The Richest of Fare

As I do most weeks, yesterday I ate Sunday dinner with Doña Gloria and her family.  Falling-off-the-bone tender roast chicken, white rice, red beans, pastalon (mature plantains and cheese baked into bubbly goodness), tostones (fried plantains – mmmmm!), and ensalada (fresh tomatoes and lettuce with a balsamic vinaigrette). 

For dessert we had canned fruit cocktail.  You know, pears, peaches, grapes and maraschino cherries in sugary syrup.  As I was handed my portion, I thought longingly of my freshly cut piña upstairs in my little fridge.  And, as odd as it may seem, the words of Isaiah 55 popped into my head:

Come, all you who are thirsty,
come to the waters;
and you who have no money,
come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
without money and without cost.
Why spend money on what is not bread,
and your labor on what does not satisfy?
Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good,
and you will delight in the richest of fare.
Give ear and come to me;
listen, that you may live.  (vs 1-3a)

We live in a country filled with some of the freshest, sweetest, most delicious fruits I’ve ever eaten.   And, they are super inexpensive, too!  A large, perfectly ripe pineapple costs only 50 pesos (US$1.32).  Why in the world were we eating this bland, barely fruit-like stuff, when the richest of fare was ours for the taking?!      

Of course, for Dominicans, my use of canned habichuelas (red beans) is just as mind-boggling!  I secretly think that’s the reason Doña Gloria started inviting me to Sunday dinner.  She probably figures I can’t cook if I need to use canned beans, and so doesn’t want her tenant starving to death! 

For me, the flavor I’m sacrificing is worth the time and effort of soaking dried beans overnight and then having to cook them for a couple of hours.  Preparing fresh fruit and veggies still takes effort (especially here where soaking them in water with a bit of bleach is always a first step!)  But, eating fresh, delicious fruit is important to me, and so I consider it worth the trouble. 

It’s so easy for me to judge what I don’t see as important.  And, not just in food choices.  I never considered myself to be super North American, but being here has shown me just how much my culture, my worldview, impacts how I see and think and act. 

I want to share God’s truth, the joy and hope of the richest of fare He gives us in Christ Jesus.  How do I do that in a way that connects with those whose view of the world is so very different from mine?  It goes far beyond just the language barrier – which in and of itself is significant!  

God, speaking through Isaiah says we are to “Listen, listen to Me…”  “Listen, that you may live.” 

If I’m honest, often when I listen I only hear what I expect to hear.  I listen with my “orejas Americanas” (American ears), hearing what fits into my way of seeing the world.  Fresh fruit – way better than canned.  Canned beans – perfectly acceptable.

It’s not easy to re-learn how to listen!  But, being here is teaching me that if I am going to find ways to connect the truth of the Bible to those with orejas Dominicanas, I first need to listen to God’s word, which is over and above all cultures, yet able to speak into each one. 

As I learn to see things, hear things, experience things outside of my own small world, I pray I will only find my satisfaction in the Bread of Life.  I pray that through my feeble, weak efforts, the Holy Spirit will move others to seek the richest of fare, too.  That in His power, they will give ear, come, listen and live. 

And, one day, we’ll sit together at the Banquet, where we’ll delight forever, no longer thirsty and poor and weary.  Until then, may we be faithful to our Father’s invitation to come and listen… and then go out and share!      

Essentials for Healthy Living

Yesterday my friend Carole and I met to catch up.  She is a nurse, and shared that she always tells her kids that they need three essential things – a healthy diet, good rest, and regular exercise.  We talked about how these keep our bodies healthy, but are part of our spiritual health, too. 

DIET– what am I putting into my heart?  How am I feeding my soul?  Are the things I am reading, viewing, pondering, talking about, listening to, helping strengthen me, or actually adding nothing but ‘empty calories’? 

I’m not saying I think watching movies or TV, or reading ‘secular’ books is wrong.  But, a steady diet of them is no more healthy than a steady diet of chocolate and potato chips.  If I’m reading one verse of the Bible, followed by a three paragraph devotional, is that really enough? 

It’s hard to wean ourselves off of junk food.  It just tastes so good!  It takes discipline to make good choices, especially at first. 

It’s the same with spiritual food.  I think this is a truth we sometimes overlook.  There are those believers who have seemingly insatiable appetites for reading Scripture.  But, there are also new Christians who struggle with this.  If I’m in Christ, why do I find His Word so dull? 

