I finally feel like we are coming out of a very difficult transition for our family. We have now been here three months. I still face culture shock and culture stress, I still struggle with the language, but we are moving past many things that were such a head ache to us.
It's been so nice to be in a house that has a little more space for the kids to play and Brian and I to have some time alone. When we were struggling with living in a noisey little box house, with bars on the windows and no place for the kids to go outside; I would struggle with such mixed emotions. I would have feelings that I should be content, bitterness for the sittuation, an overwhellming desire for peace and many more!
The other day I was reading in my Bible and this verse stood out to me and made me laugh. Isaac had been digging wells and people from that country would come and tell him it was their water and he would move on to dig another well. Finally he finds a place where there was peace and room and no one fighting over his water. He says, "Now the LORD has given us room and we will flourish in the land" (Genesis 26:22b).
I feel very similar. Now that LORD has given us room, we will flourish in this land. Sometimes you need a little space, especially in a big city. It's not like we live in a mansion now, it's only a two bedroom home. We don't have a yard, but we have one that's shared that we can use. I can tell you that it is night and day different to where we were. We can actually have a refreshing weekend and get ready to minister the next week.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Things that are different in Mexico by Edan
This is a list Edan, age 6, made about things that are different in Mexico. He is also going to put it up on his blog.
1. The streets are made out of rocks.
2. There are people that don't have jobs so they go on the road and sell stuff.
3. Most of the roofs are flat and some you can go out on top of them.
4. The food taste different. They put chilli on a lot of food, even fruit.
5. You have to only drink from a water container because the sink water has "bugs" in it.
6. You need matches to turn on the oven.
7. We don't have fall and the leaves don't fall down and we have no winter.
8. In our coto (community) you can pick up fruit when they are on the ground and eat them.
9. At "Daniel's Tacos" you can only get one type of taco. You don't get to pick.
10. They only have two flavors of creamer. (He's talking about for your coffee)
11. There are a lot of palm trees.
12. When you walk by a house with dogs they bark at you and sometimes the dogs are on top of the roof.
13. There are little shops, some with a little tent, some that have a bike on the street. We buy fruit from one of those persons.
14. A car goes by and he has donuts in the back and a song that says (bread) "pan". Everyone knows to go out and get donuts.
15. There are a lot of people on the road begging for money and they don't even sell anything.
16. There are a lot of "Slug Bugs". (Volkswagon Beetle)
1. The streets are made out of rocks.
2. There are people that don't have jobs so they go on the road and sell stuff.
3. Most of the roofs are flat and some you can go out on top of them.
4. The food taste different. They put chilli on a lot of food, even fruit.
5. You have to only drink from a water container because the sink water has "bugs" in it.
6. You need matches to turn on the oven.
7. We don't have fall and the leaves don't fall down and we have no winter.
8. In our coto (community) you can pick up fruit when they are on the ground and eat them.
9. At "Daniel's Tacos" you can only get one type of taco. You don't get to pick.
10. They only have two flavors of creamer. (He's talking about for your coffee)
11. There are a lot of palm trees.
12. When you walk by a house with dogs they bark at you and sometimes the dogs are on top of the roof.
13. There are little shops, some with a little tent, some that have a bike on the street. We buy fruit from one of those persons.
14. A car goes by and he has donuts in the back and a song that says (bread) "pan". Everyone knows to go out and get donuts.
15. There are a lot of people on the road begging for money and they don't even sell anything.
16. There are a lot of "Slug Bugs". (Volkswagon Beetle)
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Busy Times
Still no internet yet, but we are totally prepared, this time, that it might even take longer than 10 days. When we get up and running again I'll have to post a blog that Edan wrote about the differences he has seen here in Mexico verses where we lived in the USA. You will get a picture of Mexico from a 6 year olds point of view.
It has been a crazy week! We had grades due, parent conferences, and an accredidation team coming next week. What did we decide to do on top of it? Move! We are now all in our new house. I really believe that this will help us feel more rested and renewed on the weekend. While our house is still in the busy city, it's tucked in a much quieter neighborhood.
