tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32582592827994052102024-02-06T21:27:31.483-05:00The Secret To Life"The ache for home lives in all of us, the safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned." - Maya Angelouraychelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14270539012829416696noreply@blogger.comBlogger73125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3258259282799405210.post-27681155090970657492020-09-16T17:02:00.001-04:002020-09-16T17:02:07.088-04:00A Little Honesty<p><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></p><p><img class="shadow3" data-bind="attr: { src: imageUrl }" src="https://memegenerator.net/img/instances/x300/84975449.jpg" /></p><p><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Shortly after my last newsletter I was reading about the Samaritan woman’s encounter with Jesus in John 4. The two of them have what seems to be two different conversations until suddenly she realizes that Jesus is about four levels deeper than she is and dives in. Jesus does the mic drop in convo when he declares “[that] the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and trust, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him.” (John 4:23)</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">I confess, this has always been one of my favorite verses. Such verses lend to a sense of haughty arrogance that says, “Yes, the Father is looking for</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"> </span><i style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">true</i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">worshippers. Worshippers that transcend just he activity and</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"> </span><i style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">really</i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">get what it means to put it all out for the Father. That’s me. I am a true worshipper. I get him.”</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #38761d;">I mean, am I the only one here? Am I the only one that has a selection of verses that just make me feel good about my spiritual self? <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #38761d;">I might be.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #38761d;">But I doubt it. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Second confession: I have never been able to read Jesus’ declaration and a feel absolutely sure that I had any clue what he was talking about.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #38761d;">So, a few weeks ago I was reading this beloved passage of mine and I was stopped. Like the Holy Spirit let me walk right into a wall while standing by watching. Then said, “Do you know what this means?” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #38761d;">I bit the bait and finally asked, “What is Jesus talking about here? And what does it really mean to worship in spirit and in truth?” And then I got real with him, “Do I have any clue what it means to worship in spirit and in truth??”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #38761d;">To get some context, the Samaritan woman is asking about where the right place to worship is. She’s asking Jesus to make some sense of this self-righteous separation that has taken place between the Jews and the Samaritans. And it’s Jesus’ response that has baffled me for years.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #38761d;">My roommate and I host a bi-weekly night of worship and prayer. The heart behind it is not to hold another “service time” or obligation during the week. We don’t even have a schedule for the evening. But we pray that the Lord would bring those who we’re to be connected with at the right time. We trust that the Lord will work in His will and way whether that be through song, prayer or scripture. But what’s really crazy is that it’s not uncommon that our worship looks like sharing our hearts with one another, bearing each other’s burdens, shedding tears and enjoying laughter together and, not infrequently, fellowshipping over food. Sometimes one person comes. Sometimes there’s a party. The beauty of it is that all of it is scriptural. I say it’s crazy because often when we think of church, we think of welcomes and songs and announcements, offering and preaching and then lunch. I know I’m overgeneralizing, but you get the point. There’s an associated order. It’s our natural human tendency, we need to know what to expect and what comes next. The Pharisees had an order that looked like fasting and sacrifices, rituals and regulations. Meanwhile the rest of the world that couldn’t measure up to Pharisaical perfection just did the best they could with not knowing. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #38761d;">But sometimes God just wants us to show up and see what He has planned. We talk about Saul’s disobedience (1 Samuel 15:18-21) because he did what he thought was best with what he thought he knew. I think this is what Jesus meant when he said “The Jews worship what they know. You worship what you don’t know.” (My paraphrase of John 4:22) We all are trying to do the best we can with what we know to give it our best effort. But that’s not what Jesus came to earth for. He didn’t send us the Comforter and Counselor so we could just do the best that we can. Jesus came to live and die and rise; the Holy Spirit dwells within us, so that we would always be present with God in what He is doing now. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #38761d;">This morning God asked me what it means to worship something/someone. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Me: To give reverence and honor to said person or thing.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #38761d;">God: How do you show honor or reverence?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Me: If it’s a thing, you put it on a pedestal and make sure everyone can and does see it. You tell people why it’s significant. If it’s a person, you submit to their authority, obey their commands, honor them with your words and actions and all of your life is filtered through the personality and commands of this person.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #38761d;">God: Do you think you worship me well?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Me: I try, but no. I know I’m not that faithful. But the Holy Spirit works in me….<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="color: #38761d;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #38761d;">I’m no expert, but I think this might be what it means to worship in spirit and in truth. To know truly who it is you’re worshiping and who you are and simultaneously allow the Holy Spirit to sanctify our spirit to respond in humility and adoration. </span><o:p></o:p></p>raychelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14270539012829416696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3258259282799405210.post-21368446757284877902020-06-04T21:50:00.000-04:002020-06-07T14:52:05.529-04:00Racism and Identity<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #073763;">Growing up in a mixed, black and white household, the racism talk was never far away. There was a constant awareness of differences between culture, race and expectations. One of those expectations was that I would claim one of those races as my own. In my immediate family was the assumption that I would hold to that which I looked like. However, my personality seemed to indicate to extended family and friends that I’d “chosen” the other side. The truth is though that it never made any sense for me to choose a side. To have done so would have been to exclude or ignore an entire half of who I am and, what was more unnerving to me, pretend to be something that I’m not. One of the biggest insecurities that Lord has been gently healing in me is the fear that I can’t be all that others expect, and they’ll discover I’m not all that I seem. When I dig into it, I think this conversation is right where the insecurity started. I can’t pretend to be all black or all white because I’m not. And to do so would to be insincere to who I am and deny who I am at the same time. Stark black and white lines (no pun intended) make life easier for people. I don’t get that luxury. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">The last weeks in our country have taken an eerie u-turn. Right on the heels of a country trying to open back up and “return to normal”, right on the heels of a pandemic that has gut punched our country in very tangible ways, we’re seeing energy and vigor over a social justice issue that has been ongoing in our country. Are there hurts and injustices? Absolutely! Does something need to change! Yes! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">Once again, I don’t get the luxury of choosing sides. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">Last Saturday, as I scrolled through my social media, read the posts, blogs and comments of those that I have called ‘friend’, I found myself staring at that dividing line again. With the voices of society telling me I need to pick a side. My heart hurt. I felt more divided than ever. And I felt muted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">Then I saw something that broke me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">I saw brothers and sisters in Christ attacking the Body of Christ for not doing a good enough job at addressing this issue (or not addressing it at all). I heard hurts and wounds that should have been given opportunity to be healed appropriately, instead being exposed to the world for more dirt to get slung into. I felt the pain of those who carry the identity of Christ screaming at the Body of Christ for not fighting the battles of the world by worldly means. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">What the Lord revealed to me is that the only identity that I can confidently and wholeheartedly cling to is Christ. For any believer who calls on the name of Christ, their identity is in Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #073763;">“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ Jesus, he is a new creation; old things have passed away – behold, all things have become new.” – 2 Corinthians 5:17<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">For us to cling to worldly identities based on race, sex, social status, economic status, nationality, as more important than the identity of Christ is like a butterfly trying to continue living as a caterpillar. The transformation has already happened! And here is the thing:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: 13pt;"><span style="color: #073763;">With Christ as our identity, we the Church, have been called with a purpose – “to love the Lord your God with all of your heart, soul, mind and strength and love your neighbor as yourself” (Matt 22:37-38), “to love justice, seek mercy and walk humbly with your God”(Micah 6:8); “there is no Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male or female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Gal 3:28).<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">We, the Church, are absolutely called to address social injustice – <i>“Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy. (Prov 31:8-9)</i> – over and over and over and over again (Isa 1:17, Jer 22:3, Psa 82:3, Rom 12:15-18, 1 John 3:17-18 to list just a few). But as the Body of Christ we are called to come bearing the Gospel – not for beating and submission, but in humility and love. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">The Gospel is the answer. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #073763;">“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” (Psa 147:3)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">And the Gospel is powerful enough to work if we let it. God has promised to defend His own. If our identity is in Christ Jesus, we need only to be faithful and obedient to Him and we will see the work of God here in this world - even in the face of racism.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
raychelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14270539012829416696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3258259282799405210.post-32135664437776535482018-03-31T15:49:00.001-04:002018-03-31T15:49:39.049-04:00Awkward SaturdayThere is a tension between Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday, between death and life. For those of us who pause to reflect on the significance of these two days, Saturday holds a tension that forces one to see the evil, the separation, the depth and death of sin. We feel the weight of the cost of sin. At least...I think we should.<br />
For years I struggled with what to do with Saturday. It’s too soon to celebrate, but Jesus is still dead. What am supposed to do with that??<br />
And isn’t that exactly the question we’re supposed to be asking??<br />
When Jesus was hung on a cross to be killed, the disciples didn’t know what to do. They’d given their whole lives. Everything they believed in had been staked on this one person - Jesus.<br />
He healed the sick, raised the dead, gave sight to the blind, made the lame walk, spoke truth and peace and comforted restless, weary hearts. And now he’s gone.<br />
People traveled long distances to see and hear Jesus. People gave up families and livelihoods in devotion to Jesus.<br />
Now Jesus was hung on a cross for death and buried in a rock tomb.<br />
Condemned as a criminal.<br />
Unfairly suffered and died.<br />
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Now what do I do?<br />
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Let that empty space fill you. Pause.<br />
This is exactly the question that Saturday forces us the reflect on. What do I do now without Jesus?<br />
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What if Jesus hadn’t come back?<br />
This Saturday would be our every day. This tension, this weight, this hopelessness, would become our normal.<br />
Everything that Jesus preached becomes empty. His wisdom and knowledge are evidence of just another great man killed too soon. The apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15:14, “[I]f Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain <b>and</b> <u>your</u> <u>faith</u> <u>is</u> <u>in</u> <u>vain</u>.”<br />
Saturday is a day to recognize the weight and significance of Jesus Christ resurrected.<br />
Because the hopelessness and weight knees of Christ’s death is very real. He paid for <u>all</u> of our sins with his body on the cross. And he did it willingly. He died for me. He died for you. But our hope is not in a dead martyr, it’s in a living Savior. His resurrection makes a difference.<br />
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So today, I encourage you to stop and let the weight of the Saturday between sit on you. Let it resonate.<br />
The questions.<br />
The regret.<br />
The disappointments.<br />
The sin.<br />
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Because we know something that the disciples had forgotten this Saturday - Jesus’ resurrection is coming. We will not be left to live in death and sin and hopelessness. We have very great reason to celebrate! Take time to reflect on what makes this celebration so great.raychelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14270539012829416696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3258259282799405210.post-60614700420377325152018-03-17T14:41:00.002-04:002018-03-17T14:46:53.963-04:00Sotiris: Lesson 4<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;"><b><u>Joy</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e;">Six months ago, had you spoken to me about the joys of having plants in the house, I would have smiled, nodded my head in feigned understanding, and then rolled my eyes (maybe just inwardly) at the ridiculous obsession people have with needing to "care for" plants. I mean seriously, do we not have enough responsibilities in our daily lives that we go looking for things to be responsible for???</span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e;">Mind you, I am well aware of the many paths of argument - most of them I've been on - this thinking leads to....How are pets/children any different?....God commanded us to to subdue the earth (still not convinced that he meant for us to bring it into our homes, but I digress)....Green is good....I get it. It's not an argument I ever intended to win. But I stood on my conviction firmly. And that was ok. Because it didn't bother me that other people around me were caring for plants, just so long as I wasn't being held responsible for them. You do you, boo. :)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e;">But that was six months ago....</span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e;">Four months ago, the Lord prompted me to buy a tree. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e;">At first I thought I was supposed to buy it as a gift for someone else. Then I realized the Lord was telling me to buy it for me.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e;">"Whoa..say wha-?! I know nothing about caring for a plant! What am <u><b>I</b></u> gonna do with a tree?"</span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e;">Well, in recent posts, I've shared with you what Sotiris is doing for me. I'm still not so sure that I know what I'm doing with him. But one thing is for certain, Sotiris has indeed been a gift.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e;">A gift that the Lord intended to use to accompany me on this journey that He's been taking me on. Those of you sympathizers of my plant-avoidance and those of you who may not agree with my rantings but have been graciously humored by them can appreciate the very sudden 180 degree turn-around, can probably imagine my surprise when I realized that each morning I'd wake up and my heart would be filled with joy when I looked over and saw Sotiris sitting stoically. I could see the growth that was taking place; take a moment to appreciate that changes in shape. I would walk over and ACTUALLY TALK TO IT!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e;">That morning, I was stopped in my tracks. Not because I was appalled at myself. No. Now I roll my eyes at myself, shake my head and thank the Lord for getting me out of my own pride and insecurity. But I was stopped when, as I stood joyfully greeting Sotiris "good morning", the Lord whispered,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e;">"</span><span style="color: #674ea7;">Do you know that's how excited I get when you wake up each morning? When you take time to just sit with me? My heart fills with joy. I love to see the growth you're experiencing and the changes in you as you continue to let me bring out of you everything that I've placed in you for the world to see; everything that I created you to be. You bring me joy.</span><span style="color: #45818e;">"</span></blockquote>
<span style="color: #45818e;">Simultaneously, I'm filled with love and conviction.</span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">Love because I am loved. So fully and perfectly loved, more than I could ever deserve. And it is a beautiful thing.</span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">Convicted because I know that there are times when I don't go to the Lord with the same excitement and joy that He has for me. More than that, if I'm completely honest with you, He's not alway the first one I turn to, and I completely miss witnessing His joy.</span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">But when the Lover of your soul is wooing your heart with eyes that shine with passionate acceptance, a smile so big that you can't not smile back, and arms wide open to draw you in and hold you...when <b>this</b> is what awaits me (and you) each morning, why would I not???</span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">Why would I not go to Him in eager expectation and just as much, if not more joy than what fills me when I greet Sotiris, when I <b>know</b> that I am accepted and loved and desired?</span><br />
