So, I really tried to finish the New Testament in 30 days, but I failed. I hope to finish this weekend (60 days). My intentions were right, but we have been through 2 of the busiest months of our lives! School, visitors, trips, exams, teaching, visiting friends (!), and so on, and here we are at the end of October.
What did I learn from my challenge?
1. It is not necessary to read through the Bible so quickly, BUT it does give a great overview. Reading any Bible book from start to finish helps it to make more sense.
2. Bible reading IS necessary. I have learned and re-learned so many things in these 2 months. A good, solid time of devotions every day is SO important. How many of us would skip 1, 2, or 3 meals a day? Hardly any of us - we love food too much! We do starve spiritually if we are not reading God's Word and praying regularly, continually.
OK, so I am off to read. Coming up next month I have been given permission from several students to post their testimonies. Get ready to be amazed! Once again I feel so privileged to know these people and to encourage them in their relationship with God. I have a job worth doing, and I love it.
October 30, 2010
September 12, 2010
Update #1 - 30 Days in the NT
(WARNING: long post ahead! But I hope it's a blessing to you!)
I have been diligently reading through the New Testament, although I am 2 days behind! But it has been a really good experience so far. The biggest lesson to me so far is that God STILL SPEAKS to me through His Word. Sometimes I forget that, and I almost dread reading my Bible, thinking I will get nothing out of it. But I want to share 3 things that happened this last week through my Bible reading and my circumstances that reminded me that God is involved in my life.
1. Last Monday I "just happened" to walk in on a night class with our students. I almost never do that (I usually relax in my house at night). The students "happened" to be studying the book of John, and that night they were in Chapter 5. The story was about the man who lay beside the pool of Bethsaida, waiting for a chance to be healed when the waters were stirred. Jesus came by, asked the man if he wanted to get well, and then healed him.
What's so amazing about the story? Well, the man was lying by the pool for about 38 years. I celebrated my birthday on Wednesday. I turned 38. That number is only in the Bible 2 times. I really sensed through the "coincidence" of it all that God was reaching out to me. He knows my age. He can STILL do a new thing in me! He can heal my past, and He can start me on a new course, as He did with the invalid man. Wow!
2. As I was reading in Matthew, I stopped to think a lot about the story of the centurion in Chapter 8. The centurion came to ask Jesus to heal his servant. He knew Jesus didn't have to physically touch or even see the servant in order for him to be healed. He said to Jesus, "But just say the word...". What faith the centurion had! I want to have faith like that, to be able to take Jesus at His word.
Well, at our church we have started a series on listening to the whispers of God. The passage that "happened" to come in the series was this same story of the centurion that I read the day before! When Jesus says the word, I want to believe and obey. God confirmed that desire by allowing me to hear the passage again! Cool!
3. As I read through Mark, I was struck by 5:19, "Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you." Later that night, I had a meeting at my girls' school. We met in a classroom that I have never been in before. During the meeting, as I looked around the room, guess what verse was posted on the wall? Yes. Mark 5:19. I smiled to myself, "God knows I am here. He knew all along that I would come here, and He has confirmed His words to me." Wow, again!
I could go on, but I will save more stories for another time. I have been comforted during my birthday month that God is still alive, that He is interested in my life, and that when I am diligent to listen for His voice, He speaks through His Word and circumstances. He is real to me, and His Word is a comfort to my soul. Thank you, Jesus!
I have been diligently reading through the New Testament, although I am 2 days behind! But it has been a really good experience so far. The biggest lesson to me so far is that God STILL SPEAKS to me through His Word. Sometimes I forget that, and I almost dread reading my Bible, thinking I will get nothing out of it. But I want to share 3 things that happened this last week through my Bible reading and my circumstances that reminded me that God is involved in my life.
1. Last Monday I "just happened" to walk in on a night class with our students. I almost never do that (I usually relax in my house at night). The students "happened" to be studying the book of John, and that night they were in Chapter 5. The story was about the man who lay beside the pool of Bethsaida, waiting for a chance to be healed when the waters were stirred. Jesus came by, asked the man if he wanted to get well, and then healed him.
What's so amazing about the story? Well, the man was lying by the pool for about 38 years. I celebrated my birthday on Wednesday. I turned 38. That number is only in the Bible 2 times. I really sensed through the "coincidence" of it all that God was reaching out to me. He knows my age. He can STILL do a new thing in me! He can heal my past, and He can start me on a new course, as He did with the invalid man. Wow!
