Out with the old, in with the new; Panama style

While traveling during the past week we kept seeing the oddest things decorating peoples yards and businesses along the streets.  We began asking around and found out that Panama has a unique custom of making scarecrows and burning them at midnight on New Year's Eve. They dress up and fill the scarecrows with newspapers and pieces of wood. I have to say we say some pretty creative pieces of work! As mid night approaches, everyone gathers outside their home and each family burns their scarecrow. The tradition says that this destroys all the bad things that took place in the past 12 months. The scarecrow also scares away any bad luck that might be approaching for the new year. Interesting tradition.

Of course it is yet another reminder of the way Satan has a hold on the people of Panama.  We know that our steps have been ordered and our future is ultimately in the hands the Lord. 

The Message 

^10-11This is God's Word on the subject: "As soon as Babylon's seventy years are up and not a day before, I'll show up and take care of you as I promised and bring you back home. I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.

Farewell 2011

We are wrapping up a wonderfully relaxing, lazy and much needed week at the beach.  It was just what the doctor ordered after the busy holiday season.  We have loved every minute of it.  Much of our time has been spent in our PJ's playing games and watching old movies.  When we have managed to get dressed, we have thrown on our swimsuits and hit the beautiful beach.  We even managed to take in a few day trips to some of the most beautiful places we have seen thus far in Panama.  All in all, it has been just about perfect family time.  I am so grateful for this sweet family of mine and have enjoyed the get away from everyday life.  

Today we have spent time reflecting on 2011 and all that God has allowed us to experience.  We talked about our favorite memories of the year and all of the wonderful blessings of 2011.  Then, we talked about the challenges and hard times 2011 brought. We remembered that in their own ways, they were blessings too.  We were even able to see "good things" that have already come out of some of those challenges. We talked about faith and trust and how to be thankful for the good and bad.  

So, we have kind of closed out 2011 and are now looking forward to what God has in store for 2012.  More on that soon.......

Merry Christmas from Panama

May your heart be lifted in praise this Christmas
for the wonderful gift of Jesus
and the joy He brings to our lives.
Have a wonderful Christmas
and a Blessed New Year.

a thought from Trinity

It’s November 17^th. It’s been about 2 months since our last blog post. Louderbacks = Lazy, huh? Anyways, let me get you people up to date on our lives.

Gracie Lynn and I had great birthdays last month. She had a CANDY PARTY for her 11^th birthday. All you can eat CANDY! It’s like Halloween twice in one month!
I spent my 15^th with some friends, hanging out, making music, and watching Nacho Libre. Then came Pumpkin Day. We went to many parties, many Fall Festivals, and ate LOTS of candy. J I love holidays where people have to give me candy.

Hmmmmm what else is new? We’ve got our Christmas decorations up! Don’t judge… I think it’d be weird to have turkeys and stuff all over my house for Thanksgiving. The pilgrims will understand. We put up our Christmas tree today while we listened to the wonderful Christmas songs on Glee’s album. Good times.

The girls are busy rehearsing for the Cantata coming up in December. The Cantata is a Christmas Program that happens every year to share with people the true meaning of Christmas. (Jesus!)

I don’t know what else to tell you about. Life’s good.

Okay, I’m going to sleep now. Later people! – Love, Trin.