I had a bit of a personal revelation the other day.
I'm not going to lie.... it's been a bit of a rough year. I feel like things have been a constant rollercoaster. It is even more difficult when OTHER people make comments like, "You know, you really have had a crappy hand lately," or "Don't you just wish God would let up a bit?"
My gut instinct... YES!! Yes it has been kinda hard...YES I do sometimes wish God would let up.
But that's when my "AH-HA" moment came to me.
It's so easy to think that we somehow DESERVE to have it easy or good for a bit of time. I have cried out to the Lord before, begging for life to be easy before. But then I realized, what would be a sufficient amount of time for things to be good? At what point would I be able to turn to God and say, "Ok...you have given me what I deserve. NOW you can give me the tough stuff."
Let's say I thought I deserved six months of an easy life. And after that six months, God threw some curve balls my way. After I made it through that, I would probably ask God for more "easy time" next time. Maybe I would think I deserved eight months.
I am pretty sure that my selfish nature would cause me to keep asking for more time...no...asking is too nice... I would keep DEMANDING more "easy" time.
What gives us the audacity to think we DESERVE an easy life? Where do I come off thinking that?
I have been wrestling with this thought process for the past week.... just thought I'd share.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
Saw this on another blog I read...It's definitely worth repeating...
I can only imagine what could happen if this became a trend.
This is Rolling Hills Baptist Church, Fayetteville, GA’s web banner on their website www.wheresthesteeple.org
Not the sexiest thing we have ever seen.
And you know what?
Who cares?
Rolling Hills Baptist Church, Fayetteville, GA
Their building and property is worth over 1.1 million dollars.
The church has a nice facility that is almost paid off.
The church owes less than one hundred thousand dollars.
The church has 1 million in equity.
The church has many families who have lost their homes and jobs.
The community is one that could use resources and money to help families in need.
The pastor and his congregation have decided to sell the church building and property to take care of his members and put roofs over peoples heads instead of their own on Sunday.
On October 5, 2008, the members of Rolling Hills voted overwhelmingly in favor of joining GOD in His redemptive work by selling her buildings and property, and using the proceeds to increase ministry and mission efforts in our community and beyond.
They are looking to lease a movie theater or something after the property sells.
Other churches have offered their facilities.
This is the church at work.
Pastor Frank is my new hero.
Bravo to you for doing what you most would never do.
Bravo for you for following in obedience.
May God bless you and your church richly.
I can only imagine what could happen if this became a trend.
Monday, July 20, 2009
While in Vienna, I had the most interesting opportunity I have EVER had to share about the grace that Christ offers.
Klaudia, our new friend who translated for us during the first week of camp, had my team over for dinner one evening towards the end of our stay in Austria. I knew a little of Klaudia's story, that she had grown up in the Catholic church (as most do in Austria). It was just a few years ago when someone explained to her what a relationship with Christ is about. Since then, she has turned her life over to the Lord. Her husband, Michael, was also raised in the Catholic church, but is still unsure about an actual relationship with Christ.
After dinner, we were sitting in their living room just chatting. Klaudia turned to me and said, "I have a question. I told Michael I would ask this."
I froze. I had no idea what it could possibly be. Questions and doubts about the Bible, Christ, Hell, and everything in between ran through my mind.
What came next was never expected.
"The death penalty... "
Wait... did she just bring up the death penalty?
I DEFINITELY wasn't prepared for this.
"In Europe, that may the most common idea of Texas, that you issue the death penalty. It has been outlawed here for quite some time. What do you think about it? How can a 'Christian' nation advocate this, especially in the 'Bible belt?"
WHOA...
I had to take a second and think about it. I didn't stop to contemplate my view on this touchy subject, but more so on who was listening. There was Klaudia, a well-educated woman fairly new in Christ. I had my team of five girls, all Texans (or close to it) who were, for the most part, just as shocked as I was at the topic. And there was also Michael, quietly listening in the back.
How can I say this without stepping on toes? I am completely confident that the Lord took over. I had an immediate peace and words just came.
