Hobbies: A Waste of Time or Another Spiritual Lesson?

I've always enjoyed crafting. Even as a kid, I would sit and look through our activity and project books to see if we had all the supplies for a particular craft. There's something about being creative that is so satisfying. I imagine that's God sharing a little bit of His creativity with me. Think about that for a moment...by engaging in hobbies like crafting, cooking, gardening, etc., we get a little taste of God as the Creator of the Universe. That's pretty cool!

Pinterest. I love it. It's been a really fun way for me to try new recipes, explore new ideas of design, craftiness and party planning. It seems like there is a bulletin board for just about everything these days. I know some people view it as another online time waster, and I'm sure I've wasted a few hours away pinning. I guess I put it in the same category as Facebook- it's all in how you use it.

Pinterest has introduced me to the world of food bloggers and so many new recipes that one could argue I could never make them all. Although, I have to admit, I have tried a LOT of new recipes (most of them keepers, by the way). Currently, I have Thai Chicken in the crockpot and just last night we had a fantastic Chicken Pot Pie!

My other hobby as of late has been gardening. I'm SO thankful for a husband who doesn't mind is willing to get down on his hands and knees to help with weeding and planting. He does so many things he doesn't really like to do- merely out of love! *sigh* We have a little ant problem, so, we've only been able to plant half of the garden. These little plants are truly amazing. One morning there was a little leaf poking out of the dirt...the next morning there are two full leaves completely sprouted! There are so many spiritual lessons to be learned from our garden. It makes me so excited to see if they will bear fruit and veggies. We've enjoyed several rounds of rhubarb and I think the strawberries are next. I'm hoping to catch some of the wild berry bushes near our house before all the dog-walkers pick them all.

So, there you have it...a little taste into the boring adulthood of my life. I still laugh at myself every now and then as I realize, "I'm a grown-up. This is my life." So many years were spent longing for the day I could drive, or have my own place or be married. I'm thankful for each phase of my life- even the really hard ones...and the boring ones. I'm thankful for today and the many, many ways God reveals more of Himself to me- even through hobbies. I hope that as you sit in front of your computer, or wherever your hobbies may take you, that you are reminded of God and His incredible creativity!

Cancer

Cancer. There are many thoughts and emotions that are connected to a word like cancer. Cancer has been making quite the appearance in the lives of my friends lately. The Rexer family has been walking the path of leukemia and just last Friday a family at the Hospitality House announced her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. In the last week, I can think of at least six friends who have asked prayer for family or friends recently diagnosed. It seems to be unavoidable.

Lydia was my first real experience with cancer. She used to be the Financial Aid lady at the college I attended. When I first met Lydia, I thought she was a little harsh and unflexible. I mean she talked to you straight about whether or not you really had the money to pay for your college education. What was your plan? Needless to say, I ended up in Lydia's office more than once explaining that I had no idea where the money was going to come from. I had enrolled for college too late and missed most of the scholarships and my savings and four jobs could only carry me so far. She would pat me on the back and say, "Don't worry about it. God will provide. I'll see if I can find any other scholarships for you." Miraculously, when I would go to pay my bill there was a "Needy Student Scholarship" applied to my account and I would sigh and wipe a tear as I thanked God for lifting me through another semester.

After I graduated from college, I was privileged enough to work at the University as an employee for several years. There were a smattering of other women who worked together pretty closely, including Lydia, and we enjoyed eating lunch together from time to time. I remember Red Lobster was a favorite for everyone, I mean who can say "No." to those cheddar biscuits? As I got to know these women and the inner workings of the University a little better, that is when I began to put the pieces together. The "Needy Student Scholarship" was actually the Lydia scholarship. Even now it brings tears to my eyes as I recognize that Lydia and her husband were beacons that pointed me to worship Jehovah Jireh- My Provider. Without those scholarships, I am unsure of whether or not I would have completed my college education.

When Lydia died of cancer, it hit me really hard. Not that we were really close, but knowing that there would now be students who would have to drop out of school because there was no "Needy Student Scholarship". It hit me hard because I never chose to say "Thank you" in person. It hit me hard because Lydia loved Jesus and was doing a good work...why would He take her home early?

Cancer produces a lot of hard questions. Questions that cannot be ignored. I do not pretend to have all or any of the answers, but I do wholly place my trust in the God who is the Creator of life. I do believe that Lydia is with her Savior, free of the pain of this life. I entrust my life to Him and I am thankful He meets me where I'm at...even in the midst of hard questions.