If we cut back on the sugar, caffeine and snacks in our lives, we start to lose our taste for them.  Then, we start to crave (yes, crave!) broccoli and bananas and glasses of cold water. 

I believe it’s the same with spiritual food.  We need to put down that baby bottle and start eating spiritual meat.  It may be difficult to digest at first, but to be strong in Christ, it is essential.

REST – am I taking time to rest in God? 

How many of us get enough rest?  There never seems to be enough time to get everything done, and so we stay up late, get up early, use our weekends to try and catch up… and when we finally get a few days of vacation, we cram them full of activities. 

I think our spiritual lives get like this, too.  We love Jesus, and we want to be faithful to Him, and so we Do and Do and Do and Do.  Especially in ministry and mission, we sense the urgency.  People are perishing, and we’ve got to get out there and do something about it. 

I’m not saying we don’t have a part to play (see below!) but where in God’s word do we find this model? 

I’ve said it before, but I believe the commandment we break the most often is the command to honor the Sabbath and keep it holy.  Taking that time to rest in God’s love, to spend time just being together, isn’t a nice bonus, it’s essential.  As essential as getting a good night’s sleep. 

I am convinced that if we make resting in God a priority, He will provide the time we need to get the other stuff done.  At times, resting in Him gives me perspective, so I come away seeing that those “critically important” things aren’t quite so critical.  Do I trust Him enough to give Him my ‘to-do’ list?

EXERCISE – here’s another one that gets placed on the ‘back burner’ of our lives.  It’s inconvenient, it’s not fun, we don’t have time, we just don’t feel like it. 

Physical exercise means doing a little, then a little more, stretching our bodies, pushing a bit, until that 5lb weight is easy to lift.  Then, we move onto the next one.  At first, 10lb makes our arms shake.  It’s not possible!  But, in time, this, too, becomes easier.  As our bodies are strengthened, we find it’s even fun to see how much more we can lift/run/stretch.

Just as we expend energy outward with physical exercise, so with spiritual, we put our faith into action.  At first, giving 10% of our income, sacrificing things we really want, surrendering our very lives, may seem impossible. 

But, when we start giving in faith and trust, in time, we find we are able to give a little more.  Money, yes, but also of our time, our abilities and passions. 

In time (and only through the power of the Holy Spirit working in us!) it starts to be fulfilling, and yes, fun, to allow God to stretch us as we seek to answer His call to share the Good News, make disciples, give of ourselves for His kingdom. 

DIET, REST, EXERCISE.  The three are interconnected.  When I eat well, I am able to exercise, which actually helps me sleep well.  When I am well-rested, I have the strength to make good diet choices.  When I exercise regularly, I have the endurance for other challenges. 

Carole said that without her morning quiet time and walk, it feels like she’s lost the day.  You may not be at that point yet.  That’s okay.  I pray that you will be encouraged to start moving from wherever you currently are.

I believe that when we are faithful in attending to these essentials, the Holy Spirit will move in us, helping us in our weakness.  In His power, we can have spiritual health.  It’s essential for living that abundant life in Christ.  And, oh, what a life that is!!  

A Different Kind of Planting

I don’t have a green thumb.  It’s sad, really.   My mom loved plants, going so far as to transport our houseplants nearly 1,700 miles across country from Toronto to Calgary.  I remember her hibiscus plant.  Under her care, that plant from the tropics actually managed to bloom once, maybe twice a year, despite being in the very un-tropical climate of western Canada.  How she would love the hibiscus growing wild everywhere here in the DR! 

For some reason, the ‘green thumb’ gene skipped me.  I love flowers, but don’t know the names of any but the most basic, and have a dreadful track record.  The promise that, ‘all you need to do is water it’ has been the death-knell of many a plant in my life.  I do try, really I do, but I just can’t seem to keep them alive!

Yesterday my friends (and fellow SI missionaries) Dick and Mary Ellen and I went adventuring, stopping at some of the little tiendas (stores) between Jarabacoa and Santiago.  We also stopped at a Vivero, (plant nursery).  I asked if they sold dirt, and the nice man gave me a good-sized sack – for free! 

