Lately I have been thinking about what I will do when my children turn 18 or thereabouts. The reason I am thinking of this is 1. I am a planner, 2. I have always looked ahead (way ahead obviously), 3. Women are revealing their struggles to me with their own 18yrs old, 4. My son is over 14 so it is coming up. Mostly the struggle and anxiety occurs when the child does not go down the right path. But I wonder, is it the path we as parents want them to go down, or do we consider that there might be another path that of course, God knows. When the kid is failing a class, is it always bad? When she is moody and doesn't want to talk or is always out, does it rub us the wrong way? When he drifts from God and church, what is God doing (or to our thinking, not doing)? Is God not answering our prayers or are we just missing the answer? Can we trust Him? This is our kid! Or is he really ours? Can we love, trust and rest in God in all this? Can we love the kid through the rough spots? These are questions I ask myself and other women that our coming to me. We wish God would shout down the answer, but He is. He whispers, "I am enough". A current song on the radio lately thrills me every time I hear it. It's main phrase is:
"Your grace is enough for me". I just wonder, do I really believe that? Do you?
Saturday, December 08, 2007
Monday, December 03, 2007
Lots of things b/c I haven't written in a long time
I may ramble but need to get these things out:
I finished my last difficult, annoying class on Nov 10th and pulled off an A for which I am grateful because it was very challenging to me and took a lot of my time, energy and effort. I almost quit, but I will readjust some things when my next class starts in January (work less, less classes,etc)
My husband gave me our Christmas gift early-he bought the new Nikon digital camera with those 2 nice lenses on it. It is so much better than our old Kodak. So we are clicking away.
My house is all decked out-It is really beautiful this year!It has the most decorations I have ever had. I really enjoy Christmas. One of our Pastors this week in church reminded us not to lose sight of our need for the Savior-our horrible, ugly sin and our turning away from our Maker. Isaiah 9 and 11 have brought me to tears thinking about how my great God made Himself nothing (think about it-He started out as a little fertilized egg just like the rest of us) to save us from our filth and ugliness. How could I be proud after that when He is so humble? I could I be so aloof when He is so approachable? How could I want anything else when He is everything? So I celebrate Christmas with a great bang because of Jesus and His worthiness to be celebrated and enjoyed!
So we missed Thanksgiving in NYC-disappointing. My brother had to go to sea early. But we will go another time. We had our good friends over and ate a lot!
I just finished the book by Thomas Brooks, a puritan, written in 1652 (although it might as well been written today for its practicality) called: Precious Remedies Against Satan's Devices. It was excellent. Here are some snippets but I would encourage you to read it:
Devices against the great and honorable of the earth:
Satan works them to make it their business to seek themselves, to seek how to greaten themselves, to raise themselves, to enrich themselves, to secure themselves.
Remedy 1:Self-seeking is a sin that will put men upon a world of sins, upon sins not only against the law of God, the rules of the gospel, but that are against the very laws of nature, that are so much darkened by the fall of man.
Remedy 2:Self-seeking makes a person become a servant to the creature. Self-seeking will make a man say anything, do anything and be anything to please the lusts of others, and to get advantages upon others.
Remedy 3:Dwell upon those dreadful curses and woes that are from heaven denounced against self-seekers.
Remedy 4: Self-seekers are self-losers and self-destroyers. He that is too much for himself, fails to be good to others.
Remedy 5:Dwell upon the famous examples of those worthy saints that have denied themselves and preferred the public good before their own particular advantage. (Moses, Daniel, Christ)
Remedy 6: Self is a great hinderance to divine things. Self-seeking blinds the soul so it cannot see the beauty of Christ nor an excellency in holiness. It distempers the palate so that it cannot taste the sweetness of the Word of God, the ways of God, nor in the society of the people of God. It hardens the heart against all the entreaties of Christ. There is not a greater hindrance to all the duties of piety than self-seeking.
Another remedy for disunity of the saints is:
To be much in self-judging.Were Christian hearts more taken up in judging themselves than condemning others, they would not be so apt to judge and censure others, and to carry it sourly and bitterly towards others that differ from them.
Labor to be clothed with humility. Humility fits for the highest services and yet will not neglect the lowest services. Humility will make a man bless him that curses him and pray for those that persecute him. Humility will make a man quiet and content in the meanest conditions...preserve him from envy. Did Christians more abound in humility, they would be less bitter, froward and sour... and more gentle, meek, and sweet in their spirits and practices. Humility will make a man have high thoughts of others and low thoughts of a man's self. Were Christians more humble, there would be less fire and more love among them than there is now.
This convicted me. What about you? This brings me to something my husband expressed recently. He basically thanked me for aruing with him! He was glad I was struggling to keep our marriage strong, but I thought it was quite humble of him. How often he takes my sharp tongue and is just silent or even blesses me instead. How much I have to learn from Jesus' example of humility, from Dave, and from others in my life. Here's a new year's resolution for us all: try to either be silent or answer kindly, gently, quietly when someone is sharp or even nasty to you. Whew! That will take not only all year but the rest of our lives.
I finished my last difficult, annoying class on Nov 10th and pulled off an A for which I am grateful because it was very challenging to me and took a lot of my time, energy and effort. I almost quit, but I will readjust some things when my next class starts in January (work less, less classes,etc)
My husband gave me our Christmas gift early-he bought the new Nikon digital camera with those 2 nice lenses on it. It is so much better than our old Kodak. So we are clicking away.
My house is all decked out-It is really beautiful this year!It has the most decorations I have ever had. I really enjoy Christmas. One of our Pastors this week in church reminded us not to lose sight of our need for the Savior-our horrible, ugly sin and our turning away from our Maker. Isaiah 9 and 11 have brought me to tears thinking about how my great God made Himself nothing (think about it-He started out as a little fertilized egg just like the rest of us) to save us from our filth and ugliness. How could I be proud after that when He is so humble? I could I be so aloof when He is so approachable? How could I want anything else when He is everything? So I celebrate Christmas with a great bang because of Jesus and His worthiness to be celebrated and enjoyed!
So we missed Thanksgiving in NYC-disappointing. My brother had to go to sea early. But we will go another time. We had our good friends over and ate a lot!
I just finished the book by Thomas Brooks, a puritan, written in 1652 (although it might as well been written today for its practicality) called: Precious Remedies Against Satan's Devices. It was excellent. Here are some snippets but I would encourage you to read it:
Devices against the great and honorable of the earth:
Satan works them to make it their business to seek themselves, to seek how to greaten themselves, to raise themselves, to enrich themselves, to secure themselves.
Remedy 1:Self-seeking is a sin that will put men upon a world of sins, upon sins not only against the law of God, the rules of the gospel, but that are against the very laws of nature, that are so much darkened by the fall of man.
Remedy 2:Self-seeking makes a person become a servant to the creature. Self-seeking will make a man say anything, do anything and be anything to please the lusts of others, and to get advantages upon others.
