No, We're Good!

For the second time today I had an experience where I get back in my car and think, "Why did I do that?"  Before I tell my little story, let me explain that I am an independent, Type A, "I got this" kind of woman.  I was raised in a family of very strong, independent, Type A, "I've got this" type of women.  I'll be honest, we pride ourselves on the ability to move heavy furniture across rooms, carry ALL of the groceries in on the first trip, keep up with all the chores and schedules, and, in general, do it all.  It has its advantages, but it also has very many disadvantages.  

If you read my last post, you know that we've been in a tough, overwhelming season.  Not because of any one thing, but because of all the little things that add up to make one gigantic thing.  You know?  And, I'll be honest, a lot of my struggle has been because I am (you guessed it) an independent, Type A, "I've got this" type of person. Because let's be real - I ain't got this!  I was not made to have this. I was not created to carry it all. I am not built to run myself ragged. And let's just go right out and say it, I was never asked, designed, or intended to carry and juggle all the balls without any help. In some cases, I wasn't asked to carry them at all, but I decided to pick them up without being asked!  (Anybody with me there?)

One major disadvantage to my personality, is not knowing how to accept help.  I mean, at all!  So now to my story.  I was headed out of the grocery store today with Ruth in the cart, Caleb trailing along beside me, and two giant, heavy bags of groceries.  While pushing the cart back where it goes and preparing myself to carry both big bags and a little Ruth while watching Caleb, a gentleman asked if I needed any help.  Based on what I described (and I'm sure how I looked), the answer was yes.  But what I found coming out of my mouth was, "No, I think we're good!"  Really??  Despite knowing that I could use an extra hand, even then I couldn't seem to accept help.  After getting across the parking lot, loading everybody in, and getting in myself, I realized what I had done.  Would it really have been that awful to let this man carry one of my bags 20 feet to my car? 

Two things came to mind as I kicked myself for not just letting someone help me.  First, was something my mom and grandma often say - "Don't take away my blessing!"  It's used when someone wants to help and we refuse.  We've taken away that person's opportunity to bless us.  Second, was a scripture in 1 Corinthians 10:23 where we're reminded that while something may be possible, it doesn't mean it's right.  Clearly, I could get both bags and both children to the car, but was it beneficial?  Was it necessary?  Not really.  Just because I can do it, doesn't mean I should.  

Lord, forgive me for trying to do it all.  Forgive me for thinking I ever could.  Teach me to accept help from others and from You.  Give me a humble heart, Father, that recognizes my limitations.  Let me be an example to my children that perfection is not important, to focus on the people around them, and to accept help.  Amen.

Dinner and Prayer

Two posts in one day?  Yep, I'm rebellious like that!  I wanted to share something along the lines of reclaiming the table that we've been doing consistently in our house for the last several months.  For many years it has been on my heart to pray for different countries around the world.  I've approached this in many different ways with every attempt ending the same - slowly forgetting the habit until months later I realize I haven't prayed for another country in a long time.  Our solution?  Bring that country into more than just our prayer time.  This may work for you and it may not, but here's what we do:

Each week we have a "letter of the week."  (Our son is only 9 months old, but I want to get in the habit now of teaching him things along the way.)  Last week our letter was "U."  Whatever the letter I go to the Operation World website and find a country starting with that letter.  The next step is the most fun - that country goes up on our Menu board and I find a recipe from there that is as authentic as we can manage.  The results are so fun!  We see that country's name every day as a reminder to pray for them and we get to try new food.  I used to work at a place that taught me a lot about different parts of the world and I miss it.  I got to see first hand what it looked like to introduce very young children to different cultures, languages, foods, clothing, etc. and always loved how it taught children that not everyone will look or sound the same or even eat the same foods, but that we can love them and pray for them just the same.  And that is a lesson I think many of us need reminding of!

One part of this process I have found the most time consuming is finding the recipes.  I've gathered quite a few since we started and thought, if you're interested, I could save you a little bit of time by posting some of the recipes we've used.  Some have become absolute favorites (thank you Ecuador for your Chaulafan de Pollo!) and others give us practice in politely trying foods we aren't used to yet!  ;)  Here is the dish we made from Uganda:

Chickennat

This was a very hearty, warm dish.  The chicken and peanut butter over rice makes it very filling!

