You may have noticed that I promised Bosnian journal entries... and then only wrote the first day. Well, low and behold, I didn't forget, in fact it's practically been taunting me in the back of my mind that I haven't yet blogged my entire missions experience. However, as I sort out my thoughts and feelings about what happened over there, I recalled that I live in America and I have freedom of speech, therefore my blog is not required to be maintained chronologically and that the blog police won't shut me down if I write something out of order.
And then I realized a truly beautiful thing; that God is a God of order, and yet He has created absolutely breathtaking madness. Not that anything God has made or set in place is disorderly, but that rather, it seems like madness to us because we are totally incapable of even slightly understanding the complexity that surrounds us. I am currently taking my finals and it takes one of the craziest seasons in my life for me to realize that the God of the universe the Almighty, He who says to the ocean "Now you stay there", is intimately and intricately involved in my tiny speck of a life on this earth.
How is it that we can worry about exams, stress about tomorrow, or feel overwhelmed in any situation, when HE who knit us together perfectly, HE who breathed the stars into the sky, HE who carries us through every storm is our advocate?
"What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31
I exhort you, listen for your Maker, He is waiting to whisper peace to your spirit.
That you would find peace that surpasses understanding,
Amber
Friday, May 6, 2011
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Day 1 in Bosnia
Gracious Father, thank you for bringing us so far safely. Help us to show your love, and to draw closer to you. Bless the people we come into contact with. amen.
There is a river running through the whole town, and it is absolutely breathtaking. Our host's are Figrete, Amila, and Almin. We are staying in a local Bosnian home. They are incredibly friendly and loving people, I am so blessed to be staying with them. I am living here with three other girls from the Liberty team, Melody, Britta, and Katie. Amila is the most amazing cook, (besides my mom) and she is quick to make us sit down and make us some of her famous coffee. Bosnian coffee is extremely strong, and boiled rather than made in a coffee pot. It is served in a tiny tea cup, with plenty of sugar and no cream or milk. The dainty little tea cups, plates and tea spoons are beautiful. We (the Liberty team) were careful not to admire anything aloud, because the Bosnians will definitely give you anything they have. For dinner the first night Amila made us a hearty and flavorful soup made with vegetables, potatoes, and sausage. It was really good, with the soup we had homemade bread. (I love bread). We also had chicken, potatoes, some kind of cole slaw, and juice. In Bosnia they serve bread with practically every meal, and it is SO good. Almin is 12, and his english is pretty good. He understands english pretty well, and speaks a little less. In the evening we watched tv in the heated sitting/dining room, and they helped us practice our bosnian. We also had coffee, and it was very good to my surprise. Coffee in Bosnia is a way of life, everyone makes coffee, and they have coffee bars, essentially a bar, but no dancing, no beer, just coffee, soda and some sweets. Also, everyone, even people who don't have money for food, owns a tv. The local favorite was a muslim turkish soap opera with bosnian subtitles. The turkish soap opera was pretty violent, but the bosnians seem to like that show. The only american shows in Bosnia are WWE, Almin loves John Cena, Sex in the City, and Big Brother. Basically thats the perspective they get on Americans haha. We also heard the call to prayer during dinner. Though the town is completely muslim, many of the muslims are nomilistic about their faith, never owning a Quran or praying. Other muslims are quite conservative, going to the mosque every day to pray, raising their children conservatively (similar to how I was raised!), and women covering their heads. We were allowed to shower as we liked, but of course used as little water as possible. On a funnier note, I have a european converter for my hair dryer, and the first night when I was blow drying my hair, all the lights in the house went out at once. I started freaking out because I thought I broke the house, but Almin quickly came out laughing and said "don't worry this happens all the time", pushed a button and voila! the lights were all back. Blow drying hair is practically a requirement for women in Bosnia, because Bosnians believe wet hair can cause serious illnesses. In the homes in Bosnia, there is one room with a wood stove, and that room is generally kept closed and very warm. In our host home, this was the room with the tv and where we ate. The rest of the house feels the same as outside generally. The first night we could see our breath in the bed rooms, but we slept under duve's and got warm eventually. We woke up a few times the first night, with the time difference and everything, but were so excited that it didn't bother us much.
I'll post more as soon as I can!
Amber
Here is a shot of the river, you can see one of the mosques and the mountains.