2. As I was reading in Matthew, I stopped to think a lot about the story of the centurion in Chapter 8. The centurion came to ask Jesus to heal his servant. He knew Jesus didn't have to physically touch or even see the servant in order for him to be healed. He said to Jesus, "But just say the word...". What faith the centurion had! I want to have faith like that, to be able to take Jesus at His word.
Well, at our church we have started a series on listening to the whispers of God. The passage that "happened" to come in the series was this same story of the centurion that I read the day before! When Jesus says the word, I want to believe and obey. God confirmed that desire by allowing me to hear the passage again! Cool!
3. As I read through Mark, I was struck by 5:19, "Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you." Later that night, I had a meeting at my girls' school. We met in a classroom that I have never been in before. During the meeting, as I looked around the room, guess what verse was posted on the wall? Yes. Mark 5:19. I smiled to myself, "God knows I am here. He knew all along that I would come here, and He has confirmed His words to me." Wow, again!
I could go on, but I will save more stories for another time. I have been comforted during my birthday month that God is still alive, that He is interested in my life, and that when I am diligent to listen for His voice, He speaks through His Word and circumstances. He is real to me, and His Word is a comfort to my soul. Thank you, Jesus!
September 1, 2010
30 days through the New Testament
My challenge this month, if anyone else in interested in joining in, is to read the entire New Testament by September 30. I decided to do it this month because it is my birthday month (and also for my twin sister, my Mom, my daughter, 2 sisters-in-law, and my best friend from high school, etc.!) and I want to make it meaningful. I want to start this next year of my life very well. This is a challenge for me, but it will be a good way to focus my priorities. And besides all of that, I work at a Bible school!
If anyone is interested, Google it!, and print out a plan. Here are some ideas of questions to ask or journal each day:
1. What did I learn about God?
2. What did I learn about my relationship to God and others?
3. What did I learn about God's relationship to His world/His people?
4. One promise of God...
5. One blessing from God...
I will write about how I did at the end of the month. For now, I'm off to read!
If anyone is interested, Google it!, and print out a plan. Here are some ideas of questions to ask or journal each day:
1. What did I learn about God?
2. What did I learn about my relationship to God and others?
3. What did I learn about God's relationship to His world/His people?
4. One promise of God...
5. One blessing from God...
I will write about how I did at the end of the month. For now, I'm off to read!
August 16, 2010
Attempting to Pray
The past couple of months have been a good break for me. We didn’t have any students for June & July. I got a lot of reading done and spent a lot of time with my family. I prayed. And the one thing that was consistently impressed upon my heart was the need for MORE prayer.
We have heard recently of illnesses and job losses. There have been babies born, and weddings to celebrate. So many times, with tidbits of news, the Holy Spirit has “spoken” one word to me – Pray. I honestly don’t do it enough, and I don’t always feel like I pray effectively. But I do know that prayer works. I have seen it work in my life.
I am still learning how prayer works. Sometimes in a hard situation I expect to pray and get up from prayer with everything resolved. For example, I am aching for a friend whose actions seem to be leading her away from God, and I don’t know what to think, or what, if anything, I should say. I am realizing it’s enough for me to pray that God would start working in my heart to give me the right feelings and right actions. Then, I need to have faith that God will bring it to completion.
It’s not always easy to be consistent in prayer. But one thing I have learned is that I need to give God my GOOD times for prayer, when I am alert and when I have something on my heart. I can say a concise prayer of thanks at bedtime, but it’s not the best time to attempt intercessory prayer!
I am growing in the practice of prayer. A dear friend of mine often started her prayers this way, “Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you that you are not weary of our new beginnings, but that you bid us to come, and to come often.” Our God is infinitely merciful and He understands our feeble attempts to pray, and we are always welcome to sit at His feet.
We have heard recently of illnesses and job losses. There have been babies born, and weddings to celebrate. So many times, with tidbits of news, the Holy Spirit has “spoken” one word to me – Pray. I honestly don’t do it enough, and I don’t always feel like I pray effectively. But I do know that prayer works. I have seen it work in my life.
I am still learning how prayer works. Sometimes in a hard situation I expect to pray and get up from prayer with everything resolved. For example, I am aching for a friend whose actions seem to be leading her away from God, and I don’t know what to think, or what, if anything, I should say. I am realizing it’s enough for me to pray that God would start working in my heart to give me the right feelings and right actions. Then, I need to have faith that God will bring it to completion.