Ingredients:

One 2-3 pound chicken (we just used two chicken breasts)

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp ground black pepper

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup onion, chopped

1 pint (2 cups) chicken stock (I used bullion cubes dissolved in water)

3/4 cup peanut butter (we've found peanut butter in many of the African recipes we've tried)

1-2 egg yolks

Several sprigs of parsley, coarsely chopped (we used dried parsley)

Directions:

1. Rub the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.  

2. Melt butter in a large, heavy skillet or stew pot, and add the chicken and onions.  Cover and simmer over lowest heat, periodically adding stock until you have used it all.

3. After 15 minutes, remove half cup of the cooking liquid to thin the peanut butter. Add to the pot and bring to a boil.  (Times vary depending on how much chicken you used.)

4. Reduce heat and then whisk some of the hot stew liquid into the egg yolks.  Add to the pot and stir to incorporate the egg mixtrue into the stew.

5. Simmer gently until the chicken is done.  Be careful not to heat the stew about a simmer from this point.

6. Garnish with parsley and serve with rice or corn porridge.

Let me know if you try the recipe and what your family thought of it.  We're trying a recipe from Venezuela tomorrow!  I'll be sure to share it with you soon.  :)

You are NOT alone!

The other day I was driving down the interstate with my little buddy in the backseat.  We were coming up to a particularly bad area known for traffic so I merged into the far left lane in hopes of sneaking by the worst of it.  I had just started thinking how few cars were on the road when we came over the hill and were met with parked traffic.  :(  Apparently there was a very bad accident up ahead that had closed all lanes.  So much for making good time.  No worries though, little guy was quietly playing with his toys . . . until we had sat there about five minutes.  Suddenly he was wailing.  I assured him I felt the same way about the traffic and understood he was getting hungry, but there was nothing I could do.  We were suck in the far left lane next to two semis.  As 10, 20, 30 minutes passed I started becoming frantic.  My little guy was clearly miserable, needed mommy to hold him, and we were stuck!  I tried to turn on my blinker, but the semis couldn't go anywhere.  Finally there was a bit of a break and I hoped beyond hope that someone in the lane next to us could see our predicament and would let me over . . . no such luck.  I ended up calling mom (aren't moms great) who in turn called the state police to see what I should do (we had no idea when traffic would let up, only that little man wouldn't stop until he was out of that seat).  Basically, they told me to turn on my blinker, lay on the horn, roll down the window and yell at people - whatever I had to do to get to the off-ramp.  If you happen to know my personally, you probably know that's not likely to happen.  But as the traffic began to move again, a mom in the car next to me had begun to notice what was going on and motioned for me to come in front of her to get off the interstate!  Thank you, Jesus, for this mom who understood!  Who not only understood, but risked being cut of by others to let me in!!

Ok, that was a long description, but do you know the feeling?  You're having a hard time with your child, whatever that may look like, and you just want someone to give you a sympathetic smile, a helping hand, or even just to not look at you in judgment?!  Thankfully I was the only one who was bothered by my little guy, but I needed someone to help, someone to notice and offer assistance.  I heard a story the other day of a lady who brought her baby girl on a plane and was met with judgmental stares and rude comments . . . until the woman next to her offered to help.  Suddenly, that mom didn't feel so alone anymore.  Didn't feel so judged, so helpless.

I'm fairly certain that if you're a mom, you've experienced that feeling.  So what do we do about it?

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. - I Thessalonians 5:11

In simple terms, help each other.  Look out for each other.  Rather than give judgmental stares or unwanted advice, offer a kind smile.  Ask if there is anything you can do to help.  Meet a visible need.  Be the mom who shows other moms they're not alone.  Let's build each other up!

And to the mom who let me over - THANK YOU!

What If It Were Me?

Remember those who are in prison, as though you were in prison with them; those who are being tortured, as though you yourselves were being tortured. - Hebrews 13:3

As I read this passage I was deeply convicted.  How many times have I heard of horrific situations people are facing, maybe even pray for them in the moment, and then a few minutes later I've continued on with my life and completely forgotten what they're going through.  This verse reminds me to remember the plights and prayers of people as if I myself were facing the situation.  I wouldn't forget to lift up a prayer for provision if I were facing financial ruin, to seek supernatural healing and peace while encountering a troubling diagnosis, or ask God to move mightily if I were lost in a state of depression, yet I so often forget to lift up similar requests for those around me who are facing these situations.  The only response I can find is to repent for my lack of focus and concern for others and ask God to open my heart and eyes to these situations around me with a renewed understanding and motivation to lift them up in prayer and support them as the Lord leads.