There is a river running through the whole town, and it is absolutely breathtaking. Our host's are Figrete, Amila, and Almin. We are staying in a local Bosnian home. They are incredibly friendly and loving people, I am so blessed to be staying with them. I am living here with three other girls from the Liberty team, Melody, Britta, and Katie. Amila is the most amazing cook, (besides my mom) and she is quick to make us sit down and make us some of her famous coffee. Bosnian coffee is extremely strong, and boiled rather than made in a coffee pot. It is served in a tiny tea cup, with plenty of sugar and no cream or milk. The dainty little tea cups, plates and tea spoons are beautiful. We (the Liberty team) were careful not to admire anything aloud, because the Bosnians will definitely give you anything they have. For dinner the first night Amila made us a hearty and flavorful soup made with vegetables, potatoes, and sausage. It was really good, with the soup we had homemade bread. (I love bread). We also had chicken, potatoes, some kind of cole slaw, and juice. In Bosnia they serve bread with practically every meal, and it is SO good. Almin is 12, and his english is pretty good. He understands english pretty well, and speaks a little less. In the evening we watched tv in the heated sitting/dining room, and they helped us practice our bosnian. We also had coffee, and it was very good to my surprise. Coffee in Bosnia is a way of life, everyone makes coffee, and they have coffee bars, essentially a bar, but no dancing, no beer, just coffee, soda and some sweets. Also, everyone, even people who don't have money for food, owns a tv. The local favorite was a muslim turkish soap opera with bosnian subtitles. The turkish soap opera was pretty violent, but the bosnians seem to like that show. The only american shows in Bosnia are WWE, Almin loves John Cena, Sex in the City, and Big Brother. Basically thats the perspective they get on Americans haha. We also heard the call to prayer during dinner. Though the town is completely muslim, many of the muslims are nomilistic about their faith, never owning a Quran or praying. Other muslims are quite conservative, going to the mosque every day to pray, raising their children conservatively (similar to how I was raised!), and women covering their heads. We were allowed to shower as we liked, but of course used as little water as possible. On a funnier note, I have a european converter for my hair dryer, and the first night when I was blow drying my hair, all the lights in the house went out at once. I started freaking out because I thought I broke the house, but Almin quickly came out laughing and said "don't worry this happens all the time", pushed a button and voila! the lights were all back. Blow drying hair is practically a requirement for women in Bosnia, because Bosnians believe wet hair can cause serious illnesses. In the homes in Bosnia, there is one room with a wood stove, and that room is generally kept closed and very warm. In our host home, this was the room with the tv and where we ate. The rest of the house feels the same as outside generally. The first night we could see our breath in the bed rooms, but we slept under duve's and got warm eventually. We woke up a few times the first night, with the time difference and everything, but were so excited that it didn't bother us much.
I'll post more as soon as I can!
Amber
Here is a shot of the river, you can see one of the mosques and the mountains.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Breaking my heart for Bosnia: The Beginning
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the opportunity to go to Bosnia. Please keep us safe and use to minister to your children Father. Help us to be filled with you. Help us to speak and act with the fruit of the spirit. Put all our families at ease, comfort them and help them not to worry. amen.
I find it funny that we plan our lives and tell God our plans as if our ideas are the best. haha. I have always felt a strong call and burden for missions, but never saw myself going to Europe long term. Though I was very excited to go to Bosnia short-term, I didn't picture myself returning. For some reason I've always felt that Europeans are wealthy people, who don't have many needs when compared with third world countries. God really used my time in Bosnia to break my heart for the Muslim community and to show me His ways are always higher than mine. I would like to encourage you, that partially seeking God's will (the call to missions for me) doesn't mean you get to decide the rest of your life (where I will go long term). "Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:8 NLT). I challenge myself, and you, to die to ourselves each day and seek His will for our lives each day. Bosnia was absolutely heart-changing, and I journaled each day. I will be updating this blog as much as I can, posting my journal entries.
Blessed by His grace,
Amber
Thank you for the opportunity to go to Bosnia. Please keep us safe and use to minister to your children Father. Help us to be filled with you. Help us to speak and act with the fruit of the spirit. Put all our families at ease, comfort them and help them not to worry. amen.
I find it funny that we plan our lives and tell God our plans as if our ideas are the best. haha. I have always felt a strong call and burden for missions, but never saw myself going to Europe long term. Though I was very excited to go to Bosnia short-term, I didn't picture myself returning. For some reason I've always felt that Europeans are wealthy people, who don't have many needs when compared with third world countries. God really used my time in Bosnia to break my heart for the Muslim community and to show me His ways are always higher than mine. I would like to encourage you, that partially seeking God's will (the call to missions for me) doesn't mean you get to decide the rest of your life (where I will go long term). "Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:8 NLT). I challenge myself, and you, to die to ourselves each day and seek His will for our lives each day. Bosnia was absolutely heart-changing, and I journaled each day. I will be updating this blog as much as I can, posting my journal entries.