It’s not always easy to be consistent in prayer. But one thing I have learned is that I need to give God my GOOD times for prayer, when I am alert and when I have something on my heart. I can say a concise prayer of thanks at bedtime, but it’s not the best time to attempt intercessory prayer!
I am growing in the practice of prayer. A dear friend of mine often started her prayers this way, “Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you that you are not weary of our new beginnings, but that you bid us to come, and to come often.” Our God is infinitely merciful and He understands our feeble attempts to pray, and we are always welcome to sit at His feet.
July 22, 2010
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July 17, 2010
Passion
The past few weeks have been filled with passion for soccer! The 2010 World Cup was watched all over the world, including in our home. Many conversations started or centered around the World Cup.
It made me think, ‘So much passion! What am I so passionate about? What should I devote so much time and energy to?’
It reminded me of the story of Count Nicolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf, who was the leader of the Moravian missions movement in the 1700s. He was born a statesman in Germany in 1700, and came to know Christ at the age of four. "Already in my childhood," he said, " I loved the Savior, and had abundant communion with Him.” He reminisced that by 6 years of age, “A thousand times I heard Him speak in my heart, and saw Him with the eye of faith."
Count von Zinzendorf sheltered religious refugees on his large estate, and over the years they developed into a large Christian community. From a revival in 1727, a spiritual awakening and passion was developed for the Great Commission and for prayer. This Moravian community sent out thousands of missionaries even before William Carey, “the Father of Modern Missions”, went to India in 1793. The Moravian church also launched a 100-year prayer chain – an uninterrupted chain that without a doubt provided an impetus for the ripple of missions work that still continues around the world today.
Count von Zinzendorf’s most quoted words are: “I have one passion; it is Jesus, Jesus only.” His life bears evidence to this fact, both in his personal relationship with Christ, and in his outward expression and support of God’s work around the world.
I find his story so inspiring and encouraging. His life had a lasting impact because his heart’s passion was centered on Christ.
Again I ask, “What am I so passionate about?”
I have been thinking and praying about it a lot, and I am excited to see how God answers.
July 1, 2010
June 25, 2010
Father's Day
We celebrated Father's Day last Sunday just like most of you. It made me think a lot about the three earthly fathers that have played an important role in my life.
First, my own Dad. Sadly I did not know him much into my adult years to appreciate him because he passed away over 12 years ago. But, I do remember him to be a very well-respected Dr. and he was much-loved by numerous patients and their families. He often stayed late at work to visit with people at the hospitals and clinics in which he worked. He had a gentle manner and his surgeon hands always carved an impeccable turkey! He was proud of his three girls and always on the lookout for opportunities for us. He wasn't always an easy man, but I have many memories of him in his study, down on his knees. That's what I choose to remember.
Second, my father-in-law, Harold. He and his wife Karen welcomed me into their family with open arms when Tom and I got married. Harold is a gentle and generous man. He is gracious with his words. He has headed a family that is well-loved and respected. I always enjoy our visits and he is a very special person to me. I know that he loves and supports me.
Finally, Tom, the father of my 3 girls. I couldn't ask for a better Daddy for my children. I have not seen another man so involved with his children. He really enjoys them and has built a special relationship with them. He plays games with them, reads with them, teaches them about God, and many other things. Being with them doesn't just mean being in the same room with them (playing video games??!!), but he actually participates in their lives. My girls will have a very high standard to reach when they look for their own husbands.
I thank God for these 3 fathers. I am very blessed!
First, my own Dad. Sadly I did not know him much into my adult years to appreciate him because he passed away over 12 years ago. But, I do remember him to be a very well-respected Dr. and he was much-loved by numerous patients and their families. He often stayed late at work to visit with people at the hospitals and clinics in which he worked. He had a gentle manner and his surgeon hands always carved an impeccable turkey! He was proud of his three girls and always on the lookout for opportunities for us. He wasn't always an easy man, but I have many memories of him in his study, down on his knees. That's what I choose to remember.
Second, my father-in-law, Harold. He and his wife Karen welcomed me into their family with open arms when Tom and I got married. Harold is a gentle and generous man. He is gracious with his words. He has headed a family that is well-loved and respected. I always enjoy our visits and he is a very special person to me. I know that he loves and supports me.
