunday morning I was presented as a canadiate for baptism and of course I was accepted.  I remember crying the hardest I had ever cried in my life not because I was scared but because after 4 years of telling God not now someday I was finally surrendering and again I felt that same peace. I was baptized on January 26, 2003.
 Like many I strayed from God alot through out my teen years and I did many things that im very ashamed of. I was not a good person and I can never take that back. When I was 19 I hit rock bottom and fell to my knees one night in mine and Jeremys apartment I was a newlywed this should have been the happiest time of my life but i was struggling with depression and too ashamed to tell anyone that night in our apartment God had finally got a hold of me and He was wearing me out. That night on my knees I got my happiness back and from that point on no more depression. I also got forgiven because My God is faithful and just to forgive my slat was wiped clean that night.
 When I was 21 Jeremy and I went to Oak Grove Baptist Church. A church in my hometown just down the road from Clear Springs Baptist Church. Jeremy had went there as a teen with his friends and wanted me to go with him. So one sunday in December there we sat. We loved it and joined in January. Jeremy started running the computer for the projector. I started helping one sunday a month in the nursery. Everything was great. Then Jeremy started playing guitar with the praise team. Then one Sunday night in July a group from the church who had went on a mission trip to Hungry Horse, Montana spoke. They showed pictures and talked about there trip and as I sat and watched I got this strange feeling that I should be there and I thought ok Jeremy and I will go next year on the mission trip Who could have predicted that the next July when Oak Grove came to Hungry Horse, Montana We would be living there.
   Now im 22 and a Missionary I would have never dreamed that this was Gods plan for my life. Jeremy and I are worship leaders here at Canyon Baptist. We help cook for tuesday night bible study, and for the kids on wednesdays. We also volunteer 2 tuesdays a month at our local food bank. We are currently looking for more ways to do outreach. We are trusting God and doing what he called us to do and Our future has never looked brighter.

Cant Sleep

As I sit here tonight unable to sleep my mind is racing. I can remember hearing Lee Speak at Clear Springs and I remember when Hungry Horse Montana was just a place. I remember him talking about certain people and and showing there pictures on slideshows and they were just faces and names and now there my friends. I would have never dreamed I would grow up to be a missionary and Sometimes I still am in awe at why God picked us but im grateful that He did. I remember God speaking to me just like sitting on your couch talking to your friend across from you. I can remember him saying I want you to go and I can remember pleading with him "No Please No I cant We are at a church We absolutely love and We've been in our house over 2 years now and were so happy"!! I remember this same conversation several times. Finally one night I answered God by saying " "Why?!?! You know how long i've prayed for Jeremy to be involved and have a meaningful relationship with you and finally my prayers have been answered and you wanna mess that up?!! Jeremy would never go anyway and im not telling him because he's gonna think im crazy"!  It wasn't 2 weeks later We pulled into our driveway one night and Jeremy parked the car and turned to me and said "I've got to tell you something" and he starts spilling his guts about God telling him for us to go to Hungry Horse, Montana. I just stared at him for the longest and finally He said I know its crazy but its true and I said "I believe you because i've been feeling it too" And not long after that We said "ok God We'll Go" We had no idea where or how we'd live but We started talking with Lee and Joy on the phone and It wasnt long before some plans were being made. In the months to follow I was sad even when I was happy I would still deep down have this sad feeling and after a while i realized im homesick. Homesick for somewhere i've never been. Of course now that we've been here almost 6 months im homesick for home but I know im here for a reason and Gods not done with us in Montana yet. God has really worked in our lives and my only regret is that I ever told him no. 
 Being in the full time Ministry is not always a bed of roses. We have alot of hard times and shed alot of tears. But when that Kid runs up and hugs you unexpectedly or new kids start coming to Beyond Borders and you see them start getting it Its all worth it. Every Tear and Every frustration is worth while. God is really working here in the Canyon Please Continue to Pray for us and Lee and Joy and the People here in Hungry Horse, Montana.

Christmas Day These are the gifts we got from my Mom Bibles :) We were super excited!!!!

We did it We are strong :)

We survived our first Christmas away from our families. With church and getting invited to Lee and Joys for dinner it was actually a busy day so not much time to stop and think about being apart from family. But its still there deep inside your heart and we missed them alot but  we did it, and I feel alittle bit stronger now because of our decision. We had a wonderful Christmas serving our Lord and then enjoyed fellowship with great friends. We are so blessed :)