Blessed by His grace,
Amber
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Taking a Walk with Our Creator
"In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling." (Exodus 15:13)
For all the Ladies,
Sometimes I think what Christianity would be like if we were to truly fall in love with Jesus. Think of how falling in love feels, or what it looks like from the outside. Often we take lightly that the church is considered the Bride of Christ. Think of a wedding, in all of its glory and beauty. I imagine a beautiful church, complete with stain glass windows and sunlight streaming in. All of the guests are dressed for the occasion, candles are flickering. Elegant flowers decorate the sanctuary, the pastor stands at the altar, and by his side, glowing with expectancy, is the bridegroom. His hands are clasped, fidgeting from nerves, and he sways ever so slightly waiting for the grand moment. He feels as if he may burst when, suddenly, music pours throughout the sanctuary, and every guest stands. The bridegroom is now smiling more than he may have ever smiled in his life. Everyone turns, and the doors slowly open, and there stands possibly the most bittersweet moment ever to pass. It is the father and the bride. She seems to bring even more sunlight to the room, and his heart seems to be both overjoyed and broken at the same time. They slowly make their way down the aisle, the bride and groom have locked eyes and both are breathless. The father turns to give his daughter a kiss, tears in her eyes and in his. And here is the moment we pause, for the vows begin. Vows to love unconditionally, forever, to love sacrificially, to love without limits. As the pastor announces them man and wife, the bridegroom turns to his bride and whispers,
"I am enthralled by your beauty. (Psalm 45:11) You are a lily among thorns. (Song of Solomon 2:2) Many waters cannot quench our love, neither can floods drown it. (Song of Solomon 8:7) I love you, as only I can love the church, and gave myself up for you, that I might sanctify you, having cleansed you by the washing of water with the word, so that I might present you to myself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that you may be holy and without blemish." (Ephesians 5:25-27)
Think of the most breathtakingly (is that a word?) romantic evening you can picture, then try to grasp that Christ is dying to romance you. He is dying to sweep you off your feet, to delight in everything about you for ETERNITY! Not for as long as you shall live, but eternity! The most glorious part is, He already does. He already paints the sky for you, and dances in the rain with you, and carries you when you're hurting. Jesus desires nothing more than for you to fall in love with Him, too. He is the perfect gentleman and will never push you. He will simply wait in the boat for you, and when you get in, He longs for nothing more than to lavish His perfect love upon you. The only catch is, you have to get in the boat, you can't stand on the docks, or put only one leg in the boat, you must get in and sail away forever with Him. To be romanced by God is to be romanced by the designer of romance. I think of the story of the woman from Bethany who broke her alabaster box at the feet of Jesus. She then took her mostly costly possession, perfume, her dowry, and poured it on His head. The men there questioned her ridiculous notions, but the God of the universe hushed them, and said this woman had done right. "Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me" (Mark 14:6) hypothetically, she was in love with the King of Kings. She took the gift she had for her future husband, and gave it to Jesus. Love is a beautiful thing, and I think the best love we could ever imagine is only found in Christ. Discover yourself falling in love with the one who knit you together in your mother’s womb! (Psalm 139). When someone falls in love, it is almost as part of them is lost in the other person, the lovely thing about falling in love with Christ is that you can fall madly, totally, unspeakably in love with him, but He will never leave you or forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5) For Jesus is not just a gentleman, but a warrior, a warrior who gave his life for the one He loved with such vigor and passion, you. He is dying to just have the chance to take a sunset walk with you, ocean crashing in the distance, lean in and to whisper to you, "Take heart, It is I, do not be afraid." (Matthew 14:27). Dare to be blown away by your creator.
Gentlemen,
You are called to be the warrior of the faith. You are to love your future and current wives, as Christ loves the church. If you are unmarried, you are to love your future wife even now. You are to love her when you are tempted, you are to love her when times get hard, you are to love her when you're with your girlfriend, you are to love her with an unconditional, forever, sacrificial, adventure kind of love. Pursue the heart of Christ, the heart of a servant, a warrior, and a true gentleman. Redeem your future bride.
