A day of new beginnings

We had come 'home' to Tennessee. Our time in England had come to a natural end, and I found myself looking forward to being among the familiarity of home. We had rented a duplex from Mark, and were about to join his work supporting people in Asia. The shipping container with all our earthly goods was about to arrive, so for now we were 'camping' in an almost empty trailer home on the YWAM base in Adams, TN.

I was so happy. Looking forward to catching up with old friends. Seeing familiar places. Getting to shop at Target and eat Taco Bell. There was in me a sense of relief. Like I could breathe in the joy of my surroundings, and recoup from our last international move. I was anticipating tea parties with all the china I brought back, and long conversations about all that God had done in showing me his beauty in the English culture.

April 15th was a Wednesday, so we were off to staff meeting. The base welcomed us back with open arms, and we shared about our next steps. At the end of the meeting our base directors, life long friends, pulled us aside. They had a few visitors on the base from the FBI, and they had come to ask questions about us. I could see in my friends eyes an intensity of pain and concern. I didn't understand that at the time. In my mind the last trip to Africa and his run in with some government officials there may be why they were looking for us. It was of course tax day too, but I did our taxes early that year, so that couldn't be why.

He looked a bit panicked as we left, asked if we should leave our computer at the base for safe keeping. As we drove down the driveway out of the YWAM base all I could think of was how many dreams we'd spoken and prayed into on that drive, and here we were again embarking on a new portion of Gods calling for us.

He was griping my hand funny on the armrest between us. It wasn't how we held hands, so I asked him if he thought it was about the Africa trip, or if he knew what the FBI could be after. In my mind there was nothing I was guilty of, or involved with. He said something about internet issues, but nothing else. I felt perplexed by the whole growing situation. I was running events through my mind, kind of scanning memories, but found nothing of interest. Why was the FBI on the YWAM base, and why was his face becoming more and more panicked?

We arrived at the trailer and shortly after three unmarked cars followed. He ran out to the porch, but I heard them say they needed to only talk to me. There wasn't much to offer my way of hospitality, but I offered coffee, and a slightly broken chair.

My life was given a new beginning that day. I had one of those shocking out of body experiences. That out of body feeling lasted for quite a long time. It's still a bit unthinkable what was described to me. I often hesitate to share the whole story with new friends simply because of how hard it is to hear, and then the testimony of God I need to give afterwards.

I point to the disciples at this point. They were 12 of Jesus' best friends. They lived this wandering nomadic type life and shared some pretty wild and amazing things together. There was one who was trusted, loved, and yet was willing to betray for a moment of greedy pleasure. He intimately betrayed Jesus and his friends. He used a kiss, a symbol of intimacy, to hand Jesus life over to his executioners.

I feel that in a way I was like the disciples. Totally unaware that the intimate relationship that started for me when I was 17, was a tool that the thief (satan) was using to betray and destroy me. It was a tool because of the sin my husband entered into, and so willingly enjoyed rather than keeping his covenant with me. John 10:10 says: The thief comes to steal and kill and destroy. In the Message it ends with: I came so that they can have real and eternal life; more and better life than they ever dreamed.

Somehow the disciples went out in the power of love to transform nations and begin the early church. This is what I dream of. My life is still about reaching the unreached, and sharing the good news of the gospel to as many as will hear. I have seriously walked through the 'valley of death'. I found there grace and peace and a whole lot more of God than I ever imagined. New beginnings don't always look the way they do in movies, or wrap up neatly in a 1/2 hour segment. God promises to make all things new.. thanks for sharing this journey with me! I cannot wait to share more of what God's doing along the way :)

Deuteronomy 30:8-9

And you will make a new start, listening obediently to God, keeping all his commandments that I'm commanding you today. God, your God, will outdo himself in making things go well for you

Forgetting the refills...