I think I said something like this... "You are right in that most Texans support the death penalty. In fact, that is how I was raised. I am pretty sure that everyone else in my family still supports it. Heck, when I was a freshmen in college (in my naiveity) I did a speech in a class on the reasons to support the death penalty. But now, I do NOT support the death penalty."
You should have seen the looks on the faces of everyone in the room.
I continued. "It wasn't until just a couple of years ago that I really started to think about it. And it was only when it was put in my face and I was forced to read about it in the Scriptures and in various other books. You see, in Texas, we aren't taught that most other civilized countries have abolished this practice. I didn't know this until recently, when I found it for myself."
I proceeded to make the bold statement that it is my personal belief that if Jesus were here today, he wouldn't support the death penalty. I can't help but think of John 8, when the Pharisees and scribes brought a woman who was caught in adultery to Jesus. Jewish law said that this woman should be stoned to death. But Jesus replied with "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone."
Jesus took a situation that CALLED FOR the death penalty and showed his grace.
I was able to share about what grace is, and how it has affected me.
I also had to admit that if it were my loved one that had been killed by a murderer, the thought would probably cross my mind that this person should be put on death row. But what good would that do? Would it really make me feel better knowing that another person has died? Would I be exuding the love and grace of Christ?
The evening wrapped up and we all went our seperate ways. But this instance keeps coming back to mind. I repeat my words (what I can remember) in my head over and over throughout the day. And I can't think of any part of it that the Lord wasn't a part of.
I pray that this plants a seed. Not just in Michael, as he continues searching, but in all that were there. I pray that we would all continue to search Scripture and hold it up to our lives, to see if we are truly living it out, or if we are just talking about it.
Klaudia, our new friend who translated for us during the first week of camp, had my team over for dinner one evening towards the end of our stay in Austria. I knew a little of Klaudia's story, that she had grown up in the Catholic church (as most do in Austria). It was just a few years ago when someone explained to her what a relationship with Christ is about. Since then, she has turned her life over to the Lord. Her husband, Michael, was also raised in the Catholic church, but is still unsure about an actual relationship with Christ.
After dinner, we were sitting in their living room just chatting. Klaudia turned to me and said, "I have a question. I told Michael I would ask this."
I froze. I had no idea what it could possibly be. Questions and doubts about the Bible, Christ, Hell, and everything in between ran through my mind.
What came next was never expected.
"The death penalty... "
Wait... did she just bring up the death penalty?
I DEFINITELY wasn't prepared for this.
"In Europe, that may the most common idea of Texas, that you issue the death penalty. It has been outlawed here for quite some time. What do you think about it? How can a 'Christian' nation advocate this, especially in the 'Bible belt?"
WHOA...
I had to take a second and think about it. I didn't stop to contemplate my view on this touchy subject, but more so on who was listening. There was Klaudia, a well-educated woman fairly new in Christ. I had my team of five girls, all Texans (or close to it) who were, for the most part, just as shocked as I was at the topic. And there was also Michael, quietly listening in the back.
How can I say this without stepping on toes? I am completely confident that the Lord took over. I had an immediate peace and words just came.
I think I said something like this... "You are right in that most Texans support the death penalty. In fact, that is how I was raised. I am pretty sure that everyone else in my family still supports it. Heck, when I was a freshmen in college (in my naiveity) I did a speech in a class on the reasons to support the death penalty. But now, I do NOT support the death penalty."
You should have seen the looks on the faces of everyone in the room.
I continued. "It wasn't until just a couple of years ago that I really started to think about it. And it was only when it was put in my face and I was forced to read about it in the Scriptures and in various other books. You see, in Texas, we aren't taught that most other civilized countries have abolished this practice. I didn't know this until recently, when I found it for myself."
I proceeded to make the bold statement that it is my personal belief that if Jesus were here today, he wouldn't support the death penalty. I can't help but think of John 8, when the Pharisees and scribes brought a woman who was caught in adultery to Jesus. Jewish law said that this woman should be stoned to death. But Jesus replied with "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone."
Jesus took a situation that CALLED FOR the death penalty and showed his grace.
I was able to share about what grace is, and how it has affected me.
I also had to admit that if it were my loved one that had been killed by a murderer, the thought would probably cross my mind that this person should be put on death row. But what good would that do? Would it really make me feel better knowing that another person has died? Would I be exuding the love and grace of Christ?