He said "Who are you?" And she answered, "I am Ruth, your servant. Spread your wings over your servant, for you are a redeemer. And he said, "May you be blessed by the Lord, my daughter. You have made this last kindness greater than the first in that you have not gone after young men, whether poor or rich. And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you all that you ask, for all my fellow townsmen know that you are a worthy woman. And now it is true that I am a redeemer. Yet there is a redeemer nearer than I." (Ruth 3:9-12).
"At the wonderful, tragic, mysterious tree
On that beautiful, scandalous night you and me
Were atoned by His blood and forever washed white
On that beautiful, scandalous night"
Loving Christ,
Amber
For all the Ladies,
Sometimes I think what Christianity would be like if we were to truly fall in love with Jesus. Think of how falling in love feels, or what it looks like from the outside. Often we take lightly that the church is considered the Bride of Christ. Think of a wedding, in all of its glory and beauty. I imagine a beautiful church, complete with stain glass windows and sunlight streaming in. All of the guests are dressed for the occasion, candles are flickering. Elegant flowers decorate the sanctuary, the pastor stands at the altar, and by his side, glowing with expectancy, is the bridegroom. His hands are clasped, fidgeting from nerves, and he sways ever so slightly waiting for the grand moment. He feels as if he may burst when, suddenly, music pours throughout the sanctuary, and every guest stands. The bridegroom is now smiling more than he may have ever smiled in his life. Everyone turns, and the doors slowly open, and there stands possibly the most bittersweet moment ever to pass. It is the father and the bride. She seems to bring even more sunlight to the room, and his heart seems to be both overjoyed and broken at the same time. They slowly make their way down the aisle, the bride and groom have locked eyes and both are breathless. The father turns to give his daughter a kiss, tears in her eyes and in his. And here is the moment we pause, for the vows begin. Vows to love unconditionally, forever, to love sacrificially, to love without limits. As the pastor announces them man and wife, the bridegroom turns to his bride and whispers,
"I am enthralled by your beauty. (Psalm 45:11) You are a lily among thorns. (Song of Solomon 2:2) Many waters cannot quench our love, neither can floods drown it. (Song of Solomon 8:7) I love you, as only I can love the church, and gave myself up for you, that I might sanctify you, having cleansed you by the washing of water with the word, so that I might present you to myself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that you may be holy and without blemish." (Ephesians 5:25-27)
Think of the most breathtakingly (is that a word?) romantic evening you can picture, then try to grasp that Christ is dying to romance you. He is dying to sweep you off your feet, to delight in everything about you for ETERNITY! Not for as long as you shall live, but eternity! The most glorious part is, He already does. He already paints the sky for you, and dances in the rain with you, and carries you when you're hurting. Jesus desires nothing more than for you to fall in love with Him, too. He is the perfect gentleman and will never push you. He will simply wait in the boat for you, and when you get in, He longs for nothing more than to lavish His perfect love upon you. The only catch is, you have to get in the boat, you can't stand on the docks, or put only one leg in the boat, you must get in and sail away forever with Him. To be romanced by God is to be romanced by the designer of romance. I think of the story of the woman from Bethany who broke her alabaster box at the feet of Jesus. She then took her mostly costly possession, perfume, her dowry, and poured it on His head. The men there questioned her ridiculous notions, but the God of the universe hushed them, and said this woman had done right. "Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me" (Mark 14:6) hypothetically, she was in love with the King of Kings. She took the gift she had for her future husband, and gave it to Jesus. Love is a beautiful thing, and I think the best love we could ever imagine is only found in Christ. Discover yourself falling in love with the one who knit you together in your mother’s womb! (Psalm 139). When someone falls in love, it is almost as part of them is lost in the other person, the lovely thing about falling in love with Christ is that you can fall madly, totally, unspeakably in love with him, but He will never leave you or forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5) For Jesus is not just a gentleman, but a warrior, a warrior who gave his life for the one He loved with such vigor and passion, you. He is dying to just have the chance to take a sunset walk with you, ocean crashing in the distance, lean in and to whisper to you, "Take heart, It is I, do not be afraid." (Matthew 14:27). Dare to be blown away by your creator.
Gentlemen,
You are called to be the warrior of the faith. You are to love your future and current wives, as Christ loves the church. If you are unmarried, you are to love your future wife even now. You are to love her when you are tempted, you are to love her when times get hard, you are to love her when you're with your girlfriend, you are to love her with an unconditional, forever, sacrificial, adventure kind of love. Pursue the heart of Christ, the heart of a servant, a warrior, and a true gentleman. Redeem your future bride.