Joelle also has her "very own" dog. Okay, so it's not her's, but it's even better, it's the neighbors. She looks out the window waiting to see if "Camilo" is out and the second she sees him she asks, "Can I go pet Camilo?" The boys love the neighborhood yard to play in. The ten houses share a yard. Apart of that yard is a little soccer field the perfect size for a 6 and 7 year old. They are certainly getting their fill of "futbal" here.
Of course I have had many ideas to post, but then when I come to actually posting I can't think of much significant to say. So I'll sign off for now until I can.
It has been a crazy week! We had grades due, parent conferences, and an accredidation team coming next week. What did we decide to do on top of it? Move! We are now all in our new house. I really believe that this will help us feel more rested and renewed on the weekend. While our house is still in the busy city, it's tucked in a much quieter neighborhood.
Joelle also has her "very own" dog. Okay, so it's not her's, but it's even better, it's the neighbors. She looks out the window waiting to see if "Camilo" is out and the second she sees him she asks, "Can I go pet Camilo?" The boys love the neighborhood yard to play in. The ten houses share a yard. Apart of that yard is a little soccer field the perfect size for a 6 and 7 year old. They are certainly getting their fill of "futbal" here.
Of course I have had many ideas to post, but then when I come to actually posting I can't think of much significant to say. So I'll sign off for now until I can.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Flying in the Furniture
As many of you know, we have moved into a new place. We really appreciate being able to have a little more space. This house has two floors which allows us to send the kids up! One interesting thing about many multiple story homes in Mexico is that the staircases are often not made to accomadate carrying up items. The beauty of a spiral staircase often outweighs its utility! We have a spiral stair case which does not allow us to carry up the beds. Also, the laundry room is upstairs so we can't get the washer and dryer up. So we are, flying in, the furniture. I have been told this is common here as many of the Mexican teachers have done it or seen it many times. Basically we are going to use the old rope and pulley system tonight as we hoist things through an upstairs window. We hvae a roof ledge above our door. We will hoist things to the ledge and then through an large window on the second floor. This should be quite an experience. You can pray that no one gets a washer dropped on them!
With that being said, we are excited about our new place as it has beautiful traditional Mexican craftsmanship. We will post pictures when we get settled. Since it is a new place, the phone company said they would be out in 2-10 days to set up the internet. You may not hear from us much in the next week. If so, you will know why! Thanks again for all of your prayers and support.
With that being said, we are excited about our new place as it has beautiful traditional Mexican craftsmanship. We will post pictures when we get settled. Since it is a new place, the phone company said they would be out in 2-10 days to set up the internet. You may not hear from us much in the next week. If so, you will know why! Thanks again for all of your prayers and support.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Mexican Roosters and Other Thoughts on the Country
Even though we don't live in the country, we wake up to what we call Mexican roosters every morning. Between 6:30 and 7:30 am on any given morning we hear between 10-20 car alarms go out in front of our house. Most people here, like most cities, have car alarms. I am not sure on this, but I assume that many people who have car alarms here can't disarm them remotely. They open their doors and for about 5-10 seconds their alarm goes off until they turn their car on. As I have watched, his tends to be the way that most people deal with car alarms. For the rest of us, this practice has pretty much gotten rid of the need for an alarm clock. We just wait for the alarms to start!
One thing I am still struggling to adjust to is the lack of turn signals used. Rarely if ever do I see someone use a turn signal. More then not, you see hands stuck out windows letting you know they are merging in. Because of the nature of traffic, merging in and out is a constant. I still have not yet got used to looking for hands and not turn signals.
One other thing that is taking time to get used to is the lack of clocks. We have both moved a bit away from technology. We often fail to carry our cell phone and neither of us have watches. We know that needs to change because you can't find a clock in Mexico. Whether a restuarant, shop, or government building. I do not believe I have ever seen a clock on a wall. On the nice side, I think it is reflective of the more laid back attitude of people. Sometimes it is frustrating, sometimes it is rather conforting.