[Psa 139:1-10 ESV] - To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.

O LORD, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O LORD, you know it altogether. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it. Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.

Time for a Car Wash!

When I was a kid, I remember one of the things I loved the most about it getting warm outside was that meant Dad would run the car through the car wash. It sounds pretty silly to say that out loud, but there was something so soothing about sitting inside the car listening to the water and the whirring and being completely cocooned from the outside world while some magic machine does all the work of cleaning our car for us! Seriously, who wouldn't choose that over a hose and a bucket where I have to do all the work?!? Aaaanyway, yesterday Kyle and I had a little time to burn and now that we're real grown-ups, occasionally we wash our car. I was super excited to be able to relax in our car and enjoy the water and soap wash away my cares.

It started out the same as most car-washes: pre-wash, soap, rollers. Then suddenly the car starts being jostled back and forth. "What is that? The rollers are in the back and not even touching the car!" As I realized it was the wheel wash, I laughed at myself and started to relax a little, but then everything just stopped. "That's weird. Maybe I just can't see it moving." I said to myself. A little something inside me started to panic. "Did it break? We have a meeting to go to in 1/2 hour. Am I going to be stuck in here? I can't really get out because the water could turn back on any second." I decided to call Kyle who was standing outside of the car wash. No answer. "Well, I guess there's nothing to do but just sit here until something happens." After several minutes of sitting and waiting, my sweet husband came and told me there was a glitch and they were going to start the wash over.

I had to laugh at how God can teach me a lesson in just about any situation, if I'm willing to just listen. You see, there are several situations in my life right now where I feel like I've done everything I possibly can, but now I'm just sitting and waiting for someone else to make a decision or do something. I'm totally stuck. I don't like being stuck. I like having a plan and being in control. I like claiming Proverbs 16:3, "Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established." However, sometimes I like to help the LORD in His work a little more than I like to commit my work to Him.

The car wash started up again a few minutes later. The car jostled back and forth, but this time I knew it was the wheel wash. The soap came and I found myself wondering, "Will it work this time?" A slight pause and then the water came and rinsed all the soap away. I didn't enjoy this car wash as much as I expected, but I left with a clear reminder that He really is the One who is in control of every detail in my life...car washes and all.

Catawampus

Catawampus- what a weird word, right? I admit I had to look up how to spell it, but at least I knew the meaning right? You should probably cut me some slack, it's 3:46 am and I've been up since 1:30am- for no particular reason other than I couldn't sleep. So, I've been up cleaning out my emails and getting caught up on work since I've been out of the office for the last week. As I was sitting at my desk, I realized several things in my office were totally catawampus (askew- yet another weird word). My flowers are leaning over (they were hungry for light), my curtain is definitely not straight and even the curtain tie-back is totally crooked (and not in a good way either).

I've always been someone who like order. I suppose we could over-analyze my need for control or whatnot, but for now, let's just take that fact for granted. I'm not sure I can handle criticism in my current state of mind. ;) Anyway, as I was evaluating the state of my office, I was reminded of some of my "need for order" moments. When I was young, I used to go to my friends house for the weekend to help them clean their rooms. It was fun- I promise!!! From time to time, I will have someone who intentionally mocks my need for order. I remember one particular family who really should have just taken their cupboard doors off in their kitchen, because every time I would come over to visit, cabinet doors were open all over the kitchen- not to mention the array of drawers half opened and closed! Oh my goodness, I just couldn't help but just start closing drawers and cabinets! Sometime I would try to be discreet, but when they asked me to house-sit for them, I casually mentioned how excited I was to know that their cabinets and drawers would be closed for at least a week while I lived there. Needless to say that when I arrived there was a sweet note letting me know they had left things just the way I liked it. Yep, every single drawer and cabinet were wide open.

So, I guess I've made some growth in my life...well, that or I'm just lazy. :) Here I sit, my office still in a state of catawampus. I'm sure it won't last more than a day or two. At least the rest of my house isn't that bad. Or is it? Maybe I should go check... Regardless, I've found my word of the day and even learned the proper way to spell it.

Have I Learned my Lesson Yet?

Yesterday was just one of those days. It started out with a young lab technician who couldn't find a vein in my arm deciding to take eight vials of blood out of my hand. It started out ok, but after throwing up and being close to passing out, she decided she could make the five vials she had pulled work just fine. Thus began a day of mishaps...internet issues, ridiculously slow traffic while trying to get to a meeting on time, people not showing up for said meeting, misunderstandings, and car issues. Oh what a day! I think the only thing that made it better was connecting with my husband after work and finding out his day was just as bad. So, Kyle and I hunkered down for the night and had breakfast for dinner...one of my favorites...and hoped nothing else could penetrate our safe bunker for the night.

