We are trying something new (for us) this year. Every day I hear, "how many days until Christmas?" UGH! So, I made a green and red paper chain. We will rip one link off every day giving a visual of how many days until Christmas. On each link I put either a verse, a Christmas greeting in a different language, or a day of Christmas from the 12 days of Christmas. On the back there are things like: baking something with Mom to give to someone else or keep, doing something special for someone in the family without them knowing, making a craft, picking a Christmas movie to watch together, etc. I am using the ADVENTure book by Lisa Welchel and Christmas Around the World by Mary D. Lankford for the baking and craft ideas.
My desire is that this will not only keep me from hearing the dreaded question 145 times a day but also to refocus my crew. I hope that they can enjoy serving and encouraging others and focus on the Reason we celebrate...JESUS!
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Full
We had a wonderful Thanksgiving.
After taking a winding road up through the tea fields we reached our destination for the day. We walked into the house and a fire was blazing in the fireplace. I felt giddy. After a few moments of soaking up the pleasure of the fire I looked out the windows lining the back wall and my eyes feasted on some of the most beautiful scenery. We were in a farm house in the middle of a flower/ tea farm. There were cows grazing, green, rolling hills, towering trees, gorgeous flowers, and a clear, blue sky as a back drop. I wanted to STAY forever.
We were gathered with some new and some not quite so new friends to celebrate Thanksgiving. I felt full, and not because of the incredible foods we ate, but because this place was a gift to my soul! God does things like that. He is so creative, so majestic, and He shows us this through things like HIS creation. Not only is He creative and majestic, He is intimately concerned with us, His precious creation. He knows how much I love a fireplace. This was no ordinary fireplace. It had a beautiful, deeply colored wood mantle, and the fireplace itself was large. I am telling you, every time I passed that wonderful sight I wanted to cry. He knows me and what gives my heart pleasure. Between the view, the fire, the food, and the fellowship it was a full day. The hours passed but it really felt like time stood still.
All week we had been focusing on the treasures of God's provision, His word, Salvation, our health and freedom, and His protection using a Thanksgiving resource we got years ago. It helped us focus on why we celebrate historically as well as spiritually.
We have so much to be thankful for. We live in a place where we see poverty on a daily basis. Chris has been visiting people who have little to no food, are sick and/or have lost family members because of the famine in the horn of Africa. Chris is feeling so much better after a year of really struggling physically. I could go on and on. God is good and not just because we are where we are physically and emotionally but also because He was there when we were struggling physically and emotionally this year. He was faithful then and He is faithful now.
As I enjoyed our time in the hills on Thanksgiving, being fully there and enjoying every moment, I was reminded to be fully where I am wherever I am. This is the moment, I am not guaranteed another. Am I living fully here and now? Am I walking closely with my heavenly Father, knowing Him, enjoying Him, obeying His voice today? This is my prayer!
"Oh come, let us sing to the LORD; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! "
Psalm 95:1
p.s. Sorry...I forgot my camera that day. Oh- I didn't even mention the coffee...wow.
After taking a winding road up through the tea fields we reached our destination for the day. We walked into the house and a fire was blazing in the fireplace. I felt giddy. After a few moments of soaking up the pleasure of the fire I looked out the windows lining the back wall and my eyes feasted on some of the most beautiful scenery. We were in a farm house in the middle of a flower/ tea farm. There were cows grazing, green, rolling hills, towering trees, gorgeous flowers, and a clear, blue sky as a back drop. I wanted to STAY forever.
We were gathered with some new and some not quite so new friends to celebrate Thanksgiving. I felt full, and not because of the incredible foods we ate, but because this place was a gift to my soul! God does things like that. He is so creative, so majestic, and He shows us this through things like HIS creation. Not only is He creative and majestic, He is intimately concerned with us, His precious creation. He knows how much I love a fireplace. This was no ordinary fireplace. It had a beautiful, deeply colored wood mantle, and the fireplace itself was large. I am telling you, every time I passed that wonderful sight I wanted to cry. He knows me and what gives my heart pleasure. Between the view, the fire, the food, and the fellowship it was a full day. The hours passed but it really felt like time stood still.
All week we had been focusing on the treasures of God's provision, His word, Salvation, our health and freedom, and His protection using a Thanksgiving resource we got years ago. It helped us focus on why we celebrate historically as well as spiritually.
We have so much to be thankful for. We live in a place where we see poverty on a daily basis. Chris has been visiting people who have little to no food, are sick and/or have lost family members because of the famine in the horn of Africa. Chris is feeling so much better after a year of really struggling physically. I could go on and on. God is good and not just because we are where we are physically and emotionally but also because He was there when we were struggling physically and emotionally this year. He was faithful then and He is faithful now.