Remedy 3:Dwell upon those dreadful curses and woes that are from heaven denounced against self-seekers.
Remedy 4: Self-seekers are self-losers and self-destroyers. He that is too much for himself, fails to be good to others.
Remedy 5:Dwell upon the famous examples of those worthy saints that have denied themselves and preferred the public good before their own particular advantage. (Moses, Daniel, Christ)
Remedy 6: Self is a great hinderance to divine things. Self-seeking blinds the soul so it cannot see the beauty of Christ nor an excellency in holiness. It distempers the palate so that it cannot taste the sweetness of the Word of God, the ways of God, nor in the society of the people of God. It hardens the heart against all the entreaties of Christ. There is not a greater hindrance to all the duties of piety than self-seeking.
Another remedy for disunity of the saints is:
To be much in self-judging.Were Christian hearts more taken up in judging themselves than condemning others, they would not be so apt to judge and censure others, and to carry it sourly and bitterly towards others that differ from them.
Labor to be clothed with humility. Humility fits for the highest services and yet will not neglect the lowest services. Humility will make a man bless him that curses him and pray for those that persecute him. Humility will make a man quiet and content in the meanest conditions...preserve him from envy. Did Christians more abound in humility, they would be less bitter, froward and sour... and more gentle, meek, and sweet in their spirits and practices. Humility will make a man have high thoughts of others and low thoughts of a man's self. Were Christians more humble, there would be less fire and more love among them than there is now.
This convicted me. What about you? This brings me to something my husband expressed recently. He basically thanked me for aruing with him! He was glad I was struggling to keep our marriage strong, but I thought it was quite humble of him. How often he takes my sharp tongue and is just silent or even blesses me instead. How much I have to learn from Jesus' example of humility, from Dave, and from others in my life. Here's a new year's resolution for us all: try to either be silent or answer kindly, gently, quietly when someone is sharp or even nasty to you. Whew! That will take not only all year but the rest of our lives.
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Being a Good Host/other happenings
You may recall from some recent postings here that I was talking about the Reaching Out book and mentioning that people are guests and we need to create a free safe space for them in our lives and homes. Now we talk about how to become a good host:
"Once we become poor, we can be a good host." If you are poor you don't own anything so everything is for everyone else and you have nothing to lose. It is hard for them to hurt you when you don't cling to anything and you are willing to give all. Remember in Matthew "Blessed are the poor in spirit"-they are the humble.
"Poverty is the inner disposition that allows us to take away our defenses and convert our enemies into friends. We only perceive the stranger as an enemy as long as we have something to defend." It is hard to think we don't own all this stuff and even the people around us, but the truth is, we don't. God says all the silver and gold are mine! Everything is God's, including the people and children in our lives.
"Turning the other cheek means showing our enemies that they can only be our enemies while supposing that we are anxiously clinging to our private property, whatever it is: our knowledge, our good name, our land, our money or the many objects we have collected around us. But who will be our robber when everything he wants to steal from us becomes our gift to him?...Who wants to sneak in our back door when our front door is wide open?"
"Poverty of the mind as a spiritual attitude is a growing willingness to recognize the incomprehensibility of the mystery of life. ...a learned ignorance...an education not to master God but to be mastered by God."
"Have less to say and much more to listen to....people whose 'not-knowing' makes them free to listen to the voice of God in the words of the peo0ple, in the events of the day and in the books containing the life experience of men and women from other places and other times....with great attention...the continual refusal to identify God with any concept, theory, document or event, thus preventing man or woman from becoming a fanatic sectarian or enthusiast, while allowing for an ongoing growth in gentleness and receptivity."
"God...cannot be defined by any specific feeling or emotion....avoid adapting God to our small concepts...and our small feelings...poverty of the heart creates community since it is not in self sufficiendy but in a creative interdependedncy that the mystery of life unfolds itself to us."
"Training for service...not a training to become rich but to become voluntarily poor; not to fill ourselves but to empty ourselves, not to conquer God but to surrender to his saving power. ..hard to accept in our world which tells us about the importance of power and influence....we should like Paul, boast in our weakness."
Stay tuned in future for Henri Nouwen's thought on prayer.
___________________________________________________________________
New Ariannaism: We were hiking yesterday in the Shenandoah's/Appalachian trail (yes we were all off and all free and actually had an entire family day!!!!!!!!) when we passed by some growths on a tree. Elizabeth thought they look like ice cream. She asked what they were. I replied that I thought they were fungus. I also said they were kind of funky. So Arianna says, "Well they are funkus!"
___________________________________________________________________
Haggai talks about the people dwelling in nice houses while the Lord's house just sat in ruins, unfinished. The point: Do we care about our own stuff and kingdom or God's? How much time am I spending on my cares, worries, and stuff instead of God and His "stuff"? Then I remember, oh yeah, God, and give him "blemished sacrifices", easy things for me to do so I can "get Him off my back" so to speak. So I harvest but God blows it away, I drink but am thirsty. God wants my (and your) attention. He comes up with some interesting and difficult ways to get it. In Haggai I thought it was interesting that they were having a drought and their land was only producing half of what it should. Sound like our area? Hope you are convicted. I was! Read Haggai-only 2 jam packed chapters.
__________________________________________________________________
School is almost half way over. I have settled in and am doing well. It is a lot to think about and learn and I wonder how God is going to use me and all this learning.
"Once we become poor, we can be a good host." If you are poor you don't own anything so everything is for everyone else and you have nothing to lose. It is hard for them to hurt you when you don't cling to anything and you are willing to give all. Remember in Matthew "Blessed are the poor in spirit"-they are the humble.
"Poverty is the inner disposition that allows us to take away our defenses and convert our enemies into friends. We only perceive the stranger as an enemy as long as we have something to defend." It is hard to think we don't own all this stuff and even the people around us, but the truth is, we don't. God says all the silver and gold are mine! Everything is God's, including the people and children in our lives.
"Turning the other cheek means showing our enemies that they can only be our enemies while supposing that we are anxiously clinging to our private property, whatever it is: our knowledge, our good name, our land, our money or the many objects we have collected around us. But who will be our robber when everything he wants to steal from us becomes our gift to him?...Who wants to sneak in our back door when our front door is wide open?"
"Poverty of the mind as a spiritual attitude is a growing willingness to recognize the incomprehensibility of the mystery of life. ...a learned ignorance...an education not to master God but to be mastered by God."
"Have less to say and much more to listen to....people whose 'not-knowing' makes them free to listen to the voice of God in the words of the peo0ple, in the events of the day and in the books containing the life experience of men and women from other places and other times....with great attention...the continual refusal to identify God with any concept, theory, document or event, thus preventing man or woman from becoming a fanatic sectarian or enthusiast, while allowing for an ongoing growth in gentleness and receptivity."
"God...cannot be defined by any specific feeling or emotion....avoid adapting God to our small concepts...and our small feelings...poverty of the heart creates community since it is not in self sufficiendy but in a creative interdependedncy that the mystery of life unfolds itself to us."
