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Thoughts

2007-03-13T01:10:00.000-07:00

Written a couple weeks ago...

I sit here on my bed this morning—propped up by pillows, drinking coffee, eating a bagel and some fruit which I only had to go as far as my refrigerator for. I have adjusted the temperature to be just how I want it; my phone is by my side; my slippers are on the floor; my computer in my lap as I work on some homework; I have more clothes if I need them; I have food in my cupboards to last for weeks. Life is, in reality, so easy.

I think, on the other had, of poor tribal people all over the world, of people at poverty level in third-world countries, of the homeless, the abused, the abandoned, the starving, the sick. Their lives are not as easy as mine is this morning. Some of them don’t have food in a refrigerator, much less food in the house. Some are suffering from extreme temperatures and are struggling to overcome the elements. Some don’t know a reason to live; some face persecution at the hands of enemies; some are sick with no chance for medical treatment; many live with no hope.

I know that no matter what lot in life we have, there is never a reason to complain. But for those of us who live so well in life, it seems ludicrous that we still whine about things that don’t please us. And for those of us who both live well materially and live with Christ as our hope … it is stunning that words of complaint still fly from our lips on a regular basis.

I don’t know that life will always be this comfortable and easy for me. I suspect it will not be. I think in some strange measure that I hope it will not be. But whether in times of plenty or in times of need, for those who live and die claiming Christ as their eternal hope, there is little to complain about.

Pume Perspective

2007-02-26T11:28:00.000-08:00

This is how one of the pastors of the Pume tribe in Venezuela explains the work of Christ for him:

"It is like Satan had us all locked up in his pen, in his corral. There we were living in a bad way, living under his rule, living totally blocked in, with no means of escape. But what did Jesus do? Well, he paid with His blood and death without leaving any little bit of debt staying behind. He paid to the One who was demanding blood and death. Yes, the payment was sufficient. That is why the true Father said, "Okay, its all right now" when he received the payment. So okay, what did Jesus do then? Well it is like he came and unlocked the pen, letting us all out to live differently, to live as untied and set-free ones, to live as marked ones for Jesus, to live as hope-having ones on the road to Heaven."

Natural Curiosity

2007-02-22T04:22:00.000-08:00

It is funny because I was once asked in an interview what kind of soapboxes I have and I couldn’t think of any but now I see that I frequently talk about the same subjects and see the same themes in my life. You must be thinking isn’t she ever going to learn this simple concept, retain it, and stop talking about it? No probably not. It seems I am constantly learning the same lessons and adding a little bit to them and every time they seem earth-shaking to me.
I’ve been thinking about questions again recently and their importance. I recently was going through some old emails and stumbled across an email containing some excellent advice. It recommended asking ‘What makes you tick?’ type questions. She told me that “questioning others doesn’t have to be complicated or lofty but just anything
that helps you get the context of the person”. I almost want to copy my friends whole email because it is so good. She wrote, “There are a million questions to ask people but I think the right ones are the ones that are born out of a natural curiosity to know this person that the LORD created.” Natural curiosity is the key. I don’t seem to ask enough questions about anything. I love to learn but I don’t think I would ever describe myself as curious. If something doesn’t work or I see something new I don’t try to understand how it works. I just accept it as it is. A natural curiosity would also help me with studying my Bible. I don’t ask enough questions or pay enough attention to the details. Things just don’t bother me and therefore I am not curious.
I really do want to have this natural curiosity for others. I think it is so key to loving others and for moving into their lives. I’ve experienced this love shown towards me lately. My grandpa died yesterday. I knew it was coming, I actually prayed that God would take him because it was so hard for him in the end, but that doesn’t make it any easier. I’m far away and won’t be going to the funeral. I have experienced such love and concern by the body of believers around me. I have felt so loved in conversations where they asked about my grandma, or how close my family was to their area, or when was the funeral would take place or even when did you hear about it? Why would they care? They care because I care and they love me. My Heavenly Father cares about such things and they are His children. They have asked how I am doing or if I wish I was there. Those are great questions and a little deeper into my thinking and heart but the other questions got the same results: I felt loved and they got an earful of talk about my grandpa and about my feelings. I felt loved because they cared to listen and understand. I saw a genuine concern in them and a desire for them to get to know me and understand where I was at. As my friend in the same email wrote, “I think most people want to be known and heard and understood.” I had just read that old email again and after hearing of my grandpa’s death the Lord gave me a unique opportunity to see what she meant in action.
As my friend in the email, which I keep quoting, put it, “I guess my main thing is to not over calculate and manipulate question asking/caring, but rather to have a sincere and genuine curiosity about the person sitting across the table from you… you never know where it will lead.”
My friend described this natural curiosity as, “the greatest tool to have and refine.” She stated the purpose of refining this tool as, “… Growing in a sensitivity to seek to know others and what they are all about in order to know how to serve them better.” I want that. As I was thinking right before I heard the news that my Grandpa died of cancer and now as I consider that my life is a vapor, I want to run hard for the rest of my life in pursuit of God and of people. I want to love them more. I pray that God would develop this tool in me, that he would give me a natural curiosity out of a loving heart that has been changed by good news and wants to love others because of it. I pray that I would talk less and listen more. I pray that I would think of more questions and ask them.
Thanks to my friend who wrote me that great email.

Soul Tasties

2007-02-11T23:23:00.000-08:00

John Piper is always putting out great books and resources. I recently discovered a book full of little nuggets of truth and reminders about the greatness of God. It's called "Taste and See: Savoring the Supremacy of God in All of Life". It's great to read when you get up or when you go to bed... or anytime really. Each of the 140 meditational chapters are just 2-3 pages long that inspire awe and praise to our Savior and Creator. So... get it... it's cheap, easy reading, and it will be tasty for your soul.

The Heart

2007-02-11T23:19:00.000-08:00

The hypocrite's only care is to keep his outward life
from defilement. But the sincere Christian's care is mainly
to keep his heart from defilement; for he very well knows,
that if he can but keep his heart clean--he shall with more
ease keep his life clean. If the fountain is kept pure--the
streams will run pure. The heart is the spring of all actions,
and therefore every action is as the spring is, from whence
it flows; if the spring is good--the action is good which flows
from it; if the spring is evil, the action is evil which flows
from it.

From Grace Gems
(Thomas Brooks, "A Cabinet of Choice Jewels" 1669)

What's that White Stuff?

2007-01-20T15:28:00.000-08:00

It's not every day that you see something that resembles snow in Southern California. The day after I arrived back from the warm tropics of South America, I was greeted by this in my yard. It was slightly hailish, but sure was white. Maybe it was "snail". This is doing its best to chase even the extreme Californians out of their flip-flops. And rumor has it that we've been advised to put chains on our tires should we get a mighty snowfall of an entire two inches. (Don't scoff, all you mid-westerners.)

Can You Hear Me Now?

2007-01-10T06:41:00.000-08:00

The Pume are a group of semi-nomadic tribal people who live in the savannas of Venezuela. My parents have worked among them for 30 years doing tribal church planting and Bible translation. These are people who still live in palm huts and hunt with bows and arrows. Every day they wake up and must obtain their food for the day. Their overall object in life is survival. Recently though, one of the Pume men got enough money to purchase a cell phone with pre-paid minutes. It works great.. the only catch is this: He has to hike 50 kilometers out in order to get any reception. And that's walking--not driving. But he's willing to do this to get in touch with missionaries who have now had to leave this tribal area. And you thought your reception was bad.

Happy New Year!

2007-01-01T18:43:00.000-08:00

Two Thousand and Seven sounds like a great year to blog in. More to come from the remotest corners of the earth. =) Happy New Year to all.

Apologies...

2006-12-11T22:29:00.000-08:00

I'm sorry that I have taken an unexcused absence from blogging. Not that I expect that many people read this blog, but for those who do read it, and particularly the other one of you that writes on here, I apologize. This blog has been of great encouragement to me in the months since we started it because it is a means to cheer one another on in the faith, to share what we're learning and excited about, and to identify with each other's struggles. So, I just want to say that I will do the best possible job to pick back up in the blog-realm. I'm looking forward to some chances over the holidays to reverse the hiatus. So... hold me to it. =)

Another Problem with Fear of Man

2006-11-28T21:55:00.000-08:00

I was thinking this morning that one thing that I forego by being afraid of man is good counsel and profitable correction. I am around very wise people and I desire their correction so that I might grow. I think many times they are hesitant to correct me, however, because they know it will crush me and they are sympathetic and gentle. I value their praise and desire their admiration and because of that I'm struck deeply by their correction even though I know that I have areas to improve and want their input. No one wants to devastate someone by correcting them. One who desires correction needs to be humble, teachable, and fear the Lord and not man.

Homework

2006-11-21T08:37:00.000-08:00

We had ladies Bible study today. The promise we studied today was God's provision. We talked about how he cares for the sparrows and clothes the lillies. Steph then talked about how our response to that provision is to be thankful. She spoke about how sometimes it is a sacrifice of thanksgiving. Sometimes we don't like what God has provided but we are told to give thanks for everything. God sometimes provides in creative and painful ways. Pain is often the loving provision of God which results in spiritual growth.

Steph's homework for us, which I am now passing on to you, was to think of something that we are not too thankful for now and on Thanksgiving thank God for it. In everything give thanks means even for the half-cooked chicken I will eat for dinner this evening. It also includes being thankful even for the fact that dinner is an hour and a half late. It means being thankful for our singleness, or lack there of, awkwardness, weaknesses and also for that person that really irritates you.

God using faithfulness.

2006-11-21T08:08:00.001-08:00

Two weeks ago we had a Ladies Bible study on God's promises to those who persevere. It was a great pep talk especially to those of us who are weary at this point of the semester. In that talk, Becky, who grew up on the farm and still spends breaks there, talked about planting and then waiting to see the result. It takes time and God sends the increase. She also pointed out that when you plant a crop sometimes it doesn't produce and it is ruined. If you don't plant at all, however, there is no chance of reaping. She encouraged us to take every opportunity to do good especially to those in the household of faith. She reminded us not to cease doing good because we don't know how God might use it. She exhorted us to not delay in sending that card we have been thinking of sending because we don't know if it will reach that person at just the right time. Be faithful and leave the rest to God.
I have been thinking about this a lot recently because 1.) I have grown weary at times in the last few weeks and I need to remember God's promises and 2.) because I have received a great deal of timely encouragement. Two student life staff members at TMC sent me mail which arrived on the one day my eyes were consistently filled with tears. One of the cards said "laugh" on the front. The sender had no idea what an encouragement that would be to me or that it would arrive on said day but God did and the irony of it did make me laugh. The other one sent me a number of verses related to ministry and encouragement along with some supplies to use to minister to others. It spoke to exactly what I was ready to give up on and it encouraged me to know that others out there were striving for the same things.
I also recieved two books in the mail recently. I was excited to find them on my desk when I returned from Egypt. They are from Donna Morley whose husband is a professor at TMC. She doesn't know me but she visited here last semester and thought that sending her books to the ladies on staff here would be an encouragement to them. She followed through with her idea and we were greatly blessed by it. Right now I am reading one of the books called "A Woman of Significance." I highly recommend it. So far it has spoken a great deal on viewing ourselves rightly and in not seeking to perform for others but to be a humble servant. This came at just the right time as seen in my previous post. She had no idea how timely her kindness would be but God did.