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<span style="color: #45818e;">O Lord, restore in me the ability to respond in kind to the joy that you have for me. May I live in and walk in that joy - Your joy. May my eyes be fixed on your wide-open arms.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #45818e;">And then there's this:</span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">This joy is not just for me. It's for <i style="text-decoration: underline;">all</i> of God's creation. Because <u style="font-style: italic;">ALL</u> that He has made is good. But sometimes I'm blinded by the hurt and the pain and fear, and I lose my joy and forget that God rejoices over those around me just much. The ones that I'm praying for...the ones that I work with...The ones that I do life with...they can be discouraging sometimes. Sometimes it's hard to hold on to hope. It looks easer to throw my hands up. But Jesus has left the 99 sheep to find the one (or two or three or four) and bring them home. It was joy that spurred him on to die. It is joy that leads him to pursue and intercede now. And that joy comes from a place of pure, perfect love.</span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">So when discouragement, frustration or impossible circumstances set in, fix your eyes on Christ and see the joy in his eyes. He hasn't given up on them or us. And neither should we.</span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">Walk in His joy.</span><br />
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raychelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14270539012829416696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3258259282799405210.post-51843845897165997922018-03-11T22:14:00.000-04:002018-03-11T22:14:15.233-04:00A Letter To The Church<span style="color: #a64d79;">Judgement can be a subtle thing.</span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">Not always. Sometimes it's pretty brazen.</span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">But it's the subtle judgements, the ones that seem rational, logical, fair, that can get us tripped up.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79;">"But Ray, wait...what's wrong with rational, logical and fair? Those are good things!"</span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #a64d79;">Absolutely! They are good. No argument.</span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">We spend our lives in various ways seeking out and expecting rational, logical and fair. But who gets to hold the standard for rational, logical and fair?</span><br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79;">Now, let me quickly interject that what I am NOT saying, is that you should not use your brain. Judgement, sound judgement, is necessary and expected. This is the judgement that leads you to make wise decisions, stay away from harm and basically live a healthy and protected life. </span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">But that's not the kind of judgement that I'm talking about. I'm talking about the judgements we make against others and situations where we stand in the position of judge and jury (and sometimes executioner). The ones we make when someone's seeming inconsideration on the road has you so angry that you deem it necessary to declare "foul!", and name the penalty. And while, in this case, the penalty may only be a tongue-lashing of a few course words inside the safety of your car, our spirit has just that quickly fallen into the sin of judgement.</span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">And yes, it is a sin.</span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">The rational. The logical. The fair.</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span class="text Matt-7-1" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;">“Judge not, that you be not judged.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Matt-7-2" id="en-ESV-23319" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">2 </span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-23319B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-23319B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-23319C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-23319C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>with the measure you use it will be measured to you.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Matt-7-3" id="en-ESV-23320" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">3 </span>Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but <span style="font-size: 0.625em;"><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-23320D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-23320D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span>do not notice the log that is in your own eye?" (Matthew 7:1-3)"</span></span></blockquote>
<span style="color: #a64d79;"> And the reason is simple: to stand in judgement of anyone is to stand in the place of God. He, as absolute justice, has stated the standards and he is the only one in a position to judge how well we meet those standards (which of course we cannot do, that's why we need Jesus). So when we take the role of judge away from God, we put ourselves in God's place (idolatry) and declare God incompetent (ouch!).</span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #a64d79;">With all that said, I need to make an apology to the Church, for I have judged you, and judged you severely. I have judged your heart. I have judged your worship. I have judged your commitment to our Lord. I have judged your teachings. I have judged your gatherings. I have judged you to be a thing that I did not want to be a part of. And I am sorry. </span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">So incredibly and heartbreakingly sorry. </span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">I am a child of God. Saved by grace <u>through faith,</u> and not a thing more. I have a deep love and passion for the Church - a burning desire to see the Church awaken and step into all that God's purposed for US. But I allowed that passion to turn into judgement when, instead of celebration, I found disappointment.</span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">Bonhoeffer says it this way in his book Life Together:</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #d5a6bd;">The serious Christian, set down for the first time in a Christian community, is likely to bring with him a very definite idea of what Christian life together should be and try to realize it. But God's grace speedily shatters such dreams. Just as surely as God desires to lead us to a knowledge of genuine Christian fellowship, so surely must we be overwhelmed by a great disillusionment with others, with Christians in general, and, if we are fortunate, with ourselves. (pp26-27)</span></blockquote>
<span style="color: #a64d79;">But instead of being disillusioned by myself and my great visions, judgement came and I lost the "promised Christian community". That judgement bred. It bred into all sorts of ugliness - insecurities, discontentment, anger, withdrawal, distrust, and more. And I have clearly seen the effect of my judgements against you in all of these ways in my own life. But I am not so naive as to think that my judgements have not also hurt you. </span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">I know that this might surprise some of you, but I do not have the words to convey the depth of my pain at the revelation of my judgements against you. "I'm sorry" just doesn't even begin to do justice. </span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">I'm sorry for the judgements that I've made against you and for the hurt that I've caused you. </span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">I want you to know that my love, my desire and my passion for the union between us and our Lord to be made manifest on this earth is as ever-burning as it was when the Lord lit me up years ago.</span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">Dearest Church, I ask you for your forgiveness. And I thank God that He doesn't give up on us - even when our judgements convince us that "right is right, therefore I'm right." I'm so thankful that he's removed the blinders from my eyes to see you in all your splendor again. </span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">You are beautiful. You are set apart. You have been called with a purpose.</span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">Church, I pray that together we can shine the light of Christ ever brighter into this world and reveal more of God's glory.</span>raychelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14270539012829416696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3258259282799405210.post-30815063684077943432018-03-09T14:17:00.002-05:002018-03-09T14:17:36.240-05:00Sotiris: Lesson 3<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;"><b><u>New Experiences Bring Growth</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06;">I know that this isn't really a news flash for those of you reading - new experiences bring growth - but in light of the circumstances, I caught a glimpse of a little profundity in a very common truth.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06;">When I fist started looking up instructions on how to care for Sotiris, my indoor tree, what I found stated that when the weather is warmer than 40 degrees, it should be outside. *insert snarky look* </span></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06;">CUZ THAT MAKES SENSE!! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06;">The key to caring for your indoor plant is making sure it gets plenty of time outside....yea well, ok!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06;">It's all good anyway. I would NEVER want to deprive this tree of a good dose of sunshine, so no worries. However, I got Sotiris in the winter, and weather is not exactly permissible for much outside time during the winter. So I've taken to only putting him outside on "good days". And finding little nooks for him to hang out in throughout the house when he can't go out. The thing is, even outside there are so many options on where to set him to soak up some sunshine and warmth!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06;">So one morning shortly after getting him, I took him outside and said, "Let's go somewhere new today....Maybe sitting someplace different will be good for you."</span></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06;">Well, as soon as the words came out of my mouth (because, yes, I do speak audibly to my tree), it was like lightening flashed and suddenly I could see the growth that has taken place in every new location/experience in my life. More than that, I saw how even the scariest and most uncertain situations had wonderful impacts in my walk with Christ and revealed more of who He is to me. This was all in a split second of course. So then I paused....</span></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06;">Sotiris is a prayer tree. A symbol of the faithfulness and growth that I'm praying and trusting for in those who have yet to surrender their lives to Christ. So when I walk with him in the mornings to whichever chosen location, that time is spent meditating, reflecting, praying and listening to the Lord specifically over those individuals. Thus, this profound moment of new experiences wasn't about me at all. It was about those who have not yet come to know Jesus as both Lord and Friend, Savior and Master, wholly Just and fully Gracious; it was a direction for my prayer to turn that Christ might be revealed. Before I knew it, I was praying:</span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span style="color: #990000;">Lord, give ... the new experiences that open up challenge and enable growth. And when it seems difficult, show them your strength. When it seems scary, wrap them in your arms. And when they feel all alone, may they know that You will never leave of forsake them, and that they are being covered in the prayers of those who care for them. Most importantly, may they come to see their own need for You in their life. Amen.</span></i></blockquote>
<span style="color: #b45f06;"> And I knew, as the prayer was being spoken that this was one of those dangerous prayers. The kind of prayer that asks the Lord to move in a mighty way that requires humility and courage on the part of the receiver. Because when God answers these kinds of prayers, we're not naturally inclined to lean into the pain and uncomfortability of it. The most trusting of us, have to teach our spirits to lean into that faith that we cling to in these moments and tell our souls that it is well. Praying this over those who have not come face to face with the majesty and grace and peace of the Lord Jesus, is like asking my best friend to shoot the neighbor with a paintball gun while the neighbor walks around the yard blindfolded. It seems so cruel!</span><br />
<span style="color: #b45f06;">And yet...</span><br />
<span style="color: #b45f06;">There is purpose and peace in the Lord's leading to pray such a prayer. We don't come to accept Christ as Lord by living a peaceful life that "seems" completely manageable. When we mostly have it all under control as best as we can, we don't go looking for help. It doesn't mean we don't need help. We just don't typically ask for help if we think we can do it on our own. It may seem cruel to ask for a storm when what we really want is the calm of flowery fields. But when you love those too much to let them continue walking around blind to their own need, sometimes you have to pray the dangerous prayers, ask the Lord to do the hard things and beg that their hearts will see and receive Him when His presence becomes revealed. </span><br />
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #b45f06;">I chuckle each morning as Sotiris and I walk through the house searching for the place to sit and warm and grow and be fed that day, because I know that others in the house will probably get a giggle when they come across him in a new location. But it is SO intentional. Because this is a lesson that I don't want to ever miss. For me. For you. For those that I'm praying for. </span><br />
<span style="color: #b45f06;">Each mornings search begins the process when I pray for wisdom, strength and blessing. New places and situations can be terrifying, but there is so much more to be gained. </span><br />
<span style="color: #b45f06;">When we trust.</span>raychelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14270539012829416696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3258259282799405210.post-27838796001302641972018-03-08T01:31:00.001-05:002018-03-08T01:31:40.802-05:00Newsflash: It's Not Enough!<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have you ever had a small child, say three or four years old, walk up to you and say, </span><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"I'm hurt"</span><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">?</span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You look up from what you're doing to see what they're showing you and find a dirty, bloody gash. Maybe it's just a scrape; you can't really be sure. But what's certain is 1) this child has been hurt, 2) the wound is not immediately fresh, and 3) said child seems to have somehow missed the significance of the need to clean and tend such wounds.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You attempt to check the wound, but they flinch. You ask questions to find out what happened and, with a bit of patience, begin to piece together what might have happened. You compassionately respond to encourage beginning the cleaning process when said child responds with, "</span><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">yea...it's bad</span><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">." And walks away to carry on with activities of the day.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For a brief moment, you sit in shock, asking yourself a dozen rapid-fire questions..</span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"<i>Why would you not want to clean the wound?"</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>"When did this conversation end? I thought we were still talking.."</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>"Do I chase them down and force the cleaning process or do I let them be and tend to it later</i>?"</span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These are just a few of the questions...there are probably a dozen more that could probe your mind as you watch that child walk away, depending on the situation and severity of the wound....</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's a bit of a comical scenario, I know. But I've worked with and cared for enough children to know that situations like these actually DO happen. And what I'm beginning to discover is that more often than not, I am <i>that</i> child going to the Lord with my wounds. My wounds though look like fear, and judgement, and anxiety. My wounds look like burdens to measure up, accomplish goals, prove my worth/value/identity. My wounds are deeper than flesh and bone and often cut to the heart. It goes something like:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Me: God, this hurts...</span></blockquote>
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God: It sure does</span></blockquote>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Me: I don't know what happened....just all of the sudden it started hurting.......and I can't make it stop</span></blockquote>
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God: Do you remember ....? Or the time when .... ? And how .... made you feel?</span></blockquote>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Me: Oh. Yes. That makes sense. I guess that did hurt a bit. And now whenever .... happens, the pain comes back - sometimes bigger</span></blockquote>
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God: Yea. Until now you haven't trusted me to be able to heal it. Can you trust me now?</span></blockquote>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Me: *thinking for a moment* Yea. I can trust you. *Leaves*</span></blockquote>
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And without actually giving that wound to the Father to tenderly care for and heal, I walk away.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Still wounded.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thankfully, the Lord is not one to leave his children wounded when they're willing to let him work, so He pursues. And when He catches up to me, it's something like: </span><br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God: Will you cast your burdens (wounds) on me because I care for you? (1 Peter 5:7) A lot. Here, I'll take your burden and you can have my yoke (burden/wound) - it's easy and light. (Matthew 11: 29-30) Jesus has already done all the work so there's no pressure for you to accomplish anything or prove yourself. You can just rest confidently that you're covered and taken care of. I'll heal the wounds that you give to me and you can be whole - the way I created you to be. But you have to give me your burden because you can't carry both. I think you've been walking around wounded long enough.</span></blockquote>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Me: Ok! Oh....this feels weird. </span></blockquote>