"Training for service...not a training to become rich but to become voluntarily poor; not to fill ourselves but to empty ourselves, not to conquer God but to surrender to his saving power. ..hard to accept in our world which tells us about the importance of power and influence....we should like Paul, boast in our weakness."
Stay tuned in future for Henri Nouwen's thought on prayer.
___________________________________________________________________
New Ariannaism: We were hiking yesterday in the Shenandoah's/Appalachian trail (yes we were all off and all free and actually had an entire family day!!!!!!!!) when we passed by some growths on a tree. Elizabeth thought they look like ice cream. She asked what they were. I replied that I thought they were fungus. I also said they were kind of funky. So Arianna says, "Well they are funkus!"
___________________________________________________________________
Haggai talks about the people dwelling in nice houses while the Lord's house just sat in ruins, unfinished. The point: Do we care about our own stuff and kingdom or God's? How much time am I spending on my cares, worries, and stuff instead of God and His "stuff"? Then I remember, oh yeah, God, and give him "blemished sacrifices", easy things for me to do so I can "get Him off my back" so to speak. So I harvest but God blows it away, I drink but am thirsty. God wants my (and your) attention. He comes up with some interesting and difficult ways to get it. In Haggai I thought it was interesting that they were having a drought and their land was only producing half of what it should. Sound like our area? Hope you are convicted. I was! Read Haggai-only 2 jam packed chapters.
__________________________________________________________________
School is almost half way over. I have settled in and am doing well. It is a lot to think about and learn and I wonder how God is going to use me and all this learning.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
God takes joy in me?!
I was finishing up Zephaniah and read in ch 3 verses 15 and 17 the concept that God exults with shouts of joy over me! (in this case Israel). This, I admit, is hard for me to grasp. I can grasp taking joy in God because He is so wonderful, but most of the time, I feel like I let people and God down. I am disappointing. I sin against them. I am selfish. Yet He looks on me with joy and renews my heart. I have been struggling with school (what else is new?) and God reminded me that He surrounds me, takes joy in me, and renews my heart. When someone believes in you and takes joy in you, doesn't it make your steps a little lighter, your face smile, and your heart flutter? Sounds like first love. I want to stay in love with God. After all, He promises to stay in love with me!
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Parents and children
From Reaching Out by Henri Nouwen:
Regarding parents and children:
"children are not properties to own and rule over, but gifts to cherish and care for. Our children are our most important guests, who enter into our home, ask for careful attention, stay for a while and then leave to follow their own way. Children are stragngers whom we have to get to know.They have their own style, their own rhythm and their own capacities for good and evil."
"What parents can offer is a home, a place that is receptive but also has the safe boundarries within which their children can develop and discover what is helpful and what is harmful....can ask questions without fear and can experiment with life without experiencing rejection."
"many parents suffer from deep guilt feelings toward their children, thinking that they are responsible for everything their sons or daughters do. but again...children are not properties that we can control...they are guests... gifts from God"
"The temptation is... to cling to our children, to use them for our own unfulfilled needs and to hold on to them, suggesting in many direct and indirect ways that they owe us so much."
"A good host (in this case, parent) is not only able to receive his guests with honor and offfer them all the care they need but also to let them go when their time to leave has come."
This part really hit home for me as I tend to fall into the temptations to own my children and that I am totally responsible for them and only need to control them more. It scares me to think that one of my children might go astray, but that is where trusting God comes in. And therein lies a lot of my problems-often, I really don't trust God!
Regarding parents and children:
"children are not properties to own and rule over, but gifts to cherish and care for. Our children are our most important guests, who enter into our home, ask for careful attention, stay for a while and then leave to follow their own way. Children are stragngers whom we have to get to know.They have their own style, their own rhythm and their own capacities for good and evil."
"What parents can offer is a home, a place that is receptive but also has the safe boundarries within which their children can develop and discover what is helpful and what is harmful....can ask questions without fear and can experiment with life without experiencing rejection."
"many parents suffer from deep guilt feelings toward their children, thinking that they are responsible for everything their sons or daughters do. but again...children are not properties that we can control...they are guests... gifts from God"
"The temptation is... to cling to our children, to use them for our own unfulfilled needs and to hold on to them, suggesting in many direct and indirect ways that they owe us so much."
"A good host (in this case, parent) is not only able to receive his guests with honor and offfer them all the care they need but also to let them go when their time to leave has come."
This part really hit home for me as I tend to fall into the temptations to own my children and that I am totally responsible for them and only need to control them more. It scares me to think that one of my children might go astray, but that is where trusting God comes in. And therein lies a lot of my problems-often, I really don't trust God!
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Silence before God
I dislike the beginning of a new class. I just started my new course on Monday of this week and they hit you with all your assignments and what you should learn. 8 discussion boards with responses, 2 tests, 2 journal article summaries, ethics code analysis paper, research paper, tons of reading "and a partridge in a pear tree"! I just keep telling myself that God wants me to do this and will enable me to do it. The break was good and bad at the same time-good for the rest but bad because I got out of my groove. I am praying to get back in the groove.
I have been reading Zephaniah lately. I have been convicted about a couple of verses:
Zephaniah 1:7 Be silent before the Lord God. For the day of the Lord is near, for the Lord has prepared a sacrifice, He has consecrated His guests" I have been convicted about practicing the spiritual disciplines of prayer, bible study and meditation, and solitude. I need to practice more silence and waiting before the Lord. He knows what He is doing and I often do not! So why do I plan and talk so much? The day of the Lord refers to Jesus' return which for us will be glorious. So I will wait, be silent, and trust God.
Zephaniah 1:12 (The day of the Lord) It will come about at that time that I (God) will search Jerusalem with lamps and I will punish men who are stagnant in spirit, who say in their hearts,"the Lord will not do good or evil". vs 13 Moreover, their wealth will become plunder and their houses desolate, yes they will build houses but not inhabit them, and plant vineyards, but not drink their wine..."
Amos 6:1 Woe to those who are at ease in Zion (America), to those who feel secure in the mountains of Samaria..."
I question myself, am I stagnant in spirit? Am I so concerned about the creation and not the Creator? Am I preoccupying myself with the temporal things here on earth? Am I so proud that I think I am making things come to pass and that God is not do anything but just sitting somewhere up there looking on? May I always look to God and never be at ease and secure with the things and people here on earth.
I have been reading Zephaniah lately. I have been convicted about a couple of verses:
Zephaniah 1:7 Be silent before the Lord God. For the day of the Lord is near, for the Lord has prepared a sacrifice, He has consecrated His guests" I have been convicted about practicing the spiritual disciplines of prayer, bible study and meditation, and solitude. I need to practice more silence and waiting before the Lord. He knows what He is doing and I often do not! So why do I plan and talk so much? The day of the Lord refers to Jesus' return which for us will be glorious. So I will wait, be silent, and trust God.