Galatians 6:9 Do not grow weary of well doing for in due season we shall reap if we faint not.

Ephesians 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus, unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we may walk in them.

Luke 17:10 So you also when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, "We are unworthy servants, we have only done our duty."

Success in Man's Eyes or Faithfulness in God's

2006-11-20T22:02:00.000-08:00

Last night the students and staff I work with had an appreciation party for me. I was completely clueless which made it all the more fun. I was very honored and encouraged by their sweet thoughtfulness and I greatly enjoyed taking home all their notes and reading them. It was encouraging to learn from the notes what God is doing in lives even when I am unaware. As I read the notes a thought came to mind. I thought about how I could read those notes, listen to comments, and be encouraged that I was living faithfully or doing a good job and still be a failure. All the praise could just be affirmation that I am doing a good job of acting the part and of striving to make myself look good. It is so easy to live for praise and to have my thoughts consumed with how to impress others. I think God is at work in this program changing lives and I strive to be faithful with my time and opportunities but last night was a good reminder to me of what true success is, faithfulness before God and not admiration of men. Success is measured in man's eyes and faithfulness in the Lord's. I liked the following quote I heard recently:

"God does not say at the end of a believer's life, 'Well done successful servant.' He says, 'Well done good and faithful servant.' We are called to be faithful."

Unreached People Groups

2006-10-31T08:27:00.000-08:00

I found a great new site--thanks to John Piper--called the Joshua Project (www.joshuaproject.net). Take a look at it... it will probably overwhelm you. It is filled with astounding statistics on all of the people groups in the world who still have not heard the gospel or who still do not have the Bible in their language. I scrolled through thousands of people groups from hundreds of countries across the world and it makes you wonder, "How do you choose ONE group of people to give your life to and to bring the gospel to?" It makes you wish that you had 9 lives or perhaps 900 lives, but that is why there is the beautiful Body of Christ. We can't (and shouldn't) do it alone. This is a task for the whole Body to be involved in. May many laborers be raised up to GO and to preach Christ where He has never before been named. May those who have NEVER before uttered the name of Jesus do so because we lived faithful lives for the cause of Christ.

Seeing Yourself in a Mirror

2006-10-24T04:51:00.000-07:00

I had a weekly prayer time with a friend from Switzerland last night. We always have a great time together encouraging and sharing with one another. One of the things I have mentioned before that I like about meeting with her is the way she phrases ideas in English. It makes you think about them because their not cliche things. Last night I was talking to her about how frustrated I was that I wanted to love the people in my group and yet my speech and actions towards them were so impatient. I also mentioned how thankful I was that one of the students had asked me if I was grumpy that morning because it made me stop and reflect on my heart. In the midst of our discussion she mentioned to me that sleepiness acts like a mirror. She said that when we are rested we might be able to control what comes out of our mouth or how others percieve us even if our hearts are wrong. "However," she pointed out, "When we are tired we more easily say what we feel and truly think. We have not changed. That sinful attitude was already there but our sleepiness acts as a mirror to see our sinful hearts as they really are." I had been thinking about this with both sleep and food. When I lack either I am very grumpy. Today I also listened to a chapel sermon by Dr. Baker which had an applicable quote. He asked, "What do you get when you squeeze a ketchup bottle?" The answer of course is ketchup. Then he asked, "What do you get when you squeeze a sinner?" The answer of course is sin. My circumstances aren't the problem my sinfulness is.

Here's a question or two for you.

2006-10-24T04:45:00.000-07:00

I'm curious to hear what you all have to say on these two matters. It is something that I and a number of other girls have been thinking through recently.

1.) What do you do when someone confronts you on an issue and you don't respect them at all?We all agreed that you evaluate what they have said and that you examine your heart but do you also evaluate who it is coming from? Do you change your actions because they see it as a problem?

2.) Can guys and girls be friends? Is one bound to get too attatched? What kind of a friendship can you have with the opposite sex? How close is too close?

Just things we are thinking about way over here.

Speech Saturated with the Word of God

2006-10-24T00:05:00.000-07:00

Psalm 37:30-31 The mouh of the righteous utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice. The Law of God is in his heart; his steps do not slip.

I've been thinking on how I want more Scripture to flow out of my mouth. I see this in one of the ladies I work with. She is righteous and she knows the Word of God and when she speaks she utters wisdom and gives hope. I also see that God has done this in her life through her discipline in study and memorization and her love for Him. Every year before the new year she sits down and thinks on what she wants to study or learn that year. She then formulates a reading plan for the year according to that and she sticks to it. She also memorizes Scripture every day as she walks.
I've also been thinking about this as students have come to me for counsel. I think I should listen and then wait and get back to them because what they need is God's counsel and wisdom not mine and then I speak anyway because I desire to please them and have them leave my presence feeling good. What are my words though? Is that what they need? No. I hope though to get to the point where I know the Word of God better so that I can speak to them in that instance with wisdom because the law of God is on my heart.

Psalm 37

2006-10-23T23:33:00.000-07:00

I got on the bus about a week ago and exclaimed to a friend I don't know what to do with my lif. She told me she had read Psalm 37 that morning, that it was really good and applicable to my anxiety and asked me to read it to her because she couldn't read it on the bus without getting car sick. It was so good and encouraging. I have come back to it a number of times this last week. I think all of us, and the few people who glance at this blog every once in a while, are at a point in our lives where we are unsure of where the next few years will take us. We may even be unsure of where the next few months will take us so I thought I would post the Psalm here. Be encouraged. There is so much I can say but I think it speaks so much better than I can. Trust, wait patiently, do good, be faithful and He will act.

Psalm 37
He Will Not Forsake His SaintsOf David.
1Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers!
2For they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb.

3Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.
4Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

5Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act.
6He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday.

7Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!

8Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.
9For the evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for the LORD shall inherit the land.

10In just a little while, the wicked will be no more; though you look carefully at his place, he will not be there.
11But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace.

12The wicked plots against the righteous and gnashes his teeth at him,
13but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he sees that his day is coming.

14The wicked draw the sword and bend their bows to bring down the poor and needy, to slay those whose way is upright;
15their sword shall enter their own heart, and their bows shall be broken.

16Better is the little that the righteous has than the abundance of many wicked.
17For the arms of the wicked shall be broken, but the LORD upholds the righteous.

18The LORD knows the days of the blameless, and their heritage will remain forever;
19they are not put to shame in evil times; in the days of famine they have abundance.

20But the wicked will perish; the enemies of the LORD are like the glory of the pastures; they vanish--like smoke they vanish away.

21The wicked borrows but does not pay back, but the righteous is generous and gives;
22for those blessed by the LORD shall inherit the land, but those cursed by him shall be cut off.

23The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delights in his way;
24though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the LORD upholds his hand.

25I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread.
26He is ever lending generously, and his children become a blessing.

27Turn away from evil and do good; so shall you dwell forever.
28For the LORD loves justice; he will not forsake his saints.They are preserved forever, but the children of the wicked shall be cut off.
29The righteous shall inherit the land and dwell upon it forever.

30The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice.
31The law of his God is in his heart; his steps do not slip.

32The wicked watches for the righteous and seeks to put him to death.
33The LORD will not abandon him to his power or let him be condemned when he is brought to trial.

34Wait for the LORD and keep his way, and he will exalt you to inherit the land; you will look on when the wicked are cut off.

35I have seen a wicked, ruthless man, spreading himself like a green laurel tree.
36But he passed away, and behold, he was no more; though I sought him, he could not be found.

37Mark the blameless and behold the upright, for there is a future for the man of peace.
38But transgressors shall be altogether destroyed; the future of the wicked shall be cut off.

39The salvation of the righteous is from the LORD; he is their stronghold in the time of trouble.
40The LORD helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him.

A New Favorite Verse

2006-10-16T09:26:00.000-07:00

So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.

Luke 17:10

This verse has stuck out to me lately probably mostly because of the normalcy of it. We are just to live well, doing our duty for the Lord, by His grace impacting those around us—our generation and perhaps even beyond our generation. We are to live faithfully. If you go back and read some of the verses before this passage, you’ll see that the disciples asked Jesus to increase their faith. After talking about faith even as small as a mustard seed, he pointed them to service and the fact that they are to be servants faithfully doing what the Master has commanded of them.

We are servants. We are not volunteers. We are not philanthropists. We are unprofitable servants. Dr. MacArthur points out in his study notes that the term “unprofitable servant” comes with the understanding that we are not worthy of any special honor. As servants, we have been asked to do something and we should do it. Nothing is expected of volunteers or philanthropists, and therefore, they are praised when they contribute to the world. Something is expected of servants. Servants have been given a duty to perform—tasks to finish. When the tasks are finished, nothing need be said. We need not expect Jesus to fall over with appreciation for us. We don’t have to wait for a pat on the back from God. The Holy Spirit doesn’t owe us any warm fuzzies.

You and I are unprofitable servants. Even the Calvins, the Luthers, the Pipers, the MacArthurs, the Spurgeons of this world are simply unprofitable servants. They have only done their duty. Isn’t that interesting? Sometimes we think that there are some giants of the faith that have gone above and beyond what was ever expected. In our minds, we convert them from servants to spiritual philanthropists because of their immense contributions. Don’t get me wrong… I’m not saying that we shouldn’t be appreciative of all that God has allowed them to do. We should be incredibly grateful for the far-reaching ministries that they have had by God’s grace. But we also must keep in mind, that no matter how far the Lord takes us in this life, no matter how big our ministry is, how many churches are planted, how many souls are saved, who we minister too, how many mission fields we traverse, how many books we write, or how many people we counsel, we remain unprofitable servants who have only done our duty.

In light of our great Master, the immense grace of the Cross, and the unthinkable love and forgiveness granted us, it is a blessing to even be granted the opportunity to do our duty as unprofitable servants.

God as my teacher

2006-10-07T00:19:00.000-07:00

Recognizing God as a perfect teacher seems to be a theme in my life. I think this comes from being a part of a family full of teachers. Also, as a person who wants to be a teacher I look for teaching methods and practices in my teachers. I am constantly reminded, as God orchestrates things around me to discipline and teach me, that he is the only teacher with the perfect timing, illustrations, and lessons. He is the only teacher that can bring together every area of your life to get your attention and teach you what He wants.
I recognized this last semester as I examined why I don't read Scripture as often as I should. I found that in my heart I actually thought I wouldn't learn anything by reading it on my own. I relied so much on others to teach me from God's Word instead of relying on God and His Word. When I realized that and started reading more faithfully I saw God orchestrate things so that my planned reading coincided with conversations, problems, and life. I also found that I learned a lot.
I was just reminded of all this as I read I John and I thought I would share a verse here.

I John 2:26-27 "These things I have written to you concerning those who try to deceive you. But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and it is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him."

