Prayers

In need of grace...

2010-11-12T08:30:00.000-08:00

It's easy for me to pray for Sophia, to remember the pain in her eyes and be motivated to pray for her freedom and safety. Twice this week I've told her story, and both times I've cried. (Keep in mind that this in about nine months after having met her for a few brief minutes - and that I am not one who cries easily.)

Do you know what's hard for me? Finding any motivation at all to pray for her pimp. When I try to, I talk myself out of it by saying that the one ripped Sophia away from her family and country and now forces her sell her body does not deserve my prayers. Her pimp is a bad person - a sinful, selfish person.

But so am I.

Henri Nouwen puts it, "In the face of the opressed I recognize my own face, and in the hands of the oppressor I recognize my own hands. Their flesh is my flesh, their blood is my blood, their pain is my pain, their smile is my smile."

Sophia's pimp and I are both sinful, selfish people in need of grace. God has extended that grace to us - to all of us - freely.

So who am I to decide who 'deserves' my prayers and who doesn't?

But I have to be honest: I'm not 100% there yet. Pray with me that I will be able to pray for Sophia's pimp, that I will be able to pray for him with same fervor that I pray for her - and that others pray for me.

Chosen and marked...

2010-09-28T07:53:00.000-07:00

And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, chosen and marked by my love, pride of my life."

I read this verse in the book of John, chapter 3. (From The Message, of course.) As a person who loves words and appreciates their power, this phrase took my breath away for a second.

...chosen and marked by my love...

In the context, God is talking to His Son, Jesus. Romans 8:17 tells us that God confirms our relationship with Him: Father and children. We are adopted into His family.

God has chosen me and marked me by His love. Such power and beauty in those words.

The good years, the bad years, and then the best years...

2010-09-08T09:11:00.000-07:00

I was at the gym this morning, putting on my shoes as a group of women from the seniors swim class walked in. They were all in their late 60s, 70s or more, wearing one-piece swimsuits and dripping water from their permed ringlets. One of the women was celebrating her 59th wedding anniversary this week. She was obviously the queen bee as most of the other women were either approaching or had just celebrated 50 years of marriage.

They talked about party plans, who would be coming into town, what an accomplishement 59 years was, the good years, the bad years and then the best years.

I summoned up my courage to butt into their conversation to ask how you make it to 50 years of marriage. They got very silent. Then one woman in a pink flowered bathing suit looked at me and said:

"You just keep going. When it gets tough - and it will - you keep persevering. You never give up. There will be hard seasons in your marriage and you'll want to give up, but those years will make the next years even better. The honeymoon wears off, but the honeymoon wasn't really the good part. The good part comes after the hard years. The last years of my marriage have been magical - and they've made all the hard years worth it."

Your calling...

2010-08-01T03:25:00.000-07:00

"...is the place where your deep gladness meets the world's deep need."
-- Friedrich Buechner

What is your calling?

There is hope.

2010-07-20T03:30:00.000-07:00

The last time I wrote on this blog, it was to share Sophia's story and ask you to pray for her. Trafficking and slavery dehumanize people - and it happens daily in our backyards (Yes, yours too.)

But there is hope. And today in the city of Lyon, there is good news. A ring of traffickers prostituting women from Nigeria has been dismantled.

A 24-year-old Nigerian woman was brought to Lyon to work as a nanny - or so she was told. Instead, she was put out on the streets near Perrache (the bus station we pass every day on our way into town) and forced to work off a $77,500 'debt' her captors said she owed in expenses for bringing her to France.

The woman running the ring (yes, a woman) will be tried in French courts next November.

- Pray for justice.

- Pray for healing for the trafficked women. Pray that they will be treated fairly and with dignity by the authorities handling the case. Pray that they will be accepted back into their families.

- And thank God with me for His faithfulness. He is a God of justice and love.

What will you pray for me?

2010-03-30T07:41:00.000-07:00

"What will you pray for me?" she asked us, one hand on her hip, standing under a tree to avoid the late night rain. "We'll pray for whatever you want, Sophia. What do you want us to pray for you?"

Sophia looked to be about 18 years old, long black braids and two small scars on her left cheek. She is from Monrovia, the capital of Liberia, West Africa. Her parents were killed in the civil war in 1999. Now, in 2010, she stands on the side of a street in a dark neighborhood of a European city.

Sophia was the ninth girl we talked with tonight. Most girls were polite and some even friendly, but Sophia wanted more. "What will you pray for me?" she asked, almost as if she were challenging us. "We'll pray for whatever you want, Sophia." I said. "What do you want us to pray for you?"

She looked at her feet, then looked into my eyes: "You pray that tonight I get out of this - that I no longer have to do this work." Keeping my eyes locked on hers, I started to pray... for her safety, for God to provide a way out tonight, for her not to have to work like this any more, for a miracle... As I prayed quickly, it was as if Sophia broke in front of us. Tears rolled down her face faster than she could wipe them away.

A car was approaching and we knew we had to move quickly. "Sophia, we will keep praying for you," we promised.

--

In the week that has passed since this night, I've really struggled with how God could bring good from such a horrible, evil situation. In my wildest imagination, I cannot wrap my head around it or produce a single good thing that could come of it.

Yesterday morning I read from Living the Message. The focus recently has been the crucifixion - not surprising, given that it's late March. This reading reminded me that in the worst moment of history, when Jesus experienced so much hostility and pain, God used it for the most beautiful - resurrection. As the text put it:

"The worst men could do became the occasion for the unbelievable best that God can do."

I am clinging to that as I pray for Sophia. Please pray with me.

Unwrapping doubt...

2010-01-04T11:44:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately, it wasn't the first or even the second time I'd heard it. It's become far too frequent that a friend tells me that after much internal struggle and debate, often years of it, they have decided that they no longer believe in God or the saving sacrifice of Christ. Sometimes they have chosen atheism or agnosticism. Other times they say they are 'nothing' for now.

This week, I heard it from another friend.

Because of the strain this friend's questions and doubts had put on relationships with their family and friends at church, my friend chose to keep the decision largely under wraps to keep the peace. My heart hurt when my friend told me, "They haven't even asked why I haven't been to church in the last six months."

Moreover, as my friend did reveal the decision to people one on one, my friend was surprised to learn that some have actually had similar views but had kept quiet for the same reasons. In closing, my friend said, "I'm not sure what that says about the modern church in America, when a significant number of the members are secretly agnostic or atheist."

Yowzers.

What I think is the more important point though is what does it say about the modern church when its members don't feel that they can express their doubts or questions without repercussions? Who among us hasn't doubted, wobbled or wondered? I have. I'll bet you have.

Are we open and real enough with our fellow believers around us that they feel they could come to us and express doubts before twisting the decision around under wraps? Are we committed to praying for our friends who are struggling in their faith and to ask people to pray for us when we struggle?

If not... God, change me.

Nothing - not even...

2009-12-02T04:44:00.000-08:00

"I'm absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God's love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us."
- Romans 8:38-39 (The Message)

nothing. Not even my slacking off and not giving this relationship the attention it deserves. It's been a lonely period, but it's my fault. I turned my attention away. You were still here, are always here, will always be here. Faithful love.

Angry with God...

2009-11-07T04:14:00.000-08:00

I've been angry with God this week. In fact, I've been giving Him the silent treatment - which in retrospect is about the dumbest thing ever. In my attempt to show God how mad I was that He allowed me to be hurt so deeply, I cut off my only true source of comfort, love and fulfillment. As I said - not my brightest move.

And the really silly part is that God already understood how hurt I was because He knows my heart. He knew I was blaming Him for something that was not His fault. He knew I was hurting myself even more by disconnecting from Him. He knew.

This morning I picked up a book of prayers I've been reading through and in my heart I basically dared God to try to speak to me. My attitude was "I'm here. I'm showing up. Now where are You?" And I turned the page where I'd left off and read...

Lord Jesus, I sin.

There was a page of text beneath that line, but all I could do was read the first one over and over...

Lord Jesus, I sin.
I turned away from you in my hurt and anger.
Lord Jesus, I sin.
I blamed You for the pain and betrayal,
but You are good and faithful.
You did not hurt me.
Lord Jesus, I sin.
I shut You out rather than wrapping myself in Your Truth.
Forgive me, Lord Jesus, I sin.

The water of grace...

2009-10-19T00:40:00.000-07:00

...My heart is without affection, and full of leaks.

My memory has no retention,
so I forget easily the lessons learned,
and thy truths slip away.

Give me a broken heart that yet carries home the water of grace.

The Valley of Vision, Puritan Prayers - A. Bennett

Show me...

2009-10-10T02:02:00.001-07:00

Show me how to know when a thing is evil

which I think is right and good,

how to know when what is lawful

comes from an evil principle...

The Valley of Vision, Puritans Prayers by A. Bennett

God's social network...

2009-09-28T23:55:00.000-07:00

I love The Message. As I've said before, it gives me a new perspective on the Bible. Today I read from 2 Peter:

"So, friends, confirm God's invitation to you, his choice of you. Don't put it off; do it now. Do this, and you'll have your life on a firm footing, the streets paved and the way wide open into the eternal kingdom of our Master and Savior, Jesus Christ."

Immediately I pictured God sending me a friend request on Facebook. Obviously in reality we're talking a much huger scale, but consider it for a second. Our response to God can be to accept the request, click to ignore it and make it go away... or just delay until we decide whether we want to open ourselves up to Him.

In my experience, accepting never disappoints.

Partnership...

2009-09-13T01:15:00.000-07:00

Prayer is not magic;

It does not always work;

It is not something we do,

But a response to what God is already doing within us and around the world.

Our prayers are the necessary opening that allows God to act without violating our freedom.

Prayer is the ultimate act of partnership with God.

- Walter Wink

In follow-up...

2009-09-01T08:07:00.000-07:00

Recently I posted about The Message. Along a similar theme, there's the God's Word translation in clear, natural English. Translated directly from the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek, it is an exceptional literary work that consciously combines scholarly fidelity with natural English.

And it's available for free download this month! Click here to download the New Testament in MP3, MP4 or WMA format. The coupon code is SEP2009. Happy listening!

Simple faith and plain truth...

2009-08-13T02:34:00.000-07:00

A few months ago I started reading the Bible in an everyday language paraphrase called The Message. The preface, written by creator Eugene Peterson, describes it as a Bible that is read-able and for people who have lost interest in reading the Bible. Peterson's goal when working on The Message was simply to get people reading the Bible.

I know for some people (ahem) The Message isn't their cup of tea. But for me - it has been awesome. I'm not only enjoying it, but understanding and learning from it. If you're stuck in a rut, feel spiritually dried out, unable to 'get into' other versions, I highly recommend you give it a try.

You can buy a copy on Amazon.com for about $10. (Not convinced? What if I told you Bono endorsed it?)

Here's an excerpt from what I read today in 1 Timothy 2:4-7:

He wants not only us but everyone saved, you know, everyone to get to know the truth we've learned: that there's one God and only one, and one Priest-Mediator between God and us—Jesus, who offered himself in exchange for everyone held captive by sin, to set them all free.

Eventually the news is going to get out. (I love this part!)

This and this only has been my appointed work: getting this news to those who have never heard of God, and explaining how it works by simple faith and plain truth.

Coming attractions...

2009-08-09T03:34:00.001-07:00

Frankly we have not set our hearts toward hope. We look at the world and it seems to us that everything is being shaken. Everything seems to be teetering on the brink of disaster - and yet the undergirding of Scripture is that we have a kingdom that cannot be shaken...

God desires that we be living signs of the kingdom, to provide visual aids of what life will look like one day when the kingdom is fully here.... Our privilege is to live out previews of "coming attractions" revealing what this kingdom will look like.

-- Tim Dearborn, World Vision

15 questions...

2009-07-23T04:11:00.000-07:00

A blog I enjoy reading recently had a post listing 48 accountability questions from various sources. I read through them and compiled 15 I thought were 'best' for me. That's not to say that the others don't apply (I wish!) but these are key areas for me.

Take a look at the list below or see all 48. If you read over it and realize the need for an accountability partner - act on it!

1. Am I consciously or unconsciously creating the impression that I am better than I am? In other words, am I a hypocrite?

2.Do I insist upon doing something about which my conscience is uneasy?

3. Am I defeated in any part of my life?

4. How do I spend my spare time?

5. Is there anyone whom I fear, dislike, disown, criticize, hold resentment toward or disregard? If so, what am I going to do about it?

6. Do I grumble and complain constantly?

7. Have I been honoring, understanding and generous in my important relationships this past week? Have I damaged another person by my words, either behind their back or face-to-face?

