I was thinking about 1 Corinthians 13 - A Christmas Version (see below). I was thinking about my nephew. I was thinking about all the people I met on the mission trips to Africa. I was thinking about my family and friends. I am continually struck with how important our time is. Yeah, our time is important to us and sometimes we pack our time full of activities...but when we give of our time to family and friends; that time is priceless to them!
I can't remember where I heard this. It may have been at work last week. A lady said that a friend of hers gave a young family member (a niece, I think) a homemade gift certificate in which the niece could pick a day to spend an entire "girls day" with her aunt...just the two of them. I think that is awesome! The niece will probably remember that Christmas gift a lot longer than she will some expensive gift that'll probably sit untouched a good bit of the time.
I think that giving someone your time is priceless to the person receiving it because it shows that you really care. When you are willing to give of your time, I think that says a lot more than a quick gift passed along in a few seconds time. Time is a precious gift!!! The older I get and the more that I experience life, the more I realize that I don't have to go in debt to show someone that I care. I don't see the purpose in spending a lot of money when time is so much more valuable! I wish I had learned that lesson a long time ago.
I am so thankful for my nephew and for the time I spent in Africa! God has taught me many, many lessons through those two aspects of my life. I think I may steal the gift certificate idea...regardless of what time of the year it is!
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I Corinthians 13 – A Christmas Version (Source unknown)
If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny ornaments, but do not show love to my family, I’m just another decorator.
If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family, I’m just another cook.
If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family, it profits me nothing.
If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir’s cantata but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.
Love stops the cooking to hug the child. Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband. Love is kind, though harried and tired. Love doesn’t envy another’s home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.
Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in the way. Love doesn’t give only to those who are able to give in return but rejoices in giving to those who can’t.
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. Love never fails. Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust, but giving the gift of love will endure.
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Friday, December 28, 2007
I was leaving the grocery store this morning and as I was walking out the door I heard a ton of sirens and then I heard the sound of a helicopter. I wondered what was happening. Once I got out the door, there were atleast 20 police cars, motorcycles and unmarked cars screeching in to the parking lot...all following and surrounding one car that finally came to a stop in the parking lot. The helicopter was hovering directly overhead. The guy (or guys) they were chasing ended up face down on the ground within a matter of seconds. Turns out 2 men robbed a bank at Carter Hill and Zelda Road and the chase ended in the grocery store parking lot on Atlanta Highway. It was kind of exciting to see the end of a major police chase...but there were also several people standing around the exit of the store wondering if it was safe to walk out to their cars. Once the guy was in custody and some of the police officers started leaving the scene, I made the first move to walk out to my car. I figured at that point it was safe and I wasn't going to stand around to see if the guy escaped and have bullets start flying. I was outta there...and calling my sister as I was driving out of the parking lot to tell her what I had just witnessed and she said..."SWEET!!" We live for excitement...haha
Thursday, December 27, 2007
I am so excited!!! I received a letter today from the missions minister from my church telling me that my application was accepted. I am going to Guatemala in August on a mission trip!!
The past couple of years I have gone on mission trips to Africa. Those two trips were life changing!! It is not going to work out for me to go to Africa next year, so I decided to go on a shorter/cheaper trip to Guatemala. It will be different than the trips I took to Africa. The trip to Guatemala is a medical mission trip. The people in the group who have medical training will be assisting in the OR. Those of us who do not have medical training will be support personnel...we'll be sterilizing equipment and encouraging the locals/patients and such.
I am really looking forward to what God is going to do through this mission! I know this will be another life changing trip!
_____________________________________
I also hope to to go on a trip to Israel next year with my church to experience the holy land! It will be a 10 day tour of Jerusalem and the Sea of Galilee. We will experience the places of our faith as we read and study the scripture together. I have ALWAYS wanted to go on a trip like this and to see this trip listed in our bulletin a few weeks ago gave me hope that I may actually get to do this! I'm waiting to hear about more details, but hopefully by this time next year, I will have walked in Jesus footsteps!
_____________________________________
I am not sure what all God has in store for me in this next year. I'm just trusting that He has a plan!
A friend and I are starting a weight loss accountability group with one another. We both want to be healthy and in shape for the Israel trip. I know she will be a good accountability partner. I pray that God will help me in reaching my goal...He will be my strength in this incredibly difficult endeavor! I've tried and failed at this several times...I do not plan on failing again!
I don't even know what to say about my employment situation. I'm still clueless as to what direction that is going to go in. Like I said, I'm trusting that God has a plan and that He is going to open a door at the perfect time. I may hit a few walls along the way...but eventually I know a door will open.
The past couple of years I have gone on mission trips to Africa. Those two trips were life changing!! It is not going to work out for me to go to Africa next year, so I decided to go on a shorter/cheaper trip to Guatemala. It will be different than the trips I took to Africa. The trip to Guatemala is a medical mission trip. The people in the group who have medical training will be assisting in the OR. Those of us who do not have medical training will be support personnel...we'll be sterilizing equipment and encouraging the locals/patients and such.
I am really looking forward to what God is going to do through this mission! I know this will be another life changing trip!
_____________________________________
I also hope to to go on a trip to Israel next year with my church to experience the holy land! It will be a 10 day tour of Jerusalem and the Sea of Galilee. We will experience the places of our faith as we read and study the scripture together. I have ALWAYS wanted to go on a trip like this and to see this trip listed in our bulletin a few weeks ago gave me hope that I may actually get to do this! I'm waiting to hear about more details, but hopefully by this time next year, I will have walked in Jesus footsteps!
_____________________________________
I am not sure what all God has in store for me in this next year. I'm just trusting that He has a plan!
A friend and I are starting a weight loss accountability group with one another. We both want to be healthy and in shape for the Israel trip. I know she will be a good accountability partner. I pray that God will help me in reaching my goal...He will be my strength in this incredibly difficult endeavor! I've tried and failed at this several times...I do not plan on failing again!
I don't even know what to say about my employment situation. I'm still clueless as to what direction that is going to go in. Like I said, I'm trusting that God has a plan and that He is going to open a door at the perfect time. I may hit a few walls along the way...but eventually I know a door will open.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Losing my job is difficult! Not so much because I liked my job, because there were many days that I hated my job. But I liked a lot of the people I worked with. I've known these people for 15 years and I worked with them for a total of 12 years. I know these people. I know their quirks. I know their moods. I know their good and their bad qualities. I am totally and completely comfortable with these people! I should be comfortable...I see them 5 days a week, 8 1/2 hours a day (including lunch). They are like family. I work with some really good people/friends and I am going to miss them!
Starting over is scary! New people. New job. New environment. Will I ever be comfortable again? Will I work with some good people who will become friends? How long will it take to get to know their quirks and their moods and their good and bad qualities?
I think of the girl that I've worked with for the past 5 years. I passed her in the hall today and we talked for a few minutes. When I first started working with her, I could not stand her. She got on my nerves something fierce!! I guess it wasn't until about a year and a half ago that I started looking at her differently and started trying to give her a chance. We started talking and joking and now, even though there are still things that I don't like about her (i.e. the language she uses), I have grown to enjoy her good qualities and I'm actually going to miss working with her. She always makes me laugh.