Circumstantial Joy

2006-10-06T05:29:00.000-07:00

I have been saddened lately at how many little things my joy and hope rest in. I console myself with the praise of men and food so frequently. John Piper speaks in his book on Hungering for God about how so often we fill our appetite with so many little things in life that we have no room for God. That is certainly true of me.
In fasting one day I was quick to see how often I look forward to my next meal or the next cup of coffee to bring me joy and strength through out the day. When I am feeling discontent instead of seeing that sin and dealing with it I console myself with a thought like, "Oh, but I only have ten minutes till lunch." Instead of asking myself why I am so saddened that someone else was praised and recognizing the wicked heart behind the thought I run to buy myself an ice cream bar. Do I really want my joy and hope to lie in food? What a wasted life!
I also see how much I rest in the praise of those around me rather than in the promises of God. When I started to wonder why I was here doing the job I am doing and if they had chosen the right person for the job, I kept reminding myself that God had brought me here. I have frequently seen His gracious hand in bringing me here and in how He is working in my life here. I kept reminding myself of this. I also kept telling myself that God had me here and that he would work it for the good of the families here, my good, and His glory. I also reminded myself of His goodness and sovereignty. The good God that I serve would not bring me here only to abandon me and not prepare me for the job. The sovereign God I serve is able to equip and prepare me. I had to frequently remind myself of this, yet one "well done" from someone I respect here so quickly brought me out of my questioning. I had such joy and my countenance changed to hear someone say I was doing a good job. I was able to relax and rest. What do I rest in? What do you rest in? Should I be resting in man's praise?
I miss tests now that I am not in school because I miss getting that "A" back and knowing that I did a good job. I was actually envious today as the students here received their graded History of Ancient Israel midterms in their mailboxes. In class yesterday, as the teacher recognized how panicked and anxious everyone was about tests and quizzes, he reminded us that tests and quizzes are nothing. We will go through harder times in life. He told us to remember Psalm 34:4 "I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears." This does apply to tests and our jobs and such but are those things really things that should cause us anxiety? There is a family here who have four little boys who are four years old and under. The oldest just finished chemo/radiation therapy. When he was diagnosed with cancer and started radiation his mom was pregnant with his brother. She could not even go near her toddler who was undergoing the difficult treatment because of the health of her unborn baby. This last summer she was pregnant with twins and on bed rest. Recently one of the new born twins has had severe problems. What is a test compared to trials and tests like that?
If those times come in my life and my hope is in food what will I have other than a large posterier? If that time comes and I am far away from friends and family and there is no word of encouragement will I be distraught? People will fail me. What will a test score mean if I am faced with difficulties like that? Those times will come and I desire to trust in the Lord and in His Word. Pray that I will.

Are you time\task oriented or people oriented?

2006-09-18T01:07:00.000-07:00

I have been doing a lot of thinking on different cultures due to taking Foreign Mission Prep last semester, spending a significant amount of time in two countries outsid the U.S. recently, and hanging out with many people from around the world. I started contrasting American time/task oriented culture with other more people oriented cultures. When some of my good friends who grew up overseas pointed out how task oriented I was it kind of upset me. I didn't want to be task oriented. It sounded so much better to be people oriented. I like people a lot and so I wanted to be thought of as people oriented. I saw the difference in the two mindsets when one of my friends and I ran errands on campus. I saw it as wise to seperate since our errands would take different lengths of time and be in seperate locations. She probably would have preferred to stick together and do them one by one while spending time together. Later that semester as I began reading books on cuture in FMP I was even more convinced that I wanted to be people oriented rather than task or time oriented.
My desire to be more people oriented increased even more as I spent time with my brothers girlfriend who is Columbian and as I heard him talk about her family. I too got to see a little of the Latin culture as I went to Peru this summer. I learned a lot from watching the people in Peru and became more purposeful in being people oriented.
This focus and thought process continued as I began working here in Israel among believers from around the world. I loved how long our meals took. I enjoyed talking late into the night over my second cup of coffee. I tried during this time to get my tasks done and still spend a ton of time with those around me. It is really hard to try to strive to do everything, be everywhere, and be everything to everyone.
I am thankful that I have tried to be more purposeful with people. I think that is good but I think my focus on making myself people oriented and trying to not be task oriented was unnecessary.
I came to this conclusion after seeing two men's work ethic recently. One man I don't know at all. I know that he has great material that should be published because it would benefit many and he sits on the material doing nothing with it. In my mind if you have the best material I would think that you would want to sell it and share it with others not sit on it just because you know you have the best so you don't need to fear that someone else will come out with a similar product sooner. Seeing this made me consider the importantance of getting tasks done. Completing tasks is a very important part of loving and serving others. I also think it is important to be responsible and to use the resources God gives us.
The other man I have learned from of late does use the resources God gives, including his time, very well. This man, whom I work for, taught me by his example that if you are Godward oriented you will be task oriented, time oriented, and people oriented. Being responsible with your time and resources will be important to someone who wants to glorify God in everything. Focussing on people also flows naturally out of a heart oriented to God. This man is always working on projects. He is an amazing scholar. A few of us got to go out exploring with him one day. What an amazing opportunity. I was so glad to be along. The amazing thing to me was that he was so considerate when we couldn't do everything he had planned. Sometimes it was because we weren't as fast as he was. Instead of resenting bringing us along he offered to stop and take a break or stop and get a cold drink. When we couldn't make it to all of our destinations, he asked which ones we would like to go to, even though he probably had preferences and it would have been better for him to visit certain ones. I also have noticed his consideration of others when people stop in his office to talk with him. Random people sometimes want to talk to him and he always makes time, even though he has 101 things he could be doing. He gets so much done yet he is so thoughtful towards others. As I thought about this I came to the conclusion that what is important is being Godward focussed. If you are you will naturally focus on others and the tasks at hand. I have also come to the conclusion that I am thankful for my American work ethic and now no longer wish I was raised in another culture. My desire now is to grow in being more focussed on God and to become more like my Savior.
So, while I think it is good to be aware of your natural tendencies, like my tendency to be task or time oriented, I think it is more important to be Godward oriented and to be seeking a balanced life where all your resources and time are used purposefully for His glory.

Writing to the glory of God

2006-09-18T01:00:00.000-07:00

I have been reminded multiple times of late of the importance of writing. I have been encouraged during my time here in Israel to keep a journal. I want to because I have seen how beneficial it was in my past semesters here. I greatly enjoyed reading through those journals over the summer and remembering God's faithfulness to me during those semesters and remembering lessons I learned. It was also neat to see how God has changed me.
I was also reminded of the importance of writing as I listened to John Piper's sermon on David Brainerd in the "Men of Whom the World was not Worthy" series. David Brainerd was very sick and yet he was faithful to write relentlessly. His journals are on my list to read and have impacted many major theologians. His journals also speak of his writing day and night over and over again. John Piper encouraged the pastors to whom he was speaking to write more. He talked about the benefit of clarifying and organizing thoughts by writing. I've seen that benefit in this blog.

I see the following as some of the benefits of writing:
1. Writing my thoughts helps me see how wrong and sinful they are. Seeing it exposed on the page makes me recognize it and hate it all the more.

2. If we have recorded our thoughts on a certain subject, as we clarify our thoughts throughout life we can see how we have changed.

3. I also learned the importance of keeping a journal for contentment's sake and for trusting God in the midst of difficulties. My friend's mom taught me that it is good to journal and record those things and then record how God worked in the midst of them or delivered you out of them. She then uses that to look back on in the midst of later difficulties and remember the unchanging character of the God she serves and trusts in the midst of her present circumstances. She feels that this practice helps her see how light and momentary her trials are. This really helps to expose our foolish disbelief too and it helps us remember when we so quickly forget what God has done in the past.

4. Writing can also be a beneficial form of communication. I have been very thankful for written communication while in Israel. Writing someone a note is an excellent way to love and serve others around you or miles away.

I have not had a lot of time to write and I have not been posting much but I want to pursue it more.

Question 2

2006-09-16T19:40:00.000-07:00

I like this question, and wonder myself what I will answer....

IF YOU COULD TAKE 10 ITEMS TO A DESERT ISLAND, WHAT WOULD THEY BE?

Okay, so here goes mine... I can't wait to hear yours! =)

1. Sunscreen
2. Matches
3. A machete
4. A gun (bullets included) =)
5. My J-Mac Study Bible
6. A Journal
7. A Camera (can't miss this photo-op)
8. A helicopter
9. Helicopter Fuel
10. A helicopter Pilot

Is that cheating? =)

Great Expectations

2006-09-10T20:57:00.000-07:00

Expectations are kind of a funny concept, and yet we generally experience hundreds of moments of expectation every day. We wake up daily “expecting” certain things, expecting that parts of our day will turn out in a certain manner. We expect a chair to hold us. We expect our stomach to growl if we don’t eat, and we expect it to be satisfied if we do. We expect to get certain things done. We expect to get up, go to class, go to work, etc.

This is something that I have been thinking about a lot—especially since my year of being an RA. While one could probably come up with an extensive philosophy on expectations, I just have two thoughts for now.

#1. If our expectations are grounded in the world and in mankind, we will be disappointed and often tempted to sin. Often we find ourselves placing our expectations in others—expecting them to react or behave a certain way, to do a certain thing, or to be at a certain place. The only problem with this is that others are fallible and will disappoint. In placing our expectations in others, we place them in sinful people who will indeed fail us. And when we are disappointed and our expectations are not met, this will often in turn lead us to a sinful response… perhaps of impatience, selfishness, pride, anger, worry, etc. So, we must guard our expectations and be ready to respond to every situation in a way that places confidence in God and not in man.

#2. If our expectations are grounded in God and His Word, we will not be disappointed. God is unchanging, does not disappoint, and does not fail. We can wake up every day counting on Him to be faithful and to follow through with all that He has promised. Can you believe all that we have to rejoice in? We have been brought from a place where the only things that we could truly expect were judgment and hell. Now, we wake up daily and we can have great expectations of God’s grace, His goodness, His forgiveness, His love, His mercy, and His faithfulness to name a few. We get to wake up every day expecting grace from the God of the universe… stop and think of that and see if you can wrap your mind around it. I expect that you probably can’t.

Differences in Sleep

2006-09-02T23:08:00.000-07:00

I already mentioned in a previous post some differences at meal time now I'll tell you that I sleep different too. I am actually tired at the end of the day. It is a good feeling of tired. It is the feeling in my muscles and bones that I have worked. Sleep really feels like a gift from God. I'm reminded here that I am much more lazy in America. Not that that is true of America as a whole but it is true of me when I am surrounded by the comforts afforded in America. I think part of that feeling that I have worked comes from the exercise I get here without even trying. If I run errands it usually involves climbing a hill or climbing many stairs. Have I mentioned lately I am very thankful to be here.

Remembering to be Thankful

2006-09-02T13:28:00.001-07:00

Today my parents and I were out shopping, and I saw a barefoot homeless man digging some thrown-away pastry out of a trashcan and devouring it as though he hadn't eaten for a week. My dad and I went and got him a coffee and some apple fritters. The details are mostly trivial, but it's times like those that make me remember... I am so wealthy and have so much. I have a warm place to sleep at night and three meals a day if I want and a closet full of clothes and a bank account and opportunities for school and to travel and I am surrounded by people who care for me and love me. We in the human race--and even those of us who are God's children--are so quick to forget and complain. It's no wonder that God continually told Israel to remember remember REMEMBER. So many times they forgot and it resulted in complaining. So many times WE forget and start to complain. But contentment... ah, that little word, and remembering what our great God has done for us... how we are wrapped in His mercy and grace. When we contemplate that all we truly deserve is hell, and anything above that is a gracious gift of God... then there is much to be thankful for and much reason to be content.

