Thursday, January 17, 2013
Monday, January 14, 2013
Response
It's easy to see life a little bit differently after you have lived in a poverty stricken country. I think that, for some its easier than others to come back to (for most) a comfortable living situation, with a roof over your head and a refrigerator filled with food that may go bad before you can actually eat it. I think that it is also sometimes too hard to come back and not have dreams (both the night and the day time ones) about what you've seen or stories you have been told about people you have met. I have been home for more days then I could possibly count, but I sure can count how many days I was in Masii. There has been an array of different responses since my return, "well you are such a good christian because you went", "you are disappointing Jesus by not being grateful for being home", "you are such a good missionary", or "you are so strong for living through malaria". All of these responses make my skin crawl, seems odd? Well its true. I have written before about not feeling like a missionary, how I would give anything to be in Masii again, and how utterly horrible malaria really was.
Recently, I have had the privilege of being in the company of a family who is not my own who some how gets what I feel and their response has simply been to listen, whether its to complain about something superficial or to really feel my heart as I express how much I love my students in Masii or how beautiful the clouds are as I attempt to paint them a picture through my words.
Sometimes after I leave a conversation with them, one where we talked about how I am feeling, about what is going on in my life, or about how as much as I love their kids I would give my right pinky to being with my kids in Masii. And somehow they get it, I don't know if it's because of their own kids that they get it or because they just know, but its true.
My parents have always brought up about how I am in my "zone" when I am in Masii, as I skip with Faith to church or I hug on kids in the church. At first that comment made me feel weird, like I was different or not normal. Then last summer, I got it, as I stood in front of my class, and as I walked Annett home from school, and as I picked up Faith from school, and as I visited a mentally disabled school, and as I held the tiniest baby I have ever seen, I got it. I understood that, no way in heck, am I normal, no way in heck am I the same as someone else. Nope, not me, I am different. I have a different sort of rhythm to my life.
I have this weird thing about me (weird because everyone else thinks its odd), I love children. If I have met your kids, chances are I see Jesus in their eyes, chances are I wanted to pick them up and kiss their noses, chances are I would love to spend 5 minutes with them listening to them tell a story that only makes sense to them. I am going to school to be a teacher, but that's just a title for me. It is so much more than that, I love to listen to kids tell a story about owning a horse big enough for an elephant to ride on, or about a silly joke they cant wait to tell me and I don't understand it but I still laugh because they think its funny.
People have always thought that my loving kids is odd, or I do it because eventually it will be a part of my profession. Yet for me, I love it. I love not knowing the next thing they are gona say or even they next thing they are going to do. I love that the best gift I can receive is when a parent not only trusts you to babysit their kids but looks you straight in the eyes and says "we trust you". For my heart, that is the most incredible thing I can be told.
As I meet people who live 9,000 miles away who have no legs because they were amputated, or people who have literally nothing, or who have given up their kids because they cannot take care of them, or moms who have to work twice as hard to keep their babies alive, as I have meet these people I realize their is nothing wrong with them or they do not deserve this. But these kids, their kids, those kids are the same as kids here, they want nice things, they don't really want to do homework (they wanna play outside), they want to eat cookies and juice all day, they want to jump on the couches, and scream when they laugh. These kids at some point learn either one of two things, either they learn that Jesus is their hope or they begin to believe that their may be no hope. obviously knowing their is hope is Jesus is the best outcome because it is living in truth.
My grandma has always said that the only thing she ever wanted for her kids and grandkids was that they know and love Jesus. Every time I have heard this, I giggle a little because I know she is serious. I recently realized how true this is and how much I know agree with her. All I hope for, for everyone I have encountered in Masii (and everywhere) is that they see Jesus and that they know him and learn to fall in love with Him every single day. I want every single kid I have ever met in Masii (and everywhere) to grow up and know that Jesus is their hope and HE can save them.
If you have kids, or know kids, or want kids, know that they are truly the light of Jesus, Know that everything you say and do helps (or hinders) their grown. Listen to them, hug them, kiss them, keep them warm and remind them of how much Jesus loves them.
I have met kids who have can't live with their parents because their parents cannot take care of them, or kids who eat the food they hate but are given at school because that is their only good for the day, or kids who live on the streets because they dont have a home. We as people of "privilege" or rather those who have more than most of the world, we have the chance and the privilege to love and cherish the people and children who have nothing. We have the chance to be Jesus to them.
Our response should never be how great we are but how good Jesus is.
Recently, I have had the privilege of being in the company of a family who is not my own who some how gets what I feel and their response has simply been to listen, whether its to complain about something superficial or to really feel my heart as I express how much I love my students in Masii or how beautiful the clouds are as I attempt to paint them a picture through my words.
Sometimes after I leave a conversation with them, one where we talked about how I am feeling, about what is going on in my life, or about how as much as I love their kids I would give my right pinky to being with my kids in Masii. And somehow they get it, I don't know if it's because of their own kids that they get it or because they just know, but its true.
My parents have always brought up about how I am in my "zone" when I am in Masii, as I skip with Faith to church or I hug on kids in the church. At first that comment made me feel weird, like I was different or not normal. Then last summer, I got it, as I stood in front of my class, and as I walked Annett home from school, and as I picked up Faith from school, and as I visited a mentally disabled school, and as I held the tiniest baby I have ever seen, I got it. I understood that, no way in heck, am I normal, no way in heck am I the same as someone else. Nope, not me, I am different. I have a different sort of rhythm to my life.