I think of one of my really good friends (Jessica). When she first started working at GC, she was QUIET!! She hardly ever said a word. Now, she won't shut up! :) She says the same thing about me. We go to break together, we go to lunch together, we email through out the day when we are bored and ready to go home. What's really cool is I have her spouses approval. Her husband thinks I'm a "pretty cool friend" and he "thinks highly of me". I can't imagine going to work some where else and her not being there!
I think of my church buddies (Aleah, Tracie & Meloney). I work with these 3 pretty awesome women who I've had the priviledge of knowing through church and work. It has always been nice working with them! We all care about each other and even though we may not see each other every day or talk every day, it is so nice knowing they are just down the hall or just over the cubicle wall. Being that close to one another, we were always there if one of us ever needed to vent or needed some encouragement or prayers. I'm going to miss working with them!
I think of my friend (Jackie). She helped me make the decision to go on my first mission trip out of the country...all the way to Africa. I was talking to her about it and she said, "Girl, you better go. That is an awesome opportunity! In fact, I want to go too." So, Jackie and I went to Africa together with my church. That trip changed both of us. I still remember our first night in Africa! Jackie and I were sharing a room and we were both dead tired from traveling for so long. When we finally made it to bed, I think we both fell asleep before our heads hit the pillow. We had 2 twin sized beds in our room. (In my room at home, I have a queen sized bed.) Well, during our first night in Africa, I started dreaming that I was in my bed at home and that a huge flying roach flew from the ceiling directly at me. Since I was in my bed at home, or so I thought, I had plenty of room to roll over a few times to get away from this mega sized roach flying towards me. Next thing I know, I am falling off the twin sized bed that I'm actually sleeping in and I hit the night stand and my suit case as I hit the floor. I noticed Jackie stir in her bed. I whispered, "Did you hear that?" She said, "Yeah! what was that?!?!" I said, "I fell out of the bed!!" and I told her the story about the flying roach and me thinking I was in my bed at home. We still laugh today about me falling out of the bed. I'm going to miss working with Jackie!!
Moving on is so very difficult and scary!!! But as much as my heart hurts right now, I know God has a plan and that He already knows what the future holds for all of us! I know that He knows that we can handle this change because He wouldn't have allowed this to happen otherwise. I know that He is going to use this to make us stronger. I know that He is going to work this out for the best and that we are all going to be ok.
Starting over is scary! New people. New job. New environment. Will I ever be comfortable again? Will I work with some good people who will become friends? How long will it take to get to know their quirks and their moods and their good and bad qualities?
I think of the girl that I've worked with for the past 5 years. I passed her in the hall today and we talked for a few minutes. When I first started working with her, I could not stand her. She got on my nerves something fierce!! I guess it wasn't until about a year and a half ago that I started looking at her differently and started trying to give her a chance. We started talking and joking and now, even though there are still things that I don't like about her (i.e. the language she uses), I have grown to enjoy her good qualities and I'm actually going to miss working with her. She always makes me laugh.
I think of one of my really good friends (Jessica). When she first started working at GC, she was QUIET!! She hardly ever said a word. Now, she won't shut up! :) She says the same thing about me. We go to break together, we go to lunch together, we email through out the day when we are bored and ready to go home. What's really cool is I have her spouses approval. Her husband thinks I'm a "pretty cool friend" and he "thinks highly of me". I can't imagine going to work some where else and her not being there!
I think of my church buddies (Aleah, Tracie & Meloney). I work with these 3 pretty awesome women who I've had the priviledge of knowing through church and work. It has always been nice working with them! We all care about each other and even though we may not see each other every day or talk every day, it is so nice knowing they are just down the hall or just over the cubicle wall. Being that close to one another, we were always there if one of us ever needed to vent or needed some encouragement or prayers. I'm going to miss working with them!
I think of my friend (Jackie). She helped me make the decision to go on my first mission trip out of the country...all the way to Africa. I was talking to her about it and she said, "Girl, you better go. That is an awesome opportunity! In fact, I want to go too." So, Jackie and I went to Africa together with my church. That trip changed both of us. I still remember our first night in Africa! Jackie and I were sharing a room and we were both dead tired from traveling for so long. When we finally made it to bed, I think we both fell asleep before our heads hit the pillow. We had 2 twin sized beds in our room. (In my room at home, I have a queen sized bed.) Well, during our first night in Africa, I started dreaming that I was in my bed at home and that a huge flying roach flew from the ceiling directly at me. Since I was in my bed at home, or so I thought, I had plenty of room to roll over a few times to get away from this mega sized roach flying towards me. Next thing I know, I am falling off the twin sized bed that I'm actually sleeping in and I hit the night stand and my suit case as I hit the floor. I noticed Jackie stir in her bed. I whispered, "Did you hear that?" She said, "Yeah! what was that?!?!" I said, "I fell out of the bed!!" and I told her the story about the flying roach and me thinking I was in my bed at home. We still laugh today about me falling out of the bed. I'm going to miss working with Jackie!!
Moving on is so very difficult and scary!!! But as much as my heart hurts right now, I know God has a plan and that He already knows what the future holds for all of us! I know that He knows that we can handle this change because He wouldn't have allowed this to happen otherwise. I know that He is going to use this to make us stronger. I know that He is going to work this out for the best and that we are all going to be ok.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
I Corinthians 13 – A Christmas Version
(Source unknown)
If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny ornaments, but do not show love to my family, I’m just another decorator.
If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family, I’m just another cook.
If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family, it profits me nothing.
If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir’s cantata but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.
Love stops the cooking to hug the child. Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband. Love is kind, though harried and tired. Love doesn’t envy another’s home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.
Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in the way. Love doesn’t give only to those who are able to give in return but rejoices in giving to those who can’t.
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. Love never fails. Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust, but giving the gift of love will endure
(Source unknown)
If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny ornaments, but do not show love to my family, I’m just another decorator.
If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family, I’m just another cook.
If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family, it profits me nothing.
If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir’s cantata but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.
Love stops the cooking to hug the child. Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband. Love is kind, though harried and tired. Love doesn’t envy another’s home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.
Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in the way. Love doesn’t give only to those who are able to give in return but rejoices in giving to those who can’t.
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. Love never fails. Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust, but giving the gift of love will endure
Monday, December 10, 2007
I have decided to try this blogging thing again. I may have a lot of time on my hands starting next Thursday and I need to find some constructive things to do during the day while my friends and family are at work. Of course I am going to spend quite a bit of time looking for work, but there will no doubt be some down time.
This will be the perfect time to ponder the things of my life. I need to reassess some things in my life. I need to pray about what direction my life should take from this point.
I have thought about doing some kind of long term mission work overseas...in Africa or Cambodia. I have gone as far as to talk to our missions minister about mission opportunities that are available.
I have thought about finding another job in Montgomery. I have personally taken my resume to some places. I have a head hunter sending my resume out to different places to help me find a job.
I have thought about my very strong desire to make a physcial change in my life...I want to drop some weight and to be healthy. Maybe I should join the next cast of The Biggest Loser.
I have thought about moving to Texas to find a job. My cousin has been wanting me to move out there.
I have thought about moving to Minneapolis and taking a travel course at The Travel Academy. I could then take advantage of the lifetime job placement services that they offer once I complete the course.
I have thought about going to college here in Montgomery and getting a degree.
Now would be the perfect time for me to pick up and move. No job. No husband/boyfriend. No kids. No house to sell. I do, however, have my family here. I do have great friends here. And I do have an awesome church family here. It is a very difficult decision!!