On a different type of note, it is saddening to see the number of children during the school day out at street lights selling random items. I understand that this is part of survival for many families, but I also understand that without an education this cycle of poverty will continue within this family. I find myself continually buying things at stop lights in the desire to support so many who have so little. At first I found myself bothered by the constant street light requests, but now I look for things to purchase that I can use. I think it is one way I can use what I have to support those trying to have something.
One thing I am still struggling to adjust to is the lack of turn signals used. Rarely if ever do I see someone use a turn signal. More then not, you see hands stuck out windows letting you know they are merging in. Because of the nature of traffic, merging in and out is a constant. I still have not yet got used to looking for hands and not turn signals.
One other thing that is taking time to get used to is the lack of clocks. We have both moved a bit away from technology. We often fail to carry our cell phone and neither of us have watches. We know that needs to change because you can't find a clock in Mexico. Whether a restuarant, shop, or government building. I do not believe I have ever seen a clock on a wall. On the nice side, I think it is reflective of the more laid back attitude of people. Sometimes it is frustrating, sometimes it is rather conforting.
On a different type of note, it is saddening to see the number of children during the school day out at street lights selling random items. I understand that this is part of survival for many families, but I also understand that without an education this cycle of poverty will continue within this family. I find myself continually buying things at stop lights in the desire to support so many who have so little. At first I found myself bothered by the constant street light requests, but now I look for things to purchase that I can use. I think it is one way I can use what I have to support those trying to have something.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Tough Questions
In my eighth grade Bible class we are memorizing Proverbs 3 this year. Our verses for this week is Proverbs 3:9-10. As I have gotten to know these kids I have seen in many of them a tremendous desire for wealth. I decided to pause and really talk about it with them. Proverbs 3:9-10 (NIV) "Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine." We have been talking about being a fan of Jesus verses a true follower of Jesus the last few weeks. Being a true follower of Jesus is allowing God every aspect of our lives because you realize what He has done for you. We don't just give God Sunday or Bible class, but he wants all of us, including our wallet. Giving our first and best to God can be a symbol that we trust God in the area of our money.
I challenged them with a couple of questions, that I think challenged me more than it did them. (Especially when they were super-hyper that day after a flad ceremony!)
I asked, "If God asked you to be poor when you got older would you be able to follow Him then? Why or Why not? What would be the most difficult part of that request?" and "Name something that gets in the way of Jesus being first in your life?" They were suppose to write the answers down on a card without a name. Of course a student asked me, what my answers were, but the bell rang and class was over. I honestly struggled with my answer. I think I would ask the question back, "How poor? Poor where?" I would struggle. Our house here is small and I have struggled here feeling no peace.
I also asked myself, "what get's in my way of me keeping Jesus centered and focused in my life?" I knew that answer right away, safety and comfort. I want my family and I to be safe. Nothing wrong with that unless it get's in the way of doing something that God would have me to do. So far I don't think it has. Unfortunately comfort can and at times has taken center place. I really desire to be comfortable. I like a comfortable and peaceful house. I would wear comfortable clothes over fashionable ones. I don't like getting outside of my comfort zone and feeling uncomfortable. I really hate going to a party or anywhere where I know no one! Here I am constantly being stretched and forced to go beyond what I am comfortable with. Whether that is in my thinking, language, culture, house, whatever. Sometimes I force myself to embrace being uncomfortable. I need to grow and I am here for a reason. If we are going to be used by God then we are going to have to be uncomfortable sometime. Then other times I resist it "kicking and screaming". I have a bad attitude about being stretched too far. I try whatever I can to get comfortable agian. I don't do things I should because of the work it might take. I choose comfort over doing what God would desire me to do.