Finally, Tom, the father of my 3 girls. I couldn't ask for a better Daddy for my children. I have not seen another man so involved with his children. He really enjoys them and has built a special relationship with them. He plays games with them, reads with them, teaches them about God, and many other things. Being with them doesn't just mean being in the same room with them (playing video games??!!), but he actually participates in their lives. My girls will have a very high standard to reach when they look for their own husbands.
I thank God for these 3 fathers. I am very blessed!
May 15, 2010
Jesus, what a friend for sinners!
We are coming to the end of the Spring semester. It has been a good one and we will be sad to see them go! We have a fun-loving and friendly group of students. Some of the highlights of this semester have been:
1. A unified student body. God is glorified in their fellowship. They all get along pretty well, which is a fabulous!
2. A successful mission trip. The students worked with a church community a few hours away. They painted the church and had the privilege to build a home for a disabled man and his family. Everyone came home with so much excitement about what God had done and the impact HE had on the community.
3. Music! I am going to miss our musical students. There have been a number of them and we have enjoyed great worship times as well as many evenings with hymns and songs. I love to open our door and hear the piano and singing (and an amazing violin player!). Where else can I enjoy live music right inside my own home?!
This morning I heard the title song and was so blessed by the words. Isn't it amazing that HE chooses to be a sinner's friend? Wow!
Jesus! what a Friend for sinners!
Jesus! Lover of my soul;
Friends may fail me, foes assail me,
He, my Savior, makes me whole.
Refrain
Hallelujah! what a Savior!
Hallelujah! what a Friend!
Saving, helping, keeping, loving,
He is with me to the end.
Jesus! what a Strength in weakness!
Let me hide myself in Him.
Tempted, tried, and sometimes failing,
He, my Strength, my victory wins.
Jesus! what a Help in sorrow!
While the billows over me roll,
Even when my heart is breaking,
He, my Comfort, helps my soul.
Jesus! what a Guide and Keeper!
While the tempest still is high,
Storms about me, night overtakes me,
He, my Pilot, hears my cry.
Jesus! I do now receive Him,
More than all in Him I find.
He hath granted me forgiveness,
I AM HIS, and HE IS MINE.
1. A unified student body. God is glorified in their fellowship. They all get along pretty well, which is a fabulous!
2. A successful mission trip. The students worked with a church community a few hours away. They painted the church and had the privilege to build a home for a disabled man and his family. Everyone came home with so much excitement about what God had done and the impact HE had on the community.
3. Music! I am going to miss our musical students. There have been a number of them and we have enjoyed great worship times as well as many evenings with hymns and songs. I love to open our door and hear the piano and singing (and an amazing violin player!). Where else can I enjoy live music right inside my own home?!
This morning I heard the title song and was so blessed by the words. Isn't it amazing that HE chooses to be a sinner's friend? Wow!
Jesus! what a Friend for sinners!
Jesus! Lover of my soul;
Friends may fail me, foes assail me,
He, my Savior, makes me whole.
Refrain
Hallelujah! what a Savior!
Hallelujah! what a Friend!
Saving, helping, keeping, loving,
He is with me to the end.
Jesus! what a Strength in weakness!
Let me hide myself in Him.
Tempted, tried, and sometimes failing,
He, my Strength, my victory wins.
Jesus! what a Help in sorrow!
While the billows over me roll,
Even when my heart is breaking,
He, my Comfort, helps my soul.
Jesus! what a Guide and Keeper!
While the tempest still is high,
Storms about me, night overtakes me,
He, my Pilot, hears my cry.
Jesus! I do now receive Him,
More than all in Him I find.
He hath granted me forgiveness,
I AM HIS, and HE IS MINE.
School Change
We have been praying and pursuing a change in school for the girls for some time now. Finally a door has been opened (thanks to our friends) to attend a school that is closer to home and a bit more affordable. It also has a stronger phonics-based curriculum, among other benefits.
Our girls are having a bit of a hard time adjusting to the idea. They have good friends at their old school and are well-known and loved. They will be switching in the middle of the school year.
I am asking for prayers for them as they start in their new school on Monday, May 24. I pray it will be a smooth transition and that they would quickly find a community of friends and feel at home.
Thank you.
Our girls are having a bit of a hard time adjusting to the idea. They have good friends at their old school and are well-known and loved. They will be switching in the middle of the school year.
I am asking for prayers for them as they start in their new school on Monday, May 24. I pray it will be a smooth transition and that they would quickly find a community of friends and feel at home.
Thank you.
May 7, 2010
Read our blog
We would like to send out automatic notices when we update our blog.
