I was sitting here today stressed out because I am SO overdue in writing a newsletter. I've been stressed about that for weeks now. Here's the funny part - I have found that every missionary I know HATES writing newsletters. It's almost like "newsletter" has become a 4-letter word in missionary circles. I can be around other missionaries, and if they have a certain edge to their voice, or seem a bit distracted and grumpy I usually say, "In the middle of your newsletter?" And it's almost always followed by a somewhat exasperated and defeated, "Yes." So why is that?!
There is nothing more exciting to me than what I do in missions. This journey God has called me to is seriously THE BEST gig I have ever had in my life, and yet to have to sit down and creatively write about it is one of the hardest things to do! I love to talk about what God is doing, and how he has been directing my every step for the last 14+ years now. I love to tell people about his faithfulness and how I can't do a day of this without his help and guidance. I love to tell people about how it's hard work, but I wouldn't trade all I have seen, experienced, and the ways I have grown and deepened my walk with God, for anything "normal". I love to get others fired up about the God that I love, and the incredible, hands-down action packed life he's asked me to live - walking with me every step of the way. People have told me over the years how they are just in awe… amazed at how much I have "given up" to be in overseas missions. I always want to laugh at that, because honestly - I keep thinking someone is going to find out one of these days how much fun I have doing what I do, and how much I love it - and tell me I'm doing it wrong. I mean seriously - being a missionary is NOT supposed to be FUN - right?!
I knew once I agreed to be a missionary that one of the things I needed to do was go back to my home church, and hopefully one day others, and show them that giving up everything to follow Jesus is the coolest thing you could ever do! These are not the days of hair in a bun, no makeup, and isolation for years on end in the middle of a people group who would just as soon boil you for dinner, then listen to you try and communicate Jesus' love to them. The crazy thing is - the missionaries from back in that day have the stories that would make anyone want to stay home (unless, like me, you're a little crazy and think it all sounds like an amazing adventure!). It's just that for some weird reason they weren't allowed back then to tell those stories with anything other than a deadpan, expressionless face… minus any passion. It was hard. It was sacrifice. It was lonely. And anything other than that was… wrong. That was my perception growing up anyway, and the reason I felt the blood drain out of my face when all those years ago sitting on my deck in California I realized God wanted me to be in full-time overseas missions. THAT (the old missionary model) was NOT ME. Thankfully, God agreed. :)
Anyway, I thought today I would at least get something new up on my blog. It's been way too long. Even though the need for a newsletter is still stressing me out… I want you to know that God IS up to a whole lot with me here in New Zealand!! I DO have lots to tell you… but at the moment, I'm waiting for my new logo to be finished for the ministry I'm starting. As soon as that's finished, I will reveal what has been consuming my time the last few months. There's been a lot, and I'm hoping it will be worth the wait when you read all about it. Till then… you might have to endure a few more blog entries. They are so much easier in that I can just write honestly… and I'm not having to edit and put in photos and all that stuff. Ugh. Newsletters. A necessary evil I suppose - if I can say that without sounding weird.
Let me ask you something… What do you think about newsletters?? Do you like them? Are they helpful? Do they bore you to tears? Is it really worth the effort? hmm. Those are questions I ask myself regularly. Maybe you can throw in your two cents if you have a minute. Oh - but if you don't have a blog you can't answer here, but you CAN answer on FB when I post this! Or send me a personal message… whatever. It would be GREAT to hear from some of you. It'd be great to hear from ALL of you - but that's just completely unrealistic, so I thought I'd settle with some. Jump in and let me know what you think!
My bed is calling me now… so I'll come back another day and carry on with another slice of this journey. I have blog entries running in my head all the time. Maybe I need to just purpose to say something here more regularly. Whether people read it or not - !! hmm. Will work on that one.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
But Lord… seriously…
I don't know about you… but there are times in my life (one of which I am IN right now) where you have to take a good long soul-searching look at who you ARE. Not what you do, but who you really are as reflected in the eyes of Jesus. Has what I DO become intertwined in, or defining who I AM? I know it might be easy to say a quick "nope!" to that, because that IS the correct answer - but what do we really think in our minds and hearts? hmm.
Having been in transition for, really, the last 3 years or so, I have to keep reminding myself that GOD is the one running the show - not me. My great ideas usually aren't all that great, and I guess that's good, because then I know that any success I might have is HIS, not mine - no doubt about it. Right now I know I'm in the right place, and I know God is teaching me so much… but wow. It's HARD with a capitol H.A.R.D.