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God: You've been walking around carrying that burden for so long that you've gotten used to bearing the weight. But I never meant or desired for you to carry that weight. You were created to live and love in freedom and truth and righteousness. This is what that feels like....</span></blockquote>
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is the message that's been getting hammered into my heart lately:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u><span style="font-size: large;">It's not enough to simply tell God that we're hurt.</span></u></b> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He knows. Often He knows the 'why' better than we even do. But if we're not willing to find out the 'why' AND release it to Him, there's no casting burdens. We're just updating God with old news. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our culture tends to shy away from acknowledging emotions. Sometimes they peak without our control or permission and we quickly have to shut them down. But emotions are not bad. They're telling you about something bigger going on in your soul. And if you don't listen to the emotion, how will you know the pain in your soul?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>You can't let go of something you don't know you're holding. </u></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I want to encourage you tonight to take the time to process those emotions that come flaring up throughout your life. That person that you have to deal with but always agitates you. Those situations that make you wholly uncomfortable and make you break out into hives. Those pains you've been carrying since childhood... God wants to mend them. He's outside of time and space, there is no point on the timeline that He can't bring healing to. Do the work. Ask the questions. And EXPECT the Lord to answer. He will meet you and He will not disappoint. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'll admit, it's not always easy. Sometimes it hurts a little. But a little pain doesn't mean the wound is getting the worse. I've heard it said "God is not going to re-traumatize you". He wants to get you cleansed and looking more like Christ - genuinely and not of our own disappointing and heavy-laden will-power. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After 30 years of life, I'm finally learning to trust my emotions enough to let the Lord bring healing to some dark places. After all, wholeness and healing is what sanctification is all about.</span></div>
raychelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14270539012829416696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3258259282799405210.post-34492526329263301252018-03-04T11:42:00.001-05:002018-03-08T01:36:24.536-05:00The Faith of a Child Does Not AgeMy grandmother just turned 80 years old a few weeks ago. My grandfather did so last September. One thing that just makes my heart leap for joy when I hear them speak in awe of the faithfulness and graciousness of God. Like, its brand new to them! Every gift, every provision, every new revelation of who He is, is a brand new experience with Him. Their hearts rejoice. They smile real big. I, without trying to, I find my spirit celebrating with theirs that OUR God is so amazingly incredible!<br />
Anyone who's heard my testimony of how I came to know Jesus, knows that it's because of the faithfulness of these two beautiful people. Their faithful and relentless prayers protected me and set me on a course headlong into the arms of the Savior. Their love and peace exhibited to me a truth and steadiness that I craved growing up in a world of chaos.<br />
And they'll tell you, I have always been their "baby girl" - they've been there from the beginning. Except...they weren't. They weren't always there. They couldn't be. Some of the most heart wrenching memories of sadness that I still feel today were the times when I had to tell them goodbye after a visit. I hated leaving them. They weren't always there. But their prayers were. And the God that they trusted to protect and guide my life, the God that I had an inkling of but certainly didn't know - He was always there.<br />
They prayed.<br />
They prayed and they prayed and they prayed.<br />
I was 15 when I came to know Jesus.<br />
15!<br />
15 years of praying.<br />
And hoping.<br />
And trusting.<br />
And believing.<br />
15 years.<br />
15 very long years of praying for salvation and revelation and relationship.<br />
And that's just one of the many prayers that they've prayed over me!<br />
Years upon years of prayers for protection, wisdom, calling, purpose, provision, community....the list goes on.<br />
You know what, I've since doubled 15, and I know - know that I know that I know - that they are still covering me in prayer. Always.<br />
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So why am I sharing this?<br />
At 80 years old and with the faith of a child who is completely dependent on their Father, relying on his goodness and faithfulness, they still have not lost the wonder and joy that it is to walk with our Heavenly Father. And I am, by far, not the only one they've prayed for in their 80 years of life. Far from being the only answered prayer. With four kids, 11 grandkids and a few great-grandkids, their life is full. They have a church family that they are still very connected to, and ...at 80 years old, they may walk a little bit slower, but their hearts and minds are as fixed on Christ as ever.<br />
I pray that when I reach 80, I still have that same joy and confidence in my Father and can celebrate the faithfulness of my God who faithfully answers prayers and never disappoints with those that the Lord has filled my life with.<br />
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And thank you Lord for giving me such wonderful examples of grace, love, laughter and family through these beautiful people. Bless them abundantly. Bless them mightily. And may they know absolutely, how much they are loved - not just by family, but by you.raychelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14270539012829416696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3258259282799405210.post-6407285536859084242018-02-27T22:15:00.003-05:002018-02-27T22:22:48.153-05:00Sotiris: Lesson 2<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Wounds can happen with even the best intentions</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yesterday I left Sotiris outside to enjoy some sunshine (he's supposedly an indoor plant) but brought him back in for the night as it's still getting pretty chilly at night.* However, my room tends to get dry and warm with the heat on and I don't know if it was the change in temperature or just a lack of observation previously on my part, but when I went to sit outside with Sotiris today, I noticed a couple of brown leaves. A few of them were new baby shoots that had started, but shriveled up before anything could firmly take hold. The others were damaged spots on already established leaves. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I. Was in. Shock.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Legitimately!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I mean, I like to think I'm not THAT oblivious to something that I'm responsible to care for! I've been watering and praying and giving him sunshine and fresh air....and yet here, before my eyes, I see evidence of damage done to this thing that I am far more attached to than my pride will let me admit outright. And I'm...clueless.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As I sat there apologizing, to both the Lord and the tree, for my negligence, and wondering how this could happen when I've been so diligent in caring for him, the Lord began to whisper a few things to me.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1) It is possible to not see/notice new growth until it's too late - and sometimes we never actually see it. And this isn't always a bad thing. Don't misunderstand me. I think that far too often though, we can miss the "first steps", the "new growth", the wing stretching, the stepping out into something new because the "new" can often seem so insignificant. And dare I say, in my own life anyway, I miss it as much in my own life as I do in the lives of those the Lord has granted met he privilege of being witness to. Sometimes the dead leaves fall off before we ever know they're there. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And I had no idea what caused the bruising on those leaves, but it made me sad to know that these beautiful leaves would likely have a permanent scar from something that I had no awareness of. What if it happened again? What if...? </span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"What if's?" trail along in my mind thinking that I somehow needed to protect the tree from....nature. It's natural. It's not pleasant, but it happens. And maybe I did have a part in the wounding....(ooo, ouch. Here we go Lord...#2), but maybe I didn't. And either way, maybe these little wounds won't be the death of my little tree. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've been challenged to be more mindful of my words and actions and how they impact those around me. I don't want to miss the opportunities to encourage new growth and I don't want to be the cause for someone else's wounds. Most certainly, premature growth happens and maybe it doesn't work out. And not all bad experiences are because of me. But I can be more aware of what is happening and how to respond.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2) Wounding....The Lord has been healing a lot of old wounds. And some new ones. It's easy to get angry and point the finger at those that we feel should have known better, should've seen, should've done better. I thought of how many stories of parents who have had the best intentions to do right by their kids, only to find out that their child was wounded by some event that they weren't even aware of. Whether it's the "first steps" that parents completely miss or new growth that they were just too busy to see or just life happening...children get wounded. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As a child who has been wounded, this reality gives me the grace to show forgiveness. It reminds me to be intentional to see beyond the fault and address the wound. As well as to remember that sometimes failures promote more growth. Failure doesn't have to be the end.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3) Unlike us, God is never unaware. He doesn't miss the new growth - whether it's premature or not - or the bruises, and he knows exactly it's purpose in our lives. He has a plan, a good plan (See Jer 29:11).</span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. <u>My frame was not hidden from you</u>, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depth of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; <u>in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them</u>." Psa 139: 13-16</span></i></blockquote>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Lord has been teaching me a lot about the significance of wounds in our lives. Not the least of which is that the wounds do not make us, do not define our worth or ability. Sotiris is a very healthy and happy tree. So he's got a bruised leaf or two...I've probably got a few more than two bruised leaves on my life tree but I have been blessed beyond measure. Not because I've earned it. I've not worked my way into overcoming the pains. I've simply once again come to realize that the wounds don't define me, don't limit me, don't value me.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Only Jesus can do that. </span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Anyone says who says any different speaks a lie. </span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Jesus knew me before sin. Jesus knows me now. And the really beautiful thing?! Jesus was with me and saw me in EVERY bruise and EVERY failed new growth attempt. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The tree will continue to grow.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">*It was still winter in FL during the time of writing this</span></div>
raychelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14270539012829416696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3258259282799405210.post-14006992878323822462018-02-24T20:55:00.001-05:002018-02-24T20:55:13.387-05:00Sotiris: Lesson 1<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>There is One caring for you</u></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This concept of caring for a plant is strange to me. In fact, it's one that I've often railed against it in playful fun at friends who think greenery in the house is a necessity. And yet...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAg5QSCInQfx_yEyLXGywOVKxtfhhlLl61jHkcQf4wcnJRZCWsPtkn8tlHgTgn-stBpLTyGXmzeIzrIDFjW_TCc3H-mo7fvFxl0f059_NvEUX2x17jsF32KTJZ_SL1V9KfK9Ag3v5N10YM/s1600/20180213_005846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="961" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAg5QSCInQfx_yEyLXGywOVKxtfhhlLl61jHkcQf4wcnJRZCWsPtkn8tlHgTgn-stBpLTyGXmzeIzrIDFjW_TCc3H-mo7fvFxl0f059_NvEUX2x17jsF32KTJZ_SL1V9KfK9Ag3v5N10YM/s320/20180213_005846.jpg" width="192" /></span></a><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here I am - a new and PROUD owner of a tiny little tree named Sotiris. A name meaning Salvation. Named so for the purpose of the tree: to remind me of those whose salvation I am believing for and chosen in effort to represent the passage in Ephesians that I repeatedly come back to:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>"For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith - <u>that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God</u>. Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen</i>" Eph 3:14-21</span></blockquote>
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I felt compelled to get this tree as a symbol and sort of catalyst for my prayers. It seemed to be a pretty cool thought to get to watch the growth of a tree and was somehow sure that it was meant to teach me some perspective in the salvation process, but I truly didn't know what to expect. Within the first few days of ownership, however, the Lord has spoken faithfully - "I am taking care of you." </span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can see how food, water, shelter, sunshine for this tree is dependent much on me. If I leave it in my bedroom there won't be much growth happening and that would defeat the purpose of having the tree. But since the tree represents to me, the spiritual side of life, I'm reminded that God is taking care of me - and those who I am trusting for. </span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He controls and knows the needs we have for food, water, shelter, sunshine and all the rest. And in His sovereign hands, he's got it under control.</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This of course is not a new thought for me, but somehow in this moment the truth that God is intentionally and willingly taking care of me, just became a whole lot more personal. He's feeding, clothing, and caring for his children. </span><br />
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<i><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"And which of you be being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." Matt 6:27-31</span></i></blockquote>
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So I want to encourage you with a little reminder. The birds of the air and the flowers of the field are taken care of by God Almighty. And this same God is offering to take care of each of us too. His ways are perfect. His ways are just. His love is true. He offers us the chance to rest in his care and trust Him with all of the cares of this world. What a relief it is to turn it all over to him and just rest. Taste and see that Lord is good in all of His ways. </span></div>
raychelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14270539012829416696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3258259282799405210.post-60267357927737665362016-03-16T02:00:00.001-04:002016-03-16T02:00:29.404-04:00Adoption<span style="color: #741b47;">When I was in eighth grade I made Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior.</span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;">I gave my all to him.</span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;">Surrendered everything.</span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;">Gave him complete control of my life, my will and my desires.</span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #741b47;">Around the same time, I met a family at church that basically took me in, adopted me in many ways. Over time, I became part of the family and I knew it. We celebrated birthdays and holidays together, we rejoiced together in the good times, mourned together during the bad times, we challenged each other, we did life together. </span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;">My given family was a bit of a mess during this period of time and I was (and still am to this day) so incredibly thankful that I had this place to go; this family that <u>I knew</u> I was considered a part of - not just because I called them mine, but because they also claimed me. There was a couch and a cup of coffee ready and waiting for me at any time. I was welcome. I was accepted. I was loved. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #741b47;">Scripture says that when you belong to Christ, the Spirit of God dwells within you and gives you life (Rom 8:9-11). Paul goes on to say that those in whom the Spirit of God dwells are made "sons [and daughters] of God" (Rom 8:15-17). </span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;">By this Spirit we are <b>adopted</b> into the family of God. </span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;">By this Spirit we are compelled to cry out "Abba, Father". </span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;">By this Spirit we are made heirs with Christ Jesus our Lord. </span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;">In Ephesians, Paul points out that when God created the world, He intended for us to be adopted as children of God through Jesus Christ and that we have gained an inheritance (Eph 1:5,11). He goes on throughout the epistle to state that we who have accepted Christ and are living by the Spirit of God have been made "<i>fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God</i>" (Eph 2:19), "<i>fellow heirs, members of the same body and partakers of the promise of Christ through the gospel</i>" (Eph 3:6). Again, in Galatians Paul writes, </span><br />
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<span style="color: #741b47;">"<i>God sent forth his son...to redeem those who were under the law so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying 'Abba, Father!' So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.</i>" (Gal 4:4-7)</span></blockquote>