My friend, and fellow blogger, Kris, gave me a bunch of packets of seeds when we met for coffee in Visalia in January.  I’ve been keeping them in my fridge, waiting until I could get some dirt.  I love the promise of those packets, each with a picture of a healthy, lovely (and delicious!) herb.  I’ve also been holding onto 20oz water bottles to make into starter pots.

Today was the day.  I cut up the water bottles, making sure to put little holes in the bottom.  I’m not sure why, but that’s what I always see, so figured it was important.  I pulled my seed packets out of the fridge, opened my sack of dirt…

And realized I wasn’t completely sure how to do this! 

So, in typical 21^st century style, I ‘googled’ Planting Seeds.  To my surprise, several of the first several sites had more to do with raising children, increasing business, and discipling, than with actual seeds. 

Usually I’m eager to read more about discipling, but today I needed information on actual seeds.  I revised my search to Planting Herb Seeds, and go the information I needed. 

I’ll let you know how it goes.  To say I’m optimistic would be a lie, but I’m hoping at least some of them will grow.

In the meantime, my other planting, discipling some of the women of El Callejon, is coming along slowly… but surely! 

Last week Angela and I finished our discussion about how it is only by grace that we are saved (Sola Gratia).  Tomorrow we’ll spend time learning what the Bible teaches about Sola Fide (Faith Alone). 

Only Ramona came for our afternoon discipling, but that gave me an opportunity to hear more of her testimony.  It’s so encouraging to hear how God has been at work in her life!  I pray the rest will come tomorrow so we can continue sharing and growing together in Christ. 

Compared to growing genuine plants, I’m somewhat more clear on ways to encourage people to grow in Christ.  However, like with the herbs, while I have a part to play in discipling – planting seeds, perhaps watering seeds already planted – it is God alone who will make them grow. 

If my little seeds don’t turn into cilantro and basil and rosemary, it’ll be disappointing.  If they get choked by weeds, or quickly spurt up but then die, I’ll feel sad.  But, oh, friends, when this happens to those who hear the Word (Mark 4:1-20), it is not disappointing, it is heart-breaking! 

God will see His purposes fulfilled.  That part is not ours.  But, we do have work to do.  We are called to disciple - to share the truth of Jesus, to help others grow in Him. 

May we be faithful planters and waterers, trusting in our Perfect Gardener to see His harvest bear fruit, 30, 60, 100 times!     

Stumbling Blocks and Mat Class

A few years back there was a fun Canadian sitcom called Corner Gas.  It was a show about the quirky residents of a small town in Saskatchewan.  One of the characters is a transplant from Toronto, which, of course, is large, urban, metropolitan. 

In one episode, she decides to teach a Pilates class.  She attempts to explain the class to the residents, who just don’t seem interested.  As one of them says, “Isn’t he the guy who killed Jesus?” 

One of the locals seems ticked off, and the reason is revealed.  “Oh, you mean Mat Class!  Wanda’s been teaching that for years.” 

“Why don’t you call it Pilates?” the Torontonian asks her.  The answer, of course, is obvious – who’d want to take some fancy class named after a bad guy?  Mat class: same exercises, different name, no worries.

I practice Yoga.  I’ve been practicing it on and off for ten years.  To me, it’s never been about any of the New Age stuff, the mysticism and ‘religion’ of it.  From the beginning, I chose exercise DVDs and books which emphasized the physical aspects. 

I love the fact that God created our bodies to move and bend.  That He created them with the ability to become stronger – and stretchier!  It’s so fun to master poses over time, reaching further toward that ‘pretzel’.  We are fearfully and wonderfully made, and through yoga I’ve been able to increase my flexibility, which helps other parts of my workout.

As part of my climb out of Chaos I started working out at the main gym in town a few weeks ago.  Being physically active has been a big part of my life for many years.  Jerry, one of the trainers, asked me what kinds of exercise I do, and along with weights and cardio, I mentioned yoga.  

I didn’t think much of it, until he called me over last week and introduced me to Yalena who wanted to learn some stretches for her feet.  I told her I’d try and find some, more than a little intimidated at the thought of doing so in Spanish. 

This week, Jerry told me he’d like me to teach a yoga class at the gym.  My first thought was, Wow, I asked friends to pray that I’d meet new people and make new connections… God is good! 