I have this weird thing about me (weird because everyone else thinks its odd), I love children. If I have met your kids, chances are I see Jesus in their eyes, chances are I wanted to pick them up and kiss their noses, chances are I would love to spend 5 minutes with them listening to them tell a story that only makes sense to them. I am going to school to be a teacher, but that's just a title for me. It is so much more than that, I love to listen to kids tell a story about owning a horse big enough for an elephant to ride on, or about a silly joke they cant wait to tell me and I don't understand it but I still laugh because they think its funny.
People have always thought that my loving kids is odd, or I do it because eventually it will be a part of my profession. Yet for me, I love it. I love not knowing the next thing they are gona say or even they next thing they are going to do. I love that the best gift I can receive is when a parent not only trusts you to babysit their kids but looks you straight in the eyes and says "we trust you". For my heart, that is the most incredible thing I can be told.
As I meet people who live 9,000 miles away who have no legs because they were amputated, or people who have literally nothing, or who have given up their kids because they cannot take care of them, or moms who have to work twice as hard to keep their babies alive, as I have meet these people I realize their is nothing wrong with them or they do not deserve this. But these kids, their kids, those kids are the same as kids here, they want nice things, they don't really want to do homework (they wanna play outside), they want to eat cookies and juice all day, they want to jump on the couches, and scream when they laugh. These kids at some point learn either one of two things, either they learn that Jesus is their hope or they begin to believe that their may be no hope. obviously knowing their is hope is Jesus is the best outcome because it is living in truth.
My grandma has always said that the only thing she ever wanted for her kids and grandkids was that they know and love Jesus. Every time I have heard this, I giggle a little because I know she is serious. I recently realized how true this is and how much I know agree with her. All I hope for, for everyone I have encountered in Masii (and everywhere) is that they see Jesus and that they know him and learn to fall in love with Him every single day. I want every single kid I have ever met in Masii (and everywhere) to grow up and know that Jesus is their hope and HE can save them.
If you have kids, or know kids, or want kids, know that they are truly the light of Jesus, Know that everything you say and do helps (or hinders) their grown. Listen to them, hug them, kiss them, keep them warm and remind them of how much Jesus loves them.
I have met kids who have can't live with their parents because their parents cannot take care of them, or kids who eat the food they hate but are given at school because that is their only good for the day, or kids who live on the streets because they dont have a home. We as people of "privilege" or rather those who have more than most of the world, we have the chance and the privilege to love and cherish the people and children who have nothing. We have the chance to be Jesus to them.
Our response should never be how great we are but how good Jesus is.
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Raegan Summer Pratt
Most people know that, the day I arrived in Masii, I also had a dear friend of mine pass away. I took it alot harder then I thought and honestly to this day have not fully dealt with it. I think that living in a place where people die every day and attempting to deal with her death was not the easiest thing I have ever done. I think eventually I just stopped thinking about it.
Yesterday (1/12/13) I attended a bench and tree dedication at PLNU for Raegan. I knew that I needed to go and that it would help me but honestly I didnt know what to expect. As I drove down with Brian and Annie, I felt my stomach turn as we got closer and closer. They both wanted to talk to me alot and honestly I just wanted to close my eyes and just be there already.
Before we go to the school we get lunch with a mutual friend, its nice to possibly not have to think about what may be coming. One of the hardest things about not dealing with her passing yet, is that since everyone else got to go to the funeral and have even gotten to visit her grave. Its hard to admit when someone you dont want to live without suddenly passes and you are scared to admit to your Christian family that frankly it breaks your heart. I can be joyful and happy that Raegan is with Jesus, but honestly that doesnt make it easier. I always knew Raegan would go to Heaven, simply because every single day she fell in love with Jesus a little more.
Raegan was different then most people, different then most Christians. Yes, she loved Jesus but I have never seen anyone love others more then she did. No she didnt really help with the homeless, or go on huge missions trips, or hand out money like it was candy. No, she did something bigger, she was a true friend to people. It's sad to say that I didn't realize how big of an impact she had on me and others until she was gone but its true. Raegan was really good at the group setting, she made people laugh, knew when a conversation was going bad and learned how to make it better, she was bubbly and joyous, but Raegan was SENSATIONAL at the one-on-one, and this it what she craved. Raegan seemed like an extrovert to most, but she really thrived with being with just one other person.
I remember the day I met Raegan (spring 2010), her and Brian were walking into the caf, and I was waiting in the lobby. Raegan and I had the same Sleeping Giant sweathshirt and I had seen her wearing it many times but was too chicken to go and talk to her. On this day she walked up to me and introduced herself, and me being nervous I said "I like your jacket" (we both happen to be wearing ours on the same day), she laughed and then I introduced myself. That day I had lunch with her and Brian for the first time, little did I know how much meeting her (& Brian) would literally change my entire life. I knew that Jesus had a very big hand in allowing me the privileged to meet Raegan and have her in my life.
Raegan understood me when I expressed to her how scared I was that she would one day leave and not want to be my friend-she hugged me and took me out for ice cream and we had a sleepover, she understood me when I wanted to pout for a weekend and eat cake and watch movies-she let me stay at her apartment all weekend, she understood me when I was frustrated and down about the way I looked-she reminded me that I was beautiful to her and to Jesus and frankly that's all that mattered, she understood me when I was frustrated with mutual friends we had, who were frankly, meaner to us then we deserved-she reminded me we would laugh about it later, she understood when I wanted to talk about superficial things like Twilight or tv or stupid music-she joined or researched stuff so she would be able to engage me with what I liked. Raegan gave of herself more than I have ever seen anyone do, I think she was hurt for her short comings more then she should have been. I think all of her friends are guilty of being short with her at one point or another.