Lord, forgive my negligence. Give me a heart that is open and willing to be affected and broken by the plights of others.  Teach me not to be afraid to become invested that I might better serve my neighbors for Your Glory.  Amen.

Along the Way

Then Jesus went through the towns and villages, teaching as He made His way to Jerusalem. – Luke 13:22

When I read this passage the other morning it caught me so off guard I had to take a moment to consider this short verse and its incredible impact.  Perhaps you're like me.  You get so focused on where you're headed that you don't even realize what you're passing along the way.  Have you ever gotten in the car headed to a pretty routine place (maybe school or the grocery store) and suddenly you're there?  You don't remember stopping at the lights or merging into the next lane.  Honestly, you're kind of hoping you didn't break any traffic laws getting there! 

Too often that's how we live our lives.  We have an end destination in mind that we're so focused on reaching we don't even realize we're living day by day.  We get to the end of a week and think Man!  Is it Friday already?  That's why this verse is so important.  Jesus had a destination.  He was headed to Jerusalem, but consider the multitude of stories we read about that happen on His way to Jerusalem.  He didn't get so focused on getting there that He ignored those around Him.  Instead it says that He "went through the towns and villages" (didn't bypass them!), "teaching as He made His way to Jerusalem."  He could have walked around those towns and kept on going, but He made it a point to stop and talk to the people, heal, and grant forgiveness.

How about you?  Are you stopping in the towns and villages that need to hear the message you carry?  Or are you bypassing them, not even realizing they're there as you make your way to your destination?

No One from That Tribe . . .

He of whom these things are said belonged to a different tribe, and no one from that tribe has ever served at the altar. For it is clear that our Lord descended from Judah, and in regard to that tribe Moses said nothing about priests. – Hebrews 7:13-14

Have you ever read The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien?  Perhaps it can best be identified as the "prequel" to the Lord of the Rings Trilogy.  In the story, Bilbo, a hobbit, is paired with 13 dwarves for a grand adventure through many treacherous paths.  At one point, after facing many challenges already, the group arrives at Mirkwood, the enchanted forest.  Bilbo is quite reluctant to enter, wishing he could leave with Gandalf, a wizard who had guided them to this point.  As a hobbit, Bilbo was not expected to be an adventurer and, with his small size, was seen as only capable of helping with very small tasks.  Although he managed to rescue himself once, many other times the dwarves, a hardy bunch, were expected to lend a hand in getting little Bilbo out of trouble.  Despite knowing all of this about Bilbo, Gandalf turns to him and says, "You have got to look after these dwarves for me."  Gandalf saw great potential in Bilbo.  This unlikely scenario of the hobbit needing to assist the dwarves would have seemed rather funny to those listening.  But Gandalf knew what he was talking about and, sure enough, Bilbo came in quite handy for those dwarves!

It might seem like an odd introduction to give a brief, limited plot summary of a children's story, but as I read this I thought of how God looks at each of His children.  He does not see what earthly eyes see, but instead sees the potential and the great plans He's prepared for each of us.  Have you ever heard or thought something like this – I grew up in that neighborhood so there's pretty much no way I'm going to college.  Or I'm a girl.  I'm not supposed to be good at science.  Maybe even I'm just a member of the church, not the pastor!  What am I supposed to do about that? 

It's for this reason that I love the above verse from Hebrews.  Up to this point the author of Hebrews has been discussing the priesthood of Christ.  Then here he suddenly notes that it was completely unexpected for Christ to be a priest since He came from the tribe of Judah.  Essentially, Jesus was from the "wrong" neighborhood to be a priest.  If you need another example, consider David.  He was the youngest of his brothers and yet became the King of Israel.  Then there's Joseph, a Hebrew in Egypt that after being a slave and a prisoner becomes the second in command of all of Egypt.  Consider also

Paul, a man who persecuted the Church only to become one of its greatest missionaries!  All were people who came from unexpected places to serve in great ways. 

Perhaps you limit yourself because of who you are, where you grew up, how much money you have, what kind of education you've received, how you look . . . the list is endless.  God says today – I created you for My Glory.  I handcrafted and formed you with every aspect of your life in mind.  You might seem like the "unlikely" or "unexpected" candidate for something, but know that if I have called you to it, I give you the strength and ability to fulfill it. 

