Casting Cares

This past Sunday I was dwelling on a well-quoted scripture: 1 Peter 5:6-7.  It says, "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you."  

To be honest, it's one of those passages I've read and heard so many times that it takes some effort to internalize and be meaningful.  Even though it's not a new concept to me, what came to my mind was to bring all the things, people, and situations I care about and put them--figuratively--into God's hand.  I love this because God's hand is a place of power. 

Today I decided to look up the Greek--I'm a language person :)--and I absolutely love all of the connotations of God's hand in scripture.  Not only is it what He uses to create the universe, but to protect, to punish evil, and "in determining and controlling the destinies of men."  That sounds like a great place to leave something that's troubling me.  And the reason it's probably bothering me anyway is because I lack the attributes that God has: the power and control.

So, why don't I do this more often?  Maybe it's my Low Country life that is used to holding onto the net when casting.  In prayer, I don't always ignore things, but I find myself stopping short of casting--throwing away from myself and releasing it completely to God to deal with. Sometimes I'll "pray" and tell God about it without really giving it to Him.  

From Charlie Scott SCBC site

"Prayer is not asking.  Prayer is putting oneself in the hands of God, at His disposition, and listening to His voice in the depth of our hearts."                                                                ~Mother Theresa

The reason scripture gives to throw our cares at Jesus is because God cares for us.  What's on God's heart and mind is us.  We matter to Him.  What concerns us concerns Him.  It really doesn't matter what it is, how big and impossible, how seemingly trite and insignificant.  He invites us to not just tell Him about, but to throw the things that trouble us onto Him.  And I love that it works for the concerns we have on behalf of those we care about!

"You search the Scriptures, for you believe they give you eternal life.  And the Scriptures point to me!  Yet you won't come to me so that I can give you this life eternal!  John 5:39-40 TLB

Most of my cares right now seem directly or indirectly connected to my preparation for the mission field--including the timing of when I will leave.  So, how convenient that this passage even addresses timing.  Some translations say "in due time," others "the right time" or "the proper time."  Does anyone else translate this as "not my timing"?  (Just being honest).  We shouldn't.  I mean, chances are God's timing may not be ours; but if it isn't, it's because the conditions aren't right.  

Last Greek reference, but Peter uses the word kairos here.  I love this word.  I remember my pastor preaching on Mark 1:15 years ago as a karios moment.  It's a moment in time where the conditions are right to take an opportunity.  In fact, if you don't take it, it may be a really long time--or never--when the opportunity will present itself again. 

So, in this case, when we are able to let go of our cares and trustingly leave them in God's powerful, mighty hand, there's a promise regarding the timing of God to raise us to a place of "dignity, honor, and happiness" (exalting us). Basically, God knows when everything is at its peak and opportune time and promises that timing to answer and bless us with the concerns we bring to Him.  So, what do you say?  One by one, let's start casting those cares to Jesus and see what happens.

  

Quotes regarding Greek definitions taken from blueletterbible.org.  

How's Your Posture?

"It is not the body's posture, but the heart's attitude that counts when we pray."   ~Billy Graham

How's Your Posture?

Over Christmas, I dealt with some back pain, which forced me to re-evaluate some habits like posture. It's something I'm sorry to say I don't work at when all is well and find it takes a lot of conscious effort and even training to form healthy habits.  It's quite amazing how our natural tendency is to revert to positions that put stress on our weak areas when we could/should use our stronger muscles for this!

This being highlighted in my natural circumstances, I became sensitive to the same concept spiritually. And I noticed how Hannah's (one of my favorite women from B.C. days) posture drastically improved when she returned from a life-changing experience at the temple.  She went from a despondent disposition because of unfulfilled longings to one of worship.  Her circumstances hadn't changed...yet; but her outlook, her attitude, and her actions put her in position to receive the very thing she longed for from the Lord: a son.

Hannah's exemplar posture of worship is something I'm trying to live out in a time of waiting and extended delay.  As you may know, in December my goal to leave in January was pushed to February. Last week I learned that it's been delayed even further, with the new estimated (earliest) leave date as end of March!  I tend to be a "glass is half full" kind of person and could, without even thinking, rattle off about 5-6 blessings that have come from my still being here.  Still, the waiting has that "gravity effect" that if I'm not intentional to keep a posture of worship, I find myself spiritually slouching.

