In less than 24 hours, I'll be bound for Cambodia!
I'm so grateful that God has given me this opportunity.
I'm so grateful that it's bigger than I am, so I have to lean on Him.
I'm grateful for the people serving with me over there, they're a wonderfully eclectic blend that is well balanced and meshes splendidly.
I'm grateful for the people serving with me from home, whose prayers and generosity are making this trip happen.
I'm grateful for Pastor Vek, who is responsible for the orphanage we'll be building a schoolhouse for, and I'm grateful for shrimp fried rice, the "safe dish" that was recommended to me (it's hard to fake a shrimp. Chicken or beef could be anything overseas, but a shrimp is always a shrimp.)
I'll probably not have much blogability until May 16 on this venue, but I will update our Cambodian blog as often as possible.
Check it out: www.phnompenhin2010.com
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Ahhhh.
There is nothing like the feeling of fresh, minty, squeaky clean teeth. I just packed my toothbrush and one of those mini toothpaste tubes for my trip to Cambodia.
I am not a history buff by any stretch, but in some of the historical fiction I've read, they reference tooth powder.
while I'm sure it was better than nothing, it can't be as good as the minty freshness of those little mini white strips floating in blue gel that leaves the gentle bite of peppermint on your tongue.
Mmmm.
There are a lot of good flavors out there. Some are just a flash of sweet and some are heavy and dark and last. But peppermint is special. It cleanses. Purifies. And prevents cavities.
I will resist comparing my brushing regimen to the cleansing power of being a new creation in Christ, washed clean each day by the Spirit by His presence that lingers, powerful, pure, and sweet. I will, I promise.
But, I'm grateful for both.
I am not a history buff by any stretch, but in some of the historical fiction I've read, they reference tooth powder.
while I'm sure it was better than nothing, it can't be as good as the minty freshness of those little mini white strips floating in blue gel that leaves the gentle bite of peppermint on your tongue.
Mmmm.
There are a lot of good flavors out there. Some are just a flash of sweet and some are heavy and dark and last. But peppermint is special. It cleanses. Purifies. And prevents cavities.
I will resist comparing my brushing regimen to the cleansing power of being a new creation in Christ, washed clean each day by the Spirit by His presence that lingers, powerful, pure, and sweet. I will, I promise.
But, I'm grateful for both.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Rollin', rollin', rollin'
I got a nail in my tire at some point this weekend. It began a rapid decline on Sunday afternoon. Don't get me wrong, I drove on it anyway, but this morning I knew my time was up. I had to drive to Charlotte and by the time I hit the office, the rubber was already puddling at the base of the wheel.
Fortunately for me, it is a company car! So I made a phone call and they patched me through to a tire guy, who came out and put the donut on for me. (That's right, I had it but I didn't even have to put it on myself.)
Then, me and my car limped to the nearest Firestone and in a mere 30 minutes, a brand new tire smiled from the rear passenger wheel and the donut rested comfortably under piles of detritus in my trunk. All was well.
Now I still tried to have a pity party, however, my Mom called and refused to let me wallow. She reminded me that God is in charge and has my best in mind. I argued, mostly for form, but it was pretty pathetic even in my own ears.
This whole thing was a blessing in that it resolved itself with ease. But it made me a bit philosophical....surprise, surprise, no?
There are a lot of times when nails pop up along the road of life and a trip that was set on cruise control suddenly gets lopsided and pulls hard to one side. It's not fun. It's not easy, and it's a little scary.
But, even then, when it seems like I've stalled out, I have the Holy Spirit right with me ready to replace the broken pieces. We may limp along for a while until full healing happens, but I'm not stranded and I'm never alone. In times of crisis, He's my spiritual donut...only better.
And what's more, I don't have to do the fixing! I'm on God's fleet plan, so He sends friends, loved ones, or sometimes just extra awareness of His own sweet, powerful Self to do the tire changing for me, and all in His timing, on His dime.
God is so good! Thank you for hanging with me, even when I get whiny. For fixing me when I'm unable to fix myself. For being in charge. And for company cars.
Fortunately for me, it is a company car! So I made a phone call and they patched me through to a tire guy, who came out and put the donut on for me. (That's right, I had it but I didn't even have to put it on myself.)
