Fi Fi Faces Her Fears

We all have things we fear. But, what about children's fears? How do we help them through their fears and teach them to trust God? Really Rare Rabbits Book 2: Giant Green Ghosts and the Secret at Peppermint Pass is a tool to help children overcome their fears. These rare, adorable rabbits will take you on a dangerous journey with them to meet their grandfather. On the way, they meet new friends, face their fears, and learn to trust God.

We all go through storms in our lives or face giant obstacles in our paths. Maybe they aren't giant green ghosts, but all the same, we are afraid when they appear. Children also face their giants. Fi Fi trembles when she meets the giants, but she remembers a Bible verse tucked away in her racing heart. "Do not fear; I will help you." Isaiah 41:13 (NIV)

I'm sure you will fall in love with the adorable rabbits brought to life by illustrator, Samantha Bell.

Read more about the Really Rare Rabbits books at: http://www.amazon.com/author/peggycunningham

Hooray––47 years!

Look at those babies in the picture! We've proved the statistics wrong! All the odds were against us. Married at 19, from two different faiths, and two opposite personalities. But God, huh––there's the difference. But God brought us together for His purpose!

If I hadn't given this boy a once-in-a-lifetime date––his only date, I thought––then this anniversary today would not be happening. A senior in high school and a little snooty, (sorry to say) I had little time for this pesky boy in my life. But, oh, he was persistent. Now, I'm not going to tell the rest of the story. It's included in Amazon's bestselling romance collection Heart Bouquets, released by Write Integrity Press in February 2013. My story is "Stolen Ice Cube". Along with my story, my five co-authors have heart-warming stories in this book.

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV)

If there's one thing I've learned in life, it's don't miss God's best for you. Never settle for second best when God wants to give you His best. When God was changing the direction of our ministry, I thought I'd help him by being obstinate. You know, that stubbornness that takes over when you buck change. I said it something like this: "But God, we are fine right here where we are, why would you want to change our whole life now?" And, what if I had insisted on my way?

If I hadn't allowed God to be in control of my life, I would have missed the best part of my life and ministry. Going forward with God, He led my husband and me to begin a new mission, build a house and mission base, and He gave us a new ministry reaching children for Him. What if I had settled for second best? When I allowed Him to lead, He gave me the best husband, the best ministry, and the best life!

"God gives the very best to those who leave the choice to Him."~ author unknown

Really Rare Rabbits Book 2 is Released

Pix-N-Pens Publishing just released the second book of my children's series, 

Really Rare Rabbits Book 2: Giant Green Ghosts and the Secret at Peppermint Pass.

Fi Fi and her brother heard about Jesus when they ventured down their mountain in Bolivia and peered into the windows of the missionaries' house. Now, she and Chi Chi are starting a long journey to meet Grandfather who went to visit his Inca relatives of long ago. He's waiting for them at the mysterious Winding Wall. But first, they must journey through secretive Peppermint Pass.

She's heard stories of giant green ghosts at Peppermint Pass, and she sure doesn't want to meet any ghosts––especially giant green ones––along the way. So, the morning they leave for the big trip, Fi Fi tells her brother about her fears. Chi Chi waves them off as just stories. While Fi Fi trembles, she remembers a Bible verse tucked away in her racing heart, "Do not fear; I will help you." Isaiah 41:13 (NIV)

Fi Fi realizes why it is so important to memorize Scripture––so it stays in your heart always and comes back to you when you need it. Even so, she has no idea how much she and her brother will need to call on God for help to rescue them from the dangers that await on their journey through Peppermint Pass.

Available on Amazon, http://ow.ly/ox13k

And Kindle, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository and by special order at local booksellers.

Chi Chi and Fi Fi invite you to view their trailer,  http://youtu.be/DlwNfLzUNVk

Miracle Mashed Potatoes

Warning: This is not about a recipe. It's about a miracle. 

Do you believe in everyday miracles? If not, let me introduce you to one that just occurred last week in my kitchen. Don't believe me? I have witnesses.

We've been back in Bolivia for about three weeks, and the ministry picked up where it had left off in June––before we left for a six-week trip to the States. We're reconnecting with our churches and scheduling our classes and getting all those hugs and kisses from our Bolivian "family" who missed us and are happy we're back. Yes, I know, it's a blessed life––"family" above the equator and below it.

We had been invited to various homes and events since our return. Now it was my turn to invite our neighbors for a meal––a lovely Quechua family. Imilio is our community president, and he is respected by all the little communities around us. He's well connected politically and works hard to get our area help from the city authorities. His wife, Miteria, is a sweet friend to me. We are always invited to their family gatherings. This day, it was a family gathering at our house––but surprises were awaiting the cook (me) that day!