So, as I examine my spiritual stance and consider how to practically engage to improve it, I like how Eugene Peterson translates James 4: 8-10 in the Message.  Parts of it remind me a lot of Hannah's own position.  So let God work his will in you.  Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper.  Say a quiet yes to God, and He'll be there in no time.  Quit dabbling in sin.  Purify your inner life.  Quit playing the field.  Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out.  The fun and games are over.  Get serious, really serious.  Get down on your knees before the Master; it's the only way you'll get on your feet.

 

"There are thoughts which are prayers.  There are moments when, whatever the posture of the body, the soul is on its knees."  

~Victor Hugo 

It Pays To Obey

Sorry I didn't write in the month of January.  I've been in a black hole the past few weeks.  Don't worry, I haven't been depressed.  I've just been consumed--physically, mentally, and emotionally.  You see, I began taking a 3-week intensive course on partnership development 3 weeks ago...the same week I'd signed up for an intensive weekend workshop at my church on top of an already fairly busy schedule.  

What does this have to do with obedience, you may be asking.  Well, the class wasn't my idea.  I've had several trainings and previous experience in raising support; and while I'm a believer in life-long learning, it seemed better to use my limited time to actually be doing it rather than learning more.

But my missions' agency (SAMS) had asked me to pilot the class.  I knew deep down that I could use the practical help.  And bottom line, after dialogue with the Lord, I believed that God Himself was leading me down this dreaded path.  So, with the prayer support of a few friends and SAMS behind me, I signed up and made it through 3 intense weeks of training.

So, fast forward to this morning when I have my very first partnership presentation outside of class.  Now remember that this isn't really my cup of tea; but I and others have been praying me through this, including my friend Sarah who I'm meeting for coffee.  First, I'm thankful to just catch up but also encouraged that it's genuinely fun and exciting sharing my stories with her, especially when she interjects that the "African man" who had greatly influenced my life a few years back is a personal friend of hers!

Catching Up

Then we both get excited as we share different connections and dream about ways that God could bless a potential partnership.  But the clincher is when the couple who has been sitting next to us walks over.  The lady politely interrupts to explain that she hasn't exactly been eavesdropping, but she's heard enough to know that I'm raising money for something that I"m passionate about and hands me a $100 bill!

Did this really just happen?

Now, I certainly never want my--or anyone's--motive to obey God to be for monetary or other personal gain.  I want it to be out of a relationship of love and trust.  That said, God does promise blessing to those who obey Him.  

"If you listen obediently to the Voice of God, your God, and heartily obey all his commandments...all these blessings will come down on you..." Deut 28

It goes a lot deeper than today's events. But based on God's own words, I think it's fair to say that it pays to obey, and for me today, quite literally!

Remembering 2016

In the midst of the busy holiday season, I always try to spend some time reflecting on the past year and looking ahead at the new one.  It's a helpful way to remember what God has done, and I think He wants us very much to live a life of remembering what He has done-not just in our own lives, but throughout the generations and the history of mankind. In the book of Joshua 3 and 4, He commanded them to build a memorial for this very purpose!  

Like every year, there have been highs, and there have been lows.  Successes and victories, disappointments and frustrations.  But as I look back, I definitely see God's hand; and this post is to remember and celebrate what God has done this past year.  Actually He's done so much more, but this is mostly focusing on the call I'm responding to.

~January~
As an attempt to discern God's will about going full-time with EE, I attended the European Conference in Vienna, Austria.  It was affirming, and I met Helmut, my future boss.

With former 2015 interns Pete and Jasmine at Europe Conference in Vienna

~February~
On a phone call with Rod (EE leader), I was invited to a couple of EE events in the upcoming months, one of them mandatory for me to go full-time.  This answered my question about not renewing my contract to teach this year.

~March~
Within 24 hours of informing my principal and head of school that I would not be renewing my contract, we received a random email with a qualified replacement!

~April~
After several encouragements, I attended the New Wineskins Conference in Asheville, NC.  Not only was so encouraged and affirmed, but I also met SAMS' director and interim director and began to dialogue with them about a partnership.