Dwelling in Unity

2006-09-02T09:08:00.000-07:00

While spending much of my free time recently with believers from at least 14 different countries, I have had many opportunities to think on unity of believers. It is so amazing to see people come together from around the world and to be able to praise God together, and encourage one another and love one another because of our relationship with Christ. I have been living with two roommates, one from Finland and one from Switzerland. It was so neat to have a time of prayer with them before one of them returned home. It was not contrived. We prayed for one another because we loved one another even though we had known each other for such a short time. I have also had many opportunities to sit for long talks around meals and hear many testimonies of what God is doing around the world and in individual lives. How Great is our God! He is at work and it is seen in how we relate to one another. Today in Congregation we read from John 17 which is known as the high priestly prayer. As Christ prayed for us before he died he prayed that we would be one as he and the Father are one (Verse 21) and he prays this "so that the world may believe you sent me." Unity as believers is so sweet but it is also an important part of our testimony. So, let us not forsake gathering together. Let us be likeminded and encourage one another. In Hebrew we sing the following song which is the original (not translated into English) of Psalm 133:1.

"Hine ma tov u manayim shevet achim gam yahad."

Psalm 133:1 How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity .

All Creation Testifies

2006-09-02T09:00:00.000-07:00

I find it really funny that Jod posted an email about God's amazing creation because that has been on my list of things to post about. I like to share about good things on this blog, though most of you already know about them since you have experienced many of the same things I have and learned about the same things. The good thing I would like to tell you about today is the Blue Planet DVD series put out by The British Broadcasting Company and The Discovery Channel. It is a series on creatures in the ocean. I know that you are thinking "What! She is recommending a nature show." I usually don't watch them but this series is amazing. You see God's amazing creative power and His purposeful design. These creatures are amazing and what is really amazing is that we still haven't even seen the bottom of the ocean.
The good thing I would like to see but that hasn't been created yet is a film on the bugs of Israel. I am always amazed as I do yard work here how many different bugs there are here. I see so many bugs that I have never seen in America. There are all different shapes, colors, and sizes. Sometimes one wall is covered with moths of such variety that you can't help but reflect on God's amazing power and remember that God created everything. It would be facinating to learn more about each one because I am sure that all the information would lead us to praise God all the more.

God's Creation

2006-09-01T23:16:00.000-07:00

Isn't God cool?Ascribe to the LORD the glory due to His name; Worship the LORD in holy array. Psalm 29:2

On the glorious splendor of Your majestyAnd on Your wonderful works, I will meditate.
Psalm 145:5

Questions

2006-09-01T22:48:00.000-07:00

So, since this blog is not often used for what it was originally intended for (not that I am complaining, but let's be honest)... I thought I would spice it up a little with a question for whoever might wish to comment on this.

Questions are a great way to get to know one another, and also to think, laugh, disagree, or be challenged. So whether they be interative silliness or interactive seriousness, we will no doubt learn knew things about each other... which is honestly part of this blog's purpose. And since this is more or less a "family blog" with few outside readers, it might just work well. So if you want to pose a question to the readers/writers of this blog, go for it.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK:

If you could invent something, what would it be?

My answer would be an international "BEAM ME UP SCOTTY" device. If I could somehow beam up my atoms and cells to Venezuela or Indonesia or Canada or Israel or Australia or India right now or in the next few weeks, I sure would. I'd love to pop in on my brother in Indonesia and see what kind of food he's eating. I'd like to see my parents next weekend after they are back in Venzuela. I'd like to catch my grandparents for coffee in Canada. I'd love to eat a shwarma with Jenn in Israel or go climb a tell. It'd be fun to visit my aunt and uncle and maybe a kangaroo in Australia. I'd love to see how Megan, Heidi, and Bjorn are doing in India. Just one little "BEAM ME UP SCOTTY"... and I'm outta here! Well, in my dreams... instead it's going to be "Beam me up DELTA" next time I fly. Fortunately, they don't have to disassemble my atoms and cells. I think all they'll do is disassemble my liquids and gels. Anyone else have an answer?

Differences in Meals

2006-08-30T13:02:00.000-07:00

I have noticed a few things that are different here about eating meals than in America. Some of them are true of Israeli culture but many of them are true of many cultures because of the diverse cultures represented by the volunteers here.
1. cleaning plates - I have learned to only take what I can eat. I noticed that most of the volunteers eat everything they take. This doesn't seem typical of American culture to me.
2. I am hungry when I get to meals. Truly hungry. This isn't always so in America where I snack a lot and don't work as hard.
3. My diet is a lot more healthy but the great thing is I don't pay more and take more time and money to get the healthy food and to prepare it. It seems like eating healthy in America costs more than eating junk. Even exercise here is free and goes along with everyday life. I don't pay for a gym membership and I don't take extra time to do it. I exercise as I work.
4. We take more time to eat meals here. Sometimes dinner lasts for two hours or more. New people join us and we wait till they are finished. We talk and share. We go back for a cup of coffee or tea and maybe even a second one after that. It is quite nice.
5. The menu - I eat bell peppers for breakfast lunch and dinner. That isn't all I eat but it is only on a rare rushed day that I don't eat them at every meal.

These are just a few differences. I am sure there are more. One obvious one would be the kosher rules :).

My new hobby

2006-08-30T12:54:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite profs once told my class that he couldn't believe how foolish the girls were that semester for not taking every opportunity to meet with the older, godly women around them. He gave a tip. He told us to make it easy for older women to spend time with us by offering to help them or inviting them out for a meal. I have taken his advice, probably not as fully as I should or would like. I have started a new hobby of washing dishes. It has been great fun because while I wash their dishes they are usually more than willing to talk to you. I used to be afraid I wouldn't do them incorrectly, because some people are very particular, but now I realize they will correct me if they want. Most people aren't too particular because they are happy they don't have to do them. I enjoy doing dishes, and wives and mothers wash so many so frequently, so it is a nice break for them. This would probably be the same for changing their baby's diapers, but washing dishes is a much nicer hobby. Well, I am off to a professor's house for a birthday dinner. Maybe I'll even get a chance tonight to do the dishes.

What is True Success?

2006-08-22T15:49:00.000-07:00

The following notes are from one of JPK’s talks with us during one of our very first RA classes last year. If any current RA’s are reading this or reviewing it—Great! But no matter where we are in life… life is ministry and we are God’s children… so it continues to apply!

What does it mean to be successful?
What does it mean to be what I’m called to be? To be someone that the LORD uses?
Instead of success, think in these five terms:

RIGHTEOUSNESS – being right before God in attitude and action, in principle and practice in order to please God who tests our hearts. (I Cor. 4:1-5; I Thes. 2:3-4) In the end, we are not going to be judged by those who we work with or lead, but rather it will be before the LORD. Ask “Would the LORD have me to do this?” or “How can I do this to please God?”

FAITHFULNESS – Success is not defined by other people (Matt. 25:14-30). Don’t, out of fear of failure, not do anything! Think of success clearly defined as those things you are faithful to do. You can’t meet every single need of those around you… be faithful in the way that God supernaturally sends people across your path.

STRENUOUSNESS – We should think in terms—not of being driven by some external outcome—but rather motivated from an internal strenuous drive… because we are motivated by the Gospel and the desire to see others run hard after Christ (I Thes. 2:9-10). Don’t think of success in terms of things we can see... outward results. Instead, be motivated by the internal drive and effort that is cultivated by Christ. Remember Jeremiah who had nothing to show for his strenuous labor at the end of the day… but he was FAITHFUL.

ATTENTIVENESS – Ministry is done one person at a time… one conversation, one moment. It’s one-on-one with every single individual person… one step at a time of meeting needs. Don’t blow over individuals or their needs because you think you have a greater activity or need to meet. Your ministry should be defined by small, obscure, never-noticed care for individuals… one step at a time. Be attentive to the details. Eph. 4:1, 4:15-16

MEEKNESS – We are called to walk in a meek and humble disposition. Meekness is not a door mat! Even Christ defined Himself as meek, yet He was the greatest, most powerful man who ever lived. What do you have that God has not given you? God desires to see you walking in meekness with a Christ-like attitude. Pridefulness has no place in your ministry! Who are you going to be when other people fail you? Are you going to be gentle and humble in that moment? How will you respond?

Puritain Devotional Thoughts

2006-08-22T08:13:00.000-07:00

I thought I would let you know about a great resource. Daily I get Puritan devotional thoughts sent to my email account. They are really good. Lately they have been about God disciplining those He loves. If you would like to subscribe go to http://www.gracegems.org/ and enter your email address. It is that easy.

Do You Smell Tasty?

2006-08-21T21:42:00.000-07:00

I have had the privilege of spending the last three months with my missionary parents who have now been serving in Venezuela for thirty years. They have done tribal church planting and Bible translation among the Pume people... if you're further interested, you can check out their web site here.

Anyway, it has been a joy to hear my parents share in various churches, and a lot has stuck with me, but something in particular is the phrase that the Pume people often use when they're talking about being pleasing and glorifying to the Lord. It is literally translated "smelling tasty and good to God." One of the delights that my parents have had in that work is the beautiful aspects of the language. Often when the Pume people have caught on to a new spiritual concept, they explain it with words that give a fresh meaning and new insight. So... a vivid little phrase like "smelling tasty to God" is just one of the many ways that they spit the "spiritual vocabulary" back out.

In keeping with smelling tasty, I got to hear a different missionary speak this summer, and he posed the question "Do you smell like Christ?" This whole "smelling" business may cause some to be a little "squeamish" but the sense of smell is truly a strong sense for most of us. We can determine pretty quickly whether we appreciate a smell or dislike it.

Smelling good and tasty to God casts a vivid picture in our mind. Does he encounter a pleasing smell or an abhorent one? And whether or not we smell like Christ can probably be answered by whether or not we've spent enough time with Him; whether we've been consumed with the work that He's about; and whether we're concerned with the people that He's concerned about. If we spend too long in a barn, someone will probably tell us that we smell like a barn. When my grampa spent too long in his garden, he'd come back to the house smelling like a dill plant. Is it possible that if we spend enough time with Jesus, studying Jesus, and doing Jesus' work that we'll begin to "smell" like Him?

I'll be the first to say that I love good smells. Fresh-baked bread from my Gramma's kitchen was a much appreciated smell this summer. I also love smelling clean laundry, a good bag of coffee beans, smoke from the chimney in winter. I like good smells so much that I even bought some new perfume today. ...But... nothing could possibly be as delightful as to smell the followers of Christ... and to observe that they smelled as their Savior and that they indeed smelled good and tasty to the Father.

But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.
II Corinthians 2:14-15

Odd Humor in Life

2006-08-19T10:08:00.000-07:00

I love to laugh. I find really odd things amusing. Today as I walked to church I saw a tree I had trimmed. I laughed to myself as I passed it because it was butchered. It looked horrible. You wouldn't think that trimming a tree would be that difficult. I also laughed today as someone used a trick pen which shocks you as a prank on me. They found the pen hilarious (It was a little boy). What I found hilarious was that I tried it at least four times before saying, "That kind of hurts." I just kept trying to get the pen to work over and over again as someone said to me, "Try to push harder."

Praying In Yeshua's Name

2006-08-19T09:48:00.000-07:00

At church today we heard a message on John 16:16-24. I was encouraged by much of it but I was really struck by the last verse so I wanted to share some of what I learned with my friends on this blog.

"Until now, you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full." John 16:24

The chapter before Jesus says something similar as well.

" ... Whatever you ask the Father in my name, He may give it to you." John 15:16

What amazing promises and attestations to the power of prayer. Two things were drawn to my attention as the speaker spoke on this.