The evening wrapped up and we all went our seperate ways. But this instance keeps coming back to mind. I repeat my words (what I can remember) in my head over and over throughout the day. And I can't think of any part of it that the Lord wasn't a part of.
I pray that this plants a seed. Not just in Michael, as he continues searching, but in all that were there. I pray that we would all continue to search Scripture and hold it up to our lives, to see if we are truly living it out, or if we are just talking about it.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Where have the past two weeks gone? This time tomorrow, I will be a few hours away from touching down in Dallas!
This week was a rough one! To say the kids were different from last week would be a TOTAL understatement. I ended up having to enforce a 'special friend' rule. If they said an inappropriate word or repeatedly disobeyed, they became my special friend for a bit. I would find a chore or something for them to do while everyone else continued with the program. It worked pretty well until the last day, when they actually ENJOYED being my special friend...fail.
I would definitely say the highlight of the week was on Wednesday evening at Lobau Park. Don't get me wrong...it was pretty miserable for the most part. It was INSANELY hot and the mosquitos were the worst I have ever seen! The kids were whining and I can't blame them...we were too! After dinner, it started pouring. We huddled all the kids in a teepee with a fire in the middle. I rallied my team of girls together and told them to LOOK ALIVE! It obviously was not the ideal situation, but we have to pretend like this was the plan all along. We had no idea how long we would be in that cramped teepee, but we were going to act like it was the night of our lives. And I think at some point, at least for me, it started to become just that.
We sang silly songs, told (funny) scary stories, and had an on-the-spot talent show! (I would point at someone, telling them that they are 'up next!'
I felt like that was night that we really connected with the kids. It reminded me that God uses any situation to bring him glory.
So we leave tomorrow...which is sad! I have met some INCREDIBLE people here (more on that later).
This week was a rough one! To say the kids were different from last week would be a TOTAL understatement. I ended up having to enforce a 'special friend' rule. If they said an inappropriate word or repeatedly disobeyed, they became my special friend for a bit. I would find a chore or something for them to do while everyone else continued with the program. It worked pretty well until the last day, when they actually ENJOYED being my special friend...fail.
I would definitely say the highlight of the week was on Wednesday evening at Lobau Park. Don't get me wrong...it was pretty miserable for the most part. It was INSANELY hot and the mosquitos were the worst I have ever seen! The kids were whining and I can't blame them...we were too! After dinner, it started pouring. We huddled all the kids in a teepee with a fire in the middle. I rallied my team of girls together and told them to LOOK ALIVE! It obviously was not the ideal situation, but we have to pretend like this was the plan all along. We had no idea how long we would be in that cramped teepee, but we were going to act like it was the night of our lives. And I think at some point, at least for me, it started to become just that.
We sang silly songs, told (funny) scary stories, and had an on-the-spot talent show! (I would point at someone, telling them that they are 'up next!'
I felt like that was night that we really connected with the kids. It reminded me that God uses any situation to bring him glory.
So we leave tomorrow...which is sad! I have met some INCREDIBLE people here (more on that later).
Monday, July 13, 2009
WEEK 2!
Today we started week two of English camp in Vienna. I think it is safe to say that this week will be MUCH different from last week.
For starters, we have more older kids this week... a lot of 11 and 12 year olds. HORMONES ARE RAMPID! It is all about who likes who and who is cute. And they all are 'too cool' for the activities we have planned. No good. I was able to sit down with my team this afternoon to talk about re-vamping some of the activities to try to please the kids, so we will see how that goes. Pray for that if you don't mind...and patience too!
The Lord has really started to break my heart for the people of Vienna. I have befriended a wonderful woman here, Klaudia. After hearing her story over dinner (running sushi!), I was able to understand more about the Austrian culture and where Jesus fits in to it. It seems that many people here are raised Catholic. However, since the Austria is 'officially' a Catholic country, Catholics pay an additional tax. Therefore, many people grow up and realize this and turn away from the church and anything 'religious' based. Being Catholic is a part of the culture. No... claiming Catholicisim is part of the culture. But an actual relationship with Jesus Christ, unheard of. It breaks my heart. So I ask you to pray for the Austrian people. Pray that God would stir in their hearts and they would see their need for a Savior and Lord. Pray for the believers in Austria, that God would strengthen them and give them boldness to share with others.