I was listening to sermons from our church back in Indiana. The pastor used this example of a string that he had someone stretch all the way down the aisle and out the door. The string represented eternity and on it was a tiny flag that represtented our life. Whatever we have to face in this life is so short to the comparison of eternity. I put it this way to my students. We could spend all this time trying to be comfortable in this life, collecting wealth, living for ourselves, and rejecting God, but then forever being punished in eternity. Or option number two we could believe Jesus and show that through our actions. We might face trials, strugles, and uncomfort in this life, Jesus never said it would be easy, but then we will be rewarded for it for eternity. In 6th grade they are memorizing Matthew 5:10-12 this week that I felt it fit really well with these ideas. "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
Sometimes I get so wrapped up in my immediate comfort and enjoyment I forget that this life is so short. I get distracted by things that are really insignificant compared to what I should be focusing on.
I guess that leaves me with a challenge for you to answer the same questions, but I warn you they might be dificult to answer.
"If God asked you to be poor when you got older would you be able to follow Him then? Why or Why not? What would be the most difficult part of that request?" and "Name something that gets in the way of Jesus being first in your life?"
I challenged them with a couple of questions, that I think challenged me more than it did them. (Especially when they were super-hyper that day after a flad ceremony!)
I asked, "If God asked you to be poor when you got older would you be able to follow Him then? Why or Why not? What would be the most difficult part of that request?" and "Name something that gets in the way of Jesus being first in your life?" They were suppose to write the answers down on a card without a name. Of course a student asked me, what my answers were, but the bell rang and class was over. I honestly struggled with my answer. I think I would ask the question back, "How poor? Poor where?" I would struggle. Our house here is small and I have struggled here feeling no peace.
I also asked myself, "what get's in my way of me keeping Jesus centered and focused in my life?" I knew that answer right away, safety and comfort. I want my family and I to be safe. Nothing wrong with that unless it get's in the way of doing something that God would have me to do. So far I don't think it has. Unfortunately comfort can and at times has taken center place. I really desire to be comfortable. I like a comfortable and peaceful house. I would wear comfortable clothes over fashionable ones. I don't like getting outside of my comfort zone and feeling uncomfortable. I really hate going to a party or anywhere where I know no one! Here I am constantly being stretched and forced to go beyond what I am comfortable with. Whether that is in my thinking, language, culture, house, whatever. Sometimes I force myself to embrace being uncomfortable. I need to grow and I am here for a reason. If we are going to be used by God then we are going to have to be uncomfortable sometime. Then other times I resist it "kicking and screaming". I have a bad attitude about being stretched too far. I try whatever I can to get comfortable agian. I don't do things I should because of the work it might take. I choose comfort over doing what God would desire me to do.
I was listening to sermons from our church back in Indiana. The pastor used this example of a string that he had someone stretch all the way down the aisle and out the door. The string represented eternity and on it was a tiny flag that represtented our life. Whatever we have to face in this life is so short to the comparison of eternity. I put it this way to my students. We could spend all this time trying to be comfortable in this life, collecting wealth, living for ourselves, and rejecting God, but then forever being punished in eternity. Or option number two we could believe Jesus and show that through our actions. We might face trials, strugles, and uncomfort in this life, Jesus never said it would be easy, but then we will be rewarded for it for eternity. In 6th grade they are memorizing Matthew 5:10-12 this week that I felt it fit really well with these ideas. "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
Sometimes I get so wrapped up in my immediate comfort and enjoyment I forget that this life is so short. I get distracted by things that are really insignificant compared to what I should be focusing on.
I guess that leaves me with a challenge for you to answer the same questions, but I warn you they might be dificult to answer.
"If God asked you to be poor when you got older would you be able to follow Him then? Why or Why not? What would be the most difficult part of that request?" and "Name something that gets in the way of Jesus being first in your life?"
Friday, October 8, 2010
What I am learning about God and Missions.
On a regular basis this thought pops into my head. If I spent as much time in my community in the states praying, working to do good, and speaking about works of Jesus Christ, there is no doubt that I would probably make a bigger impact there then what I do here. While I have the unique situation of ministering to Mexican students who speak English, I still do not know enough of the language to build any real relationships with anyone other then my students and my English speaking foreign counterparts. I do know this will change if we work long enough here.