A lot of my time lately has been focused on what God has been teaching me these past few months, which oddly enough has taken me to a review of my last seven years in Germany. During our Bible study in Jeremiah these last ten months, one of the things that appears over and over is  who Israel/Judah are trusting in. They trust in their land, the temple, their position as "God's chosen people", false gods, and even themselves. This led me to the obvious question, "What am I trusting in- instead of God?"

There are three things that always stress me out (now four, since coming to Germany): car, computer, finances and health. Those four things became quite clear to me as I began to see a pattern emerge during my time here in Germany. Again and again (another repeating theme in Jeremiah) issues with the car, computer, finances and health would pop up. I began to realize that these are four things that I trust in- instead of God. Granted there are always varying degrees of trust, and I have learned my lesson from time to time...but as you can see from my first paragraph about my bad day...those lessons still continue to resurface. Some days are just bad days...but others are a reminder that I am trusting in myself and not God.

So, as God and I grapple with my trust issues...let me pose the question to you, "What are you trusting in instead of God?" If you think about the last several years or months, do you see a pattern where you are grasping for control of your life instead of handing over the reigns to your Creator? The Bible talks about trust quite a bit, but my favorite verses to look at are the Psalms. Here are a few verses to whet your appetite:

Psa 9:10

And those who know Your name will put their trust in You, For You, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You.

Psa 31:14

But as for me, I trust in You, O LORD, I say, "You are my God."

Psa 40:4

How blessed is the man who has made the LORD his trust, And has not turned to the proud, nor to those who lapse into falsehood.

Psa 62:8

Trust in Him at all times, O people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah.

There are Oh so many more! I hope you will take the time to talk to the Lord about where you are placing your trust. <3 h2="">

He's Still Working On Me

We all have them. Those songs that pop into your head and stick with you all day-no matter how hard you try. Most of those songs are a curse, but today's song is a real gift from the Lord and a wonderful reminder of Philippians 1:6,

"And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." ESV

I hope you'll read the words or listen to the link and be reminded to be patient with others, as God is SO patient with us!

You Tube Video of He's Still Working on Me

He's Still Working on Me 
Chorus:
He's still working on me
To make me what I need to be
It took him just a week to make the moon and stars
The sun and the earth and Jupiter and Mars
How loving and patient He must be
'Cause He's still workin' on me

Repeat Chorus

There really ought to be a sign upon my heart
Don't judge him yet, there's an unfinished part
But I'll be better just according to His plan
Fashioned by the Master's loving hands

Repeat Chorus

In the mirror of His word
Reflections that I see
Makes me wonder why He never gave up on me
But He loves me as I am and helps me when I pray
Remember He's the potter; I'm the clay

Repeat Chorus (x2)

A Sunny Outlook

The sun has been out and shining for two days in a row here! It's amazing what the sunshine does for people's attitudes here in Germany. Recently some of my friends were talking about an article in the German newspaper that said this has been the gloomiest winter in Germany in over 30 years! How's that for uplifting news? On Saturday we pulled up the rolladens and basked in the warmth of the sun for several hours. I joked with Kyle that Germany is the only place I've known where sunbathing inside was such a treat! :)

The sun has been a motivator for a few other things too...spring cleaning is in full force! Yesterday, I rearranged our bedroom. I'm not sure of the last time I actually lived long enough in one location to rearrange furniture. Oh, such fun. Now what to do with the other rooms? I was also motivated to wear capris yesterday. I really wanted to wear flip-flops, but my feet are still cold from our tile floors inside...I don't think they're ready for the (still) winter chill!

Kyle and I are talking about planting a garden this year. Neither one of us really know what we're doing, but the sunshine inspires hope for the possibility of fresh yumminess in our own yard!

Here are a few Scriptures about the sun:
Psa 50:1 A psalm of Asaph. The Mighty One, God, the LORD, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to where it sets.

Psa 113:3 From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the LORD is to be praised.

Isa 45:6 so that from the rising of the sun to the place of its setting people may know there is none besides me. I am the LORD, and there is no other.

Whether the sun is out where you live or not, may your day be filled with a sunny outlook!

