For I Was Hungry

Sandwiched between two typically child-centered holidays, falls Thanksgiving. The sun is sparse and the stress of the upcoming holiday season is approaching. Is it truly possible to cultivate a spirit of gratitude during all the chaos?

Enter a post about charity. Thanks to Kelly for the #FridayFive prompt, because its often when we truly consider others that our issues are put into proper perspective.

One of my issues? Being away from my computer too much, leading to an inability to get this written in time for the link-up. Even still, this is a blog I want to share with the world, or at least the small portion who join me here.

Being the spreadsheet geek I am, a tab in my check register excel document is devoted to charitable giving by the year. I have so many charities I respect, I like to know when I gave to each so that when the opportunity arises I can give to the one which has gone the longest without a donation.

Many are local charities; who knows better about the needs of the community than those who live and serve here. I've even received personal letters from the director of one such ministry, when she realized they were serving my cousin - and mentioned me to him as well!

Her group, The Philadelphians, serves in east Tennessee prisons. Donations help them lead Bible studies for the incarcerated. 

Local causes also win a place in my heart for selfish reasons too. When the money I give goes back into the community, I can trust that my $$ are being well used - rather than going to the 3+ figure salaries administrators make in some of the larger organizations.

During my last marathon training cycle, I noticed yard signs boasting "Work Provided by LIVE-IT." This group maintains a database of community needs and opportunities to serve. Both those seeking assistance and those desiring to serve can find their needs met with this group. 

Projects include building ramps onto houses of the disabled, light maintenance for the elderly, and shifts to work in the groups thrift store. Jay and my father have taken donations to the store, and were met with great attitudes reflecting the love of Christ (after having their items turned away by a different group.)

Some needs, however, must be met by larger organizations. Currently I donate a small monthly amount to help support the Tavianos, my favorite missionary family. They are serving a town in Cambodia through the IOC and the Hard Places Community. 

If Marla's name sounds familiar, then perhaps you have been around when I joined many of her bloggy read-alongs. While never having the opportunity to meet them in-person, I enjoy seeing her photos of the people they are building relationships with while serving Jesus in the country they love.

For each charity, I have linked to their websites. In the case of the Tavianos, however, there are a couple of different options. 

Marla is a fabulous author (ebooks these days) and purchasing a book (via Amazon or some such retailer) helps her support their mission. In fact, she has a brand new book out. 

After a heart attack left her husband Gabe with debilitation anxiety, the family had to fully rely on God for each breath - sometimes literally. I want you to buy the book, The Storm: When Anxiety Rocks Your Marriage & Your World (its only $2.99 on Amazon).

Sometime this month I plan on reviewing the book and giving a copy away, but why wait??

Also on the global scale, I love the heart behind Compassion International. Several years ago for Valentine's Day, Jay and I researched together and decided to sponsor a child through the organization.

Since then we've traded letters with Suman, now 11 years old, via his Compassion center in India. I keep his drawings on the refrigerator until the next one arrives.

The work done by the missionaries at Wycliffe Bible Translators is essential for sharing the Gospel to unreached people groups. These laborers for the Lord can spend years learning the native languages of regions which don't have a Bible translation in their native language.

Once they are fluent in the dialect, they can then begin the translation process and bring the Word of God to people who otherwise haven't heard the gospel.

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. Romans 10:17

I hope you'll click through and read more about each ministry and how it supports kingdom-building. For me, fulfilling tangible needs is essential for anyone hoping to make a difference in this world and bring glory to the name of Christ.

35‘For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; 36naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.’ 37“Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? 38‘And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? 39‘When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ 40“The King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.’  Matthew 25:35-40 

 

I'd love for you to toot the horn of your favorite charities in the comments. Why do they stand out to you above other options?

Nerds for Words

This year I've thought more about my purpose, ministry in life than I have the previous 34. Or at least it feels to me like I have. First I discovered I had been equipped with spiritual gifts to serve the body of Christ. 

In theory, I knew each believer was equipped in some fashion for kingdom work. In practice I had no clue what that looked like or meant for my life. Discovering that the gifts don't necessarily manifest in standard ways was game-changing for me.