The afternoon sun scorched our skin as we went to the gate to be greeted by Imilio and Miteria. Their two adult children who still live at home weren't with them. "No problem," Imilio said. "It's their loss." We all laughed at his remark. There were nine of us at the table, and I surprised them with a very American meal––roast and mashed potatoes. This is not a meal they ever eat, and they certainly never have mashed potatoes!

I love mashed potatoes. I could eat them at every meal and never tire of them. So naturally, I had a big pot of potatoes boiling on the stove that day. I even put a few extra potatoes in the pot just to make sure there would be enough. And, leftovers were in the plan too.

While everyone chatted around the table, I served the meal Bolivian style. It isn't Bolivian custom to set the food on the table family style as we do, so I served each plate from the kitchen. I generously piled the potatoes and meat on each plate along with coleslaw and green beans––and gravy too. I couldn't wait to taste the first bite of those mashed potatoes with gravy. And, I was happy to see I planned the right amount of potatoes and would have some extras for seconds––provided not everyone asked for seconds.

Just as I began my meal, and while savoring the first bite of those creamy mashed potatoes, a knock at the door surprised us all. Opening the gate, we were greeted by Imilio's youngest daughter. She had a surprise for us. Her older sister, husband, and two children had arrived from Argentina and came to visit also. The thoughts of piling those potatoes high on the dinner plates flashed before my eyes. My first thought, Jesus multiplied the fish and loaves of bread then, he could stretch those potatoes now. I wasn't sure I had enough food for the extra visitors and how could I not offer seconds if everyone liked the food and wanted more.

"His disciples answered, "Where could we get enough bread in this remote place to feed such a crowd.?" Matthew 15:33 (NIV) Potatoes, how would I have enough potatoes to feed such a crowd?

I remembered what Jesus said to the disciples. "How many loaves do you have?" Jesus asked. Matthew 15:34 (NIV). I didn't need loaves, I needed potatoes. Lord Jesus there aren't enough potatoes in this bowl to go around once, I thought. Think about the fish and the loaves. So I did. And, I prayed, "Please  multiply the potatoes as you did the fish and loaves of bread."

"He told the crowd to sit down... Then he took the seven loaves and fish, and when he had given thanks, he broke them..." Matthew 15:36 (NIV).

As I scurried to set more places and gathered more chairs for the crowd, I invited my guests to sit down. I returned to the kitchen and began serving the recently arrived guests. I filled their plates, not skimping on the potatoes. Whew! The potatoes stretched. Looking into the bowl I pondered, Do I dare ask who would like seconds? There were still potatoes left in the bottom of the bowl––not many, but enough for at least one more serving, I guessed. I asked the question--everyone answered yes, they'd have a little more. I kept scooping out the potatoes until all who wanted had second helpings. When I did dishes that night, I calculated there were enough miracle mashed potatoes left for one more small child. That would amount to the few extra potatoes I had added to the pot at the last minute––just to be sure I'd have enough. A little wink from God. He didn't need the few extra potatoes!

"They all ate and were satisfied." Matthew 15:37 (NIV) The only explanation––they were miracle mashed potatoes!

Back in Bolivia

What is the hardest thing your missionary will ever face? I can tell you without a doubt that it's not the bugs, the food, or the language learning that's most difficult or challenging––it's separation from family and friends––friends are family too! And, most missionaries leave their families for more than two years at a time. Sometimes it is three or four years before they are reunited with loved ones.

We just returned to Bolivia after six weeks of traveling in the States. It was a blessed time! I was honored to be invited to the AWSA Conference and also attended ICRS in St. Louis. Meeting my publisher, Tracy Ruckman, for the first time along with fellow authors was a highlight of the trip. After that, we headed to our daughter's home where we spent three weeks with our grandchildren––our son-in-law and daughter too. :-) While there, my husband received medical help from one of the top hospitals in the country. He is now on his way to full recovery from nerve damage in his back. God directed and blessed all along the way.

From the moment we arrived back in Bolivia, our work resumed as though we never left. I should say the void of leaving our family and friends was filled because God's work is our passion and serving Him gives us joy. Of course, we miss our family and friends, but God gives peace that passes understanding. Our work is people––serving them, teaching them, and most important leading them to the Savior. It's said if you choose a profession you love, you will never work a day in your life. However, as much as I love what I do, I'd have to say (from my experience) missionary life is work. But if we serve God and work for Him, our work is never in vain. "Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know your labor in the Lord is not in vain." 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV) Our work has heavenly rewards that last for eternity. 