Back on my Feet

Sickness is making the rounds, but last week I was sick...really sick! The Dr. at the E.R. said that her best guess was I had multiple things all at the same time. Let's just say I was exhausted after getting up to go the bathroom and spent almost the whole week flat on my back in bed or on the couch. Spending my days laying in bed gave me time to think (well, at least when I wasn't sleeping). I thought back to my first few years here in Germany. I was sick- a lot! I had never really had major problems with my health before coming to Germany, but I spent the first couple of years here in bed, at the Dr. or at the E.R. trying to get things righted. As I came out of those many months with medical staff, I reflected on the new insight God had given me into the lives of those who live with illness day in and day out. The strength of mind must overcome the weakness of the body. One must face the reality that they, in and of themselves, are unable to make themselves well. We live in a fallen world.

If you are like the many, many people who have been subjected to the flu or some other illness this winter, maybe you should take the time to pray for those in your sphere who struggle with their health on a regular basis, or those who are house-bound (how crazy were you going being cooped up in your room for days on end???). A thoughtful card, call or visit can communicate so much.

I still seem to have plenty of health issues to keep me busy, but I am thankful to the God Who is my Healer. I am thankful that I am not relegated to my bed day in and day out, and I am thankful to a God who will take me to those dark and lonely places to remind me of His heart for people.

Kisses of Worship

I love to read, but I go in spurts. One month, I'll be devouring books and the next I am not interested. It's a strange relationship to be sure, but when I read, I am ALL in. I love books like the Lord of the Rings trilogy that have a fun fictitious quality, but also have a spiritual lesson that can be derived from so many of the scenes. Recently, I've been in a bit of a dry reading spell, but felt compelled to pick up a book I bought while we were in the states in January.

This book is called "Kisses from Katie". It's a autobiography of sorts from a 21 year old girl who lives in Uganda, adopted 13 girls and started her own ministry. Although I'm only a few chapters in, I can tell you that you cannot read this book without being moved.

This morning I was contemplating some things that Kyle was sharing in regards to prayer, and I decided I wanted to practice listening to the Lord (instead of just giving Him a list of needs). So, as we talked, I asked Him what He has for me, for Kyle, for us in this stage of our lives. You see, lately, I've been feeling like we're really good at living the life, we're in the Word, we're doing ministry, but I miss those heart-to-hearts the Lord and I used to have. So, there I sat and listened. Eventually I was moved to pick this book up. I was so moved that I want to share this excerpt of her journal with you:

"One Day~ October 20, 2007

It is pouring. It is freezing. The power has been off for days and the water lines are down. Yet I stand in the middle of twenty-five children praising and thanking the Lord. Our usual outside worship has been taken indoors due to the storm, so instead of praying together, the children are praying in their individual rooms. I am in the primary boys' room, which is home to twenty-five boys ages six to ten. I have never seen anyone so alive with love for their Maker. Some stand with their hands in the air. Others, like me, overwhelmed with awe, have fallen to their knees on the cold cement floor. The beautiful sound of twenty-six voices lifted in prayer drowns out the beating of the rain on the tin roof.  

God is so in this moment, I feel so full of His love that my heart threatens to burst. This is not something I can explain. This is not something words can capture. This feeling is bigger. The splendor of God in this room takes my breath away. We all pray out loud and our voices mix into one, all different words, but the same message. Thank you. Thank you. 

At first glance, it would be easy to feel sorry for these little boys. Their clothes are tattered, they sleep on old, dirty mattresses, they walk to school barefoot in the rain. They have no electricity, no running water, and it is raining so hard that the whole compound has become a muddy swamp. But I should not pity these children. In fact, I should envy them. At six years old, these children know what it is to be filled with the Holy Spirit. These children know the greatness, the wonder of our God. 

I've had people ask me why I think Africa is so impoverished, but these children are not poor. I, as a person who grew up wealthy, am. I put value in things. These children, having no things, put value in God. I put my trust in relationships, these children, having already see relationships fail, put their trust in the Lord. This nation is blessed beyond any place, any people. I have ever encountered. God has not forgotten them. In fact, I believe He has loved them just a little bit extra. 

I sit here freezing and wet in this pitch-black room as the rain beats on the roof, and God is so close I feel I can touch Him. My deepest prayer is that I could know the Lord as well as the first grader next to me. All my senses are full of His greatness. God's glory has fallen down into this place and is soaking us even deeper than the rain. I never ever want to be dry."

Oh to know Him like this.

Worth the Wait!