It's amazing to me sometimes how quickly things like toilet roll and dishwashing liquid run out. I use them everyday, but never really think about restocking until we're in the red-zone of having none left. There's moments when I'm fully stocked, have all the aluminum foil I'd ever need, right now it's on the list of red zone items :) There is a little shop around the corner that has all the essentials, and in my town there's a 'cash & carry'; think Asian version of Sam's club, so no reason not to stock up.

Refills also need to happen for my daily spiritual walk. I live and work in ministry. My main purpose is to share Christ and his HOPE with other people. I am to be known by my love demonstrated, in action, and in rest.

This year I set out to read the Bible in one year. There's a great plan from biblegateway.com that actually sends an email each day with the few chapters from the Old and New Testament. When I read them, then I delete the email, and know that I've read that days word. There are some days when I simply don't take the time. I'm sure I get on my computer every day, but I check Face Book, or my 'urgent' emails first.

I catch up eventually on the days that were missed. I find myself wondering why I would ever have skipped reading the Bible in the first place. There is so much inspiration, depth and life in the Bible. It's literally the WORD of God.

There's a refilling of my soul that happens when I open up the Bible. There's so much to learn and observe through the words and life examples. It takes so little time to actually read a whole book, or just the few chapters in my reading plan. This is a discipline that adds to who I am, and makes me become more of who I want to be.

Today I did a word search on biblegateway.com for the word BLESSED and the word CONNECTED. Deuteronomy 28:1-12 came up under the word blessed, and what an amazing promise for everyone who actually does what God asks. The word connected came up with a few odd references to giving the priest the meat that was connected to the entrails; interesting. I love the Bible! Where else can you get this kind of life and entertainment?

So, I'm refilled for today. Tomorrow I will need to get that aluminum foil (it could happen), and crack open the Bible.

Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

got stuck in my throat

It happened twice this week.

The first was a market trip with Ethan and a few friends. We had waded through at least an acre of fabric; more than I'd seen in my life. There was Chiang Mai Plastics where every type of craft supply, well mostly, could be found. Thai clothing stalls and woman squatting next to them creating as they waited for the next sale. Lunch had been at an oasis in the middle of this market. A tea shop with a lovely garden and a ham & cheese sandwich. It had been a day of discovery as we sampled and took in some of the delights of this downtown market. The day was coming to a close. Coconut 'ice cream' was being enjoyed and we were going to take a quick look at the flower market.

Crossing the street was hazardous, there was a bit of a push of people, motorbikes and mayhem. I was paying attention to the path ahead.

"Mom"

It's the word that catches my attention no matter the distractions.

"Mom, we have to help him."

There he was in the narrow path into the 'fish' area of the market. A blind man holding a silver tin handled cup in both hands. He was singing.

So, we stop.

We notice.

Ethan's now gone to his compassionate plea, "Mom, what can I give him?" "Are these coins enough?" "Who takes care of this man?"

This moment was stuck in my throat.

The momentum of the crowd is carrying us forward. Past the fish mongers and now we're praying "Lord, have mercy on this man. Heal his eyes, care for his soul."

Ethan wants to head upstairs out of the way of people and begins asking more about this one soul. This is not compassion that's taught. This is a gift to see and be moved to action.

The moments stuck in my throat again.

We're on to the flower market, everything is beauty. Ethan's pointing out some flowers for one of our friends. It's as if when compassion was awakened by the one soul then other souls become more special as well.

There was one more beggar found, which cleaned me out of my change. Ethan was proud to find them, and give what we had away. It was a great market experience, may stay lodged in my throat a little longer.

The second moment with something stuck in my throat was this evening. It was Mexican night here. It's not a small task to do that kind of food well here. I had soaked the beans overnight, shipped a bag of Masa, shredded cheese, made the salsa; and baked this beautiful taco pie. This was a meal that's more a labor of love than most. We even had chocolate cake. I'm teaching our neighbors daughter the art of baking. Meal complete, now on to the bike ride.