Zephaniah 1:12 (The day of the Lord) It will come about at that time that I (God) will search Jerusalem with lamps and I will punish men who are stagnant in spirit, who say in their hearts,"the Lord will not do good or evil". vs 13 Moreover, their wealth will become plunder and their houses desolate, yes they will build houses but not inhabit them, and plant vineyards, but not drink their wine..."
Amos 6:1 Woe to those who are at ease in Zion (America), to those who feel secure in the mountains of Samaria..."
I question myself, am I stagnant in spirit? Am I so concerned about the creation and not the Creator? Am I preoccupying myself with the temporal things here on earth? Am I so proud that I think I am making things come to pass and that God is not do anything but just sitting somewhere up there looking on? May I always look to God and never be at ease and secure with the things and people here on earth.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Ah the Fall-my favorite season
School and activities are in full swing but I don't seem to be a lunatic this year. Maybe it is because I have such good friends to carpool with, or maybe because Dave and I made sure we streamlined what the kids were going to do and actually thought and prayed about each one, or maybe I have finally gotten a grip and decided to be peaceful in the midst of this crazy area with my crazy schedule. Anyway, I am pleased that I have not been hyperventilating lately.
The newest Arianna item: raw onions on ice cream-that's right. We were at my company picnic at Pratt and there was free ice cream so Arianna grabbed a cone. There was also free hamburgers with all the fixings. I happened to look across the table and saw the onions on her ice cream like sprinkles. All of us almost threw up, but she "liked it". She likes raw onions and ice cream so why not put them together? Logical.
David has amazed me lately. For those of you who think he is quiet, you need to be a fly on the wall at our home lately. He is mister outgoing and funny guy. I am glad he is so happy and that he is doing well and enjoying High school and marching band. He has lots of goals too, which I am amazed. The other day we were watching home movies of him as a 2 yrs old. What a cutey. Hard to believe he is the same little boy now.
It is so nice and cool. I love it. I have so much more energy and I don't sweat so much (I bet you are all glad about that).
Time to make hot soup!
The newest Arianna item: raw onions on ice cream-that's right. We were at my company picnic at Pratt and there was free ice cream so Arianna grabbed a cone. There was also free hamburgers with all the fixings. I happened to look across the table and saw the onions on her ice cream like sprinkles. All of us almost threw up, but she "liked it". She likes raw onions and ice cream so why not put them together? Logical.
David has amazed me lately. For those of you who think he is quiet, you need to be a fly on the wall at our home lately. He is mister outgoing and funny guy. I am glad he is so happy and that he is doing well and enjoying High school and marching band. He has lots of goals too, which I am amazed. The other day we were watching home movies of him as a 2 yrs old. What a cutey. Hard to believe he is the same little boy now.
It is so nice and cool. I love it. I have so much more energy and I don't sweat so much (I bet you are all glad about that).
Time to make hot soup!
Thursday, September 06, 2007
School starts
School has officially started as of Tuesday. All seem to be adjusting well. I am glad we are back to a routine and that they are learning again.
We did enjoy our last weekend though. I got out of work early Friday and took the kids to the mall, Cheeseburger in Paradise (which was surprisingly good, Dave met us there) and then to Funland for unlimited rides and attractions. We went go carting, frog leaping, bumper boating, and mini golfing (where Keilan only beat Nancy by 3 points!) We were there from 8-11:30pm which is a good deal for unlimited. ($20) This happens every Friday nightat Funland.
Saturday we had some good friends over-2 Brazilian sisters and families. There were 7 adults and 10 kids here! Keilan speaks portugese so they were chatting away.
Sunday was church, church picnic (at which I was glad to chat with new people (to me) and older friends. Then went to another friend's house for the last time in the pool.
Monday we "Ihop"ed (my favorite breakfast restaurant) then went to Great Falls, it was hot, the kids were crabby, but it was still beautiful. The houses on the way are really something-mansions, almost castles. I pray that those people use their houses for good in hospitality and service but fear that many probably do not. Even as a large family and with 4 kids, we don't get invited to people's homes much. Many women don't want their house messed up. We finished out at Carlos O'kellys (yuk-only went b/c we had 3 coupons-next time we will give them away).
More quotes from Reaching Out-we finished the part for now on Solitude (I bet you all are thrilled)
This part is on reaching out to others: from hostility to hospitality.
Creating space for strangers
"Our society seems to be increasingly full of fearful, defensive, aggressive people anxiously clinging to their property and inclined to look at their surrounding world with suspicion, always expecting an enemy to suddenly appear, intrude and do harm. But still-that is our vocation: to convert...the enemy into a guest and to create the free and fearless space where brotherhood and sisterhod can be formed and fully experienced."
"Hospitality, therefore, means primarily the creation of a free space where the stranger can enter and become a friend instead of an enemy...not to change people but to offer them a space where change can take place...not to bring them over to our side, but to offer freedom not disturbed by dividing lines...not to lead our neighbors into a corner where there are no alternatives left, but to open a wide spectrum of options for choice and commitment...not an educated intimidation with good books...but the liberation of fearful hearts so that words can find roots and bear ample fruit....The paradox of hospitality is that it wants to create emptiness, not a fearful emptiness, but a friendly emptiness where strangers can enter and discover themselves as created free; free to sing their own songs, speak their own languages, dance their own dances; free also to leave and follow their own vocations...Hospitality is not a subtle invitation to adopt the lifestyle of the host, but the gift of a chance for the guest to find his own."
"Empty space tends to create fear. As long as our minds, hearts and hands are occupied we can avoid confronting the painful questions, to which we never gave mujch attention and which we do not want to surface. "Being busy" has become a status symbol, and most people keep encouraging each other to keep their body and mind in constant motion....Occupation and not empty space is what most of us are looking for. When we are not occupied we become resless...even fearful. Being busy, active and on the move has nearly become part of our constitution...We have become a very preoccupied people, afraid of unnamable emptiness and silent solitude."
To convert hostility to hospitality requires the creation of the friendly empty space where we can reach out to our fellow human beings and invite them to a new relationship."
Next: Showing hospitality to our own children?! Stay tuned.
We did enjoy our last weekend though. I got out of work early Friday and took the kids to the mall, Cheeseburger in Paradise (which was surprisingly good, Dave met us there) and then to Funland for unlimited rides and attractions. We went go carting, frog leaping, bumper boating, and mini golfing (where Keilan only beat Nancy by 3 points!) We were there from 8-11:30pm which is a good deal for unlimited. ($20) This happens every Friday nightat Funland.
Saturday we had some good friends over-2 Brazilian sisters and families. There were 7 adults and 10 kids here! Keilan speaks portugese so they were chatting away.
Sunday was church, church picnic (at which I was glad to chat with new people (to me) and older friends. Then went to another friend's house for the last time in the pool.