I had a Facebook status the other day that said "Jesus did most of his ministry on His way to somewhere else". How true is that?! If you really think about it, sometimes the destination is an anti-climax when you look at all He accomplished along the way. Crazy! I must admit, it seems that we have been trained and programed WRONG somehow - especially in ministry. We have it in our heads that being "still" means being "lazy", when the two are not even close to being the same thing. And that what we do equals who we are. And that somehow I am completely and totally responsible for my life or ministry being a "success" whatever that means! If it's not happening… I need to MAKE it happen.
It's real funny because in the church, or in overseas missions, there is an expectation that you should constantly be doing SOMETHING productive, something that produces the numbers, because it seems numbers are what we are concerned with and how we gauge success. "How many people have you led to the Lord this year?" "How is your ministry looking on a spread sheet of God things?" "How many miracles have you seen the Lord perform in your ministry?" "SHOW ME SOME TANGIBLE RESULTS!!!" Whether those questions are actually asked out loud or not - that's where people are at. That's what they want to hear. That's what keeps the support coming. But how in the world did we ever get to the point of making the determinations that the STATS are what GOD is interested in??? What does HE say is important… it's things like taking care of the least of these… looking after the poor and needy, widows and orphans. Giving a cold cup of water to someone who's really thirsty. Speaking up on behalf of those who cannot speak for themselves. Did they get "saved" when you handed them that cup of water? I don't know - maybe, maybe not. But that's not MY job, that's God's job to save them. I am only responsible to be obedient to what He asks me to do - and maybe that was just to give the cup of water and then walk away. But there's so much pressure to "make the sale" that we get all stressed out when it doesn't happen -- in our presence.
So here I am… kinda tired of being still to be honest. I want something I can sink my teeth into… something that people can look at and go - AH HA! Now she's really doing something! And the Lord keeps saying to me… LOOK AT ME. LOOK ME IN THE EYE. Don't worry about THEM. I am learning I need to quit fighting this place I'm in, and try to enjoy it and learn all I can, because it won't last forever. And I don't want to miss one special thing from the Lord during this time. HE is the one I am doing this for… to see HIS kingdom come to earth. He is the one I ultimately have to answer to, and if He needs some one-on-one time with me right now, then okay! I have to trust Him to take care of all my needs in that process.
Who am I? I'm not what I do. What I DO is merely walking out the Jesus in me. And here's the verse I am clinging to these days:
"So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised." Hebrews 10:35-36
If you're struggling right now with being still… or confusing your identity in who you are with what you do… be encouraged. You are NOT alone. Someone told me the other day that the longer it takes to build the foundation, the wider, the deeper and the stronger it will be. Do I rush it and force building something that might last, or do I wait and let God build something on His solid foundation that will definitely last? It almost seems like a rhetorical question, because the answer is so painfully obvious. I know that in the middle of all the struggle with waiting… it's probably the only way for me to be still enough, settled enough, quiet enough, to look Him in the eye… and hear Him say "you are mine and that's all that matters". And when I hear that…. I let out a sigh from the depths of my soul and I know everything will be okay.
So Lord… seriously… thank you.
Having been in transition for, really, the last 3 years or so, I have to keep reminding myself that GOD is the one running the show - not me. My great ideas usually aren't all that great, and I guess that's good, because then I know that any success I might have is HIS, not mine - no doubt about it. Right now I know I'm in the right place, and I know God is teaching me so much… but wow. It's HARD with a capitol H.A.R.D.
I had a Facebook status the other day that said "Jesus did most of his ministry on His way to somewhere else". How true is that?! If you really think about it, sometimes the destination is an anti-climax when you look at all He accomplished along the way. Crazy! I must admit, it seems that we have been trained and programed WRONG somehow - especially in ministry. We have it in our heads that being "still" means being "lazy", when the two are not even close to being the same thing. And that what we do equals who we are. And that somehow I am completely and totally responsible for my life or ministry being a "success" whatever that means! If it's not happening… I need to MAKE it happen.
It's real funny because in the church, or in overseas missions, there is an expectation that you should constantly be doing SOMETHING productive, something that produces the numbers, because it seems numbers are what we are concerned with and how we gauge success. "How many people have you led to the Lord this year?" "How is your ministry looking on a spread sheet of God things?" "How many miracles have you seen the Lord perform in your ministry?" "SHOW ME SOME TANGIBLE RESULTS!!!" Whether those questions are actually asked out loud or not - that's where people are at. That's what they want to hear. That's what keeps the support coming. But how in the world did we ever get to the point of making the determinations that the STATS are what GOD is interested in??? What does HE say is important… it's things like taking care of the least of these… looking after the poor and needy, widows and orphans. Giving a cold cup of water to someone who's really thirsty. Speaking up on behalf of those who cannot speak for themselves. Did they get "saved" when you handed them that cup of water? I don't know - maybe, maybe not. But that's not MY job, that's God's job to save them. I am only responsible to be obedient to what He asks me to do - and maybe that was just to give the cup of water and then walk away. But there's so much pressure to "make the sale" that we get all stressed out when it doesn't happen -- in our presence.