I have dreams. I have wishes. I have hopes. But, ultimately, my life is in God's hands. I'm not sure what He is going to do or what He is going to call me to do. That remains to be seen...
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I haven't been feeling well since last Wednesday...dealing with a cold and cough. I was sleeping in the recliner in the living room Saturday night. Some time during the night I heard a noise...something falling/breaking and moving around. It scared me to death!! I didn't move a muscle. I sat there thinking, "Ok, my phone is right beside me on the table. I can pick it up and call 911. But that won't do me much good if someone is standing 2 feet away from me. They'll knock the phone away before I can dial 9. Why oh why haven't I listened to Aleah's stories about serial killers and kept a knife beside me while I'm sleeping?!?!?!" I finally mustered up the courage to open my eyes but still did not move or make a sound. By moving my eyes, I searched the dark room looking for a human figure. I knew someone was there and if I moved they would know that I was awake and aware they were there and they would attack...
When you are putting up your Christmas tree, make sure the stand is big enough to support the tree and that the tree is in the stand securely. Thanks to that oversight, I was being attacked in my sleep by the Christmas tree!!!
Merry Christmas, everyone!
This will be the perfect time to ponder the things of my life. I need to reassess some things in my life. I need to pray about what direction my life should take from this point.
I have thought about doing some kind of long term mission work overseas...in Africa or Cambodia. I have gone as far as to talk to our missions minister about mission opportunities that are available.
I have thought about finding another job in Montgomery. I have personally taken my resume to some places. I have a head hunter sending my resume out to different places to help me find a job.
I have thought about my very strong desire to make a physcial change in my life...I want to drop some weight and to be healthy. Maybe I should join the next cast of The Biggest Loser.
I have thought about moving to Texas to find a job. My cousin has been wanting me to move out there.
I have thought about moving to Minneapolis and taking a travel course at The Travel Academy. I could then take advantage of the lifetime job placement services that they offer once I complete the course.
I have thought about going to college here in Montgomery and getting a degree.
Now would be the perfect time for me to pick up and move. No job. No husband/boyfriend. No kids. No house to sell. I do, however, have my family here. I do have great friends here. And I do have an awesome church family here. It is a very difficult decision!!
I have dreams. I have wishes. I have hopes. But, ultimately, my life is in God's hands. I'm not sure what He is going to do or what He is going to call me to do. That remains to be seen...
_____________________________________________________
I haven't been feeling well since last Wednesday...dealing with a cold and cough. I was sleeping in the recliner in the living room Saturday night. Some time during the night I heard a noise...something falling/breaking and moving around. It scared me to death!! I didn't move a muscle. I sat there thinking, "Ok, my phone is right beside me on the table. I can pick it up and call 911. But that won't do me much good if someone is standing 2 feet away from me. They'll knock the phone away before I can dial 9. Why oh why haven't I listened to Aleah's stories about serial killers and kept a knife beside me while I'm sleeping?!?!?!" I finally mustered up the courage to open my eyes but still did not move or make a sound. By moving my eyes, I searched the dark room looking for a human figure. I knew someone was there and if I moved they would know that I was awake and aware they were there and they would attack...
When you are putting up your Christmas tree, make sure the stand is big enough to support the tree and that the tree is in the stand securely. Thanks to that oversight, I was being attacked in my sleep by the Christmas tree!!!
Merry Christmas, everyone!
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
I love days when it feels like my spirit is full of such joy!!!
So far, this whole week has felt that way for me!
Maybe it is because I was not at work at all last week and I spent several days on vacation in Seattle. I have come to realize that vacation is good for me...and that I need to take a one week vacation once a month! Too bad my employer and I don't always see eye to eye when it comes to time spent away from work!
Maybe it is because I made a couple of confessions to a couple of people..."the truth shall set you free".
Maybe it's because I have a few friends coming to church with me on Sunday and I am so excited about having them visit!
Maybe it's because I have been blessed with several friends with whom I have been able to travel the globe with. I'm an Air Force brat. Traveling is in my blood...if I'm out seeing and experiencing new places, I'm happy!
Maybe it's because even though I don't care for my job/work, I have some really cool co-workers/friends that I get to see almost everyday...even if it's just passing in the hall!! :-)
Maybe it's because I have the greatest nephew in the world...who makes me smile and laugh every time I see him!
Maybe it's because I realize just how good of a life I have compared to what some other people have gone through and are going through. We saw a park full of homeless people in Seattle!! We happened to walk upon the park not knowing what we were fixing to see...it made us all a little uneasy! It's sad, though, to think some of those people (not all, but some) are there at no fault of their own...a lost job, unpaid bills, a foreclosure and there they are sleeping in the park. I am blessed to have a house; 2 roommates (Yes, I'm actually saying thanks for having roommates!! There is a first time for everything.); a family who loves and support me; a church family who love and support their family members; friends who laugh, cry, vent, go shopping, get manicures & pedicures, go to movies, go to concerts and travel with me (that list could've gone on for a while!).
Maybe it's because I have a friend in Jesus! :-)
So far, this whole week has felt that way for me!
Maybe it is because I was not at work at all last week and I spent several days on vacation in Seattle. I have come to realize that vacation is good for me...and that I need to take a one week vacation once a month! Too bad my employer and I don't always see eye to eye when it comes to time spent away from work!
Maybe it is because I made a couple of confessions to a couple of people..."the truth shall set you free".
Maybe it's because I have a few friends coming to church with me on Sunday and I am so excited about having them visit!
Maybe it's because I have been blessed with several friends with whom I have been able to travel the globe with. I'm an Air Force brat. Traveling is in my blood...if I'm out seeing and experiencing new places, I'm happy!
Maybe it's because even though I don't care for my job/work, I have some really cool co-workers/friends that I get to see almost everyday...even if it's just passing in the hall!! :-)
Maybe it's because I have the greatest nephew in the world...who makes me smile and laugh every time I see him!
Maybe it's because I realize just how good of a life I have compared to what some other people have gone through and are going through. We saw a park full of homeless people in Seattle!! We happened to walk upon the park not knowing what we were fixing to see...it made us all a little uneasy! It's sad, though, to think some of those people (not all, but some) are there at no fault of their own...a lost job, unpaid bills, a foreclosure and there they are sleeping in the park. I am blessed to have a house; 2 roommates (Yes, I'm actually saying thanks for having roommates!! There is a first time for everything.); a family who loves and support me; a church family who love and support their family members; friends who laugh, cry, vent, go shopping, get manicures & pedicures, go to movies, go to concerts and travel with me (that list could've gone on for a while!).
Maybe it's because I have a friend in Jesus! :-)
Monday, September 10, 2007
It has been a while since my last post. There are several reasons for that...the main reason being that I was out of the country for over 2 weeks this summer and when I got home I couldn't remember my password. Being in Africa will do that to you!