I would get frustrated with Raegan when she would talk about how frustrated she was that no boy liked her, or no guy wanted to date her, she always knew she wouldn't get married.
Raegan was in pain 99%, but you would never know it, she never complained and never whined. Even when she had to drive to LA to go to the hospital every other day, the only thing she complained about were the tubes in her neck, and usually she was making a joke about it rather then complaining.
Raegan knew, she knew that her life would be shorter than most, she knew that she would be with Jesus sooner then the rest of us, she knew that she didnt have alot of time to share Jesus with people, but she definitely used her time wisely. She was friendly and kind to everyone she met, and she shared Jesus with everyone she encountered.
Everyone knew 5 things about Raegan.
1. she drove a blue minicooper (and was usually driving too fast)
2. she knew alot of people!
3. she HATED when your chomped your gum
4. she hated the words eyeballs and moist
5. she was deeply and madly in love with Jesus
Raegan truly was "more precious then rubies" (Proverbs 3:15)
The following are pictures taken at her dedication
(pictures taken by shutter and spice photography: http://www.shutterandspicephotography.com/#/home/ )
Yesterday (1/12/13) I attended a bench and tree dedication at PLNU for Raegan. I knew that I needed to go and that it would help me but honestly I didnt know what to expect. As I drove down with Brian and Annie, I felt my stomach turn as we got closer and closer. They both wanted to talk to me alot and honestly I just wanted to close my eyes and just be there already.
Before we go to the school we get lunch with a mutual friend, its nice to possibly not have to think about what may be coming. One of the hardest things about not dealing with her passing yet, is that since everyone else got to go to the funeral and have even gotten to visit her grave. Its hard to admit when someone you dont want to live without suddenly passes and you are scared to admit to your Christian family that frankly it breaks your heart. I can be joyful and happy that Raegan is with Jesus, but honestly that doesnt make it easier. I always knew Raegan would go to Heaven, simply because every single day she fell in love with Jesus a little more.
Raegan was different then most people, different then most Christians. Yes, she loved Jesus but I have never seen anyone love others more then she did. No she didnt really help with the homeless, or go on huge missions trips, or hand out money like it was candy. No, she did something bigger, she was a true friend to people. It's sad to say that I didn't realize how big of an impact she had on me and others until she was gone but its true. Raegan was really good at the group setting, she made people laugh, knew when a conversation was going bad and learned how to make it better, she was bubbly and joyous, but Raegan was SENSATIONAL at the one-on-one, and this it what she craved. Raegan seemed like an extrovert to most, but she really thrived with being with just one other person.
I remember the day I met Raegan (spring 2010), her and Brian were walking into the caf, and I was waiting in the lobby. Raegan and I had the same Sleeping Giant sweathshirt and I had seen her wearing it many times but was too chicken to go and talk to her. On this day she walked up to me and introduced herself, and me being nervous I said "I like your jacket" (we both happen to be wearing ours on the same day), she laughed and then I introduced myself. That day I had lunch with her and Brian for the first time, little did I know how much meeting her (& Brian) would literally change my entire life. I knew that Jesus had a very big hand in allowing me the privileged to meet Raegan and have her in my life.
Raegan understood me when I expressed to her how scared I was that she would one day leave and not want to be my friend-she hugged me and took me out for ice cream and we had a sleepover, she understood me when I wanted to pout for a weekend and eat cake and watch movies-she let me stay at her apartment all weekend, she understood me when I was frustrated and down about the way I looked-she reminded me that I was beautiful to her and to Jesus and frankly that's all that mattered, she understood me when I was frustrated with mutual friends we had, who were frankly, meaner to us then we deserved-she reminded me we would laugh about it later, she understood when I wanted to talk about superficial things like Twilight or tv or stupid music-she joined or researched stuff so she would be able to engage me with what I liked. Raegan gave of herself more than I have ever seen anyone do, I think she was hurt for her short comings more then she should have been. I think all of her friends are guilty of being short with her at one point or another.
I would get frustrated with Raegan when she would talk about how frustrated she was that no boy liked her, or no guy wanted to date her, she always knew she wouldn't get married.
Raegan was in pain 99%, but you would never know it, she never complained and never whined. Even when she had to drive to LA to go to the hospital every other day, the only thing she complained about were the tubes in her neck, and usually she was making a joke about it rather then complaining.
Raegan knew, she knew that her life would be shorter than most, she knew that she would be with Jesus sooner then the rest of us, she knew that she didnt have alot of time to share Jesus with people, but she definitely used her time wisely. She was friendly and kind to everyone she met, and she shared Jesus with everyone she encountered.
Everyone knew 5 things about Raegan.
1. she drove a blue minicooper (and was usually driving too fast)
2. she knew alot of people!
3. she HATED when your chomped your gum
4. she hated the words eyeballs and moist
5. she was deeply and madly in love with Jesus
Raegan truly was "more precious then rubies" (Proverbs 3:15)
The following are pictures taken at her dedication
(pictures taken by shutter and spice photography: http://www.shutterandspicephotography.com/#/home/ )
Mwende
Recently I was asked, and got to share the meaning of my Kamba name, Mwende. It's almost funny because I have it as part of my name on facebook, but no one really asks what it is or what it means. So talking about it again was almost something new.
MWENDE means beloved...
I have never given much thought to the meaning of the word beloved, I mean plain and simple WE ARE JESUS' BELOVED, right?
and that should be good enough, right?