If we would have so chosen, we could have gotten a job in a State side Christian school, minister to similar students, and build real focused relationships with our English speaking friends and neighbors as many noble minded believers in the states do. It's hard not to think that the fruit of your efforts couldn't be greatly multiplied within your own people group. With that being said, why do some feel a call to go overseas and why does God call some? Why do some spend years laboring over a language and a people for years before they see their first fruit? Surely people with such passion and energy could reap a fruit much greater at home if they expended the same energy.
John Piper in his book "Let the Nations be Glad" had a great illustration that addresses this situation and thought. He talks of a captain leading two large passenger boats through the rough seas. Simoultaneously both boats begin to sink. The captain has 5 trained rescue crews, but they are all on the same boat. These rescue crews work tirelessly to rescue people from that boat. While they are doing so, they hear the cries of those from the other boat. Why would they go? There are more people on the first boat then they could possibly rescue if they worked until the end. Does it not make sense to rescue as many people as possible not mattering what boat they are on. Will not many total lives be lost if two of the rescue boats spend an hour rowing all the way over to the other boat. In that time many from the first boat who could have been saved will drown and only a few will be left for the saving from the second boat.
That in many ways is the story of World Missions. Some countries have a good number of devoted Christians (Still never enough to reap all the fruit available), while others have few or none. It would make sense that these Christians would labor hard amongst their people where they would be most effective instead of going elsewhere where they might labor long and see little fruit. Despite this truth, this does not seem to be God's ultimate plan. While he does desire the salvation of as many as possible, it is clear he desires to call his own people from every nation "ethnos" or people group in the world. For that reason, he sends one or two of the rescue crews to the other boat. In his great compassion, he has a purpose and a desire for those people as well.
Does this make logical sense? I don't know, but I do believe Scripture confirms it's truth. And this truth has helped me, because I still find myself often thinking the same thing. Could I not have been truly more effective helping on the first boat then I am here?
Below are just a couple of the verses which Piper shares that support this often vexing truth.
Rev 5:9 By your blood, you ransomed people for God from every tribe and languange and people and nation.
Gen 12:2-3 "And I will make of you a great nation and I will bless you and make your name great so that you will be a blessing. I will bless him who blesses you and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed."
Rom 1:5 "through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations."
If we would have so chosen, we could have gotten a job in a State side Christian school, minister to similar students, and build real focused relationships with our English speaking friends and neighbors as many noble minded believers in the states do. It's hard not to think that the fruit of your efforts couldn't be greatly multiplied within your own people group. With that being said, why do some feel a call to go overseas and why does God call some? Why do some spend years laboring over a language and a people for years before they see their first fruit? Surely people with such passion and energy could reap a fruit much greater at home if they expended the same energy.
John Piper in his book "Let the Nations be Glad" had a great illustration that addresses this situation and thought. He talks of a captain leading two large passenger boats through the rough seas. Simoultaneously both boats begin to sink. The captain has 5 trained rescue crews, but they are all on the same boat. These rescue crews work tirelessly to rescue people from that boat. While they are doing so, they hear the cries of those from the other boat. Why would they go? There are more people on the first boat then they could possibly rescue if they worked until the end. Does it not make sense to rescue as many people as possible not mattering what boat they are on. Will not many total lives be lost if two of the rescue boats spend an hour rowing all the way over to the other boat. In that time many from the first boat who could have been saved will drown and only a few will be left for the saving from the second boat.
That in many ways is the story of World Missions. Some countries have a good number of devoted Christians (Still never enough to reap all the fruit available), while others have few or none. It would make sense that these Christians would labor hard amongst their people where they would be most effective instead of going elsewhere where they might labor long and see little fruit. Despite this truth, this does not seem to be God's ultimate plan. While he does desire the salvation of as many as possible, it is clear he desires to call his own people from every nation "ethnos" or people group in the world. For that reason, he sends one or two of the rescue crews to the other boat. In his great compassion, he has a purpose and a desire for those people as well.
Does this make logical sense? I don't know, but I do believe Scripture confirms it's truth. And this truth has helped me, because I still find myself often thinking the same thing. Could I not have been truly more effective helping on the first boat then I am here?