Living in Africa, regardless of if it is for a week, 2 weeks or several years, will change you and it will also show you what you are made of and ... if you survive, ;-) it will strengthen you! A lot of your character strengths and flaws will be brought out at some point...especially if you are staying in the village away from dependable electricity, away from running HOT water and away from in door plumbing that doesn't spring a leak on a daily basis and all the other things we take for granted. Everyone will also know if you take long or short showers, if you snore, if you talk in your sleep, if you are a morning person or not, if you have allergies, if you are gullible enough to fall for ALL of the pranksters pranks and jokes, if you are afraid of the dark, if you will be grossed out by a dismembered cow (every part of the cow!) taking up quarters in the freezer in your living room or if you'll open the freezer and take a picture of the inside of the cows head, if you are brave enough to jump on the back of an elephant (a some what tame elephant!!) and ride across the African land trying to spot some African wildlife, if you are a big enough person to apologize when you jump on someones case for the wrong reasons because everyone is tired and getting on one another nerves, if you have the stomach to try some of the local foods, if you laugh at getting a little dirty as you drive down the dirt roads or if you HOPE you will get a shower after getting so dirty......BUT
The cool thing is, NONE of that stuff...whether it is good, bad, fun, boring, irritating or exhilarating...entirely matters because what is most important is that we are one in the body of Christ! We smile, we laugh at...and get laughed at!!...our feeble attempts at the local language, we cry, we share, we form bonds that will last for eternity, we sing, we witness baptisms like they took place in Biblical times--in a local lake or mud hole or whatever is available and we pray. Oh, and one of my favorite moments was Katie teaching a local woman to say..."WAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRR EAGLE...HEY!!" Because we are one in the body, a language barrier (or any barrier) is really non-existant!!
There are times that I really miss Africa! Seeing God seems so much easier when I'm on the mission field...probably because the every day things that are easy for us are so difficult and time consuming for them. They spend hours in line just to fill up their car with gas! They exchange money on the black market, risking arrest as a few in our group experienced. It is easy when you are there to see a need someone has and to do what you can to help...it's easy to see where and how the Cross brings people together regardless of differences in living...it's easy to see a childs tear stained, dirty, snot dried face and to look past the possible germs that are present and love on that child (keeping the GermX close by to soak down your hands when you have a minute by yourself so you don't get sick)...it is easy to see someones shy glance that is shouting for someone to notice them and to see their face light up when you simply smile and wave. I don't know if I will be able to go back to Africa next year or not...that remains to be seen, but I want to try to start living every day like I live while I'm in Africa. I want to start noticing things that matter rather than being blinded by the things that don't really matter!! I want to have the eyes of Jesus...
Living in Africa, regardless of if it is for a week, 2 weeks or several years, will change you and it will also show you what you are made of and ... if you survive, ;-) it will strengthen you! A lot of your character strengths and flaws will be brought out at some point...especially if you are staying in the village away from dependable electricity, away from running HOT water and away from in door plumbing that doesn't spring a leak on a daily basis and all the other things we take for granted. Everyone will also know if you take long or short showers, if you snore, if you talk in your sleep, if you are a morning person or not, if you have allergies, if you are gullible enough to fall for ALL of the pranksters pranks and jokes, if you are afraid of the dark, if you will be grossed out by a dismembered cow (every part of the cow!) taking up quarters in the freezer in your living room or if you'll open the freezer and take a picture of the inside of the cows head, if you are brave enough to jump on the back of an elephant (a some what tame elephant!!) and ride across the African land trying to spot some African wildlife, if you are a big enough person to apologize when you jump on someones case for the wrong reasons because everyone is tired and getting on one another nerves, if you have the stomach to try some of the local foods, if you laugh at getting a little dirty as you drive down the dirt roads or if you HOPE you will get a shower after getting so dirty......BUT
The cool thing is, NONE of that stuff...whether it is good, bad, fun, boring, irritating or exhilarating...entirely matters because what is most important is that we are one in the body of Christ! We smile, we laugh at...and get laughed at!!...our feeble attempts at the local language, we cry, we share, we form bonds that will last for eternity, we sing, we witness baptisms like they took place in Biblical times--in a local lake or mud hole or whatever is available and we pray. Oh, and one of my favorite moments was Katie teaching a local woman to say..."WAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRR EAGLE...HEY!!" Because we are one in the body, a language barrier (or any barrier) is really non-existant!!
There are times that I really miss Africa! Seeing God seems so much easier when I'm on the mission field...probably because the every day things that are easy for us are so difficult and time consuming for them. They spend hours in line just to fill up their car with gas! They exchange money on the black market, risking arrest as a few in our group experienced. It is easy when you are there to see a need someone has and to do what you can to help...it's easy to see where and how the Cross brings people together regardless of differences in living...it's easy to see a childs tear stained, dirty, snot dried face and to look past the possible germs that are present and love on that child (keeping the GermX close by to soak down your hands when you have a minute by yourself so you don't get sick)...it is easy to see someones shy glance that is shouting for someone to notice them and to see their face light up when you simply smile and wave. I don't know if I will be able to go back to Africa next year or not...that remains to be seen, but I want to try to start living every day like I live while I'm in Africa. I want to start noticing things that matter rather than being blinded by the things that don't really matter!! I want to have the eyes of Jesus...
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
The weekend before last I drove over to Opelika to visit with some friends and I spent the night at Crystal & David's house. Calista and her 4 year old daughter, Emma, drove down from Cartersville, GA and also spent the night at Crystal & David's. Marian also joined us Friday evening. We packed up a picnic dinner and walked over to the park. Emma immediately headed for the play ground. The rest of us sat down to eat our sandwiches and grapes and to chat while Emma played. Well, next thing we know, there is a group of boys between 8 and 10 years old that came stampeding towards the picnic area. It was like the Tasmanian devil had just swept by...they caught us all by surprise. Once the dust had cleared we saw that Emma had wandered over and had been standing right where the boys had just stampeded through and she had been knocked to the ground and her knees were scraped and bleeding. We all sat there for a second stunned at what had just happened. Emma had a look on her face that said "What just happened???". Calista picked Emma up off of the ground and checked out her wounds. She cleaned her up and Emma went back to playing.
I have felt like Emma this week! I feel like I've been caught in the middle of a stampede of one thing after another being thrown at me and I was left thinking "what just happened???". After a while those things add up and after some hard blows, I had reached my breaking point. I couldn't take any more. The breaking point came at about 3:45 this afternoon. When I left work at 4:00, I had a choice. I could go to a friends house and complain and cry and whine about every thing that has happened this week. OR I could go home and let my Father pick me up and let him clean me up so that I can go back out there and face what comes next. The choice was easy! Going to my friends house and complaining, crying and whining would accomplish nothing except make me feel even worse! I emailed a few friends and simply asked them to say a prayer for me, I left work and I came home. I dumped my stuff on the couch and went straight to the chair and sat. No TV, no lights, no one at home...just me and God. He checked out my wounds and He cleaned me up. Now I'm ready to go back out and "play"!
I very easily could have taken the other path of complaining and crying and whining to a friend but that did not look appealing to me at all. I don't say that to say "Look at me! Look at the choice I made." I say that to encourage any one who may read this that the next time you feel like you've been run over, go straight to God. He is THE Healer! He is THE Provider! He will, without a doubt, heal your wounds and clean you up and provide you with the strength to keep going. Then, when you finally do talk to your friends, you'll have a much better story to tell about what all has happened and how God fixed it and made every thing better.
Now go play...
I have felt like Emma this week! I feel like I've been caught in the middle of a stampede of one thing after another being thrown at me and I was left thinking "what just happened???". After a while those things add up and after some hard blows, I had reached my breaking point. I couldn't take any more. The breaking point came at about 3:45 this afternoon. When I left work at 4:00, I had a choice. I could go to a friends house and complain and cry and whine about every thing that has happened this week. OR I could go home and let my Father pick me up and let him clean me up so that I can go back out there and face what comes next. The choice was easy! Going to my friends house and complaining, crying and whining would accomplish nothing except make me feel even worse! I emailed a few friends and simply asked them to say a prayer for me, I left work and I came home. I dumped my stuff on the couch and went straight to the chair and sat. No TV, no lights, no one at home...just me and God. He checked out my wounds and He cleaned me up. Now I'm ready to go back out and "play"!