A huge surprise to run into the Powells from my BFA days (2008-10) at New Wineskins Conference...and they introduced me to SAMS' leaders!

~May~
Made my first visit to EE International headquarters in Asheville.  Had a bittersweet finish to three amazing years of teaching amazing students with amazing colleagues at First Baptist.

~June~
Traveled to Switzerland to meet the leadership team I would join and get a taste for what is ahead.

Re-connecting in person with long-time friend Gunnhild in her homeland of Norway

~July~
Got to re-connect with long-time and newer friends in Europe before heading to Australia and re-uniting with more friends and attend a missions conference at a church I knew from the previous year's internship.

With Aussie friends at FAC's Missions Conference in Wollongong, Australia

~August~
First time to Asia (Indonesia) for my first Congress of Nations!  A very sweet, exciting time as I gained a big picture and met the "whole family" as well as the team in Europe I'll be joining.  Also attended Crossroads Conference in Ambridge, PA as a SAMS candidate.

With European team at Congress of Nations in Malang, Indonesia

~September~
Found buyers for our condo before it ever went on the market (It's a God story).  Packed and moved before leaving for Fiji at the end of the month.

~October~
Joined 21 others from 13 different nations to attend the Leadership Development Training for full-time staff with EE.  Our condo closed while I was there.

At EE's Kennedy Training Center in Fiji for 6-week Leadership Development Training

~November~
Had my first opportunity to share about my journey at St. Matthew's Parish in Fort Motte, SC, where I recently learned my grandfather lived during his childhood!  Also, started my first one-on-one XEE training!

XEE training with new friends Dot and Chris...
At our old condo...because they were the buyers (Only the Lord!)

~December~
Encouraged and touched by the many people God has put in my life to encourage and support me through the ups and downs of life and especially to spur me on to continue on and embrace the call and vision God has given me.

2016 was a year of risk-taking, 100% yes, and some dreams coming true. It hasn't been easy, but it has been exciting and fulfilling.  I'm thankful that we have a God who is faithful to lead us and love us. Here's to remembering what He has done.  And since I'll be without Internet when the New Year rings in, here's a cheer to the New Year 2017!

Ready or Not?!

If you're at all familiar with the church calendar, it's Advent season.  As I shared with the church I visited this past Sunday in Fort Motte, SC, I love this season: not only do we look back in history to when God fulfilled His promise with Jesus coming to earth, but we also look ahead when God will fulfill His promise of Jesus returning to earth.  It's not the festivities and stories I like so much, but the implications behind them: Jesus paid the price no one else can pay so that relationship can be restored both with God Himself and with others! While God offers us SO much here on earth like forgiveness, physical, emotional, and relational healing and reconciliation (to name a few) because of His first coming; He offers us so much more--an eternity of a world where we are whole and no longer in need of healing--through His second coming!

When asked which mug I wanted for my tea during St. Matthews' Sunday School, would you believe they had the same exact mugs I always chose in Fiji in their cupboard!?!  With my friend and childhood Sunday School teacher, Janet Echols.

So, back to my original sentiment, that I love this season!  Well...at least in theory.  The reality is that Advent is a season of waiting and preparation for the "not yet."  And when you figure in the added element of the unknown "when," it can get a bit uncomfortable if we don't heed God's instruction to get ready!  

I can very much relate to this tension in my personal life as it depicts exactly where I am: I have already let go of things here--like my job and condo--and am preparing to move to Europe and join the EE team there; but I have no idea when, other than soon!  I'm in a holding pattern and cannot give the precise date to myself, much less those who ask.  But then again, this position is consistent with God's warning when he tells us to be ready for Him to come like a thief in the night (Matt 24)!  He doesn't say how long, just be ready!

So I guess the next question is "How?"  Well, John the Baptist's job was to "prepare the way" for the Lord's first coming; and his message was to change their thinking about God.  In particular, He announced it was the King who was coming to bring the restoration and hope to their unique, personal situations that all mankind throughout all history has been desperate for. I believe the message is the same this time around.  