1. Notice the emphasis on asking in Yeshua's (Hebrew for Jesus) name. Sometimes I forget why I pray in Jesus' name. At times it feels like something we just say to close out a prayer because we were taught that in Sunday School. Those words are important though. They are powerful according to these verses. We pray that way because that is how the Bible teaches us to pray so use those words with meaning don't leave them off and don't just say them like a programmed robot.

2. We see that prayer is powerful in these verses so the speaker challenged us to ask ourselves why we don't pray. He had some of us in the congregation answer this question. Maybe it is because we lack faith that He will answer. Scripture says otherwise. Maybe it is because we are proud and instead of running to Jesus in prayer, we try to find a solution and strength in ourselves. I find myself in that position far too often. It is sinful. Maybe we are hesitant because we don't know how God will answer that prayer and we are hesitant to trust His goodness and sovereignty in the matter. Ask yourself why you don't pray. The speaker then asked us for examples of times where we had seen God answer our prayers powerfully and make our joy full. I will share some of the answered requests shared today in the comment section. I would love to hear how God has answered a prayer for you either today or a past memorable answer to prayer. Please post a comment.

American Girl

2006-08-19T09:26:00.000-07:00

Saturday I was called an American girl. It was not said as a complement and it was not said in disdain. It was said in jest. It was said in reference to the fact that I only speak one language. Everyone else at the table, including the children, spoke at least two. One girl, a new friend of mine, spoke at least five. One man turned to me and said, "And how many languages do you speak American girl?" knowing full well what my answer would be, "one." Why do we only learn one language well in America? We study another language in high school but most of us can't speak it at the end of three or four years. I wish we would learn them when we are young as most other countries do. It is much harder as an adult, but it is something I want to work at because language is so important to people. My friend, Sarah, who speaks at least five languages, is from a part of Spain called Catalonia. There they speak Catalan as their main language and not Spanish. She said that if a tourist comes and says "Bon dia" "Good morning" in Catalan they are amazed and grateful for that little effort. Think what ties of friendship or opportunities to share the gospel may be built upon a simple phrase of greeting in ones own tongue.

I'm Here!

2006-08-17T03:59:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to let you all know that I made it safely to Israel. I arriveed last night and settled in. Today I started looking over all the files that tell me how to do my job. The task looks daunting. I keep reminding myself of God's faithfulness in the past when He placed me in positions beyond my ability. He is faithful and that is what gets me joyfully through the day.

Spreading out & Coming Together

2006-08-15T22:22:00.000-07:00

Wow, Jenn K. is the post Master in my opinion. Sorry that I have been tragically silent. I have spent the last few days and weeks wrapping up my time in Canada as I was up there with my parents visiting relatives--in particularly my dear grandparents.

As I write this, I'm in a Super 8 Motel in Ashland, Oregan... in our 2nd day of travel back down to California. As I write this, Jenn is in the air on her way to Tel Aviv, Israel and ultimately the IBEX campus outside of Jerusalem. Most people would probably think her crazy... except for me... who partly wishes I was flying with her. But for now, I'm on my way back to be closer again to our more silent member of this blog... the "other Jen. =) While I'm sure that this next semester will be a busy one for both of us, I look forward to connecting again with her and the times of fellowship that always are a treasured part of that.

So... not too much news from southern Oregan, but I just wanted to post and say that I am thankful for dear friends who are both close and across the world. I'm also so thankful for family, and I know that being with them has been a wonderful part of the summer for all three of us.

Jenn K... we're praying your flight through, and we can't wait for your first post from Israel. Talk to you all again soon...

Expect Greater Things

2006-08-09T23:54:00.000-07:00

During debrief, when I returned to California from Peru, our team was encouraged to not let our excitement for missions and what we saw God do in our time there be a missions-trip high that soon faded. We were reminded that we as believers are missional people and need to stay on mission. Missions is not just a project, it is supposed to be our lifestyle. We are to expect greater things. This is just the beginning. As an example of all of this, the ABWE representative in charge of our debrief showed us two adjoining chapters in John that tell us of Nathaniel and Mary. In John 1 Nathaniel is called to be a disciple. Before he meets Jesus Nathaniel poses the question, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" After Jesus speaks to Philip saying, "I saw you while you were still under the fig tree" Philip is amazed and proclaims Jesus to be the Messiah. Jesus responds saying in verse 50, "Because I said to you I saw you under the fig tree do you believe? You will see greater things than these."
The same man in charge of our debrief continued on to the next chapter where Jesus performs His first miracle at the Wedding in Cana. When Mary comes to her son with the news that there is no wine Jesus says, "Woman what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come." With such a response one would not expect Mary to respond the way she does. Mary turns to the servants and tells them to do whatever Jesus tells them to do. What would make Mary do this when she had never seen Jesus perform a miracle before and when He had responded to her by asking what she would have him do? She responded that way because she was expecting greater things.
We should live expecting greater things. We should expect them not because we deserve it but because of who God is. That is what God does. We should have a reverent expectation, as Mary did, for the powerful work of God.
I remind myself of this frequently as I fight to trust God. I must fight to trust in spite of seeing Him work time and time again in incredible ways. Oh to be like Mary who in faith expected greater things despite having never seen a miracle.

Trusting God

2006-08-09T23:24:00.000-07:00

Many of you know that I often fail to trust God the way I should. Many of you faithful friends have been the ones to point out areas of my life where I fail to trust God and then to lovingly point me back to the trustworthy Savior. Recently I have noticed how I pick and choose what areas I choose to trust God and be at peace in and what areas I want control of and as a result I worry and fret about.
One of the greatest areas I fail to trust God in is my future ministry and work. I have seen Him work in extraordinary ways in the past. In spite of my failures and expectations in the areas He has placed me in the past, He has done great things. I have seen him work exceedingly beyond all that I could ask or imagine, yet I fret that He will not continue to work like this in the future. I hate to move on because I think God can't possibly top what He did in the last place He had me. I know this is wrong thinking.
I keep reminding myself of His work in the past. I also keep telling myself that it is exceedingly sinful not to trust Him with the present or future when I have seen Him work in such amazing ways in the past. I am reminded of this as I read the Exodus account where the Israelites time and time again grumbled after God had provided and remained faithful time and time again. It is exceedingly wicked.
It is also exceedingly wicked for me to not relinquish the trust that is due God because I want control over certain areas of my life. How can you say "Lord, Lord" and trust Him with one part of your life but not all? People fret over my safety this next year. I am not worried about that, yet I am anxious about failing at my job. I don't think God will do great things this next year. I don't trust that He will be faithful to equip me for the job He has called me to as He has in the past. This is exceedingly sinful.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean
not on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will
make straight your paths." Proverbs 3:5

Prayer

2006-08-09T23:00:00.000-07:00

I am currently reading the Puritan Paperback "Prayer" by John Bunyan. As I read it something has struck me that I think I knew but never knew so clearly and never knew how to explain to others. I have often been in discussion with others who have said that they prayed but God did not answer their prayer. When it has been pointed out to them that He promises to give what you pray for according to His name and will they feel like they are being swindled by the fine print on an agreement. That is not the case at all.
God is good and gracious. I often do not know what to pray and sometimes I pray for the wrong thing. I am thankful that many times God has not given me what I asked for.
In speaking on prayer and submitting to the will of God, Bunyan says,

"The people of the Lord in all humility are to lay themselves and their prayers,
and all that they have, at the foot of their God, to be disposed of by Him as He
in His Heavenly wisdom sees best. Yet not doubting but God will answer the
desire of His people that way that shall be most for their advantage and His
glory (pg. 22)."

The Christian prays submitting to whatever God may reply because they fully know and trust that God works all things for their good and His glory. Even if He answers "no" to their request, they rejoice because of this truth.

Psalm 115:3 "Our God is in the Heavens; He does all that He pleases."

We are not God. It is good that we are not sovereign and that He who is good and sovereign hears our prayers and acts accordingly. He does what is good for those of us who are believers and what His will and pleasure is. Those two complement each other.

Learning from my Elders

2006-08-09T22:35:00.000-07:00

While sitting on a bench with my grandpa in small town Iowa, on a warm summer day, I took the opportunity to ask him two questions. My questions were, "What do you look back on as one of the most fruitful or blessed times of ministry throughout your many years and many locations?" and "What was the hardest thing about ministry?" I enjoyed his answers so I thought I would share them here.
My grandpa looks back at his first pastorate with great fondness. He doesn't know why God chose to bless him and his ministry there as he did but he praises God for it. He was a pastor in Pennsylvania in a very Catholic area. The church consisted of about 15 people when he came if I remember right. They told him that there was not much hope for an increase because the local residents were staunch Catholics. He looks back on this time with such fondness because of the large number of people that God drew to Himself and saved during those years.
While answering my question, he told me a story of one man who believed in Christ during those years. Lou Sickler did not go to my grandfather's church. In fact, he was so opposed to religion that it was off limits for my grandfather to talk to him about when they were together. My grandfather, however, continued to show him Christ's love in deed. He would give Lou rides to get groceries and help in other ways as well. God, in His loving, gracious, and divine providence changed Lou's heart as only He can. My grandfather became very ill during his time in Pennsylvania. He was in excruciating pain and was bedridden. In the midst of this adversity, Lou came to visit. He came to tell my grandpa that the night before he got down on his knees and he accepted Christ and that he had believed. He also came to tell him that he had prayed for my grandfather and that he trusted that God would heal him. What an awesome God we have. His providence amazes me. He works in situations where we can't, to accomplish His great purpose.
God did heal my grandpa and Lou became a faithful member of the church. My grandpa had this praise to speak of Lou, "In all my years of ministry, Lou was the only one that invited the pastor and his family of seven kids to his house for dinner. He would set up a table in the yard and make spaghetti for all of us." What amazed me even more about his hospitality and love for my family members was that he was a single man and he still was the only one in the congregations my grandpa served in to have the pastor's family over for dinner.
The hardest thing my grandpa ever experienced in ministry was having to tell the retirement home where he last served as chaplain, and where he now lives, that he could not handle all the services any more. I can understand this in part having just completed one thing to move to another but I do get to move to another and after some 60 years of serving our Lord he cannot. Two difficulties of ministry I have been thinking about recently are: trusting God, as I move, to work in awesome ways as He has in the past and being faithful to pour into others lives as I am no longer around the people I used to live with who I grew to love deeply.