Teaching doesn't necessarily mean sitting in a class room of 3 year olds reading them a Bible study. I very much enjoy substitute teaching for my Bible study class, but that too isn't the full extent of my calling.

More and more I'm starting to truly believe that writing is another form of the gift of teaching. Putting thoughts and concepts into words which can be savored and enjoyed. I'm not sure I'm there yet, but the more I write, the more I can refine my craft and get that much closer to my goals.

Purpose. Calling. Gift.

These seem so serious and dramatic. And they can be. However at heart, I am a brutally honest, geek who doesn't take herself too seriously. I'm slowly learning that God isn't limited by my personality, but can work through it for His glory. No matter how loca I am.

Linking up with Jaime for Stream of Consciousness Weekend.  What's on your mind? Share it in the comments or let me know if you post your on SOC blog.

My Spirit of Fear

In the spirit of Halloween, let's discuss fear. Some love to dress up in scary costumes, watch horror movies, or visit haunted corn mazes. While I don't enjoy the traditional horrifying aspects of Halloween, I certainly don't live life in a bubble - afraid to experience all this world has to offer. 

So which am I? Fearful or Fearless?

On one (well sanitized) hand, I'm germophobic, claustrophobic, and radiophobic. 

On the other (trail dirt) filled hand, I'm always up for an adventure. Whether it be zip-lining, roller coasters, or gazing over tall cliffs, I enjoy pushing the limits of sanity.

I feel like I get the opportunity to write about my fearless when recounting my adventures. So what scares the girl who finds herself at peace in situations like this?

Animals top the list of things which freak me out. I hate encountering a dog while I'm out running. I scream when a friend's cat brushes up against my leg under the dinner table. I need a Xanax to calm me down the evening Jay trapped a rat in our house.

Social situations can also leave me anxiety ridden. Best I can figure, I'm an ambivert - a weird combination of needing to make plans to go out with the girls, and weekends spent home alone with a good book.

I feel awkward making conversation, but have also been told I could talk to a tree if there were no people around.  The difference is subtle enough I'm not sure I can understand it, much less put it into words to explain to someone else.

Despite my seemingly nomad lifestyle (3 houses in 6 years) real estate transactions fill me with trepidation. If its a home - what if we miss the old place? What if we over-bought and can't afford it? What if our new neighbors suck?

When it comes to investments, the potential of losing money doesn't scare me as much as the prospect of going broke. I've been poor before (relatively speaking of course) and I survived. I just don't wanna go back there.

Like the fear itself, this transition makes no sense. I wasn't a child of the Cold War, and at only 9 years of age I don't even recall the Berlin Wall coming down. Yet somehow nuclear radiation is one of my biggest phobias.  

While I can't handle scary movies, the only one to ever give me legit nightmares afterward was the based-on-a-true-story K-19: The Widowmaker. For those who haven't seen it, the film doesn't belong in the horror genre. The IMDB synopsis explains: 

When Russia's first nuclear submarine malfunctions on its maiden voyage, the crew must race to save the ship and prevent a nuclear disaster. 

Saving the most fearful for last, I hesitate to even write about this one. I don't want to think about it and consider it as a possibility. Despite the fact that this fear is the most likely to come to fruition.  


The thought of losing someone I love breaks my heart. Sure I joke about ways I'm going to kill Jay, but that's totally different. My family and friends are precious to me. This fear is probably a sign that I don't pray for them nearly enough.

Rather than trusting the God who blessed me by allowing them to be a part of my life, I just hold tight to the fear of the unexpected.

For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love, and sound judgment. 2 Timothy 1:7 HCSB

I'm linking up with Kelly today for her Friday Five link-up. Join us in the conversation.

Let me know in the comments if you plan on posting on the topic. 

If not, then in the comments I'd love for you to share your fears in the comments. My rule of thumb: the more weird the better!

Life-Giving Marriage

This post is part of Sue Detweiler’s #MarriageRocks Blog Tour - I feel honored to join up with some other great bloggers. To learn more and join us, CLICK HERE.
 

Both thorough and concise, 9 Traits of a Life-Giving Marriage offers insight and tips for couples seeking a marriage that honors God. I enjoyed the way the author broke down the traits, how problems can manifest if they are neglected, and practical ways for couples to work on each area.