Yet somehow, the family I shared this with have now began to encourage me in my "belovedness" (definitely NOT a word). They remind me that Jesus loves me, that they love me, and that I truly am the Beloved.And I has gotten me thinking about what it really means to BE the Beloved.
We have many names for Jesus,
Jehovah
Prince of Peace
King of Kings
Lion of Judah
Lord
God
Heavenly Father
Abba Father
The Word
The Almighty, which is, and which was, and which is to come
(AND SO MANY MORE!)
Jesus refers to us as Beloved a few times in the bible, yet it in not in every version. In some instances his message is love and sometimes it may be telling us NOT to do something. I think, that Beloved is definitely a term of endearment but way deeper then we can fathom. I think that we may underestimate the weight of what it means. Jesus could simply call us His Children and I think that term of ownership and family would be "enough". Yet over and over again He chooses to call us the Beloved, My Beloved, His Beloved.
Dictionary.com:
MWENDE means beloved...
I have never given much thought to the meaning of the word beloved, I mean plain and simple WE ARE JESUS' BELOVED, right?
and that should be good enough, right?
Yet somehow, the family I shared this with have now began to encourage me in my "belovedness" (definitely NOT a word). They remind me that Jesus loves me, that they love me, and that I truly am the Beloved.And I has gotten me thinking about what it really means to BE the Beloved.
We have many names for Jesus,
Jehovah
Prince of Peace
King of Kings
Lion of Judah
Lord
God
Heavenly Father
Abba Father
The Word
The Almighty, which is, and which was, and which is to come
Jesus refers to us as Beloved a few times in the bible, yet it in not in every version. In some instances his message is love and sometimes it may be telling us NOT to do something. I think, that Beloved is definitely a term of endearment but way deeper then we can fathom. I think that we may underestimate the weight of what it means. Jesus could simply call us His Children and I think that term of ownership and family would be "enough". Yet over and over again He chooses to call us the Beloved, My Beloved, His Beloved.
Dictionary.com:
be·lov·ed
[bih-luhv-id, -luhvd]
adjective
1.greatly loved; dear to the heart.
noun
2.a person who is greatly loved.
Grace youve shown me grace
Youve lifted my shame
Drawn me with loving kindness
Washed whiter than snow
You have redeemed and made me whole
Jesus you have won me
You have broken every chain
With love and mercy
You have triumphed over death
And you are worthy
Of glory and praise
Love youve shown me love
By leaving your throne
By bleeding and dying on a cross
That wonderful cross
That took all my guilt and sin away
Shout it out and lift up one voice in worship
Sing it out until all the earth can hear it
Jesus is alive and He saves He rescues and saves (repeat)
2.a person who is greatly loved.
simple enough, right?
Yet somehow, reading it before the phrase "let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has
been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know
God, because God is love" 1 John 4:7-8, it makes us feel a little closer to what love is.
Being called the Beloved, truly, simply, wonderfully means that we are to BE-LOVED. Jesus has called us out of the darkness and into His marvelous to be engulfed in HIS PERFECT UNENDING DEEP UNCONDITIONAL LOVE. I think it's safe to say we will NEVER completely be able to comprehend Jesus' unconditional love, simply because as humans we are conditional people, and as Christians we try to not be. We are called the Beloved because of who HE is and because of HIS love. Through using this language Jesus is urging us onward to rest in HIS unconditional love without the worry of trying to understand it but rather to worship Him out of our "belovedness".
When I was in Masii and I was first given this name, it was a little weird to have other people be calling me this. And then when I shared with this family and they sometimes remind me of this, it was odd at first and as I began to really search the heart of Jesus to see what this really meant, I was shocked and a little embarrassed that I didn't figure it out before. I can easily understand why I was given this name by Jesus, and by Esther (of Tumaini), I get it. I see that Jesus wanted me (and everyone who He calls the Beloved) that we are LOVED and we are to BE-LOVED by Him and through Him, we can learn to love those around us with unconditional love.
Jesus is very good to us. He sends us names and words that He knows that we need and He whispers to certain people to tell them to us because He knows that we need to hear that from them specifically.
Go today and simply and unconditionally love those around you because Jesus has given you the name and the power to do so.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| You Have Won Me by Bethel |
Grace youve shown me grace
Youve lifted my shame
Drawn me with loving kindness
Washed whiter than snow
You have redeemed and made me whole
Jesus you have won me
You have broken every chain
With love and mercy
You have triumphed over death
And you are worthy
Of glory and praise
Love youve shown me love
By leaving your throne
By bleeding and dying on a cross
That wonderful cross
That took all my guilt and sin away
Shout it out and lift up one voice in worship
Sing it out until all the earth can hear it
Jesus is alive and He saves He rescues and saves (repeat)
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Angry Birds and Barbies
Christmas is here....well almost.
As I sit here and think about what I have been doing for the past few hours, I can't help but be overwhelmed with joy. I am so blessed by so many people in my life.
Tonight I got to express my love to a very sweet family by giving them some presents...(and oooohhh was I excited!).
As I sat and watched these two precious children, that I have truly fallen in love with, rip (with such grace) open the brightly colored wrapping paper and gaze on with WIDE eyes at what they saw, that now belonged to them, my heart wanted to burst. This was not because I bought them the perfect thing but rather that they were more filled with joy at the moment, then the moment before (if thats even possible). As we sat for a little while and played with Angry Birds and Barbies, I am ecstatic, I want sit in this moment forever.
This family has let me in, encouraged me, loved me, and made me feel more joyful and included then I have felt in so long. They want to hear about my heart and the things I have seen and done. They simply want to listen and take it all in. And I dont think I will ever understand why they even want to be around, let alone talk with me, laugh with me, and simply spend time. But I am thankful for it.