Christmas, New Years, a visit to the states...it's been a whirlwind of busy here. Normally when Kyle and I are busy, we tend to miss each other in the midst of doing, and while there has been a bit of that- I've been reflecting on what a wonderful gift God has given me in the gift of Kyle. Kyle is kind, always trying to make sure I am good and taken care of, funny, affectionate, silly, smart, and real. Recently I was talking to a friend who said, "He loves you so much. He is still googly-eyed over you!" I have been relishing that statement for these past few days and it just fills my heart with joy.

We waited. We waited for a long time before we got married. We waited so long in fact, that both of us wondered if we would ever get married. Now, we both say, "It was worth the wait!". I think one of the most joyously overwhelming things for me to think about is that Kyle is a picture of how Christ loves me. It brings tears to my eyes to just think about how fully and completely my husband loves me (especially when I don't deserve it) and Christ loves me even more than that! How could I ever capture something so beautiful into words?

If you have been blessed with marriage- take some time today to thank the Lord for that precious gift. If you are single and waiting for that special someone- be reminded that the Lord is googly-eyed over YOU!

Thank you, Lord, for the wonderful gift of my husband and the many beautiful ways that he expresses Your love to me!

2013: New & Shiny

2013: A year of fresh possibilities, ideas, and adventures. I assume it's pretty normal to be excited about the new year. I think the only complaints I ever hear about the calendar turning are, "I wrote the wrong date," or "How time flies!". Other than that, it's like a breath of fresh air and full of new possibilities. I used to make a list of all the things I wanted to accomplish or change in the new year- this year it's more of a list of things I'd like to try...

I stumbled across a blog yesterday that had the question, "When was the last time you tried something for the first time?" I found it an intriguing idea. So, after Kyle got off work I asked him. He proceeded to tell me about several different things he did today for the first time. I told him that it wasn't really fair since he started in a new section at work a couple of weeks ago. I guess I thought I was pretty good at trying new things: working out in the swimming pool, trying new recipes, being daring at restaurants and trying food I've never had before... I'm not crazy, I know...but maybe I should try to do something for the first time...but what?

Perhaps you can give me some feedback? Do you try new things often? What type of new things could I try? I look forward to some reader mail!

Perplexing Paradoxes

I seem to accomplish more when I'm busy, perhaps that's because I have more to accomplish.
Blogging, however, seems to fall to the bottom of the "to-do" stack...partially because I feel like I have nothing to write about- even though there has been more going on. Does that make any sense? Not really.

Christmas was different this year. There were lots of reasons for that...no snow, being in a different house, Hospitality House (HH) going through transition, new HH directors and co-workers in the area, did I mention no snow?... For many different reasons, we decided to host a group of singles (and a couple of coworkers and their families) at our house for Christmas. I was a little intimidated to say the least, but Kyle and I both love Christmas...so, we knew that joy had to spill over onto them- even if everything went terribly wrong. Thankfully, there were no holiday disasters and we had a wonderful family Christmas. I say "family Christmas" because that is exactly what it felt like. We sat around in our comfy clothes and had breakfast together at the table, told stories of Christmases past, opened presents (including socks and batteries), laughed a lot- especially during our Nerf war, watched Christmas movies, played games and then ate lots of yummy food! Despite how different Christmas was this year- it really wasn't all that different. :)

It seems this season has been filled with paradoxes for me. Perhaps I will find a way to unscramble a few and clearly articulate them...and then again, maybe not.

Misunderstood Ministers

Have you ever felt misunderstood? Sometimes is just bad communication, unspoken expectations, or assumptions- lots of assumptions. It seems there are many positions that lend themselves to misunderstandings...being a driver, a friend, a family member, a wife, a military member, a missionary.

I love Christmas music, and lately in my musings about misunderstood ministers I have reflected more deeply on Mary and how she must have been misunderstood. A young girl who willingly follows the Lord, in spite of all of the ways other people would judge her. She accepted the gift of mothering the Lord Jesus Christ, knowing what people would think about her. What a highly honorable position she accepted at a great cost! She truly gave everything she had to follow God: her reputation, her relationship with Joseph, her livelihood, even her physical body and the remaining years of her life. What a confusing life that must have been with no one who could ever fully understand her experiences. How confusing it must have been to give birth to her Savior, and yet to raise Him as her earthly son.