Until that time, please check back even if we don't remind you to! Most of you get our FaceBook messages, but in case you don't, just come and visit anyway!
Until that time, please check back even if we don't remind you to! Most of you get our FaceBook messages, but in case you don't, just come and visit anyway!
ConTENT.
It’s been a long time! Sorry! Life has been a whirlwind lately.
I was thinking today, “Why did God bring ME to Costa Rica?” And I realize that since my life belongs to Him, and my goal is to be more like Him, my sojourn here is so that He can do His work in me, in a way that could not be done in any other place. By His sovereign wisdom, the mix of conditions that I find myself in are here to refine me and to GLORIFY Him.
Maybe, if I had lived somewhere else, my human nature would have led me to do and to be a very different person. I pray that in my time here, I can lay aside more of my carnal, sinful nature and habits. He began a good work in me! (Good? Sometimes I hardly think so! But He says “good”!) Well, and He will be faithful to complete it. That is good.
I think of the things that God has been weaning me from in this 6 ½ years. Being away from family, with limited finances, living in a different language and culture, and submerged in fulltime, full day (& sometimes night!) ministry, has been good! It has not always been easy, but it has been good. I see God’s grace – blessing- in my life. I think this ministry has made more extroverted, more comfortable meeting new people, and more content. I am away from the pressures of the western world to conform myself, my family, or my children to an idea. I am an expat here, and it gives me a wide berth to be who I am.
I have been praying a LOT this year about contentment, and I feel that God is answering that prayer. I have a good life, with lots of time and opportunity to seek Him and to SEE Him (including in our students! There are signs of a good generation coming.) God knows what He is doing with my life, and that is enough to satisfy my heart.
I was thinking today, “Why did God bring ME to Costa Rica?” And I realize that since my life belongs to Him, and my goal is to be more like Him, my sojourn here is so that He can do His work in me, in a way that could not be done in any other place. By His sovereign wisdom, the mix of conditions that I find myself in are here to refine me and to GLORIFY Him.
Maybe, if I had lived somewhere else, my human nature would have led me to do and to be a very different person. I pray that in my time here, I can lay aside more of my carnal, sinful nature and habits. He began a good work in me! (Good? Sometimes I hardly think so! But He says “good”!) Well, and He will be faithful to complete it. That is good.
I think of the things that God has been weaning me from in this 6 ½ years. Being away from family, with limited finances, living in a different language and culture, and submerged in fulltime, full day (& sometimes night!) ministry, has been good! It has not always been easy, but it has been good. I see God’s grace – blessing- in my life. I think this ministry has made more extroverted, more comfortable meeting new people, and more content. I am away from the pressures of the western world to conform myself, my family, or my children to an idea. I am an expat here, and it gives me a wide berth to be who I am.
I have been praying a LOT this year about contentment, and I feel that God is answering that prayer. I have a good life, with lots of time and opportunity to seek Him and to SEE Him (including in our students! There are signs of a good generation coming.) God knows what He is doing with my life, and that is enough to satisfy my heart.
March 5, 2010
Wise and not-so-wise
I was talking with students the other day about how to seek guidance in our lives. This is something everyone wants. We want to know if we are on the right path, or we want to know how to decide which path to take.
One Bible story that has stuck with me is from 1 Kings Chapters 3-12, and the examples of Solomon and his son Rehoboam. God asked Solomon, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” (3:5) Humbly, Solomon asked for wisdom. This pleased God (v 10), and God “gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight” (4:29).
However, King Solomon’s son was not as wise! One would think that he would have learned a thing or two from his wise father. Solomon made good decisions, and most likely he picked wise advisors. After his death, the Israelites came to his son Rehoboam and asked him to lighten their work load. Rehoboam asked them to give him three days to make a decision (that was probably good, versus a rushed answer). His father’s elders told him to be a servant to the Israelites and to treat them kindly. But in 1 Kings 12, Rehoboam rejected this advice. Instead, he took the advice of his peers and servants (who probably wanted to please him and keep their jobs) who told him to be even harsher. The Israelites entered into rebellion as a result, the kingdom was split in two, and “so Israel has been in rebellion against the house of David to this day.” (12:19)
I know that I have been in Rehoboam’s shoes before. I like to listen to people who tell me what I want to hear. I like advice that agrees with what I have already decided. I don’t want someone to tell me that I should reconsider my actions!