My next thought was, Oh, boy, one-on-one is going to be hard enough.  There’s no way I could do that in Spanish! 

And then, Wait, is this going to be okay for a missionary? 

I’ve been pondering the last one.  I asked our SI-DR leadership, and they gave their approval, even suggesting this could be another ministry opportunity for me here. 

But, I still worry.  I know that for some, it’s a big deal.  I don’t want to be a stumbling block for another.  Some Christians have changed the name, used Christian music, and talk about ‘dedicating the practice’ (a phrase often used in yoga) to God.  So, I could just call it Stretching or Mat Class. 

On the other hand, could I use this as a jumping off point for discussions about faith?  Some people, like me, practice yoga for increased flexibility, to help relax and prevent injury. 

Others practice it seeking an inner peace that eludes them.  That part of yoga doesn’t appeal to me, as I know the Source of peace.  Could I use this to share the truth that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit?  And the larger truth, that the only peace to be had is through the Way, the Truth and the Life?

Some of you reading this may feel I’m out of line in this.  That no matter how I dressed it up, it’s still wrong.  I understand that.  But, I hope that you’ll give some thought to what I’ve said. 

I certainly don’t have it all together, but I think it’s a good thing to wrestle with how we put into action what we believe.  After all, each day, each of us is called to ‘be in the world but not of it’ and that is no easy task! 

This afternoon I’m going over to Yalena’s house to show her a simple routine I put together.  It’s been fun to research exercises and figure out what I want to say in Spanish. 

(Speaking of connections, it also gave me to opportunity to contact a friend who is a personal trainer in the US and have one of the Dominican SI missionaries review my notes!)   

I’m excited, and a little nervous to see how it goes.  And, I’ll continue to pray and ponder the idea of teaching a yoga (or stretching or mat!) class.    

Un Chin

How do you read the Bible?  I was meeting with Luz and Ramona, two of the natural leaders in our Adult Women’s group. 

Daisy and I have identified two pairs of women who have the respect of the other women.  Along with Luz and Ramona are Guadalupe and Tiva.  Our prayer is that by helping them grow in Christ, their natural leadership can be transformed into “lideres como Jesús” (leaders like Jesus). 

Our dream is that in this way they will be equipped to take on parts of the Social Work site’s ministry – perhaps leading our Little Girls or Pre-teen groups.  Disciples making disciples making disciples.  It’s a dream we believe has been given to us by the Holy Spirit. 

Since this was my first meeting with them, I wanted to outline our dream and then find out a bit more about their current ways of praying, reading the Bible, etc.  Almost as a joke, I demonstrated the ‘open randomly and read’ technique.  I was a little taken aback when both nodded. 

Umm… do you have favorite parts of the Bible?  Both love the Psalms as well as Matthew’s gospel.  How about the other gospels?  “They all say the same thing, so I just read Matthew”, said Luz.

I wanted to help them understand why it’s important to read all of the Bible, not just random parts and favorite passages.  Imagine someone you love gave you a gift, say, a big box of chocolates.  And you eat just ‘un chin’ (a little bit) and push the rest away. 

“Oh”, said Ramona, “when we only read a bit of the Bible, we’re not enjoying all of God’s gift!” 

As someone who loves the Bible and loves teaching others about it, this “Aha moment” was awesome.  I still get excited just thinking about it!! 

And, of course, the best – and most important! – part about this gift of God is sharing it.  The women are hungry to learn more about God’s Word.  But, simply being fed, hoarding this rich and delicious spiritual food, is not God’s intention. 

Friends sent me yummy candy and chocolate for Easter.  Lots and lots!  Now, I love chocolate, but sitting all by myself eating 5lbs of the stuff wouldn’t be good for me.  Or, nearly as much fun as sharing it. 

That’s how we are to treat the amazing Good News, too.  It’s not just to be taken in, but also shared around with everyone we meet!

Jafresi and her chocolate

On Friday I brought a bag of chocolate to El Callejon to share.  A few of the girls stopped by to color and hang out.  Jafresi just turned two, and the look on her face as she enjoyed the Hershey’s Kisses was priceless. 

How much more amazing is the Word of God?  Does my face light up like that as I look on it? 

Jafresi has a special place in my heart.  Back in 2010, when she was just a baby, I had a picture taken with her which I later put on my support-raising letters. 