So here I am… kinda tired of being still to be honest. I want something I can sink my teeth into… something that people can look at and go - AH HA! Now she's really doing something! And the Lord keeps saying to me… LOOK AT ME. LOOK ME IN THE EYE. Don't worry about THEM. I am learning I need to quit fighting this place I'm in, and try to enjoy it and learn all I can, because it won't last forever. And I don't want to miss one special thing from the Lord during this time. HE is the one I am doing this for… to see HIS kingdom come to earth. He is the one I ultimately have to answer to, and if He needs some one-on-one time with me right now, then okay! I have to trust Him to take care of all my needs in that process.
Who am I? I'm not what I do. What I DO is merely walking out the Jesus in me. And here's the verse I am clinging to these days:
"So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised." Hebrews 10:35-36
If you're struggling right now with being still… or confusing your identity in who you are with what you do… be encouraged. You are NOT alone. Someone told me the other day that the longer it takes to build the foundation, the wider, the deeper and the stronger it will be. Do I rush it and force building something that might last, or do I wait and let God build something on His solid foundation that will definitely last? It almost seems like a rhetorical question, because the answer is so painfully obvious. I know that in the middle of all the struggle with waiting… it's probably the only way for me to be still enough, settled enough, quiet enough, to look Him in the eye… and hear Him say "you are mine and that's all that matters". And when I hear that…. I let out a sigh from the depths of my soul and I know everything will be okay.
So Lord… seriously… thank you.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Hunting and Soaring
You know how I have mentioned the hawk who lives in the valley below my shack? Well, the other day I was watching him flying around again, but this time he wasn't hunting for food. He caught a wind current and was making huge circles up and up and up into the sky. He actually got so high I could hardly see him! I couldn't help but think how much fun he was having! This particular moment was definitely not about hunting. It was about enjoying being able to fly!
Sometimes we feel like we're so caught up in the "hunt" that we forget there's a whole other part to our lives… a part for fun and pleasure… enjoying the fact that we have "wings" and can fly - simply for the joy of flying!
I don't know about you… but today… I'm gonna fly for a while, just because.
Sometimes we feel like we're so caught up in the "hunt" that we forget there's a whole other part to our lives… a part for fun and pleasure… enjoying the fact that we have "wings" and can fly - simply for the joy of flying!
I don't know about you… but today… I'm gonna fly for a while, just because.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Weddings, marriage, and some other gushy stuff
I was thinking today about marriage - mainly weddings. My wedding to be specific. Now don't get all excited - I am announcing NOTHING. But I thought I'd share my ponderings with you today just because. Well, why NOT? This is a blog - right?
In the last couple years I feel like I've been more "ready" to get married than ever before IN MY LIFE. The funny thing is, I also feel like there's a narrow window of opportunity, if you will, and if I don't meet someone in this window, I'll move on and that will be that. It's kind of an odd thought/feeling really. But, if you know me at all, you'll know that I've never been one of "those girls" who HAD to be married or life was just a disaster. Not at all. In fact, the feeling of really WANTING to be married is kinda new in some ways. I have always looked at it more as potentially a huge benefit to my ministry calling if anything - someone to share all that with, etc. Well, that, and of course someone to watch my stuff in the airport when I need to go to the bathroom, or wander the shops. But I guess the part about the threat of not being on the same page once you ARE married still freaks me out a bit, and makes me think - nope! I'm good to go just like I am thanks!! ha. When I think about how great it COULD be though if you ARE on the same page, going in the same direction… then I'm like - okay. I'm up for that! :) I guess ultimately it doesn't matter what I'm up for though, or where I'm at with it all… God will either bring someone along or not. Plain and simple. My thinking has been more like… okay God. If that's what you WANT, then I just want to let you know I'm good with that. Well, as long as he's not shorter than I am. EEK.