My Iowa Birthday Twin

2006-08-09T21:50:00.000-07:00

Birthdays differ greatly when you enter adulthood. Life no longer stops to revolve around you and your whims on that day. I have not been too disenchanted with recent birthdays but I have been disappointed, at times, that birthdays are just another day and work goes on as usual. It was a nice treat this year to not only have my birthday off of work but also to spend it with my relatives. They make your birthday as special as it was in childhood.
I have noticed in recent years my disappointment from often not doing what I want on my birthday. This year, I was able to witness in another lady, who shares my birthday, an attitude of happiness at doing what others want on her birthday.
My Iowan birthday twin is Joanne Peeke. She just turned 71. Joanne is a servant of God and of those around her. I met her on her birthday at her car where she and her 80-year-old husband were preparing to drive to her sister's house early in the morning to mow her yard. She then spent her day taking her sister to the doctor, arguing with her sister's doctor to ensure her proper care, and taking her sister to get an MRI. On her way home from the doctor's visits she stopped to pick up a chocolate malt for her and her husband to enjoy. That was all the celebration they had because her sister is very sick and she cancelled any celebration they might have normally had because she did not want to celebrate her birthday with her sister sick. Joanne cares for others more than herself. I saw evidence of this as I visited her later that evening. She had over 100 birthday cards that had been mailed to her this year. She doesn't give up people easily. She keeps in touch with so many people. She cares for them, loves them, and they love her back.
Two people she cares for are my grandparents. She picks up their kids at the airport when they fly into town. She picks up flowers if their kids, who live far away, order them. She and her husband are skilled in the art of seeing how to help people and doing it. One way she helped my grandparents was by staying with them three years ago on my birthday when my mom was admitted to the hospital there in Iowa with vertigo. Little did they or my mom know at the time that it was her birthday that day as she spent hours in the hospital with them. She loved them more than she loved herself.
I hope to be more like Joanne as I grow in Christ. I hope to serve others and love others with such humility and selflessness. As I thought about my wonderful, 72-year-old, birthday twin a verse which speaks of our Savior came to mind.

"Even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve,
and to give his life as a ransom for many." - Mt. 20:28

Unsure of the Future

2006-08-03T11:10:00.000-07:00

My plans for traveling to Israel are not as certain as they once were. I might be going later than I originally anticipated, due to a change in the program schedule. I'm not sure if I can change my plane ticket or if I even need to. When I booked my ticket in April the travel agent told me there was one date I could not change. It did not seem like a problem then because I thought the dates were set in stone. I had no idea all that would occur in Israel this summer. This has been a reminder that I need to always be thinking, while making my plans, "if God wills." I make plans but it is God who directs my steps. The following quote has reminded me to trust God in a time of uncertainty. I found it on the bottom of an email telling me of changes in scheduling. Since I have benefited by thinking on it I thought I would share it here with you.

"Accept the things that happen to you as good, knowing that nothing happens apart from God."

A Soul Faces Eternity

2006-07-31T20:46:00.000-07:00

For a little over a month now, I have had a little "job" which was to visit an elderly lady in a home. Basically, I was to try to provide a bit of stimulation for her... I'd take her for a walk in her wheelchair or read to her in bed. I'd dust her shelves and water her plant. Sometimes I'd wait while she ate lunch and then I'd have to do my best to convince her that fresh air would be good for her. She always wanted to head back for a nap.

She was 85 years old, and was obviously frail. She was losing her memory and from week to week she would never remember who I was. Every week she would comment "You're a tall kid" to which I would always just smile and say "yup, I am". Every week on my walk I'd take her by the same pots of flowers and we'd stop to admire them. Every week I'd point out the lake to her in the distance. Every week after only about 10 minutes into our walk she would say "Okay, you can take me back now." Every week I'd leave her tucked into her bed all ready for her next nap.

Today she passed from this world, and her soul went from this temporal place to an eternal one. At first my human response thought more of the temporal.

Wow, I was just with her last Tuesday and she's not going to be there tomorrow as usual. She's gone from this life.

But not too much later, my thoughts moved to eternity. While this dear old lady had little will to keep on living in this life, today there is nothing dead about her soul. In fact, her thinking and understanding now is no doubt more clear than it has ever been. I don't know if she ever recognized the King of the Universe in this life, but she recognizes Him now. I am sad... not really because I miss her, but because I don't know where her soul is now and what she faced beyond this life. I don't know if today she met the Eternal Judge or her only possible Savior. It's a sobering thought. I am quick to get caught up in the here and now, but the only thing that matters in the here and now is living and investing for then... for eternity.

108 1/2 years old and still like-minded

2006-07-26T20:24:00.000-07:00

I am sorry for the lack of posts or emails. It has been a very busy summer. I am currently visiting relatives in the Mid West and internet connections have not been readily accessible.
Today I had the wonderful opportunity of meeting and visiting a with woman who is 108 1/2 years old (She always makes sure to add that 1/2 year). Her name is Claudia Ketchum. She is a long time friend of my mom's family.
Claudia is amazing. She is so full of life, joy, love, humor, and thanksgiving. She loves the Lord and she makes that known in her speech. I listened as she frequently brought up Jesus and praised His name. I listened as she expressed thanks for so many things in her life dispite the excrutiating pain. I listened as she counselled herself through disappointments and things she was having a hard time being thankful for. There is much to learn from those who have lived longer than us, especially those who are believers.
There are so many things I could share with you about our visit. I wanted to share one quote here. She has said this as long as my mom remembers whenever she would cry easily because of her love for others, especially as she would say goodbye.

"My bladder is too close to my eyes. I was born that way."

I liked it because it showed her sense of humor and it shows how much she values and loves people. She knows how to hug, smile, and welcome as very few do.
I was so blessed to meet her and spend time with her. To be honest, I did not want to go and I had no desire to meet some random lady even if she was 108 1/2. Now I am wondering when I can go back.
One of my resolutions and prayers today is that I would be a sincere individual. I do not love others and prefer others as I should. I would rather not converse with people I don't know. I am praying that God would work in my heart to give me a sincere love for others. I want to love believers and unbelievers, those I know and those I don't, young and old. I don't want to be fake in meeting new people and I don't want to be a flatterer. I want to love them as Christ would. I would greatly appreciate your prayer for this as well.

Happy Birthday!

2006-07-24T21:39:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to our dear friend Jenn... someone who has graced our lives with her presence, encouragement, friendship, creativity, service, diligence, and love...

Happy Birthday to someone who has a zest for life, who does everything to the best of her abiity, who continually gives 110% in effort, who desires to please God with all she does...

Happy Birthday to someone who has flourished and grown mightily in just a few short years since her salvation... someone who loves God and wants to obey Him...

Happy Birthday to someone who has been an RA, served on ASB, who has gone on missions trips, who has studied in IBEX, who teaches school to kids, who loves politics (and even likes Election Day almost better than Christmas), who has studied Hebrew and Greek, and who has a deep passion about all of the above...

Happy Birthday to the 2006 Master's graduate, to the next IBEX volunteer, and to someone who will Lord willing be a great vessel that God will use incredibly for His Kingdom all the way until her last birthday here on earth...

Happy Birthday to a very special friend...

The Brilliance of Book Clubs

2006-07-19T21:33:00.000-07:00

I was browsing around the "Girl Talk" web site (one of our links at the right). This site is authored by CJ Mahaney's wife and daughters. (By the way, it's a great site with lots of useful resources... so check it out.) But I found that they "copied" us and that they started a Book Club! Check it out here. Actually, it's dubious that they copied us at all, because they have probably never stepped foot in our site. But it's a good sign that others are doing the same thing... and not just any others, but pastor's wives and godly women who have a site that is probably visited by thousands of people... while we still have approximately 10 who view our site (including ourselves).
So, even though I don't always read my book on time, I am sold on the brilliance of Book Clubs among friends. It's a great way to learn together across the miles and to be a small part of each others' lives. I was reading today in the E. George book, and I am very thankful for it... she is very practical and wise, and I love all her tips. So, press on dear friends, and I will too. Sometimes that involves not majoring on the minors, as I still continue to learn. If you haven't read that part of E. George's book yet, check it out on page 45.
By the way, "Girl Talk" is reading Twelve Extraordinary Women as their first book. Maybe we should add it to our list. =)

Ten New Things

2006-07-17T00:35:00.000-07:00

1. I am practicing soccer as often as possible. I am resolved to use every opportunity to practice to be better prepared for wherever the Lord may send me. I came to this conclusion after visiting Peru, the recent World Cup , and thinking about how most of the world plays soccer. I am horrible.

2. I just finished reading Jerry Bridges’ Trusting God and am very thankful for that book.

3. I am reading the book How to Speak, How to Listen by Adler. He also wrote How to Read a Book which comes highly recommended by many profs at TMC. I am really enjoying it. Maybe I will post on it later.

4. Maybe, I shouldn’t have included number 2 and 3 since I am very far behind in our book club reading and posting.

5. I finished my last paper of my undergraduate work. It feels good!

6. I leave in less than a week for the Midwest to see my extended family.

7.Count down for Israel: 28 days. I made a chain.

8.I’ll write this here even though it has already been written because I am so excited and have no one else left to tell: JODI’S GOING TO ISRAEL!!!!!!!!!!! I’m jumping for joy right now.

9.I just watched The Passion of Christ. It came out when I was in Israel my first time so I had never seen it. I appreciated thinking on Christ’s suffering and God’s grace to me but there were other things about it that I did not appreciate.

10.The weather in the Bay Area is finally warm. I am enjoying the hot weather and iced coffee.

Lessons Learned from Children 2

2006-07-15T14:59:00.000-07:00

I like the questions children ask and how many opportunities are presented to teach them about God. You really can teach them while sitting, walking, lying down, or rising, as the Israelites were commanded in Deuteronomy 6. My nephew in the car the other day asked me, “Aunt Jenny, what will Heaven be like?” Another day, he asked me what a human was. This then led to a discussion of how humans differ from other creatures and things and how as humans we are created in God’s image. At the end of the discussion he drew the wrong conclusion that if we were created in God’s image then God was human too. This led to a whole other conversation to correct this wrong idea. At the end of this discussion I was led to proclaim that God was awesome and completely unlike us. After I stated this, Sean, my nephew, declared, “I think we should tell Him that He is awesome.” My nephew sings theology and of God’s love, grace, creative power, and salvation in the bathtub. Although he doesn’t do it in those exact words. I think it is much easier to teach children these things and they accept it more readily than adults. I am reminded of Matthew 18:3 which says that unless you become like little children you will not enter the kingdom of God.

Lessons Learned from Children

2006-07-15T14:29:00.000-07:00

The thing that has struck me with the most force while spending time with kids this summer is that kids remind me of my own sinfulness and of the deceitfulness which dwells in my heart. While some may look at cute little kids and see the inherent goodness of man, I see mans wickedness and need for a Savior. The deception that a four year old is able to conceive of astounds me. Kids so naturally know how to harm one another and use their mouths to tear one another down. Their first inclination seems to be to fight against what they are told to do and desire to not be forced to submit. I see this in my one-year-old niece.

While working with the kids I also have considered my own actions as a child. In first grade I discovered a way to cheat on my Bible verse quizzes. For the rest of that year I never studied another Bible verse. Every P.E. day, the same year, at the age of six, I would consider new ways to willfully deceive my teacher so I could miss P.E. I was a good liar. There are many other examples in my life of my wicked heart. All of this just reminds me how thankful I am for the gospel. I thought I was very good growing up and most adults also would have said I was a good child. Appearing good on the outside was not enough. I was a white-washed tomb. My heart was dreadfully wicked. I thought I was just fine and that I didn’t need a Savior. I was so blind. I am so incredibly grateful that God called me and allowed me to see my sin and saved me when I despised Him and was in a state of denial of both my sin and my need for a savior.

Two Months

2006-07-12T15:02:00.000-07:00

Can you guys believe that it's been two months since graduation and since we were all together for the last time? I miss you! The time has gone by so fast... summers always seem to fly by.