I very easily could have taken the other path of complaining and crying and whining to a friend but that did not look appealing to me at all. I don't say that to say "Look at me! Look at the choice I made." I say that to encourage any one who may read this that the next time you feel like you've been run over, go straight to God. He is THE Healer! He is THE Provider! He will, without a doubt, heal your wounds and clean you up and provide you with the strength to keep going. Then, when you finally do talk to your friends, you'll have a much better story to tell about what all has happened and how God fixed it and made every thing better.
Now go play...
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Six years ago today, I stood in the delivery room as my sister gave birth to her son. Since that day, my nephew has been one of the most important people in my life. I love that little guy so much!
I’m a numbers and date person. I remember family and friend’s phone numbers and birthdays very easily. I don’t know where I store all of the information away because when it comes to remembering some other things, my memory stinks. I am thankful, though, that I am able to remember birthdays. Birthdays are special. Birthdays are the day when God brought someone special and unique in to the world for a specific reason and purpose. I believe it is important to remember and celebrate a person’s special uniqueness. I believe it is important to encourage and recognize people on their birthday...whether it’s with a simple “Happy Birthday!” or with some big extravagant party.
Jesus’ birthday was one of the most important days in the history of the world! Everyone knows what Jesus’ specific reason and purpose was and everyone celebrates his birthday in one way or another. His birthday and life is the perfect example of how important a birthday is. Yes, Jesus’ birthday and life are very significant and although none of us will ever come close to having the impact on the world that Jesus had, we are still God’s children and our life here is important to Him. So, I try to remember to say “Happy Birthday!”...
___________________________________
HAPPY 6TH BIRTHDAY SEBASTIEN!! I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH!!
God blessed us beyond what we could ever have imagined when He brought you in to our lives! You are a very special person with great potential! Keep your eyes focused on Jesus and your life’s possibilities are limitless!
Love,
Aunt Nahna
I’m a numbers and date person. I remember family and friend’s phone numbers and birthdays very easily. I don’t know where I store all of the information away because when it comes to remembering some other things, my memory stinks. I am thankful, though, that I am able to remember birthdays. Birthdays are special. Birthdays are the day when God brought someone special and unique in to the world for a specific reason and purpose. I believe it is important to remember and celebrate a person’s special uniqueness. I believe it is important to encourage and recognize people on their birthday...whether it’s with a simple “Happy Birthday!” or with some big extravagant party.
Jesus’ birthday was one of the most important days in the history of the world! Everyone knows what Jesus’ specific reason and purpose was and everyone celebrates his birthday in one way or another. His birthday and life is the perfect example of how important a birthday is. Yes, Jesus’ birthday and life are very significant and although none of us will ever come close to having the impact on the world that Jesus had, we are still God’s children and our life here is important to Him. So, I try to remember to say “Happy Birthday!”...
___________________________________
HAPPY 6TH BIRTHDAY SEBASTIEN!! I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH!!
God blessed us beyond what we could ever have imagined when He brought you in to our lives! You are a very special person with great potential! Keep your eyes focused on Jesus and your life’s possibilities are limitless!
Love,
Aunt Nahna
Sunday, April 15, 2007
The group that I am going to Africa with in June went on a retreat this weekend. One of the things we did was take a Keirsey Temperament Sorter test so that we could get to know one another a little better and find out our personality types. To find out that my personality type is that of a Healer Idealists helped me to understand who I am...who God made me to be. My personality type is only found in 1 percent of the general population...woohoo, I'm unique--which is probably a good thing!
It was very interesing to find out what personality type everyone has! We had a good weekend getting to know one another and I look forward to our trip together! I pray that God will use our diverse group to accomplish great things...things that only He can take the glory for!
For my future reference, and for any one who is interested, my personality type (INFP) is described as...
Healer Idealists are abstract in thought and speech, cooperative in striving for their ends, and investigative and attentive in their interpersonal relations. Healer present a seemingly tranquil, and noticiably pleasant face to the world, and though to all appearances they might seem reserved, and even shy, on the inside they are anything but reserved, having a capacity for caring not always found in other types. They care deeply-indeed, passionately-about a few special persons or a favorite cause, and their fervent aim is to bring peace and integrity to their loved ones and the world.
Healers have a profound sense of idealism derived from a strong personal morality, and they conceive of the world as an ethical, honorable place. Indeed, to understand Healers, we must understand their idealism as almost boundless and selfless, inspiring them to make extraordinary sacrifices for someone or something they believe in. The Healer is the Prince or Princess of fairytale, the King's Champion or Defender of the Faith, like Sir Galahad or Joan of Arc. Healers are found in only 1 percent of the general population, although, at times, their idealism leaves them feeling even more isolated from the rest of humanity.
Healers seek unity in their lives, unity of body and mind, emotions and intellect, perhaps because they are likely to have a sense of inner division threaded through their lives, which comes from their often unhappy childhood. Healers live a fantasy-filled childhood, which, unfortunately, is discouraged or even punished by many parents. In a practical-minded family, required by their parents to be sociable and industrious in concrete ways, and also given down-to-earth siblings who conform to these parental expectations, Healers come to see themselves as ugly ducklings. Other types usually shrug off parental expectations that do not fit them, but not the Healers. Wishing to please their parents and siblings, but not knowing quite how to do it, they try to hide their differences, believing they are bad to be so fanciful, so unlike their more solid brothers and sisters. They wonder, some of them for the rest of their lives, whether they are OK. They are quite OK, just different from the rest of their family-swans reared in a family of ducks. Even so, to realize and really believe this is not easy for them. Deeply committed to the positive and the good, yet taught to believe there is evil in them, Healers can come to develop a certain fascination with the problem of good and evil, sacred and profane. Healers are drawn toward purity, but can become engrossed with the profane, continuously on the lookout for the wickedness that lurks within them. Then, when Healers believe thay have yielded to an impure temptation, they may be given to acts of self-sacrifice in atonement. Others seldom detect this inner turmoil, however, for the struggle between good and evil is within the Healer, who does not feel compelled to make the issue public.
Full descriptions of the Healer and Idealists are in People Patterns or Please Understand Me II
Princess Diana is an example of a Healer Idealist.
© 1996-2007, Prometheus Nemesis Book Company.
It was very interesing to find out what personality type everyone has! We had a good weekend getting to know one another and I look forward to our trip together! I pray that God will use our diverse group to accomplish great things...things that only He can take the glory for!
For my future reference, and for any one who is interested, my personality type (INFP) is described as...
Healer Idealists are abstract in thought and speech, cooperative in striving for their ends, and investigative and attentive in their interpersonal relations. Healer present a seemingly tranquil, and noticiably pleasant face to the world, and though to all appearances they might seem reserved, and even shy, on the inside they are anything but reserved, having a capacity for caring not always found in other types. They care deeply-indeed, passionately-about a few special persons or a favorite cause, and their fervent aim is to bring peace and integrity to their loved ones and the world.