They have let me into their house, into their family, and into their hearts and I never want to leave.
As we play Angry Birds and Barbies, I love the imagery as I see these two precious children play with toys I couldnt wait to buy, is this how Jesus feels when we love and enjoy the "presents" He gives us every day?
As I play with Bell (the Barbie), I dress and undress her to this little girls amusement....
"the pink dress is for dinner"
"What is she going to have for dinner?"
"soup"
"what kind?"
"Rice"
"yum"
"the yellow dress is for the dance"
"And who is she going to dance with?"
"The beast but he is going to be really nice to her"
"of course, well is the blue dress for school?"
"No, princess' dont go to school."
"really?! I think princess' do go to school and that's why they are so smart."
"yeah maybe"
conclusion: she will wear pretty dresses, the boy will be nice, and she wont have to go to school.
as I sit with her I pray for her, loving this little girl with my whole heart, not wanting to stop playing and laughing. I pray that her life becomes a simply but radical love with Jesus. I pray that she may meet Jesus in her dreams and never want to look at anything else. I pray that she sees hope in life rather then despair. I pray that she may see a true and intense love that only comes from Jesus. I pray that her heart and mind may be guarded from the sadness and hurt of this world, not shielded or sheltered from it but rather when it did happen, she would look to Jesus.
"Ms. Emily its your turn."
clearly it was my turn to launch the angry bird into the tower this sweet boy made.
(thinking there is no way ill make it, what am I doing?!)
I shoot it, I miss.
oh well
Angry Birds sillyness is everywhere, we are laughing the pigs and the birds...who knows what will happen next! As we all sit there and laugh and play, I am joyful, my heart wants to explode. I am blessed by these four human beings who have entrusted me into their lives and I am loving it!
As I sit with this boy who loves to tell jokes I barely understand but somehow I still think its funny, who has the most incredible laugh I have ever heard, and who is thoughtful and truly hilarious, I can't help but want to hug him!
I pray for him. I pray for his heart, as he grows up I hope he continues to be both thoughtful and hilarious. I pray that he may fall in love with Jesus more and more every day. I pray that God will guide the choices he makes in his life. I pray that he may align his heart with Jesus and that His desires would be his desires. I pray that he may love his sister and protect her with all that he is.
As I pray and thank Jesus for these two beautiful children, I cannot help but be thankful for so many things that I have and people that I know. I cannot help but think about my sweet babies in Masii, or my family at MCC, or my students at Masii Academy. I am blessed with this weird heart to simply see children love Jesus more than anything else.
as these two open (and squeal...wouldn't YOU squeal over a Barbie?), I can't help but almost become overwhelmed with tears, as I recognize THIS is how Jesus wants US to be with HIM! He gives us so many things (big and small) through out each day, what if we were this excited to receive His gifts every day? Shouldn't I laugh with joy as I spend time with my Savior, and smile with gladness as I sign praises to my King?
It's easy to say
"have faith like a child"
"just see life through the eyes of children"
and every other cliche thing about children and life....
but what if we REALLY did it?
fully?
What if we enjoyed the gifts that He has graciously given to us each and every day.
wake up and laugh...
truly enjoy your life because Jesus is so gracious and joyful with us.
Pray for the little children in your life, because they see Jesus in a much simpler way then we (as grow ups) do.
As I sit here and think about what I have been doing for the past few hours, I can't help but be overwhelmed with joy. I am so blessed by so many people in my life.
Tonight I got to express my love to a very sweet family by giving them some presents...(and oooohhh was I excited!).
As I sat and watched these two precious children, that I have truly fallen in love with, rip (with such grace) open the brightly colored wrapping paper and gaze on with WIDE eyes at what they saw, that now belonged to them, my heart wanted to burst. This was not because I bought them the perfect thing but rather that they were more filled with joy at the moment, then the moment before (if thats even possible). As we sat for a little while and played with Angry Birds and Barbies, I am ecstatic, I want sit in this moment forever.
This family has let me in, encouraged me, loved me, and made me feel more joyful and included then I have felt in so long. They want to hear about my heart and the things I have seen and done. They simply want to listen and take it all in. And I dont think I will ever understand why they even want to be around, let alone talk with me, laugh with me, and simply spend time. But I am thankful for it.
They have let me into their house, into their family, and into their hearts and I never want to leave.
As we play Angry Birds and Barbies, I love the imagery as I see these two precious children play with toys I couldnt wait to buy, is this how Jesus feels when we love and enjoy the "presents" He gives us every day?
As I play with Bell (the Barbie), I dress and undress her to this little girls amusement....
"the pink dress is for dinner"
"What is she going to have for dinner?"
"soup"
"what kind?"
"Rice"
"yum"
"the yellow dress is for the dance"
"And who is she going to dance with?"
"The beast but he is going to be really nice to her"
"of course, well is the blue dress for school?"
"No, princess' dont go to school."
"really?! I think princess' do go to school and that's why they are so smart."
"yeah maybe"
conclusion: she will wear pretty dresses, the boy will be nice, and she wont have to go to school.
as I sit with her I pray for her, loving this little girl with my whole heart, not wanting to stop playing and laughing. I pray that her life becomes a simply but radical love with Jesus. I pray that she may meet Jesus in her dreams and never want to look at anything else. I pray that she sees hope in life rather then despair. I pray that she may see a true and intense love that only comes from Jesus. I pray that her heart and mind may be guarded from the sadness and hurt of this world, not shielded or sheltered from it but rather when it did happen, she would look to Jesus.