<span style="color: #741b47;"> In light of this, returning to Romans 8, Paul's declaration of the surety of God's love for him, and for us, is incredible. You see, I've often held to the words and declaration of Romans 8:31-38 for an assurance of acceptance and love, but I had never before read these words in light of my adoption. But when framed with the lenses of acceptance as a daughter of the Most High, an heir and partaker in the household of God, these words suddenly hold so much more weight to them. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #741b47;">"<i>What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died - more than that, who was raised - who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?....No in all these things we are <u>more than conquerors</u> through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.</i>"</span></blockquote>
<span style="color: #741b47;">They are no longer simply big words of the big God that I serve, they are words of assurance that the family I've been adopted into is never going to leave or forsake me. I am more than a conqueror who defeated sin and death through Jesus Christ. My Heavenly Father loves me, looks out for me, takes care of me, and will never abandon me. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #741b47;">Until this morning, the concept of adoption has eluded me. I've understood the basic concept, and even more recently have I been able to start to grasp the weightiness of being called a daughter of God, a co-heir with Christ. What it means to not simply be accepted and tolerated but claimed, desired and made a part of. </span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;">But my Heavenly Father has reminded me this morning of the significance of this family who took me in and made me one of their own many years ago. This, and so much more, is what it is to be adopted into the household of God: to be taken in, cared for, loved, desired, valued, made a part of the family, given an inheritance and treasured forever. </span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;">What shall I say then? Can anything separate me from the love of God in Christ Jesus? </span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;">I</span><span style="color: #741b47;"> dare say nothing at all. </span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;">I am His forever. </span><br />
<br />raychelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14270539012829416696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3258259282799405210.post-42712303409072862702016-03-05T13:17:00.002-05:002016-03-05T13:30:11.351-05:00Transparency, Perspectives and Realities<span style="color: #a64d79;">I've been in Germany now for seven months. </span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">It's been seven months of seeking God's face and depending on Him for direction and provision.</span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">Seven months of learning what it means to</span> <span style="color: #a64d79;">"</span><i><span style="color: #6aa84f;">trust in the Lord and lean not on [my] own understanding</span></i><span style="color: #a64d79;">"</span> <span style="color: #a64d79;">(Prov 3:5). </span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">Seven months of trial.</span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">Seven months of grace.</span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">Seven months of stress.</span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">Seven months of learning what it means to live guarded with the "</span><i><span style="color: #6aa84f;">peace that passes all understanding</span></i><span style="color: #a64d79;">" (Phil 4:7).</span><br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79;">Just after Christmas, it was brought to our attention that there was a misunderstanding in the financial expectations with our landlords, and suddenly we found ourselves with a very large bill and no income. I turned to God.</span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">In November, I had a trial of learning what it means to trust in the goodness of God. What I learned from that was that God is ALWAYS good - no matter what, no matter where, no matter how the cards fall. God is good. </span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">So now in the face of a mountainous bill, is God still good? </span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">When there's a new, inexplicable ailment <i>every</i> week (for six weeks) that manages to somehow keep you down, is God still good?</span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">When you know that your current God-given mission and objective is to learn the language so that you can clearly communicate the message of hope that you have been sent to share to a people, but you don't feasibly have the means to complete that task...is God still good?</span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">When you weekly find yourself at the foot of God's throne, surrendering again the fears and doubts of living this life of faith, of loneliness, of pain, of distance, of - dare I say it - disappointment, IS GOD STILL GOOD??</span><br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79;">The answer to all of these questions is invariably and resoundingly - YES!</span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #a64d79;">And during that challenge in December, when I was literally facing a rock, a trench and a hard place and didn't like the looks of any of them I discovered what Paul really meant when he said to the Phillipians</span> <span style="color: #6aa84f;">"<i><u>I know what it is</u> to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. <u>I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation</u>, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.</i>"</span> <span style="color: #a64d79;">(Phil 4:12) </span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">I learned that (and this may seem basic for some of you), while I've said for years that "God is good all the time and all the time, God is good", my belief of that was dependent on Him working out His will in accordance to mine. In other words, I was operating under the belief that any outcome that did not coincide with the ideas that I had in my head would constitute a failure (and since I know that I can't fail God, my concern for failure actually had much more to do with a fear of man than a fear of God). Therefore, they were not "good". </span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">However, the truth of the matter is that when we give something to God and say "Here you go. Do what you want with it" then God gets full control over what the outcome is - regardless of whether it's in line with what we want or not. AND, because God is good, ALL the time, "</span><span style="color: #6aa84f;">[h]e is the Rock, his works are <b>perfect</b>, and all his <b>ways</b> are just. A <b>faithful</b> God who does no wrong, upright and just is he</span><span style="color: #a64d79;">" (Deut 32:4), then I should be able to not only trust but expect that <u>any</u> outcome that God brings about, get this, <u style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">WILL.</u><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> </span><u style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">BE.</u><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> </span><u style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">GOOD.</u> </span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #a64d79;">Can I just tell you what a weight off that is for someone who has no idea where the money for bills is coming from? Can I just tell you that when you're asking friends and family to send monthly support to you to do the mission that God has called you to (especially when it's currently "to learn a language"), what a relief it is to be reminded that while these are the people I'm asking for money, these are not the people I'm asking for validation in my calling and mission. </span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">My calling and mission are sure. </span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">God's Word is sure. </span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">My life's dependency on Him is sure.</span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">But people, sadly, are not. </span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">Opinions change. </span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">Support varies.</span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">Friends come and go. </span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #a64d79;">There is only one constant in this world, and that is God. And He is it for me.</span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #351c75;">So, in the last three-ish months, I have... (Also known as "Praises")</span></b><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;">- progressed (quite significantly I would say) in my German language level and am almost at the closing end of the A2 level.</span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;">- had the opportunity to start a bi-weekly small group with a couple of girls from the university</span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;">- have been privileged to start meeting one on one with another university student </span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;">- been able to join a church small group as well as participate with a couple of worship nights with fellow brothers and sisters.</span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;">- thankful for opportunities to share in meals with fellow language students and share about life and cultures</span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;">- experienced an incredible and unexplainable attitude of peace, grace and understanding towards others and towards myself</span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;">- begun to recognize new lessons beginning to be learned in my personal spiritual life (always exciting!)</span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #0b5394;"><u>Prayer Requests</u>:</span></b><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">- </span><span style="color: #073763;"><b>Health</b>:</span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> From depression to sinus infections to allergies (Spring will be brutal) to flu to strained muscles and fluke sickness that has never been a part of my life, my life has run the gambit for health issues in the last three months. I had a dear friend remind me about a month ago that God has a work here for me to do and the devil is certainly not going to just lie down and let me do it. My health has been one consistent way that the enemy has sought to keep me from doing all that I've set my mind to do. Please pray with me against these attacks and that my health would stay strong and good that I may continue on in the work that the Lord has set before me.</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #073763;">- <b>Study</b>:</span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">This time of unemployment has been meant to be a time of study and growth in both the Word and the language. In both of these areas there has been much growth evidenced and I'm both excited and thrilled to see where it continues leading me to. Please pray for the continued endurance needed to finish this season strong.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">-</span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span><span style="color: #073763;"><b>Small Groups</b></span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">: I'm thrilled that we've finally got small groups started after a season of quietly learning what it means to be a disciple of Christ. Please pray that these groups would be a source and space of life, love, encouragement and community growth among us as we seek to live/do life together as Christ's disciples.</span><br />
<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #073763;">SFC:</span> </b><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">1) The university is currently on break in between semesters until April so we're not currently having our weekly meetings. Absence can make the heart grow fonder but it can also cause a forgetfulness as well. Please pray that the community/family that has been built up over the last semester will actually be strengthened during this down time. </span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">2) The student leaders are also taking this break time to pause and pray about what God's vision for SFC Freiburg is and how we can best carry that out given the means and talents that we currently have at our disposal. I ask you to please be praying for discernment, boldness sensitivity and wisdom to the things of God that he would have done on our university campuses.</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">- </span><span style="color: #073763;"><b>Future Plans</b>:</span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">1) Currently I have been in the process of applying for possibly apprenticeships that are available in Hotel Management. This would provide a bit of income, career training, a legal working visa and a whole new spectrum of people to influence with the Word of God (=]). However, this requires a German speaking level that I have not yet attained (B1, comes after A2), but am very close to. I would have to pass a test to say that I've done it. It also would require at least three years commitment, which is beautiful in the sense of long term (when three years is considered "long term") stability and constancy in the groundwork of ministry being laid; not necessarily so favorable in regards to return trips for visits in the US (but we'll see what God has in store). Please pray that if this <b>IS</b> God's will, the correct connections will be made and that those wheels will be set in motion ASAP. </span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">2) I am also currently in the process of planning a return trip to the US this summer. My intention is to work as well as visit. First and foremost, this trip is an answer to prayer to see family and so, while I love the idea of working again, I also would really love to spend time with family and friends. Please be in prayer for all of the details that are involved with this (transportation, schedules, monies, etc) to be worked out gracefully in His timing.</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">- </span><span style="color: #073763;"><b>Finances</b>:</span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> Six months ago I asked many of you to consider helping to support my life and calling here in Germany, three months ago I reiterated this sentiment again and made known to you the option of sending monthly support via my organization ICMS (you can go to </span><a href="http://www.icmsgo.com/qry/page.taf?id=19&cid=56" style="color: #3d85c6;" target="_blank">Ray's donation Page</a><span style="color: #3d85c6;">), now I'm asking again. The reality is that I still have very little coming in and I'm still not allowed to work on my visa</span><span style="color: #a64d79;"> </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">(I'm currently living off of $200/mo; hello!)</span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">. That said, I ask you again to please consider donating a monthly amount (it can be as little as you can afford) so that I </span><i style="color: #3d85c6;">CAN</i><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> continue on in this amazing work that He has started here in Germany.</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">- </span><b><span style="color: #073763;">Freiburg:</span> </b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">There is a work of God on the move in Freiburg, and it's because of the faithful prayers of many faithful ones over many decades. Freiburg is a small university town and seemingly insignificant, but when you take into consideration that Freiburg University is a well-renowned university that has students from all over the world, when you take into consideration that the university students of today are going to be the leaders and decision makers of tomorrow, I hope you see the significance of Spirit driven vision for this city. Will you join me in praying for this city, for its students and for the faithful saints that are here laboring in churches, on campuses and in other outreach ministries (refugees, sick, homeless, prayer and more)? </span>raychelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14270539012829416696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3258259282799405210.post-75022841309004038702016-01-03T16:30:00.000-05:002018-03-08T01:41:02.297-05:00Second Christmas and Be Encouraged<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what he has done for my soul." Ps 66:16</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So here in Germany, we celebrate Second Christmas on Dec 26th. It's the day where people go out and celebrate Christmas with extended family and friends - you know, the people that you're NOT supposed to ditch your family for on the 25th. :)</span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Well Jo and I, along with another friend and student leader, were invited to spend Second Christmas with the family of another friend, J, a student that we've gotten to know through SFC this semester. He comes from a family of eight children and is very sweet-spirited with a quiet and calm personality; although he'd proven on a number of occasions that he has no problem getting LOUD or silly when the time calls for it. Given that, we were a little surprised by the invite to spend Second Christmas with his family, but also deeply honored.</span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">His family, namely his siblings, went above and beyond to get us there and home again (they live up in the mountains), making accommodations for us to sleep comfortably, the dinner that was prepared was fabulous, they took us bowling (!!), and they even left the cat outside when they heard that I was allergic. They were wonderful in every sense of the word. </span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But it wasn't just the things that they did for us that made this family wonderful. In my opinion, inviting complete strangers into your home, or better yet...allowing your brother to invite complete strangers into your home during Christmas holiday is enough to color me impressed. But no. That's not all it was. From the time that we met the siblings, walked into the house or sat down to chat, there was not a moment of feeling out of place, unwelcome or different. My German is rough and most of them spoke some English but few were comfortable using it. But that didn't stop us from sharing. Whether it was playing games, worshiping our Father together as a Body, or sharing the passion that God has placed on our hearts with each other, there was a tangible sense of the Spirit at work in this meeting and in this family. </span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This Christmas season has been a tad challenging for me. It felt weird: a little strange, even a little lonely, and it's easy for me to start thinking too hard when I can't figure out why I feel a certain way. My brain started churning towards all the different unknowns and options that 2016 presents and, to be honest, and can be overwhelming if I don't keep myself in check and surrender it all to my Father. But Second Christmas was a blessing in disguise. I thought it would be a fun way to experience Christmas holidays the way Germans do it. Get a little immersed. Get out of my comfort zone. And maybe, if I was lucky, make some new friends or at least strengthen the ones I had.</span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was so much more.