Habakkuk is not necessarily the easiest book in the Bible to understand. I mean, most people have a hard time just spelling its author's name. Yet one teacher, missionary in Nigeria, decided to have her seventh grade class study this book. As part of this study, she had the students write their own "book" to God in the same general format as the book - our complaint, God's reply, and our prayer in response (note: I realize that the book itself actually has two interchanges between Habakkuk and God, but, hey, they were seventh graders, not seminary students). Some of the kid's assignments were included in the latest "Serving in Mission Together", a magazine put out by SIM. I'm including one here that particularly struck me.
"One girl wrote: Complaint - 'God, you took my mum and left me alone to care for the younger children.' She created this answer from God: 'My dearest daughter, you know I love you and always will. You and your family are mine. Your mum is mine, and I was sharing her with you.'"
Nothing like the words of a child to really put everything into perspective.
23 January 2009
18 January 2009
Free Advice
Forget what you learned growing up: always talk to strangers.
I should probably explain. After church today, Luke had the afternoon off and it was a beautiful 65 degrees out (a perk of living in Texas in January). After lunch we grabbed a blanket and books and drove down to White Rock Lake to relax, people watch and whatever else. I convinced Luke to walk a bit before settling in with our books, and we are so glad we did. Often when I have ridden my bike around the lake on Sunday afternoons I have noticed the guy with a tarp, a few chairs and a simple sign: free advice. I usually would muse to myself about it and carry on in my ride. But as we strolled near his "advice booth" today, the Lord placed an urge in my heart that told me to stop and talk to him. Luke is used to my random conversations with strangers and humored me as I walked over to the tarp.
The conversation started out simply enough - I noted that he was like Lucy in Peanuts and I thought it was a great idea - and he said he'd been there every Sunday afternoon for 13 years. After we talked about this and that for a bit, he asked what the story of the two of us (Luke and I) was. In short, I said we are married and are preparing to move to Africa for missions. He made an observation that I am a "Christian tomboy," explaining that he doesn't mean that in the skirts vs. jeans sense, but more that I am strong woman. Apparently his mom was a strong woman who forged her birth certificate at 15 to join the Navy and upon retirement gave away all she had and moved to Jerusalem to share the gospel with Orthodox Jews and Muslims. Something in the talk led me to ask if he had a church he went to here, and he said no, but with good reason...
Our new friend is autistic. He doesn't understand language in the sense that most people do, and though he is extremely intelligent and intuitive, words really mean very little to him. Processing information takes a completely different focus for him. He explained that his mother had asked pastors and priests to pray over him several times - not quite understanding how her son could grasp the Truth without loving the Word itself. Each time, the given pastor (there were two occasions with different ministers) would stop and say the Lord audibly told him that he should stop because the man was "right with God." He said he understands salvation in an experiential way. He feels the presence of God the Father, God the Son and the Holy Spirit in a much different but very real way. He went on to explain a little more and then asked if I understood what he was saying. Leaning on the Lord's leading, I responded that scripture is the Word of God and is inspired by God - therefore God himself is in the words. This is why many people can read the words and get no meaning from them because the Spirit has not opened their hearts to the truth of the scriptures. God is not limited to His Word, but IS the Word.
(it sounded much more eloquent at the time, but that's the gist of it)
Well apparently I was the first person to ever understand him - and that I "said what he was saying but much more clearly." He said it was clear that I had a gift of discernment and that he has known many people in his life who have thought they were called to missions, and were not really cut out for it. He's seen many people who set out on that adventure only to realize it is not where God had them to be - but us - he could see that we were supposed to be going and that we would be great. He also asked about funding - whether we had to raise all our funding or if there was some sort of other source, and we said we have to raise it all but won't know exactly what that looks like for the long run until this summer or fall when we get our placement assignment. When he asked how we would do it, we said letters, visits to churches, etc, and that we're getting our start with letters for this upcoming trip. He asked if he could make a small contribution, pulled out his wallet, and gave us a large cash gift - and hugged both of us, telling us that we blessed him today and made it worth getting out of bed this morning.
if you wonder why I haven't used his name the whole time, it's because we went through this whole 40-or-so minute conversation without knowing his name. It was only as we were saying our good byes that I asked his name. Roderick. And we're not strangers anymore.