Monday we "Ihop"ed (my favorite breakfast restaurant) then went to Great Falls, it was hot, the kids were crabby, but it was still beautiful. The houses on the way are really something-mansions, almost castles. I pray that those people use their houses for good in hospitality and service but fear that many probably do not. Even as a large family and with 4 kids, we don't get invited to people's homes much. Many women don't want their house messed up. We finished out at Carlos O'kellys (yuk-only went b/c we had 3 coupons-next time we will give them away).
More quotes from Reaching Out-we finished the part for now on Solitude (I bet you all are thrilled)
This part is on reaching out to others: from hostility to hospitality.
Creating space for strangers
"Our society seems to be increasingly full of fearful, defensive, aggressive people anxiously clinging to their property and inclined to look at their surrounding world with suspicion, always expecting an enemy to suddenly appear, intrude and do harm. But still-that is our vocation: to convert...the enemy into a guest and to create the free and fearless space where brotherhood and sisterhod can be formed and fully experienced."
"Hospitality, therefore, means primarily the creation of a free space where the stranger can enter and become a friend instead of an enemy...not to change people but to offer them a space where change can take place...not to bring them over to our side, but to offer freedom not disturbed by dividing lines...not to lead our neighbors into a corner where there are no alternatives left, but to open a wide spectrum of options for choice and commitment...not an educated intimidation with good books...but the liberation of fearful hearts so that words can find roots and bear ample fruit....The paradox of hospitality is that it wants to create emptiness, not a fearful emptiness, but a friendly emptiness where strangers can enter and discover themselves as created free; free to sing their own songs, speak their own languages, dance their own dances; free also to leave and follow their own vocations...Hospitality is not a subtle invitation to adopt the lifestyle of the host, but the gift of a chance for the guest to find his own."
"Empty space tends to create fear. As long as our minds, hearts and hands are occupied we can avoid confronting the painful questions, to which we never gave mujch attention and which we do not want to surface. "Being busy" has become a status symbol, and most people keep encouraging each other to keep their body and mind in constant motion....Occupation and not empty space is what most of us are looking for. When we are not occupied we become resless...even fearful. Being busy, active and on the move has nearly become part of our constitution...We have become a very preoccupied people, afraid of unnamable emptiness and silent solitude."
To convert hostility to hospitality requires the creation of the friendly empty space where we can reach out to our fellow human beings and invite them to a new relationship."
Next: Showing hospitality to our own children?! Stay tuned.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
couple more ariannaisms
ice cream to has cream
sleeping beauty to sleeping Judy (Dave's doing)
mutual edification to nutual edification
sleeping beauty to sleeping Judy (Dave's doing)
mutual edification to nutual edification
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Grades and Ariannaisms
I have 2 A's so far. God is not only giving me wisdom and ability to do this master's, but then confirming it with A's. I was excited. My professor also gave me what courses to take this whole next year. I am enjoying the break right now and have started reading my next course's books.
Some words Arianna has changed:
Caterpillar to Calipitter
Playground to Prayground
Bathing suit to Babing suit
Hospital to hostitable
We biked from Fall Hill Avenue canal path area down to Fredericksburg, Sophia street. Arianna is doing pretty well. They had discovery days there, celebrating 400 yrs of VA settlement. John Smith's boat, an actual exploring boat that was being manned by 12 young people covering 6 states waterways, Indian reenactments, Soldier displays, etc. It was cute. Some family time-Yay!
Some words Arianna has changed:
Caterpillar to Calipitter
Playground to Prayground
Bathing suit to Babing suit
Hospital to hostitable
We biked from Fall Hill Avenue canal path area down to Fredericksburg, Sophia street. Arianna is doing pretty well. They had discovery days there, celebrating 400 yrs of VA settlement. John Smith's boat, an actual exploring boat that was being manned by 12 young people covering 6 states waterways, Indian reenactments, Soldier displays, etc. It was cute. Some family time-Yay!
Monday, August 13, 2007
More quotes and school is over for now
I am done with 6 credits as of Sunday! I have a break now until September 17th which is much needed. He hasn't graded my last test, but I did well and enjoyed the rest of the assignments. I have the books for my next class and boy are they looloos! I will start reading them early.
Dave and I were married 17yrs on Saturday, August 11th. I got us both nice watches.
Here are more quotes from Reaching Out:
Solitude of the heart is what counts, and is "one of the human capacities that can exist, be maintained and developed in the center of a big city, in the middle of a large crowd and in the context of a very active and productive life....A man or woman who has developed this solitude of heart is no longer pulled apart by the most divergent stimuli of the surrounding world but is able to perceive and understand this world from a quiet inner center."
"with a solitude of the heart, we can listen with attention to the words and the world of others, but when we are driven by loneliness, we tend to select just those remards and events that bring immediate satisfaction to our own craving needs."
"be patient to all that is unsolved in your heart and to try to love the questions themselves..." Yikes, this is not me yet!
"It is in deep solitude that I find the gentleness with which I can truly love my brothers."
"Without the solitude of heart, our relationships with others easily become needy and greedy, sticky and clinging, dependent and sentimental, exploitative and parasitic, because without the solitude of heart we cannot experience the others as different from ourselves, but only as people who can be used for the fulfillment of our own, often hidden, needs."
When we are with others we should say as a friend in the book said to the author, "I simply want to celebrate some time with you."
I hope you are as convicted as I am after reading these or perhaps you have attained this solitude. How wonderful if you have.
Last week I was in NYC touring and visiting my brother. Our last morning there, there was a great rain and storms and water flooded the subway. A tornado also touched down in Brooklyn which is very odd. (I think it was because I was there). Anyway, all those people who could not get in the subway or buses, were walking on the streets/sidewalks. What a mass of people! It was very hot to top it off. I felt closed in. I thought it was busy in the Washington DC area-Ha! It would take me a while to feel peaceful in the midst of that, but God is not asking me to move there, but only to be content and peaceful right where I am. This is my challenge to myself and you wherever you are.
Dave and I were married 17yrs on Saturday, August 11th. I got us both nice watches.
Here are more quotes from Reaching Out:
Solitude of the heart is what counts, and is "one of the human capacities that can exist, be maintained and developed in the center of a big city, in the middle of a large crowd and in the context of a very active and productive life....A man or woman who has developed this solitude of heart is no longer pulled apart by the most divergent stimuli of the surrounding world but is able to perceive and understand this world from a quiet inner center."
"with a solitude of the heart, we can listen with attention to the words and the world of others, but when we are driven by loneliness, we tend to select just those remards and events that bring immediate satisfaction to our own craving needs."
"be patient to all that is unsolved in your heart and to try to love the questions themselves..." Yikes, this is not me yet!
"It is in deep solitude that I find the gentleness with which I can truly love my brothers."
"Without the solitude of heart, our relationships with others easily become needy and greedy, sticky and clinging, dependent and sentimental, exploitative and parasitic, because without the solitude of heart we cannot experience the others as different from ourselves, but only as people who can be used for the fulfillment of our own, often hidden, needs."
