Thoughts before I say Good-night

Just wanted to write to you once again. I guess just to say that I am contemplative tonight before I go to bed. I guess just to say it's not a breezy life and we should not be so surprised when the breeze turns into a monsoon. Not saying I'm going through a monsoon, but as I have written, I am thinking about the future and looking for that subtle God-breathed hint as I am moving forward into a life in missions.

Tonight I guess I'm just saying I praise God for the search, I even praise him for the fog that we sometimes have to go through to find a clearing. I do this because I know that it makes me seek him more, have more faith, and ultimately understand how to rely on God instinctively without a hitch. I praise him for the fog because his glory is shown in the clearing.

I have learned areas of my life that need correcting, sustaining, training, and nurturing. He has brought me to these conclusions, not completely out of the fog but it's improving. Well, that's it for tonight. Thank you for your prayers and love. Thank you for reaching me in your time communicating with God. Pray for this nation, I can only ask that of you as I have before. Thank you, from way over here.

All to God

Are You Listening?

On the lookout for God's words. They come, softly, barely a whisper, at least it seems thats how he chooses to speak to me. It's rare that he screams out loud, when he does it's normally to keep my foot on the path. It's a strange and rather tedious way that I have to listen. I ask him to tell me what to do, what would be his wish for some certain decision or what have you, and he does. He tells me in the most subtle of ways, just like he is constantly asking:

Are you listening? 

I've been given the challenge this summer to find out what I want to do with my life in missions. Well I can't exactly answer that question yet, but I have this incredible urgency to find out. Who knows, it may be the dawn of graduation day before I figure it out, but the fact of the matter is I know I will find out. I am waiting and moving and doing as best I can looking for this subtle hint. I know some God ordained, revolutionary mission tactic will not jump into my brain, nor am I asking for it either. I am simply asking God, what do you want?

This seems like an absurd question. Of course God wants each and every person who believes in him to go and make disciples, give and give some more, be selfless, carry that cross like you're carrying your grandmother out of a burning building. Yes these are examples of what God wants us to do, but there comes a time in life where you have to ask this absurd question and it seems, at least for me, he keeps saying; are you listening?

I want to scream at the top of my lungs OF COURSE I'M LISTENING! But sometimes this would be a lie. Other things clutter my mind thus cluttering my ear space making it hard to concentrate on the one thing that would help me out most in life. Here I must interpose a colloquial saying, -well isn't that the devil-. It very well may be, however, we cannot blame the devil for everything, though I have no sympathy for him and he is the master of all evil, I cannot say that he clogs my ears all the time.  I am just as stubborn as the next imperfect person in need of a Savior.

But subtly just like noticing a budding flower on the side of the road, I hear him. It might take a couple of listens but in the end I get it all. I scrape the bowl as it were, and I know just what to do. I'm hoping this subtle, quiet, but ever faithful voice will be like a buzz in my ear. That absurd question won't be so absurd anymore and my life can continue being wrapped around the one who made my life possible.

My friends, as I listen for this still small voice, I am thanking you still in the loudest voice I know how to use. Thank you for the thoughts, prayers, and encouragement. Your prayers reach me everyday and I thank you so much and I will not stop. Again, please continue to pray for the people of this nation, they are in dire need of your prayers. Thank you.

All to God

That Little Nudge

Every time I come here I find out more and more things about myself a lot that I don't like and willing to change and a few things that I do like. This post is not meant to boost my ego or throw myself in the pity pond and allow you to pull me out through nice words and encouragement. No, my friends, this is just realizations that happen and there is this nudging inside that pushes one to actually give a hoot about what they are feeling enough to change it. 

I went through a period last summer much like this, I suppose it's normal. A time reflecting on who I want to be, what I want to be, who I am, and what I am now. The infamous self discovery time that hasn't happened all in one sitting in my life but in various parts of it. But more important than just who I want to be it's who God wants me to be. It's spelled out in plain language right there in this thing we call the Bible. However some things are easier said than done.

It's a place where winding and and uphill are not the greatest places to be. However, when you turn each bend and you pick up a piece of this puzzle, it is easier to push forward to see who you will be in God when you reach the top. I realize my time here is not about me, at least I don't entirely view it that way. There has been no huge crisis, no problem, nothing that has prompted this except for that little nudge. Sometimes this nudge can throw you for miles or kilometers depending on where you are in the world.