If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.  – 1 Peter 4:11

Jesus himself, as a priest, did not come from the expected tribe.  No priest had ever come from the tribe of Judah.  What about you?  What is unexpected of you based on your "tribe?"  God might very well be calling you to exactly that.  Don't deny yourself the possibilities of God's calling on your life, especially if He is leading you to them.  You are not a statistic, you are not bound by your environment.  You are a child of God created with purpose.

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart. – Jeremiah 1:5a

Power of a Testimony

Pan-African University in Ghana, West Africa

They only heard the report: “The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” And they praised God because of me. – Galatians 1:23-24

During my time in Ghana I discovered the importance of testimony.  I had always known that one's testimony has power, but in a developed world where knowledge is power and your arguments must be supported by well-documented scientific research, the simple testimony seems to have lost its significance.  We feel we must present a well laid-out presentation of what we believe and why in order for it to truly mean something.  Although this is important and there are certainly many people in this world who desire and need a more "academic" approach, there are just as many who will be touched by your story.  Nothing fancy, just you telling what God has done in and through you.  Consider how God used the testimonies of two men in the New Testament to further the Gospel of Jesus Christ:

Many people, because they had heard that [Jesus] had performed this sign, went out to meet Him. So the Pharisees said to one another, “See, this is getting us nowhere. Look how the whole world has gone after Him!” – John 12:18-19

In this passage the "sign" they talk about is Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead.  What a testimony!  And you know what I find even more awesome than that?  It's the lack of action on Lazarus' part.  Many times we think our testimony has to be about what we've done or what we've accomplished because of the Lord.  Here is a man the Pharisees are conspiring to kill along with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ because he did nothing!  Lazarus' whole testimony is about what Jesus did for him when he could do nothing for himself.  Now that's a testimony that inspires.

Then consider Paul:

For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it . . . They only heard the report: “The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” And they praised God because of me.  – Galatians 1:13, 23-24

Your testimony, your story, can have eternal impact in the lives of those around you.  Reading Scripture or testimonies of famous, historical individuals is awesome, but we can easily distance ourselves from them.  We think Well, that happened to them, but I'm not that significant.  Why would God come through like for me?  Your story could be what someone needs to hear to give them hope.  It shows that God cares for and loves every person equally and desires to move and bless on their behalf. 

Don't be ashamed of your testimony.  Don't hold back because you think it sounds too subjective or you think it's not big enough.  God gave you that testimony just like He gave Paul and Lazarus their testimonies.  It's a gift to be used for His glory.  A gift to bring life, hope, and joy to those around you.  Be the light in a dark world.

They triumphed over him
   by the blood of the Lamb
   and by the word of their testimony;
they did not love their lives so much
   as to shrink from death.

– Revelation 12:11

Service is a Choice

Then [Jesus] called the crowd to Him along with His disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be My disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow Me." – Mark 8:34

          
     The other day I was contemplating the idea of living in service to God.  I was thinking how God sent His Son, Jesus, to take my punishment before I ever asked to be saved.  Part of me began to think, "I never asked for Him to do that so why should I dedicate my life to Him?  He did that all on His own.  I'm grateful and accept the sacrifice He made for me, but do I have to give up how I want to live my life for Him?"  The resounding answer in my head was simple – no.  I don't have to give my life in service to my God.  He loved me so much that He gave me free will so that I could make my own decisions.  In the case of service to the Lord who gave His life for mine, I again find that I have the free will to decide how I will respond to His amazing gift of love.

            
     An excellent example of this concept can be found in the fairly recent movie "The Conte of Monte Cristo." About halfway through the movie we find our main character, Edmond Dantes, washed up on a beach after escaping a prison where he was wrongly incarcerated, beaten, and held without hope of release.  Unfortunately, he finds himself in the midst of a rough-looking band of pirates.  The captain, instead of killing him outright, orders him to fight one of his crew to the death and the winner would be allowed to live.  This crew member, Jacopo, wronged the captain and was destined to be killed anyways.  As the fight ensues Dantes comes to the point where he could kill Jacopo.  Instead, however, he chooses to spare Jacopo's life and even pleads on his behalf to the captain, thus sparing his own life and Jacopo's.  Amazed at Dante's willingness to spare him, Jacopo devotes his life in service to Dantes.

    
        What an awesome portrayal of our own relationship with Christ!  Christ was wrongly accused, beaten, and killed yet when He could kill us for our sins, He chose instead to show mercy.  What surprises me most about this scene is Jacopo's response.  He was an immoral pirate, a thief, yet he gives his life in service to Dantes after being saved.  He could have very easily said, "Thanks, man!  Catch you around sometime!"  Instead, he recognized the sacrifice that was made and desired to serve in response. 