He said "Who are you?" And she answered, "I am Ruth, your servant. Spread your wings over your servant, for you are a redeemer. And he said, "May you be blessed by the Lord, my daughter. You have made this last kindness greater than the first in that you have not gone after young men, whether poor or rich. And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you all that you ask, for all my fellow townsmen know that you are a worthy woman. And now it is true that I am a redeemer. Yet there is a redeemer nearer than I." (Ruth 3:9-12).
"At the wonderful, tragic, mysterious tree
On that beautiful, scandalous night you and me
Were atoned by His blood and forever washed white
On that beautiful, scandalous night"
Loving Christ,
Amber
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Confidence in our Salvation
"But I trust in your unfailing love, I rejoice in your salvation." Psalm 13:5
As we welcome in the new year, I would like to encourage you to dwell in the unfailing love of Christ, to be overwhelmed with joy that He has saved us. As I recall 2010, I try to recall a glimpse of God's grace. Not that his grace is a small amount, but that I am unable to comprehend His all sufficient, everlasting, unfailing, perfectly consuming grace. Think of every instance of inspiration that happened this year, every new idea, and every beautiful moment, each was a gift of our Heavenly Maker. As we look forward instead of behind, remember to trust God, for as long as He is the one in whom we place our trust, we will never be failed or forgotten. David writes in Psalm 37, "I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or His children begging for bread. He is ever lending generously, and His children become a blessing." If you are feeling tired, or worn down, think of Paul's words in Philippians, "And I am sure of this; that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:6). We can trust that when God uses us to fulfill his purposes, we don't need to worry about what the future holds. As long as we continue to pursue His will for our lives, he will open and close the doors for our lives. In His perfect timing, the significant events in our lives will come to pass. And there is no timing more fulfilling and blessed than God's timing. We can have confidence in our salvation because it is Christ that delivers us in the hard times and good times. I am currently reading the book "Defining Moments" by Vernon Brewer. I would strongly encourage anyone to read it, and especially people entering missions or ministry. It has probably become my favorite book, besides the Bible of course. In it Brewer quotes John Maxwell, "If you tell someone your vision and they don't laugh, it's not big enough." I try to remind myself of this as much as I can, because it is when we catch God's vision for our lives, that people begin to question our sanity, and wonder if the impossible is possible. Brewer also writes, "Having vision means seeing the invisible and making it visible." See a need, fill a need. I think one of the greatest capacities of mankind is the ability to help others in need. Christ calls us to be enablers, to help people see their own potential, and encourage them to reach for the stars. In Matthew 5:7 Jesus says, "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy." It is not our place to judge others, but to love everyone, as Christ first loved us, and died for us while we were yet sinners. As we press forward into this new year, this gift from our Almighty, recall that Christ is made strong through our weakness. Remember that all things work together for those who love God. "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good." (Romans 8:28). Remember that each day holds potential for beauty. "He has made all things beautiful in their time." (Ecclesiastes 3:11).
That you may see the beauty of tomorrow,
Amber
As we welcome in the new year, I would like to encourage you to dwell in the unfailing love of Christ, to be overwhelmed with joy that He has saved us. As I recall 2010, I try to recall a glimpse of God's grace. Not that his grace is a small amount, but that I am unable to comprehend His all sufficient, everlasting, unfailing, perfectly consuming grace. Think of every instance of inspiration that happened this year, every new idea, and every beautiful moment, each was a gift of our Heavenly Maker. As we look forward instead of behind, remember to trust God, for as long as He is the one in whom we place our trust, we will never be failed or forgotten. David writes in Psalm 37, "I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or His children begging for bread. He is ever lending generously, and His children become a blessing." If you are feeling tired, or worn down, think of Paul's words in Philippians, "And I am sure of this; that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:6). We can trust that when God uses us to fulfill his purposes, we don't need to worry about what the future holds. As long as we continue to pursue His will for our lives, he will open and close the doors for our lives. In His perfect timing, the significant events in our lives will come to pass. And there is no timing more fulfilling and blessed than God's timing. We can have confidence in our salvation because it is Christ that delivers us in the hard times and good times. I am currently reading the book "Defining Moments" by Vernon Brewer. I would strongly encourage anyone to read it, and especially people entering missions or ministry. It has probably become my favorite book, besides the Bible of course. In it Brewer quotes John Maxwell, "If you tell someone your vision and they don't laugh, it's not big enough." I try to remind myself of this as much as I can, because it is when we catch God's vision for our lives, that people begin to question our sanity, and wonder if the impossible is possible. Brewer also writes, "Having vision means seeing the invisible and making it visible." See a need, fill a need. I think one of the greatest capacities of mankind is the ability to help others in need. Christ calls us to be enablers, to help people see their own potential, and encourage them to reach for the stars. In Matthew 5:7 Jesus says, "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy." It is not our place to judge others, but to love everyone, as Christ first loved us, and died for us while we were yet sinners. As we press forward into this new year, this gift from our Almighty, recall that Christ is made strong through our weakness. Remember that all things work together for those who love God. "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good." (Romans 8:28). Remember that each day holds potential for beauty. "He has made all things beautiful in their time." (Ecclesiastes 3:11).