So I was having some time with the Lord this morning, and was thinking about the whole marriage deal - and how that analogy is used so much in the Bible when describing our relationship with Jesus. That got me thinking about all the crazy stuff going on in the world… flooding in Australia, earthquakes in Christchurch, bizarre over the top snow and winter stuff in the USA, shootings in Arizona, and wherever it just was that kid shot up another school and then killed himself, people STILL dying of curable diseases and lack of clean water around the world, babies being left in street gutters, 400 shacks being burnt to the ground displacing hundreds of people in a township in South Africa, (like life isn't hard enough already for them!), this next generation having the attitude of "as long as you're HONEST with me it doesn't matter who you are, or what you believe". Crazy. All of it.
The Bible says to watch and be ready when you see all these things happening because it means HE is coming back soon!! Coming back to take His bride… those of us who He has called His own. The culmination of a waiting period that in our limited view has been the waiting of MANY lifetimes. So I thought hmm. My wedding IS coming up one of these days - the final big deal wedding, where it will all be done and over with here on earth like we know it. The most extravagant and over-the-top wedding anyone has EVER seen! And I thought… am I ready?? Am I preparing myself for that day when I will be in my white flowing gown standing at the back of the church ready to walk down the aisle and meet my fiance who I love more than life itself? Or… am I freaking out, frantically trying to wipe the dirt off my face, and grab something clean to wear as I run down the street barefoot to just GET THERE? Or, worse yet, sitting on a chair in the back yard, in shorts and a tank top fiddling around with who knows what, while everyone is at the church waiting for me…without a clue today is the day? Do I want this crazy mess of life right now to just be OVER, or am I so flippin excited that I will one day soon get to be with my beloved that nothing else really matters….? Am I doing my level best to look absolutely stunning to him when he gets that first glimpse of me at the back of the church? Or am I so blah about it all that I kinda go - *yawn* Let me know when you want me. hmm.
I got excited today as we sat and talked! Excited to think about being with Jesus for all eternity!! Really, that term "all eternity" is something my finite brain can't comprehend, but I know it's a pickin long time! No more pain, no more suffering, no more loss, no more conflict, no more fear, no more inadequacy, no more need to loose weight, get fit, or deal with some bizarre incurable disease, no more pain from emotional hurt, no more victimization or abuse, no more enemies or the ultimate enemy trying to lure us into things that will destroy us inside and out, nor more tears and sadness, no more trying to figure out what it is I'm supposed to DO with my life making sure I'm still in the calling God has for me, NO MORE. Gone. Poof. Done.
In the last couple years I feel like I've been more "ready" to get married than ever before IN MY LIFE. The funny thing is, I also feel like there's a narrow window of opportunity, if you will, and if I don't meet someone in this window, I'll move on and that will be that. It's kind of an odd thought/feeling really. But, if you know me at all, you'll know that I've never been one of "those girls" who HAD to be married or life was just a disaster. Not at all. In fact, the feeling of really WANTING to be married is kinda new in some ways. I have always looked at it more as potentially a huge benefit to my ministry calling if anything - someone to share all that with, etc. Well, that, and of course someone to watch my stuff in the airport when I need to go to the bathroom, or wander the shops. But I guess the part about the threat of not being on the same page once you ARE married still freaks me out a bit, and makes me think - nope! I'm good to go just like I am thanks!! ha. When I think about how great it COULD be though if you ARE on the same page, going in the same direction… then I'm like - okay. I'm up for that! :) I guess ultimately it doesn't matter what I'm up for though, or where I'm at with it all… God will either bring someone along or not. Plain and simple. My thinking has been more like… okay God. If that's what you WANT, then I just want to let you know I'm good with that. Well, as long as he's not shorter than I am. EEK.
So I was having some time with the Lord this morning, and was thinking about the whole marriage deal - and how that analogy is used so much in the Bible when describing our relationship with Jesus. That got me thinking about all the crazy stuff going on in the world… flooding in Australia, earthquakes in Christchurch, bizarre over the top snow and winter stuff in the USA, shootings in Arizona, and wherever it just was that kid shot up another school and then killed himself, people STILL dying of curable diseases and lack of clean water around the world, babies being left in street gutters, 400 shacks being burnt to the ground displacing hundreds of people in a township in South Africa, (like life isn't hard enough already for them!), this next generation having the attitude of "as long as you're HONEST with me it doesn't matter who you are, or what you believe". Crazy. All of it.