Riding bikes has become our evening ritual. Ethan and I talk about everything from super hero's and smog, to Thai language and God. I love these times as a family. We were just passing Ethan's favorite part of our route. I had my arms up and was doing a bit of woohooing. That's when it got stuck in my throat again. It must have been a fairly large bug with a will to live. I felt it pass my lips, and then lodge itself on my gag reflex. At first I wasn't breathing right. I tried to signal Ethan, but he had kept going in the moment, and was too far ahead. I made it another block. Slammed my bike kick stand in place and then made several failed attempts at releasing the bug before I finally released it along with my dinner.

Two moments drastically different, probably both types will happen again. I'm praying that when the compassion wells up in Ethan's heart again we'll have more to give. More coins? Maybe, but more of Jesus, for sure. How cool would it have been if while we were praying the man was cured of his blindness? How can we impart more of the kingdom of God into the obvious needs of people around us? I think it starts from moments spent with God. Time listening to His words over our lives, time invested into reading the Bible. Holiness and intimacy with God; leads to wholeness, intimacy and satisfaction in life.

writing for work & then God showed up :)

My team is hosting a Global Congress on business as mission next year. There are so many ways that God is using Biblical business practice to impact people in a way that 'the church' may never see. It's exciting when God crosses lines; like the way we try to separate our church life from our work life; and just loves and saves people in the 9-5 world.

In the beginning God began creating the first models for good business practice. There are littered throughout the writings of the Torah (the first 5 books of the Bible) examples and promises given to good business practice. We listen to God through scripture and see how he detests dishonesty in our dealings.

Let’s look at Deuteronomy 25: 13-16 (NIV) 13 Do not have two differing weights in your bag—one heavy, one light. 14 Do not have two differing measures in your house—one large, one small. 15 You must have accurate and honest weights and measures, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you. 16 For the LORD your God detests anyone who does these things, anyone who deals dishonestly.

It’s not the way of ‘the law’ to simply set limits and boundaries just so we struggle to keep up with them, or feel fear towards our Creator. These scriptures were meant to show the love and concern God has in our daily lives, in our daily practices.

Irish Proverb's, couldn't resist.. Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Enjoy these Irish Proverbs!

"Nil aon tintean mar do thintean fein."
There's no fireside like your own fireside.

Never bolt the door with a boiled carrot.

Man is incomplete until he marries. After that, he is finished.

What butter and whiskey will not cure, there is no cure for.

Three things come without asking: fear, jealousy, and love.

It is sweet to drink but bitter to pay for.

Idleness is a fool's desire.

Good luck beats early rising.

If a cat had a dowry, she would often be kissed.

To the raven her own chick is white.

Everyone praises his native land.

"Coimhéad fearg fhear na foighde"
Beware of the anger of a patient man.

A diplomat must always think twice before he says nothing.

A heavy purse makes for a light heart.

Those who get the name of rising early may lie all day.

A lie travels further than the truth.

Marriages are all happy. It's having breakfast together that causes all the trouble.

A man loves his sweetheart the most, his wife the best, but his mother the longest.

A scholars ink lasts longer than a martyrs blood.

If you want an audience start a fight.

Don't break your shin on a stool that is not in your way.

If you dig a grave for others, you might fall into it yourself.

What will come from the briar but the berry.

"Meallan muilte dé go mall ach meallan siad go mion."
God's mill may grind slowly, but it grinds finely.

"Dafheabhas e an t-ol is e an tart a dheireadh."
Good as drink is, it ends in thirst.

A poem ought to be well made at first, for there is many a one to spoil it afterwards.

The Irish forgive their great men when they are safely buried.

A change of work is as good as a rest.

A good retreat is better than a bad stand.

"Ní bhíonn airgead amadáin i bhfad ina phóca"
A fool's money is not long in his pocket.

"Ní thagann ciall roimh aois"
Sense does not come before age.

"Níor bhris focal maith fiacail riamh"
A good word never broke a tooth.

