Happy Almost-Valentines Day!
How do you feel about this holiday?
I am on board, myself.
I get the argument that it is too commercialized, we should show love all year round, sure. But that goes for pretty much every holiday that extols goodness- Christmas, Thanksgiving, Mothers Day, etc.
And then every V-day I read facebook statuses of single friends and Singles' Awareness Day/being tired of being alone/stuff like that.But I happen to think this idea that 'singleness must equal loneliness' is a lie straight from the pit of Hollywood. But what do I know, I only have 25 years of experience (granted, the first 12 or so years it was kind of a non-issue).
But I digress, if you are really so lonely, go to your local nursing home, sit down with someone (they most likely won't care that they don't know you) and have a conversation. I bet several things would happen: 1. You won't spend V-day alone 2. You will share some Jesus love 3. Chances are, you'll see what real loneliness is.
The above paragraph sounds harsh, that is why I have never actually said to a Valentwhiner before.
I love Love. As a follower of Jesus everything I am commanded to do has to do with Love (Matthew 22:37-40) Why would I not love a day based on love?
Don't hear me saying I think all believers should buy pink bears and musical cards. I think the problem is the fact that this day tends to be centered on romantic love- but you don't have to follow the sheeple that are the American consumers. You can celebrate V-day with other people who-eternally speaking- are just as significant as any significant other.
I was going to talk about the origins of Valentines Day, about the cool stories about Saint Valentine. But as I read more, there seems to be a lot of different stories, so you can look it up if you would like. He or they sound like great men of the faith. Which we don't really hear much about now amidst everything else.
Tomorrow night, I am going to introduce a couple of my Chinese friends to Mexican food- greater love hath no man than- oh wait no, that's not right:)
I wish you all a Happy Valentines Day!
Monday, February 13, 2012
Monday, January 2, 2012
New Year Post!
I think New Years is to bloggers as Christmas and Easter are to nominal church-goers. If you are gonna post, it should be on New Years! You review your last year, give goals or resolutions for the new year, it generally makes for a good read. Well, today is January 2, so the year is still new:)
About this time last year I was in Dallas, TX. This was when I decided to work as a Scripture Impact worker, I had been in Dallas for about five months doing the beginning linguistic classes and not loving it. It was such a release and relief to change my track and get into training I really enjoyed!
March is when I officially decided to serve the Konyanka people with Brittany and the Brolliers. I had been praying for a people group and a team since July 2010 when I began with PBT. This was such a huge answer to prayer- to work with an unreached people group with a team of people to support me and support!
In July I finished my last PBT training class and came home to raise support. This part of the journey I was a little anxious about, but God provided, so many of my church family has been generous and supportive and are on fire about God's Kingdom spreading to the Bible-less!
Then in October I moved to Chambery, France and began to learn French in preparation for Guinea, where that is the official language. My time here has been very blessed with new friends and team-building with the Brolliers, though they leave this month.
As far as goals or resolutions for 2012, I just read this blog about making four resolutions: spiritual, intellectual, physical, and social. This sounds like a good idea to me, I'll give it a try!
1. Spiritual- I want to really work on scripture memorization this year, I should probably name a quantity to keep me accountable....lets say a passage (vague on purpose) a week.
2. Intellectual- this one is easier, I just discovered i-tunes free weekly podcasts, they have ones on economics, science, history, all kinds of things I will never sit down and read about but can listen to a podcast about!
3. Physical- one word: jogging. No diet resolutions this year, come on people I live with Brittany Bedford!
4. Social- I will not hole up in my room and hide from French-speaking people, I will talk to them and make mistakes but build relationships through it!
ok folks, hold me to it:) Happy New Year, love you!
About this time last year I was in Dallas, TX. This was when I decided to work as a Scripture Impact worker, I had been in Dallas for about five months doing the beginning linguistic classes and not loving it. It was such a release and relief to change my track and get into training I really enjoyed!
March is when I officially decided to serve the Konyanka people with Brittany and the Brolliers. I had been praying for a people group and a team since July 2010 when I began with PBT. This was such a huge answer to prayer- to work with an unreached people group with a team of people to support me and support!