The Bible says to watch and be ready when you see all these things happening because it means HE is coming back soon!! Coming back to take His bride… those of us who He has called His own. The culmination of a waiting period that in our limited view has been the waiting of MANY lifetimes. So I thought hmm. My wedding IS coming up one of these days - the final big deal wedding, where it will all be done and over with here on earth like we know it. The most extravagant and over-the-top wedding anyone has EVER seen! And I thought… am I ready?? Am I preparing myself for that day when I will be in my white flowing gown standing at the back of the church ready to walk down the aisle and meet my fiance who I love more than life itself? Or… am I freaking out, frantically trying to wipe the dirt off my face, and grab something clean to wear as I run down the street barefoot to just GET THERE? Or, worse yet, sitting on a chair in the back yard, in shorts and a tank top fiddling around with who knows what, while everyone is at the church waiting for me…without a clue today is the day? Do I want this crazy mess of life right now to just be OVER, or am I so flippin excited that I will one day soon get to be with my beloved that nothing else really matters….? Am I doing my level best to look absolutely stunning to him when he gets that first glimpse of me at the back of the church? Or am I so blah about it all that I kinda go - *yawn* Let me know when you want me. hmm.
I got excited today as we sat and talked! Excited to think about being with Jesus for all eternity!! Really, that term "all eternity" is something my finite brain can't comprehend, but I know it's a pickin long time! No more pain, no more suffering, no more loss, no more conflict, no more fear, no more inadequacy, no more need to loose weight, get fit, or deal with some bizarre incurable disease, no more pain from emotional hurt, no more victimization or abuse, no more enemies or the ultimate enemy trying to lure us into things that will destroy us inside and out, nor more tears and sadness, no more trying to figure out what it is I'm supposed to DO with my life making sure I'm still in the calling God has for me, NO MORE. Gone. Poof. Done.
Then I heard a loud voice shouting across the heavens,
“It has come at last—
salvation and power
and the Kingdom of our God,
and the authority of his Christ.
For the accuser of our brothers and sisters
has been thrown down to earth—
the one who accuses them
before our God day and night.
11 And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb
and by their testimony.
And they did not love their lives so much
that they were afraid to die.
12 Therefore, rejoice, O heavens!
And you who live in the heavens, rejoice!
But terror will come on the earth and the sea,
for the devil has come down to you in great anger,
knowing that he has little time.” Rev. 12:20-12
salvation and power
and the Kingdom of our God,
and the authority of his Christ.
For the accuser of our brothers and sisters
has been thrown down to earth—
the one who accuses them
before our God day and night.
11 And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb
and by their testimony.
And they did not love their lives so much
that they were afraid to die.
12 Therefore, rejoice, O heavens!
And you who live in the heavens, rejoice!
But terror will come on the earth and the sea,
for the devil has come down to you in great anger,
knowing that he has little time.” Rev. 12:20-12
You've heard it said many times I'm sure… look around! The end is coming! Will it be in our generation? No one can say for sure. Every generation thinks it is going to happen in their lifetime. And one of these days, someone will be right! So I guess the question put to us all is - do we want to get married, and are we getting ready for that incredible day? This is our window of opportunity. Let's make the most of it.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
One week down
How's your new year so far? It's hard to believe one week is gone already! It's been an eventful one for me I guess… in that I have seen God's hand moving EVER SO SLOWLY, but moving none-the-less. Any little thing continues to give me hope. ha!
One of the answers to prayer for me is that one of my good friends is going to be moving to NZ to help me with the justice stuff I'm going to be doing this year! I'm THRILLED that God is beginning to bring people to develop this team!! I discovered something interesting about me - I love to LIVE alone, but I hate working alone. I'm so about TEAM and that's pretty much the only thing that seems to bring my brain to life - the bantering back and forth, tossing around ideas, etc. I love that!! So that's a very cool start to the new year for me!
And it looks like my days in the shack are numbered!! As it's planned right now, I'll be moving back into my adorable little flat that I used to live in here!! God is so funny - this has become a fantastic solution for everyone that I go back there for a few months! And, hopefully by the middle of the year I will have my OWN place to move into - if all goes as planned!!! The cool, and very unexpected part for me, is that all my stuff that I gave away when I left NZ is in that cute little place - so I'm getting it all back!!! Full circle!! Crazy!
I saw a video today about a doctor who felt the Lord ask him to pray over a dead man's body. The guy had just died of a heart attack. So he did pray… and the guy came back to life! You can see the video on my FB page. What struck me in the whole story was that this doctor had little to NO faith God would raise this guy from the dead… but in his obedience, he prayed anyway. It made me think about how there are so many (wrong!) people who say that it's about our faith when we pray - people don't get healed because WE don't have enough faith… or the sick person doesn't have enough faith. Well, guess what? GOD HEALS. Not us. And He heals because he wants to heal for whatever HIS reasons are. I think our piece in this is to be obedient to pray when God asks us to - like this doctor - but then the results are always and forever in God's hands - regardless of how we feel, or where our faith level is at.