As I enjoyed our time in the hills on Thanksgiving, being fully there and enjoying every moment, I was reminded to be fully where I am wherever I am. This is the moment, I am not guaranteed another. Am I living fully here and now? Am I walking closely with my heavenly Father, knowing Him, enjoying Him, obeying His voice today? This is my prayer!
"Oh come, let us sing to the LORD; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! "
Psalm 95:1
p.s. Sorry...I forgot my camera that day. Oh- I didn't even mention the coffee...wow.
Monday, August 15, 2011
update
Chris is doing better physically. The
doctor has cleared him medically but has
advised (and our medical coordinators
agree) that he should not live far from
good medical care. So...we have been
reassigned.
During our stay in Nairobi we felt
God’s presence keenly. It was a hard time
in many ways. We kept sensing God
telling us to just wait on Him, draw near to
Him, and trust Him. We had no idea what
was going to happen and we were
learning to be ok with that. We learned
that we are called to HIM, no matter
where we are. He wants our whole heart,
soul, mind, and strength- everything.
We also became aware that it was a
very real possibility we were not going to
be able to return to the D*go team. We
had to get our hearts in a place where we
had no will of our own. We had complete
peace when the doctor made his
recommendation. We were sad, for sure,
but we knew that God does not make
mistakes and felt He was in control of this
shift.
After praying and speaking with our
leadership we felt like God was leading us
to a position in student ministry in Nairobi.
The more we thought and prayed, the
more excited we became. Students are in
such a unique place in their lives. They
are deciding where they are going with
their lives and they go out to different
places after graduation. Our hearts’
desire is to see them grow deep with the
Lord and to take His amazing love and
salvation to their people (and beyond).
We also see an opportunity to stay
connected to the people God has already
given us a burden for...the D*go. Our
prayer is that we will be able to take
national students to work among the
D*go- like “summer mission trips”.
We have made the move to Nairobi
and are settling in. We are sorry we
could not let you know sooner, but it has
just become official. We truly cannot
express our gratitude for your
encouragement and prayers! Your
faithfulness is a blessing and a powerful
tool God uses to accomplish His purposes.
We have seen it first hand!
doctor has cleared him medically but has
advised (and our medical coordinators
agree) that he should not live far from
good medical care. So...we have been
reassigned.
During our stay in Nairobi we felt
God’s presence keenly. It was a hard time
in many ways. We kept sensing God
telling us to just wait on Him, draw near to
Him, and trust Him. We had no idea what
was going to happen and we were
learning to be ok with that. We learned
that we are called to HIM, no matter
where we are. He wants our whole heart,
soul, mind, and strength- everything.
We also became aware that it was a
very real possibility we were not going to
be able to return to the D*go team. We
had to get our hearts in a place where we
had no will of our own. We had complete
peace when the doctor made his
recommendation. We were sad, for sure,
but we knew that God does not make
mistakes and felt He was in control of this
shift.
After praying and speaking with our
leadership we felt like God was leading us
to a position in student ministry in Nairobi.
The more we thought and prayed, the
more excited we became. Students are in
such a unique place in their lives. They
are deciding where they are going with
their lives and they go out to different
places after graduation. Our hearts’
desire is to see them grow deep with the
Lord and to take His amazing love and
salvation to their people (and beyond).
We also see an opportunity to stay
connected to the people God has already
given us a burden for...the D*go. Our
prayer is that we will be able to take
national students to work among the
D*go- like “summer mission trips”.
We have made the move to Nairobi
and are settling in. We are sorry we
could not let you know sooner, but it has
just become official. We truly cannot
express our gratitude for your
encouragement and prayers! Your
faithfulness is a blessing and a powerful
tool God uses to accomplish His purposes.
We have seen it first hand!
Friday, April 8, 2011
”If you wish to make an impact for one year, plant corn; if you wish to make an impact for a generation, plant a tree; if you wish to make an impact for eternity, educate a child.” anon
Tarrying by the Stuff (from 1 Samuel 30:24) by Lois Wilder Cowles
The "Stuff needs tarrying by" tonight,
Oh Father, give me grace,
To tenderly, compassionately,
Wash each tired little face.
And just before they're tucked in bed,
To teach them Lord of Thee...
Remembering that it won't be long,
I have them 'round my knee.
There's clothes to fold, the floor to sweep,
And dishes to be done...