Jafresi in 2010

As I said then, Jafresi (and her family) need the hope only Jesus can bring to El Callejon.  It was true then, it’s equally true, now!    

And so, si Dios quiere (the Lord willing) we'll continue to disciple, exploring His Word together, delighting in it, so that we can go out and share the hope of Jesus with others. 

Climbing Out Of Chaos

At MTI (missionary training) we talked about the stages of transition for cross-cultural ministry.  The middle stage is called Chaos.  It’s that point when nothing about the new culture/country/language/way of life makes sense.

But (and this is the kicker!) there’s also the realization that “back home” is no longer the same.  Things have continued happening in the lives of the people there.  They are changing, just as I am, and I probably wouldn’t completely fit in there anymore, either.

So… nothing here makes sense, and in many ways my ‘old’ life doesn’t exist.  When that sinks in, well, Chaos is exactly how it feels! 

I’m so grateful for the SI-DR Leadership who recognized this and named it for me.  (Another part of Chaos is not even realizing you are in it.)  As they pointed out, Chaos is a normal part of this rather un-normal life to which God has called us.  Very honestly, that isn’t always a comfort, but it is good to know! 

I spent some time last week processing this, and planning some steps I can take to begin climbing out of Chaos.  Of course, like other stages and changes, it’s going to take some time!

In my last post, I talked about the hike my friend Brian and I took last week.  At one point, we climbed down a slippery path and then up a large rock to stand near one of the little waterfalls. 

Power, O God, belongs to You

As I drank in the beauty, I noticed movement on a branch far above the rushing water.  Looking closer, I saw several butterflies.  Their tiny wings caught the air and held them, first hovering, then flitting away, now flying back. 

The power of the water below contrasted with the delicacy of the butterflies above and brought to mind the words of Psalm 62:  Power, O God, belongs to You; unfailing love, O Lord, is Yours (11b-12a).

Yes, pretty much everything in my life feels out of control.  But, our powerful, loving God, who created things as different as crashing water and intricate wings, is with me.

In many ways, that hike – up rocks, down paths, sometimes sliding, even scraping my leg, feeling exhilarated at times, and then a little scared, mirrors my coming climb out of Chaos. 

Having a good friend to hike with was important for my safety – and enjoyment!  Having others here in the DR who’ve been through (or are going through) Chaos, as well as loving friends back home praying, is also important for safety and enjoyment. 

The reminders of God’s love and power give me hope and strength to persevere.  

Brian and I hiked on Good Friday.  The day Jesus suffered the ultimate Chaos, total separation from His Father.  No matter how chaotic my life may seem, the Father has never turned His face away from me.  Because of Jesus’ sacrifice, He never will. 

“My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?”  Oh, Jesus, how could you bear it?  Truly, all eternity will not be time enough to praise You for this gift!

Loving and powerful Father, You are at work, even in this Chaos.  Teach me to hold fast to You as the waves crash around me. 

Holy Spirit, so many are in Chaos, and don’t know the way – the Way, out.  Give me Your wisdom, Your words, I pray.

Thank you, Triune God, for the privilege of serving You.  I stumble and fall, I whine and complain, and yet, You allow me to be a part of Your work.  Melt me, mold me, break me, and fill me once more, as I seek to share Your Good News here where You have called me.

Almost unnoticeable, these tiny butterflies (center of picture)
reflect their Creator's skill - and remind us of His great love for little us.



I know that for some of you, reading this was difficult.  Difficult, perhaps, because you love me, and don’t want to see me in pain. 

Or, difficult because you are in Chaos yourself, and these words are threatening the façade you are expending tremendous energy to maintain.  I encourage… no, I urge you!, to find ways to connect with others in this. 

If you feel unable to carry yourself, allow others the privilege of lifting you up.  Invite others to pray with you and for you.  Oh, friends, prayer is powerful, powerful! 

Most importantly, bring all your feelings of Chaos and utter helplessness to the One who is loving enough and strong enough to take you through the storm.

Beauty out of Brokenness

Yesterday my friend Brian and I went for a hike near a river and waterfall.  The path we followed was narrow and muddy, with the wet leaves of plants slapping at our legs.  At times we had to climb up (and down) rocks, and wade through water.  It was awesome! 