When we are with others we should say as a friend in the book said to the author, "I simply want to celebrate some time with you."
I hope you are as convicted as I am after reading these or perhaps you have attained this solitude. How wonderful if you have.
Last week I was in NYC touring and visiting my brother. Our last morning there, there was a great rain and storms and water flooded the subway. A tornado also touched down in Brooklyn which is very odd. (I think it was because I was there). Anyway, all those people who could not get in the subway or buses, were walking on the streets/sidewalks. What a mass of people! It was very hot to top it off. I felt closed in. I thought it was busy in the Washington DC area-Ha! It would take me a while to feel peaceful in the midst of that, but God is not asking me to move there, but only to be content and peaceful right where I am. This is my challenge to myself and you wherever you are.
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Some Quotes
I promised some quotes from these books I am reading because I am getting so much out of them:
Reaching Out by Henri Nouwen:
He speaks about the spiritual life and what he calls its 3 poles that we vacillate between:
1. Loneliness and solitude
2. Hostility and hospitality
3. Illusions and prayer
These quotes are from the first part:
"When we have no project to finish, no friend to visit, no book to read, no television to watch or no record to play, and when we are left all alone by ourselves we are brought so close to the revelation of our basic human aloneness and are so afraid of experiencing an all-pervasive sense of loneliness that we will do anything to get busy again and continue the game which makes us believe that everything is fine after all."
"By running away from our loneliness and by trying to distract ourselves with people and special experiences, we do not realistically deal with our human predicament. We are in danger of becoming unhappy people suffering from many unsatisfied cravings and tortured by desires and expectations that never can be fulfilled." because
"No friend or lover, no husband or wife, no community or commune will be able to put to rest our deepest cravings for unity and wholeness...Friendship and love cannot develop in the form of an anxious clinging to each other."
"To live a spiritual life we must first find the courage to enter into the desert of our loneliness and to change it by gentle and persistent efforts into a garden of solitude...Do not run, but be quiet and silent. Listen attentively to your own struggle."
Stay tuned for more on solitude or read the book!
Reaching Out by Henri Nouwen:
He speaks about the spiritual life and what he calls its 3 poles that we vacillate between:
1. Loneliness and solitude
2. Hostility and hospitality
3. Illusions and prayer
These quotes are from the first part:
"When we have no project to finish, no friend to visit, no book to read, no television to watch or no record to play, and when we are left all alone by ourselves we are brought so close to the revelation of our basic human aloneness and are so afraid of experiencing an all-pervasive sense of loneliness that we will do anything to get busy again and continue the game which makes us believe that everything is fine after all."
"By running away from our loneliness and by trying to distract ourselves with people and special experiences, we do not realistically deal with our human predicament. We are in danger of becoming unhappy people suffering from many unsatisfied cravings and tortured by desires and expectations that never can be fulfilled." because
"No friend or lover, no husband or wife, no community or commune will be able to put to rest our deepest cravings for unity and wholeness...Friendship and love cannot develop in the form of an anxious clinging to each other."
"To live a spiritual life we must first find the courage to enter into the desert of our loneliness and to change it by gentle and persistent efforts into a garden of solitude...Do not run, but be quiet and silent. Listen attentively to your own struggle."
Stay tuned for more on solitude or read the book!
The Drawers Won't Open
I promised Cindy I would post this so this is for you. Sorry it took so long and left you in suspense:
I was in Walmart a couple of weeks ago with all 4 kids (oh the joys of summer!). In the center of the main aisle where all the "we hope you buy all this stuff so we put it in the center aisle"is, were some plastic drawers. I stopped, of course because that is the point, and thought out loud that maybe these drawers would help our mess in the basement office-organizing. Then I tried to open the drawers-they wouldn't budge. So I said, "What is the point of these? The drawers don't even open!" So Jonny wisely says, "Mom (in his head-you dolt), they are taped shut! You would have to remove the tape." To which all four were almost on the floor laughing and now, almost every time they see me they say, "What's wrong with these drawers, they won't open" So mom the dolt will never live this down now. But it is good wholesome family laughter and keeps me humble.
Hope you get a laugh out of this too.
I was in Walmart a couple of weeks ago with all 4 kids (oh the joys of summer!). In the center of the main aisle where all the "we hope you buy all this stuff so we put it in the center aisle"is, were some plastic drawers. I stopped, of course because that is the point, and thought out loud that maybe these drawers would help our mess in the basement office-organizing. Then I tried to open the drawers-they wouldn't budge. So I said, "What is the point of these? The drawers don't even open!" So Jonny wisely says, "Mom (in his head-you dolt), they are taped shut! You would have to remove the tape." To which all four were almost on the floor laughing and now, almost every time they see me they say, "What's wrong with these drawers, they won't open" So mom the dolt will never live this down now. But it is good wholesome family laughter and keeps me humble.
Hope you get a laugh out of this too.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Books and Pray without Ceasing
Some books to recommend to you:
Reaching Out by Henri Nouwen
Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis (can't believe I haven't read this before)
I will quote from these in near future as I have time.
I have been convicted to pray more so pray I pray more!
Reaching Out by Henri Nouwen
Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis (can't believe I haven't read this before)
I will quote from these in near future as I have time.
I have been convicted to pray more so pray I pray more!
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
School and a walk in the woods
I finished my first course earning my first 3 credits toward my master's degree. I am currently in the middle of my second course. After this summer, I will only have 54 credits to go!
Tuesday we went to Locust Shade Park which is a bit north of Stafford on route 1. If you haven't been there, it is very pretty. Lots of paths in the woods, a creek, a pond, cute ducks, etc. Anyway, of course Arianna had "to go". She picks the most inoportune times to do this. Of course, there is no port-a-potty in site and no bathroom. She's jumping up and down. Off to a semi remote place in the woods. At least she had a skirt on (fancy that-her favorite article of clothing). "Squat" I say, and "don't get it on your shoes". She manages to go on the leaves and steps over them saying "ewww, gross". Wiping with a leaf was gross too. We walk back to our group and she says, "Wow, that was my first pee in the woods!" Yeah well, don't get too excited about that achievement. My friend says now she will want to go in the woods every chance she gets. As we walk back, of course a few yards away around the bend is a port a potty!
Tuesday we went to Locust Shade Park which is a bit north of Stafford on route 1. If you haven't been there, it is very pretty. Lots of paths in the woods, a creek, a pond, cute ducks, etc. Anyway, of course Arianna had "to go". She picks the most inoportune times to do this. Of course, there is no port-a-potty in site and no bathroom. She's jumping up and down. Off to a semi remote place in the woods. At least she had a skirt on (fancy that-her favorite article of clothing). "Squat" I say, and "don't get it on your shoes". She manages to go on the leaves and steps over them saying "ewww, gross". Wiping with a leaf was gross too. We walk back to our group and she says, "Wow, that was my first pee in the woods!" Yeah well, don't get too excited about that achievement. My friend says now she will want to go in the woods every chance she gets. As we walk back, of course a few yards away around the bend is a port a potty!