"Ms. Emily its your turn."
clearly it was my turn to launch the angry bird into the tower this sweet boy made.
(thinking there is no way ill make it, what am I doing?!)
I shoot it, I miss.
oh well
Angry Birds sillyness is everywhere, we are laughing the pigs and the birds...who knows what will happen next! As we all sit there and laugh and play, I am joyful, my heart wants to explode. I am blessed by these four human beings who have entrusted me into their lives and I am loving it!
As I sit with this boy who loves to tell jokes I barely understand but somehow I still think its funny, who has the most incredible laugh I have ever heard, and who is thoughtful and truly hilarious, I can't help but want to hug him!
I pray for him. I pray for his heart, as he grows up I hope he continues to be both thoughtful and hilarious. I pray that he may fall in love with Jesus more and more every day. I pray that God will guide the choices he makes in his life. I pray that he may align his heart with Jesus and that His desires would be his desires. I pray that he may love his sister and protect her with all that he is.
As I pray and thank Jesus for these two beautiful children, I cannot help but be thankful for so many things that I have and people that I know. I cannot help but think about my sweet babies in Masii, or my family at MCC, or my students at Masii Academy. I am blessed with this weird heart to simply see children love Jesus more than anything else.
as these two open (and squeal...wouldn't YOU squeal over a Barbie?), I can't help but almost become overwhelmed with tears, as I recognize THIS is how Jesus wants US to be with HIM! He gives us so many things (big and small) through out each day, what if we were this excited to receive His gifts every day? Shouldn't I laugh with joy as I spend time with my Savior, and smile with gladness as I sign praises to my King?
It's easy to say
"have faith like a child"
"just see life through the eyes of children"
and every other cliche thing about children and life....
but what if we REALLY did it?
fully?
What if we enjoyed the gifts that He has graciously given to us each and every day.
wake up and laugh...
truly enjoy your life because Jesus is so gracious and joyful with us.
Pray for the little children in your life, because they see Jesus in a much simpler way then we (as grow ups) do.
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Matthew 25:45
"Then he will answer them, 'I tell you the truth, just as you did not do it for one of the least of these, you did not do it for me.'" (New English Translation)
I think we read this verse and we assume it means to give all the money in your wallet to the homeless man at the next stoplight, well at least that's how I read it for so long. What if "the least of these" is rather this wide idea that it is simply caring in all aspects for someone who seems to have less then us? Sound like the same thing? If I were to assume that this verse expressed the need for me to give all my money to the next homeless person I saw, well then I am not really fixing the problem I am just making myself feel less rich with a few less dollars in my pocket when that light turned green. I think that what it's intended to mean, would possibly be this idea that when we hear of a situation in which children are being orphaned by aids, or parents cannot afford to feed their families, or that 2.6 billion people live on less than $2 or that malaria kills 8% of children under the age of 5, we just assume that we cannot do anything or we are not big enough to fix the problem. When Jesus says "Then he will answer them, 'I tell you the truth, just as you did not do it for one of the least of these, you did not do it for me.'" Matthew 25:45 (New English Translation) he is saying that we can't solve the problem to completely get rid of malaria but rather care for each individual as if they were Jesus, because that is how worthy Jesus sees us. We can't wait assume that by attending church on Sundays and bible studies on Wednesdays that that will be enough to spend eternity with Jesus. Jesus created in us, a deep longing to help others yet when we mask that longing with what our own hearts desire for what we want, we miss out on what God has for us and who He has created for us to come into contact with and how they will change our lives (and hopefully vice versa). Give with a giving heart, as we step into a season of giving elaborate gifts to those we love the most, think about giving elaborately to those you don't know.
I think we read this verse and we assume it means to give all the money in your wallet to the homeless man at the next stoplight, well at least that's how I read it for so long. What if "the least of these" is rather this wide idea that it is simply caring in all aspects for someone who seems to have less then us? Sound like the same thing? If I were to assume that this verse expressed the need for me to give all my money to the next homeless person I saw, well then I am not really fixing the problem I am just making myself feel less rich with a few less dollars in my pocket when that light turned green. I think that what it's intended to mean, would possibly be this idea that when we hear of a situation in which children are being orphaned by aids, or parents cannot afford to feed their families, or that 2.6 billion people live on less than $2 or that malaria kills 8% of children under the age of 5, we just assume that we cannot do anything or we are not big enough to fix the problem. When Jesus says "Then he will answer them, 'I tell you the truth, just as you did not do it for one of the least of these, you did not do it for me.'" Matthew 25:45 (New English Translation) he is saying that we can't solve the problem to completely get rid of malaria but rather care for each individual as if they were Jesus, because that is how worthy Jesus sees us. We can't wait assume that by attending church on Sundays and bible studies on Wednesdays that that will be enough to spend eternity with Jesus. Jesus created in us, a deep longing to help others yet when we mask that longing with what our own hearts desire for what we want, we miss out on what God has for us and who He has created for us to come into contact with and how they will change our lives (and hopefully vice versa). Give with a giving heart, as we step into a season of giving elaborate gifts to those we love the most, think about giving elaborately to those you don't know.
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Jesus saves
As we venture into a season of giving and receiving, 2 days ago, 2,817 miles from where I live, a gunman decided he wanted to enter a school and begin shooting. 6 adults and 20 children were killed, dead, they are no longer alive. Those children lived to only see kindergarten, a teacher saved her entire class by giving her life, and a principal charged the gunman to save her school. When we see the facts and see their pictures and we hear about each story, we forget about the gunman and how crazy he seems and we recognize that the children and adults that died were simple people with extraordinary circumstances. Those teachers never signed a pact to stand in front of a bullet for their students, or charge a gunman, or nor did they sign up to be present in a situation like this, but yet they stood up and protected the students they loved.