If that's the case, a good question is What's in the way?"  What in my/your heart and mind needs to go? For me...so I'll be ready to join the team in Europe?  ...so I'll be ready to meet the King when He comes?  When I look at things this way, I see any potential delays or "extra" time as a form of grace to prepare so that I will be ready when the time comes!  So, I'm trying to embrace and accept the unknowns and focus on the goal ahead, with the means to reach it being readiness.  

The signs are all around.  We may not know the "when," but we know the what and the where! Ready or not, He's coming!  Let's be ready!

Let's Stay Connected!

Don't feel too bad if you can't keep up with exactly where I am and what I'm doing.  My computer's confused about where I am too! :)  That said, I want to stay connected, so keep reading!

I made it back to Charleston a week ago just in time for the Super Moon, FBS at State Championships, and the holidays!  As we enter Thanksgiving week, I'd say I have a lot to be thankful for.

Thankful to be able to witness and cheer on the FBS Hurricanes as they earned their very first ever state football championship! FBS is my alma mater, where I taught French the last 3 years, and where my niece and nephew go to school.  My nephew, Nicholas, is on the team, #17. :)

Friday night, a friend hosted a party for me to share about what I'll be doing.  It was truly encouraging to share the journey I've been on and to have others who are a part of it with me as I continue on!  One thing I'm aware of is that the upcoming ministry role isn't all about me and how much I do need the support of those around me.

Thankful for friends--new and old--who stayed to listen, ask questions, encourage and pray

When asked how others can support and stay connected with me, I shared these ways and want to share with you:

1.  Stay connected through social media and email.

I plan to regularly post on this very blog.  Each time I post, I post to Facebook and in the future will send the link to anyone on my email list (please contact me if you'd like to be added).

2.  Give to the ministry.

Like all EE staff, I'm responsible to raise my living & ministry expenses.  I need $5000 USD /mo per year.  A monthly or one-time donation of any amount is helpful!

Online giving:  Click here.

Give by check:  Contact me for details.

3.  Pray!

For me, EE Europe, and those who need to hear the Gospel.  I'll be setting up a Facebook group for those who give or wish to pray to regularly share what God is doing and specific prayer requests.  I also plan to send regular newsletters on top of the frequent blogs so that you know how to pray.

Stay tuned for my personal webpage that SAMS is creating.  It will be an all-in-one stop with my bio/pic, link to blog, and link to online giving.  ETA: January.

And while I'm still in the States (at least through the holidays): if our paths haven't crossed, and you want to connect in person, please let me know!

Farewell, Fiji Friends!

Fijian Farewell Song to Internationals 

Coming to Fiji these 6 weeks was a challenge.  At the beginning of September, I needed to sell my condo, raise support, and try to get to Switzerland as soon as possible.  Not only did God provide, protect, and bless the sale of the condo--which closed while I was here--but He also had people approaching me who want to partner with me financially before my support account had even opened--which also happened while I was here.  While I still have a long way to go with that, I actually have a goal of leaving early January.

    See the rainbow? Two days in a row!

The Leadership Development Training has been a very significant step to prepare me for my upcoming role.  The content has given me a better understanding of the structure and tools within the ministry.  The workshops brought fresh encouragement as we were able to share and train locals with the Gospel while also learning different styles and techniques from others.  The atmosphere including time set apart for personal and corporate prayer, Word, and worship has nurtured my relationship with God and been conducive to hearing from Him.  The unity of worshiping, living, and learning among a variety of diverse cultures and denominations has enriched the experience not just personally, but also because it is a tangible expression of EE’s vision of “every nation equipping every people group and every age group to witness to every person.”

    Group at Graduation With Certificates

Planning and goal-setting can theoretically be done anywhere in the world, but my experience here where all of these conditions that I mentioned co-exist has been ideal for the Holy Spirit to inspire me and shape the process in a way I’m not sure could’ve happened at a desk or coffee shop back in my busy hometown--at least not in the same way.

          Sunrise from Training Center

As we conclude the final week here, I feel strengthened in vision, affirmed in the call, and prepared to take the next step: to move to Switzerland and join the team in Europe to carry out God’s command and EE’s mission: to glorify God by equipping believers to multiply in and through local churches in Europe "and surrounding areas"--for friendship, evangelism, discipleship, and healthy growth.”