This volume was both short and easy to read, and also full of quality content. Detweiler challenged the way I've applied scripture in my marriage, examining the heart behind the verses - radically changing how they are lived out.

Specifically, her explanation of Ephesians 4:26 - don't let the sun go down on your anger was eye opening to me. I've fought with my husband well into the night, only getting crankier and more accusatory as the night goes on.

Instead, she explains, taking the verse to mean not to dwell on your anger, sometimes going to bed and getting some rest - letting go of your anger if only for the evening - can be the best approach to a swift conflict resolution.

If only for this insight, the book will serve my family well. Thankfully, however, Detweiler has other wisdom to impart in the book's pages.

Acceptance is the first trait she tackles, and its a doozy. How many times have I sat around with girlfriends gabbing about all the things wrong with our spouses?

What drives wives (and husbands) crazy about their spouse are often the personality quirks which brought them together in the first place.

Do I love it when Jay is devoted and totally focused on doing something special for me? YES. Am I incredibly annoyed when he treats a client the same? You bet!

And that's why I love him.

Having been accused of being honest to a fault, I thought perhaps I'd have an easy time of the the section on the topic. I couldn't be that lucky.

 

Trait # 4 Honesty: Ground Rules for Honesty in A Marriage

1. Watch your Words

2. Listen Attentively

3. Speak Honestly

4. Keep a Positive Perspective

To paraphrase the great Ian Malcolm: I'm too busy being self-righteous about the fact that its true, I don't stop to think if its something which should be said.

Over the past 7 years, God has been refining my words, attitudes, and actions as a strive for a marriage which honors Him and my darling. Maybe in another 43 we'll have this figured out. Until then, I am gratiful for resources like this book to help me along the way.

Is It Possible to Enjoy a Strong and Healthy Marriage  - -Till Death Do Us Part? Yes . . . with God!

Sue Detweiler’s new book, 9 Traits of a Life-Giving Marriage, will help you:

*Heal the broken places in your marriage
*Strengthen your relationship with your spouse
*Understand God's plan for your marriage
*Revive your relationship with God's transformative power 

Order your copy today!

I was given a free copy of this book as a participant in the 9 Traits of a Life-Giving Marriage book launch team. All opinions are my own.

Over Exposure

For 27 years, I've been a professing follower of Christ. Why then, did I only learn at the age of 35 that the term "Jew" was a derivative of the name Judah - one of the 12 tribes of Israel? Its not spelled out in any particular verse, yet makes total sense. Yet the dots had to be connected for me by a friend.

Similarly, I didn't realize that Babel (as in the tower of) and Babylon are one and the same. Depending on translation - the Bible does spell this out. Yet in my many readings of this part of Genesis, I totally missed on on this tidbit.

Random photo in the GSMNP aka Paradise

I assume everyone has heard of God's love for them, proven in the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. This truth, unlike my inconsequential oversights, is life-giving. We must risk overstatement. Actually, there is no such thing as overstating God's love, especially when backed up by His love in action.

Have you ever missed something in plain sight? Overlooked something complete obvious to the rest of the world?

 

Linking up with Jaime for Stream of Consciousness Weekend. Set your timer for 5 minutes and join us if you so choose. 

Acne, Baby Poop, and the Suffering Servant

This post was originally published on this site in 2013. My life-position is much the same and I continue to need the reminder. I hope you can benefit from it as well.

I'm not sure where the idea got started that God's main purpose is to make His followers comfortable got started.  Jesus certainly didn't live a plush, cushy life.  He was born into a working class family and in the last days of His life here on Earth He was abandoned by most of His close friends, to die a horrible death.

Maybe its a lesson I need to better learn, because its a topic that's come up in a lot of books I've been reading lately.  Whether it be giving up material possessions (Radical by David Platt) or giving up my pride (From Blushing Bride to Wedded Wife by Marla Taviano) or even stepping out of my comfort zone (Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall &Denver Moore) the call of Christianity is to put off self and serve.