As we look back at the horrific shootings that have happened in the last 15 years, we can see the gunman that entered CSUF last week, or the gunman who made a movie date night into a horrible nightmare, or the two teenage gunman who entered Columbine High School on April 20, 1999 and decided that it was important for everyone to know that they were left out.
I don't think I'll ever make a speech against the NRA, or talk with important Congressmen about gun control, or even own a gun. Yet I think that we are missing the point, if we were to lay out the circumstances and stand all the gunmen side by side, we can recognize that there is something there, something in common, and something painful. So here we are, people are dying too often and too young and some how we wake up the next morning and move on.
So then what is the problem?
Why do people feel the need to shoot up the entire school?
(and why is it usually a school?)
People feel hopeless, they feel that they are at the end of their rope.
People feel as though they have nothing left, so they step out into the extreme.
People feel lonely, and heartbroken.
I am NOT condoning ANYONE'S actions, but I think we are missing the point. These people are crying out for someone to notice them. They are yearning to be loved and seen for who they are.
Why can't we be gracious with people BEFORE this happens? I have been there I have felt as though I was at the end of my rope, that I was not worthy, and that I was hopeless and lonely. Yet, I have someone that has never left, even when I left him, Jesus.
So we as we go into this season, where we say "Jesus is the Reason for the Season", what if when we said that, we actually meant "Jesus is the simple reason for me waking up every morning and I really hope that you have hope in Jesus because He is the giver of life".
Jesus came so that you could have life and have it abundantly and for eternity, spend each day glorifying Him by truly loving others.
Jesus came so that you could have HOPE in Him.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On Thursday, Darrell Scott, the father of Rachel Scott, a victim of the Columbine High School shootings in Littleton, Colorado, was invited to address the House Judiciary Committee's subcommittee. What he said to our national leaders during this special session of Congress was painfully truthful. They were not prepared for what he was to say, nor was it received well. It needs to be heard by every parent, every teacher, every politician, every sociologist, every psychologist, and every so-called expert! These courageous words spoken by Darrell Scott are powerful, penetrating, and deeply personal. There is no doubt that God sent this man as a voice crying in the wilderness. The following is a portion of the transcript:
"Since the dawn of creation there has been both good & evil in the hearts of men and women. We all contain the seeds of kindness or the seeds of violence. The death of my wonderful daughter, Rachel Joy Scott, and the deaths of that heroic teacher, and the other eleven children who died must not be in vain. Their blood cries out for answers.
"The first recorded act of violence was when Cain slew his brother Abel out in the field. The villain was not the club he used. Neither was it the NCA, the National Club Association. The true killer was Cain, and the reason for the murder could only be found in Cain's heart.
"In the days that followed the Columbine tragedy, I was amazed at how quickly fingers began to be pointed at groups such as the NRA. I am not a member of the NRA. I am not a hunter. I do not even own a gun. I am not here to represent or defend the NRA - because I don't believe that they are responsible for my daughter's death. Therefore I do not believe that they need to be defended. If I believed they had anything to do with Rachel's murder I would be their strongest opponent.
"I am here today to declare that Columbine was not just a tragedy-it was a spiritual event that should be forcing us to look at where the real blame lies! Much of the blame lies here in this room. Much of the blame lies behind the pointing fingers of the accusers themselves. "I wrote a poem just four nights ago that expresses my feelings best. This was written way before I knew I would be speaking here today:
Your laws ignore our deepest needs, Your words are empty air. You've stripped away our heritage, You've outlawed simple prayer. Now gunshots fill our classrooms, And precious children die. You seek for answers everywhere, And ask the question "Why?" You regulate restrictive laws, Through legislative creed. And yet you fail to understand, That God is what we need!
"Men and women are three-part beings. We all consist of body, soul, and spirit. When we refuse to acknowledge a third part of our make-up, we create a void that allows evil, prejudice, and hatred to rush in and reek havoc. Spiritual presences were present within our educational systems for most of our nation's history. Many of our major colleges began as theological seminaries. This is a historical fact. What has happened to us as a nation? We have refused to honor God, and in so doing, we open the doors to hatred and violence. And when something as terrible as Columbine's tragedy occurs - politicians immediately look for a scapegoat such as the NRA. They immediately seek to pass more restrictive laws that contribute to erode away our personal and private liberties. We do not need more restrictive laws. "Eric and Dylan would not have been stopped by metal detectors. No amount of gun laws can stop someone who spends months planning this type of massacre. The real villain lies within our own hearts. Political posturing and restrictive legislation are not the answers. The young people of our nation hold the key. There is a spiritual awakening taking place that will not be squelched! We do not need more religion. We do not need more gaudy television evangelists spewing out verbal religious garbage. We do not need more million dollar church buildings built while people with basic needs are being ignored. We do need a change of heart and a humble acknowledgment that this nation was founded on the principle of simple trust in God!
"As my son Craig lay under that table in the school library and saw his two friends murdered before his very eyes-He did not hesitate to pray in school. I defy any law or politician to deny him that right! I challenge every young person in America, and around the world, to realize that on April 20, 1999, at Columbine High School prayer was brought back to our schools. Do not let the many prayers offered by those students be in vain. Dare to move into the new millennium with a sacred disregard for legislation that violates your God-given right to communicate with Him. To those of you who would point your finger at the NRA - I give to you a sincere challenge. Dare to examine your own heart before casting the first stone! My daughter's death will not be in vain! The young people of this country will not allow that to happen!"