For starters, we have more older kids this week... a lot of 11 and 12 year olds. HORMONES ARE RAMPID! It is all about who likes who and who is cute. And they all are 'too cool' for the activities we have planned. No good. I was able to sit down with my team this afternoon to talk about re-vamping some of the activities to try to please the kids, so we will see how that goes. Pray for that if you don't mind...and patience too!
The Lord has really started to break my heart for the people of Vienna. I have befriended a wonderful woman here, Klaudia. After hearing her story over dinner (running sushi!), I was able to understand more about the Austrian culture and where Jesus fits in to it. It seems that many people here are raised Catholic. However, since the Austria is 'officially' a Catholic country, Catholics pay an additional tax. Therefore, many people grow up and realize this and turn away from the church and anything 'religious' based. Being Catholic is a part of the culture. No... claiming Catholicisim is part of the culture. But an actual relationship with Jesus Christ, unheard of. It breaks my heart. So I ask you to pray for the Austrian people. Pray that God would stir in their hearts and they would see their need for a Savior and Lord. Pray for the believers in Austria, that God would strengthen them and give them boldness to share with others.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
WE MADE IT THROUGH THE FIRST WEEK! I must admit, there were some points when I wondered how we were going to do it. But it was simply by the strength of God that we made it!
We start our second week of camp tomorrow. I am thinking that it will be much better. We should all be more confident about what we are doing.
There are so many things I would like to share. The main thing is I ask you to pray for opportunities to share this week. We have a lot of older kids, so I am hoping that the team finds it easy to connect with the kids and seize the opportunity laid before them.
Pray for our team. What an amazing team we are! But I think the honeymoon stage is fading. Irritability and tiredness are rearing their ugly heads.
The Lord has laid some pretty tough stuff on my heart lately, and I am still sorting through some of it. Maybe I will post about it later.... until then... I must get to bed so we can catch our early bus tomorrow!
We start our second week of camp tomorrow. I am thinking that it will be much better. We should all be more confident about what we are doing.
There are so many things I would like to share. The main thing is I ask you to pray for opportunities to share this week. We have a lot of older kids, so I am hoping that the team finds it easy to connect with the kids and seize the opportunity laid before them.
Pray for our team. What an amazing team we are! But I think the honeymoon stage is fading. Irritability and tiredness are rearing their ugly heads.
The Lord has laid some pretty tough stuff on my heart lately, and I am still sorting through some of it. Maybe I will post about it later.... until then... I must get to bed so we can catch our early bus tomorrow!
Thursday, July 09, 2009
We just finished our fourth day of the first week of camp. I can't believe we are almost half way done! It has been a crazy, stressful, but oh so fun week!
We have 22 kids this week, most from a not yet believing family. Though there is an obvious language barrier, we have had such a good time with them. Yesterday, we did a half day of 'regular' camp, then hiked 3 miles to a campsite. I helped lead a group of 7 yr olds. They were so funny! In order to encourage them on the hike, we pretended we were art thieves. There were clues along the way with pieces to our art piece. However, there were also 'police' that we out to catch the theives. At each stop, I would read the clue (in English) When I would say 'the next PIECE,' the little ones, not knowing much English, thought I said POLICE and they would drop to the ground, hoping to not be seen. It was hilarious.
All in all, it has been a great week. My team is working INCREDIBLY together. Keep praying for us. We are getting tired...Pray God gives us the energy to keep the kids busy all day! And pray for tomorrow night. We will be having a 'showcase,' allowing the parents to come and see what the kids have been up to all week. Pray for conversations with the parents about WHY we do this.
We have 22 kids this week, most from a not yet believing family. Though there is an obvious language barrier, we have had such a good time with them. Yesterday, we did a half day of 'regular' camp, then hiked 3 miles to a campsite. I helped lead a group of 7 yr olds. They were so funny! In order to encourage them on the hike, we pretended we were art thieves. There were clues along the way with pieces to our art piece. However, there were also 'police' that we out to catch the theives. At each stop, I would read the clue (in English) When I would say 'the next PIECE,' the little ones, not knowing much English, thought I said POLICE and they would drop to the ground, hoping to not be seen. It was hilarious.