Healers have a profound sense of idealism derived from a strong personal morality, and they conceive of the world as an ethical, honorable place. Indeed, to understand Healers, we must understand their idealism as almost boundless and selfless, inspiring them to make extraordinary sacrifices for someone or something they believe in. The Healer is the Prince or Princess of fairytale, the King's Champion or Defender of the Faith, like Sir Galahad or Joan of Arc. Healers are found in only 1 percent of the general population, although, at times, their idealism leaves them feeling even more isolated from the rest of humanity.
Healers seek unity in their lives, unity of body and mind, emotions and intellect, perhaps because they are likely to have a sense of inner division threaded through their lives, which comes from their often unhappy childhood. Healers live a fantasy-filled childhood, which, unfortunately, is discouraged or even punished by many parents. In a practical-minded family, required by their parents to be sociable and industrious in concrete ways, and also given down-to-earth siblings who conform to these parental expectations, Healers come to see themselves as ugly ducklings. Other types usually shrug off parental expectations that do not fit them, but not the Healers. Wishing to please their parents and siblings, but not knowing quite how to do it, they try to hide their differences, believing they are bad to be so fanciful, so unlike their more solid brothers and sisters. They wonder, some of them for the rest of their lives, whether they are OK. They are quite OK, just different from the rest of their family-swans reared in a family of ducks. Even so, to realize and really believe this is not easy for them. Deeply committed to the positive and the good, yet taught to believe there is evil in them, Healers can come to develop a certain fascination with the problem of good and evil, sacred and profane. Healers are drawn toward purity, but can become engrossed with the profane, continuously on the lookout for the wickedness that lurks within them. Then, when Healers believe thay have yielded to an impure temptation, they may be given to acts of self-sacrifice in atonement. Others seldom detect this inner turmoil, however, for the struggle between good and evil is within the Healer, who does not feel compelled to make the issue public.
Full descriptions of the Healer and Idealists are in People Patterns or Please Understand Me II
Princess Diana is an example of a Healer Idealist.
© 1996-2007, Prometheus Nemesis Book Company.
Sunday, April 8, 2007
My sister and I were driving along Pensacola Beach last Saturday and we passed a white cross that sits a top a hill of sand. With storm damage evident along the beaches, my sister said "The cross is still standing!". Since she has seen this cross numerous times on her trips to Fort Pickens, I asked her is she knew who put it there and why it's there...I noticed there was a sign posted but we didn't stop to read it. She said "I don't know. I just know the cross has always been there."
THE CROSS will always be there! What the cross represents will never fade or be destroyed! Jesus stands strong! Jesus is Lord! Jesus will always be...!
He is risen indeed!!
THE CROSS will always be there! What the cross represents will never fade or be destroyed! Jesus stands strong! Jesus is Lord! Jesus will always be...!
He is risen indeed!!
Sunday, March 25, 2007
It has been a while since I've had time to sit down and write any thing. Things have been crazy busy! This week doesn't look like it will provide any time either. I plan on being at the beach with my sister the second half of the week and I will not have access to a computer. The beach has always been a place of great reflection...maybe I'll write when I get home on Saturday...or Sunday if we decide to stay an extra day.
I was so excited to hear that 7 people were baptized in Zimbabwe today!! Praise God!! The mission team from church is there for the week and I know they are having an experience of a lifetime! They will not be the same people when they return home!
I have got to change how much time I spend thinking about myself and my insecurities! I've gotten a lot better in the past year, but I'm still not completely past obsessing over my insecurities...satan still hits me with them every once in a while. It's such a complete waste of time...and as Buddy said this morning, I'm miserable when I'm thinking about myself. I'm alot happier when I'm focusing on God and serving Him. Perhaps that's why my time in Zimbabwe last year had such an impact on me and one reason why I'm going back this year. I love seeing Him work in peoples lives! :-)
Beach reflections and thoughts coming soon...until then, have a BLESSED WEEK!
I was so excited to hear that 7 people were baptized in Zimbabwe today!! Praise God!! The mission team from church is there for the week and I know they are having an experience of a lifetime! They will not be the same people when they return home!
I have got to change how much time I spend thinking about myself and my insecurities! I've gotten a lot better in the past year, but I'm still not completely past obsessing over my insecurities...satan still hits me with them every once in a while. It's such a complete waste of time...and as Buddy said this morning, I'm miserable when I'm thinking about myself. I'm alot happier when I'm focusing on God and serving Him. Perhaps that's why my time in Zimbabwe last year had such an impact on me and one reason why I'm going back this year. I love seeing Him work in peoples lives! :-)
Beach reflections and thoughts coming soon...until then, have a BLESSED WEEK!
Thursday, March 8, 2007
Last night in our Discipleship Groups, I talked about how I am looking for consistency in my Bible study/prayer/quiet time. It has been lacking and Satan has been taking advantage...big time! Which is why I am so excited about these Discipleship Groups that started last night and this Beth Moore study that I started tonight. Wouldn't you know that one of the things she says in week one is
"Satan never wastes a fiery dart by aiming at a spot covered by armor. The bull's-eye is located dead center in our inconsistency. That's where the enemy plans to bring us down. Satan may bide his time until the opportune moment, but make no mistake--he will RSVP with an acceptence. We'll be the ones left with the regret."
We are going to be talking about being daughters of God. We are going to be talking about how we can join Daniel as a person who can live in an extravagant, excessive culture without being poisoned by it. I know it is no mistake that God brought me to this study!! I am so thankful for a friends invitation to join this Bible study! I am so grateful that He gave me the courage to walk in to a room of ladies none of which, with the exception of one, did I know before tonight. I'm ecstatic about maybe having something to say on this blog again......
"Satan never wastes a fiery dart by aiming at a spot covered by armor. The bull's-eye is located dead center in our inconsistency. That's where the enemy plans to bring us down. Satan may bide his time until the opportune moment, but make no mistake--he will RSVP with an acceptence. We'll be the ones left with the regret."
We are going to be talking about being daughters of God. We are going to be talking about how we can join Daniel as a person who can live in an extravagant, excessive culture without being poisoned by it. I know it is no mistake that God brought me to this study!! I am so thankful for a friends invitation to join this Bible study! I am so grateful that He gave me the courage to walk in to a room of ladies none of which, with the exception of one, did I know before tonight. I'm ecstatic about maybe having something to say on this blog again......
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Ever get a feeling that someone is praying for you by name?...only to find out later that someone was praying for you at the very moment you had that feeling.
Ever get a feeling that God is working on something big for your life?
I had both of those feelings tonight. I'm not sure how to describe the feeling, but I've had it in the past and I had it tonight.
Not sure who was praying or what God is working on...but it's a good feeling when He's up to some thing......
:-)
Waiting on God...
Ever get a feeling that God is working on something big for your life?
I had both of those feelings tonight. I'm not sure how to describe the feeling, but I've had it in the past and I had it tonight.
Not sure who was praying or what God is working on...but it's a good feeling when He's up to some thing......
:-)
Waiting on God...
Friday, February 2, 2007
My friend, Jessica, and her husband recently moved from a house in to an apartment. I was over at the apartment Thursday evening helping her sift through things, put things in the storage room and cleaning. We accomplished a lot in a short amount of time!! By the time we were done, the apartment was spotless and looked so good! We were very pleased with the results! She said her husband was dumbfounded when he walked in the door from work last night...he couldn't believe his eyes! It felt really good to know that we had accomplished a task that we thought was impossible in one night.