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"The life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us - that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ." 1 John 1:2-3</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One of the oldest siblings cut straight to the meat of conversation (already a plus for me because we skipped right over small talk) and asked Jo and I why we came to Germany. He had already pointed out that he knew that we were missionaries, so it was a pointed and slightly challenging question. But as we began to share the message that God gave us to share with German[s]y, as I listened to his hearts desire for Germans to come to an experiential knowledge of our Lord but his struggle to see it in real life, as I was able to share testimony of how we've already witnessed this movement taking place just in the six months that we've been here, I began to be encouraged and heartened. I hadn't realized it at the time, but some days later I realized that I needed to be reminded of my purpose and calling here in Germany. I needed to see the hope that fills the hearts and eyes of young students who here the message of the Father for them. And I needed to see that faithful obedience produces fruit - in this case, it was going, speaking and seeing the encouragement and empowerment that came just in sharing testimonies, in bearing witness of each other's lives.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." Heb 10:24-26</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I am convinced that we, as a Body, are losing the significance of Christ in our daily lives here on earth, because we're forgetting WHO our God is. And the reason for this is that we don't share testimonies. We pass off His work in our lives as trivial or even convenient, but it's the constant awareness of God's presence and working in our lives that brings Him closer to each of us. It's when we are reminded of His work in the lives of those around us, as well as in our own lives, that we are able to 1) encourage our brothers and sisters in the faith, 2) become more aware of His working around us, and 3) live our lives as testimonies to believers and unbelievers alike - how else will they come to know this God??</span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What is God doing in your life? What are you trusting Him for this year? Share it. Tell it. Brag on God a bit, He deserves it. And watch the world catch fire with the Light of the World. </span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Happy New Year friends! God bless.</span>raychelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14270539012829416696noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3258259282799405210.post-21204105050304711402015-12-30T05:15:00.001-05:002015-12-30T05:29:22.968-05:00Adventures in the Kingdom: Reflecting Forward on 2016<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Five Christmas’…</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Five New Year celebrations…</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Five years of birthdays…</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Have been missed.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Five year’s worth of life events -
marriages, divorces, separations, estrangement, boyfriends (not my own of course), breakups, babies, moves, sicknesses and deaths – have been missed.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Five years.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-US">It hasn't been easy. I wouldn't trade the experiences, connections and adventures that I've had for anything as they've shown me more of my King, who I am and how wonderfully He and I work together when I obey. But it has been far from easy. If you had told me six years ago that I would find myself living overseas as an expat with no idea what the next step of my journey would hold, I don't think I would've believed you. I certainly didn't anticipate this life. But faithfulness to the Lord is to live a life of adventure, I've found. (Even for those who don't country hop and stay in the same place, there is an adventure for you too.) Someday I pray that adventure will include a family and perhaps even a stable home, but today I'm reflecting on the adventures that have already been had. So many more than can be recounted here.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In June of 2011 I left America to go to China,
thinking it would only be for one year.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In 2012 I thought that I would stay in
China for just one more year.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In 2013 I obeyed and stayed for another
year, but was beginning to sense that the end wasn’t in sight just yet. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In 2014 God began preparing me to move –
but not back to America.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In 2015 my wonderful Father had me pack up
my life into two suitcases and two boxes, move, once again, to another country,
culture and community. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As 2016 approaches, I’m preparing for
another wild ride.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilqOM-cc54MLaa9tlqdYpt7BUysqwdDjayctZFpBZ_GkiNS-DK0MCSKuox5OLcjTyvU-siR9Bh6Lkk6PUmfI_Zjox6ewmO-3L2OGyV4xYxvFRnxHTHtmaJAwJi-KmxTHaPkZ1DuDtQYn99/s1600/IMG_0889.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilqOM-cc54MLaa9tlqdYpt7BUysqwdDjayctZFpBZ_GkiNS-DK0MCSKuox5OLcjTyvU-siR9Bh6Lkk6PUmfI_Zjox6ewmO-3L2OGyV4xYxvFRnxHTHtmaJAwJi-KmxTHaPkZ1DuDtQYn99/s320/IMG_0889.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This may look like a lot but when you consider that this <br />is all two people own aside from two boxes being <br />sent by mail, it's not much.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This time last year I was still in China;
enjoying the blessings and surprises that came with living in China. But I was
also wrapping my head around the word that I had just received to “go” yet
again. By Springtime 2015, the command was unmistakable, “GO” to Germany. In July, I was on a plane to Germany with no idea what God had in store for me when I
landed – and never could I have imagined. I remember as the plane was
descending into Frankfurt airport, praying quietly, “God, I sure hope you know
what you’re doing because I most certainly do not.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But He has been faithful. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When we needed a place to call home, He was
faithful to provide a place that was more and better than we could have
imagined. He even added the much desired and much prayed for and believed for
community that we so needed and desired.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When I had no idea where finances were
going to come from, He provided for our needs.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When it looked like there was no way we
would be able to acquire visas to stay, He provided the favor and the means to
do just that.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When I had no idea where to begin getting
involved in ministry, He provided the contacts to open the door to active
ministry all over the city.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When I broke my toe, He healed it. Just
‘cause He can. *smile*</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When I needed church support, He brought it
(in the most unlikely of places)</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When I was sick, He Healed.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When I was struggling with the goodness of
God, He was patient with His child and reminded me that He is a Good Father,
ALWAYS.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">YES, my God has been faithful in every way
this year (as He has been in the past). And I am thankful for the hard times, the struggles, the challenges
that I’ve faced that have brought me closer to Him and taught me more of who He
is.</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTGrJguMEriv7njIxdO8RCFNnBmpj3_ThZWWvNZnyZsZpNDAk1b8Ppg5A6fj7Q3u8wykyCxR7Pd2ripKNj3iA4mKeNQFA4J_uxsx8JFLgzi1XChAHpsZ0fZztXfhfXHdTbwzYkHwWPBTCU/s1600/IMG_0907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTGrJguMEriv7njIxdO8RCFNnBmpj3_ThZWWvNZnyZsZpNDAk1b8Ppg5A6fj7Q3u8wykyCxR7Pd2ripKNj3iA4mKeNQFA4J_uxsx8JFLgzi1XChAHpsZ0fZztXfhfXHdTbwzYkHwWPBTCU/s320/IMG_0907.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Looking forward to the coming year, I’m
excited to see what God has in store, though I confess that there is still lots
to discover. I will continue on in my working/assisting with SFC in various
aspects, including worship, teaching and relationship building. I will continue
on in my language study for as long as necessary (likely another 6 months at least). I
will continue to seek to build connections at the local Prayer House, as well
as the local body that I meet with regularly.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Yet, in the midst of the consistency, I’m
also seeking specific direction to become clearer in the coming weeks/months in
regards to ministry, schooling, trips to the US and financial provision. As it
is, I’m seeking and living off of financial support given. And will likely
continue to do so for at least the next year (legally I am unable to work on my current visa; depending on how God leads in areas of ministry will dictate whether I seek work after language or continue on in this new phase of life). I would urge you again to pray and
consider giving a small amount (maybe only $20) monthly to assist in the basic living
expenses that need to be covered. One of the many blessings that has come in
recently is that I’ve been accepted as an “agent” of International Christian
Mission Services (ICMS) which is a 501(c)(3) organization and enables those
giving to me as an overseas missionary to receive tax receipts. This is especially good news for the churches that I've been in contact with. A BIG answer to prayer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">2016 will be a year of excitement and challenge!
It will be year of constant change and the unexpected. But it will also be a year of blessing and declaration. A year of fulfillment, and a
wonderful year of growing with our glorious and wonderful Father. <o:p></o:p></span>This is what I do know.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As you prepare to enter into a new year, a new season, perhaps even a new chapter, I pray that our God would bless you greatly
in this coming new year and that 2016 would be a year of drawing closer to our
Lord as children of God as well as the Bride of Christ. God bless!!</span></div>
raychelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14270539012829416696noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3258259282799405210.post-38973962550155443162015-12-10T15:50:00.003-05:002015-12-11T06:49:52.199-05:00Community of BelieversSo last weekend, we (SFC) got to enjoy our first annual Winter retreat!!! Woohoo!!<br />
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It was definitely an adventure! =]<br />
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Truth be told, there was little that seemed to quite go the way that we had expected or anticipated. BUT, the goal of the retreat was to bond and build relationships with each other, to learn more about spiritual growth and get away and worship through life together for a few days. And THAT goal was accomplished.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Game time after the first session</td></tr>
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We arrived at the house to find no gas for the heaters, less than clean rooms and most of the beds had been written on in ways that only teenagers away from home can leave memories behind for others to be embarrassed by. And I arrived with an upset stomach that had me in bed most of the first evening.<br />
But God in His goodness restored and calmed the storms in my stomach and allowed me to enjoy and really glean from the rest of the weekend while getting good quality time in with others there. We were able to have someone come and fix the heaters and we got a fire going and had a great time huddling in the warm community room while we learned together, shared together, ate together, prayed together, and laughed together. Outside, it was too warm for snow but there was still enough snow on the ground from the previous week's cold days that those who wanted to were still able to enjoy the snow without freezing to death (a very important grace for the Floridians present).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi35Jgn-i1ouyLbciuLMySJjsorVT2LvmpKHw4HlnMLLgy5SUBuH0wF1WyGDclagHG3JKbyuo-Fadcggyl5OLjg6q9tjhShq2x9fZd-QWi7bRZ-wNqVDjg2M21i_1uotin20ClhQKlox7HS/s1600/IMG_1637.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi35Jgn-i1ouyLbciuLMySJjsorVT2LvmpKHw4HlnMLLgy5SUBuH0wF1WyGDclagHG3JKbyuo-Fadcggyl5OLjg6q9tjhShq2x9fZd-QWi7bRZ-wNqVDjg2M21i_1uotin20ClhQKlox7HS/s1600/IMG_1637.jpeg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Learning about the different spiritual disciplines</td></tr>
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One thing that I loved the most about this retreat was the concept of coming together with the intention of learning and growing together. Something that we've really been focusing a lot on with SFC this semester is the concept of discipleship and how thats done in community. This weekend, I felt like we had the opportunity to come together as a community, as the first disciples did when they gathered around Jesus, and hear the Word of God being taught.<br />
I had the privilege of sharing about what it means to worship in community this weekend and the conclusion of that came in recognizing that worship is an attitude of reverence and awe towards God. And when we come together with that same heart attitude, our actions and reactions towards each other become acts of worship to Him, regardless of what we're doing. We can be celebrating or mourning, praying and singing or playing games, sharing testimony or sitting together in silence, no matter what it is that we do, when our hearts are set on Christ (which is what the process of discipleship does to our hearts), we can worship Him in doing life together. A.W. Tozer says that one hundred pianos tuned to each other will lead to disharmony, whereas one hundred pianos all tuned to the same master piano will all be in tune with each other. We are the pianos. Jesus is the master that we need to be in tune to. This weekend was a great time to practice that. Such a blessing.<br />
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In other news, as a group, we also had a chance to go and enjoy the Freiburg Christmas market together and had a great time eating great food and looking through all the stalls. THIS was just too much fun!!</div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Thank you to all of you who have been faithfully praying for the work that is being done here in SFC, Freiburg, and in Germany. God has been amazingly faithful. And for the students as well as the leaders, we have had the beautiful blessing of witnessing the working and orchestrating of God throughout this semester. And there's more to come!!</span>raychelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14270539012829416696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3258259282799405210.post-74398092554555988822015-11-30T09:06:00.000-05:002018-03-08T01:40:10.271-05:00Brief Recap in PicturesThere's really no way that I could share everything that's been going on here over the last two months in just one or two posts. Seasons have changed, schedules have picked up considerably. Relationships are growing and God is ever-faithful. Here's a few pictures of the many blessings He's provided.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh8v9vTunJl91pD7LwXgeiAuvDGwT33LSyEwmPgWQ46HhVEscbW2og4lTi9OxA1gt_gimXJebp7rtD4OlONzjV4D4FHa1TPW1J64wN2XU3jL6sEHJw-8vTISV1ojL3befCmHLP_dPNwVxn/s1600/IMG_1481.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh8v9vTunJl91pD7LwXgeiAuvDGwT33LSyEwmPgWQ46HhVEscbW2og4lTi9OxA1gt_gimXJebp7rtD4OlONzjV4D4FHa1TPW1J64wN2XU3jL6sEHJw-8vTISV1ojL3befCmHLP_dPNwVxn/s1600/IMG_1481.jpeg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Special blessings: our dear friend and "angel" - our first friend in Freiburg. Here we had a chance to spend time fellowshipping together, bike rides and good food and lots of laughter. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS7GSFee9B2H5xxT3hYGFQdrFrJOQd8GwheZwGrOvGOJNPIdvg0_D_Kdqu6VvcYyju8u0l0NqRgofxIKctPgfjkR9R7F79-rmjxf5GcwliA0NfA7HT12gVC3EFdaJ9HlIeCyOrIRqVDQcv/s1600/IMG_1502.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS7GSFee9B2H5xxT3hYGFQdrFrJOQd8GwheZwGrOvGOJNPIdvg0_D_Kdqu6VvcYyju8u0l0NqRgofxIKctPgfjkR9R7F79-rmjxf5GcwliA0NfA7HT12gVC3EFdaJ9HlIeCyOrIRqVDQcv/s1600/IMG_1502.jpeg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful dusk while waiting to get into the building for our weekly SFC meeting</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitCxsqkfUZZMbYTaQYxfzg4GqTVmGtyxil_6bEBN4kkD0O80LptooWymIXpWQ6LrqE9VO6fzmtq3evyQBTYd5_juSvTnygS7IQwswK0C_ZKtmFLzA0ohtGvxLhWOCtQ_0p2sNC3HSopYsM/s1600/IMG_1505.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitCxsqkfUZZMbYTaQYxfzg4GqTVmGtyxil_6bEBN4kkD0O80LptooWymIXpWQ6LrqE9VO6fzmtq3evyQBTYd5_juSvTnygS7IQwswK0C_ZKtmFLzA0ohtGvxLhWOCtQ_0p2sNC3HSopYsM/s1600/IMG_1505.jpeg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre-meeting SFC prayer time</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7S-hm2xmowv9HHypCUYDF0iDI8-fA9_4WGk_94obVtQTNTMTgy1tMJQmfWaG2uZVA3g3qaJP6DGhXmpfqmVS7OOz3CKVUD7XSItCFAEk8PDQKR-eJWMAWH4NCDCFtZfNr0G56V_TruuDd/s1600/IMG_1525.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7S-hm2xmowv9HHypCUYDF0iDI8-fA9_4WGk_94obVtQTNTMTgy1tMJQmfWaG2uZVA3g3qaJP6DGhXmpfqmVS7OOz3CKVUD7XSItCFAEk8PDQKR-eJWMAWH4NCDCFtZfNr0G56V_TruuDd/s1600/IMG_1525.jpeg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's frost on the ground!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvTZ2Ib1_rIlpYYdDVEGkcPRi4CEff2EeafoLhsQ35rf_qre-y84LdPLdblkd9NO0GECbVIFQLmdh7lNwDrrf-yN-UuNlPr9crVADnYV1hb90Apj_zltbPYFOvJ9k0nKv9fG3JZoJpqOm6/s1600/IMG_1528-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvTZ2Ib1_rIlpYYdDVEGkcPRi4CEff2EeafoLhsQ35rf_qre-y84LdPLdblkd9NO0GECbVIFQLmdh7lNwDrrf-yN-UuNlPr9crVADnYV1hb90Apj_zltbPYFOvJ9k0nKv9fG3JZoJpqOm6/s1600/IMG_1528-1.jpeg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great turn out for Coffee-To-Go at the teacher's college. Lots of fun and lots of great conversations.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9xu4MGVHwFEhQuGDfIjn4cyW8UNY9PbDN4okqmkQ4-SwT_s0dmEhyphenhyphenmgaSPCEcsqCYAgPhLT7UIdjgMuSXxFaRxlvd_DcN-hn-eakGJ0aeVBlNBDUh0VKdYB-7PcN9cwnJF3S430Q2lTQo/s1600/IMG_1533.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9xu4MGVHwFEhQuGDfIjn4cyW8UNY9PbDN4okqmkQ4-SwT_s0dmEhyphenhyphenmgaSPCEcsqCYAgPhLT7UIdjgMuSXxFaRxlvd_DcN-hn-eakGJ0aeVBlNBDUh0VKdYB-7PcN9cwnJF3S430Q2lTQo/s1600/IMG_1533.jpeg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A picture of Autumn</td></tr>
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<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">SFC Thanksgiving Dinner</span></span></div>
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Prayer requests:<br />
1) SFC retreat this weekend (Dec 4-6). Pray that hearts would be receptive to what God is speaking to them. Pray for the servants, that they would be properly prepared to give their best to these students. Pray for a time of joy and fellowship and that relationships would continue to grow deeper.<br />