God is so good!
I should probably explain. After church today, Luke had the afternoon off and it was a beautiful 65 degrees out (a perk of living in Texas in January). After lunch we grabbed a blanket and books and drove down to White Rock Lake to relax, people watch and whatever else. I convinced Luke to walk a bit before settling in with our books, and we are so glad we did. Often when I have ridden my bike around the lake on Sunday afternoons I have noticed the guy with a tarp, a few chairs and a simple sign: free advice. I usually would muse to myself about it and carry on in my ride. But as we strolled near his "advice booth" today, the Lord placed an urge in my heart that told me to stop and talk to him. Luke is used to my random conversations with strangers and humored me as I walked over to the tarp.
The conversation started out simply enough - I noted that he was like Lucy in Peanuts and I thought it was a great idea - and he said he'd been there every Sunday afternoon for 13 years. After we talked about this and that for a bit, he asked what the story of the two of us (Luke and I) was. In short, I said we are married and are preparing to move to Africa for missions. He made an observation that I am a "Christian tomboy," explaining that he doesn't mean that in the skirts vs. jeans sense, but more that I am strong woman. Apparently his mom was a strong woman who forged her birth certificate at 15 to join the Navy and upon retirement gave away all she had and moved to Jerusalem to share the gospel with Orthodox Jews and Muslims. Something in the talk led me to ask if he had a church he went to here, and he said no, but with good reason...
Our new friend is autistic. He doesn't understand language in the sense that most people do, and though he is extremely intelligent and intuitive, words really mean very little to him. Processing information takes a completely different focus for him. He explained that his mother had asked pastors and priests to pray over him several times - not quite understanding how her son could grasp the Truth without loving the Word itself. Each time, the given pastor (there were two occasions with different ministers) would stop and say the Lord audibly told him that he should stop because the man was "right with God." He said he understands salvation in an experiential way. He feels the presence of God the Father, God the Son and the Holy Spirit in a much different but very real way. He went on to explain a little more and then asked if I understood what he was saying. Leaning on the Lord's leading, I responded that scripture is the Word of God and is inspired by God - therefore God himself is in the words. This is why many people can read the words and get no meaning from them because the Spirit has not opened their hearts to the truth of the scriptures. God is not limited to His Word, but IS the Word.
(it sounded much more eloquent at the time, but that's the gist of it)
Well apparently I was the first person to ever understand him - and that I "said what he was saying but much more clearly." He said it was clear that I had a gift of discernment and that he has known many people in his life who have thought they were called to missions, and were not really cut out for it. He's seen many people who set out on that adventure only to realize it is not where God had them to be - but us - he could see that we were supposed to be going and that we would be great. He also asked about funding - whether we had to raise all our funding or if there was some sort of other source, and we said we have to raise it all but won't know exactly what that looks like for the long run until this summer or fall when we get our placement assignment. When he asked how we would do it, we said letters, visits to churches, etc, and that we're getting our start with letters for this upcoming trip. He asked if he could make a small contribution, pulled out his wallet, and gave us a large cash gift - and hugged both of us, telling us that we blessed him today and made it worth getting out of bed this morning.
if you wonder why I haven't used his name the whole time, it's because we went through this whole 40-or-so minute conversation without knowing his name. It was only as we were saying our good byes that I asked his name. Roderick. And we're not strangers anymore.
God is so good!
17 January 2009
Countdown to Zambia!
Again, I've been a complete slacker when it comes to updating this blog. You would think the "writer" of the family would "write" more, but when you work at a computer 40 hours a week - writing - getting back on and putting thought into something when not at work takes serious convincing. That said, here I am, but just briefly. We are less than seven weeks away from our trip to Zambia, and yet I feel we're still recovering from our whirlwind Christmas trip and our recent weekend in North Carolina with SIM (read a bit more about that in the letter - and I'm sure we'll both write more as time goes on... basically, God is awesome and we are learning to trust in His timing as we look at long-term missions - and also know we have a TON of preparation to do before we go...)