8. Am I a slave to dress, friends, work, or habits?

9. Am I jealous, impure, critical, irritable, touchy or distrustful?

10. Am I enjoying prayer?

11. When did I last speak to someone about my faith? Who have I talked with about Christ this week? Is there anything that has dampened my zeal for Christ?

12. Have I lacked any integrity in my financial dealings this week, or coveted something that does not belong to me? Do I pray about the money I spend?

13. What have I held back from God that I need to surrender?

14. Did I finish my reading this week and hear from the Lord? What am I going to do about it?

15. Have I been completely honest in answering these?

Counsel from a wise friend...

2009-07-12T12:49:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 17:17 says that a friend loves at all times. I experienced that kind of loving friendship today. Last night I emailed a friend and told her how I was hurting. She immediately replied, not with rambling words and clichés but with the promise to pray for me right then and there. She wrote again today with wise words, carefully chosen and spoken, that immediately helped relieve the pain and anger and move me towards healing. She also gave me a list of verses from the Bible that she wanted to encourage me with - and also the promise to keep praying.

This is the kind of friend I want to be to others - loving at all times and taking the time to be loving.

Psalm 34:18
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Psalm 71:3
Be my rock of refuge,
to which I can always go;
give the command to save me,
for you are my rock and my fortress.

Romans 5:3
Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance.

1 Peter 5:10
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

Psalm 66:8-10
Praise our God, O peoples,
let the sound of his praise be heard;
He has preserved our lives
and kept our feet from slipping.
For you, O God, tested us;
you refined us like silver.

Psalm 17:7-9
Show the wonder of your great love,
you who save by your right hand
those who take refuge in you from their foes.

Keep me as the apple of your eye;
hide me in the shadow of your wings

From the wicked who assail me,
from my mortal enemies who surround me.

Exodus 3:14
God said to Moses, "I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: 'I AM has sent me to you.' "

Psalm 20:7,8
Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.

They are brought to their knees and fall,
but we rise up and stand firm.

Psalm 31:14-17
But I trust in you, O LORD;
I say, "You are my God."

My times are in your hands;
deliver me from my enemies
and from those who pursue me.

Let your face shine on your servant;
save me in your unfailing love.

Let me not be put to shame, O LORD,
for I have cried out to you;
but let the wicked be put to shame
and lie silent in the grave.

Psalm 71:3
Be my rock of refuge,
to which I can always go;
give the command to save me,
for you are my rock and my fortress.

Psalm 68:17, 19-20
The chariots of God are tens of thousands
and thousands of thousands;
the Lord has come from Sinai into his sanctuary.

Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior,
who daily bears our burdens.

Our God is a God who saves;
from the Sovereign LORD comes escape from death.

Isaiah 54:17
No weapon forged against you will prevail,
and you will refute every tongue that accuses you.
This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD,
and this is their vindication from me,"
declares the LORD.

Psalm 35:1-3
Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me;
fight against those who fight against me.
Take up shield and buckler;
arise and come to my aid.
Brandish spear and javelin
against those who pursue me.
Say to my soul,
"I am your salvation."

And the ones she highly recommended: Psalm 91:1, 4-5
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,

...and Psalm 91:1
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

I ask...

2009-06-22T02:03:00.000-07:00

I ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory —

to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing Him personally

your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is He is calling you to do

grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life He has for His followers,

oh, the utter extravagance of His work in us who trust Him

— endless energy, boundless strength!

Ephesians 1:15-19 (The Message)

Responding with action, not surprise...

2009-06-07T21:55:00.000-07:00

"Why do Christians stand silent when our President makes the statement, 'we are not a Christian nation any longer'?

I can’t speak for all Christians, but I can tell you why I don’t address it… He’s right. We’re no longer a Christian nation. Christians need to realize we live in a post-Christian nation, start understanding the implications of that change, and stop whining. Read Ecclesiastes 7:10 What are some of the ‘implications’? Being missional and serving the world are two great starting points. Also, in a post-Christian world, people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.
-- From a Q&A email sent out by Ken Williams, pastor of West Cobb Church

As one who agrees completely with his response, I wanted to share it. Now is not the time to be surprised that we are 'not a Christian nation any longer', but it is the time to fulfill our calling given by Jesus in Matthew 28: to go out an share the message of Christ's love with those God has placed in your life.

And remember His promise, "I'll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age."

Writing my own eulogy...

2009-05-29T10:50:00.000-07:00

"Gone, but not forgotten," is a promise we often hear when the beloved die.

I am blessed with family and friends around the world, but I can assure you that after my death I will be forgotten. Maybe not right away, but soon. If between now and the end of my life I, by God's grace, accomplish many wonderful things - I will still be forgotten. Even if I discover a cure for cancer, find a solution for world hunger or put an end to human trafficking - I will be forgotten. People may remember my name, see a statue of me or take a test in which my name is multiple choice answer C. But who I really am, how I've loved, my personal accomplishments and all that makes me who I am will be forgotten.

This realization doesn't bother me. It's actually a wonderful relief. Everything that I want from this world cannot be extracted and experienced in this lifetime. But I'm not living for this lifetime. I'm living for the promise of what's to come.

I'm living for a place without suffering, fear or pain. I'm living for a time when people from every age, culture and language will be together in a harmony designed by the Creator of my universe. I'm living for a God who will never abandon me, a relationship that will never end, and a love greater than I can understand.

People will forget me. They will forget the details of my face and the sound of my voice.

God will not forget me. I'm his beloved daughter and He delights in me. I will be gone, but remembered by God.

Resurrection...

2009-04-12T00:57:00.000-07:00

From The Valley of Vision: A collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions

O God of my exodus,
Great was the joy of Israel’s sons
when Egypt died upon the shore,

Far greater the joy
when the Redeemer’s foe lay crushed in the dust.

Jesus strides forth as the victor,
conqueror of death, hell, and all opposing might;

He bursts the bands of death,
tramples the powers of darkness down,
and lives for ever.

He, my gracious surety,
apprehended for payment of my debt,
comes forth from the prison house of the grave
free, and triumphant over sin, Satan, and death.

Show me herein the proof that his vicarious offering is accepted,
that the claims of justice are satisfied,
that the devil’s sceptre is shivered,
that his wrongful throne is levelled.

Give me the assurance that in Christ I died, in Him I rose,
in His life I live, in His victory I triumph,
in His ascension I shall be glorified.

Adorable Redeemer,
Thou who wast lifted up upon a cross
art ascended to highest heaven.

Thou, who as man of sorrows wast crowned with thorns,
art now as Lord of life wreathed with glory.

Once, no shame more deep than Thine,
no agony more bitter, no death more cruel.

Now, no exaltation more high,
no life more glorious, no advocate more effective.

Thou art in the triumph car leading captive Thine enemies behind Thee.

What more could be done than Thou hast done!
Thy death is my life, Thy resurrection my peace,
Thy ascension my hope, Thy prayers my comfort.

Justice...

2009-03-06T09:33:00.000-08:00

"What have you given me, Father, that I might help those who don't have power, who don't have protection, who don't have freedom, who don't have justice?"
- G. Haugen in Good News About Injustice

This is my prayer. From my toes to my fingertips, this is my prayer. And I pray it to a God who despises injustice, who knows suffering firsthand and who is powerful and faithful. He does not need me in order to accomplish anything, but He calls me by name to play a specific role in His plan to bring justice.

"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."
-Edmund Burke

Doors and windows...

2009-01-01T02:59:00.000-08:00

I don't believe that God closes a door
then opens a window.

I believe that sometime He closes the window
that is distracting us from the door He has opened for us.

Now I see...

2008-11-23T06:01:00.000-08:00

This morning we listened to a sermon about turning worries into prayer. The verse given was Philippians 4:6-7:

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

In the original Greek text, this is basically three different ways of saying, "pray, pray and pray". In the sermon, Ken went on to explain that one way to pray, inspired by the Old Testament, is meditation. Where worrying is picturing the future without God, meditating is picturing how God could move and act in the same situation. (I really encourage you to listen to the sermon.)

At the end, we each closed our eyes and took a few minutes to meditate on a situation that had been leading us to worry. I had a few to choose from, being quite the pro at worrying. But one stood out from the others: moving to Senegal in two years. This was my biggest sleep-loser.

But this time, rather than focus on the worrisome details, I pictured what God might do in the situation...

I saw Jonathan using his hands to treat patients in pain... I saw us speaking languages we don't even know yet, becoming friends with our neighbors... I saw us working with Talibe street kids, washing their clothes and cleaning wounds... I saw Jonathan building relationships with people in the medical community and me with American expats who needed help adjusting to their new life... I saw our kids playing with Senegalese kids and translating for health clinics... I saw us returning to the friends we'd left four years ago and them understanding how much we love them... I saw us being used to show God's love to people who don't yet know it...

With each image that came across my mind, more tears flowed. It was a joy that I admit I haven't felt in a long time because I allowed worry and fear to overtake it.

God hasn't brought me to this place in life to abandon me at the next step.

God has great things in store for me.

God can turn every image I saw into reality.

God can fulfill the desires and dreams I didn't even know were in my heart, but He knew because He placed them there.

Now I see.

Voting Like It Matters

2008-10-20T11:24:00.000-07:00

It's not only our civic duty — it's a sacred one.
Charles Colson with Anne Morse | posted 10/10/2008 08:12AM

I have been surprised by the number of Christians who have given up on politics this year. "I don't like either candidate, so I'm staying home," some say.

I get fed up with the vain posturing and empty promises, too. But not voting is not an option—it's both our civic and sacred duty. Voting is required of us as good citizens and as God's agents for appointing leaders.

How do we go about choosing the best candidates? Not by pulling a partisan lever—that's knee-jerk ideology. Christians live instead by revealed truth, never captive to any party. Thus, the best place to go for wisdom is not the candidates' websites, but the Bible.

Moses' father-in-law, Jethro, advised him to appoint as rulers "able men" who "fear God, men who are trustworthy and who hate a bribe." The standard is competence and integrity. Later, God ordered Samuel to pick Saul, who "shall save my people from the hand of the Philistines." This passage reminds us of Paul's teaching in Romans: Government's role is to wield the sword to preserve order and restrain evil. So we should seek leaders best able to do that and to pursue justice.

Today, God no longer chooses our leaders directly (although some of us wish he did, if only to spare us the years-long political campaigns). We live in a democracy, so God entrusts to us the job of choosing leaders he will anoint. (Deuteronomy 1:1213 shows us that democratic principles go directly back to the Old Testament.) Like Samuel, we are commissioned to choose leaders of competence, virtue, and character. That's why not voting or rejecting candidates because they are not perfect on some biblical or political score sheet is a dereliction of our trust.

So is voting for a candidate simply because he is a Christian—startling as this may sound. Rather than checking on the candidates' denomination, we should look for the ablest candidate. Martin Luther famously said he would rather be ruled by a competent Turk—that is, a Muslim—than an incompetent Christian.

In casting a vote, judgment should ultimately be guided by what we perceive to be the common good, a term not often heard in today's special interestcharged political debates. Our founders understood this, which is why they used the term commonweal, or commonwealth. But today's politicians pander to special interests, as we saw last year when congressmen dumped over $13.2 billion into earmarks, paying off special pleaders.

But if we look at politics from God's perspective, we see that he has a deep and abiding interest in all people being treated fairly. If God favors any "special interest group," it is the poor, the hungry, the unborn, the handicapped, the prisoner—those with the least access to political power.

This is why we Christians should never allow ourselves to be, as the press has often characterized us, just another special interest group pleading for our agendas only. But if we were a special interest group, we would be lobbying for the dignity of all, especially those who can't always speak for themselves.

So maybe a particular candidate isn't going to cut your taxes or vote for your favorite program, but the real question is, will he serve all the people, or only the loudest?

After considering these criteria, if you are still tempted to stay home on Election Day, dust off your copy of The City of God, in which Augustine introduces us to the idea that we live in both the City of God and the City of Man. In describing them, he reiterated Jesus' teaching that while Christians live in the City of Man, they do not belong to it. We are like sojourners in a foreign country; our true home is the City of God.

But Augustine also taught that if we are to enjoy the blessings of the City of Man, we must assume the obligations of citizenship. Instead of doing our civic duty out of compulsion, the Christian does it gladly, out of obedience to God and love of neighbor.

Augustine's teaching also helps us to put the coming election into perspective. Some will be jubilant over the outcome, others bitterly disappointed. But regardless of the returns, the City of God endures. When Augustine was informed that his beloved city of Rome was in flames, his response was that the City of Man is built by man and can be destroyed by man, but the City of God is built by God and cannot be destroyed.

On Election Day we should be the best of citizens, voting for the candidate best for all the people.

And then the next day, after indulging in your celebration—or pity party—get busy working to advance God's kingdom in this earthly society.