All in all, it has been a great week. My team is working INCREDIBLY together. Keep praying for us. We are getting tired...Pray God gives us the energy to keep the kids busy all day! And pray for tomorrow night. We will be having a 'showcase,' allowing the parents to come and see what the kids have been up to all week. Pray for conversations with the parents about WHY we do this.
Friday, July 03, 2009
TOMORROW!! TOMORROW!!
I can't believe it... Tomorrow is the big day!! I have been planning like crazy for this for a long time...and IT'S FINALLY HERE!! I was running around like crazy tonight. To say I was stressed would be a total understatement! I knew the Austrian culture is one of structure. They like plans... to the smallest detail. Now I'm a planner, but on my own terms (if that makes any sense). Needless to say, I vented to my mom while she helped me pack (she's so amazing). I decided to take a break.
That was when I was reminded that God is in control. I checked my email to see if there were any last-minute updates from Ruth, our supervisor in Austria. She did, in fact, send me an email. I almost dreaded opening it, fearing that it would remind me of something I forgot, something else I needed to do, etc.
This is what her email said... word for word...
"In case you get worried a bit: the camp was never perfect. We all made mistakes. The Kids didn't mind. We just try to make the best out of it and watch how God is using it. And: we can't plan everything ahead. Sometimes we have to be flexible, adapt the program to the kids. So don't worry if you don't know all the details. We will go through the program on Sunday afternoon. Every day, after the kids leave, we sit together and evaluate the day and check if everything is ready for the next day. There is still time to solve problems."
Talk about a weight being lifted!! I was given a peace and calm heart immediately.
While I'm gone, pray for my team. They are an awesom
e group of girls. 
Here we are at Orientation....
And this is Amber...the other member of out team. She couldn't make it to Orientation!
You may also want to pray for the family I will be staying. The team will be split between three houses. Me and Allison are staying with Ursula and
Dieter. Here they are.
Dieter. Here they are. Thursday, July 02, 2009
"Laughing With" Lyrics:
No one laughs at God in a hospital
No one laughs at God in a war
No one's laughing at God when they're starving or freezing or so very poor
No one laughs at God when the doctor calls after some routine tests
No one's laughing at God when it's gotten real late and their kid's not back from that party yet
No one laughs at God when their airplane starts to uncontrollably shake
No one's laughing at God when they see the one they love hand in hand with someone else and they hope that they're mistaken
No one laughs at God when the cops knock on their door and they say "We've got some bad new, sir,"
No one's laughing at God when there's a famine, fire or flood
But God can be funny
At a cocktail party while listening to a good God-themed joke or
Or when the crazies say he hates us and they get so red in the head you think that they're about to choke
God can be funny
When told he'll give you money if you just pray the right way
And when presented like a genie
Who does magic like Houdini
Or grants wishes like Jiminy Cricket and Santa Claus
God can be so hilarious
Ha ha
Ha ha
No one laughs at God in a hospital
No one laughs at God in a war
No one's laughing at God when they've lost all they got and they don't know what for
No one laughs at God on the day they realize that the last sight they'll ever see is a pair of hateful eyes
No one's laughing at God when they're saying their goodbyes
But God can be funny
At a cocktail party while listening to a good God-themed joke or
Or when the crazies say he hates us and they get so red in the head you think that they're about to choke
God can be funny
When told he'll give you money if you just pray the right way
And when presented like a genie
Who does magic like Houdini
Or grants wishes like Jiminy Cricket and Santa Claus
God can be so hilarious
No one laughs at God in a hospital
No one laughs at God in a war
No one laughs at God in a hospital
No one laughs at God in a war
No one's laughing at God in a hospital
No one's laughing at God in a war
No one's laughing at God when they're starving or freezing or so very poor
No one's laughing at God
No one's laughing at God
No one's laughing at God
We're all laughing with God
Laughing With by Regina Spektor from the album Far
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