In July I finished my last PBT training class and came home to raise support. This part of the journey I was a little anxious about, but God provided, so many of my church family has been generous and supportive and are on fire about God's Kingdom spreading to the Bible-less!
Then in October I moved to Chambery, France and began to learn French in preparation for Guinea, where that is the official language. My time here has been very blessed with new friends and team-building with the Brolliers, though they leave this month.
As far as goals or resolutions for 2012, I just read this blog about making four resolutions: spiritual, intellectual, physical, and social. This sounds like a good idea to me, I'll give it a try!
1. Spiritual- I want to really work on scripture memorization this year, I should probably name a quantity to keep me accountable....lets say a passage (vague on purpose) a week.
2. Intellectual- this one is easier, I just discovered i-tunes free weekly podcasts, they have ones on economics, science, history, all kinds of things I will never sit down and read about but can listen to a podcast about!
3. Physical- one word: jogging. No diet resolutions this year, come on people I live with Brittany Bedford!
4. Social- I will not hole up in my room and hide from French-speaking people, I will talk to them and make mistakes but build relationships through it!
ok folks, hold me to it:) Happy New Year, love you!
Sunday, November 27, 2011
The Conversational Triumvirate
Food is kind of a given, while we are sitting around in the kitchen we exchange favorite foods. We wrinkle our noses at each others' discriptions of different dishes, or nod appriciatively- depending on the ingredients. They list foods we have to try while we are here, foods special to the region.
My roommate and I have had several conversations about movies; she tells me most French people think American movies are too happy and naive. I have watched some French movies now, and I told her I find them depressing and without conclusive endings. She said the French like to have to think about the film, and it should be realistic. So, that has been fun, we compare opinions at different movies, and usually our opinions line up with the above generalizations.
Idioms are so much fun. At Thanksgiving we shared some with each other. I never realized how much I use until I speak with someone whose first language is not English.
So, now you know my "backup plan" when having a cross-cultural conversation. Though I think most of the time only two of these three will apply in Africa:)
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Why Re-invent the Wheel?
I had been thinking about doing a post here when I read my friend Erin Duplechin's blog a couple of days ago. And I loved it! It was pretty much what I wanted to say, only I think she did better! So why reinvent the wheel? I just shamelessly asked if I could repost her thoughts on my blog.
Erin and Kevin and their two girls are also in Pioneer Bible Translators. I got to get to know them a little as we lived in the DFW area at the same time taking classes. They are wonderful!
And so, without further ado... He's Wild, You Know by Erin Duplechin
“He’s wild, you know. Not like a tame lion.”
What is safe?
I often wonder this. I think of our jungle-bound family and I wonder- is it safe? I certainly get asked that enough. Believe me when I say that I know there are hard times ahead for our family. But aren’t there for everyone?
I know the risks are real. Diseases. Wild animals. Lack of convenience. Missionaries are not immune from bad things happening. Children get sick. Some lose their lives.
Jim Elliot died at the end of a spear. Yet, his family returned, believing that even at the loss of father, husband, it was worth it. The Kingdom was worth it. Jesus was worth it. Perhaps they clung to his words, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep, to gain that which he cannot lose.”
I think of the Man of Sorrows, who, for the JOY set before him, endured the cross. Jesus wasn’t safe. He didn’t lead a timid life. He was born to die. But he didn’t run from his destiny. I would be lying if I didn’t admit to the fear within me that sees the calculable risk. Sometimes I want to keep my daughters wrapped up tight, safe in a bubble, fending off harm. But I know this is no way to live. I think they would resent us if, in 15 years, they learned of their parents who weren’t willing to give it all for Jesus; that weren’t willing to say “yes” because it was just too easy to say “no;” that clung to all the stuff they can’t take with them into eternity. How sad it would be for me to look them in the eyes and admit that I’d been too afraid to follow Jesus.
That brings me back around to the opening question: what is safe? Is safety found in a two-car-garage, white picket fence, 1 cat, 1 dog, SUV filled life (and trust me when I say I long for these things sometimes)? Or is it found in the center of his will? His good, pleasing, so-not-a-bummer will. His will might be picket fences, and that’s certainly okay, but it may also be spotty solar power in the middle of the jungle.