There are many Biblical examples that bring encouragement to the misunderstood and the complicated lives of people. I take great comfort in them. Living as a missionary has been one of the most grueling challenges I have ever experienced. There have been incredible highs being on the front lines of changed lives and watching God provide in seemingly impossible circumstances, as well as gut-wrenching lows of disappointment. I'm sure I will share more musings of a missionary in the future, but I would ask you to consider missionaries or ministers in your sphere of influence. Would you consider sending them a note, an email or a text to encourage them today? Those bits of encouragement go a long way!

Control- Whose is it Anyway?

I have these grandiose ideas of wonderful stories I can write or some witty retort, but instead I sit down at the computer and out comes "See Dick run.". How is it that all of those moving moments throughout the week seem to disappear when I sit in front of the keyboard? Maybe I need to start keeping a list? I like lists. I've enjoyed keeping a list since I was in school. I like to know what I need to accomplish or how completely impossible it is for me to get that long list of things done. There is something about being able to write it down that makes me feel like I have a little more control over the situation. Kind of like saying, "Take that, dishes! You're on my list of things to do and you WILL get done. Just you wait!!!" Sometimes, if I forget to write something down on my list that I've already done- I will go back and add it to my list, just so I can cross it out. Ridiculous, but true.

I don't like it when things feel out of control...it's just scary. This week was completely out of our control. We've been saving up to buy a new car, as our old car is totally on it's last leg. After pushing the car to start it for several weeks, we decided it may be time to start looking for a new one. We were totally excited to find a 2010 Toyota Corolla that was well below Blue Book Value because the guy was no longer in the country and they needed to get it sold. So, we thought, "Ah-hah! Corolla's are known to be reliable cars. It's a 2010, and it's right in our price range. SOLD!" That was the beginning of the craziness. I can't even begin to describe the mounds of paperwork and all the time it took to complete it all...but alas, after almost two weeks, the car was now in our possession. Kyle drove it to work for several days and then I planned to drive it to a Dr. appointment. The car went crazy! We ended up driving it to the dealership and they told us something needed replaced (we still don't know what it is- since he said it in German). We thought, "No worries- it's covered under warranty." Ah, the lovely thing about warranties is they always seem to cover everything except what you need at that moment. So, we will take the car back tomorrow to be fixed.

Kyle and I had a really hard time with the whole situation. We know it's just a thing and truthfully all money is the Lord's- we know this. However, there were more feelings there. Feeling taken advantage of, stupid, self-pity. Ask anyone who has known me in Germany, I have not had good luck with cars. I've lost count on how many vehicles I have driven during my six years here. So, for just once, we thought we had managed to secure ourselves a reliable vehicle. Who knows? Maybe it will be reliable after we get this part fixed. Maybe the seller didn't know this part was bad? Maybe this is just the beginning of a long string of repairs. We don't know.

You know how sometimes when you go to church, you feel like someone told the pastor what you needed to hear? That was us this past Sunday. The sermon was on Lamentations 3:21-25 where Jeremiah is talking about the faithfulness of the Lord. Life is hard- but God is good. We know the Lord has a plan through it all. Perhaps it was to teach me to hold my life, my belongings, my control with an open hand and release it to the One who controls it anyway. We hope and pray that we don't have to learn this lesson again, but for now we rest in God's care and faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:21-26: 

"But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope:

 The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.  

'The LORD is my portion,' says my soul, 'therefore I will hope in him.' The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord."

Wide Awake

I don't really listen to the radio much, but this morning on the drive to work Kyle and I listened. As I was driving home, I heard the song "Wide Awake" by Katy Perry. I've never been able to listen to Katy Perry without feeling a little sad at who she is and who she used to be. If you don't know, Katy used to be known as Katy Hudson and was sponsored by Focus on the Family. Hard to believe, right? Anyway, it got me to thinking about people in my life who were once followers of Christ, but for whatever reason have walked away from the faith. I wish I could capture the deep sadness this creates in my soul. How could anyone genuinely walk away from the Lord? Did I play a role in their disillusionment? Will they ever return?

As I listened to the words of "Wide Awake", I heard Biblical references to "being born again" and"out of the lion's den" and I just wondered where those words came from for her. Has she "fallen from cloud  nine" and is realizing this life of fame and fortune isn't all it was cracked up to be? Since we don't watch TV here and I manage to avoid most of the online news, I really have no idea where Katy is on anything. However, I do know that anytime I hear about Katy I think about her life growing up and what the Lord may have for her and so many like her.