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2) Busy schedules. With the holiday season now here, I'm sure you know very well how easy it is to get overwhelmed with the amount of things to get done. It's no different here. :) SFC has about three weeks left until the semester ends and we take a break until January, but that does not mean that we're slowing down at all! We've got loads of events and meetings still scheduled to take care of and that doesn't include the personal lives of all of us involved. With everything going on, please pray for wisdom and discipline to work and rest when needed. Strength to fight off illnesses (our house has already been through a nasty bout of flu this past week), and patience and understanding towards each other with it's easy to get stressed and frustrated.<br />
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3) Remember the reason for the Season.<br />
In everything that happens during this merry time of thanks and gifts, let us not forget the Supreme reason that we have to celebrate. I pray that you would have a chance to take some time to reflect on the miracle baby and His precious life that He gave for us.<br />
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Much love!!<br />
<br />raychelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14270539012829416696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3258259282799405210.post-79111453434412653862015-11-24T17:08:00.002-05:002015-11-24T17:08:35.318-05:00Pray For GermanyJo and I were invited to tag along on a trip to Karlsruhe about a week and half ago to participate in a day of worship and prayer at one of the local prayer houses. This was a real treat for many reasons, not the least of which meant a short road trip with a new but very dear friend and angel; but also it was especially exciting for me because it was an opportunity to both witness and participate in something that God is doing outside of Freiburg as well.<br />
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Within Freiburg, it's been wonderful to see the move of the Spirit around town. I meet random people who <i>somehow </i>within a conversation will inadvertently say something to the effect of, "<b>It's really amazing what God is doing here right now.</b>" And I just smile at yet another affirmation of the word that God has spoken for Germany.<br />
Within SFC (the ministry that I'm working with) has seen wonderful growth and enthusiasm, more than what even we, who walked in excited and convinced that God was going to do something amazing, had really anticipated. New people come almost every week and there's such a joy and familial atmosphere each week when we come together. Relationships are growing stronger and deeper, and to just put it simply, the "work" is a joy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_fVIc7h_U5EkjBnRyKtysN-7Ml6szVr_fdJz6OEMV-LQVyZe3rnC4aZ-TWzRD4fNGx5U9e-U8jkmlNgyHRy2B3QEwcJYW67j2bCcwRI90YBl93YkAEyxomZ33T9KP0eTTZrq4KeCZ9IaI/s1600/IMG_1492.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_fVIc7h_U5EkjBnRyKtysN-7Ml6szVr_fdJz6OEMV-LQVyZe3rnC4aZ-TWzRD4fNGx5U9e-U8jkmlNgyHRy2B3QEwcJYW67j2bCcwRI90YBl93YkAEyxomZ33T9KP0eTTZrq4KeCZ9IaI/s1600/IMG_1492.jpeg" /></a>But back to Karlsruhe, we showed up to the location with our beloved *Angel and I was almost immediately struck by the amount of young people. And when I say 'young people', I don't mean 'young people' like I'm a young people. I mean 'young people' like teenagers - middle and highschoolers. There were most certainly adults there as well, many of whom I gathered were parents, but the majority of the 120+ crowd were under the age of 21. And I was struck by this.<br />
Here we were spending our Saturday afternoon/evening at a prayer house for a time of worship, and here were large groups of young people willing to do the same right along side of us "old people".<br />
My heart smiled. I was so encouraged to see the desire and willingness and fire of God that was moving among this generation.<br />
This was only furthered by the fact that, with the exception of times of teaching and communion taking, the entire event was led by youth - which means it wasn't all an exceptionally put together event, but it was done with hearts that were willing and wanting to serve and grow.<br />
My favorite moment of the evening was when we were all singing Christ Is Enough and I looked forward to the front of the room and I saw these two boys standing in the front, declaring with all of their hearts (and I was just standing behind them) this stand of faith. They're eleven and fourteen. And when these two were called up to the front to stand in for the many others their age that we were all praying for, they stood there and prayed right along with us.<br />
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What an amazing generation of young men and women God is bringing up in this beautiful country. I'm excited to be a witness. I'm excited to see what He's been and in the process of doing. I'm excited to be a part of this movement that is happening in Germany. Pray for Germany.raychelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14270539012829416696noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3258259282799405210.post-56885187171465187362015-10-17T10:41:00.003-04:002015-10-17T10:41:59.538-04:00Answered PrayersI've got three days until my three month anniversary of my arrival to Germany.<br />
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It's been 3 months.<br />
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THREE MONTHS!!!<br />
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Already.<br />
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It's really bizarre to me that three months have passed since my arrival here. There's just been so much happening that time has been a whirlwind around me. It seems like I only just arrived here, while at the same time it feels like I've been here for ages already.<br />
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I've seen God provide housing, provide relational connections, provide community, provide visas. He's moved hearts to help contribute financially. He's breathed peace into my weary soul and spoken rest over a mind in hyper speed. He's given favor in the sight of authorities and patient understanding when nothing makes sense.<br />
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God is good all the time.<br />
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All the time, God is good.<br />
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In three months I have watched God become even more real to me in daily life. Prayer and worship time has become even sweeter than I could have ever imagined. He has been my defender and avenger. My comfort and refuge. He has been my solace, He has been my joy.<br />
Everything points back to Him!<br />
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Just prior to three months ago I began asking God to bring me to a place where there was only Him; a place where I could hear His voice clearly and wouldn't be afraid to follow. I asked Him for deeper intimacy. I asked Him for growth. I asked Him to take me beyond the place where I was. I asked for more of Him.<br />
<br />
God is a living God who hears and who answers! He is a God who cares and takes care of His children.<br />
You can trust Him when He asks for your heart, your trust, your life. raychelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14270539012829416696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3258259282799405210.post-75829339797740386992015-09-30T06:16:00.003-04:002015-10-03T04:32:54.601-04:00The Seen Unseen Blessings<h3 style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.55em; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 20px;">
<span class="text Luke-12-22" id="en-ESV-25473" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Do Not Be Anxious</span></h3>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="text Luke-12-22" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">22 </span>And he said to his disciples, <span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-25473A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-25473A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>“Therefore I tell you, <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-25473B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-25473B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on.</span></span> <span class="text Luke-12-23" id="en-ESV-25474" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">23 </span>For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing.</span> <span class="text Luke-12-24" id="en-ESV-25475" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">24 </span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-25475C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-25475C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-25475D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-25475D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>Of how much more value are you than the birds!</span> <span class="text Luke-12-25" id="en-ESV-25476" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">25 </span>And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-25476E" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-25476E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>span of life?<span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-ESV-25476a" data-link="[<a href="#fen-ESV-25476a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+12%3A22-31&version=ESV#fen-ESV-25476a" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b34b2c; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</span></span> <span class="text Luke-12-26" id="en-ESV-25477" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">26 </span>If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest?</span> <span class="text Luke-12-27" id="en-ESV-25478" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">27 </span>Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin,<span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-ESV-25478b" data-link="[<a href="#fen-ESV-25478b" title="See footnote b">b</a>]" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+12%3A22-31&version=ESV#fen-ESV-25478b" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b34b2c; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote b">b</a>]</span>yet I tell you, <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-25478F" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-25478F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.</span> <span class="text Luke-12-28" id="en-ESV-25479" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">28 </span>But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-25479G" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-25479G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>O you of little faith!</span> <span class="text Luke-12-29" id="en-ESV-25480" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">29 </span>And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-25480H" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-25480H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>be worried.</span> <span class="text Luke-12-30" id="en-ESV-25481" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">30 </span>For <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-25481I" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-25481I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>all the nations of the world seek after these things, and <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-25481J" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-25481J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>your Father knows that you need them.</span> <span class="text Luke-12-31" id="en-ESV-25482" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">31 </span>Instead, <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-25482K" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-25482K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>seek <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-25482L" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-25482L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>his<span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-ESV-25482c" data-link="[<a href="#fen-ESV-25482c" title="See footnote c">c</a>]" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+12%3A22-31&version=ESV#fen-ESV-25482c" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b34b2c; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote c">c</a>]</span>kingdom, <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-25482M" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-25482M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>and these things will be added to you.</span></blockquote>
<br />
I just can't seem to get away from this passage/concept lately. It's a good thing though. :) It means that I'm constantly being reminded of Who it is that I rely on for all things, and what my main purpose is to be. This is especially important to me right now as I'm settling into a new life, a new place with new people for a new season. God has been gracious to answer many questions that have been floating around in my heart in recent months in specific ways, but He hasn't answered all of them in detail. To those "unanswered" questions He seems to continue to refer back to this passage of scripture - "remember your calling right now, and trust Me", He says.<br />
<br />
This isn't necessarily a new concept for me. My trust in Him has reached new levels of faith, trust and obedience, for sure, but there has been an element of trusting Him to take care of me throughout recent years. The beauty of it all is that the recent years of trusting and seeing Him come through in provision for things that I didn't even know that I needed makes it much easier to trust Him now when I'm literally looking to Him for daily supply.<br />
<br />
The thing is, there's this "natural" human tendency in me to constantly look at my life through the lens of the outsider; to make my decisions and prepare any possible defense for though that might condemn or argue that I "don't suffer enough". That's not to say that people wish harm for me, but there seems to be a sense that "living for Christ", especially abroad, especially in missions, means that one must suffer with less: less finances, less material possession, less time for refreshment and relaxing, less..., less..., less....<br />
I hear stories about people who are angry because people on the field are on "extravagant" vacations in some far away country, presumably with money allocated for mission work. And I think about the time that I was offered a [paid] trip to Thailand (from nearby China) and was able to have a true time of refreshment and encouragement in Abba after eight months of burnout. That trip was a blessing to my heart and my soul in so many ways. But for many, all that is known is that I went on vacation to Thailand.<br />
Or how about the "big, modern, extravagant" houses that they live in that are seemingly way more than what's necessary?<br />
Last year, I was blessed to have a home that was extravagant. But it was a gift from God, from the amount of space to the price of rent to ability to use it for the very things that He'd put on my heart to do - to serve and welcome and refresh people in a comfortable home environment.<br />
<br />
These are just a few of the things that I've heard over the years about how field workers are misunderstood. I hear them and I think, "but what if that person were able to share their heart about that thing that you're judging? Would it change your perspective at all to hear that God is the one behind the extravagant provision?"<br />
<br />
And so here I am, in "<i>extravagant"</i> Germany, living in yet another, very nice house, with wonderful people and a bike to get around on, and I find myself thinking, what would/do people say about my life right now? Do they see God? Do they know that it was God who introduced us to these wonderful people in a way that ONLY He could? Do they think that I'm wasting time when I answer the "what are you doing these days?" question with, "lots of reading, praying and preparing my heart to be sensitive to Holy Spirit during the coming term"?<br />
Then I go to my Abba with all of these questions and he refers me back to the above passage. He reminds me that it's Him who's been taking care of me all of this time, it's He that I'm here to serve and obey, and it's He that will hold me in His "righteous right hand". So I will not be weary, for He is my God (Isa 41:10).<br />
<br />
I read a quote by Bonhoeffer recently that said, "The life of discipleship is not the hero-worship we would pay to a good master, but obedience to the Son of God." It's easy for me to wish that everyone could see the way I see; that I could explain and argue and defend myself from the ideas that float around, but then I'm convicted for allowing people to be my Master. I serve only one Master - that is the Lord Jesus Christ.<br />
When I'm tempted to look at things through the worlds perspective, I remember these words and shift my focus back to God. Looking though the worlds perspective is discouraging but I find my heart is filled with hope when I trust in the Father and rest in Him. So that is where I will stay. I will continue to watch Him work and pray that the eyes of the world around me will be opened as well to see the glorious works of His hands.raychelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14270539012829416696noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3258259282799405210.post-61564830939696052302015-08-14T18:59:00.003-04:002018-03-09T15:19:23.374-05:00The Brokenness of Being Abroad<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Living abroad is exciting. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">You get to see new places. Experience new
cultures. Meet wonderful people. And if you’re really lucky, you get to see the
amazing works of God all over in the world. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Knowing that this is exactly where God has
called me to be right now, I love my life. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I love the adventures. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I love the stories. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I love God. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">More and more everyday.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">But the truth is that living abroad is
hard. Living abroad hurts. And living abroad is far from easy.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-US">When
you’re living abroad everything is foreign. EVERYTHING</span></u></b><span lang="EN-US">.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">From food to housing to culture to
transportation to language, everything is different. Even in cultures that
might be similar to your home culture, it’s still different enough to remind
you at the end of the day that this is not where you came from.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-US">When
you’re living abroad people are far away. <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The sad fact is that living abroad means
leaving behind lifelong friends and the closest of family members. The people
who [you] promised to write every week; [you] don’t. The people you used to
talk to every day suddenly seem to have disappeared at times. You miss out on
life events that you never would have dreamed of missing – ie. Weddings,
pregnancies, babies, graduations, family reunions, birthdays, the list goes on.