I've been thinking a lot over the past couple of days about life, death, family, friends, dreams and accomplishments. I've thought about things I have accomplished and things I have let fall by the way side unfinished. There are several things I want to accomplish in the future...
1) I want to build an even closer relationship with my parents, sisters and nephew. We are a close family, but some times I feel that we let too many things fall by the way side. We have opportunities to let one another know how much we love and appreciate one another, but we assume "they already know". We have opportunities to exercise some tough love on one another, but we assume they'll get mad and hate us or assume "they don't want to hear it". You know, there is no perfect family. There is something dysfunctional about every family...of course some are more serious than others. I've always wanted our family to be more open with one another. Sharing our thoughts, opinions, feelings and affections. I plan on trying to move our family towards this by trying to be an example of this!
2) My nephew is an absolute cherished treasure of mine! From the very moment he was born (I was in the delivery room), we've had a special bond! He's smart and hilariously funny! He reminds me all the time of how fun life can be. Oh, to see life through the eyes of a 5 year old! I want to be a good Aunt Nahna. I want to help him realize just how far he can go in life!
3) I have been dreaming of completeing a travel program at a travel school. With the knowledge gained from this program about the world and the places in it, I want to work in missions in some form or fashion. I have a heart for people and I want to use what God has given me. I took a step in the right direction several months ago by signing up and receiving the materials to start a course. For different reasons, starting that course has been on the back burner. I'm going to stop putting this off and accomplish completeing this course!
4) I, at this moment in time, am at the heaviest I have ever been in my entire life! I talk seriously about this at times with friends and at other times I joke about it...sometimes it helps to laugh about the things that hurt the most. Losing weight is very difficult for me! I've lost a good bit in the past but it all came back and then some. This is a serious burden on my shoulders that I need and want lifted off of me. With God, with prayer and with determination this will be accomplished!
5) I want to be a better friend! (A friend loves at all times...Proverbs 17:17) I am blessed with some great friends!
Thanks, Jess, for the reminder of how good it feels to see results when working on a task and accomplishing something! It came on a day when I needed it most of all!
I've been thinking a lot over the past couple of days about life, death, family, friends, dreams and accomplishments. I've thought about things I have accomplished and things I have let fall by the way side unfinished. There are several things I want to accomplish in the future...
1) I want to build an even closer relationship with my parents, sisters and nephew. We are a close family, but some times I feel that we let too many things fall by the way side. We have opportunities to let one another know how much we love and appreciate one another, but we assume "they already know". We have opportunities to exercise some tough love on one another, but we assume they'll get mad and hate us or assume "they don't want to hear it". You know, there is no perfect family. There is something dysfunctional about every family...of course some are more serious than others. I've always wanted our family to be more open with one another. Sharing our thoughts, opinions, feelings and affections. I plan on trying to move our family towards this by trying to be an example of this!
2) My nephew is an absolute cherished treasure of mine! From the very moment he was born (I was in the delivery room), we've had a special bond! He's smart and hilariously funny! He reminds me all the time of how fun life can be. Oh, to see life through the eyes of a 5 year old! I want to be a good Aunt Nahna. I want to help him realize just how far he can go in life!
3) I have been dreaming of completeing a travel program at a travel school. With the knowledge gained from this program about the world and the places in it, I want to work in missions in some form or fashion. I have a heart for people and I want to use what God has given me. I took a step in the right direction several months ago by signing up and receiving the materials to start a course. For different reasons, starting that course has been on the back burner. I'm going to stop putting this off and accomplish completeing this course!
4) I, at this moment in time, am at the heaviest I have ever been in my entire life! I talk seriously about this at times with friends and at other times I joke about it...sometimes it helps to laugh about the things that hurt the most. Losing weight is very difficult for me! I've lost a good bit in the past but it all came back and then some. This is a serious burden on my shoulders that I need and want lifted off of me. With God, with prayer and with determination this will be accomplished!
5) I want to be a better friend! (A friend loves at all times...Proverbs 17:17) I am blessed with some great friends!
Thanks, Jess, for the reminder of how good it feels to see results when working on a task and accomplishing something! It came on a day when I needed it most of all!
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
As I mentioned in my previous post, I and several others from my church will be going on a mission trip to Africa this summer. We are all in the process of reading a book called "Where We Have Hope, A Memoir of Zimbabwe" by Andrew Meldrum (who is a journalist). The Washington Post describes the book as "A gripping first-person account of life in Zimbabwe from 1980 to 2003...with a sharp political edge...and a chilling authenticity." So far, the book has been interesting. Because I am a person who has always longed for a sense of community...people finding common ground, caring for one another and taking care of each other, being there for one another and so on...there is one part of this book that I've read so far that has stuck out in my mind.
The author is writing about a time that he and some other journalists had gone to cover an event and he had forgotten his press card and had no sort of identification with him. He was held by armed guards and was not allowed to cover the event or leave when the other journalists left. By the time the other journalists left, he had grown very uneasy. The following is what unfolded next...
Night fell, and through a small window I could see a star in the sky. Without thinking, I said to myself, "Star light, star bright, first star I see tonight..."
"What was that?" barked one of the guards. "Who were you talking to? What did you say?"
My throat was suddenly dry. "It is just a childhood saying," I rasped. "You say it to make a wish on the first star of the night."
"Say it again," ordered the guard. I repeated it. "It rhymes," he said.
"Yes," I answered warily, "it's just a little poem. It's silly."
"I am a poet," he said. "I do poetry for the soldiers in my unit. I want to hear that again."
So I taught him the little ditty and we talked about making a wish. He hoped there would be peace and that he could go back to his family. His poems were in Ndebele, but he wanted to learn more in English. I said I wanted to learn more about Zimbabwe and to write about it.
The guard in charge told us to stop talking, but the atmosphere had relaxed considerably. I was no longer viewed as a spy but an inconvenience.
Later that night I was released and the police returned me to my hotel. I was shaken by the incident, but also buoyed by my close encounter with Zimbabwe's freedom fighters, by the rapport we had developed in the most unpromising circumstances. Once we had begun talking, I found their hopes were easy to understand. And they could understand my motivation, too. Although the incident was little short of a fiasco, it gave me confidence that, under the right circumstances, I would be able to connect with Zimbabweans and effectively portray their aspirations.
I know a tight bond was not formed through this encounter, but if in this situation these two men could go from a journalist and an armed guard to just two men talking about poetry, of all things, then how much easier should it be for Christians to come together and find common ground and form a bond with other Christians...and with non-Christians. That is one thing I enjoyed about my time in Africa last year. By the end of our trip, our group was a close community of believers and we had met several Africans that are also a part of our comunity. Although, they are thousands of miles away, they are our brothers and sisters and we have a special bond!
I am the last person who should be talking about finding common ground with others. I have always had walls up around me. It's not very often that I'd step out and "invest in others" (see previous post). I have always seemed to do something that would keep a lot of friendships from forming. Thankfully, I haven't managed to mess up on all my friendships so I do have some really good friends! But I can't help but know that there are some others out there that I did make a mess out of. And I realize that and I realize that until I'm gone, or until Jesus returns...which ever comes first, nothing is a done deal. With God, I can change. With God, those walls that I've built to "protect" myself and that has kept me from investing in others, and others from investing in me, can be knocked down. It's not an over night thing. It's a mind thing...something I have to consciously make an effort at, but with God, things are starting to change.