The last several months I have been studying the book of Jeremiah. One of the major themes is "Turn or Return." It has been fascinating to read and see how the Lord is hurt by Israel's adultery with other gods, but He still longs for them to return. He talks about His anger, but also that more than that He longs for them to return. He has given chance after chance and He STILL wants them to return. There are so many people in our lives who have not blatantly walked away from the faith, but have continued to go to church but have "given up on God" in their hearts. They live with guilt of their sin, but they are still seeking- unwilling to make a decision. He wants them to RETURN!

So, the next time you hear her Katy's music or see her face on TV or a magazine, consider praying for her return to the Lord and for the many others who have turned away. Pray for their eyes to be opened and that they would truly be wide awake.

Swimming is a Dangerous Sport

Several years ago, a group of us gals were on a road trip listening to a comedian. I can't recall the comedian's name, but I still quote some of the material from time to time. One of my favorite sketches started out with the lines, "Swimming is a dangerous sport. Sometimes you do it for fun and sometimes you do it to not die."

I'm not super-fond of being in the water- part of that is it takes a lot of work to get ready to get in the pool (can I get a shout-out from my fellow ladies?) but the other part is I hate water in my eyes. Despite my reservations about being in the pool, today was my third swim-therapy session for my knee and it was actually fun. It was even more thrilling to not be THAT girl who was last in every exercise we did. Everyone must have been feeling really slow today, because I was the first to finish almost everything! Can you tell I'm excited about that?

Well, the other two days were not as uplifting as today was. The first day as I crawled into the pool with my glasses on, one of the instructors looked at me with incredulity and asked, "Glasses in the pool?" I explained they were an old pair, but I am just blind without them on. He just shook his head and started teaching me the exercises for the day. I've never really swam laps in a pool with lanes or been in a pool for anything except entertainment or to cool off. Instead, I found myself huffing and puffing seemingly unmoving in the 88 degree water...definitely not entertainment or cooling off! I became easily discouraged as I looked around and saw how quickly everyone else around me was shooting down their lane. As my strength began to wane and I found the water level rapidly rising around my jaw, I decided I had to get a grip. I did not want to quit. I started coaching myself in my head, "Come on, Mel. You can do it. Just focus on your movements and not on the pain. Focus on what you are trying to accomplish." I found myself wholly focused on one point at the end of the pool and then repeating the movements over and over until I got there. I began to smile as I neared the end, partially because I was almost finished and hopefully that meant the pain would stop, but the other part was because I couldn't help but think, "There must be a spiritual analogy in all of this." :) 

Hebrews 12:2 says, "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith..."We can't be focused on all the things going on around us, our own pain, or even things in our own "lane". If we are constantly looking around or comparing our progress to others'- we WILL become discouraged. So, if you find yourself discouraged, in pain or distracted by all the things going on around you: Fear not! Be encouraged and FIX your eyes on HIM!

Get Over Yourself

I don't usually care too much about Halloween, but today has been fun as I roamed the base and saw lots of people dressed up at their jobs. While I was at the hospital this morning, several employees were making the rounds in their costumes- just to pass smiles around. It was fun. I wonder what it is about dressing up that people think is fun?

Last week Kyle and I enjoyed a few days of pure relaxation in Croatia. It was a missionary retreat where they pay for everything except for your travel expenses. We slept the first day and then enjoyed foot massages and some time in the pool. One of the perks of this retreat is that they bring in Dr's, chiropractors, financial advisers, counselors, etc. Kyle and I enjoyed our time with the counselor where he encouraged us and assured us that there were SO many good things about our relationship. Pretty awesome words to hear from a counselor!

We knew we would hit the ground running when we made it home. What we weren't expecting was the quick arrival of winter! We both did our "I'm so happy it's snowing" dance and proceeded to dive into the regular errands that await you after vacation. On a side note, I saw my first real-life shooting star and it was AWESOME!

God is teaching me/us some pretty cool things as we are doing our Precept study on the book of Ephesians. My "epiphany" this week was in Ephesians 4:2 where it says, "with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love,". Paul is talking about living in a manner worthy of the calling of Christ. We did word studies on each of the attributes in verse 2 and here is my literal interpretation of what it means: "Walk with an awareness of the weight of your calling. In ALL ways, have a sense of one's own littleness, being uninterested in self, slow to avenge wrongs, and bear with one another in love." In other words, Get over yourself! Isn't that cool? and a little convicting?