Copyright © 2008 Christianity Today. This article first appeared in October 2008 issue of Christianity Today. Used by permission of Christianity Today International, Carol Stream, IL 60188.

A place of peace...

2008-10-17T02:07:00.000-07:00

As the US presidential election approaches, the weight of my absentee ballot seemed to be getting heavier. I had done my research, prayed for wisdom, talked with people whose opinions I respect...the only thing left to do was fill in a circle and mail it in.

Working my way towards a decision was difficult for me. Living abroad adds a new twist on nearly every facet. I can't look at any issue or candidate without a French filter added. And my priorities are different living here than if we lived in the US. The president affects my day-to-day differently here than if we lived there.

After months of feeling torn, I recently came to a place of peace. The bottom line is that either candidate can do amazing things if their heart is surrendered to God. So my prayers will be for their hearts, for strength, courage, boldness, passion, wisdom and faithful devotion to God.

God chose a shepherd boy to be king and He equipped him. God chose a corrupt tax collector and He changed his heart. God chose a prostitute to help His people.

I have no doubts that He can use either candidate. Pray with me for them.

A reminder...

2008-09-04T23:52:00.000-07:00

My faithlessness doesn't change God's faithfulness. He continues to pursue me becomes He loves me and has a plan for my life.

Two loves...

2008-06-26T12:48:00.001-07:00

There can only be two basic loves: The love of God unto the forgetfulness of self , or the love of self unto the forgetfulness and denial of God.

- Augustine

Three little words...

2008-06-07T03:27:00.000-07:00

Recently we heard our friend Ken talk about the phrase women most want to hear from their husbands. I assumed he was leading up to how women want to hear 'I love you', 'I appreciate you', or 'You are beautiful' or something that reassures them of their husband's affection and devotion. Then Ken dropped the phrase and it was as if my breath had been sucked out of me. He was absolutely right, for this woman anyway.

The phrase I want to hear most from Jonathan is, "Tell me more." Those three words tell me everything I need and they show a genuine concern for what's important to me, what's on my heart and mind - and they convey his intention to listen as I open up to him. What's important to me becomes important to him.

A few days later I was praying, but not doing too well at it. I was more reciting and listing than anything - and of course, wondering why I wasn't hearing much in response. But then I heard it.

GOD said, "Tell me more."

Something in me cracked and the hurts, fears, joys, questions, grief and excitement I'd been burying inside poured out.

"Tell me more."

How beautiful that what's important to me is important to the GOD above all things.

HE really loves me, you know.

My slideshow...

2008-05-20T12:42:00.001-07:00

If I made up a cheesy slideshow of my life thus far, this song would be playing as the images faded into each other. I first heard it when a friend burned it onto a CD for me in 2003. Six months later I went through handfuls of AA batteries fueling my little portable player as I listened to the words over and over again, making fantastic use of the 'repeat' setting.

What I love most about the song is that it turns my focus back to the One is so much greater than I am, but loves me more than I can understand. It's easy to melt into its words when I'm surrounded by joy and blessings. But it's even more powerful for mewhen I'm hurt, frustrated, confused or afraid. No matter what my situation is, One is so great loves me more than I can understand. That's my slideshow message.

How Great You Are

A thousand sparkling stars upon a midnight summer sky
The majesty and wonder of the ocean's endless tide
And the more I see, the more I can't explain how the One who sets the world in place could even know my name.
And I'm amazed. I'm so amazed.

How great You are.
How small I am.
How awesome is Your mighty hand.
And I am captured by the wonder of it all.
And I will offer all my praise, with all my heart, for all my days.
How great You are.

A million snow flakes gently fall, yet no two are the same.
For colours fill the canvas of the seasons as the change
And everywhere I look I see Your hand.
Why You would love someone like me?
I'll never understand.
And I'm amazed. I'm so amazed.

How great You are.
How small I am.
How awesome is Your mighty hand.
And I am captured by the wonder of it all.
And I will offer all my praise, with all my heart, for all my days.
How great You are.

Song by Philips, Craig and Dean, from the Let My Words Be Few album

What I want to be...

2008-05-05T11:06:00.000-07:00

Humble enough to let GOD lead me.

And brave enough to follow.

Fighting...

2008-03-31T05:46:00.001-07:00

I am standing in the center of a battle wearing rusty armor.

But the tears and prayers are making it shine a little brighter.

Nobody but yourself...

2008-03-24T03:19:00.000-07:00

"To be nobody but yourself, in a world which is doing its best day and night to make you everybody else, means to fight the hardest battle which any human can fights, and never stop fighting."
- ee cummings

In the preface to his book Abba's Child, Brennan Manning talks about the presence of an 'impostor' in his life who is "...baffling, sly, and seductive. He persuades me to forsake my true self, Abba's beloved child, and, as cummings notes, become 'everyone else'. My greatest difficulty these past years has been bringing the impostor into the presence of Jesus. I am still inclined to flagellate the false-self, to beat him mercilessly for self-centeredness, to get disheartened, discouraged, and decide that my alleged spiritual life is merely self-deception and fantasy."

I probably read that five times for it to sink in. I've felt that way so many times, but never been able to put it into words.

"To be nobody but yourself, in a world which is doing its best day and night to make you everybody else, means to fight the hardest battle which any human can fights, and never stop fighting."

We're never promised a life without battles, pain or loss. But we are promised that if we look with all our hearts, we will find the truth...and only then does fulfillment come.

Dear God...

2008-03-16T10:15:00.000-07:00

I was wrong.

What I did hurt You, even moreso because of how much You love me.

Please forgive me.

To-do list...

2008-03-03T09:19:00.000-08:00

To do today:

Clear the way for the LORD in the wilderness;
Make smooth in the desert a highway for our God.

Fill in the valleys,
level off the hills,
Smooth out the ruts,
clear out the rocks.
Then God's bright glory will shine
and everyone will see it.
Yes. Just as God has said.

Tomorrow:

Clear the way for the LORD in the wilderness;
Make smooth in the desert a highway for our God.

Fill in the valleys,
level off the hills,
Smooth out the ruts,
clear out the rocks.
Then God's bright glory will shine
and everyone will see it.
Yes. Just as God has said.

This week:

Clear the way for the LORD in the wilderness;
Make smooth in the desert a highway for our God.

Fill in the valleys,
level off the hills,
Smooth out the ruts,
clear out the rocks.
Then God's bright glory will shine
and everyone will see it.
Yes. Just as God has said.

Next month:

Clear the way for the LORD in the wilderness;
Make smooth in the desert a highway for our God.

Fill in the valleys,
level off the hills,
Smooth out the ruts,
clear out the rocks.
Then God's bright glory will shine
and everyone will see it.
Yes. Just as God has said.

2008:

Clear the way for the LORD in the wilderness;
Make smooth in the desert a highway for our God.

Fill in the valleys,
level off the hills,
Smooth out the ruts,
clear out the rocks.
Then God's bright glory will shine
and everyone will see it.
Yes. Just as God has said.

Give me the courage to ask...

2008-01-20T02:01:00.001-08:00

...what I need to do to connect with YOU.

How did I get here?

2007-11-15T04:36:00.000-08:00

How did I get here? Here is right where I just left. Here is the last place I want to be. Here is right back where I started out. But I'm here again.

You'd think that after all we've been through, all the lessons and examples lived out, that I would have learned. But I took my eyes off HIM and looked at the waves instead. I decided I needed to save myself, to tread water and look for a buoy. But there was no buoy...and my arms grew tired of holding this weight. I looked around and immediately recognized where I was - drowning in a sea of doubt and unbelief.

There is a beautiful part in this mess I've made.

There's a loving Father with open arms. Already forgiven, forever forgotten. HE says, "Welcome home, my child. Let's take it from here."

Too busy not to pray...

2007-11-09T11:24:00.000-08:00

I'm reading a book called 'Too Busy not to Pray: Slowing down to be with God' by Bill Hybels. Anyone else identify with that title?

Chapters one, two, three and four were great, as expected. Also as expected, the botom laine comes down to clearing everything aside and giving your focused attention to spending time listening and talking to God. I just can't ever figure out where to start and what to say.

Page 45 spelled it out so clearly:

Psalm 62:8 says, "Pour your heart out to Him." Talk to Him. Say, "Lord, this is how I feel today...I've been thinking about this recently...I'm worried about this...I'm depressed about this...I'm happy about this..." Talk to the Father sincerely.

One of the gifts we've been given is that we can come to God at any time, just as we are. He doesn't ask us to become perfect husbands and wives, sin-free examples, committed Sunday School teachers, surrendered missionaries in a jungle, or to break the addictions first. Just as we are. With our crushed hearts, our skinned knees and our dirty hands. Let Him bind the wounds. All we have to do is bring in to Him and allow Him to take over.

Pour your heart out to Him." Talk to Him. Say, "Lord, this is how I feel today...I've been thinking about this recently...I'm worried about this...I'm depressed about this...I'm happy about this..."

Talk to the Father sincerely.

And we'll wait....

2007-10-22T06:45:00.000-07:00

Since ancient times no one has heard,
no ear has perceived,
no eye has seen any God besides You,
who acts on behalf of those who wait for Him.
Isaiah 64:3

One definition of 'to wait' is to look forward to eagerly. Another says to remain inactive or in a state of repose until something expected happens.

And so we will wait. We trust that Your plan is better than anything we can concoct (been there, tried that). We'd much rather wait for You to show us the next step than move without You.

In Your perfect timing, in your perfect way, show us. We're waiting...and we're excited.

Tonight...

2007-10-05T10:05:00.000-07:00

11:59, by Jonny Diaz

Eleven fifty nine pm
and I lie in my bed awake,
afraid that tomorrow and all of its problems
are only a minute away.

I guess that’s how I’ve always been
never content with my place
but scared at the very thought of growing up
and how I compete in that race.

You are the one who controls all time.
Can I bring you all of my fears tonight?
'Cause it’s getting cold and it’s sad but true
that it’s been a while since I laid here with you.

I have been hiding from you.
Silly you know where I’m at.
I guess it just took me here scared and alone
to spur on this overdue chat.

Sorry that I’m rambling on.
I just need you to hold me tight
and please will you stay with me until the morning
'Cause I am so lonely tonight.

Billions of people each with their needs
but I am so thankful that you’re here with me.

I know it’s me who has fled the scene
and you have been waiting there patiently
prodigal son I have chased my pride
but you’re always there with your arms open wide.

But because HE is...

2007-08-18T03:00:00.001-07:00

It's a good thing that I'm not GOD....

If I were, I would have provided for our needs by having my paycheck come in on time.

If I were, I wouldn't have allowed her to go through that experience that left her hating her reflection in the mirror.

If I were, I would have given him the ability to speak the language perfectly to make all of this easier.

If I were, I wouldn't have let that baby die before it met its wonderful family.

If I were, I would have softened his father's heart so that he could tell his family that he believed.

But because HE is...

HE provided for our needs through unexpected ways and even gave us the chance to take a vacation together.

HE used that experience to show her how beautiful she is to HIM.

HE is teaching us to rely on HIM to equip us.

HE wrapped HIS strong arms around them and comforted them in the way only someone who has also lost a child can.

HE spoke to him dreams, building the courage he needs to share with others.

Pour la durée des temps...

2007-05-27T06:03:00.000-07:00

L'Eternel règne.
Il est majestueux.

L'Eternel règne.
Il est ceint de force.

L'Eternel règne.
Il est sur son trône.

Pour la durée des temps,
Pour la durée des temps.

Dieu est puissant dans les lieux célestes.
Ses témoignages sont véritables.
La sainteté convient à sa maison
Pour la durée des temps,
Pour la durée des temps.

Puissance et force sont dans ton temp
Devant ta face, tout est splendeur.
Famille des peuples, rendez-lui gloire
Pour la durée des temps,
Pour la durée des temps.

Pour la durée des temps, nous t'adorons.
Pour la durée des temps, nous t'exaltons.
Car tu es grand, et digne de louange.
Eternel, tu as fait les cieux.
Amen

-- Fabienne Pons, 1989

Lift them high...

2007-05-17T01:04:00.000-07:00

Written by my friend, Marcy Watt

"I remember once in Sunday School class,
when I couldn’t have been more than 9 years old.
Our teacher told us the story of Moses and Joshua/Israel fighting Amelek.

How Moses stood on the hilltop, his arms raised high,
while Joshua battled in the valley below.

When Moses’ arms grew tired he lowered them
but when he did Joshua began to lose.
So Aaron and Hur helped him keep his hands raised high.

Our teacher had us stand and raise our arms above our heads.
As I stood there,
with my skinny little arms stretched above my head
they began to ache after a long minute
and I felt sorry for Moses, being such an old man
and having to keep his arms raised for so long.