So, this is a challenge to everyone who happens by and reads this...If I am able to open myself up to a community, anyone can.
Step out of your comfort zone. Stop "protecting" yourself. Meet some new people and find common ground. Before long, we'll be one big community....
The author is writing about a time that he and some other journalists had gone to cover an event and he had forgotten his press card and had no sort of identification with him. He was held by armed guards and was not allowed to cover the event or leave when the other journalists left. By the time the other journalists left, he had grown very uneasy. The following is what unfolded next...
Night fell, and through a small window I could see a star in the sky. Without thinking, I said to myself, "Star light, star bright, first star I see tonight..."
"What was that?" barked one of the guards. "Who were you talking to? What did you say?"
My throat was suddenly dry. "It is just a childhood saying," I rasped. "You say it to make a wish on the first star of the night."
"Say it again," ordered the guard. I repeated it. "It rhymes," he said.
"Yes," I answered warily, "it's just a little poem. It's silly."
"I am a poet," he said. "I do poetry for the soldiers in my unit. I want to hear that again."
So I taught him the little ditty and we talked about making a wish. He hoped there would be peace and that he could go back to his family. His poems were in Ndebele, but he wanted to learn more in English. I said I wanted to learn more about Zimbabwe and to write about it.
The guard in charge told us to stop talking, but the atmosphere had relaxed considerably. I was no longer viewed as a spy but an inconvenience.
Later that night I was released and the police returned me to my hotel. I was shaken by the incident, but also buoyed by my close encounter with Zimbabwe's freedom fighters, by the rapport we had developed in the most unpromising circumstances. Once we had begun talking, I found their hopes were easy to understand. And they could understand my motivation, too. Although the incident was little short of a fiasco, it gave me confidence that, under the right circumstances, I would be able to connect with Zimbabweans and effectively portray their aspirations.
I know a tight bond was not formed through this encounter, but if in this situation these two men could go from a journalist and an armed guard to just two men talking about poetry, of all things, then how much easier should it be for Christians to come together and find common ground and form a bond with other Christians...and with non-Christians. That is one thing I enjoyed about my time in Africa last year. By the end of our trip, our group was a close community of believers and we had met several Africans that are also a part of our comunity. Although, they are thousands of miles away, they are our brothers and sisters and we have a special bond!
I am the last person who should be talking about finding common ground with others. I have always had walls up around me. It's not very often that I'd step out and "invest in others" (see previous post). I have always seemed to do something that would keep a lot of friendships from forming. Thankfully, I haven't managed to mess up on all my friendships so I do have some really good friends! But I can't help but know that there are some others out there that I did make a mess out of. And I realize that and I realize that until I'm gone, or until Jesus returns...which ever comes first, nothing is a done deal. With God, I can change. With God, those walls that I've built to "protect" myself and that has kept me from investing in others, and others from investing in me, can be knocked down. It's not an over night thing. It's a mind thing...something I have to consciously make an effort at, but with God, things are starting to change.
So, this is a challenge to everyone who happens by and reads this...If I am able to open myself up to a community, anyone can.
Step out of your comfort zone. Stop "protecting" yourself. Meet some new people and find common ground. Before long, we'll be one big community....
Monday, January 29, 2007
So, I have decided to make another attempt at this blogging thing. I stopped writing before because I felt like I didn't have much to say...much less the time to sit down at the computer to try and fight through writers block. As much as I don't like a lot of the things that I write, I realize that my writing is a gift from God. He has given me the ability to share some of my deepest (and not so deep) thoughts through my writing. I may have a different style of writing, but I write from my heart.
Buddy talked yesterday about Matthew 6:19-24 and of how we should invest in the eternal rather than the temporary. Money, homes, cars, school, jobs, fishing equipment, traveling and any other thing that we can't take with us to Heaven is temporary. Rather than being a workaholic, invest time in your family. Rather than spending every penny you have on a new home or car, help someone who is hurting. Our relationships with others are eternal. Our focus is to be on God and His people and not on the materialistic things of the world.
I was convicted by what Buddy had to say yesterday and he helped me to know that I made a good decision a couple of weeks ago! It was a decision that I struggled over! One of my biggest struggles in life has been overcoming my debt from when I was younger. I was not prepared for what a credit card could do to me. Now I am paying!! I was working at Kohl's part time to try and get the suckers paid off. When mission trip meetings started up, I knew I was going to go to Africa and that I had to be at the Sunday afternoon meetings. But a problem came up when Kohl's also wanted me to be at work on Sunday afternoons. As much as I want to pay off my credit cards, I had the face of a little boy at Nhowe Mission in the back of my mind and I knew I had to quit Kohl's so that I'd be able to see this little boys face again. As this little boy and I were walking down a dirt road in Zimbabwe last year, he helped to remind me of how I need to keep my eyes on Jesus and trust Him to lead me through life. I no longer work at Kohl's.
I am invested in the lives of these people in Africa!! They bring a smile to my face...at Kohl's I wanted to rip the arms off of the inconsiderate customers who made my job more difficult (just kidding...kind of).
People and the time we invest in them is worth so much more than any thing that is temporary. Yeah, we live in this world and we are going to invest in homes and cars and jobs and the fun things in life; but we have to have our priorities in the right order. Which is something I'm reminded of as the credit card bills are coming in and I have no paycheck from Kohl's to help cover them. But God will provide...and I will be in Africa in 5 months enjoying time with my brothers and sisters. Praise the Lord! :)
Buddy talked yesterday about Matthew 6:19-24 and of how we should invest in the eternal rather than the temporary. Money, homes, cars, school, jobs, fishing equipment, traveling and any other thing that we can't take with us to Heaven is temporary. Rather than being a workaholic, invest time in your family. Rather than spending every penny you have on a new home or car, help someone who is hurting. Our relationships with others are eternal. Our focus is to be on God and His people and not on the materialistic things of the world.
I was convicted by what Buddy had to say yesterday and he helped me to know that I made a good decision a couple of weeks ago! It was a decision that I struggled over! One of my biggest struggles in life has been overcoming my debt from when I was younger. I was not prepared for what a credit card could do to me. Now I am paying!! I was working at Kohl's part time to try and get the suckers paid off. When mission trip meetings started up, I knew I was going to go to Africa and that I had to be at the Sunday afternoon meetings. But a problem came up when Kohl's also wanted me to be at work on Sunday afternoons. As much as I want to pay off my credit cards, I had the face of a little boy at Nhowe Mission in the back of my mind and I knew I had to quit Kohl's so that I'd be able to see this little boys face again. As this little boy and I were walking down a dirt road in Zimbabwe last year, he helped to remind me of how I need to keep my eyes on Jesus and trust Him to lead me through life. I no longer work at Kohl's.
I am invested in the lives of these people in Africa!! They bring a smile to my face...at Kohl's I wanted to rip the arms off of the inconsiderate customers who made my job more difficult (just kidding...kind of).
People and the time we invest in them is worth so much more than any thing that is temporary. Yeah, we live in this world and we are going to invest in homes and cars and jobs and the fun things in life; but we have to have our priorities in the right order. Which is something I'm reminded of as the credit card bills are coming in and I have no paycheck from Kohl's to help cover them. But God will provide...and I will be in Africa in 5 months enjoying time with my brothers and sisters. Praise the Lord! :)
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