But, that’s a dangerous place to be. It has meant that I made decisions sometimes based on what I think is truth, what suits me. My friends will often agree with me because I can convince them of my own perspective. I see the need to keep wise and respected people in my life who can gently tell me the truth that I need to hear. This often includes parents, mature believers, mentors, and spiritual leaders. When I have listened to godly wisdom in the past, it has saved me heartache, I’m sure! It’s a balanced life, and it allows room for sound guidance to prevail, not just opinions.
One Bible story that has stuck with me is from 1 Kings Chapters 3-12, and the examples of Solomon and his son Rehoboam. God asked Solomon, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” (3:5) Humbly, Solomon asked for wisdom. This pleased God (v 10), and God “gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight” (4:29).
However, King Solomon’s son was not as wise! One would think that he would have learned a thing or two from his wise father. Solomon made good decisions, and most likely he picked wise advisors. After his death, the Israelites came to his son Rehoboam and asked him to lighten their work load. Rehoboam asked them to give him three days to make a decision (that was probably good, versus a rushed answer). His father’s elders told him to be a servant to the Israelites and to treat them kindly. But in 1 Kings 12, Rehoboam rejected this advice. Instead, he took the advice of his peers and servants (who probably wanted to please him and keep their jobs) who told him to be even harsher. The Israelites entered into rebellion as a result, the kingdom was split in two, and “so Israel has been in rebellion against the house of David to this day.” (12:19)
I know that I have been in Rehoboam’s shoes before. I like to listen to people who tell me what I want to hear. I like advice that agrees with what I have already decided. I don’t want someone to tell me that I should reconsider my actions!
But, that’s a dangerous place to be. It has meant that I made decisions sometimes based on what I think is truth, what suits me. My friends will often agree with me because I can convince them of my own perspective. I see the need to keep wise and respected people in my life who can gently tell me the truth that I need to hear. This often includes parents, mature believers, mentors, and spiritual leaders. When I have listened to godly wisdom in the past, it has saved me heartache, I’m sure! It’s a balanced life, and it allows room for sound guidance to prevail, not just opinions.
February 23, 2010
J. Update
Thank you to so many of you who have asked about J. and prayed for her. A week after the accident, she is much better. She still complains of pain in her top gums and her bottom lip still has an open sore, but she is almost back to normal. She has been taking advantage of the opportunity to ask for all types of soft food, including ice cream, marshmallows, mangoes, and her favorite meal of rice and yogurt!
Provision
God has looked after our needs for the 6 years that we have been at Portantorchas. Through the generosity of many different people, we have received gifts of faithful financial support, frequent flyer miles, speech therapy evaluations, dental consults and eye exams, and used clothes and books. We firmly believe that God knows our needs, that He is our Provider, and that He has provided!
I think of how God provided food for the Israelites for 40 years in the desert, and a jar of oil to a widow that didn’t run dry, and how from the very beginning He planned to send a Savior (see Genesis 3:15). He still meets our needs. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8
We have students in this stage right now, who are trying to figure out what their next step is, and how they will pay for it. I feel confident to tell them that God truly will provide when they are walking in His will!
I recently saw a sparrow feeding on some crumbs that my girls had dropped outside, and I remembered God’s tender reminder, “Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink…Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store a way in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.”(Matt. 6:25, 26) We were excited to see how God used the girls to fulfill His promise to the birds.
God provides for us. That is a blessing to us. And when we are used by God to provide for someone else's needs, that is a blessing to us and to others.
I think of how God provided food for the Israelites for 40 years in the desert, and a jar of oil to a widow that didn’t run dry, and how from the very beginning He planned to send a Savior (see Genesis 3:15). He still meets our needs. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8
We have students in this stage right now, who are trying to figure out what their next step is, and how they will pay for it. I feel confident to tell them that God truly will provide when they are walking in His will!
I recently saw a sparrow feeding on some crumbs that my girls had dropped outside, and I remembered God’s tender reminder, “Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink…Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store a way in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.”(Matt. 6:25, 26) We were excited to see how God used the girls to fulfill His promise to the birds.
God provides for us. That is a blessing to us. And when we are used by God to provide for someone else's needs, that is a blessing to us and to others.
February 22, 2010
Changes
Some of you are already aware of what has been happening lately at Portantorchas. Tom was named the Director at the end of January. He will actually maintain most of his duties as Principal also until they can be divided among staff. For those of you ex-students and staff who know Portantorchas, Marco Jr. has resigned from his position as Director.