Below are just a couple of the verses which Piper shares that support this often vexing truth.
Rev 5:9 By your blood, you ransomed people for God from every tribe and languange and people and nation.
Gen 12:2-3 "And I will make of you a great nation and I will bless you and make your name great so that you will be a blessing. I will bless him who blesses you and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed."
Rom 1:5 "through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations."
Lesson Learned #1 (Ministering to the Ministers)
I thought I would start a lessons learned blog to go along with our life blog. As we all know, whether missions trip of any length or really any other dramatic experience in life. The lessons we learn during that time tend to be enduring. I wanted to start to collect these enduring lessons. I thought this was a good one to start with.
No one comes to Mexico to minister to Americans. That is pretty much obvious and fairly clear without actually verbalizing it. Those who are here are so to minister and spread the gospel amongst the people groups of Mexico. That is their passon, their desire, and the primary reason they came. Regretfully, for the school we teach at, where I would estimate 60-70% of the core teaching staff is Foreign (American or British), there is no one here who genuinely desires to minister to them. The range of the teachers varies drastically, but most of the teachers are energetic, passionate 20 somethings passionate to spread the gospel of Christ. As most missionairies we have previously encountered also share, transition to another country is not easy, and support is so important.
Here again is where we find the problem. No one comes to Mexico to minister to Americans. As we have personally experienced, and we hear time and again in their stories, they feel alone hear. I think for all who go overseas a time comes when you hit rough patches and just feel desperately alone. One Baptist missionairy website I found said that 75% of all missionairies go home with 3 years of leaving and never return. These statistics should not be surprising as we find similar statisitcs for state side pastors and youth ministers. From what I have seen, those statistics seem to be fair or even low for the percent who make it beyond their two year commitment here in Mexico. With that being said, I do not think any of these groups lack passion, maybe just support.
The question is then begged? Why are we not seeing the obvious need to minister to the ministers. Just as no one comes to Mexico to minister to Americans. Rarely does anyone go to a church to minister to the ministers. Being involved also with an inner city mission, college ministry, and youth ministry. I have seen the same thing. Regretfully, from my own selfish experience I realize that we are often so pulled by our own needs that we fail to ever minister to any one at all. If we do get up the heart to minister, we want to do it to those in a situation we consider to be struggling or inferior to our own in some sense. By doing this, we garner a certain sense of satisfaction out of it. When I look up information on those ministering to the ministers, I generally find it to be solely retired missionaries or pastors ministering to their counterparts. Regretfully, as the numbers above show, their are very few pastors, para church ministry leaders, or missionaries who really make it to retirement to do so. With that being said, I think the church as a whole and individuals believers within it always need to be more cognizent of this need. We yearn for leaders and servents, but then regretfully take so much from them that they run out of things to give.
While they are our leaders, now as always, those who minister need desperately to be ministered to. I encourage you to think about this and consider it where you find yourself.
No one comes to Mexico to minister to Americans. That is pretty much obvious and fairly clear without actually verbalizing it. Those who are here are so to minister and spread the gospel amongst the people groups of Mexico. That is their passon, their desire, and the primary reason they came. Regretfully, for the school we teach at, where I would estimate 60-70% of the core teaching staff is Foreign (American or British), there is no one here who genuinely desires to minister to them. The range of the teachers varies drastically, but most of the teachers are energetic, passionate 20 somethings passionate to spread the gospel of Christ. As most missionairies we have previously encountered also share, transition to another country is not easy, and support is so important.
Here again is where we find the problem. No one comes to Mexico to minister to Americans. As we have personally experienced, and we hear time and again in their stories, they feel alone hear. I think for all who go overseas a time comes when you hit rough patches and just feel desperately alone. One Baptist missionairy website I found said that 75% of all missionairies go home with 3 years of leaving and never return. These statistics should not be surprising as we find similar statisitcs for state side pastors and youth ministers. From what I have seen, those statistics seem to be fair or even low for the percent who make it beyond their two year commitment here in Mexico. With that being said, I do not think any of these groups lack passion, maybe just support.