So I have to keep asking myself - am I obedient to all God is asking of me today? And if I am, then I can fully rest and trust that GOD will do a work in and through my life today. I honestly believe it's as simple as that. Let's not worry so much about our faith levels…. but let's worry more about being obedient to DO whatever we are asked by God to do. And through that… our faith will grow - no doubt about it, which will push us to be even more tuned in and ready to respond in obedience to God's voice!! Fantastic circle of hope and growth and depth in God!
“What is more pleasing to the Lord:
your burnt offerings and sacrifices
or your obedience to his voice?
Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice,
and submission is better than offering the fat of rams. 1Sam 15:22
Have a great rest of your week bloggers!!
One of the answers to prayer for me is that one of my good friends is going to be moving to NZ to help me with the justice stuff I'm going to be doing this year! I'm THRILLED that God is beginning to bring people to develop this team!! I discovered something interesting about me - I love to LIVE alone, but I hate working alone. I'm so about TEAM and that's pretty much the only thing that seems to bring my brain to life - the bantering back and forth, tossing around ideas, etc. I love that!! So that's a very cool start to the new year for me!
And it looks like my days in the shack are numbered!! As it's planned right now, I'll be moving back into my adorable little flat that I used to live in here!! God is so funny - this has become a fantastic solution for everyone that I go back there for a few months! And, hopefully by the middle of the year I will have my OWN place to move into - if all goes as planned!!! The cool, and very unexpected part for me, is that all my stuff that I gave away when I left NZ is in that cute little place - so I'm getting it all back!!! Full circle!! Crazy!
I saw a video today about a doctor who felt the Lord ask him to pray over a dead man's body. The guy had just died of a heart attack. So he did pray… and the guy came back to life! You can see the video on my FB page. What struck me in the whole story was that this doctor had little to NO faith God would raise this guy from the dead… but in his obedience, he prayed anyway. It made me think about how there are so many (wrong!) people who say that it's about our faith when we pray - people don't get healed because WE don't have enough faith… or the sick person doesn't have enough faith. Well, guess what? GOD HEALS. Not us. And He heals because he wants to heal for whatever HIS reasons are. I think our piece in this is to be obedient to pray when God asks us to - like this doctor - but then the results are always and forever in God's hands - regardless of how we feel, or where our faith level is at.
So I have to keep asking myself - am I obedient to all God is asking of me today? And if I am, then I can fully rest and trust that GOD will do a work in and through my life today. I honestly believe it's as simple as that. Let's not worry so much about our faith levels…. but let's worry more about being obedient to DO whatever we are asked by God to do. And through that… our faith will grow - no doubt about it, which will push us to be even more tuned in and ready to respond in obedience to God's voice!! Fantastic circle of hope and growth and depth in God!
“What is more pleasing to the Lord:
your burnt offerings and sacrifices
or your obedience to his voice?
Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice,
and submission is better than offering the fat of rams. 1Sam 15:22
Have a great rest of your week bloggers!!
Thursday, December 30, 2010
2011…. still sounds kinda space age don't you think?
Hi friends! I trust you all had a great Christmas holiday! If you are like most people, the Christmas music is put away, the tree might be down, and you're on your way to figure out what to do for New Year's Eve. In Tauranga the biggest celebration for NYE I'm guessing would have to be at Mount Maunganui. I've spent a couple NYEs down there, and it really is fun! They close off the main beach road and have bands set up for concerts all over the beach, a few carnival type rides for the kiddies, food, fun, and then at midnight there are fireworks let off over the ocean. You can lay on the beach, and feel the thump in your chest when they blow. It's the BEST!
This year I won't be at the Mount though, but rather hanging out with some great friends where we can sit on their deck and watch the fireworks from all over the city - in the comfort of our lawn chairs. No crowds, loud crazy people, and plenty of good food and a private bathroom just a few feet away at all times. AHH! :) I'm sure we'll play some games, talk heaps, eat too much and enjoy each other's company as we welcome in 2011 - praying it's a year of new beginnings, renewed hope, and more crazy adventures!! (That's my personal prayer anyway!)