Friday, June 22, 2007
A possible loss
This past week on Tuesday, I was expecting Dave to come home between 6-7pm , his usual time. I was busy with kids, cooking dinner, had other kids over, etc. I kept thinking that any minute he was going to come in the door. Well, 8pm rolled around and the kids even asked where he was, then I got scared. Perhaps he left me because I have been such a shrew lately. I wouldn't blame him. That was out of character for him though. Then I thought that perhaps he was in an accident and he couldn't call me. But surely someone would call me? I didn't know who to call. I called his cell phone and work phone and only got answering machines. I was almost in tears. For that hour or so I really thought I had lost him. Finally at 9pm he called and said he was on his way home, that he had had a dinner meeting with work which he had told me about the night before and he said I had okayed it. This is probably true, but I had totally blacked out the conversation. Now some of you are thinking, "boy, Alzheimer's is starting early for her", but I realized the next day that perhaps God purposefully erased the conversation with Dave to help me realize what I have in Dave and to be more grateful and appreciative for not only what he does, but for who he is and what a hole he would leave in my life and many, many others if he were gone. So I am humbled and thrilled to pieces that I have such a man still. I hope God will let me grow old with him.
Monday, June 04, 2007
Finishing Well
I was able to go to Ohio on Memorial Day weekend to visit with Dave's family. It was very nice and a good break. While I was there , I asked my sister-in-law how her parents were doing. She said not very well and that they were both going down hill. I've known people that I feel have ended their life uphill. Now I don't mean physically because we all go downhill that way and die. I mean mentally, emotionall, and especially spiritually. My other friend says that is too vague a goal and that those people were always uphill. That is true to a extent but I want to grow and strengthen my good qualities that I already have then, and decrease the negative ones. (Control my reaction to stress, for example, most or all of the time). I want to finish the race God gave me to run well. I know He can keep changing me for the better and can perfect His work in me and I want that to be obvious until the end. So I continue on the road uphill. May you tackle the hill in your life.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Good memories and feelings
The other day I was at the gym listening to my Ipod, and the song by Mark Schulz came on:When you come home. He really does know how to get you crying. Anyway, the chorus is:
When you come home, no matter how far, open the door and into my arms, that's where you are loved, that's where you belong,I will be here, when you come home. So I got to thinking about my mom first and how I would be sad from something that happened at school, and I would come home and cry and sit in her lap and tell her all about it. As I got older, I didn't sit in her lap but she always came in my room and sat on my bed and would listen and then try to talk to me.Then I got to thinking of my dad, and how he always called me "mush" and told me how pretty I was and that I was going to make some man pretty happy someday. And I could just sit next to him and snuggle and not say anything and be totally comfortable. Then more people that have died came flooding into my mind, and all the good memories I have of them. Several of them have died this past year, and while it makes me sad, then I got a vision of heaven and what it must be like to die and have all those people waiting for you after you worship and love on Jesus first. I thanked God for the good memories and the peace and happiness they brought and for the anticipation to go to heaven. Of course, I'm on the elliptical and blubbering-good thing I had a towel so I could pretend to wipe off the "sweat".
That brings me to my good feelings for Dave-I have been struggling with my life and then trying now to do school (almost done with 2 weeks by the way), and he is being so helpful. Right now he is cooking us up something. I couldn't charge my Ipod the other night, so he comes right into the gym and brings it to me charged before leaving for work-a small thing you say, but so meaningful to me. He really is something and yet I can get so irritated at him! I always tell him I can't believe how much he puts up with me. But I am grateful, and I hope I do make him happy as my father predicted. He certainly gives me great joy while I have to be here on earth. So the Karen Carpenter song came on: Why do birds suddenly appear every time, you are near, just like me, they want to be, close to you...Corny song you say, but listen to it some time and the words. They work for me. Still blubbering....
When you come home, no matter how far, open the door and into my arms, that's where you are loved, that's where you belong,I will be here, when you come home. So I got to thinking about my mom first and how I would be sad from something that happened at school, and I would come home and cry and sit in her lap and tell her all about it. As I got older, I didn't sit in her lap but she always came in my room and sat on my bed and would listen and then try to talk to me.Then I got to thinking of my dad, and how he always called me "mush" and told me how pretty I was and that I was going to make some man pretty happy someday. And I could just sit next to him and snuggle and not say anything and be totally comfortable. Then more people that have died came flooding into my mind, and all the good memories I have of them. Several of them have died this past year, and while it makes me sad, then I got a vision of heaven and what it must be like to die and have all those people waiting for you after you worship and love on Jesus first. I thanked God for the good memories and the peace and happiness they brought and for the anticipation to go to heaven. Of course, I'm on the elliptical and blubbering-good thing I had a towel so I could pretend to wipe off the "sweat".
That brings me to my good feelings for Dave-I have been struggling with my life and then trying now to do school (almost done with 2 weeks by the way), and he is being so helpful. Right now he is cooking us up something. I couldn't charge my Ipod the other night, so he comes right into the gym and brings it to me charged before leaving for work-a small thing you say, but so meaningful to me. He really is something and yet I can get so irritated at him! I always tell him I can't believe how much he puts up with me. But I am grateful, and I hope I do make him happy as my father predicted. He certainly gives me great joy while I have to be here on earth. So the Karen Carpenter song came on: Why do birds suddenly appear every time, you are near, just like me, they want to be, close to you...Corny song you say, but listen to it some time and the words. They work for me. Still blubbering....
Sunday, May 06, 2007
More thoughts on Iceland
I have more pictures of Iceland and Honduras if you ever want to see them I was going to try to scrapbook them but that isn't happening anytime soon.
We were able to attend Bible study the first night we were there on Good Friday. Several people were there. Justin led it but the people talked. I was able to mention a few words of encouragement. I also met several Icelanders that night. Diana said she would take us to the Golden Circle, which is a circular route, tour of the church, geyser, water fall and something else we missed. She did take us there God bless her, on Tuesday pretty much all day. Needless to say, we made dinner for her. She is a young graduate from their secondary school and goes to an active christian youth group and is going to a christian leadership school soon in Australia. She was very kind to take us on that tour.
We also attended Bible study the following Friday with a few other people we hadn't met yet. One was from China, one from the Philippines but the rest were Icelanders. We met an interesting young man who was really an entrepeneur. He was an actor in commercial and small films, director, producer, singer,etc. I found him fascinating. He rented a bar one night so he could gather a bunch of people together and encourage them in the Lord. There was no alcohol there that night. He had music and dancing and lots of talking and believe me he knows lots of people! We did not go to this party but would have liked to. He tries to do interesting things to attract people to Christ. He also is tall and very thin and eats like a machine. He cleaned out all my leftovers! He took us around Friday night after eating at 1030pm out on the town so we could see what Icelanders do every Friday and Saturday night until about 4am-they cruise the town, walk all over, visit all the open bars, drink, dance, yell and who knows what else. Partying is all important. Yet they are empty.