We sat down and went on with our lesson.
I remember being relieved
I wouldn’t ever have to do what Moses did,
I wouldn’t ever have to stand with my arms lifted high for such a long time.

But my teacher didn’t tell us
that we would have to do this someday.

That there would come a day
when we would have to raise our arms high above our heads,
lifting our hands to a sky that seemed empty as a bell.

Because the battle waging around us would require that.
And our arms would grow tired
and our feet would grow tired
and our hearts would grow tired.

And it would feel as though the battle would never end.
That our tears would never run dry.

And we will lift our gazes to the cloudless sky
wondering why sometimes He’s so silent.

We’ll question the silence
and we’ll weep at the silence
and scream at the silence.

But we’ll keep our arms raised.
Because that's what faith does.

It keeps it’s skinny arms lifted high
even though the waters are raging
and our hearts are so weary we can barely breathe.

Because what else is there to do?
But stand in the middle of every fiery attack
with our hands stretched out to Him,
believing He will prove Himself faithful,
just as He has time and time again."

Be seen...

2007-04-23T02:05:00.000-07:00

Change my eyes.

Show me that the obstacles are not mountains to climb alone, but an opportunity to be carried by You.

Remebering my way to faith...

2007-03-12T09:50:00.000-07:00

Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. HE humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD. Your clothes did not wear out and your feet did not swell during these forty years.
- Deuteronomy 8:2-4

"Have faith in God," Jesus answered. "I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
Mark 11:22-24

Thanking in faith...

2007-03-03T03:51:00.000-08:00

"Only in a world where faith is difficult can faith exist."
-- Peter Kreeft

I read about Jesus feeding the five thousand recently. (Apparently I like this story.)

This time what struck me was this verse:

"Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, He gave thanks and broke the loaves."

He thanked GOD before the miracle - before the fish and loaves filled five thousand stomachs, before the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of leftover bread and fish. He knew their needs would be met (and exceeded) and he thanked GOD in advance for the miraculous provision to come.

So now it's my turn to follow His lead, and choose to I thank GOD for the blessings to come.

Peace

2007-02-25T01:01:00.000-08:00

Senegal is the only West African nation---and possibly the only African nation---that has never had a coup or a violent turnover in government. May GOD grant that this stability continues.

We have received several e-mails from people in Senegal asking us to pray for the presidential elections there today, Feb. 25th. There seems to be unrest in the country about this and even the potential that things could take a violent turn. Some small-scale violence has apparently already occurred. Please pray for the situation there not only during the elections but also in days following as the results become known. We understand that the results may be made known on Wednesday. Please pray for the situation in Senegal and especially that the door to sharing God’s Word there would continue to stay open in every way.

Thank you for praying. As always, our Senegalese friends and families are on our hearts.

Read more on BBC.

Reflection...

2007-02-18T03:05:00.000-08:00

Our relationships with people reflects our relationship with GOD.

(From a sermon by Dr. Ken Williams)

Beautiful strength...

2007-01-23T05:27:00.000-08:00

There is a friend I love to pray for.

Not because her life is so smooth-sailing and easy.
But because has relied on HIM to carry her through.

Not because GOD answers her prayers faster or better.
But because she'll stay and wait until she hears from HIM.

Not because she's always happy and smiling.
But because she opens her heart for HIM to heal her pain.

There is a friend I love to pray for.
Because she is a woman of GOD and her strength is beautiful.

Quiet you with HIS love...

2007-01-07T03:04:00.000-08:00

The LORD your GOD is with you,
HE is mighty to save.
HE will take great delight in you,
HE will quiet you with HIS love,
HE will rejoice over you with singing.

Zephaniah 3:17

Faithful to me...

2006-12-12T08:10:00.000-08:00

All the chisels I've dulled carving idols of stone
that have crumbled like sand 'neath the waves
I've recklessly built all my dreams in the sand,
just to watch them all wash away

Through another day, another trial
Another chance to reconcile
To One who sees past all I've seen,
and reaching out my weary hand,
I pray that you'd understand,
You're the only one who's faithful to me.

All the pennies I've wasted in my wishing well
I have thrown like stones to the sea.
I have cast my lots, dropped my guard, searched aimlessly,
for a faith to be faithful to me.

Through another day, another trial,
Another chance to reconcile
To One who sees past all I've seen,
and reaching out my weary hand,
I pray that you'd understand,

You're the only one who's faithful to me.
You're the only one who's faithful to me.

-- Jennifer Knapp

What I know...

2006-11-07T07:34:00.000-08:00

I don't understand what YOU are doing.
But I believe YOU are the one doing it
And based on what I know from walking with YOU, I know that YOU have the very best in mind for me.

In French there are two verbs meaning "to know." The first, savoir means to have knowledge based on facts. It's used when you're talking about knowing where a street is located or when you know how to make pancakes. Connaitre means to have knowledge based on experience, living, and familiarity with something.

As we plod through this stage in life, we are seeing our savoir knowledge turn into the knowledge of connaitre. The verses and stories we read and heard are becoming real as we see that HE is who HE says and HIS promises are fulfilled.

Even though I don't understand what YOU are doing, I believe YOU are the one doing it.

And based on what I know from walking with YOU, I know that YOU have the very best in mind for me.

Asking for the impossible...

2006-11-02T03:17:00.000-08:00

I was inspired by Keely's blog to ask GOD for the impossible. 1 John 5:14 assures us that, "if we ask anything according to HIS will, HE hears us." If we delight ourselves in the LORD, "HE will give you the desires of your heart," says Psalm 37:4.

My first prayer is that our hearts will be fully tuned in to HIS, and not selfish or distracted.

"...For GOD is greater than our hearts and HE knows everything." -- 1 John 3:20

And I am asking GOD to do the impossible in these situations, according to HIS perfect plan.

- A work permit or other provision for me to work in France.
- French language abilities for Jonathan's classes, exams, written and oral presentation of his medical school thesis.
- To turn my homesickness into a love for being here where HE has me right now.

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." -- Hebrews 11:1

How do we recognize GOD's voice?

2006-10-30T06:38:00.000-08:00

How do we recognize GOD's voice? Good question.

First, I'd like to point out that babies can hear and recognize their mother's voice at 30 weeks in utero. Because they are with mom 24-7, they hear every word and learn to recognize her voice. How much better would we recognize HIS voice if we were tuned in 24-7?

I've been struggling with this one a lot recently. I want to make decisions based on HIS will. I want to be obedient. I want the life HE planned for me. But I'm not tuned in 24-7. So how do I know when it's HIM talking and where HE's leading?

I came across this set of questions that can be used to evaluate what you feel GOD is telling you. Talk about an eye-opener.

- Does it match up to what the Bible says?
If you're not sure, go here and do a topic search to find out.

- Does it go against human logic?
Sometimes...okay, often. Often GOD asks us to do things that seem crazy or illogical to show our reliance on HIM and our faith in HIS provision.

- Does it ask me to make a sacrifice or challenge my faith?

- Does it require courage and submission?

I'm guessing by now, you've got your answer. And sometimes that answer is simply, "Wait." Wait for ME to show you MY way. And then you will taste and see that the LORD is good.

Whatever You decide...

2006-10-23T02:40:00.000-07:00

Whatever You decide is okay with me.

I know You could bring this together if You wanted to. And I also know that You know what's best for me.
So I'm letting go.
It's in Your hands. I never should have tried to take it in mine.
I'm learning to trust in You, in all things.

Whatever You decide is okay with me.

I know that sometimes You ask us to walk the difficult paths.
Just walk with me, please.
Whether in the thunder or a whisper, speak to me the way.
Take my hand in Yours, and I will follow.

Whatever You decide is okay with me.

Why not my way?

2006-10-14T05:17:00.000-07:00

I was happy for her. I really was. But deeper down, a nagging jealousy started to boil up within me. Why had GOD answered her prayers, but not yet mine? Hadn't we prayed together a few weeks ago? So wouldn't it make sense for HIM to answer us at the same time? But HE hadn't. I still believed HE could, and even that HE would. But the louder voice was asking, "Why not my way?"

I'm guessing I'm not alone to have felt this way. In fact, I know I'm not. I have friends waiting for GOD to answer their prayers for a new job, a husband, a broken heart, a baby, a severed relationship, and some praying simply to know HIM. Sometimes I felt like I was repeating the same prayer over and over again, second verse same the first. Sometimes I felt like I didn't even know what to pray anymore because the situation was so far out of my control. Why did a GOD who loves me not answer when and how I wanted HIM to?

Because HE is GOD, not me. HE knows what is best for me. HE knows what I need. And HE is faithful to keep HIS promises.

Be encouraged as you wait and pray, watching for HIM. HE is GOD.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."
Jeremiah 29:11-13

"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:19

"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for HE who promised is faithful."
Hebrews 10:23

The Designer...

2006-10-13T05:13:00.000-07:00

It is a testament to GOD's love for me that he created someone to complement me so well, challenge me so specifically, and continually leading me closer to HIM. As much as I love the design, it makes me love the Designer more.

HE's just that good...

2006-10-04T09:16:00.000-07:00

Our GOD is good.

Jaw-droppingly good.

Faithful beyond my dreams.

And full of love manifested as surprises to make me smile with HIM.

The wisest words...

2006-09-11T13:35:00.001-07:00

The wisest words came from my mom. She said them years before I needed them, but gently tucked them in my mind and heart knowing that the day would come. I doubt she ever thought that they would be so significant in my life, in making a choice that determined my path.

"When you don't know where GOD is leading you, when you can't seem to see HIM, go back to the last thing HE told you."

So at the fork in the road, I turned back to the last thing I knew HE had clearly spoken to my heart. I took that road instead, and it brought me here today.

What was the last thing GOD said to you, and are you following it today?

"Obey GOD in the thing HE shows you, and instantly the next thing is opened up. The tiniest fragment of obedience, and heaven opens and the profoundest truths of God are yours straight away. GOD will never reveal more truth about HIMSELF until you have obeyed what you know already."

-- Oswald Chambers

Prayers needed...

2006-08-20T01:41:00.000-07:00

A few posts back I wrote about the need to be real with each other. How can we expect others to pray for us if they don't know what's really going on?

Here's a step towards being more real. We've compiled a list of things we'd like for you guys to pray about when GOD brings us to your mind. This is also an invitation for you to write us an e-mail or give us a call and let us know what your struggles are. (Click here to let us know.) We would love to be able to pray for you and see how HE answers. And we've got a few looong plane rides ahead with lots of free time, so get on it! (Click here - we're serious!)

- Pray that we would make the most of our time with family and friends in the U.S. We're expecting this to be our last trip back for a while, so want to be purposeful in building these relationships while we're there. Pray that we would be an encouragement to those around us. Each time we leave, we know it could be the last time we see grandparents and others. Pray that we would take the time and make the effort to let these special people know what they mean to us and how they've helped us to grow over the years.

Ephesians 1:16
I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.

- Pray that we would take care of all the details before we go, then be able to rest. The list of things to do before we go is getting longer and longer. Our friend Becky is going to keep an eye on our apartment and mail, which is a true blessing. However, we are expecting a few bills and also the annual housing tax to come due while we're gone. Pray that we would do what we can now, and then be able to let it go and rest while we're "on vacation." I have a tendency (okay, habit) to stay up all night worrying and then am grumpy the next day(s).

Philipians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

- Pray for me (Kari) as we help my parents pack up for their move to Budapest. Even though we are so excited about this next step for them, it has been very, very hard for me to accept that I will no longer have a "home" in the U.S. I grew up in Cote d'Ivoire, and obviously can't return "home" there due to the on-going civil war and such, so this house is my safe-place of sorts. Pray that I will make my safe-place in GOD, rather than in a place.

Psalm 71:3
Be my rock of refuge, to which I can always go; give the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.

- Pray for us to be joyful where we are. It's no secret that our situation inFrance is stressful. Between Jonathan's school in French and my not being able to get a work visa, we've often got our hands full of stresses and worries. But GOD brought us here and has promised to provide for our needs, and HE has. Pray that we will rest in that, and be joyful because of it. While living here has amazing perks (duh, it's France), it's also so easy for us to be jealous of our American friends who have houses, new cars, steady incomes, kids, etc... Pray that GOD would change our hearts and find our joy in HIM, not things.

Psalm 73:26
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

- Pray for our time together. While we want to see as many friends and family members as possible for as long as we can, we also need to make time for each other. One of the benefits of living in France has been building a strong and growing friendship in our marriage. Unless we deliberately make time to pray together and talk about what's going on in each other's heads, we'll be missing out on some of HIS blessings on our relationship.