As I said, this will be brief, but I wanted to let everyone know that our most recent letter has been put in the mail, and many have also received it by e-mail, but in case you weren't one of the lucky ones, click the image below. Also, if you want to be added to the list - send us either your address or e-mail address (whichever way you prefer to receive the newsletter). May God Bless you and yours so that you may in turn be a blessing to His people everywhere!
Now, off to attack some of the reading, studying, preparing and such that is necessary before moving across the world!
As I said, this will be brief, but I wanted to let everyone know that our most recent letter has been put in the mail, and many have also received it by e-mail, but in case you weren't one of the lucky ones, click the image below. Also, if you want to be added to the list - send us either your address or e-mail address (whichever way you prefer to receive the newsletter). May God Bless you and yours so that you may in turn be a blessing to His people everywhere!
Now, off to attack some of the reading, studying, preparing and such that is necessary before moving across the world!
07 January 2009
The King in Prince Caspian
So, I'm pretty much addicted to watching movies. Currently in the loop in our study is Prince Caspian, which I watch about every other day. Granted I love the whole movie, but there is one part towards the end that really gets me every time. While Peter is having his duel to save Narnia, Lucy goes into the woods to find Aslan. When she finally gets to him, we have a scene where she is laying in front of him and they're talking. The dialogue goes something like this.
Lucy: "I wanted to come sooner, but the others didn't believe me."
Aslan: "And why would that keep you from coming?"
Lucy: "I'm sorry."
She knew that what the others thought should not have been an excuse, so when questioned about this her only response was to apologize.
How often do we have similar conversations with God? When we finally get around to seeking Him, we bring excuses. "I would have come sooner, but (insert bad reason here)." And God responds lovingly, but sternly, making us realize that He should take priority over anything else. We have nothing to do but apologize for our lack of faith.
There is nothing that should keep us from our Father. No man, no feeling, no schedule. God deserves the praises due His name. So when we find ourselves making excuses for not pursuing Him, we must realize our lack of faith and humbly come into His presence, not bearing these excuses, but turning to our loving Father who, alone, can provide the forgiveness and love we need.
Lucy: "I wanted to come sooner, but the others didn't believe me."
Aslan: "And why would that keep you from coming?"
Lucy: "I'm sorry."
She knew that what the others thought should not have been an excuse, so when questioned about this her only response was to apologize.
How often do we have similar conversations with God? When we finally get around to seeking Him, we bring excuses. "I would have come sooner, but (insert bad reason here)." And God responds lovingly, but sternly, making us realize that He should take priority over anything else. We have nothing to do but apologize for our lack of faith.
There is nothing that should keep us from our Father. No man, no feeling, no schedule. God deserves the praises due His name. So when we find ourselves making excuses for not pursuing Him, we must realize our lack of faith and humbly come into His presence, not bearing these excuses, but turning to our loving Father who, alone, can provide the forgiveness and love we need.
18 December 2008
When God Spins You 'Round
Do you ever take life for granted? You know what I'm talking about. You stop looking at everything you have as a great gift from God, but rather as a given that you deserve. No longer is your job a blessing, but a drudgery that you have to go to every day. What was once a vibrant relationship with the Creator has become an understanding that He is there, but only as much as you want Him to be.
I was going through a time like that. I finished my last seminary class last Friday, and since all of my work was turned in before that, when I left campus, I was officially done with seminary. I was proud of myself, and ready to go out and do what I wanted to do. I didn't see my training as a blessing of God preparing me for the ministry and life He has planned for me; I saw it as a step in the path that lead me to where I wanted to go.
So I went about my life how I wanted to. And that's when God decided to give my life a spin.
Literally.