All around us was lush and damp and green.  And, oh, the trees!  Flowering trees, in pink and orange, trees with vines crawling up their trunks, trees tall and straight, others bending over the water… 

One tree had maple leaf-like leaves, but instead of hand-sized, they were huge, around a foot in diameter.  They must have been tasty, because most had plenty of holes where insects had snacked.  This turned the solid surface into delicate lace, beautiful, especially when the sun shone through. 

It made me think about the holes in our lives.  The stuff that has caused us injury, has damaged us, kept us from being whole.  Being gnawed surely doesn’t feel good!  Things chew at us from the outside, our own sinfulness from within. 

As I looked up at those leaves, I noticed something else.  Despite all of their holes, they were still green.   Although they were no longer whole, they still lived.  Why?  Because they continued to be attached to the tree, their source of nourishment. 

At times, it’s tempting to let go, allow the despair of the hurt to sever our link to our True Vine.  But only by remaining firmly attached can the brokenness be transformed.  Without Jesus living in us, we’ll become shriveled up, brown, dead and decaying.

In Christ, in Christ alone, our broken places are transformed into great beauty.  When the Son shines His light and love into our lives, those very places of shame and pain become exquisite and lovely.

Beauty out of brokenness.  I saw this in my Mom’s life.  I have seen it in other brothers and sisters in Christ, back home, here, in El Callejon, in my own life.  Wounds lovingly redeemed, becoming the very places where we can best shine out His glory.    

This weekend we remember and celebrate the gore and the glory of the Cross.  We celebrate our Savior, whose wounds transform our brokenness into beauty.  Attached to Him, our True Vine, we live.  In His light and love and power, the chewed up mess of our sin-filled lives can become as lovely as delicate lace.  Hallelujah, what a Savior!

Surely he took up our pain
and bore our suffering,
yet we considered him punished by God,
stricken by him, and afflicted.

But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was on him,
and by his wounds we are healed.  (Isaiah 53:4-5)

How to Care for an Extrovert

Another friend posted this list on Facebook.  It originated from someplace called Parelli Natural Horsemanship. 

How to Care for Extroverts

1.  Respect their independence

2.  Compliment them in the company of others

3.  Accept and encourage their enthusiasm

4.  Allow them to explore and talk things out

5.  Thoughtfully surprise them

6.  Understand when they are busy

7.  Let them dive right in

8.  Offer them options

9.  Make physical and verbal gestures of affection

10.  Let them shine


I'm not sure if it’s accurate or not, but it gave me some good pointers, especially #3 and #7.  

Like with the Introvert list, it's a good reminder that we're all different. And, that we all have something unique and important to add to the Body of Christ. Imagine a world without enthusiastic explorers. How dull and small it would be!

How to Care for an Introvert

A friend of mine posted this list on Facebook last night.  The person credited is Walter Parrish III, but I’m not sure if he authored it or just passed it along.  Hopefully I’m not violated any copyrights here!

How to Care for Introverts

1.   Respect their need to privacy

2.  Never embarrass them in public

3.  Let them observe first in new situations

4.  Give them time to think – don’t demand instant answers

5.  Don’t interrupt them

6.  Give them advance notice of expected changes in their lives

7.  Give them 15 minute warnings to finish whatever they are doing

8.  Reprimand them privately

9.  Teach them new skills privately

10.  Enable them to find one best friend who has similar interests and abilities

11.  Don’t push them to make lots of friends

12.  Respect their introversion – don’t try to remake them into extroverts 

I share this, not because I want to be treated like some fragile china doll who will shut down if not given my 15 minute warning.  Although, truth be told, sudden changes do tend to be stressful for me! 

No, I share it, in part, because I know introverts can be puzzling to extroverts.  Hopefully, if you’ve got introverts in your life, this simple list can help you cope with, and yes, care for, them.    

And, if, like me, you nodded your head at each item, hopefully you can be a bit more aware of why you respond the way you do.  

For example, knowing that I need time to process a response, I can let the other person know I want to respond, I just need a little time to think things through.  That way, they are less likely to think I’m just ignoring them when I don’t immediately answer.

Not everything on this list is true for me, since each one of us is different.  That’s a good thing to remember – about introverts AND extroverts!  None of us is a cookie-cutter of another. 