The big stuff, the small stuff, it all becomes even more significant when
you’re in another country.<br />
Sure, you meet great people while living abroad. God provides amazing community
and you find that you’ve all managed to create your own weird little family
culture that somehow (divinely) works. But even then, the reality is that as
expats living abroad, people are transient. They come. They go. And you learn
that goodbyes are never far away. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-US">When
you’re living abroad nothing is as easy as it would be at home.<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Whether you’re dealing with visas and banks
or just navigating the processes of a new culture, it’s common to briefly
think, “at home I would have just _______ and then ______.” But you’re not at
home. And even the easiest of days can be an incredible expenditure of
emotional energy that leaves you exhausted when you hit the bed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The reality is that when God calls us to
leave the comfort of home to go “to the land that I will show you”, it’s far
from easy. It’s not always fun. And those back home rarely get to witness the
tears and brokenness that is experienced from the other side of an ocean or
border. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The stress of not knowing what the next
step is going to be, or how this need is going to be met can be overwhelming. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The pain of feeling misunderstood by those
you most want to run to for comfort is difficult to be put into words. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The brokenness of knowing that your absence
is a source of hurt in the lives of those you care about is heart-wrenching. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Those of us who have been called away from
home, security, friends and familiar may happily walk away seemingly oblivious
to what we’re walking away from. We’re not. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">If we fail to maintain regular contact, we
ask for grace as we extend the same grace to you. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">When you see all the Facebook photos of all
the fun and wonderful things that we’re getting to experience, remember that
there are hours and days of pain and stress and fighting that aren’t being
broadcast to the world. We’re human too.</span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">And when we ask for help – of whatever kind
that may be – please don’t assume that we’re actually talking to someone else,
or that someone else will fill the need. Because the reality is, it’s really
easy to feel alone when your closest loved ones are 7,774 miles away. No matter
where you are or who’s with you. </span></div>
raychelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14270539012829416696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3258259282799405210.post-82737739969783286732015-08-08T18:19:00.002-04:002015-08-08T18:31:08.121-04:00An Altar of Praise<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A week ago Jo and I walked into a church
feeling pretty beat down and hopeless. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We were desperate. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Desperate for a word from God. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Desperate to make a friend. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Desperate to keep our heads above water to
keep from sinking. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We needed to find a place to live. We
needed to find a job. We needed a community to surround and support us. We
needed to see God walking before us.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So we went to a church (that she and I had
each stumbled across separately and wanted to visit) and got there 30 minutes
early.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">30 minutes of silence.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">No welcomes.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">No connections. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Just watching as everyone else came in and
began sharing with each other.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Then…just as service was about to start, a
lady came and sat next to us. She was kind and introduced her self and we got
to talk for a moment. And then the service began.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And God reminded me that when all else is
lost I can, and WILL, praise His name.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">He reminded me of every promise He gave me
in Xiamen, and I reclaimed them again.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My Daddy reminded me that he’s “never
failed, and [He] won’t start now.”<br />
And at the end of it all, I was reminded that Yahweh is worthy of ALL the glory
and ALL the honor and ALL the praise in EVERYTHING.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">God is good… all the time. And all the time
God is good.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So then after the service is over, the lady
next to us starts asking us questions about why we’re here and what we need.
Before we knew it she was introducing us to people who could possibly help us
out and had given us her contact information so that we could get together
again later in the week. <br />
We walked out of church feeling full and blessed and walking on water again, knowing that our God was
still walking with us. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">On Monday I received an email reply from a
local student ministry leader that I’d contacted the previous week. He (and his
wife) very warmly and graciously welcomed us to Germany and invited us to
dinner at their home Friday night. (Did I mention that they were in the middle
of packing up their home and moving to a new location?) We also heard of a bike
(plus necessary accessories) that was available in our price range. (A bike is a
necessary and practical form of transportation here in Freiburg.)</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">On Tuesday, we received word from our
friend we’d met on Sunday that if we weren’t able to find a place to live
before our time at our current location was up, that she and her housemates
would be happy to welcome us for a few weeks as we continued figuring things
out. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">On Wednesday we were able to purchase the
bike, with no issues and mostly brand new or mostly new accessories. We were
also able to attend the church’s midweek service (which is in German) and made
another friend.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Thursday, Jo and I decided to make use of
our new bike (and a borrowed one from our current host) and visit a nearby lake
for a swim and some sun-time. We then got to meet up with our Sunday church
friend for some exploring the town and just getting to know more about each
other. It was a great time of blessing and encouragement.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">On Friday, we went to dinner at this
couple’s house and discovered that this meeting was by no means coincidental.
It just so happens that the house that they’re moving to, has a shared
apartment attached to it (cuz shared living is the thing to do here in Germany)
that happened to be in need of some tenants. Three bedrooms to be exact. And
the rent is better than we could imagine. After several hours of conversation
about all sorts of things – life, passions, intentions, God-stories – there was
just an overwhelming sense of God’s divine purpose in this meeting. We even
left with clothes and house things that we’d been praying about.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Saturday we went back to the lake (which
after two record hot 100 degree days, was significantly warmer than it was on
Thursday), and then went to look at the potential apartment. Once again, we see
God answering specific prayers. Tomorrow (Sunday), we’ll give them our [yes]
answer.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">People said we probably couldn’t find
housing in a week – but God can.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">People said that a place with two rooms for
both Jo and I would be hard to find – but God found it.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">People said that community is what you make
of what you have – God has provided a community to surround us in support and
encouragement.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You can’t buy new jackets and shoes with
money you don’t have – but God can provide them.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You can’t buy a bike without funds – but
God can provide the [exact] means to do so.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">To all of you who have questioned and
wondered at the logic of moving somewhere without a plan and “blaming” God, I
say, </span><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My God will not fail</span><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">To all who think that we’re crazy, I say,
</span><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I’m crazy about my Jesus, and that’s who I follow</span><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And to all of you who have supported this
transition through prayer, encouragement and financial giving, I say, </span><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">God bless
you for your faithfulness to the work that He is doing and thank you from the
bottom of my heart.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">I realize that some of you might fit more
than one of those categories up there =]</span><span lang="EN-US">, and that’s ok. I
am well aware that this move was not practical, but I am convinced it was
right. I’m fully aware that it’s crazy, but I know that I serve a BIG, crazy
God. And I know that asking for financial support after the fact looks like
poor planning, but my only defense is God. I would/will not wait to obey on the
basis of financial means and support. My God will supply all of [my] needs
according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus (Phil 4:19). (He may just use you. :})<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I serve an AWESOME God!!! </span></span></div>
raychelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14270539012829416696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3258259282799405210.post-56723165853677202042015-08-06T17:20:00.003-04:002015-08-06T17:20:51.503-04:00Without Borders<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #073763;">Well we made it Germany.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #073763;">When the plane began it’s decent into
Frankfurt airport, I broke down into tears. The reality and the gravity of what
we had embarked on was finally settling in, and I was scared. I wasn’t just
scared, I was feeling highly insecure and completely overwhelmed. A lot of
prayers and some verbal processing helped to relieve some of that. I’m so
thankful to have such a dear friend with me on this journey. It could be
miserable walking this road alone.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #073763;">So, we made it to Germany.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #073763;">And as beautiful as it is here and as
wonderful as it seems to call this home, things have not exactly gone the way
that we’d hoped they would upon arrival. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #073763;">The school that I had been expecting to
enroll in for the winter semester did not, in fact, accept me; for reasons that
were completely unexpected and cannot currently be corrected. This means that
to pursue any kind of study will cost more money and that was not in the budget
upon arrival. Naturally, this leads one to question.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #073763;">So I went to God and I questioned:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #073763;"> </span><span style="color: #f1c232;">“Why
did I not get accepted?”<br />
“What I am I supposed to do
now?”</span><span style="color: #073763;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #073763;">And the big one…<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #073763;"> </span><span style="color: #f1c232;"> “Was
coming here a mistake?”</span><span style="color: #073763;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #073763;">But through the confusion, I maintained a
sense of peace and assurance that God was still God and He was still leading. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #073763;">We got to spend a few days visiting a
friend in the Czech Republic where I was encouraged by Sisters, as well as
confirmed by the Spirit by a burden for the Church in Europe. There was
conversation and rumination about the Body as whole – what is the role, how
does it look, what does it mean for people like me who often feel wholly
disconnected from it?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #073763;"><br />
Answers are still in the process. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #073763;">What I have been getting from Daddy are daily reminders of what faith looks like and what faith does. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #073763;">Starting in Matthew 8:5-13 with the story
of the Centurion’s faith. Jesus himself, was amazed at the Centurion’s faith in
Jesus’ ability to heal. That man had nothing to hold to think that Jesus would
fulfill his request, no promise to cling to, no rule or qualification to redeem
him. He had only the assurance of Jesus’ reputation and character; and the
belief that Jesus could do the miracle that was being asked of him. He had
faith. And that faith commended him to Jesus. That faith gained him the results
that he sought – his servant’s healing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #073763;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
same story is told in Luke 7. And it is followed by the story of Jesus raising
the widow’s dead son. She didn’t ask, but Jesus’ compassion for a broken heart
moved him to act. Luke 7 concludes with the story of the woman who washes
Jesus’ feet with tears. After a conversation with Simon the Pharisee about a
hearts response to forgiveness and redemption, Jesus’ response to the woman
states simply, “your <i>faith</i> has saved you…” (emphasis mine). She hadn’t asked him for
anything. He didn’t make any conditional promises. She believed in who Jesus
said that he was and the loving character that he conveyed. And that alone
saved her.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #073763;">Going back to Matthew 8 in verse 18 (and
Mark 4: 34-41, Luke 8:22-25) is the story of Jesus asleep on the boat during a
storm. The disciples are terrified and, after waking Jesus in terror, are
rebuked for their lack of faith. Imagine being one of Jesus’ disciples and
watching him heal the lame and bring the dead back to life and redeem the
unredeemable and then being rebuked for not believing that His presence on the
boat would be enough to keep them safe. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #073763;">The stories go on. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #073763;">The man in the tombs delivered from the
Legion of demons, who responds with submission and devotion to Jesus (Matt
8:28-34, Mark 5: 1-20, Luke 8: 27-39). <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #073763;">Jairus who came to Jesus and says, “My
daughter has just died, but come and lay your hands on her and she will live.”