But the reality is that nowhere is safe. People, babies, die right here in my town, every day. But God is good.
We walk with a God who isn’t known for safety. He’s a Man of War, the roaring Lion of Judah.
“Safe?” said Mr. Beaver. “Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King, I tell you.” –C.S. Lewis, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
~Erin
If you want to check out the Duplechin's blog it can be found at http://untilallhear.wordpress.com/
Erin and Kevin and their two girls are also in Pioneer Bible Translators. I got to get to know them a little as we lived in the DFW area at the same time taking classes. They are wonderful!
And so, without further ado... He's Wild, You Know by Erin Duplechin
“He’s wild, you know. Not like a tame lion.”
What is safe?
I often wonder this. I think of our jungle-bound family and I wonder- is it safe? I certainly get asked that enough. Believe me when I say that I know there are hard times ahead for our family. But aren’t there for everyone?
I know the risks are real. Diseases. Wild animals. Lack of convenience. Missionaries are not immune from bad things happening. Children get sick. Some lose their lives.
Jim Elliot died at the end of a spear. Yet, his family returned, believing that even at the loss of father, husband, it was worth it. The Kingdom was worth it. Jesus was worth it. Perhaps they clung to his words, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep, to gain that which he cannot lose.”
I think of the Man of Sorrows, who, for the JOY set before him, endured the cross. Jesus wasn’t safe. He didn’t lead a timid life. He was born to die. But he didn’t run from his destiny. I would be lying if I didn’t admit to the fear within me that sees the calculable risk. Sometimes I want to keep my daughters wrapped up tight, safe in a bubble, fending off harm. But I know this is no way to live. I think they would resent us if, in 15 years, they learned of their parents who weren’t willing to give it all for Jesus; that weren’t willing to say “yes” because it was just too easy to say “no;” that clung to all the stuff they can’t take with them into eternity. How sad it would be for me to look them in the eyes and admit that I’d been too afraid to follow Jesus.
That brings me back around to the opening question: what is safe? Is safety found in a two-car-garage, white picket fence, 1 cat, 1 dog, SUV filled life (and trust me when I say I long for these things sometimes)? Or is it found in the center of his will? His good, pleasing, so-not-a-bummer will. His will might be picket fences, and that’s certainly okay, but it may also be spotty solar power in the middle of the jungle.
But the reality is that nowhere is safe. People, babies, die right here in my town, every day. But God is good.
We walk with a God who isn’t known for safety. He’s a Man of War, the roaring Lion of Judah.
“Safe?” said Mr. Beaver. “Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King, I tell you.” –C.S. Lewis, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
~Erin
If you want to check out the Duplechin's blog it can be found at http://untilallhear.wordpress.com/
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Heartbreak
A couple of years ago I was talking to a friend about a painful breakup he had just gone through. He made the comment " I just feel like someone ripped out my heart and stomped on it." I am into imagery, so that statement has stuck around in my brain.
For me, the majority of heartbreak in my life has not been of the romantic variety. My brother suffers from bipolar disorder. Every episode of depression or mania interrupts his normal life, often leaving lasting consequences. It is hard to be around him, hard to explain to people what is going on, hard to understand at all a lot of the time.To watch a smart, sweet, funny young man's mind turn on him, turning him into a different person can only be described as heartbreaking. But this post isn't really about all the details of his disease, but what God has taught me so far through the trials.
1. God is faithful- It is one of those seemingly simple concepts that is so deep I will never fully understand this side of heaven. But just a couple days ago, I was being decieved into feeling hopeless, when the Holy Spirit reminded me- God has brought you through every other thing before, he will bring you through this too. What a comfort, what an anchor to hold onto in the storm!
2. Prayer is powerful- You hear it in the movies, when the doctor walks out of a sick patient's room. I have said it on numerous occasions myself- "All we can do now is pray." What I am in effect saying is "All we can do now is [the most powerful and life-changing act we could possibly do.] I am working on praying first, acting second in all areas of my life.