Well there just ain't no forgetting this nudge (how's that for awesome language and grammar?) I suppose I don't have an incredible story of converts and wonderful coincidences to share, but I do have this; God is working on the hearts of people here, and he's working on mine too. How great a process, how beautiful the outcome.

Thank you for your prayers and encouragement my friends. You have kept me afloat and I hope that you have said a little prayer on behalf of the people in this place. If you have thank you so much. God is good and he hears our prayers so thank you for praying them! I love you all.

All to God

Teeny Tiny Update and some Beauty on the Side

It's been hot here for the past few days. I know..I know those of you in America are thinking past few days? Try since the middle of May! BUT I'm sorry my friends most of you have air conditioning and are not in need of closing every blind, door, and window before the heat of the day sets in which is around 10 a.m. I'm not complaining it is just a mere fact I'm throwing out there. I digress.

Sans the heat, it's been a fairly nice time. This week we got to rest a bit before today's kid's camp in a village school. Beth had her last cancer treatment hopefully EVER! You may applause where you are sitting, standing, or perhaps lying at the moment. She's been a trooper, and it has been a blessing to see her at the end of it all. Seeing her at the beginning of it all only makes the end so much better. Although I could only read about the happenings in between and I only know a fragment of this whole treatment thing, I am very happy for Beth.

These past few days have produced beautiful scenery. The sun bright in the sky as well as mostly blue skies has made everything so vibrant and green, but sometimes unexpectedly...blue..

Walking past this fantastic flower, the entire group was amazed at how vivid it was in comparison to it's surroundings. Bosnia is a beautiful place with beautiful people. Unexpected beauty tends to pop up in this country, it's kind of unexplainable. No, I can't tell you why wild daisies grow on a mountain side but it's awesome nonetheless.

Just a little update on how things are going over here with a small blurb about the beautification this place seems to crop up. Well, thank you all for continued prayers and thoughts they are more than greatly appreciated. There is so much need for prayer for the people of this country and of course, like I said when I wrote you last, I wouldn't mind sharing a slice of the prayer time you happen to use on my behalf with the people of this nation. So thank you for all that you've done, all that you're doing, and all that you will do.

All to God

The Individual

I have prayed for this country in it's entirety, many many times. I've prayed that God would blanket this city, this nation. I've prayed that whole people groups would come to know Christ, I've prayed that workers would be strengthened and work diligently. I've prayed. I know God has heard every one of my prayers and constantly he comes back with "I'm workin' on it", because the God of justice can force people to believe in him but he won't, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

The fact of the matter is God is interested in the individual. Here in this country, this concept is very important. There is no whole families coming to Christ and and individual coming forward does not happen very often. It can be a very discouraging aspect of ministering in a Muslim dominated place. However, as recited previously any action of God never comes back void.

"In the end, responding to the gospel is not something meant for nations or communities or even churches; it is meant for individuals--one person at a time" -Richard Stearns

 When an individual reacts to the gospel message this is a catalyst for churches, communities, and eventually nations. This nation needs national individuals to know Christ as the path and the only path to salvation. Shame is a constant demon here, those interested in Christ as their Savior are stunted by the concept of being shunned from family members.

Let's admit it, being cast out from everyone you know and love is a scary thought, usually American households do not shun those in their family of different faith, they may not like it, but they love them despite the difference.

This nation needs the God of salvation, not only to blanket this country, but to swaddle the individual, yes, swaddle them. It will happen, in His time. Thank you for your prayers and your love. Thank you for taking a slice out of your time to pray for me. I would be happy to share a slice of the time I get to be in your prayers with the people of this nation, so please pray for them. Thanks.

All to God

Masks, face paint, and bracelets galore!

Oh my how long it has been, and please accept my apologies. There has been a lot going on this past week and there is much to tell you. I am going to try to condense it all into less than book form, but I must warn you, a LOT has gone on since I wrote you last.