Jeremiah 29:11-13
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

- Pray for our return. Six hours after landing, we have our first visa-renewal appointment to stay in France for the next year. From there we go straight into school orientation and classes for Jonathan, another appointment with French authorities, writing deadlines for Kari, bills due, and life in general. We also need wisdom and specific direction regarding Kari's work situation. Her boss is many months behind on payment and we need to know how to deal with this situation in a way that pleases GOD, rather than what comes naturally form our anger and frustration. If you only pray for one thing, please pray for this.

Psalm 143: 8
Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.

Thank you for praying. Did you send us your requests?

O what peace...

2006-08-18T09:15:00.000-07:00

O what peace we often forfeit,

O what needless pain we bear,

all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.

-- Joseph M. Scriven, 1820-1886

Good news!

2006-08-09T02:30:00.000-07:00

Good news here.

HE is Jehovah Rapha everywhere and for every person, for bodies and hearts.

Voice...

2006-08-07T13:11:00.000-07:00

I heard YOU speak to me through her this morning. It was beautiful. Give me the strength to hold on to it.

Sante Yalla - ANSWERED!

2006-07-27T10:34:00.000-07:00

The play on words in Sante Yalla may not be obvious to most as you have to speak both French and Wolof to understand it, but for us it's pretty accurate. In Wolof that phrase means, "Thanks be to GOD." But in French, the word sante means health. And today, we are thanking GOD for health. Health insurance, to be more precise.

Our current insurance expires soon as Jonathan no longer meets the requirements for "student coverage." (Still a student, just too...mature, shall we say.) So we've been dreading shopping for insurance, which would of course be more expensive than the reduced student rates. Between not knowing exactly what we need, where to draw the line for minimum coverage we want, deciphering the pages and pages of tiny print en francais, figuring how to pay for the inevitable price hike, and the upper 90 degree weather and two-bus ride across town, we were not excited about this venture.

But we made the appointment anyway, like the big grown-ups we are.

It went great. The advisor was actually a very knowledgeable intern who took the hour and a half we needed to explain everything, and didn't pressure us at all. We were able to find basic coverage to meet our needs, plus we can change short-term to fuller coverage (can you say that for insurance, or just women's bathing suits?) if we foresee any upcoming medical expenses.

Sante Yalla.

We are paying slightly more than we were before as "student and wife," but still so much less than we would in the US that I won't tell you how much. It may tempt you to fall into the sin of jealousy.

Sante Yalla.

Next hurdle: Renewing our visas so that we can stay in the country for another year.

Here's the thing. Our current visas expire in late September. You can only apply for a renewal appointment two months prior to the expiration date. As of today (two months out), they are booked solid through January 2007. Can you feel the stress in my neck?

UPDATE - This prayer has been answered!

Sante Yalla - HE is faithful, and HE will continue to provide.

Loneliness...

2006-07-21T03:04:00.000-07:00

The loneliness washed over me all at once.

As an extrovert, I think it hit me harder than my somewhat introverted husband. But to see that it's something he notices and misses too seemed to validate my loneliness and make me feel like less of a drama queen.

When I was little, my family attended annual meetings during which I got to play with the other American kids. Mom says my brother and I were awful the weeks(s?) following these meetings because we "got spoiled" by having all our little friends around all the time. After returning from a week of activities and fun, playing in the yard with my little brother probably just didn't seem too thrilling.

As much as we are looking forward to our trip back to the US this summer, I am dreading the return when we say goodbyes. I began praying shortly after we bought our tickets that it would be a joyful return to the place GOD has us for now.

France is a lonely place for us. We don't have "peers" that share our situation, past experiences, or future dreams. For Jonathan to be student at 27 makes him older than most of his classmates. For me to be a wife at 25 makes me much (much) younger than the women at our local market. Add to that the facts that we are Americans, Christians, here for more than one school year, and that I work from home...our social circle is pretty small.

What started out as an innocent comment about an hour ago developed into a full-on discussion about our loneliness. As the tears filled my eyes and my voice waivered, I was reminded of Psalm 73:23-26...

Yet I am always with YOU; YOU hold me by my right hand.

YOU guide me with your counsel, and afterward YOU will take me into glory.

Whom have I in heaven but YOU? And earth has nothing I desire besides YOU.

My flesh and my heart may fail, but GOD is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Aha moment....

2006-06-27T00:52:00.000-07:00

"Obey GOD in the thing HE shows you, and instantly the next thing is opened up.

The tiniest fragment of obedience, and heaven opens and the profoundest truths of God are yours straight away. GOD will never reveal more truth about HIMSELF until you have obeyed what you know already."

-- Oswald Chambers

Ah. Well that could explain a few things.

Pray with us that our hearts would be softened to what GOD is teaching us. Pray that we would be obedient in all things, even the things that seem crazy by human standards. Pray that HIS standard would be our standard. We want to grow in our understanding of and relationship with HIM.

Revival...

2006-06-03T01:27:00.000-07:00

"Prayer is the revival, because it is far easier for GOD to convert a heathen than it is to make HIS children pray." -- Dr. John Hannah

I don't know how I feel about that statement. To be honest, it makes me squirm a bit. I remember a man we knew in Senegal who was looking for the answers. He was a practicing Muslim, but still searching. The Qu'ran instructs its followers to read the Old and New Testaments (called the Tawrat, Zabur and the Injil). So he did. And he prayed. He prayed five times each day, as the Qu'ran says, and he also prayed for wisdom to know the Truth.

This man didn't even know to whom he was praying or whose words he was reading. And yet he prayed and read the Bible more than I did. That makes me squirm a lot.

"We don't pray because we're too busy to hear the cries of dying people," says Tommy Nelson, author of The Big Picture, "When we do hear, we tend to turn to GOD, and revival is the result."

I don't know about you, but when I hear "revival" I'm thinking tent meetings and people passing out. Not something I'm too interested in. But to clarify, the revival Nelson is talking about is a reawakening or reviving of our faith.

A reawakening or reviving of my faith. That interests me. I want to pray like our friend did, with passion and a renewed desire to know GOD. I want to open my ears and my heart to hear the cries of those around me. But I know that when I do I will also see how great the needs are, how insufficient I am, and how powerful and loving my GOD is.

But can HE handle 5002?

2006-05-23T23:22:00.000-07:00

I believe Jesus fed the 5,000. But can He provide us with rent money? After all, considering inflation since about 30 A.D., our rent is probably more expensive than feeding those 5,000 people an all-you-can-eat bread and fish dinner.

My buzzword for this past year is “being real.” Not too long ago, a very special friend of mine took a big leap into the unknown and confided in me what was really going on in her head and heart. She had strong doubts about the very core that we as Christians believe. She knew that I still believed, but needed to share her heart and be real with me in order for our friendship to be genuine. Even though the words she wrote broke my heart, even though it put a big elephant in the room with us on a few occasions, I appreciated her honesty, her willingness to open up and be real. If people can’t be real with each other, there’s not a true friendship between them.

So now it’s my turn to be real. I doubt. I worry. I wobble. But looking deeper, I do have faith that GOD is more than enough to meet my needs – every need. I don’t want to ever mislead people into thinking that I am some kind of doubt-defying super-Christian. Just the thought of that is making me laugh!

We moved into our apartment about a year ago. One month out of those twelve, we had enough money in our account to pay our expenses through to the next month. The other eleven months, we have prayed and ask GOD to provide for our needs. And HE has. We have never been late on a payment. Not school fees, not rent, not credit card, nada. Sometimes the money came in just in time, but it always came. It came from different sources, but ultimately, it came from GOD. And when it comes in, we give part of it back to HIM.

Jonathan came to Lyon for his school interview in December 2003, back when we were just buddies. He went to a spot that overlooks the city and to talk with GOD. During this time, GOD told him two things. First, that he would be accepted into the school. Second, that HE would provide. At that point, GOD still kept number three, “you will marry Kari,” under wraps.

So here we are. Two years later and two weeks out from rent and school fees being due. And what am I doing? I’m doubting. I’m worrying. I’m wobbling. But beneath it all, there is a peace in knowing that the Creator of this universe loves me and has promised to provide. And I choose to trust in that promise.

Let us hold unswervingly to the faith we profess, for HE who promised is faithful.
Hebrews 10:23

The LORD answered Moses, "Is the LORD's arm too short? You will now see whether or not what I say will come true for you."
Numbers 11:23

Then the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah, "I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?
Jeremiah 32:26-27

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.
Hebrews 11:6

Article from Le Soleil

2006-05-20T01:50:00.000-07:00

Translation of an article by Victor Diatta which appeared in Le Soleil, the national newspaper of Senegal. According to the World Factbook, Senegal is 94 percent Muslim.

United to spread the Good News, the Christian students of Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar organized a day, May 13, named Jesus Christ the Savior to share the Good News of salvation and to make their presence known to other students. Three groups of evangelical Christian students, Campus for Christ, Biblical Group for Dakar universities, and the Ker Jamm (House of Peace) church, are represented on the Cheikh Anta Diop campus. Each group worked separately, but decided to come together to make Jesus Christ known, and also to meet other Christians on the campus. The idea developed and plans were made as of May 6, 2005.

The program for this day included a praise walk, clean-up activities around the campus, organized discussion, skits, and tract distribution. Events began at 1 pm at the campus entrance on the Cheikh Anta Diop Avenue. The walk praising God and Christ went to the main street via building A, Coud, building E, and ended at the basketball court near building J. Here the students changed out of their white t-shirts identifying the three sponsoring groups and their goal and began working on campus clean-up projects. Their actions were a way of saying that they support a clean environment for the well-being of all the students.

A large, convivial meal wrapped up the cleaning activities and introduced a themed discussion, “The wrongs in our society, and their solutions.” The theme was selected by leaders from the three groups. They chose this theme because it is what is actually happening in their world. “Idolatry, abortion, adultery, fornication, violence, are some of the things that are wrong in our society, particularly for students. For all of these wrongs, Jesus Christ is the solution. The students of UCAD need to know this, so we’re here to tell them,” they said.

Mr. Charles Ouabego introduced the theme and reminded the students that since the disobedience of Adam and Eve, sin has been in the world. With sin came the wrongs of our society under the rule of Satan, the deceiver. “Today, the Good News is known to all of us: Christ came to deliver us from slavery to sin, from slavery under Satan and his army,” said Ouabego, “God placed Christ far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.” Ouabego concluded by saying that Christ has all power in the heavens and the earth. He is the solution to all the problems in our world.

Lively discussions followed this introduction. A skit was later performed and tracts distributed at the end of the day.

More information:
How to pray for Senegal?
More on Senegal
Who are the Lebou?
Fabulous Fish Tales

HE will be...

2006-05-03T01:31:00.000-07:00

When Moses asked GOD what His name is, the name GOD gives is YAWEH, which means "I will be what I will be," in Hebrew. (Exodus 3:14)

HE will be what HE will be. If I want to know what that really means, I have to look at what GOD has said, and then pay close attention to see how HE fulfills HIS words in my life. I can only truly know GOD by experiencing HIM, by having a relationship with HIM. This can't be done in an afternoon or a weekend, or even in two years in France. This is a life-long journey to discover who HE will be for me.

It's often easier for me to believe that GOD will be the Comforter, Provider, and Father HE promises for others. It's much harder to believe that in my moments of need, HE will be there making my cup overflow.

But that is exactly who my GOD has been for me.

HE has been my Shield in danger and warfare.
HE has been my Friend when I was alone.
HE has been my Peace when my world was turmoil.
HE has been my Truth when I couldn't find my way.
HE ahs been my Joy when my heart was drained.
HE has been my Father and made me HIS child.
HE has been my Comfort when the pain was too much.
HE has been my Provision when the world could not.
HE has been my Hope when I had no reason to look for it.
HE has been my Rock when everything else shook beneath me.
HE has been my Redeemer every day.

And HE will be what HE will be. Taste and see that the LORD is good, says the psalmist in chapter 34, verse 8.

Time to please....

2006-03-23T12:43:00.000-08:00

One of the greatest parts of being married for 570 days has been learning what we can do to make the other happy. Obviously when you spend a significant amount of time with someone, you learn about their likes and dislikes, what makes them tick, and what really drives them up the wall. Here are some examples of things we’ve learned:

Jonathan likes an apple variety called Pink Lady.

Kari likes little notes left for her to find.

Jonathan dislikes his socks folded into themselves.

Kari dislikes sweeping.

Jonathan loves hand massages.

Kari loves coffee with lots of milk.

Jonathan despises being late.

Kari despises feeling rushed.

You get the idea. When you love a person, it comes naturally to do things that please them, like buying Pink Ladies and trying to be ready on time. Conversely, you avoid doing things that would irritate them and make them give you “that look.”