3. Worry, doubt, and fear are not from God- they're just not. I used to feel like I wasn't a good sister if I wasn't worrying about David or showing some outward sign that I was unhappy all the time he wasn't healthy. But now when I catch myself stressing, I ask myself "have I prayed?" If the answer is no, I pray. If the answer is yes, then what the heck am I doing? Doubting God heard me? Doubting he loves my brother enough to do what is right for him? Doubting God's power to carry out his will?
4. My family in Christ are there to support me- it's crazy how Satan can decieve me into isolating myself in times of trouble. But my church families, and other brothers and sister in Christ are made to be God's love in the flesh. The Church is made to be a net to catch each other in times of trouble.
The cool thing about these truths that God has reminded me of is that they will apply to any hardship in the future: loneliness overseas, stress in relationships, The Office going off the air (joke!).
Today I do kind of feel like someone ripped out my heart and stomped on it. But I strive to offer it up to God, to ask him for a new heart for tomorrow; a purer, softer, bigger heart that beats only for Jesus.
And apparently, I am not the only one to suffer in life, who knew? Psalms 51:10-12 helps me out a lot.
Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
11 Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
For me, the majority of heartbreak in my life has not been of the romantic variety. My brother suffers from bipolar disorder. Every episode of depression or mania interrupts his normal life, often leaving lasting consequences. It is hard to be around him, hard to explain to people what is going on, hard to understand at all a lot of the time.To watch a smart, sweet, funny young man's mind turn on him, turning him into a different person can only be described as heartbreaking. But this post isn't really about all the details of his disease, but what God has taught me so far through the trials.
1. God is faithful- It is one of those seemingly simple concepts that is so deep I will never fully understand this side of heaven. But just a couple days ago, I was being decieved into feeling hopeless, when the Holy Spirit reminded me- God has brought you through every other thing before, he will bring you through this too. What a comfort, what an anchor to hold onto in the storm!
2. Prayer is powerful- You hear it in the movies, when the doctor walks out of a sick patient's room. I have said it on numerous occasions myself- "All we can do now is pray." What I am in effect saying is "All we can do now is [the most powerful and life-changing act we could possibly do.] I am working on praying first, acting second in all areas of my life.
3. Worry, doubt, and fear are not from God- they're just not. I used to feel like I wasn't a good sister if I wasn't worrying about David or showing some outward sign that I was unhappy all the time he wasn't healthy. But now when I catch myself stressing, I ask myself "have I prayed?" If the answer is no, I pray. If the answer is yes, then what the heck am I doing? Doubting God heard me? Doubting he loves my brother enough to do what is right for him? Doubting God's power to carry out his will?
4. My family in Christ are there to support me- it's crazy how Satan can decieve me into isolating myself in times of trouble. But my church families, and other brothers and sister in Christ are made to be God's love in the flesh. The Church is made to be a net to catch each other in times of trouble.
The cool thing about these truths that God has reminded me of is that they will apply to any hardship in the future: loneliness overseas, stress in relationships, The Office going off the air (joke!).
Today I do kind of feel like someone ripped out my heart and stomped on it. But I strive to offer it up to God, to ask him for a new heart for tomorrow; a purer, softer, bigger heart that beats only for Jesus.
And apparently, I am not the only one to suffer in life, who knew? Psalms 51:10-12 helps me out a lot.
Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
11 Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Some books I have enjoyed recently
I realize there is a number of people out there who have been laying awake at night wondering "What has Shelly been reading these days?" Well, this blog is for you!
Erasing Hell by Francis Chan and Preston Sprinkle- I'm no expert on this topic, but I think the Chan man delivered here!
The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman- I know I am way behind on this train, but now I can finally answer next time someone asks me what my love language is! (Happens all the time.) I think this will be useful stuff to remember when working on a team of different people.
How to Get a Date Worth Keeping by Henry Cloud- My sister and several friends had read this and recommended it. It is pretty much opposite of a lot of dating books in the Christian sphere. I have this love/hate relationship with the information presented. I think he makes excellent points, but to actually apply it in my life would take some serious work!