      
      He faced the same choice we face with regard to service of Christ.  We could look at His sacrifice, accept it, and say, "Hey Jesus, that was really nice of you.  Maybe I'll see you later sometime" or we could choose to say, "Jesus, I am so undeserving of the sacrifice you made for me.  I give my life for you to use as You would see fit.  Let me be of service to You.  Use me, Father."

      
      Am I forced to serve God with my life?  No.  Is it my honor and privilege to allow God to use me for His purposes?  Most definitely.  That is the choice I made, but you get to make this choice for yourself.  No one can force you one way or the other.  Service is a choice.

Therefore I glory in Christ Jesus in my service to God. – Romans 15:17

Lord, What Have I Been Doin'?

Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?  But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed.  “Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.”  But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.  Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.  ~ 1 Peter 3:13-15a

Last week I had an amazing opportunity to serve in New York City on a mission trip with my school.  God showed me this verse about a week before we left and it was such an awesome encouragement while we were serving.  I had the opportunity to do some things that may have seemed frightening or at least uncomfortable for most people, but God called me to not be frightened for He did not give me a spirit of timidity (2 Timothy 1:7). 

What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds?  Can such faith save him?  Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.  If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?  In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by actions, is dead.  ~ James 2:14-17

Our first night in the city, literally an hour after stepping off the vans, we were prepping for homeless ministry.  After having been in the city for about 3 hours we were already on the streets talking with people!  I was able to pass out blankets, food, water, toiletries, and Bibles to individuals who currently spend their nights sleeping on church steps.  I was so amazed that for most of the people I talked with, they were more interested in talking with me and telling me about their day than they were about the material things I was giving them.

That night I met a man named Ted.  He laughed and joked with us, but there was always a slight sadness that one could see in his eyes as he joked.  Considering where we encountered Ted, on the church steps, it might seem obvious where his sadness was coming from.  As I talked more with him, however, I discovered that Ted had been blessed with a servant’s heart.  His sadness came out of the realization that he wanted more than anything to be serving others, but was unable to in his current situation.  He even told me that one day he wanted to do what I was doing that night.  I was so convicted.  Here is a man who has nothing other than the clothes on his back and a little bag he carries with him, wanting nothing more than to serve others, and then there was me.  God has blessed me with the ability to serve and give to others, yet what do I use that ability for?  I often claim I’m too busy or too tired.  Or I use the excuse that I’m a college student.  I don’t have money or resources that I can give away.  I go home at night and sleep on my nice comfy bed, under a couple blankets, with a roof over my head to keep me dry, air conditioning and heating to make sure I’m not too hot or cold, food in the fridge, and the list goes on.  How could I ever say that I don’t have the time, resources, or ability to serve?  How can I look at all God has blessed me with and somehow believe that I have nothing to offer?  God has blessed me that I might be a blessing to others:

I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.  ~ Genesis 12:2

That first night God showed me that these people are like the lepers of our society.  They are the ones that no one wants to approach.  We’ve probably all heard how you’re not supposed to make eye contact with people who look like they might be asking for money.  Think about it.  When was the last time you spoke to someone who may be homeless or saw anyone else speak to them?  I’m certainly guilty of it.  Too often I drive right past that person holding the cardboard sign without a second thought.  What could I possibly do for them anyways?  I discovered this week that I can do a lot.  I may not be able to give them food or clothing all the time, but I can give them my time and attention.  I can offer to pray with them.  Each person I spoke with that night I was able to pray with.  We never pushed it on them, but simply asked if we could pray with them for anything.  Without fail they eagerly agreed to allow me to pray.  Some of their prayer requests would break your heart.  I heard things like “a normal life,” “better luck,” and “socks and deodorant.”  I was talking with my sister the day after I got back about the prayer requests I heard on the street that night.  Once again I was convicted.  These people were praying for survival.  They were praying for the necessities, things I take for granted.  While I’m sitting in my room, safe and secure, praying for my wants, they’re sitting outside in the cold praying for a coat to keep them warm. 

From the words of Matthew West’s newest song, “Lord, what have I been doin’?”  I highly encourage you to take a look at the music video for this song entitled “My Own Little World.”  It does an excellent job summarizing how I felt last week.  My eyes were opened to a world outside of my own.  You can find the video at   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mHZw-7StD8.

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor.  He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.  ~ Isaiah 61:1