I read a verse tonight that really clicked with me. Ephesians 5:10. It says, “and find out what pleases the LORD.” The verses prior to that explain that we once were lost in darkness, but now we know the Light. Jesus Christ said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

Because we know Christ, we are told to “live as children of the light, and find out what pleases the LORD.”

How do we go about finding out these things? You can’t really know someone without spending time with them. Think about it. If your friend tells you she met a great guy on the internet, wouldn’t your first thought be, “but how can you know him if you’ve never actually spent time with him?” He may be a great guy, but she can’t know that for sure yet. So there’s our first step – spend time with GOD. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to, “pray without ceasing.”

Pray without ceasing. Talk to GOD about the things that please HIM. Ask HIM what you can do to make HIM smile, or even laugh with you. Tell HIM how much HIS creation pleases you – that sunset over the lake in Iowa, Nicole’s smile, the stars in the St Louis sky, Mom’s eyes, intricate languages, Baby Astu’s little toes, coffee and cocoa, Jonathan hands, the sand dunes in Mauritania, Dad’s laugh…

Complete sentence...

2006-03-11T02:44:00.000-08:00

I am pleasing to GOD.

This was a hard sentence for me to write as part of my study this morning. Actually, the hard part was the period at the end. My mind kept telling my hand to turn that dot into a comma, and than continue with, "but I need to try harder." Or maybe "I am pleasing to GOD, but I need to pray more, eat less, read my Bible more, gossip less, give more to the church..."

Romans 5:1 says, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God."

When I read that verse, I get stuck on the sixth word. I can't ever remember the difference in justified and sanctified. So I looked up justified.

Justified:
To declare free of blame; absolve.
To free (a human) of the guilt and penalty attached to grievous sin. Used of God.

Let's try it again. "Therefore, since we have been [freed from blame and penalty] through faith, we have peace with God..." Faith refers to the decision to accept Christ's gift when He took our sins from us and paid the penalty with His life. This means that even though I sin (often and repeatedly), the penalty has already been paid by Christ. (See Romans 6:23)

"... we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God."

I am now free, at peace with God. He loves me as I am right now. Can I improve in some areas? Sure. But His love does not depend on those improvements. By human standards, worth is based on our contributions to society, our accomplishments, how much money we make, etc... But God declared I was valuable when He gave His Son to die for me. That currency doesn't fluxuate.

And I can rejoice in the fact that when I write, "I am pleasing to GOD," it is a complete sentence.

A calf in my mirror...

2006-02-23T12:41:00.000-08:00

I've been reading in Exodus lately. I read about GOD leading the Israelites out of Egypt where they were slaves, sending a pillar of smoke and fire to guide them, parting the Red Sea for their escape from Pharoah, providing water and manna in the desert...

Later on Moses gave the people the 10 commandments and in Exodus 24:7 they're all like, "Woohoo! We'll do it." Aaron is named the priest and annointed.

Then Moses leaves to go meet GOD on the mountain. Exodus 32:1 says the people thought he was "delaying" in returning. However long he was gone, that's all the time it took for the people to want something new and tangible...and even Aaron caved in! He collected all their gold and made it into a golden calf for them to worship.

I looked at Jonathan at this point and was like, "Seriously. He was just named priest and he's already turning to worship something else..." and before the sentence was out it was like huge mirror in front of my face.

How many times has GOD been faithful and I still turn to look for something tangible rather than trusting in HIM and waiting for HIS timetable?

Praise You in this storm...

2006-02-08T07:24:00.000-08:00

I just heard this song for the first time today. And I've probably heard it 25 times already since it's on repeat. These words are exactly where our heart is right now We can see the storm on all sides. And in the midst, we choose to praise HIM.

Pray for us to have the strength and wisdom to trust and rely on HIM alone.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love HIM, who have been called according to HIS purpose. (Romans 8:28)

From Lifesong cd, by Casting Crowns

I was sure by now
That You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say "Amen"
and it's still raining

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God
Who gives and takes away

I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For you are who you are
No matter where I am
Every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise you in this storm

I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry You raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can't find You

I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth

Leg of ram and a prayer...

2006-01-14T01:40:00.000-08:00

We got an e-mail yesterday from Pape Dieye, our friend from Senegal. Jonathan lived with Pape and his family for about a year and a half, so they're pretty close. Pape said in his e-mail that they celebrated Korite this week, which is part of the Muslim Ramadan festivties. He also said that they saved a leg of the sacrificed ram for us to eat upon our return.

They sacrifice a perfect ram to cover their sins from the previous year. But we know that the perfect sacrifice that covers all of our sins has already been made.

This Man, from Jeremy Camp's Restored cd

In only moment truth
Was seen revealed this mystery
The crown that showed no dignity he wore
And the king was placed for all the world
To show disgrace but only beauty flowed from his face

Would you take the place of this man?
Would you take the nails from his hands?
Would you take the place of this man?
Would you take the nails from his hands?

He held the weight of impurity the father
Would not see
The reasons had finally come to be to
Show the depth of his grace flowed with
Every sin he erased he knew that this was
Why he came

Would you take the place of this man?
Would you take the nails from his hands?
Would you take the place of this man?
Would you take the nails from his hands?

And we just don't know the blood and
Water flowed and in it all he showed just
How much he cared
And the veil was torn so we could have
This open door and all these things have
Finally been complete

Cry out to Jesus...

2006-01-01T09:30:00.000-08:00

Third Day - From the album Wherever You Are

To everyone who's lost someone they love
Long before it was their time
You feel like the days you had were not enough
when you said goodbye

And to all of the people with burdens and pains
Keeping you back from your life
You believe that there's nothing and there is no one
Who can make it right

There is hope for the helpless
Rest for the weary
Love for the broken heart
There is grace and forgiveness
Mercy and healing
He'll meet you wherever you are
Cry out to Jesus, Cry out to Jesus

For the marriage that's struggling just to hang on
They’ve lost all of their faith in love
They've done all they can to make it right again
Still it's not enough

For the ones who can't break the addictions and chains
You try to give up but you come back again
Just remember that you're not alone in your shame
And your suffering

When you're lonely
And it feels like the whole world is falling on you
You just reach out, you just cry out to Jesus
Cry to Jesus

To the widow who suffers from being alone
Wiping the tears from her eyes
For the children around the world without a home
Say a prayer tonight

From my friend, Amy...

2005-12-06T08:52:00.000-08:00

Kari,

Since we moved to Louisville, I have been praying for God to send us some international friends. Last night I was in the grocery, and saw these two black girls (maybe in their 20's) who were obviously not American. They were speaking what sounded like a tribal language, but I could tell it wasn't from southern Africa. They walked away, and I started feeling convicted that I should go speak to them. I looked all over the store, but couldn't find them. When I went to the register, I saw them in line! I got behind them, but there was a lady inbetween us. I prayed, "Lord if you want me to say something to them, then somehow hold them up until I pay for my groceries." They went through the line and one girl decided to go back and buy something. So the other girl waitied on the bench. The lady in front of me paid, and then I paid, and she was still sitting there! So I spoke to her and asked where she was from--Dakar, Senegal. I said that I had lived in Africa and had a good friend in Senegal. And Kari, the Lord brought the words from your website back to mind- I said "Yalla Baxnaa" and her face lit up! Then I told her that was all I knew- she spoke Wolof, French and English all very well. We exchanged phone numbers and plan to have attaya soon (another word that the Lord brought to my mouth!).

Just thought you would enjoy hearing about this divine appointment!

Hope you and Trey are well- Merry Christmas!

Love,

Amy

What Thanksgiving Can Do

2005-11-28T07:44:00.000-08:00

By John Fischer

The worst moment for an atheist comes when he is really thankful and has no one to thank.
- Unknown

Thanksgiving is the theme song of the Christian. For a Christian not to be thankful is like a dog not to wag his tail at his owner's approach.

Thankful Christians walk around grateful for every breath, every sunset, every new morning, every color in the color spectrum, and every star in the sky. Like an alcoholic who is clean and sober, noticing beauty and taste for the first time, we are grateful just to be alive because we have been dead for so long.

It's hard to think of one vice that the virtue of thankfulness cannot render useless. One does not need to steal when one is thankful. A man does not covet his neighbor's wife when he is thankful for his own. No one craves more when he is grateful for what he has.

In the same way, a thankful heart cancels out pride and arrogance. No need to judge other people when you are thankful for who you are. No need to measure yourself by and compare yourself to others when you are thankful for what God has done in your life. No need to keep anyone out of the kingdom of God when you're overwhelmed that you got in. (God can let in anyone He wants. I am simply glad to be counted among the saved.)

You don't care if you get the important seat at the table when you are overcome with gratitude at simply being invited to the dinner. You don't put heavy weights on other people's shoulders when you are thankful that God has lightened your own load. You are not obsessed with what other people think of you when you are overwhelmed with the fact that God is thinking about you all the time. You don't demand respect when you are thankful for your place. You don't have to hide your own sin when you are already thankful for God's forgiveness. You don't have to protect your image when you are already number one with God. You don't have to condemn other people's blindness when it's only the grace of God that has allowed you to see. You don't have to try for the highest place when you are already grateful for whatever place you were given. You don't have to make a show of spirituality when you are thankful for having received the Spirit. You don't have to clothe yourself in holy robes when you have been already clothed in righteousness. You don't have to be full of yourself when you are thankful that God has filled you up with Himself.

Not only do we have a lot to be thankful for, our thankfulness can accomplish much.

Faith and patience, like peas and carrots

2005-10-21T01:05:00.000-07:00

Genesis 15:1-6
Afterward the LORD spoke to Abram in a vision and said to him, "Do not be afraid, Abram, for I will protect you, and your reward will be great."
But Abram replied, "O Sovereign LORD, what good are all your blessings when I don't even have a son? Since I don't have a son, Eliezer of Damascus, a servant in my household, will inherit all my wealth. You have given me no children, so one of my servants will have to be my heir."
Then the LORD said to him, "No, your servant will not be your heir, for you will have a son of your own to inherit everything I am giving you." Then the LORD brought Abram outside beneath the night sky and told him, "Look up into the heavens and count the stars if you can. Your descendants will be like that--too many to count!"
And Abram believed the LORD, and the LORD declared him righteous because of his faith.

Genesis 16:1-3, 15
But Sarai, Abram's wife, had no children. So Sarai took her servant, an Egyptian woman named Hagar, and gave her to Abram so she could bear his children. "The LORD has kept me from having any children," Sarai said to Abram. "Go and sleep with my servant. Perhaps I can have children through her." And Abram agreed. So Sarai, Abram's wife, took Hagar the Egyptian servant and gave her to Abram as a wife.
So Hagar gave Abram a son, and Abram named him Ishmael.

GOD promised Abram that he would have many descendants - his own children, not those of his servants. Abram believed because he knew GOD's character and trusted HIM. But as time went on, it seems as if Abram and Sarai forgot about GOD's faithfulness to them in the past. (See Genesis 12, 13, and 14.)

I'm sure that both Abram and Sarai struggled in their faith while they waited. They had seen HIS faithfulness before... but what if? Sometimes the "what ifs" can be very persuasive. Many of you have been there and you understand perfectly how tempting it is to take the situation into your own hands and "fix it." I read a book recently that talked about our desire to be our own god, always trying to to gain control of things around us. That's where Abram and Sarai were, and that's where we are right now.

Unfortunately, Sarai did not wait on GOD's perfect timing and plan, but went to the drawing board and came up with her own. And equally unfortunate is the fact that Abram didn't step in to stop her and lovingly lead her back to HIM.

When Sarai came to Abram and said, "The LORD has kept me from having children. Go sleep with my maidservant..." (Genesis 16:2) she essentially assigned the wrong description to GOD's actions. Rather than trusting HIM with the big picture, she focused only on what she could see with her limited vision.

The story seems to end with Abram first having a son named Ishmael with Sarai's maidservant, and later the son GOD promised with Sarai, named Isaac. But what we know now is that the story is still unfolding today as Abram's desendants are still at war. Imagine how different their story, and history, and the present would be if Abram and Sarai had been patient and trusted in HIS faithfulness?

Hebrews 10:23
Let us hold unswervingly to the faith we profess, for HE who promised is faithful.

Pray that...
... we will be patient, trusting and fully relying on HIS faithfulness
... we do not take things into our hands, but leave our lives in HIS
... Jonathan will lovingly lead me to rely on GOD, and that I will respectfully and submit to his leadership

From Jana...

2005-10-12T07:12:00.000-07:00

I sincerely apologize and ask your forgiveness for my lack of communication. I could offer all kinds of excuses about not having time, or not having internet on my computer with all your adresses, but really it's only one thing: this last letter to you, who have been with me from the beginning and up and down in between, represents yet one more closure to my life in Senegal.