As I reflect over this last year it's once again a mixed bag of thoughts and emotions. Some excellent times seeing God at work in ways I would never have imagined, yet some incredibly sad and hard times as well. But that's life right? I'm pretty sure you can't live through 12 months without a mixture of both. And through all of it, the goal is to learn and grow and go deeper in our walk with God - the only one who can honestly make sense of it ALL. I am thrilled to be able to look back at this year and know that I have gone deeper… the painful times have forced me there, and the great times have allowed me to celebrate there. In looking at it all with that perspective, I have no regrets…. except for those situations that seem to be unresolvable. For those I have no other choice than to let go and move on. Anything other than that is simply unproductive wasted energy.
In looking forward, my hope and expectation is high that it will be a year once again filled with wonder, awe, adventure, discovery, challenge, excitement, and no doubt pain… and in the midst of it all - REST in the center of my soul - choosing to hang out in that place of contentment by the still waters and green pastures every day. Only in Jesus will any of us have the ability to live this new year well. I am so up for the challenge!!
I hope you will allow yourself time to reflect on this last year. I am thankful every day for new beginnings… aren't you? And I'm especially thankful for my God who created that whole concept - knowing we would desperately need them. ha! I'm certainly going to be thinking about how to do this year better than the last… more confidently knowing who I am, what I am called to do, and especially knowing the ONE who will accomplish His work in and through me as I do my best to remain faithful and obedient to all He's asking of me.
What's your journey going to be like this next year? Are you looking forward to it? Glad for another chance to do things differently and better? I hope so! Greater things are yet to come… greater things are still to be done…. Happy New Year!!!
This year I won't be at the Mount though, but rather hanging out with some great friends where we can sit on their deck and watch the fireworks from all over the city - in the comfort of our lawn chairs. No crowds, loud crazy people, and plenty of good food and a private bathroom just a few feet away at all times. AHH! :) I'm sure we'll play some games, talk heaps, eat too much and enjoy each other's company as we welcome in 2011 - praying it's a year of new beginnings, renewed hope, and more crazy adventures!! (That's my personal prayer anyway!)
As I reflect over this last year it's once again a mixed bag of thoughts and emotions. Some excellent times seeing God at work in ways I would never have imagined, yet some incredibly sad and hard times as well. But that's life right? I'm pretty sure you can't live through 12 months without a mixture of both. And through all of it, the goal is to learn and grow and go deeper in our walk with God - the only one who can honestly make sense of it ALL. I am thrilled to be able to look back at this year and know that I have gone deeper… the painful times have forced me there, and the great times have allowed me to celebrate there. In looking at it all with that perspective, I have no regrets…. except for those situations that seem to be unresolvable. For those I have no other choice than to let go and move on. Anything other than that is simply unproductive wasted energy.
In looking forward, my hope and expectation is high that it will be a year once again filled with wonder, awe, adventure, discovery, challenge, excitement, and no doubt pain… and in the midst of it all - REST in the center of my soul - choosing to hang out in that place of contentment by the still waters and green pastures every day. Only in Jesus will any of us have the ability to live this new year well. I am so up for the challenge!!
I hope you will allow yourself time to reflect on this last year. I am thankful every day for new beginnings… aren't you? And I'm especially thankful for my God who created that whole concept - knowing we would desperately need them. ha! I'm certainly going to be thinking about how to do this year better than the last… more confidently knowing who I am, what I am called to do, and especially knowing the ONE who will accomplish His work in and through me as I do my best to remain faithful and obedient to all He's asking of me.
What's your journey going to be like this next year? Are you looking forward to it? Glad for another chance to do things differently and better? I hope so! Greater things are yet to come… greater things are still to be done…. Happy New Year!!!
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Almost Christmas...
It's been so weird to me to NOT shop this year for presents. HARD actually! And that has made me ponder the whole deal of Christmas and how we are so conditioned to view it and participate in it. I'm torn a little with loving all the hoopla that goes into this holiday - the lights, tree, presses, great food, friends and family gathering, Christmas carols… and if you're really lucky… SNOW. That sure helps to make the season bright in MY mind! I grew up in Hawaii not having cold Christmases but ever since living in California where there are actually seasons, and the cold really is COLD, I find I miss it now being in another country where Christmas means time at the beach and SUN. (That could be debatable if you judge from the last few days! Not much sun around these parts.) I sure would love being in some snow right now!!
Yesterday I was in a store and the girl behind the counter was talking to a co-worker and said, "I HATE Christmas carols!! Every store I go into they are blaring… and I'm so over it". Wow. Really?? I'd listen to Christmas music all year long, except that it would wreck the specialness of them at Christmastime. Another friend on Facebook said, "I'd rather cut off both my hands than have to listen to another Christmas song". REALLY?? Sad. I'm guessing both of these people really haven't experienced the Jesus of Christmas… so all the songs are dumb and meaningless. I guess I can understand that - considering.
