Old pictures, thoughts and memories

Found some 'old' picture CD's while going through some old boxes and found these. While it doesn't look like I'll be taking any trips in the near future, my traveling foot is itching. So I thought I would post some of them, and also give you an update as to what God has been doing recently.

I think its been partially due to the fact that there's been some helpful attempts to cure me and a good friend of mine of that horrid condition, sans husband. And my reaction is to either take them to school as to why that is not helpful, or to simply run away. I know, neither of which are helpful or functional... but its still my immediate reaction.

While she and I both appreciate the good intentions behind the gestures, neither of us see the need for concern from anyone, as the Lord has been doing a huge work in both of us as far as finding our contentment and fulfillment in Christ alone. May sound over spiritual, but that is what it is. And God has blessed us with some great friends.

If we weren't single, I don't think we could enjoy all the platonic friendships God has been showering us with.

Or be available for all the different ministry opportunities that keep coming our way. Its been weird having to turn down stuff the last few weeks. Saturdays are crazy, and there's always opportunities to fill them with more stuff.

While I'm thankful that there is too much instead of not enough, its been a new challenge trying to discern what to keep and what to cut out, how to manage time... balancing relationships of all kinds with what needs to get done.

And learning the difference between what I NEED and what I WANT. And how to clearly represent the difference both to myself and others when talking about it. Or learning how to just not talk about it at all, except in prayer.

And seeing the Lord provide tiny gestures of compassion and grace in small things, and thanking Him for them.
And trying to be still and at peace so that I can overflow with blessings upon others. I've really been convicted recently of trying to discern if what I'm saying is edifying or just jabbering. I don't have it down to a fine art by any means. Its funny how when I have the best of intentions, things are still so poorly communicated. I'm not sure if thats a lack on my part or others' issues, and I've been praying about it.
(And I'm feeling rather melodramatic right now because I've got these cool pictures that I took a couple years ago that I really feel should be on some halmark card somewhere, and I'm listening to the 'Blood Diamond' soundtrack ;-) And its late and I've had a crazy busy fun day with waaaay too much sugar in it and a ton of different accents. :-D)

There's something really nice about typing with the lights off with it raining gently outside in the dark with good instrumental music with a minor key's lilt to it. :-)

We read through the book of Romans this evening, and then shared some interesting stories. A Pastor was beaten up in Rajasthan, India a few days ago, and his church is really scared right now. A Christian girl was kidnapped in a Muslim country... a thousand Pakistani's came to Christ last week... a church leader or two was assassinated in Pakistan. So we prayed for them, we prayed for us...
We prayed for where God is going to take us in the future and that no matter what we would be faithful and a light for Christ. On the one hand it was rather intimidating, asking for these things, knowing that when one submits to the Lord, anything will happen. But at the same time it was exhilarating, knowing that when one is submitted to the Lord, anything will happen! And it will be His will!!
And I wondered once again, thinking about where my family has been and is and where I have been and am... why does God give an extra measure of Grace and provision and comfort to some, despite being in the midst of the Fire... while others feel left alone by Him? And one of my dear friends said to me, "you cannot ask God 'why this and not that,' you can only thank Him for what is and seek to be faithful to those who don't have."
I was talking with another friend last night and we were talking about church leadership and dysfunction amongst laity and how to be a Christian serving in a secular workplace without being obnoxious for the Faith and at the same time not being invisible for the Gospel. Its a fine line and we didn't figure it out, although I did determine by the end of it that people are gonna be mad either way, so mights as well have them mad at you for holding onto the Truth rather than compromising, feeling guilty and STILL having people mad at you.

And I have concluded I have no idea what God is going to do with my future. My friend laughed and said in mock exasperation as I talked animatedly about yet ANOTHER mission field in ANOTHER country, 'I hear a different country from you every time we speak! You just can't make up your mind, can you?' Well.. they all need the Gospel and sound COOL as far as culture and language and clothing go, so...