Although we are sad to be separated from our family and friends, the joy of serving God is indescribable––except for saying it might be compared to heavenly joy! Most times it is more than two years between our furloughs, but we find God's promises are true. "Faithful is he who calls you, who also will do it." 1 Thessalonians 5:24 (KJV) Yes, we can do all things through Him.

And, God has given us "family" in Bolivia. Our Bolivian brothers and sisters in Christ will be with us throughout eternity. It's about eternal things––serving God so that others can be with their family for eternity. We are privileged to be called to share Jesus with those still waiting to hear about Him. Praise God, our labor is not in vain!

Retrieve the Rabbits

The rabbits are missing! Praying they'll be found in the next few days. The third week in June, 50 rabbit books were sent to my daughter's house for me. They haven't arrived yet. We can't track them because they were sent regular mail. The Post Office told us it could take up to three weeks––even though it shouldn't take that long.

This isn't the first episode of the missing rabbit tale. Books were also sent to us in Bolivia. It took two months for them to arrive––usually it takes one month for packages to arrive. When they finally arrived, the package had been opened, the books were cut in half, and then the package was sealed again and sent on to us.

When I arrived in St. Louis in June, there had been a mix-up and forty other books didn't arrive for me. Now I'm beginning to wonder if I'll ever be able to post that picture of me opening a box of my books. Usually, that happens right after the release of the book. At this rate, I may be posting a picture of the arrival of my second rabbit book before the first one. But right now, I'm hoping the books arrive before we leave my daughter's house to head back to Bolivia. We only have three days left. I'd like to take books with me. And, as you can see, mailing them to Bolivia isn't the best option.

As I ponder this rabbit episode, I'm excited about the outcome––when I finally know God's thoughts about the missing rabbits. Granted, it may not be until I reach heaven, but I know the end has to be good because of Romans 8:28. My desire for the rabbit books is for them to bring children to Jesus (and those reading the books to children). It's okay if the books never arrive. God works all things according to His plan––even rabbit books.

I'm thankful that I'm not lost. No matter where I am, He is with me. There's no need to fear, He'll always guide and direct me to His destination for me. He must have a destination for the rabbit books. Whether they arrive for me or to others who would need to hear of His love, the rabbits are on the right trail–– right where God wants them to be. It's wonderful to know Him and be where He wants us to be––that's where we find joy and contentment, even if our rabbits are missing!

Dedicated, Determined, and Driven

What a joy to be here to enjoy the moment with Payton. As I've watched her these last two weeks, I've pondered on my dedication, determination and drive for my passion––knowing and serving God.

I think this letter from her coach paints the picture of her love for the sport and how hard she works to reach her goals. Below is the letter from her wonderful coach.

Dear Payton, 

It's with great pleasure that I congratulate you on competing at this year's Junior Olympic Championships! I'm so proud of you! Your hard work and dedication to practice has helped you accomplish such an awesome goal!!! I remember talking with your last coach about moving you up. It took you a couple days to be comfortable enough to try working out for me. :-) Once you started swimming for me, you've been unstoppable. Pushing yourself to beat the Seniors in the group. You are not only a great swimmer, but I think you're an awesome kid. Thank you for always coming to practice ready to learn, and most importantly thank you always for coming to practice ready to do your very best.

When I reflect back on your journey to get to Junior Olympics, the first thought that comes to mind is just how TOUGH you are. After your foot injury, it would have been easy to come back to practice and not push yourself. You did the opposite. You felt you were just as fast as you ever were and confidence showed. I've watched as you tackled long course training like a champion. At nine years old you stepped up and tackled double practices this summer!! I want you to know that it's that type of dedication that helped you earn your Junior Olympic times. Do you realize you will be attending the next 4 Junior Olympic championships?!! That's HUGE Payton. I hope that you are proud of your accomplishment.

This weekend I want you to enjoy yourself. Make sure that you swim with confidence/Swag and most importantly relax and have fun. This is why we've been training so hard. So you have the confidence to go out and KILL it. Congratulations on a wonderful 2013 Long Course season of swimming. I look forward to watching you accomplish even more at the next championships!! Go PAYTON!!

Sincerely,

Coach ( name withheld for privacy reasons)

Wow! Payton has spurred me on to living a life that is that dedicated, determined and driven for God––to do the best I can do for Him! So one day I will hear Him say, well done, good job, you finished the race! 1Corinthians 9:24b "Run in such a way as to get the prize." (NIV)

Grammie is so proud of you Payton! Grampie too!