I was driving to work at about 3 on Monday afternoon. Driving in Dallas is always an experience, but this particular trip would prove to be the most memorable. As I came off an exit ramp and looked to merge left, a car flew up on my left side, pulls directly in front of me (where there really wasn't room), and then slams on the brakes. With nothing else to do, I tried to get into the now empty lane to my left, but had to slam on my brakes so as not to crash into the (really expensive) car directly in front of me. The combination of turning my wheel, hitting the brakes, and borderline frozen pavement sent me spinning. My car started spinning to the right while traveling to the left before my wheels caught (I was steering in the direction of the skid). I immediately started spinning left and traveling back in the direction I came from (and then some). I spun two and a half rotations traveling right across three lanes of traffic, then another quarter turn back before coming to a gentle stop on the shoulder, safely between some construction cones and a few yards from a flashing construction sign.
Pretty frightening, right?
But get this - I didn't hit anything. No cars smashed into me. Never hit a guard rail. Never hit a traffic cone. Didn't blow a tire. No injuries. Nothing.
Did I mention it was 3 PM, the beginning of Dallas rush hour? I was by no means the only car on the road, yet I never hit or got hit by anything.
All at once I realized two things. First, I realized that God has plans for me that did not include me getting killed on Monday. Second, they are God's plans, and they are a blessing to be a part of, so I need to live my life accordingly, giving credit where it is due and seeking to glorify Him in all that I do.
As I realize that there is no other reason for me to be alive and healthy today than God's provision and protection, I wonder if maybe you are taking life for granted as well. Maybe you feel as though you are going through the motions of life, not really having much purpose in what you are doing. Now would be a great time to turn to the Father who loves you and dedicate your life to serving Him. Otherwise He may use other means to get your attention. And sometimes that doesn't feel so good...but serving the Lord brings a greater joy than we can ever imagine.
I was going through a time like that. I finished my last seminary class last Friday, and since all of my work was turned in before that, when I left campus, I was officially done with seminary. I was proud of myself, and ready to go out and do what I wanted to do. I didn't see my training as a blessing of God preparing me for the ministry and life He has planned for me; I saw it as a step in the path that lead me to where I wanted to go.
So I went about my life how I wanted to. And that's when God decided to give my life a spin.
Literally.
I was driving to work at about 3 on Monday afternoon. Driving in Dallas is always an experience, but this particular trip would prove to be the most memorable. As I came off an exit ramp and looked to merge left, a car flew up on my left side, pulls directly in front of me (where there really wasn't room), and then slams on the brakes. With nothing else to do, I tried to get into the now empty lane to my left, but had to slam on my brakes so as not to crash into the (really expensive) car directly in front of me. The combination of turning my wheel, hitting the brakes, and borderline frozen pavement sent me spinning. My car started spinning to the right while traveling to the left before my wheels caught (I was steering in the direction of the skid). I immediately started spinning left and traveling back in the direction I came from (and then some). I spun two and a half rotations traveling right across three lanes of traffic, then another quarter turn back before coming to a gentle stop on the shoulder, safely between some construction cones and a few yards from a flashing construction sign.
Pretty frightening, right?
But get this - I didn't hit anything. No cars smashed into me. Never hit a guard rail. Never hit a traffic cone. Didn't blow a tire. No injuries. Nothing.
Did I mention it was 3 PM, the beginning of Dallas rush hour? I was by no means the only car on the road, yet I never hit or got hit by anything.
All at once I realized two things. First, I realized that God has plans for me that did not include me getting killed on Monday. Second, they are God's plans, and they are a blessing to be a part of, so I need to live my life accordingly, giving credit where it is due and seeking to glorify Him in all that I do.
As I realize that there is no other reason for me to be alive and healthy today than God's provision and protection, I wonder if maybe you are taking life for granted as well. Maybe you feel as though you are going through the motions of life, not really having much purpose in what you are doing. Now would be a great time to turn to the Father who loves you and dedicate your life to serving Him. Otherwise He may use other means to get your attention. And sometimes that doesn't feel so good...but serving the Lord brings a greater joy than we can ever imagine.
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