Kari and Jana in Senegal

And true to form, I have been resisting that with everything in me. However, here I am: Texas! I have joined the growing ranks of ex-journeymen, confused and cold and stuck in 2 worlds. No doubt in my mind, the coming back is harder than the going. Not that I don't love america, it's just that the sense of loss is so acute. I know I left so much of myself in Senegal. I told myself that I was just not going to write this email, because I didn't know how to explain it. So I just won't try.

When I got back, I noticed 3 things: America is cold (inside), green, and clean. And I remarked on that, over and over and over again! And I guess I'm not as unique as I hoped, because I make the same mistakes everyone does. (ex: I forgot, completely, that a frappucino was cold. I was so upset! I think I cried there in the mall. If you've been there before, you understand.) I stood in the produce section of the grocery store, surrounded by so much, and started crying because I missed my vegetable lady on the side of the street. You noticing a pattern here? Yes, I've been crying alot!

It's been very overwhelming. and Life doesn't give you much time to catch up. I firmly believe (and I think Patrick and my family agree) that I should have been quarantined for at least 1 month, even though I had no noticeable communicable diseases.

Be all that as it may, here I am. I've traded the smell of dust, burning trash, fish, and tea for grilling hamburgers, mowing lawns, and coffee shops. The sounds of kids yelling, drums, goats and the ocean for English radio, roaring of football games, and the voices of my loved ones.

There have been times I would have given anything to go back (temporarily): the funeral of a friend, and the baby naming ceremony of Daouda's (my best friend, the nurse) new baby girl. He named her Roxaya Jana. She's truly my namesake.

But the times I've had here are gifts from God: at the beach with my family; ben and jerry's with my fave future new little brother, women's retreat with my future mother-in-law, celebrating my niece's first birthday with my mom and sisters. Kennedy, by the way, does true justice to her female Rosenburgh blood: absurdly intelligent, incredibly strong will and opinionated, and, of course, breathtakingly beautiful! :-). And most of all, time with Patrick, learning all over again what a gift from God he is.

For those of you who knew I'd gotten back, thank you for your prayers. I've needed them now more than ever. Sut since it isn't about me, please continue to pray for the Lebou, the Senegalese, and the world, that one day all will bow and confess Jesus is Lord to the glory of God the Father.

Goodbye,
Jana (Roxaya)

Giving to meet the need...

2005-10-03T05:02:00.000-07:00

I read an excellent book a while back called the Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini. It’s based in Afghanistan and the main character, Amir, is returning to his home for the first time since the war. During his trip, Amir spends the night with a family in their small, dirty, poverty-stricken house. As he’s eating dinner, he notices one of their little boys staring in fascination at his watch. Upon leaving, he gives the boy the watch as a gift. But later he sees it discarded and realizes the little boy had been staring at the food he had been eating, not his watch.

How many times to we give people something other than that for which they ask and need the most?

Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."
John 21:15

2005-09-30T01:22:00.000-07:00

The opposite of biblical love isn't hate, it's apathy...Christian love is an aggressive movement and an active commitment. In reality we choose where to place our affections.

Gary Thomas, Sacred Marriage

Thankful....

2005-09-21T02:39:00.000-07:00

We are thankful for...

...the time we were able to spend with family and friends in the US in September
...safe and smooth travel with all of our luggage arriving with us
...Jonathan's clear glaucoma test results
...Kari's job going well - challenging but fun
...our friend Hana Lee coming to visit in January on way back to the US from India
...GOD leading in the lives of my parents, Nicole, and Jessica and their response to follow HIM anywhere in the world
...having spent time with Chris and Kate and catching up with them
...the wonderfully long summer we've together and the remaining two weeks before Jonathan goes back to school
...Ken not only picking us up at the airport, but fixing us dinner as well
...the chance to finally meet Saaed and hear his story
...the day we spent with Jana, someone who shares our story

Much...

2005-08-10T03:05:00.000-07:00

From Ten Shekel Shirt's song entitled "Much"

I come to Your feet and weep
Remembering how You changed me
I kneel at Your feet humbly
I pour out my love and my thanks

I am the one who's been forgiven much
I am the one who loves much

I sit at Your feet in peace
Sensing a smile over me
I'm here at Your feet gladly
Giving my love and my thanks

Pray for Niger...

2005-07-29T06:13:00.000-07:00

From CNN article on July 29

But in one [aid agency], Abdulla Omar, 75, was so weak from hunger he could hardly walk. His 10-year-old daughter, Amina, pounded the family's few remaining grains with the fear that her father will starve.

"I can't remember the last time we ate," the father said. We are so hungry."

The United Nations issued warnings about the situation in Niger as far back as November 2004, after the country was devastated by a locust invasion. A later drought that lasted until this month worsened the situation.

From CNN article on July 25

The aid agency Oxfam warned last week that about 3.6 million people, about a third of them children, face starvation in this West African nation devastated by locusts and drought. The U.N.'s humanitarian agency estimates some 800,000 children under 5 are suffering from hunger, including 150,000 faced with severe malnutrition.

The warnings have been coming for months. The United Nations first appealed for assistance in November and got almost no response.

Pray for the people and the relief workers in Niger. Pray about donating some of what GOD has blessed us with to help others.

Oragnizations working in Niger:

World Vision
CARE
World Food Programme
International Mission Board

The Snake of Fiery Copper

2005-07-28T04:04:00.000-07:00

I recently heard someone make reference to a story in the Bible that I don't recall ever having heard before. In fact, had one of my Muslim friends in Senegal asked me if it was in our Bible, I would have said no. So I decided it was time to do my research, and it took me to the Israelites wandering in the desert.

The Snake of Fiery Copper
Numbers 21:4-9

They spoke out against God and Moses: "Why did you drag us out of Egypt to die in this godforsaken country? No decent food; no water--we can't stomach this stuff any longer."

So GOD sent poisonous snakes among the people; they bit them and many in Israel died. The people came to Moses and said, "We sinned when we spoke out against GOD and you. Pray to GOD; ask him to take these snakes from us."

Moses prayed for the people.

GOD said to Moses, "Make a snake and put it on a flagpole: Whoever is bitten and looks at it will live." So Moses made a snake of fiery copper and put it on top of a flagpole. Anyone bitten by a snake who then looked at the copper snake lived.

To be honest, this sounded to me like something an Imam would prescribe. Then I read John 3:14 and 15. "In the same way that Moses lifted the serpent in the desert so people could have something to see and then believe, it is necessary for the Son of Man to be lifted up and everyone who looks up to him, trusting and expectant, will gain a real life, eternal life."

Are you looking to Jesus, the Son of Man, for your life?

For Nicole...

2005-07-26T09:37:00.000-07:00

Lyrics from FFH's Follow Love.
We are so proud of you, Nicole. And praying every step of the way, which HE has already paved.

I'm gonna miss the simple town full of memories
I'm gonna miss just hanging out with all my friends
The rainy days and summer nights
Skipping stones by the river side
But I know.. it's time to go

So here's goodbye, here's so long
I must go and follow love
I feel my heart moving on
I must go and follow love
Carry on while I'm gone
This is what I've been dreaming of
I miss you so
But I must go, go and follow love

I've got a heart thats full of dreams
and a little bit of crazy
I can feel it pulling me to somewhere I have never been
I'm packing up and leaving home
To travel into the great unknown
It's time, I have to go

So here's goodbye, here's so long
I must go and follow love
I feel my heart moving on
I must go and follow love
Carry on while I'm gone
This is what I've been dreaming of
I miss you so
But I must go, go and follow love

We're not guarranted tomorrow
So we must just keep on living for the day
and make the most of every moment
every step along the way

So here's goodbye, here's so long
I must go and follow love
I feel my heart moving on
I must go and follow love
Carry on while I'm gone
This is what I've been dreaming of
I miss you so
But I must go, go and follow love

Jana...

2005-07-19T01:19:00.000-07:00

From John Piper's book, The Hidden Smile of God.

...GOD can and does use weak, sick, discouraged, beat-down, lonely, struggling saints who cry to HIM day and night to accomplish amazing things for HIS glory. There is great fruit in their afflictions.

- Please pray for Jana, our teammate in Senegal, who will be returning to the US next month. She has been living, working, praying, and sharing HIS love with the people of Miname for two years. Pray for her to have strength to finish well and for her transition to life in the US.

...There seemed to be a rock of electing love under him that supported him, so that in his darkest times he could still affirm the truth and goodness of GOD, even though he couldn't sense it for a reason.

GOD moves in mysterious way...

2005-07-13T07:22:00.000-07:00

GOD moves in mysterious ways
HIS wonders to perform;
HE plants HIS footsteps in the sea,
And rides upon the storms.

Ye fearful saints, frech courage take,
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy, and shall break
In blessings on your head.

Judge not the LORD by feeble sense,
But trust HIM for HIS grace;
Behind a frowning providence
HE hides a smiling face.

HIS purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flower.

(excerpts from William Cowper's "GOD moves in mysterious way")

2005-07-10T12:32:00.000-07:00

Prayer is the echo of the freedom and sufficiency of GOD in the heart of powerless man.
- John Piper, The Legacy of Sovereign Joy

The past six months have been a time when we have experienced GOD in personal ways. We have seem HIS love manifested through provision and guidance. We have found HIM faithful in keeping HIS promises. See for yourself how we have seen HIM.

See bold, blue notes beginning with "Reason for faithfulness" on May 6.

Our call to prayer...

2005-06-23T01:38:00.000-07:00

I read this article today and was amazed. I think I've been naive about Islam in the US. Many of the Africans, therefore Muslims, I met last fall didn't pray to Allah five times a day or fast anymore. But apparently many of them still do.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 06/22/05

By BRIAN FEAGANS
Photos by Nick Arroyo

As Ismail Massally launched into his sermon Friday, stragglers removed their loafers and squeezed onto the prayer deck at Masjid Abdullah.

Once again, an overflow crowd of more than 300 Muslims packed the tiny plant nursery-turned-mosque off Dickens Road in Lilburn. Massally's words echoed from the microphone clipped to his flowing white robe as he faced men wearing brightly colored kufis from Africa and south Asia.

"It is he, the almighty Allah, who has created different languages," said Massally, the imam at Masjid Abdullah. "Almighty Allah is the only being who understands each and every language."

He needs to at Masjid Abdullah. The men who press their foreheads against the mosque's gray carpet collectively have touched their brows to every continent, save perhaps Antarctica. Many who pray here say it is the most diverse mosque in metro Atlanta.

At Masjid Abdullah, a Somalian college professor prays next to a Puerto Rican mechanic who prays next to a Pakistani hotel manager who prays next a Haitian teacher who prays next to an electrical engineer from the Tanzanian island of Zanzibar.

"I don't need to know if you're Malaysian or from Norway," said Yahya Dominguez, a Puerto Rico native who converted to Islam six years ago. "I just get in line next to you and pray."

The popularity of the mosque, which has undergone two expansions since it opened three years ago, speaks to the rapid growth of two groups in Gwinnett County: Muslims and Africans.

Gwinnett is now home to at least seven mosques and Islamic centers, including three that have opened since 2002. And the number of Gwinnett residents born in Africa jumped more than 30 percent between 2000 and 2003, from 5,834 to 7,628, according to estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The African population has grown quietly as Gwinnett, where one in five residents is foreign-born, has evolved into a hub for immigrants from all over the world. Africa natives have few religious institutions or commercial businesses in the county, even though their numbers don't lag far behind more visible ethnic communities such as Koreans and Vietnamese.

Massally estimates that about 40 percent of the people who pray at Masjid Abdullah are originally from Africa. The faithful come from Chad, Ethiopia, Gambia, Guinea, Nigeria, Senegal, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania and countries in between.

Massally, 41, is from Sierra Leone. He was born the same week that his father was named to the West African nation's Supreme Court. Now, the theme of Massally's sermons often fit his middle name: Justice.

'As teeth in a comb'

Friday, the words rose from his rounded belly, through the gap in his front teeth and into the human rainbow standing in neat rows at Masjid Abdullah. He implored Muslim doctors to take their skills to the starving poor in Africa. He urged those in attendance to attend a Norcross benefit for victims of genocide in India. And he sounded the call for peace everywhere.

"[Allah] made you into different nations and different tribes not so you become enemies of each other," he said over the whir of nine ceiling fans. "You are all created equal as the teeth in a comb."

The message has proved magnetic. The number of people going to Masjid Abdullah continues to swell, despite its location less than mile from Masjid Omar bin Abdul Aziz, another growing mosque.