Just a few thoughts of reflection on things I have learned and observed since we left Master's:
- It's not easy to maintain a correct summer mentality.
- It's not always easy to get my books done on time for the Book Club! In fact I am still working on May and June's!... but catching up!
- I am surprised at times by my own wrongful and selfish responses to some of the people that I love most in the world. I shouldn't be surprised... Sin is evident in all areas, and is sometimes brought out at the strangest (or the most normal) of times.
- It is different to live with people who are one and two generations older than me after living with people all the same age at college. Good, but different. It is also different to go from being Head RA of Sweazy to being the youngest generation in the house. =)
- Sometimes it's harder to get things done when you're not on a busy schedule and under pressure.
- For two months I have been in limbo regarding next year. Today, two months after graduation, I found out for sure what I will be up to next year. The waiting time was a grace of God to me. He gave me these two months to trust Him, to bring me to a place of contentment regardless of the outcome. I am thankful for that. It's good to be able to leave the future in our Creator's hands.
- I am reminded of the continued need to fight to live for what's important and what's true and what is God-honoring. It's easy to be side-tracked. Victory tomorrow is gained by faithfulness today. Too often I forget that.

Well, those are just a few. I am continually thankful for you--my like-minded friends--for how your lives encourage my own.

Iron Sharpens Iron

2006-07-02T00:22:00.000-07:00

(Also written in Peru but never posted)

I just wanted to tell ya'll how thankful I am for you. While reading in Proverbs 27 I was reminded of that. I'm so glad God chooses to work in people through people. I am very thankful to have you in my life and for your wise counsel and input.

Prov. 27:6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.

Prov. 27:9 Oil and perfume make the heart glad and the sweetness of a friend comes from His earnest counsel.

Prov. 27:17 Iron sharpens iron and one man sharpens another.

--POSTED BY JENN

The Power of Prayer

2006-07-02T00:13:00.000-07:00

(This entry was written at the end of my trip to Peru I just never got a chance to type it up and post it online.)

As I have been reading through Mark one thing I have really noticed has been the power and authority of Jesus. It is a really short book, packed full of action. In the very first chapter I saw God's amazing power on display as Jesus healed Peter's mother-in-law. She lay ill with a fever and He took her by the hand, and healed her, and she instantly started serving. It wasn't just a partial healing. She didn't start recovering and relax for a week. It was instantaneous and she immediately began serving them.

As I continued reading I couldn't help marveling at God's amazing power. He continues to heal. He cleanses a leper, He restores a withered hand, He grants hearing to deaf ears. His power is displayed as He walks on water. In chapter nine I found even more evidence of God's amazing power. Verse 3 referring to the transfiguration speaks of clothes so radiant and intensely white as no one on earth could bleach them (ESV). As silly as this may sound this stood out to me showing God’s awesome power to do that which on earth is humanly impossible.

After the transfiguration, Jesus then heals a boy who has an unclean spirit. He says to the spirit come out of him and never enter him again. He spoke with authority and tremendous power. Now the account tells us that the disciples had tried to cast out this demon but couldn’t. After Jesus healed the boy they privately asked why they had been powerless to do so. After being struck time and time again with God’s awesome power I was even more struck with Jesus’ response. He tells them in verse 29 “this kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer.” Prayer is so powerful and it is a means through which God chooses to work and display His power.

I have seen this power on display this week. I told you in a previous post about the little girl who got saved at Alta Routa, the Jr. High youth group. This Friday night I prayed again multiple times. I asked God about a specific youth, about opportunities to speak to him, and I asked Him to save one child there that night. God answered above and beyond what I ever expected or could even imagine. Four kids got saved that night and we found out that 2 others we had been seriously praying for had been saved earlier this week. The two kids saved earlier this week were actually brothers. We have been praying for the salvation of their entire family since the beginning of our trip here. Please pray with us for the Oliva family. God is so awesome and prayer is so powerful. We should be praying more than anything we are doing. We should bathe whatever we are doing in prayer.
--POSTED BY JENN

Social Drinking at Gramma's

2006-06-29T16:00:00.000-07:00

Jenn... this one is for you (you would fit right in!):

At Gramma's house, drinking coffee is a social event. We gather for this mini ceremony multiple times every day, including but not limited to mid-morning, after lunch, and evening. The most important questions to be answered during each of these occasions is "Who will drink?" (to which a simple raise of the hand will get you into the coffee club for that particular session) and the next question is "Where will we drink?" In this house, coffee is not made to merely be consumed in any given location, but rather to all drink together in one appointed location. It could be in the living room, the front yard, the back yard, or in the deck/sun room. And so, everyone knows that once they have poured and readied their coffee that they will all meet up in this one spot for usually at least 10 minutes of coffee fellowship and conversation. These are often when the best conversations occur too, such as talking about funny members of the very extended family, what's on the news, what the neighbor told us, who we saw in town, updates from our family around the world, good jokes, bad jokes, what life was like when gramma and grampa were young, what bad things my dad and his brothers did when they were young, and so much more. So even if I should be studying, I nearly always make time for the family fellowship around the coffee cup. I often come away having learned something new, or having had a good chuckle, and I'm pretty sure I always come away with a smile on my face.

Still Here

2006-06-26T17:20:00.000-07:00

Sorry that I haven't posted for a while, my like-minded friends. As you know I was on the road travelling up to British Columbia last week, and since I have been here I have been working fairly steadily on finishing up a DS (and enjoying seeing family members again). I have also hardly been online as we are on a dial-up phone-line (isn't life hard?) So my thought is that I won't be posting any big posts until this DS is done as it is priority right now. But I just wanted to let you know that I am still thinking of you and have not forgotten this blog of ours. I just finished a great biography on Martin Luther, and I hope to put some of my favorite quotes of his on here eventually. What an amazing individual!

I hope that all is well with you guys. Things here are beautiful. My grandparents live in a lovely town that is surrounded by mountains and has a beautiful lake. The weather is warm, the days are long, the lake is refreshing, gramma's garden is glorious, and you can't beat reading under the apple tree in the back yard. It is great to be here.

My grandparents are a delight. My gramma is silly and fun and loves people. We always have a great time. She is almost 80, and most days I feel like she can run circles around me. My grampa is 85 and he is just finishing his yearly read through the Bible. He is in Revelations. After he finishes, he says that he will go back and read the New Testament again before he starts back in the beginning next year. They are people whose love for the Lord, love for others, and love for God's work has never dimmed even over the course of many, many years. I have a wonderful spiritual heritage... a sweet grace of God to be sure.

Okay, friends... I'm going to go take a few bites of watermelon, and then I'm heading down the street to do some yardwork for a family friend. Love and miss you guys.

June's Reading

2006-06-07T22:30:00.000-07:00

I have begun June's book of the month, "Life Management for Busy Women", and am just barely into it, but I am really enjoying the book so far. It is very practical and applicable. It also reminded me of a wonderful book that I haven't read or studied carefully for a long time, and that is the book of II Timothy. So I'm excited to be reading through II Timothy... the little book which as E. George says is "a letter that contains a straightforward, heart-to-heart, hard-line call to Timothy to live a hardened, tough-as-nails, disciplined life... so that Timothy could glorify God with his life and his service... and so that he could stand up to the trials of life." That's the kind of life I want to live.
Anyway, I thought I'd just post a few of my favorite quotes or thoughts from the book so far.

May we remember that we live one day at a time... yet we are living for eternity in that one day! -p. 6

We must be women who wait on the Lord. In spite of the busy-ness of life, you and I must learn to look to Him each new morning. We must realize that LIFE management is really SPIRITUAL life management. -p. 11

You and I need the spiritual food only the Word of God can provide... and that takes TIME. -p. 13

Behind the passionate life of every passionate saint is a passion for God and His Word. -p. 13

Also Mrs. George was giving some of her tips that she'd learned, and she said, "It's these three small steps that I have faithfully taken for the past 30 years that have helped to develop a personal reservoir of God's Word at the heart of my life." The phrase "small steps that I have faithfully taken" really stuck out to me as a reminder once again that in our spiritual lives, battles are fought and victories are won in the small choices. It is our daily actions and daily choices that will add up in 5 years... either to find us faithful in our pursuit of the Lord-- or to find us complacent in our walk or even off the path and playing with sin and temptation. We might be tempted to "give in" to something just this once, but how we must fight even the smallest of temptations, because the smallest of temptations can lead to the biggest of sins if they are fed and fueled enough. And so as E. George says... "small faithful steps on a daily basis"... this is the tough-as-nails way of life that is required to walk in such a way that that we will be found as faithful and obedient servants to our Master.

Why I Like this Finger

2006-06-05T14:23:00.000-07:00

I shut the car door on my finger last night. It’s such a little part of my body, but I don’t think that anything has been quite that painful in a while. I howled and pranced around and put ice on it, but eventually I thought a little beyond the throbbing pain, and today I’m thankful for this for a few reasons:

1. It reminds me that I can feel. I have the amazing sense of touch and feeling, and not everybody in the world has that.

2. It reminds me that I have fingers. I have 10 fingers, 2 hands, 2 arms, and they all work great. God made them ingeniously!

3. I am fearfully and wonderfully made. God created the body to be self-healing. As soon as I got this little injury, my body responded. It formed blood platelets to stop the bleeding. The body then sent in its troops of white blood cells to help combat infection. Now my body will begin to repair itself by regenerating vascular tissue and will heal and close up the wounded area. And all the while, I just keep doing my thing. What a neat body!

4. It reminds me of the good health that I have. The Lord has graciously given me good healh and strength and the full use of my body. I shouldn’t take that for granted!

5. I am reminded of the Body of Christ that is compared to a physical body. It’s a great analogy. When one part of the body is hurt, all should hurt with it. This was indeed the case with my finger. The rest of my body was very sympathetic and hurt with it. It’s also a reminder that the body is diverse and unique and we should appreciate each part so much. I only have one left index finger which I happen to use all the time, and in the same way, the Body of Christ needs all of its members. When one part of the spiritual body is hurting and suffering we should rush to help that member, to hurt with that member, and to heal that member… just like the physical body does.

6. Finally, as I sat icing my finger last night, I was reminded of Christ’s suffering for us. This seems like a very trite comparison. My finger feels great compared to Christ’s suffering, but when we get a sharp physical pain, it’s a very tiny reminder of the immense pain of the cross. Christ suffered immense physical pain, but He experienced even a more terrific horror of sin and separation which we cannot begin to fathom. His wounds were not for nothing… we are healed because He was wounded.

The little reminders of life are often the best.

Jodi's Top Ten

2006-06-01T22:40:00.000-07:00

Hi Kids... I just thought I'd give you my top news items, since I am still working on my next "serious" blog. =)

#1. Today I read a whole chapter in my World History book on Muslims and the Islam religion... Interesting.
#2. Tonight I had spaghetti and broccoli for dinner.
#3. Today I received my book of the month for June in the mail! Yippee... I will begin reading soon.
#4. Today I did something that I thought I would never do. I went against every fiber in my being and started something that I at one time detested. I signed up for Facebook. Now I have two things that I thought I would never own in my life... a facebook account and my own blog. Yikes. No it's not peer pressure; I think that it will be a good way to keep in touch with people.
#5. Today is the first month of June, and in 2 days some people in another country may be deciding what my next year will consist of.
#6. Two days ago I was with one of you and eating cheetos. Now I'm eating broccoli... Hee hee (that's a good thing.)
#7. Tomorrow night is Friday night, and I will probably do homework... no, I don't hate my life.
#8. Venezuela just made national television as I'm writing this. By the way, did you know that living in Venezuela is more dangerous than living in Iraq? It's true. Living in Washington DC is also more dangerous than living in Iraq.
#9. Today I also got August's book of the month in the mail.
#10. I think that 2 days from now I will post a "real" post. Until then, all my love to you.