What do you think Jesus would do if he were here on His birthday? How would He celebrate? Would he put up a tree… drink eggnog… make Christmas cookies for the neighbors? hmm. I don't know. But I can picture him throwing a HUGE party and inviting the poor and the needy… inside and outside poor and needy… no one would be excluded… and I think he would show love to them like they've never seen before. I think he'd explain to them why he was born in the first place, and how that part isn't even the really GREAT part of the story - but he'd do this big build up to Easter Sunday - the day when all history was changed forever! His birth wouldn't be all that exciting without Easter Sunday, after all.
I LOVE Christmas!! It's hands down my favorite season. And I think I've realized something this year… as I've been "anti-presents" for those who already have so much (myself included). I think I needed this break in order to gain some much-needed perspective. It's not about NOT giving or receiving gifts… but it's about balance. If we are only spending ridiculous amounts of money on each other… and completely ignoring those around us who have nothing… then I think we're out of balance. This year for me - it was ALL about those who have nothing. Next year I think I'll go back to giving presents again… but only in balance with still looking after those most in need. I think that's a good compromise, don't you?
Wouldn't it be great if we all started some new traditions this year? (or next year if it's too late this time around) Traditions that include thinking outside ourselves and our circle of family and friends to show some love to those who are trying desperately to survive this harsh world? I want that in my life, and in the lives of my friends and family. I want us all to love as Jesus loved… and not be so caught up in US.
So… to my friends who have endured my swing this year… thanks for your understanding. Thanks to those of you who also "get it" and have jumped in with me to do this. I know we have blessed many and it's been fun doing it together!! I hope it has changed you in some way… brought more balance maybe if that was needed. It certainly has changed me!
"For unto you is born this day in the City of David… a Saviour who is Christ the Lord". Thank you Jesus for being born… and thanks for the warmth of this season celebrating all that is truly Christmas. I am pretty sure you enjoy it too. Happy birthday! xx
Yesterday I was in a store and the girl behind the counter was talking to a co-worker and said, "I HATE Christmas carols!! Every store I go into they are blaring… and I'm so over it". Wow. Really?? I'd listen to Christmas music all year long, except that it would wreck the specialness of them at Christmastime. Another friend on Facebook said, "I'd rather cut off both my hands than have to listen to another Christmas song". REALLY?? Sad. I'm guessing both of these people really haven't experienced the Jesus of Christmas… so all the songs are dumb and meaningless. I guess I can understand that - considering.
What do you think Jesus would do if he were here on His birthday? How would He celebrate? Would he put up a tree… drink eggnog… make Christmas cookies for the neighbors? hmm. I don't know. But I can picture him throwing a HUGE party and inviting the poor and the needy… inside and outside poor and needy… no one would be excluded… and I think he would show love to them like they've never seen before. I think he'd explain to them why he was born in the first place, and how that part isn't even the really GREAT part of the story - but he'd do this big build up to Easter Sunday - the day when all history was changed forever! His birth wouldn't be all that exciting without Easter Sunday, after all.
I LOVE Christmas!! It's hands down my favorite season. And I think I've realized something this year… as I've been "anti-presents" for those who already have so much (myself included). I think I needed this break in order to gain some much-needed perspective. It's not about NOT giving or receiving gifts… but it's about balance. If we are only spending ridiculous amounts of money on each other… and completely ignoring those around us who have nothing… then I think we're out of balance. This year for me - it was ALL about those who have nothing. Next year I think I'll go back to giving presents again… but only in balance with still looking after those most in need. I think that's a good compromise, don't you?
Wouldn't it be great if we all started some new traditions this year? (or next year if it's too late this time around) Traditions that include thinking outside ourselves and our circle of family and friends to show some love to those who are trying desperately to survive this harsh world? I want that in my life, and in the lives of my friends and family. I want us all to love as Jesus loved… and not be so caught up in US.
So… to my friends who have endured my swing this year… thanks for your understanding. Thanks to those of you who also "get it" and have jumped in with me to do this. I know we have blessed many and it's been fun doing it together!! I hope it has changed you in some way… brought more balance maybe if that was needed. It certainly has changed me!
"For unto you is born this day in the City of David… a Saviour who is Christ the Lord". Thank you Jesus for being born… and thanks for the warmth of this season celebrating all that is truly Christmas. I am pretty sure you enjoy it too. Happy birthday! xx
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