God has created each of us, and given us gifts, talents, interests, preferences.  We are, all of us, made in His image.  That goes beyond personality types.  Each of us reflects our Creator.  Since we’re all broken, it’s easy to see our differences as flaws, instead of as part of God’s rich tapestry. 

It can be challenging, I know!  But, like the Body of Christ itself, each of us is as important as we are different.  The amazing thing is, in all of the billions of personalities that have been, are now, and will be, a part of the world, each on is a tiny reflection of God. 

It's overwhelming to think about, isn't it?  You, me, an ancient Egyptian, a child yet to be born in North Korea... we are all His images-bearers.  All our differences cannot encompass all the facets of the Holy and Almighty God.     

So, today, let’s celebrate our differences.  My life might be more simple if everyone was like me… but it sure would be boring!  And friends, life as an image-bearer should never be that!

P.S.  If any of you have a ‘How to Care for Extroverts’ list, please send it along! 

A Wise Sponge

“For the first year or so, I just want to be a sponge.  I want to absorb, taking it all in.”  Arriving in the DR at the end of September 2011, this was what I told the SI director, ministry supervisor and Daisy.

At MTI (mission training) and in the Perspectives course, I’d learned that a big mistake for cross-cultural missionaries is coming in with our own cultural bias and immediately beginning to evaluate (the ‘nice’ word for judging). 

In my career, I often went into situations that needed some ‘tweaks’.  I’m accustomed to making quick assessments and then identifying areas for improvement.  In my personal life, too, I tend to be a ‘fixer’. 

So, I wanted to begin my ministry with Students International with the attitude of a learner.  Spending time learning more about the rhythm of our Site, the different groups and personalities, understanding why we do what we do.  All of this before adding my own opinions, ideas, changes. 

Flash forward six months:

Shortly after arriving (actually, one week after) we had two one-week outreaches back-to-back.  Then our semester students, Site Christmas parties, Wedding reception, Christmas break, a trip to SI-California, a two-week team, February in El Callejon alone, a documentary team, and we’ve just finished a month of teams… 

While I still tried to do a lot of soaking in, I also had to plan Bible lessons, activities – and even crafts!  And then schedules for outreaches, translating, answering questions, sharing stories.

The best laid plans, right?!

It’s humbling (and, very honestly, a bit embarrassing) to think back to those first days, those first declarations.  Because, even in my apparent willingness to be a sponge, I wanted to do it on my terms, in my way.  I was trying to dictate with precision the methods by, and timing in which God was going to use me.

Don’t get me wrong, I still think it’s important to come into new situations open to learning what’s currently happening.  I still think it’s important to be aware of my own tendency to analyze and fix stuff. 

But, I’m also realizing that I need to hold even my ‘good and noble’ intentions loosely.  God works in His way, which is often not ‘my’ way.  That includes those areas where I think I’m being wise!  Oh, how much do I still need to learn! 

We’re studying James at La Vid (my church).  We’ve talked about considering trials ‘pure joy’.  Can I just confess that my first response to some of the past six months has been very, very far from joy, and pure joy at that? 

How many times over the past six months have I cried out, often whining about how nothing was going right?  Indulging in a ‘sanctified pity party’, feeling rather ‘righteous’ in the often-frustrating work.  But, I spent lots of time on these plans, they are neat and pretty and very missionary-like!  I tend not to consider the trials and obstacles as joy.

Yesterday, our pastor talked with us about what James 1 says we’re to be asking God for in the midst of them.  A way out?  An easy answer?  Nope. 

James tells us that in the midst of the tough stuff, we are to ask God for His wisdom.  I confess I haven’t often taken time to pray for this.  To pray for the wisdom that allows me to see His hand at work, not in spite of the hard stuff, but right there, in the middle of those very obstacles and trials.

Just six months in, I’ve already seen how leaning on my own understanding is just plain foolishness.  Exhibit A:  My plan to be a sponge.  If I couldn’t get even that right, surely I need the wisdom of the One who spun out not just the past six months, but the very universe itself! 

So, this morning I started my day praying for God’s wisdom.  Oh, how I need it!  I praise God for how He has been at work over the past months and years.  I praise Him for reminding me of my need for Him.  

I praise Him for not finding fault (even though I deserve it!), but instead being willing to give, and give generously, of His wisdom (vs. 5).  He alone can work in and through this silly little sponge.  To Him be all glory!