And in between to rock and soothe
My feverish little one.
Within my heart I long to be
Down where the anthems roll,
And hear the front-line soldier fight,
For each lost, Hell-bound soul.
I'll tarry by the stuff, Dear Lord,
For very love of Thee,
And hear the anthems, share the spoil
Thru all eternity.
These training days will soon be o'er,
And then with sharp salutes...
They'll all report for duty, Lord,
My young, strong, trained, recruits
The "Stuff needs tarrying by" tonight,
Oh Father, give me grace,
To tenderly, compassionately,
Wash each tired little face.
And just before they're tucked in bed,
To teach them Lord of Thee...
Remembering that it won't be long,
I have them 'round my knee.
There's clothes to fold, the floor to sweep,
And dishes to be done...
And in between to rock and soothe
My feverish little one.
Within my heart I long to be
Down where the anthems roll,
And hear the front-line soldier fight,
For each lost, Hell-bound soul.
I'll tarry by the stuff, Dear Lord,
For very love of Thee,
And hear the anthems, share the spoil
Thru all eternity.
These training days will soon be o'er,
And then with sharp salutes...
They'll all report for duty, Lord,
My young, strong, trained, recruits
I read the first quote on a blog I like to read: www.itakejoy.com
The poem was sent to me by a dear friend and colleague. I love both. They cover everything- from education to wiping noses. It is SO easy to overlook motherhood as a background part of life / not a "real job". Even I sometimes get caught up in the idea that what I am doing isn't "real work" or even real work for the kingdom. That is a great lie! I have these precious souls, entrusted especially to Chris and me, for such a short season. This is the season of my life where these little people, who are growing quickly into big people, need my energy and investment most. I have sadly struggled with seeing that as less important at times, feeling like I should be "doing more".
One day, as I was praying about what God expects of me, Titus 2 came to mind. "3Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good,4so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, 5to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored. " So that His word is not dishonored. I honor HIM and His word when I love my family, I actually keep His word from being dishonored. Wow, I love that.
I also considered Psalm 127
3 Children are a heritage from the LORD,
offspring a reward from him.
4 Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
are children born in one’s youth.
5 Blessed is the man
whose quiver is full of them.
They will not be put to shame
when they contend with their opponents in court.
And the quote from a letter Jim Elliot wrote to his mother as he prepared to leave:
"And what is a quiver full of but arrows? And what are arrows for but to shoot? So with the strong arm of prayer, draw the bowstring back and let the arrows fly – all of them straight at the Enemy’s hosts."
One day my children will fly and it is my job to love them well with the love God has given me.
The poem was sent to me by a dear friend and colleague. I love both. They cover everything- from education to wiping noses. It is SO easy to overlook motherhood as a background part of life / not a "real job". Even I sometimes get caught up in the idea that what I am doing isn't "real work" or even real work for the kingdom. That is a great lie! I have these precious souls, entrusted especially to Chris and me, for such a short season. This is the season of my life where these little people, who are growing quickly into big people, need my energy and investment most. I have sadly struggled with seeing that as less important at times, feeling like I should be "doing more".
One day, as I was praying about what God expects of me, Titus 2 came to mind. "3Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good,4so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, 5to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored. " So that His word is not dishonored. I honor HIM and His word when I love my family, I actually keep His word from being dishonored. Wow, I love that.
I also considered Psalm 127
3 Children are a heritage from the LORD,
offspring a reward from him.
4 Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
are children born in one’s youth.
5 Blessed is the man
whose quiver is full of them.
They will not be put to shame
when they contend with their opponents in court.
And the quote from a letter Jim Elliot wrote to his mother as he prepared to leave:
"And what is a quiver full of but arrows? And what are arrows for but to shoot? So with the strong arm of prayer, draw the bowstring back and let the arrows fly – all of them straight at the Enemy’s hosts."
One day my children will fly and it is my job to love them well with the love God has given me.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
See a man about a goat
We have 4 dogs. One is a South African Boerboel/ Rottweiler mix, he is a beautiful beast. I call him a beast on purpose- he is a beast. One day, shortly after we had moved to our house, we found 2 injured goats tied to our fence. As it turns out a neighbor's goats were grazing at our fence, Fezzik (said Boerboel) saw the goats, escaped from our gate, frightened the goats by trying to taste them, thus injuring them. At first the neighbor wanted 80,000 shillings (the equivalent of $984!!) which is an OUTRAGEOUS price for 2 village goats for the damage done to the (living) goats. Chris went to the village elders to discuss his fair responsibilities in the matter. After MUCH discussion and signing of official documents in the very dark room where official village matters are decided Chris was advised to treat the goats only. Every day Chris and our kids (no pun intended) traipsed down our dirt road to the home of the injured goats and injected them with antibiotics. The goats regained strength and the matter was closed, or was it???
