A Few Reminders

Why am I in another part of the world learning a different language and culture? Romans 3:22 says it all..."We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are." No matter who we are. I am so glad that includes me. The people of Central Asia are also a part of the no matter who we are. As we live here, I pray that God will shine through us so that they too can be made right with God by placing their faith in Jesus Christ. It was a reminder of my purpose here.

I was also reminded this week of how precious God's word is. I often take for granted what a privilege it is to have my own copy in my own language. This week our teacher gave my DH and I a copy of the NT in our new language. Last night we tried to read a few verses. Using our translation of the Bible, we tried to figure out how much we could read. It was motivation to keep at our studies so that we will be able to read and share the good news in our new language. In Muslim cultures, the Holy Book is always treated with great care. It would never be put somewhere carelessly but would always have a place of honor. We are trying to do the same with our Holy Book. I am reminded of the times I have treated it just like any other book and am trying to do better.

Dear God, Thank you for your word. Thank you that the opportunity to believe is for all no matter who they are. May we always treasure your words and let your light shine through us. Be with the people in Central Asia. May they find Jesus. Prepare their hearts for you. May many come to know you. Amen

Quotes for September

Quote from a Lousia May Alcott book
"...it is the small temptations which undermine integrity, unless we watch and pray, and never think them too trivial to be resisted."

Mother Theresa "By praying. If you want to pray better, you much pray more."

"Hope is definitely not the same as optimism. It is not the conviction that something will turn out well, but the certainty that something makes sense regardless of how it turns out."
Vaclav Havel ( I don't know who he is but I liked the quote.)

When life gives you lemons...

On Monday we were without power and water for most of the day. But because we had no power and water, my husband and I used it as an excuse to go study and have lunch at a local cafe. I posted about it on facebook and a friend commented "When life gives you lemons..." Of course we all know it ends with, "you make lemonade" . It made me think if I do make lemonade out of unexpected or difficult circumstances. Do I see lemons as a challenge or a burden? Do I use lemons as an opportunity for growth or complaining? I was thinking about the positives from our unreliable electricity and water besides getting a lunch date with my honey. First of all, I am learning to take advantage of the times I do have electricity and water in terms of keeping stayingn current with my houses chores and cooking. I also now have a few meal plans that don't require opening the refrigerator to fix. My DH and I are also viewing this as practice for our final destination in less than a year. Last of all, no electricity also means less distractions from my language studying and more family time.

The last few days the water and power have been on consistently which is a blessing but there will be other lemons that come our way. May God help us make lemonade out of each situation.

Dear God, Thank you for your provision in all things. Forgive us for taking for granted so many things in life. Thank you for showing us that life is not always how we think it should be but how you think it should be. Thank you for the blessings you send us in the midst of the lemons in life. May we always seek to glorify you in all our circumstances. Amen

No excuses

Language learning has brought out a character flaw of mine that needs to go away. I like to make excuses. Correction comes. I have an excuse. I don't know if it is insecurity or pride but I don't like to be wrong. Since I have trouble pronouncing all these new words correctly, I get lots of correction. Sometimes it is frustrating and I lose sight of the goal- learning the language.

What purpose do excuses have? They temporarily make me feel better or even justified in my actions. What is wrong with excuses? First of all, they get in the way of progress. If I focus on the why I can't or didn't, I have less energy to focus on getting it right the next time. I also waste my time as well as the other person's time. And lastly excuses make it seem like I don't really want to change. So I have been trying to throw out the excuses and focus on growth not only in language learning but in my relationships with others. For me, it will take some time but hopefully I am seeing some progress.

With God, there are no excuses. We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. The good news is that God knows we are sinners. We don't need excuses. We need Jesus and God's forgiveness. If we focus on our excuses, we may miss out on being the person God is wanting us to be.