Drink is the curse of the land. It makes you fight with your neighbor. It makes you shoot at your landlord and it makes you miss him.

A spender gets the property of the hoarder.

"Is maith an t-anlann an t-ocras."
Hunger is the best sauce.

"Is minic a bhris beal duine a shron."
It's often a person's mouth breaks his nose.

"Is beo duine gan a chairde ach ni beo duine gan a phiopa."
One may live without one's friends, but not without one's pipe.

Never tell secrets to your relatives' children.

The three sharpest eyes are a blacksmith on a nail, a priest on his parish and a young girl on a boy.

Put a beggar on a horse and he'll ride it to hell.

Cheerfulness is a sign of wisdom.

"Maireann croi eadrom i bhfad."
A merry heart lives long.

"Dafheabhas e an t-ol is e an tart a dheireadh."
Good as drink is, it ends in thirst.

You've got to do your own growing, no matter how tall your father was.

Both your friend and your enemy think you will never die.

It's not a delay to stop and sharpen the scythe.

Only the rich can afford compassion.

A widow and her money are soon courted.

There's many a ship lost within sight of the harbor.

The dog that's always on the go is better than one that's always curled up.

Listen to the sound of the river and you will get a trout.

It is a long road that has no turning.

An ounce of breeding is worth a pound of feeding.
- Horse racing expression meaning that thoroughbreds are born and not made.

The day will come when the cow will have use for her tail.

May you live as long as you want, and never want as long as you live.

Necessity knows no law.

Christmas Proverbs

"Téann an saol thart mar a bheadh eiteoga air, agus cuireann gach aon Nollaig bliain eile ar do ghualainn."
Life goes as quickly as if it had wings, and each Christmas places another year on your shoulders.

"Bia is deoch i gcomhair na Nollag; éadach nua i gcomhair na Cásca."
Eat and drink on Christmas – for Easter new clothing.

"Putóga dubha na bliana, ó Nollaig go Lá Fhéile Bríde."
From Christmas day until St. Bridgit’s feast is the darkest part of the year.

"Nollaig ghlas, reilig mhéith.
A green Christmas brings a full graveyard.

Is úr iad broibh go Nollaig."
Grass stalks stay fresh until Christmas

"Tuor maith don athbhliain na píobairí teallaigh a chloisteáil Lá Nollag."
Hearing crickets on Christmas is a good omen for the new year.

"Aifreann na Gine, Aifreann agus fiche."
One midnight Mass is worth twenty-one regular Masses

Today is the day...

Sitting at the local cafe, I'd finished my language lesson early and found myself with just 10 minutes before I needed to leave to pick my friend up from the airport. My brain is a bit scrambled with the new language. My thoughts had also been a bit consumed with getting the spare room set up, and the house ready to receive. Both had been monumental, but there I was ready with 10 minutes to spare.

All I wanted was to be with God, to steal back the time that can so easily slip past. There is in me this desire just to be with Him. I was feeling like maybe I needed to do more. I know I've moved all the way around the world to be a missionary, but sometimes there's a wonder if there's more I should do. (yes this is my own crazy, don't worry, God did speak to this, read on)

Growing up in a Christian family taught me a lot about the practice and disciplines. One of my favorites is reading the 5 Psalms and Proverb that corresponds to todays date. For instance today I would read Psalm 13, 43, 73, 103, 133 and Proverbs 13. So I seized the moment, and read Psalm 13. Verse 5-6 captured me, so I'll share... But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me. Yeah, so God just highlighted my responsibility; what is it I have to do? Trust, rejoice, and sing. God's responsibility is to love, save, and give bounty. AHHHHHH, ok!

Trust: lean into God's mercy for your life. Rejoice: encourage yourself and speak to your heart that there is so much to be thankful for. Sing: make up songs in the shower, while driving to work, about the ones you love, and the ones who love you. Enjoy being encircled by a loving saving and gracious Father. Looking forward to stealing back some more time, THAT was a great 10 minutes.