This past week we have been doing kids camps in the villages. We did a lot of fun things like face painting, paper airplane making, bracelet making, some impromptu sing-a-longs, and just over-all loving on the children we encountered. It was great fun using the language I already know and learning a few new helpful phrases. Understanding what the children are asking is quite exciting, it's the little things, right? These places are definitely places that need the love of Jesus shown to them rather than told to them. We tried to do this to the best of our abilities. We know we are doing something good when the director of the school commends us on our efforts and asks us to come back again because it is the greatest day of the year for the kids. They have an understanding that we are Christian simply because we are American and in these Muslim dominated places, they ask us back. It is humbling.

Everyday I am here it becomes more and more apparent that nothing is about me, or the missionaries, it's not about me becoming a missionary. It is simply about those who are poor, in need, spiritually distressed, callous, hated, shunned, scared, scarred, unloved, and so on. How beautiful are the eyes that see th Gospel lived out and receive it, how beautiful are the feet that find the footpath to everlasting life and tread it. It never comes back void.

So it has been an interesting couple of weeks here in this beautiful Balkan country. Yesterday (Saturday) we had an engagement party for the missionary's daughter Becky and her fiancée Tony both of whom wish to come back here to be missionaries. Talk about a cultural experience. All the girls in the house really helped to make things run as smooth as they could. Serving everyone and decorating things is not as easy as it sounds in another culture, but it went beautifully. Everyone had a good time, even some traditional dancing which was fun to watch.

Well I promised not to write a book, hopefully this is not to long to lose interest. Thank you all so much for your ongoing prayers. Sincerely, I have felt them working on my behalf, God is good and he knows the needs of us all. You have been a significant part of why I am able to be here like I am. So thank you, thank you, thank you. There is no end to how much you are blessing me, and I am extremely humbled and encouraged by you.

All to God

Rain's a'comin

The weather around these parts is something that is unpredictable. Much of the time a large storm will make its way here but never fall in the valley. However, instead of infiltrating the valley with mounds of rain it just meanders around the rim of the valley. It is a beautiful sight to see; storms beyond the mountains are some that one would want to sit outside and watch.

An unexpected weather event that happened just yesterday, we had an extremely large amount of hail come down. It was really loud and filled up the gardens. Looking at it from the stairs on the side of the house made it look like snow...really loud snow.

When you get up close it looked a bit like white fish eggs. Yes, fish eggs pelting the ground.

It was one of the more interesting weather incidents that I have experienced here.

The summer has started out quite well I must say. Reuniting with people I met last summer and already meeting new people has been a total blast so far. Language is still somewhat of a brick wall but you can only tear down a wall piece by piece unless God's wrecking ball of a miracle is bestowed upon me. I'm sure if it is God's will he will give me the necessary tools to learn as long as I am putting forth an effort as well.

I am thanking you again, yes constantly I will thank you. Thank you for your prayers and your continued prayers. Your support by this necessary means is and never will be turned down. Thank you for encouraging me. I love you all. Write you again soon!

All to God

From Across the Pond.

A big hello from me to you! Well as a lot of you know I have made it to Bosnia, and how good it is to be here! We got here yesterday morning at about 6 am and decided our bodies had taken enough travel abuse and crashed in the beds. However, that is not the case this fine morning at almost 6:30am in this lovely Balkan country. It's rare that I would ever wake up this early on my own but it just happened, maybe it is still my body getting acquainted with the time zone difference. Whatever it may be, I decided to write you all as I promised in this little number.

So I woke up this morning to a particularly overcast scene. But I warn you most weather situations here are never really what you would call ugly. No matter if the sky is dark and it is raining or storming, it is still beautiful, there's no two ways around that.

Well, this picture doesn't do it justice, no matter, there will be more picturesque proof to come as we keep crossing paths my wonderful readers.

We also had a great day yesterday, went out to eat lunch in the city, it was good to talk with no rush ahead of us. There was also the great time we spent with a friend who lives down the street, very nice to see and hear about how she is doing and how to pray for her in specific ways. I actually never knew how much I missed this place and the people I met last time until I returned again.

This is just the tip of the proverbial ice berg my friends, starting you off with my glorious gloomy morning scene from out of the bedroom window. Hopefully the sun will return in the sky again at some point.

I will probably do this every time I post whilst I reside here; thank you for your prayers and your love as I continue to embark on what the summer has for me. The Lord has already blessed me with the safe travel I desired, it took a very long time to get here but there's no fuss about that, I am alive and well in the country I feel God has led me too at least for this time I have here.

Thank you again.

All to God