The question is then begged? Why are we not seeing the obvious need to minister to the ministers. Just as no one comes to Mexico to minister to Americans. Rarely does anyone go to a church to minister to the ministers. Being involved also with an inner city mission, college ministry, and youth ministry. I have seen the same thing. Regretfully, from my own selfish experience I realize that we are often so pulled by our own needs that we fail to ever minister to any one at all. If we do get up the heart to minister, we want to do it to those in a situation we consider to be struggling or inferior to our own in some sense. By doing this, we garner a certain sense of satisfaction out of it. When I look up information on those ministering to the ministers, I generally find it to be solely retired missionaries or pastors ministering to their counterparts. Regretfully, as the numbers above show, their are very few pastors, para church ministry leaders, or missionaries who really make it to retirement to do so. With that being said, I think the church as a whole and individuals believers within it always need to be more cognizent of this need. We yearn for leaders and servents, but then regretfully take so much from them that they run out of things to give.
While they are our leaders, now as always, those who minister need desperately to be ministered to. I encourage you to think about this and consider it where you find yourself.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Fairy or Rat?
I'm suppose to wait up all night for "El Ratoncito" to come and visit our house. David had to get a tooth pulled because of a bad cavity. He wrote a note to the "Tooth Fairy", but as they have talked amongst there classmates they are discovering the Tooth Fairy looks very different here in Mexico. I'm not so sure I like how he looks because a rat is suppose to visit my house tonight. I so perfer the image of a fairy than a rat, but at least it is a little rat. I'm sure this will be an easier idea for David to grasp. He wasn't sure of the existence of fairies, but he has seen rats and he even saw one in Mexico one night about a week ago. Pehaps that was "El Ratoncito" getting teeth and giving money? Edan has asked me to stay watch all night and let him know if it was a fairy or a rat.
The other question is does the tooth fairy here read in English? David wrote his letter in English, but I questioned him whether or not the tooth fairy (or rat) would be able to read it. I thought about writing back in Spanish that the rat didn't know what it said, but I didn't. I'll leave that to the rat.
The last question is how much does the rat pay for a tooth here? I find it interesting that the boys shared many stories today that the rat gives 200 to 150 pesos to their friends! That's like $15-$10! I think that's a little high to pay for a tooth. They really know how to work it. David might be a little on the dissappointed side when he doesn't get that much. I'm sure David will reason it away that it was because he had a broken tooth or something like that and expect more next time.
Fairy or Rat he's coming to our house, to bad I'm not going to be staying up all night to see what it really is! I guess the world will never know.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Comforts vs Comfort
I have come to realize something over the last couple of weeks. Comforts are often robbing me of comfort. I at times am really starting see the difficulties of pulling away from comfort. Comforts once established in our lives are hard to dethrone as expectations instead of blessings. I find myself longing at times for the comforts we had in the states. My back deck, my back yard, an upstairs to tell the kids to go to when they are driving us crazy, and at times air conditioning (even though I would dare to say the weather is borderline perfect here). This is just a few of long list of little things that I find myself missing, even yearning for at times. Are any of these things bad or wrong? Of course not, but I have come to realize the difficulty of letting them go. And in trying to let them go, I realize that comforts can become substitutes for the comfort of God. As I have been reading the Bible, I am noting all the verses/promises that God gives as to His complete sufficiency for our lives. His ability to provide comforts to those who seek him, those who don't seek their own comfort and own desires. I regretfully am not this person at yet and at times find myself a long ways from this. As I think through these words at Starbucks, the temporary comforts of this world pull continually at my desires. I have been praying that I would be able to focus more on the eternal and less on the temporary. Below I am sharing some verses that are out there for all of us to take hold.
"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will also be" Matt 6:19-21
"If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!" Matt 7:11
"And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you." Luke 12:29-31
"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will also be" Matt 6:19-21
"If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!" Matt 7:11
"And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you." Luke 12:29-31
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)