We ended up in Nairobi for a long time and so were away from home. Chris received a call from our guard who said the owner of the goats was asking for money again. This time he wanted 40,000 shillings. We were planning a trip home and decided we would handle the matter when we arrived home. The day after we arrived home Chris had to go out to handle some business, when he arrived home the goat-man was waiting. The man said he wanted 40,000 shillings. Chris offered 8,000 and said he would like the goats (and the baby that had been born in the meantime to one of the injured goats). The man countered with 10,000 and he would keep the goats (hmmm...interesting negotiation tactic). Chris then asked the man what he would take as a fair "deal". The man said he wanted "pole" (pronounced Pole-lay). "Pole" is the word for sorry (in an empathetic way) and is used here to mean "sorry for the troubles". Chris had discussed this with some Kenyan friends and they all agreed 500-1000 shillings is a generous "pole". Chris offered the man the "top pole" of 1000 shillings. To this the man said "never mind"!? They shook hands and then pronounced the matter closed. "Really closed?" asked Chris. "Yes, closed", was the reply.
We ended up in Nairobi for a long time and so were away from home. Chris received a call from our guard who said the owner of the goats was asking for money again. This time he wanted 40,000 shillings. We were planning a trip home and decided we would handle the matter when we arrived home. The day after we arrived home Chris had to go out to handle some business, when he arrived home the goat-man was waiting. The man said he wanted 40,000 shillings. Chris offered 8,000 and said he would like the goats (and the baby that had been born in the meantime to one of the injured goats). The man countered with 10,000 and he would keep the goats (hmmm...interesting negotiation tactic). Chris then asked the man what he would take as a fair "deal". The man said he wanted "pole" (pronounced Pole-lay). "Pole" is the word for sorry (in an empathetic way) and is used here to mean "sorry for the troubles". Chris had discussed this with some Kenyan friends and they all agreed 500-1000 shillings is a generous "pole". Chris offered the man the "top pole" of 1000 shillings. To this the man said "never mind"!? They shook hands and then pronounced the matter closed. "Really closed?" asked Chris. "Yes, closed", was the reply.
what's up
We just made a whirlwind trip to the coast to pick up a few things (including a few packages-woohoo) to make the next 6 weeks in Nairobi feel a bit more homey. We got in the car (too) early Tuesday morning, drove about 8 1/2 hours, met with friends, met with the veterinarian, bought supplies for the house, met with a man about his goats (more on that later), picked up packages and waited patiently (kind of) until we reached the house to open them, gathered needed items (including the next 6 weeks of school books -don't know if you know this about us but we have a lot of books), dropped off one of our dogs at a friend's place so our friend can fatten him up (the dog), slept a bit, loaded the car on Thursday and left at a time I am usually not awake to make the 8 1/2 hour trip home. WHEW. I learned that I am not as young as I use to be. I am dog tired (what does that even mean?) It was great to get home and see friends and pick up some things.
It was so hot on the coast. We have essentially missed the really hot part of the hot season this year. I guess if you are going to be away from home for multiple months that is the time to do it!
We continue to have peace about where we are. The doctor is keeping us here to find a balance in Chris's meds. He needs one med to keep his triglycerides down but that med causes painful gastritis, so we are trying a gentler drug. During my times alone with God in His word He has been reminding me of His "faithful love". We are trusting Him for the future and resting in that faithful love.
It was so hot on the coast. We have essentially missed the really hot part of the hot season this year. I guess if you are going to be away from home for multiple months that is the time to do it!
We continue to have peace about where we are. The doctor is keeping us here to find a balance in Chris's meds. He needs one med to keep his triglycerides down but that med causes painful gastritis, so we are trying a gentler drug. During my times alone with God in His word He has been reminding me of His "faithful love". We are trusting Him for the future and resting in that faithful love.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Sweet J
EVIDENCE
Someone drank the last of a coke I had in the refrigerator. I was saving it for later. No one would confess. Later, while uploading pictures onto the computer I came across this....
I think we have the culprit.
I think we have the culprit.
gone fishin'
Some good friends (Max is in the pic) of ours took Chris and Gavin deep sea fishing a couple of days after Christmas. Gavin caught this tuna. It was delicious! Thanks Max and E!
'ata boy, Gavin!
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