How stubborn are you?

It was getting past the time when little people should be tucked into bed, and we still had teeth to be brushed.  One was making the right movements, one was glued to the iPad.

Her mother gently urged her to get her teeth brushed.  This was met with silence, prompting a firmer tone.  "NO!", came the reply.  My eyes widened.  The showdown had begun.  

I'm sure I don't have to tell you who won... But just in case, it was NOT the three-year-old.  There were lots of tears, a spanking, claims of being unable to walk (can you say drama queen?), and eventually came the quiet of sleeping children.  

Aren't you glad we are past all that now that we're grown and mature?  I mean, we would never be willful and insist on our own way, right?  Ahem, RIGHT? 

Liar, liar, pants on fire.

It hit me with a sinking feeling tonight.  When I choose to do something that I know is not my Father's will for me, I am only a slightly more refined version of my niece.  

I mean, I didn't stamp my foot and scream NO!  Or run and hide in my bedroom.  Mostly because I'm theologically savvy enough to know I can't hide anything from God and also that He is infinitely more powerful than me.  But that sort of makes things worse.

But grace covers it, right?  When Jesus died on the cross, He shed His blood knowing what all sin I would commit, right?

As a born-again believer, grace DOES cover my sin, and there is no longer any condemnation for it.  But it mars the moment.  Rather than peace with my Father, there are willful tantrums, and sometimes spiritual spankings.  

My Father knows what's best for me.  He's invested His Son's blood in securing me.  You'd better believe He's going to see me through to the end.  

It's the age-old story.  Like in the days of the Judges, each of us prefers to do what we see as right, in our own eyes.  And Satan keeps telling the same lie... That you can't trust God or that His ways are best.

Ps. 32:9 Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridle, or it will not stay near you. 

Teach me Your ways O Lord.  Make me know Your precepts.  Then I will walk in paths of righteousness and know Your peace.

Independence Day

I didn't take one picture.

It's ok though.  The memories are stamped in indelible ink.  Right there.  In my brain for forever.

When you think you'll never have this moment again, you pay closer attention.  You hold that six year old nephew on your lap and breathe in his sweet aroma.  You tickle that three year old niece when she begs, just to savor her giggle.  And when that precious one - the one who almost wasn't - when she wants to dance... You dance!  

Oh, when they grow up and realize the songs they learned are from the 80's, we'll get some razzing then.  But there will also be a special place in their hearts for it - tied to happy memories of momma and aunts and grandma dancing in the living room.  Daddy and grandpa watching on - shaking heads in amusement at the silliness.  

It's locked in tight.  Hard to think of leaving it.  Of missing the moments of life for two years, maybe more.  

But then I think of those who know nothing of the joy or the satisfaction that comes from knowing Christ, and I can't stay here all selfish.  

I'm called to go.  No turning back.  My heart knows the price.  So I soak it in.  Savor the moment.  Prepare my heart to share with others what TRUE freedom looks like.

Happy Independence Day!

The Calling to Japan

 Where did it all begin?

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away... oh wait, that's someone else's story!  Actually, as I pondered where to begin, I realized I can't really tell you when it all began, because no one has time to hear my entire life story! (or read it!)

And so, I'll back up to Cambodia.  As some of you may remember - the Lord provided for me to go there last fall for $85 and Skymiles.  While I was there, I felt Him stirring my heart - but I wasn't sure to what...  

On September 18, I wrote in my journal, "Lord, I look around and I see people coming and going - and eventually it hits me - that almost all of them do not know You.  But I don't know what You are asking of me, if anything?  I know that if You are asking me to come here, then You will show me."

"A man's steps are directed by the Lord.  How then can anyone understand his own way?" 

                                                         Prov. 20:24

When I returned, I shared my heart stirrings with my pastor.  Wisely, he counseled me to pray about it for six months. 

In November, some "seeds" were planted with regard to joining a team in Japan.  I remember being very excited about the possibility, and asking the Lord if it might be possible to do some short-term missions trips to Cambodia, as part of that ministry.  Within three hours of praying that prayer, I received this in an email:

Cathy and I are really high on short-term mission trips.  One of the reasons this assignment is appealing to us is the opportunity to regularly lead trips to Thailand and Cambodia...  If you were to join us in Yokosuka, we would love to have you be a huge part of planning and going on the trips.  We would also be very open if you choose to extend your time down there on the backend of those trips to provide additional support...

 Talk about a fast answer to prayer!

One thing that amazes me, as I look back through my journal and my response, was the careful and patient response.  Taking time to pray, to seek counsel and to consider the Lord's leading.  I am amazed because of how impatient I have felt along the way... to know what the Lord was asking.  His timing is perfect!

In January I went away for a few days to really seek the Lord.  It seemed clear that I was to continue pursuing Japan - but I had a list of concerns that I asked the Lord to address.  Wow - and how He HAS!    And, I should add, He continues to address concerns and needs as they arise.  He is GREAT!

Shortly thereafter, I met with the elders of my church, and shared with them about what had been happening.  They affirmed me in moving forward, and agreed that I should continue in seeing if Japan was where the Lord wanted me to go.  

From my journal on Feb 26:

I woke up singing, "I have decided to follow Jesus... no turning back, no turning back"

The Lord again provided airfare for me, and in April, I headed to Japan to visit and seek confirmation.  Here are some pictures from that visit:
 

Future home?

Set up for Friday night dinner.

Busy clean up crew!

Tokyo Bay in the background.

An outing with some of the Lighthouse ladies.

 Needless to say - it was an amazing trip - and any concerns were removed.  A final meeting with my elders upon return confirmed this calling.

So, now the fun really begins!  As I prepare to go, there is much to be done, including:

• My transition out of my Human Resources role - which will happen over the summer.
• Raising additional support needed for living overseas.  I will be traveling this fall hoping to connect with people who will partner financially and in prayer so that this ministry can happen. (more on that in the future!)
• Transitioning well - I have been in Columbia for almost 20 years - the longest I've lived anywhere - and it will be HARD to leave family and friends.  Plus - I have two new cultures to learn - Japanese and Navy.  

If you'd like to financially partner in this ministry -  you can give several ways:

• To give a recurring monthly gift via EFT - click here. 
• To give a special gift online, click here.
• If you'd like to receive my prayer letters, click here to add your email address to my secure mailing list.

Updated Prayer Card

Things are starting to take shape - and sometimes it feels like it's happening at an alarming pace! 

On my current to-do list is to blog the amazing story of how God has directed my steps to Japan...  so, for those who you have been waiting patiently (thank you!!) - it should be SOON!  :)

In the meantime - I wanted to share my updated prayer card. 

If you currently receive my snail mail updates (all 2-3 times a year!) - you will get one in the mail in the next few months.  Suitable for hanging on your fridge!

If you don't get my updates - drop me a message - and I'll be glad to add you! 

For all the Single Ladies!

As a single lady myself, I'm alert to posts that are biblical and addressing singles' issues.  While Jolene Engle at The Alabaster Jar usually posts about marriage things (also quite helpful!), I always perk up a bit when she posts on singles. 

This week, she's posted two great posts:

The #1 Thing a Christian Woman Should Look for in a Husband

and...

Should Christians Live Together Before They Are Married? 

Pop on over and have a read! 

Actually - she has a whole page for single gals located here.