During the first prayer at Masjid Abdullah in the spring of 2002, a few dozen men gathered in the living room of what was originally a ranch home and, later, a nursery. Soon after, Massally had to knock down the interior walls to clear a larger spot. The congregation built a separate building for women. And last year, when both those spaces filled up, the congregation constructed a giant, open-air prayer deck. Now it, too, grows so full during juma'a prayer some Fridays that people have to pray on the ground.

Ibrahim Njie, a Gambia-born resident of Lilburn, said he strayed from his religious moorings a bit while living in Maryland partly because many Muslims there put their jobs before Islam. But he said the religious community at Masjid Abdullah is different.

"Here, the jobs walk with the people," said the landscaper who takes care of the mosque's grounds. "What I mean by that is people don't go to the mosque only if work allows, they go to mosque first and work follows.

'Learned so much'

Many of the worshippers who live or work around Lilburn say the mosque is the most convenient one for them. Others, such as Khalid Sheriff, say they come specifically to hear Massally.

"I've learned so much here," said Sheriff, an Ethiopia native who works as a valet at a downtown Atlanta hotel. He moved from Chamblee to Lilburn so he could more easily attend weeknight study groups focusing on the Quran and the teachings of Muhammad.

Massally, who has studied at various mosques around metro Atlanta, discounts his role in the Masjid Abdullah's growth. Muslims are moving to the suburbs for the same reasons everyone else is — schools, jobs and safer neighborhoods — and the mosque is absorbing some of that growth, he said.

The father of four is preparing for many more people to hear him deliver the word of Allah, however. Massally said he plans to tear down the existing structure and replace it with a larger mosque. The facility will house a certified Islamic studies program, he said.

The mosque's ascendancy reminds Massally of the story his mother told him as he left Sierra Leone for America nearly two decades ago. His grandfather, she told him, had a vision that Massally would be born with six hands. He was a bit off — Massally has a tiny, sixth finger on one hand.

But there was a second piece of the vision. The grandfather dreamed Massally would grow into a religious leader. And that part is coming true along Dickens Road.

1 Corinthians 1

2005-06-15T03:57:00.000-07:00

1 Corinthians 1:9
God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.

1 Corinthians 1:17,18
For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

1 Corinthians 1:25
For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.

From the tree of knowledge of good and evil...

2005-06-14T10:30:00.000-07:00

Endless invention, endless experiment,
Brings knowledge of motion, but not of stillness;
Knowledge of speech, but not of silence;
Knowledge of words, and ignorance of the Word.
Where is the Life we have lost in living?
Where is the wisdom we have lost in knowledge?

From "Choruses from the Rock," by T.S. Eliot

Jonathan's Final Exams Schedule

2005-06-04T00:43:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, June 8

8:30 - 9:30 Physiology
10:00 - 12:00 Physics
13:30 - 15:00 Cellular biology
15:30 - 17:00 Embryology

Thursday, June 9

8:30 - 9:30 Biomechanics
10:00 - 12:00 Anatomy
13:30 - 14:30 Kinesiology
15:00 - 16:30 History and philosophy of Osteopathy

Delivering an XL Supreme joy...

2005-05-12T05:22:00.000-07:00

Grace governs life by giving a supreme joy in the supremacy of GOD.
- St Augustine

...The key to Christian living is a thirst and a hunger for GOD. And one of the main reasons people do not understand or experience the sovereignty of grace and the way it works through the awakening of sovereign joy is that their hunger and thirst for GOD is so small. The desperation to be ravished for the sake of worship and holiness is unintelligible.

"Give me a man in love; he knows what I mean. Give me one who yearns; give me one who is hungry; give me one far away in this desert, who is thirsty and sighs for the spring of the Eternal country. Give me that sort of man; he knows just what I mean. But if I speak to a cold man, he just does not know what I am talking about..."

[This] is the reason that so many do not long for anything very much. They are just coasting. They are not passionate about anything. They are just "cold" not just toward the glory of CHRIST in the Gospel, but toward everything.

--------
I remember last fall when I was in the US and Jonathan was in France - separated for an unending 88 days. I remember the continual and building loneliness, the desire to share things with him, and the sense of being only half of myself. I know those around me during that time could tell you about my mood swings, my attachment to the phone, and the single focus of my mind and heart - a hunger for the one I loved and love.

But do I hunger for GOD in that way? Do I rush out of bed to read my Bible and see what love note HE wrote for me to read that day? Do I ever stay awake through the night just to talk with HIM and hear HIS voice? Do I realize and make use of the fact that the GOD who created the universe always has time for me and wants to be with me?

Cathedral steeple in the late evening

From our apartment we can hear the chiming bells from two cathedrals, every hour on the hour and a beautiful five-minute medley Sundays at noon. In Senegal we heard the cry from the mosque for the faithful to pray five times each day. Those who stopped to pray know what it's like to be hungry for GOD. They live in the desert and know what it's like to have a gnawing thirst that never seems to be satiated.

Senegalese man at his mosque in Dakar

Whether you know this joy and passion or not, we all have the same responsibility - to develop the relationship GOD is offering.

If you don't yet have it, find it now. GOD promises that all who seek HIM will find HIM. (Matthew 7:7)

If you do have it, strengthen it now. Pray that GOD would, "increase our faith." (Luke 17:5) Take the responsibility to learn more about who HE is, HIS love, and HIS word...which does not include the book of Hezekiah! (N.B.; Hezekiah is in the Bible. He was a king of Judah... see 2 Chronicles and 2 Kings.)

Reason for faithfulness...

2005-05-06T09:26:00.000-07:00

Yesterday someone put their finger on what I've been thinking in my head, but not yet put into words. We are learning that, "the only reason that we can be faithful because HE is faithful." This is the truth we are learning and experiencing.

Answers
- Jonathan is finally feeling better after being sick for almost a month. We have awesome health coverage here in France, which is another way in which HE is providing for our needs.
- Last week we asked friends and family to pray when we found out that the first payment for Jonathan's second year of medical school was due on May 14. We are nowhere near being able to pay it at this point. But people prayed and when he spoke with the school director we were told that we could wait as late as mid-July to pay!
- Things continue to move along for Kari's job with the magazine and Jonathan has a job possiblity for the summer that we are excited about.
- Jesse and Julie arrived safely and we had a great visit with them. They continue to be an encouragement to us, as our families are.
- GOD has provided our rent for next month. We continue to see HIS hand moving to protect us and provide for us in HIS timing.

Prayers
- Please continue to pray for our friends' baby who is now in ICU and expected to be there for several weeks. Pray that his body would be healed quickly and that in all things they would be able to see and hold on to HIM.
- Jonathan's finals begin on June 8. He will have eight written (in French) finals over the course of two days and then his oral finals for two classes. Pray for him to be motivated and focused as he prepares and studies. Pray for his language and communication skills in French. Pray for more opportunities to share with his classmates in this last month.
Jonathan made outstanding grades, especially for this being medical school in a lnaguage he began learning three years ago. GOD gave him wisdom, understanding, and language abilities and it is evident by his grades. Also, one friendship in particular has grown and Jonathan is able to share his faith one on one.
- Please pray for my dad and others from West Cobb Church who are in Belarus on a mission trip. Pray for wisdom, boldness, eyes and hearts that are open to HIM and HIS plans.
All of these prayers were anwered. And as a result my parents are in the process of moving to Belarus to continue HIS work. Please continue to pray for them, their church, and HIS plans in Belarus.

Learning to walk...

2005-04-26T10:46:00.000-07:00

Answers...
Let us hold unswervingly to the faith we profess, for HE who promises is faithful.
Hebrews 10.23
- Slowly, we are learning to walk by faith and not sight.
- We are moved and settled into our new apartment, which HE provided. It is a perfect match for us in all ways (location, budget, amenities, and it's so cute!)
- My parents were here the week we moved, which was also Jonathan's busiest week yet at school, so they were a huge help with moving, buying appliances, unpacking, etc...
- GOD has provided for our financial needs in every way, just as HE promised.
- Jesse and Julie will be coming to visit this week, and our friend Nicole is coming at the end of May. Also, it looks like we will be going to the US for a visit later this year.

Prayers...
- Jonathan's comprehensive finals begin the first week of June. Please pray for focus and motivation as he begins preparing now.
- Please pray for our friends' baby who is facing serious medical problems and will be hospitalized for at least five weeks. Pray for their strength and that they would draw on HIM for everything. Pray that we would know how to help them.
- We assume that part of GOD's plan for providing for our needs would include gainful employment at some point. Pray that we would be patient to wait for HIS best, but wise and obedient when HE opens that door to us.
Wow!! HIS best was definitely worth waiting for! GOD gave me six months to adjust to French life, married life, and also allowed me to be home and work-free when my parents, Jesse and Julie, and Nicole visited. Then just as our funds were depleted, HE provided a perfect job for me! It meets every single request I had in my heart - able to work from home and be here with Jonathan, uses skills I have but room to learn, flexible schedule and vacation time, interesting work, good enough to pay to keep us afloat, but little enough to keep us careful and reliant on HIM.
- Jonathan has been sick for over a week now. Pray for his recovery and strength, please.
After being sick for nearly a month, we found a doctor near us who presecribed very effective antibiotics and our insurance covered it all.

Lord, I don't know

2005-02-28T00:04:00.000-08:00

From the Newsboys cd entitled Adoration

You are the author of knowledge
You can redeem what's been done
You hold the present and all that's to come
Until your everlasting kingdom

Lord, I don't know where all this is going
Or how it all works out
Lead me to peace that is past understanding
A peace beyond all doubt

You are the God of tomorrow
Turning the darkness to dawn
Lifting the hopeless with hope to go on
You are the rock of all salvation

Lord, I don't know where all this is going
Or how it all works out
Lead me to peace that is past understanding
A peace beyond all doubt

Oh, Lord, you are the author
Redeeming what's been done
You hold us in the present
And all that is to come

Lord, we don't know where all this is going
Or how it all works out
Lead us to peace that is past understanding
A peace beyond all doubt

Count your blessings....

2005-01-31T01:01:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we were talking about having faith that GOD will continue to provide for us (an apartment after April, a job for Kari, money for school next year...) and decided to list some of the many ways GOD has carried us in the past months. It really gave us a clearer view of how much HE loves us and shows that by keeping HIS promises. So in no particular order...

- Last Thursday we found out that Kari can get a work visa here in Lyon. We had been told that once she found a job she would have to fly back to Atlanta to get a work visa, which takes both time and money. But GOD led us to the right person who directed us to an office here in town where the papers can be done.

- GOD blessed us financially so that we could pay for Jonathan's first year of medical school up front last September.

- Jonathan's visa for France was issued and arrived about 10 days before he left for France. Kari's was issued in one week, not the estimate of three months given.

- GOD has given Jonathan the ability to comprehend/function in French for his classes.

- When we registered for Residency Cards in France they set both of our expiration dates based on Jonathan's date of entry last September. This good for two reasons. First, we will be on the same schedule for renewals and all other paperwork rather than each of us going through the process separately each year. Secondly, they will ask for financial proof that we can afford to live in France each year. Our account will loook much better in September, just before we pay for Jonathan's second year of school.

- Three days before Jonathan moved to France last September he did not have a place to live for the first month. GOD provided a great place for him to stay with excellent location, roommates, food, phone access, etc...

- By the end of the week we should have a functioning French bank account. This process has taken two months, but all of the papers are in and approval is expected mid-week. And best of all...we have some Euros to put in it!

- We have made some friends in Lyon, including a couple about our age who live in our neighborhood. He's American and is working on a Masters in Lyon. They moved here last summer. (sound familiar?) We met them through another friend who has many connections for work and ministry in Lyon.

- The apartment where we are now is in a convenient neighborhood, fully furnished and has great internet/phone access.

- Jonathan received a great scholarship from his school for this academic year, but since we'd paid in full already we can take the check straight to our new account!

- We are eligible for a government allocation to help pay for our rent while Jonathan is a student. Once our bank account is opened, we can apply and should know something within a month of submitting whatever paperwork they require.

- There are several churches that we enjoy in Lyon and so actually have a selection of worship styles to choose from. This is great after two years in Senegal without a church.

- Thanks to a very generous gift, we will be able to got o Iowa in two weeks for Jonathan's mother's wedding and to see his family. Kari's best friend will also be there as wedding photographer.

- Our medical insurance situation is great! Between the French system and my insurance, all of our expenses have been reimbursed 100 percent and quickly, without problems. Kari will be able to go on Jonathan's insurance in two months, which will cost even less for same coverage.

- Before leaving the US all three of our vehicles were sold.

- We have full support and prayers from our parents and families. We are able to communicate with them often and easily so can keep up with each other, even when we're an ocean apart. Kari's parents are coming to visit in April, Jonathan's brother and his wife in May, and also Kari's best friend.