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As we look back at the horrific shootings that have happened in the last 15 years, we can see the gunman that entered CSUF last week, or the gunman who made a movie date night into a horrible nightmare, or the two teenage gunman who entered Columbine High School on April 20, 1999 and decided that it was important for everyone to know that they were left out.
I don't think I'll ever make a speech against the NRA, or talk with important Congressmen about gun control, or even own a gun. Yet I think that we are missing the point, if we were to lay out the circumstances and stand all the gunmen side by side, we can recognize that there is something there, something in common, and something painful. So here we are, people are dying too often and too young and some how we wake up the next morning and move on.
So then what is the problem?
Why do people feel the need to shoot up the entire school?
(and why is it usually a school?)
People feel hopeless, they feel that they are at the end of their rope.
People feel as though they have nothing left, so they step out into the extreme.
People feel lonely, and heartbroken.
I am NOT condoning ANYONE'S actions, but I think we are missing the point. These people are crying out for someone to notice them. They are yearning to be loved and seen for who they are.
Why can't we be gracious with people BEFORE this happens? I have been there I have felt as though I was at the end of my rope, that I was not worthy, and that I was hopeless and lonely. Yet, I have someone that has never left, even when I left him, Jesus.
So we as we go into this season, where we say "Jesus is the Reason for the Season", what if when we said that, we actually meant "Jesus is the simple reason for me waking up every morning and I really hope that you have hope in Jesus because He is the giver of life".
Jesus came so that you could have life and have it abundantly and for eternity, spend each day glorifying Him by truly loving others.
Jesus came so that you could have HOPE in Him.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On Thursday, Darrell Scott, the father of Rachel Scott, a victim of the Columbine High School shootings in Littleton, Colorado, was invited to address the House Judiciary Committee's subcommittee. What he said to our national leaders during this special session of Congress was painfully truthful. They were not prepared for what he was to say, nor was it received well. It needs to be heard by every parent, every teacher, every politician, every sociologist, every psychologist, and every so-called expert! These courageous words spoken by Darrell Scott are powerful, penetrating, and deeply personal. There is no doubt that God sent this man as a voice crying in the wilderness. The following is a portion of the transcript:
"Since the dawn of creation there has been both good & evil in the hearts of men and women. We all contain the seeds of kindness or the seeds of violence. The death of my wonderful daughter, Rachel Joy Scott, and the deaths of that heroic teacher, and the other eleven children who died must not be in vain. Their blood cries out for answers.
"The first recorded act of violence was when Cain slew his brother Abel out in the field. The villain was not the club he used. Neither was it the NCA, the National Club Association. The true killer was Cain, and the reason for the murder could only be found in Cain's heart.
"In the days that followed the Columbine tragedy, I was amazed at how quickly fingers began to be pointed at groups such as the NRA. I am not a member of the NRA. I am not a hunter. I do not even own a gun. I am not here to represent or defend the NRA - because I don't believe that they are responsible for my daughter's death. Therefore I do not believe that they need to be defended. If I believed they had anything to do with Rachel's murder I would be their strongest opponent.
"I am here today to declare that Columbine was not just a tragedy-it was a spiritual event that should be forcing us to look at where the real blame lies! Much of the blame lies here in this room. Much of the blame lies behind the pointing fingers of the accusers themselves. "I wrote a poem just four nights ago that expresses my feelings best. This was written way before I knew I would be speaking here today:
Your laws ignore our deepest needs, Your words are empty air. You've stripped away our heritage, You've outlawed simple prayer. Now gunshots fill our classrooms, And precious children die. You seek for answers everywhere, And ask the question "Why?" You regulate restrictive laws, Through legislative creed. And yet you fail to understand, That God is what we need!
"Men and women are three-part beings. We all consist of body, soul, and spirit. When we refuse to acknowledge a third part of our make-up, we create a void that allows evil, prejudice, and hatred to rush in and reek havoc. Spiritual presences were present within our educational systems for most of our nation's history. Many of our major colleges began as theological seminaries. This is a historical fact. What has happened to us as a nation? We have refused to honor God, and in so doing, we open the doors to hatred and violence. And when something as terrible as Columbine's tragedy occurs - politicians immediately look for a scapegoat such as the NRA. They immediately seek to pass more restrictive laws that contribute to erode away our personal and private liberties. We do not need more restrictive laws. "Eric and Dylan would not have been stopped by metal detectors. No amount of gun laws can stop someone who spends months planning this type of massacre. The real villain lies within our own hearts. Political posturing and restrictive legislation are not the answers. The young people of our nation hold the key. There is a spiritual awakening taking place that will not be squelched! We do not need more religion. We do not need more gaudy television evangelists spewing out verbal religious garbage. We do not need more million dollar church buildings built while people with basic needs are being ignored. We do need a change of heart and a humble acknowledgment that this nation was founded on the principle of simple trust in God!
"As my son Craig lay under that table in the school library and saw his two friends murdered before his very eyes-He did not hesitate to pray in school. I defy any law or politician to deny him that right! I challenge every young person in America, and around the world, to realize that on April 20, 1999, at Columbine High School prayer was brought back to our schools. Do not let the many prayers offered by those students be in vain. Dare to move into the new millennium with a sacred disregard for legislation that violates your God-given right to communicate with Him. To those of you who would point your finger at the NRA - I give to you a sincere challenge. Dare to examine your own heart before casting the first stone! My daughter's death will not be in vain! The young people of this country will not allow that to happen!"
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)