That you may see the beauty of tomorrow,
Amber
Saturday, December 18, 2010
A Stretch of Faith
Have you ever hit that breaking point? That place where you aren't sure where you're going? That moment when you were so certain about life, and then suddenly so little is certain? It is then when it is so crystal clear to me what is truly certain in this life; the overwhelming and uncontainable love, mercy, grace, and hope that we have in Christ. I have recently reached a cross roads myself, and though I feel unsure about what my future holds, I know that God has the big picture all worked out and that as long as my trust remains in Him, my life will hold few regrets. He is my sustainer. "But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, the offspring of Abraham my friend; you whom I took from the ends of the earth, and called from its farthest corners, saying to you, 'you are my servant, I have chosen you and not cast you off, fear not for I am with you; be not dismayed for I am your God; I will strengthen you and I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:8-10). It’s at times like these that even the smallest step of faith seems like the biggest of leaps. Joni Eareckson Tada said, "Great faith isn't the ability to believe long and far into the misty future. It's simply taking God at His word and taking the next step." I absolutely love the song "Word of God Speak", by mercyme. The words go, "Word of God speak, would you pour down like rain, Washing my eyes to see, your majesty, to be still and know, that You're in this place, Please let me stay and rest, in Your holiness[...]" The idea that we can rest in the holiness of God. What a magnificent idea, that the creator of the universe beckons us to come and just settle down into the depth of His holiness, that we need not worry about what the future holds, because His word contains promises that we are incapable of fathoming. I see missions not as a huge leap of faith, but just one small step of obedience at a time. It is not the ultimate sacrifice, but the ultimate blessing.
That you would take a small step,
Amber
That you would take a small step,
Amber
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Remembering Mary
Each of us faces the challenge of living this life as Mary in a very Martha world. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the story, in the bible Jesus visited two sisters whom he cared for greatly. Their names were Mary and Martha. Mary spent all of her time just sitting at the feet of Jesus, simply basking in his presence. Martha, however, busied herself about the house cleaning, cooking and taking care of the guests. Eventually Martha becomes frustrated that she had to do all of this work by herself, so she asks Jesus to have Mary help. Jesus commends Mary at taking time to pause, and just enjoy spend time with him. I find that I am naturally, in my carnal nature, a Martha. It is very easy for me to get caught up in temporary, day to day things, and forget to rest at the feet of Jesus. This week God has been reminding me to pursue life as Mary. I remember the times when I was so focused on resting at the feet of Christ, that even when bad days came my way, I was overwhelmed with peace and even joy. When times get stressful, it is so natural for us to become flustered or feel too stressed to spend time in communion with God. I find that people today, especially in America, are very focused on the now. They want the next new thing, now, to have fun, now, and a break from work, now. One may ask oneself, "How many times did I pause today? Pause and enjoy the glory of God? Pause and remember what Christ has done for me? Pause and recall God's plan for my life?" In a very go culture, I would encourage you to take time each day, and rest in the presence of the Almighty. I am not saying a devotional time, though this is very important. I am saying to take time away from your schedule, and just marvel at the beauty of Christ. I am asking that you would try to walk in communion with God each day, talking to Him and thanking Him throughout your day. "Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!" (Psalm 100:4). As I try to develop a mission's mindset more and more, I realize that people are God's passion. I realize that if I want my heart to break for the things that break God's heart, I must desire to know His spirit intimately. "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). If I want to find true peace in God being my healer, provider, creator, and encouragement, I must chase after Him, just as He chases me.
That you may find rest,
Amber
That you may find rest,
Amber
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