Having said all that, I understand my writing comes from a position of great blessing. I'm not  struggling from week to week wondering how I'm going to cover the bills.  (When my parents were in this situation, they made a careful effort to keep my sister and I in the dark.)  I've never been orphaned, abused, or homeless.

Sure I've had heart ache.  There was that time I rebelled against God and dated someone I knew I shouldn't.  While I can't be certain that ache outbreak wasn't a smite from God, it certainly cleared up once said bad boy dumped me.

I've lost beloved grandparents, who'd lived long full lives and died of illnesses brought on by old age.

My one experience with true pain - that moment where God has to hold you because you don't have the strength to stand - ended in a beautiful miracle of God.  My sister, at the age of 27, suffered congestive heart failure after the birth of her first child.

She spent several days in Cardiac ICU and had to have pounds of fluid drained from around her heart.  While her husband and my parents stayed spent as much time as the hospital as they could, I stayed at home with her 6 day old baby.  I'd never baby sat, or even really been around small children.

My best friend was knocking on death's door and I was alone, with no one to comfort me but this creature that kept spitting up and pooping.

And the Maker of the Universe.

I have no clue why we got a miracle.  Why God chose to resort my sister's health leaving behind no ill effects.  But I know without a doubt God used those days to change me.  He opened my eyes to my ability to serve despite experience or even willingness.

I can only pray that the next time one of those devastatingly painful moments come - I'll better know how to rely on Him for strength and wisdom.

When You Don't Even Get a Participation Trophy

Life has been a roller coaster this past month or so. First came the stress and excitement of getting ready for our trip to Europe, then of course the trip itself. With our tour group, Jay and I hit 6 different countries and a dozen cities in 16 days. Along the way I picked up a nasty virus, and like any good wife, shared it with my darling love.

The week we returned home was filled with jet lag, laundry, visiting the doctor, and sleep. Lots and lots of sleep. Just when I thought the excitement would die down and life would return to normal, last week a couple of big decisions about life and ministry were made.

Each of these decisions deserves their own blog, my heart is heavy and I don’t feel like I can truly do justice to the exciting prospect. Last week, Jay and I found and committed to buying a 5 acre tract of land near my family. The property is beautiful and everything we’ve talked about wanting for a home for the past 7 years. 

There will be plenty of time for squeals of joy and me telling you all about it, and I’m thankful for the opportunity. I would hate to miss out on praising God for such an incredible blessing. I just about guarantee by the time the house building process is over, you’ll be sick of me talking about the land.

In an effort to delay exploring my feelings regarding the ministry decision, I went back to reread old blogs.  With the help of my Bible study leader, I began pursing my spiritual gifts and how I could be used in the church. (Read my earlier thoughts here and here.)

On the 20^th of this month, I attended my first Sunday school teacher training class. The associate pastor of discipleship handed out packets of information with both notes on teaching as well as a couple of documents of commitment for us to sign. My heart sank as I read the documents.

snip from a blog of mine earlier in the year

Turns out, I’m not Baptist enough to teach in this church. I want to choose my words carefully, because despite feeling judged and unworthy, I don’t want to be judgmental myself. Rather I don’t want to continue to be judgmental. I’m just very hurt right now.

Throughout the whole process, I feared rejection and prayed that my heart could handle it. I thought I was praying to guard myself when class started and I had few (or no) people joining me. Instead, I feel rejected by the church leadership. Please don’t get me wrong, the pastor never treated me unkindly. He stood firm in the standards set forth, but wanted to make sure I understood why.

Mostly I mourn the ministry which never got to see life. I lost hope, dreams, anticipation, and a love for the women I expected to minister to in the name of Christ.

 another snip from a previous blog

I’m very thankful to have had the support of my Bible study class, my small group, and my close friends. I spoke with several different people in an effort to get perspective. . Instead of chastising me, these ladies built me up with scripture and encouragement, so that I had the courage to stand firm in my convictions.

I feel like I’m walking away empty handed – no finisher medal or participation trophy. Empty handed, but not empty. My head is held high and my heart is full of the love of Jesus. I don’t know how He is going to use me in the future. However, I trust that this was the path He wanted me to travel. Please pray with me that none of this heartache is wasted and everyone involved will use it for continued growth in the Word and prayer.