Then, me and my car limped to the nearest Firestone and in a mere 30 minutes, a brand new tire smiled from the rear passenger wheel and the donut rested comfortably under piles of detritus in my trunk. All was well.
Now I still tried to have a pity party, however, my Mom called and refused to let me wallow. She reminded me that God is in charge and has my best in mind. I argued, mostly for form, but it was pretty pathetic even in my own ears.
This whole thing was a blessing in that it resolved itself with ease. But it made me a bit philosophical....surprise, surprise, no?
There are a lot of times when nails pop up along the road of life and a trip that was set on cruise control suddenly gets lopsided and pulls hard to one side. It's not fun. It's not easy, and it's a little scary.
But, even then, when it seems like I've stalled out, I have the Holy Spirit right with me ready to replace the broken pieces. We may limp along for a while until full healing happens, but I'm not stranded and I'm never alone. In times of crisis, He's my spiritual donut...only better.
And what's more, I don't have to do the fixing! I'm on God's fleet plan, so He sends friends, loved ones, or sometimes just extra awareness of His own sweet, powerful Self to do the tire changing for me, and all in His timing, on His dime.
God is so good! Thank you for hanging with me, even when I get whiny. For fixing me when I'm unable to fix myself. For being in charge. And for company cars.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Love notes
I got in last night at midnight (travel, not even revelry) and had to be at a meeting this morning and ready to present. I slept comfortably past my alarm, and awoke unsure of where to begin preparations for my the two client meetings that comprised a high-stakes Friday.
It was one of those times when you know you could have done more to prep ahead of time and you know your lack of foresight could cost you. And you pray, pray, pray it doesn't.
And, it was one of those days when God, in his infinite wisdom and grace, grants the fortitude and mental acuity to not just BS your way through it, but to actually perform near the apex of potential and achieve genuine quality results.
I had a marvelous day. I was dead tired, and still managed a marvelous day! And it was a Friday! And the sun just grinned upon Atlanta from dawn until dusk! And then I got a facial that melted the webs of tension clinging stubbornly to my shoulder blades!
Sometimes, God just smiles on us. He knows that packed amidst the days of intensity and stress, even when we're not holding up our end of the righteous bargain and even when we have nothing to offer in return--perhaps especially when we have nothing to offer in return--He showers our day with tiny love notes and does the heavy lifting so we can relax and bask in the warmth of His love.
Thank you, Jesus, for your days of blessing. Thank you for your love that is always lavish, always abundant. And thank you for the days when it is especially apparent. When you stoop and swipe the clutter of life aside, so I can see You and how near and how loving and how...You, you are, through it all. I love you back with all I am.
It was one of those times when you know you could have done more to prep ahead of time and you know your lack of foresight could cost you. And you pray, pray, pray it doesn't.
And, it was one of those days when God, in his infinite wisdom and grace, grants the fortitude and mental acuity to not just BS your way through it, but to actually perform near the apex of potential and achieve genuine quality results.
I had a marvelous day. I was dead tired, and still managed a marvelous day! And it was a Friday! And the sun just grinned upon Atlanta from dawn until dusk! And then I got a facial that melted the webs of tension clinging stubbornly to my shoulder blades!
Sometimes, God just smiles on us. He knows that packed amidst the days of intensity and stress, even when we're not holding up our end of the righteous bargain and even when we have nothing to offer in return--perhaps especially when we have nothing to offer in return--He showers our day with tiny love notes and does the heavy lifting so we can relax and bask in the warmth of His love.
Thank you, Jesus, for your days of blessing. Thank you for your love that is always lavish, always abundant. And thank you for the days when it is especially apparent. When you stoop and swipe the clutter of life aside, so I can see You and how near and how loving and how...You, you are, through it all. I love you back with all I am.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
The lovely green circle
We all have those places that are more than just a location. They embody happiness, excitement, or home. They have so many good associations that the mere sight makes something inside get soft and gooey like a roasted marshmallow.
I have a few, but my two greatest are 1) Borders bookshops, and 2) Starbucks.