All that to say I don't know exactly what God is doing or where He is taking me or what is going to happen in the future. But I do know that He is giving me opportunities for Sanctification. And I also know I miss Magda's coffee. And I miss Geza and I arguing about beverage health benefits or lack thereof. And I miss wandering the village, meeting familiar faces and being greeted by a handshake. But I know I'm where God wants me, and I know that He has a purpose and is blessing me on a daily basis with new friends and old friendships deepening and new opportunities opening up. And I'm excited to see what God has.

Worship song

We sang this in Chapel today. I've heard it before and the lyrics always are a convicting reminder and profound encouragement. I hope it blesses you today.

Verse 1:

This is my prayer in the desert

When all that's within me feels dry
This is my prayer in my hunger and need
My God is the God who provides

Verse 2:
This is my prayer in the fire
In weakness or trial or pain
There is a faith proved
Of more worth than gold
So refine me Lord through the flame

Chorus:
I will bring Praise
I will bring Praise
No weapon formed against me shall remain
I will rejoice
I will declare
God is my victory and He is here

Verse 3:
This is my prayer in the Battle
When triumph is still on its way
I am a conqueror an co-heir with Christ
So firm on His promise I'll stand

(Chorus)

Bridge:
All of my life
In every Season
You are still God
I have a reason to sing
I have a reason to worship

Verse 4:
This is my prayer in the harvest
When favor and providence flow
I know I'm filled to be emptied again
The seed I've received I will sow.

(Chorus)

~Artist Hillsong United Album Across the Earth Song Desert Song~

Blessings

My Ukrainian friend and I were talking the other night over mint tea and Dove chocolates. Her husband works night shift and she gets lonely so sometimes I drop in to say hi and we both swear we'll only talk an hour to one another but it always ends up being two or three.
We've been friends pretty much since I came here to go to school, and have been around for a couple different dramas in each others lives. We've seen each other cry, laugh, go through life-changing events, etc. I'll admit she drives me crazy sometimes and I also know the same can be said of me from her perspective. However, when we worked in the Cafeteria we were often mistaken for the other, as we're both about the same height, have the same hair color, both have an Eastern-European look, temper, and have strong opinions that we voice more than we probably should.
She's far more girly than I am, though, and currently owns more pink things than I probably ever will in my entire life.
And I can be a little more earthy than her, and will borrow and watch her husbands war movies and discuss disguisting missiological dietary experiences with him while she turns green and tells us we are nasty people ;-)
I've already told you about my Didi.
And then there's my Cameroonian friend I've written of before, who pushes me beyond what I think I can do when we exercise together and constantly exhorts me to grow more godly than I currently am, to guard my reputation in an appropriate manner and laughs louder and more exuberantly than I can. I've received more beauty products from her than I ever thought I would own and learned more about self care than I thought possible and overall have learned how to be far more feminine than my farm-girl self would have allowed for. I would never, though, describe her as girly. Her femininity has a distinct flavor to it that I guess comes from her heritage of African nobility. Its that grace that leopards have; smooth, subtle, and while beautiful has a strong undercurrent that can become dangerous when needed as soft when allowable.
My most favorite memories of praying, bar none, are with her. I am convicted, encouraged, and awed every time, be it in a group setting or one-on-one. She's gotten me through some of the toughest times I've been through and somehow loved me the more because of it.
Then there's my two room mates, from the same people group in India but different tribes, and as different as night and day but still so similar sometimes. Both fashionably astute and deft in the kitchen, we've learned with and from each other. They've helped me overcome my phobia of Curry and chili powder, and encourage me to hone in my skills of subtlety.

And it struck me the other day that these awesome people and I are in a transitory place in life; college and seminary isn't someplace you settle. At least, not long-term. And one day we'll all go our separate directions, and while we may visit the various locations on planet Earth God has called us, we won't be all gathered together again until we meet again in Heaven.
Which is a bitter sweet thought.
But its interesting how old friendships have also changed and deepend with time, even though we are far apart. My friends from Hungary and Romania and I still keep in touch, and with all the new technological developments its been fun. Not the same of course, but we are still able to update one another on important life events and join in prayer together.

And family is always there. Despite chaos, life changes, tragedy, joy, pain, love, loss, abundant grace, family is still there. Which is awesome how God has orchestrated familial ties to work like that.