His faith saved his daughter’s life (Matt 9:18-26, Mark 5: 22-43, Luke 8: 41-
56). <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #073763;">The woman with the issue of blood who was
determined that simply touching Jesus’ robe would heal her, and it did! (Matt
9: 20-22, Mark 5: 25-34, Luke 8: 43-48) (This happened for many others who
believed as well.) <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #073763;">The two blind men following Jesus and
crying out to him for healing were healed “according to [their] faith” (Matt 9:
27-31). <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #073763;">Peter walked on water because he believed
that Jesus would enable him to do so. Granted, his faith wavered and he began
to sink, but his faith allowed him to take his first steps on the waves
(Matthew 14:22-33). <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #073763;">The twelve apostles were sent out to
perform miracles and healings (Matt 10: 5-15, Mark 6: 7-13, Luke 9: 1-6), not
of their own power, but in the power of their faith in Jesus. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #073763;">There are so many more stories that I
couldn’t begin to recount them all here (nor do I think you’d want to sit and
read them all here), but there’s a lesson I’m being taught and reminded of
again and again:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #073763;">When we step out of our comfort zone, have
faith not just that God </span><i><u><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">can</span></u></i><span style="color: #073763;"> act, but that he has the compassion and
desire to </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><u><span style="font-size: x-large;">want</span></u></i> </span><span style="color: #073763;">to act. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #073763;">It’s not too much for us to go to God with
a big request, with nothing but a little mustard seed’s faith and a trust in </span><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">WHO
HE SAYS HE IS</span></b><span style="color: #073763;">. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #073763;">My move to Germany was the biggest act of
faith I’ve ever taken. I’ve repeatedly gone to God and reminded him of the
promises that He gave to me, and declared once again my trust in him. But what
I love most about this amazing God that I serve, is His graciousness. I feel
his smile as he watches me walk this unknown road like a child constantly
checking to see if my Daddy is still there. He’ll never leave me or forsake me
(Heb 13:5). That’s a promise I can bank on. He loves me. And He is not a man,
that He should lie (Num 23:19). <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #073763;"><br />
Don’t be afraid to trust God for who he is. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #073763;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm walking on water</span><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">.</span></span></div>
raychelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14270539012829416696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3258259282799405210.post-77991957866525405232015-07-19T23:25:00.001-04:002015-07-19T23:27:42.554-04:00I'm in KoreaI'm currently sitting in a cafe at Incheon International Airport, waiting for our one o'clock flight to Frankfurt. Today's been good so far. It's been restful and easy-going.<br />
That's not to say that yesterday wasn't those things. :)<br />
<br />
Actually, yesterday was a wonderful blessing in many ways. Despite the LONGEST check-in line ever and a delay in taking off from Xiamen Airport (not at all a surprise), we were thrilled to witness blessing after blessing come throughout the trip. From cheaper luggage prices, to refunded money (still not clear on how that happened), to an easy meeting with a friend who was able to lead us directly to our hotel, to another discount, to a dinner at Taco Bell (scoff if you'd like but it's been over two years, and the last few months have been especially difficult), to a soft bed to spend the night on.<br />
Even though I was fighting some head pain and nausea - which was probably more anxiety than any bug or ailment - I found myself smiling and thanking Jesus for the many blessings and the assurance that he is with us through this journey; from the beginning.<br />
This morning, I had a moment to pause and enjoy. I thought about the many goodbyes that have been said in the last few weeks. Thought about the many who have joined with us in prayer for this next journey. Thought about how many promises have been given for this next season. Thought about the wonderful fact that we didn't have to rush to get to the airport this morning. :)<br />
This morning I got a Dunkin Donuts coffee and I had a Taco Bell burrito for brunch. (Stop judging!!!)<br />
I'm satisfied. No. I'm beyond satisfied.<br />
I'm blessed. Beyond measure.<br />
And I believe that this is just the beginning of what's to come.<br />
Saying yes to this adventure meant a whole new dependance on Daddy. A whole new level of faith that I haven't known before. A whole new experience.<br />
<br />
Someone asked me recently if I was glad to be leaving China. My answer: "I've been happy in China for four years because I know that this is where God wanted me those years. I'm happy to leave China now because I know that it's what God has told me to do."<br />
I'm excited to be moving to Germany. I really am. Never did I ever think that this would be my life. But I'm thankful that it is. I think about the stories that I'm collecting and the experiences that I'm sharing and the lives that I'm witnessing, and I think, "wow! THIS is my life."<br />
But the thing that has always gotten me the most excited is knowing that I'm right where God wants me to be. So whether I'm in China or Seoul or Freiburg or somewhere in Africa or Australia or the United States, it really makes no difference to me. God loves all of those people. And if that's where he's sending me, it probably for a reason worth witnessing. I want to be there.<br />
I'm thankful for this life, despite the "sacrifices" it's cost me. It's not always easy. It's certainly not convenient. And while perhaps a little glamorous at times, there are real tears, fears and brokenness that happens regularly.<br />
Be excited with me. But please don't forget to pray. And obey! You never know what God will do with one who is willing to obey. Love you all!<br />
<br />raychelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14270539012829416696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3258259282799405210.post-15450748524801210612015-07-10T09:39:00.000-04:002015-07-10T09:47:17.964-04:00Here We Go!!<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 14.0pt;">What
I want you to know without a doubt from this blog is that this move to Germany
is nothing short of a step of obedience to my Master. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 14.0pt;">In
the midst of all the glamour and glitz that comes with the statement “I’m
moving to Europe”…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 14.0pt;">despite
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 14.0pt;">my
worldly desires to complete a degree program….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 14.0pt;">and
even (for some) my seeming inability to stay in one place for more than a few
years at a time, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 14.0pt;">this
move is not about restlessness, it’s not about practicality, it’s not about
experience. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 18.0pt;">It’s
about God.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 14.0pt;">In
the beginning of this process, I wondered what the point of such a move really
was. I suspected that if I were to go to Germany to study that I would have a
great opportunity to witness to other college students and work with student
ministries within the local body. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 14.0pt;">But
then…one evening I was informed, by a friend, of a conference that is happening
in Germany the week before we are due to arrive. At the time however we were
unsure of the dates, and hoping that we might actually be able to attend. So I
jumped online and looked up the Awakening conference. I began talking to God
about how wonderful it would be to get to be a part of it when I felt the
Spirit speaking quietly, “you will be there for follow up.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“OH!
Ok…” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 14.0pt;">The
next day was our weekly prayer meeting with a few friends and after quite a bit
of time of the Spirit stirring my spirit about His desires to be seen in
Europe, Jo and I received a word that was based out of Haggai 2: 1, 3- 9:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">In
the seventh month, on the twenty-first day of the month</b>, the word of the
Lord came by the hand of Haggai the prophet,….<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #31849b; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;">Who
is left among you who saw this house in its former glory? How do you see it
now? Is it not as nothing in your eyes</span></i>? <span style="color: #943634; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themeshade: 191;">Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel,
declares the Lord. Be strong, O Joshua…the High Priest. Be strong, all of you
people of the land, declares the Lord.</span> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>Work</u></i></b>, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #943634; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themeshade: 191;">for I am with you</span></b>, declares the Lord of
hosts, according to the covenant that I made with you when you came out of
Egypt. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #5f497a; mso-themecolor: accent4; mso-themeshade: 191;">My Spirit remains in your midst. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Fear not</b>. For thus says the Lord of
hosts: Yet once more, in a little while, I will shake the heavens and the earth
and the sea and the dry land. And I will shake all nations, so that the
treasures of all nations shall come in, and I will fill this house with glory,
says the Lord of hosts. The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, declares the
Lord of hosts. The latter glory of this house shall be greater than the former,
says the Lord of hosts. And in this place I will give peace, declares the Lord
of hosts.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Here’s
what this said to us:<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Firstly,
“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">In the seventh month on the twenty-first
day</i>…” At the time of this passages first reading, our expected departure
date was July 20, which would put our arrival date in Germany on the 21<sup>st</sup>.
As it is, we will actually be leaving China on the 21<sup>st</sup> of July.
Either way, the date was enough to catch our attention and recognize that God
was about to speak to us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Who of you is left…</i>?” For those of you
who are not aware, this year is the 70<sup>th</sup> anniversary of WWII and the
Nuremburg trials. And there was a recent reminder/awareness of this as we heard
this passage. Since WWII, there has not been another significant “kingdom” to
redeem or bring any kind of glory to Germany, or even Europe really. The world
has desperately been seeking a kingdom that would fulfill and prosper the
people, and that has yet to happen. The more we strive, the further we seem to
get. But He is not letting us go<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 14.0pt;">The
call to “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">be strong</i>” in the face of
seeming hopelessness is spoken to the current governor, again to the High
Priest, and then again to the people as a whole. As if to say, “this is not
just a word of solace for little people, but I want every one of you to know –
from the bottom to the top – that you need only to remain strong in your faith,
for I have not forgotten the promise that I made to you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 14.0pt;">So
WORK!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Whoever
you are, wherever you are, whatever your role, work out your faith. Put it in
action. Let it be more than just words. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Beyond
all this, I’m sensing an overarching message of hope that is being communicated
through ALL lands. Catch that? <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">ALL</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 14.0pt;">No
matter what country you’re currently living in or claim as “home”, there is an
undeniable awareness to God’s movement. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 14.0pt;">God
is shaking nations. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 14.0pt;">In
China. In America In Africa In Australia. Even in Europe. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 14.0pt;">To
the ends of the world, He is at work. And we should be too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 14.0pt;">There
is an awakening that is happening and we would be wise to pay attention. You
have a part to play in all of this as well. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Over
the last months I’ve heard a lot of negativity about the spiritual darkness
that is prevalent in Europe. I’ve even heard some profess that the only way God
will be made known there again is if it is done in the miraculous, because the
intellectual argument just wont work there. But I challenge you with this.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 14.0pt;">It
is only by the supernatural, miraculous work of the Spirit in our hearts that
any of us ever come to a saving knowledge of Christ. No matter who or where you
are. And in Europe, who would know better how to make God known, than God
himself?? </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: "American Typewriter"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "American Typewriter"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 14.0pt;"> He knows. And he’s
already begun that miraculous work. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 14.0pt;">For
some reason He’s felt inclined to invite me alongside Him in this miraculous
work. And I feel completely inadequate. This scripture in Haggai is not the
only word that I’ve received about this move to confirm that God is on the move
and taking me with Him to Europe. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 14.0pt;">For
me there have been prophetic words, other scriptures, messages, and quiet
stirrings to continue moving me forward. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 14.0pt;">What
has he invited you to be a part of where you are?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 14.0pt;">This
transition, as exciting as it is, is not going to be a cake walk. I would love
your prayers and support. As nothing Good comes easy, I’ve already seen
opposition come against us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "American Typewriter"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Upon
arrival, I will need to go to the school with my documents, and hopefully find
a job and a place to live pretty quickly. I will have an interview with the
school in August before I find out if they see fit to accept me. (I’m trusting
that since God said go, he’ll take care of the acceptance as well.) Beyond
that, my prayer is that I will be submitted and receptive to the Spirit’s
leading. I’m asking for practical provision as well as spiritual
courageousness. The next few years are going to be all new for me in many, many
ways. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
raychelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14270539012829416696noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3258259282799405210.post-155928649904495152015-05-20T01:38:00.001-04:002015-05-20T01:38:32.516-04:00Worship Is….Part 8: Listening<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #5f0f37; font-family: Arial; font-size: 18pt;">That is what worshiping the Living God is all about!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #5f0f37; font-family: Arial;">And
man, oh man, do I worship a LIVING God! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">I
was recently having a conversation with some friends about the Word of God and
scripture. And a statement was made to the effect of, “If scripture was given
to us to be used as the words of a living God, then it’s contents cannot be
controlled by context.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">In
other words, if my God was like all the other gods of the world, then whatever
it ‘said’ would have to be filtered and processed through the filter of what
was going on at the time of ‘speaking’. Because that god would not be relevant
to today’s concerns and situations. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">However,
if my God is a living God; one who cares about today’s concerns and situations,
who knows the ins and outs of my heart and will, and best yet, <b>CARES</b>
about me, then words that he may have spoken centuries ago will have new life
breathed into them when He gives them for the situation at hand. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">We
have the Scriptures – the law, the history and the words of the prophets and
the apostles – so that we have a frame of reference. When God speaks to us, we
can know that it is Him that is speaking because he “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">is the same yesterday, today and forever”</i> (Hebrews 13:8) and we
need only to compare today’s commands with yesterday’s commands. Are they in
line?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">So
this gets me excited! It gets me excited because as I conclude this amazing
story about what God has been teaching and doing and working in me in the
last…two years - Worship - it’s also the preface into the beginning of a new story, a new
journey.</span><span style="color: #5f0f37;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #5f0f37; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">I
apologize (sorta). I left the story hanging for a few months, I know. But I
couldn’t finish it until now. There were words still to be given. Lessons still
to be learned. And obedience to be carried out, before this story could be
given for you to share in. </span><span style="color: #5f0f37;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">Some
of you may recall a few blogs back (<a href="http://toliveunquestioned.blogspot.com/2015/01/worship-is-part-6-letting-go.html" target="_blank">Part 6</a>),
me sharing about my struggles with completing my degree and figuring out what
to do about colleges and such. For months after the news, options and
considerations for schools in the States and online where given ear. But
nothing settled. I had no indication that returning to America was the way to
go, but doing classes online wasn’t quite making sense to me either. It’s very
difficult when your mind is saying “this is logical, let’s do this” and your
heart says “no. wait. This doesn’t make sense.” You can’t always give a reason,
but you learn to trust that it’s the Father’s still small voice whispering,
“wait”. So you wait.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">In
November, a fluke message came to my awareness about studying in Germany. My
immediate response was, “no, I live in China.” But it began wearing on me. It
kept coming back in the most random conversations or situations….”Germany”. By
December, I was pretty much convinced that I was moving to Germany. But how?
Why? When? Where? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">In
the last five months, I’ve spent time fasting, praying, sharing with trusted
mentors about the decision and gotten surprising and edifying responses from
both man and God. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">One
night, I randomly decided to use one of my journals as a dream journal and I
declared it to my roommate (mind you, I don’t generally remember my dreams at
all) and was woken up with a reminder to write it down after having a very
German dream. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">God
has spoken through friends who unknowingly confirmed questions that I had
submitted to Abba, through messages that were perfectly timed, and through His
blessed scripture.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">This
is by no means an easy obedience. God said go to Germany. Go be a student. Go
serve my Body. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">But
as many of you may know, packing up and moving to a new CONTINENT is not
exactly an easy thing. There are so many unknowns that even now, with only two
months left in China, are still not completely settled. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">But
this one thing I do know, unquestionably: that it is the Lords will to take
what He has been teaching me and use it in Europe, starting in Germany. Starting this summer. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">I
don’t know what will happen once there. I don’t know anything long term. I do
know that for the time being my new home will be on another new continent and more to come!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">Your
prayers for the journey would be wonderfully and graciously appreciated!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">I
encourage you to listen to our Lord. It’s not always what makes sense right
now. But His will is good. When He speaks, however he speaks, listen and obey.
There’s no better way to live!</span><span style="color: #5f0f37;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
raychelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14270539012829416696noreply@blogger.com1