Not A Fan by Kyle Idleman- I thought this was a good challenge book, especially for Christians living in the Bible-belt. And he is funny!
Mr. Darcy broke my heart by Beth Pattillo- I am pretty much a sucker for anything Jane Austen related, so when I saw this on clearance I gave in! The protagonist finds the original manuscript to Pride and Prejudice, so you get a different twist on the story.
Easy French Step by Step- I am learning French, easily and step by step.......kind of...
What about you? Any books to recommend?
Erasing Hell by Francis Chan and Preston Sprinkle- I'm no expert on this topic, but I think the Chan man delivered here!
The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman- I know I am way behind on this train, but now I can finally answer next time someone asks me what my love language is! (Happens all the time.) I think this will be useful stuff to remember when working on a team of different people.
How to Get a Date Worth Keeping by Henry Cloud- My sister and several friends had read this and recommended it. It is pretty much opposite of a lot of dating books in the Christian sphere. I have this love/hate relationship with the information presented. I think he makes excellent points, but to actually apply it in my life would take some serious work!
Not A Fan by Kyle Idleman- I thought this was a good challenge book, especially for Christians living in the Bible-belt. And he is funny!
Mr. Darcy broke my heart by Beth Pattillo- I am pretty much a sucker for anything Jane Austen related, so when I saw this on clearance I gave in! The protagonist finds the original manuscript to Pride and Prejudice, so you get a different twist on the story.
Easy French Step by Step- I am learning French, easily and step by step.......kind of...
What about you? Any books to recommend?
Friday, September 2, 2011
The Risk is Worth the Reward
So, as some of you may know, my Dad is an engineer. One evening not too long ago,my sister and I were trying to convince him to go to the movies with us. He, largely for our entertainment (I think), took out a pen and paper and made out a list of possible pros and cons to seeing a movie that night.
I have made some pro/con lists- I think most of us mentally do so when making any decision. I have a friend who is a successful salesman. I had lunch with him, and he gave me some good advice- "When the risk is worth the reward, take the risk."
One of my good friends just told me she is going to have a baby. I am so excited for her and her husband! But then I started to think about how I won't be here to watch that baby grow up, then I started thinking about all these other things I will miss with friends and family while I am halfway around the world. Missing births, weddings, graduations, birthdays,funerals, Christmas, etc- these are the cons, or the risks involved in living far away with an unreached people group to bring them the Gospel.
But, what are the pros, the great reward? Seeing people saved from eternal darkness and brought into the Kingdom of God- poeple who may have never been given that choice before.
Picture in your head a set of hanging scales- like the kind Lady Justice holds. Now on one side a big pile of feathers- these represent the earthly events I will miss out on with loved ones. Then, there on the other side of the scale, someone suddenly places a brick. This brick represents the salvation of those who were before unreached by the Good News. What happens to the risks/cons/feathers? They go flying, they aren't even on the scale anymore!
The risk is worth the reward, so I will take the risk.
I have made some pro/con lists- I think most of us mentally do so when making any decision. I have a friend who is a successful salesman. I had lunch with him, and he gave me some good advice- "When the risk is worth the reward, take the risk."
One of my good friends just told me she is going to have a baby. I am so excited for her and her husband! But then I started to think about how I won't be here to watch that baby grow up, then I started thinking about all these other things I will miss with friends and family while I am halfway around the world. Missing births, weddings, graduations, birthdays,funerals, Christmas, etc- these are the cons, or the risks involved in living far away with an unreached people group to bring them the Gospel.
But, what are the pros, the great reward? Seeing people saved from eternal darkness and brought into the Kingdom of God- poeple who may have never been given that choice before.
Picture in your head a set of hanging scales- like the kind Lady Justice holds. Now on one side a big pile of feathers- these represent the earthly events I will miss out on with loved ones. Then, there on the other side of the scale, someone suddenly places a brick. This brick represents the salvation of those who were before unreached by the Good News. What happens to the risks/cons/feathers? They go flying, they aren't even on the scale anymore!
The risk is worth the reward, so I will take the risk.
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