We have been aware of these changes for a few months and have had time to digest what this change entails. Tom received a wonderful vote of confidence from the Board of Directors, and we have heard many encouraging words from staff members and former students. Nonetheless, it is a big responsibility that will require lots of prayer and all the Lord’s equipping.
I have been reading a book about the gift of the Holy Spirit. One central message of the book is that God equips us to do His work AFTER we say, “Here I am.” When God has our attention, and our commitment, He can proceed to open doors and equip us. He doesn’t want to tell us what our task is and have us back out. And, He isn’t going to equip us for a job we don’t want to do. That would be a waste!
The Christian life is exciting. God gives us surprises. If you are at a place where you are wondering, “What’s next?” then come before God, and tell Him you are available and willing. As you wait to know His will, He will open the doors when you are ready!
We won’t always know what the work will be, or how God will equip us, but isn’t it enough to know that it’s what He has perfectly planned for us?!
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord. (Jer. 29:11)
We have been aware of these changes for a few months and have had time to digest what this change entails. Tom received a wonderful vote of confidence from the Board of Directors, and we have heard many encouraging words from staff members and former students. Nonetheless, it is a big responsibility that will require lots of prayer and all the Lord’s equipping.
I have been reading a book about the gift of the Holy Spirit. One central message of the book is that God equips us to do His work AFTER we say, “Here I am.” When God has our attention, and our commitment, He can proceed to open doors and equip us. He doesn’t want to tell us what our task is and have us back out. And, He isn’t going to equip us for a job we don’t want to do. That would be a waste!
The Christian life is exciting. God gives us surprises. If you are at a place where you are wondering, “What’s next?” then come before God, and tell Him you are available and willing. As you wait to know His will, He will open the doors when you are ready!
We won’t always know what the work will be, or how God will equip us, but isn’t it enough to know that it’s what He has perfectly planned for us?!
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord. (Jer. 29:11)
February 16, 2010
Trauma
Our little J. slipped in the bathroom yesterday and bit some big holes in her bottom lip including one little bite that went all the way through her chin. There was a lot of blood and we are still unsure about what will happen with her two top front teeth. The gums are very bruised and we aren’t sure if she damaged the roots at all. Time will tell.
However, she has been so brave! She’s a good little girl, her Daddy says. Today she was as active as ever, singing as much as she always does, and she rode about ½ a mile on her little trike! I think that we, her parents, are more traumatized than she is.
I have to believe that God was preparing me for this event. That morning I really felt a burden to pray for peace, and I was lucky to have a nice, long prayer time (J. was still sleeping and her sisters were off to school). I wrote out a prayer card with a few verses and requests. One of the verses I wrote was John 10:4 “He goes on ahead of them…”. Underneath I had written, “Jesus sees the way that’s coming and will lead me through it.”
It’s amazing to think that as I wrote those words, God knew what was going to happen. And in fact, God did give me the peace I prayed for; when I found J. in the bathroom with a mouth full of blood, I let out only one cry before suddenly I felt peace! And, I still feel it. It has been so comforting to see Him work on my behalf.
“He knows the way He taketh, and I will walk with Him.” From the old hymn, ‘In Heavenly Love Abiding’.
However, she has been so brave! She’s a good little girl, her Daddy says. Today she was as active as ever, singing as much as she always does, and she rode about ½ a mile on her little trike! I think that we, her parents, are more traumatized than she is.
I have to believe that God was preparing me for this event. That morning I really felt a burden to pray for peace, and I was lucky to have a nice, long prayer time (J. was still sleeping and her sisters were off to school). I wrote out a prayer card with a few verses and requests. One of the verses I wrote was John 10:4 “He goes on ahead of them…”. Underneath I had written, “Jesus sees the way that’s coming and will lead me through it.”
It’s amazing to think that as I wrote those words, God knew what was going to happen. And in fact, God did give me the peace I prayed for; when I found J. in the bathroom with a mouth full of blood, I let out only one cry before suddenly I felt peace! And, I still feel it. It has been so comforting to see Him work on my behalf.
“He knows the way He taketh, and I will walk with Him.” From the old hymn, ‘In Heavenly Love Abiding’.
January 13, 2010
Good Memories
We arrived in Huntington Beach in mid-December and were invited to see a youth ballet production of The Nutcracker. The girls were enthralled! Then, Grandma (Tom’s mother) hosted an Ice Cream Social for 8 of her granddaughters. She told them the story of the Three Trees, dressed them up in party dresses, and served them Dippin’ Dots! Christmas Day was a quiet day shared with Tom’s brothers and family, and a powerful reminder to me of God’s provision for us (see earlier post). Next, in true Marcus fashion, we had a Plaid Party! We all dressed in plaid, Tom’s Mom shared about the family history, and we were entertained by a bagpiper!