Great Post Jenn!

2006-05-31T17:54:00.000-07:00

Jenn, Thanks! So good for all of life, and also specifically for me right now as I work on my DS and online courses. They are "just" gen-ed, but I am finding them interesting (most of the time). Even so, sometimes I find myself doing them just to get the job done. And the job does indeed need to get done as a part of my being faithful, but it's good to learn now because, like you said, you just NEVER KNOW what God will have you doing in the future. So thanks so much for the great reminders. It's so good to hear that you're having time to think over those things as you see God at work there in Peru. Carry on whole-heartedly friend, with joy! We love and miss you.
-jodi

Continuing to Learn After College

2006-05-31T06:07:00.000-07:00

Coming to the end of my college education really made me think a lot about how much I value learning. I want to keep learning in spite of not being in school, where I would receive assignments, deadlines, lectures and grades.

Because of my desire to pursue learning and knowledge, I took advantage of seeking the wise counsel of the professors around me while still at TMC. One prof told me that one of the best ways to educate yourself after college is to READ! READ! READ! But it should not stop there! He suggested then discussing it with like-minded individuals, others who want to learn and are interested in the same field. That's what we are doing here.

Another professor, when asked about this subject, spoke of the importance of knowing your purpose for studying. He said this is between you and God. One of the most important things you can do, therefore, is pray about it. Pray about what God would have you study and what direction God would have you pursue.

I have thought a lot more on this, especially in Peru. While here I have seen how God has uniquely prepared each one of us for ministry because of past education. He has used my limited knowledge of Hebrew, Kristi's extensive knowledge of Spanish as well as her skill in jumping rope, a seventh grade math lesson I remember because of a good teacher, my knowledge and training in phonics from my mom, and much more. I also see how because of our laziness some of us do not have opportunities or are limited because we did not pursue education with excellence. I wish my motivation for studying Spanish in highschool would have been to learn the language and prepare for whatever the Lord had in store for me instead of to get a good grade.

This has all brought me to the realization that every opportunity for gaining knowledge I will pursue whole heartedly for the sake of the gospel. I don't want my life to be wasted and just like Jodi with her "Summer Mentality" realization, I too realize life is short!

God faithfully prepares us for the future. He is the best teacher with the best illustrations, homework, and perfect timing. I want to be the best student I can be. I want to be working whole heartedly so that I can maximize every opportunity for the gospel in the future. The pastor, of a church here in Lima, in a sermon told the Peruvian congregation that they should all learn English because most of the world knows English and then they can tell them about the gospel. I want to be pursuing knowledge and education for that purpose, for God's glory. I want to be pursuing it with excellence because that is what is required in light of God's glory and His perfect preparation of us for the future. I don't want my life to be wasted.

- Proverbs 23:12 Apply your heart to instruction and your ear to words of knowledge.

- Proverbs 23:23 Buy truth and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding.

Posted by Jenn from Peru

Colossians 1:16

2006-05-29T21:45:00.000-07:00

hello to all the monkies out there...God is your creator!

Good Questions

2006-05-27T21:01:00.000-07:00

I was reminded tonight of the importance of good questions. The question, "How are you doing?", only leads to a very shallow reply. Scripture says that a man of understanding draws the heart out. Knowing how to ask a question is a huge part of that. It is something I want to grow in and that I am working on. Asking questions not only allows you to see someone elses heart but also graciously and effectively helps others to understand their hearts as well. Instead of asking, "How are you doing?", ask "What is one blessing and one difficulty you have had in the last week?" You will get a very different response. It is a very good question that was asked of me tonight. Maybe I will write my response in another post soon, but I will not make any promises but I would ask of you: what has God been teaching you in the last week?, how have you been blessed today?, what is one thing that has been difficult recently? Please let me know.

- Jenn

Jenn Posts from Peru!

2006-05-27T20:49:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry that I haven't been doing my share of posting or of reading the books for May. Things have been a great deal more busy in Peru than I anticipated but they have been good. I have been thankful that the Lord has been humbling me through various circumstances here. This has caused me to think on how thankful I am to have a God who is unlike any other. I am so glad that I serve a God who is the most God-centered and focused being alive. He deserves all the glory and we don't so it is right that He is focused on His glory and that He in His goodness seeks our good as well. What caused me to think on this is seeing my propensity to want others to praise and glorify me. I want to steal the show. I want everyone else to see how good I am. This is sin and it is ridiculous in light of who God is. It is good to be reminded that I am nothing and to then humbly come before God in prayer and see Him glorify himself by answering my prayer. It is hard to not speak the language here. Last night we were at a Jr. High youth group and I wasn't of much use. I prayed though that one kid there that was not saved would ask a question that night that would spark a conversation and a chance for one of the leaders to share the gospel. God answered that request and Amber a teacher at the school here got to share the gospel and the girl believed. I want to be doing, doing, doing so that others can see but He calls me to simple faithfulness and to trust in Him. My trust, hope, and joy is grounded in the knowledge that God will glorify Himself in every situation. 

- Jenn

Humility Quote 1

2006-05-26T10:39:00.000-07:00

"The fact that it is possible for anyone to say of those who claim to seek holiness that the profession has not been accompanied with increasing humility, is a loud call to all earnest Christians, whatever truth there be in the charge, to prove that meekness and lowliness of heart are the chief marks by which they who follow the Lamb of God are to be known."
- Andrew Murray's "Humility" p. 12

Small Thoughts

2006-05-26T10:18:00.000-07:00

We are such weak and frail people, and yet I am amazed at how often we try to be so self-sufficient and proud and independent from God in how we live. Actually, I guess I'm not amazed at all because the bottom line is that we are sinners and that is how sinners act. I love Psalm 103 for the fact that it reminds us of our place as small and insignificant and vanishing... it also reminds us of the greatness of God and His incredible mercy to us.
Some of my favorite reminders of that in this chapter are:

The LORD is merciful and gracious,
Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. (v. 8)

He has not dealt with us according to our sins,
Nor punished us according to our iniquities. (v. 10)

As a father pities his children,
So the LORD pities those who fear Him.
For He knows our frame;
He remembers that we are dust.
As for man, his days are like grass;
As a flower of the field, so he flourishes.
For the wind passes over it, and it is gone,
And its place remembers it no more.
But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting
On those who fear him... (v. 13-17a)

The LORD remembers that we are dirt, and yet He is kind to us. I was thinking when I read this... do I remember that I'm dirt? I think more often, I act like I'm made out of gold. But nope, we're just dust... here for now and soon to go back to the ground. Life is fast. When it comes to the end, the thing that will matter is: Did we know and fear the LORD?

-jodi

Your Life is Not Summer

2006-05-22T21:27:00.000-07:00

The following is a journal entry from April 16, 2006... nearly a month before I graduated from college. At the time, I shared my thoughts on this with Jenn & Jen, and one of them asked me to post something about it. So here it is... edited for publication. =)

Your Life is Not Summer.

I realized in talking on the phone with a friend yesterday that I can’t live my life after graduation as though I’m on summer break. Sure—I usually work every summer and have gotten involved at church, worked out, and read books… but I’ve also relaxed, watched too much TV, and have often lived in a very self-focused manner. It’s not that relaxing is bad or that life can’t be enjoyed. But during summer I usually had the mentality that I was always headed back to school—headed back to a more regulated and disciplined life—a life that would be filled with studying and learning and deep conversations with good friends… a life with a great church and great ministry opportunities that were desirable and fun to fill.
But now, as I finish up and head into summer, I don’t want to get stuck in the “summer mentality.” In fact, I don’t even want the summer mentality for the summer. I wish in retrospect that I never had the summer mentality. What I want, as graduation nears and “real life” looms is a life mentality… the sense of urgency and discipline that we should live by as we realize that we are only given one life; it is to be for God’s glory alone; and it is short. The most tragic thing that I can think of is that I would “wake up” when I turn 50 and realize that I’d been playing with life and doing nothing that mattered. It would be a tragic thing if I chose to live it for my own pleasure, my own comfort, if I made my decisions based on my feelings. It would be wasted. That would be a deep tragedy, because life is something that we can never get back. We have one shot—one shot at this hour, this day, this week, this month, this year, this LIFE. It is irretrievable and yet we will be held accountable for each bit of it.
And so as I enter the joys of the summer months—the joys of sunshine, the beach, travel, family, relaxation, and more—I can truly rejoice in these times for they are a blessing from the LORD. But spiritually, it’s not summer—it’s not vacation… nor should it ever be. If I have the tendency to drift and let loose, then I should gird up my heart and mind more than ever. The summer is not a time to coast spiritually. I must still be a good steward with my time. I must continue to make purposeful choices. I must continue to learn what it means to deny my fleshly desires. I need to make decisions on what is pleasing to my heavenly Father—not what is pleasing to what I “feel” like.
Life for Jesus is here and now and demands action and discipline and the quest to know Him—the journey for godliness. And this journey doesn’t take summers off… it’s every moment of our lives until we breathe our last.
I must ever remember what this life is about… and that my life is not summer.

The summer months approach quickly,
But in my heart and mind,
May they never be.

-posted by jodi

Gone to Peru!

2006-05-21T15:31:00.000-07:00

Right now our very own Jenn is in Peru on a missions trip with several other Master's College students. Once they arrived in Peru, the team split in two (as pre-scheduled). Half of the group is working in helping with medical needs, and the other half is working with regards to teacher education. Jenn and three other girls are a part of the teacher education group. They are working in Lima, and all seems to be going well. You can check for their updates here.

Book Club

2006-05-19T22:18:00.000-07:00

One of the main purposes of this blog is the establishment of our own personal Book Club. Each month we will be reading a "book of the month" together and corresponding with each other regarding it. We have already chosen our books for the next several months. Here are our summer choices:

MAY: "Humility" (2 small books... one by C.J. Mahaney and the other by Andrew Murray)

JUNE: "Life Management for Busy Women" by Elizabeth George

JULY: "Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life" by D. Whitney

AUGUST: "Discipline: The Glad Surrender" by Elizabeth Elliot

For anyone interested, we'd love you to read the book of the month along with us and leave comments on what you're learning or thinking about as a result of the books. We'll be posting our own comments here on the blog.
HAPPY READING!

Speaking of Like-mindedness...

2006-05-17T23:59:00.000-07:00

Just putting a little Pooh Bear out there for all the Tiggers in the world that might be interested.... Hee hee hee. We love you Lisa, and we're glad for your friendship. Carry the torch high next year in Sweazy. Love the "J's"

Welcome All!

2006-05-17T16:19:00.000-07:00

We are the like-minded three... or perhaps better referred to as the absent-minded three, considering that we just came out of a very hectic and crazy year at Master's. But it was also a good year in every way, and we praise God because we have seen Him at work in others, as well as in our own hearts and lives.

It's because of this last year together that we have formed this blog--mostly because we want to keep in touch with each other because over the next years we will be miles apart. We are thankful for the way that the Lord has joined us together as friends, and we desire to remain a part of each others' lives. We want to continue to challenge one another and to run the race side by side. But we also made this blog because we want to spur others on for Christ. So if you happen to be reading this blog, it's for you too, and for your enjoyment. Feel free to browse around and leave comments. We'd love to interact with you. Soli Deo Gloria!