I hope you are taking time today to soak up the smiles and reasons to smile. May today be a reminder to look around and get over yourself. :)

Beautiful

Do you ever take time to think about how far you've come or the changes and growth you've made (or need to make) in your life? I've always been a pretty introspective gal, but birthdays tend to bring it those thoughts to the forefront of my mind. Now that Kyle and I have an anniversary a week before my birthday, I have LOTS of things to think about! As I was driving around today, I heard the song Beautiful by Mercy Me and it took me back to a sweet memory.

I guess it's been almost two or three years ago now, but I was going through a very difficult time and one of the main issues that had surfaced during that time was the way I viewed myself. I won't go into all the gruesome details, but I spent some time working on understanding where those thoughts came from, what God says about me and then working on the things about myself that I wanted to change. One of my "homework" assignments was to go clothes shopping. Shopping used to be (and still sometimes is) one of my least favorite things to do! I tend to look in the mirror and evaluate all the things I don't like instead of the clothing hanging on my frame. I don't know, but I tend to think this is pretty common for most women. Anyway, I spent three hours in a store with someone who helped me select clothes that fit me well, complimented my frame and basically praised me over and over and over. I had never finished a shopping excursion feeling energized before that! On top of all that, it started to snow a picture perfect snow, and it felt like it was just a special gift- just for me. As I walked out of the store feeling uplifted and just thanking God for the beautiful snow and the healing that had started from this experience, I started the car and suddenly began to cry as I heard the words that seemed straight from God's mouth to me, "You're beautiful. You're beautiful. You are made for so much more than all of this. You're beautiful. You are treasured. You are sacred. You are His. You're beautiful."

Even now those words hold special meaning to me, and I will always hold that memory close. I am thankful for the healing God has brought to my life in this area. There are still times where I struggle with who I am, how I look, or why God made me the way He made me, but there are many other times where I sense God's healing touch on this broken part of my life. Part of that healing has come from my dear, sweet husband Kyle. He has blessed me in so many ways, but he reminds me of his love for me and calls me beautiful each and every day. He is a precious extension of God's love for me and I am so grateful for God's continued healing in my life.

TIME is tickin' away!

Last night we said “Goodbye” to our dear Hospitality House Directors, Lou & Cathy Rozmiarek. We still have a little “goodbye-ing” left to do with them, but today I find myself reflecting on the events of last night…

We had over 60 people come to thank Lou & Cathy for the impact they had made on their lives (many who weren’t able to come) and I couldn’t help but think of the overdone Ray Boltz song, “Thank you for giving to the Lord. I am a life that was changed.” It’s impossible to go to a goodbye dinner without reflecting on the impact one life can have on another.

The military is blessed in many ways, and although I have not met a person yet who likes saying “Goodbye”, we are blessed in being able to do so. Having to say “Goodbye” so often, lends itself to a deeper understanding of the brevity of time. When you are changing locations at least every couple of years, you learn the difficult lesson of how to make the most of your time with people. 

Anyone who has been in a serious car accident, had a life threatening experience or precarious health can relate to the sense of how short life is.  After making it through that experience, there is a desire to breathe deeply, enjoy the world and the people around us, and even to make things right with God, ourselves and those we love. For believers, this is just another spiritual reminder that this world is not our home and we are aliens here. Our hearts were not meant to stay here.

So, even though my heart is deeply saddened to be saying “goodbye” to such dear friends and colleagues, I guess I write this as a reminder to myself and others- Don’t wait! Live life to the fullest and make the most of your time, because the days are evil. –Ephesians 5:16

Plain and Simple- Awesome!

I've been working with Design & Media for over a year now. I've learned a lot of new skills and I still have a lot to learn, but I REALLY enjoy my job- most of the time. ;) Right now I'm working on various pieces for the Adopt An Airman program that I've orchestrated for the last two years. It's a lot of work, but SO rewarding! This year I decided I want to spruce up the layouts and I'm really having fun with a vintage Americana type theme.

One of the things that I have learned in this job is that there will be a lot of drafts! I am still amazed at how many hours I can labor over spacing, fonts, headers and footers, and intricate details that just pull it all together. My job consists of hours in front of a computer, but it is an avenue to communicate to people around the world the mighty things that God is doing in the lives of our military and our missionaries! That's a pretty cool job! Plus, I get the added bonus of learning on a daily basis AND getting to funnel my creativity into something to further God's Kingdom. It's plain and simple- awesome!

Thank you to those of you who are furthering God's Kingdom by your prayer and financial support of Cadence International, and those of you who make it possible for me to be here supporting our missionaries around the world! YOU are plain and simple- awesome!