For New Year’s, we were invited to the mountains by Tom’s brother. We celebrated his wife’s birthday and our girls played for three fun days in snow –their first time ever! It was my first time back in snow after 11 years, so it was quite surreal for me. It seemed so new! It made me miss Canada!
In between all of these events, we had many visits to the library and local parks, days at the beach, playtimes with cousins, sleepovers, Target!, and donuts. We had slurpees and visits to Grandma and Grandpa's "candy store" - it's really a very classy country store! We met friends who have been faithful friends to us for the 6 years we have been in Costa Rica. Our girls enjoyed a couple of visits with their “dog cousins” June and Ruth, and got to walk them and dress them up. We attended our old church, NewSong, and visited with former mission team members. They were a great encouragement to us to stay faithful to the ministry God has called us to.
We also met with a former student who is now studying in Southern California. She has a heart for the Muslim world and is hoping to serve there after she finishes school. God used my Missions class to open her eyes to the need. Praise Him! I am excited to see what God does in her life. She will be a blessing wherever she goes.
I say a public “thank you” to everyone who made our time so wonderful. It was great to be back! We will miss you, until we meet again. Continue to be a blessing!
I’m glad it’s 2010!
Happy New Year to you, dear friend! I hope and pray for you that this will be a blessed year for you, for all it has in store.
I am happy that 2009 is over. It was, to be honest, a trying year for me. I saw progress in my walk with the Lord, and He helped me find my way through some struggles and strongholds. But it was not fun! I also saw many friends and family suffer with job losses, sick children, and family problems. I saw friends move on to something new and exciting in their lives and thought, “What about my family?”
But for 2010, I see a fresh palette, “Fresh with no mistakes,” as Anne says in Anne of Green Gables. I took the girls to the beach yesterday (Newport Beach) and sat marveling at God’s creation and the beauty of the ocean view. I don’t want to leave California and go back to Costa Rica! But as I sat praying, I committed this to God, and I told Him that I want to be a blessing to others this year. I want it to be a blessed year for those around me, and if He can use me to fulfill that, I want that. I want to spend this year looking up at Him in praise and thankfulness, not looking around in anxiety.
On my next blog post I will tell you a bit about our trip to California, and the joy we had in spending time with friends and family. But for now, I end with this verse that brings hope to my soul, for all that 2010 will hold, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; His love endures forever.” Ps. 136:1
December 28, 2009
Rich vs. Reality
Tom and I had a date night last week and we went to do a traditional Orange County activity – walk on Balboa Island and watch the Boat Parade. Balboa Island is a very exclusive enclave of multi-million dollar homes on the water. For the benefit of “looky-lous” like us, there is a wide walking path around the island where passers-by can see the Christmas decorations of these homes, both inside and out. It was fun! There were lights everywhere. Many people were having parties that spilled out from their homes and onto their patios. We got to see the festivities and the decorations. There were some very elaborate and ritzy parties. And the boats were amazing also, some with live music and parties too!
I got caught up in all the glitz. It is so much fun to see! Lots of people have amazing decorations, and have spent a ton of $ getting ready for the holidays. We got to enjoy it all without spending a penny.
However, as we walked past all the people and festivities, there were a couple of things that shocked me back to reality. First, we saw an old woman sitting in the window of a dark house, looking out at all of us passing by. She was all alone, hunched over in a wheelchair. Second was a man in motorized wheelchair, surrounded by people at a party. He looked like he did not have any mobility, but that his mind was sharp. I thought to myself how fleeting life is! No matter what we have on this earth, one day we will be taken away from all of it – from fancy homes, from big bank accounts. And then we are left with God. Have we chosen the way of salvation, or trusted in our riches? This earth and its pleasures will all fade. They give us no security after death.
It was a good reminder. Orange County has a way of making you think that life will be perfect if you are successful, beautiful and wealthy. It’s not true. The Bible says it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter heaven. The rich man feels secure in his riches. But it offers no security.
It’s better to trust in Jesus, in the baby born in a stable, who came to save us from our sins. He has proven His faithfulness to me, and to you, time and time again. Don’t be fooled by this world. Taste and see that the LORD is good!
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