I went to a small Bible study on Wednesday night-we met in this woman's home which was so tiny yet she had about 8 cats! Justin ended up in an allergic reaction after that. She had one son. She apparently had experienced a lot of sufferring whether of her own accord or just because. She was encouraged by us.
When we were there so was a group of 5 from Point of Grace church in FA. They went out to cafes and pools and tried to strike up conversations too.
Monday we went shopping in town at the stores-very expensive. They are known for their wool products and scarfs. Arianna and I got scarves. Also, pretty hair accessories, purses, boys got hoodies. We handed out tracks in town on Sunday afternoon. We went to a small indoor pool on Saturday. Went to a larger one on Monday and another day-both times walking there over 45minutes-once in the whipping rain and wind. We went to the Pearl 2x, to another pool called the Blue lagoon right before our return on April 15th. This pool was also hot but had a lot of minerals and silica in it. It was blue-hence the name and had a bunch of white mud that we pasted all over ourselves. Supposed to be good for the skin, but we had a terrible time getting it out of our hair for days afterwards. Before all the pools, one had to shower or get fined. Women just walk around naked in these showers and locker rooms and I hear the men do too. This was difficult for us and my girls eyes almost popped out of their heads.
Cindy and I did a lot of cooking for everyone, cleaning the apartment, watching kids,etc. So in that way we ministered.
We went to church in the evening on Easter Sunday also-it was a new church started in a school called SALT. An appropriate name since it is one of the only truly salty churches spiritually. It was in Icelandic but we had an interpreter. What a hard language that is. We met very nice people there who were encouraged by our presence. The pastor and wife invited us for dinner which we went to on thurday night. What a delicious meal and what fascinating people. They had been missionaries in Africa for 12 years and had to return for the wife's health. But now they are trying to awaken Iceland to the Lord. So they have been much encouraged by our presence there this year. I was very encouraged by them in learning to discern how I will know if the Lord wants us to do more with missions. I am excited we were able to do Honduras and Iceland this year to start. She fed 11 of us, her 4 grown children and 3 of their spouses. Lots of people but what a welcoming home.
Thanks to all of you who are interested in us to pray and support our missions this year. We would be glad to share more in the future with you about these trips and others God may lead us to.
We were able to attend Bible study the first night we were there on Good Friday. Several people were there. Justin led it but the people talked. I was able to mention a few words of encouragement. I also met several Icelanders that night. Diana said she would take us to the Golden Circle, which is a circular route, tour of the church, geyser, water fall and something else we missed. She did take us there God bless her, on Tuesday pretty much all day. Needless to say, we made dinner for her. She is a young graduate from their secondary school and goes to an active christian youth group and is going to a christian leadership school soon in Australia. She was very kind to take us on that tour.
We also attended Bible study the following Friday with a few other people we hadn't met yet. One was from China, one from the Philippines but the rest were Icelanders. We met an interesting young man who was really an entrepeneur. He was an actor in commercial and small films, director, producer, singer,etc. I found him fascinating. He rented a bar one night so he could gather a bunch of people together and encourage them in the Lord. There was no alcohol there that night. He had music and dancing and lots of talking and believe me he knows lots of people! We did not go to this party but would have liked to. He tries to do interesting things to attract people to Christ. He also is tall and very thin and eats like a machine. He cleaned out all my leftovers! He took us around Friday night after eating at 1030pm out on the town so we could see what Icelanders do every Friday and Saturday night until about 4am-they cruise the town, walk all over, visit all the open bars, drink, dance, yell and who knows what else. Partying is all important. Yet they are empty.
I went to a small Bible study on Wednesday night-we met in this woman's home which was so tiny yet she had about 8 cats! Justin ended up in an allergic reaction after that. She had one son. She apparently had experienced a lot of sufferring whether of her own accord or just because. She was encouraged by us.
When we were there so was a group of 5 from Point of Grace church in FA. They went out to cafes and pools and tried to strike up conversations too.
Monday we went shopping in town at the stores-very expensive. They are known for their wool products and scarfs. Arianna and I got scarves. Also, pretty hair accessories, purses, boys got hoodies. We handed out tracks in town on Sunday afternoon. We went to a small indoor pool on Saturday. Went to a larger one on Monday and another day-both times walking there over 45minutes-once in the whipping rain and wind. We went to the Pearl 2x, to another pool called the Blue lagoon right before our return on April 15th. This pool was also hot but had a lot of minerals and silica in it. It was blue-hence the name and had a bunch of white mud that we pasted all over ourselves. Supposed to be good for the skin, but we had a terrible time getting it out of our hair for days afterwards. Before all the pools, one had to shower or get fined. Women just walk around naked in these showers and locker rooms and I hear the men do too. This was difficult for us and my girls eyes almost popped out of their heads.
Cindy and I did a lot of cooking for everyone, cleaning the apartment, watching kids,etc. So in that way we ministered.
We went to church in the evening on Easter Sunday also-it was a new church started in a school called SALT. An appropriate name since it is one of the only truly salty churches spiritually. It was in Icelandic but we had an interpreter. What a hard language that is. We met very nice people there who were encouraged by our presence. The pastor and wife invited us for dinner which we went to on thurday night. What a delicious meal and what fascinating people. They had been missionaries in Africa for 12 years and had to return for the wife's health. But now they are trying to awaken Iceland to the Lord. So they have been much encouraged by our presence there this year. I was very encouraged by them in learning to discern how I will know if the Lord wants us to do more with missions. I am excited we were able to do Honduras and Iceland this year to start. She fed 11 of us, her 4 grown children and 3 of their spouses. Lots of people but what a welcoming home.
Thanks to all of you who are interested in us to pray and support our missions this year. We would be glad to share more in the future with you about these trips and others God may lead us to.
More Iceland Pictures
This is our son David and Justin Grack, the 19 yr old from our church that was there helping Colby,Pastor Bill and whoever else came to Iceland. In this picture they are on top of the thermodynamic storage building called "the Pearl" b/c of its dome shaped top. There is always wind in Iceland (and I thought South Dakota was bad). On this day the wind was actually holding us up as in this picture or knocking us down as it did Arianna. It made it always cold there-new meaning to the term "wind chill factor". It is murder for contact lens wearers like me.
We were very surprised at all the grafitti in Iceland-especially in the main city where we stayed. This is just one sample of it. The Icelanders pride themselves on their conservation of energy due to their heating all their homes and buildings with hydrothermic heat, but they did not recycle, there was garbage everywhere and then the grafitti!
This is by the Atlantic Ocean on the sculpture called "The Sun Voyager". Here are the kids. There were six kids together for a week. They did pretty well with the food, long walks in the rain and wind, and being cooped up in the apartment sometimes for hours.Here is one of the few pictures of Dave and I. I have never worn a hat so much in all my life! I was glad I had my warm coat, hat, and gloves.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)