In principle I'm a huge fan of the independent business and boutique. The cutest parts of any city are those areas that are unbound by chain stores. However, when it comes to 1 and 2, I adore the uniformity. They are an island of familiarity anywhere you go.
It's a thrill to approach the glass paneled door of a Starbucks, push on the handle, and be greeted by the warm hiss of steaming milk, the entreating stare of the pastry case, the overwrought music piped through the stereo, the artfully displayed merchandise, and the heavy sent of roasted coffee. I get happy faster than you can say "grande non-fat light-roast misto with 3/4 coffee." And it only gets better when that crisp white cup is fitted to my palm. Two Splendas and...sigh.
Before I begin to drool, the point is, we all have those spots. Our "happy places," if you will. I'm not sure where that would be for those who are not chemically dependent on caffeine. But we have them. It's the memories built over time that form an arch of warmth and security around that place. For a girl who spends a lot of time on the road, having the familiar nearby has grown very valuable.
Which makes me recognize how precious it is to have a God who never changes. Amongst the foreign, He is the same. Amid the whip-lash inducing changes in our world, He is constant. Starbucks might be a comfort available in a lot of places, but God is everywhere and He is my home.
Thank you, God, for caffeine, for Starbucks, and for that warm sense of familiarity that makes new places feel less intimidating. In a world that changes faster than I can keep up with, thank you for the consistencies. Tiny anchor points. And thank you for being unchanging. Thank you for being faithful no matter where life goes, for cruising the highway of this crazy life with me always. I love knowing you are with me! Even in the drive-thru lane.
I have a few, but my two greatest are 1) Borders bookshops, and 2) Starbucks.
In principle I'm a huge fan of the independent business and boutique. The cutest parts of any city are those areas that are unbound by chain stores. However, when it comes to 1 and 2, I adore the uniformity. They are an island of familiarity anywhere you go.
It's a thrill to approach the glass paneled door of a Starbucks, push on the handle, and be greeted by the warm hiss of steaming milk, the entreating stare of the pastry case, the overwrought music piped through the stereo, the artfully displayed merchandise, and the heavy sent of roasted coffee. I get happy faster than you can say "grande non-fat light-roast misto with 3/4 coffee." And it only gets better when that crisp white cup is fitted to my palm. Two Splendas and...sigh.
Before I begin to drool, the point is, we all have those spots. Our "happy places," if you will. I'm not sure where that would be for those who are not chemically dependent on caffeine. But we have them. It's the memories built over time that form an arch of warmth and security around that place. For a girl who spends a lot of time on the road, having the familiar nearby has grown very valuable.
Which makes me recognize how precious it is to have a God who never changes. Amongst the foreign, He is the same. Amid the whip-lash inducing changes in our world, He is constant. Starbucks might be a comfort available in a lot of places, but God is everywhere and He is my home.
Thank you, God, for caffeine, for Starbucks, and for that warm sense of familiarity that makes new places feel less intimidating. In a world that changes faster than I can keep up with, thank you for the consistencies. Tiny anchor points. And thank you for being unchanging. Thank you for being faithful no matter where life goes, for cruising the highway of this crazy life with me always. I love knowing you are with me! Even in the drive-thru lane.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Chill
When I have a big event on the horizon, my worry genes act up. I fixate. Ponder. Mull. Dwell. Analyze. And the start the process over.
I use up my emotional well-being on this entirely unproductive process, which leaves very little "se la vie" for actually life. Like driving. And flying. Travel of any sort, really.
The good side is I tend to petition God a lot, albeit frenetically, so at least He gets invited into the process. And He would calm me I'm sure if I paused long enough to let Him.
Well, today part 1 of a big event went down. It involved travel. Need I say more?
Here's where the blessing happened. I found myself smiling at strangers. I strolled instead of pounding along at the speed of sound. I...relaxed. IN THE MIDST OF MY CHAOS!
Now that is God. He took a day I have fretted over and sucked the winds of anxiety out of my soul, then breathed in His life-giving, peace-making, path-directing Spirit. He smothered the fear with His love until it's talons unhooked and crumbled.
Thank you so much, God!
And then after a day of peace, He gave me a reason to laugh out loud. If you want to also, check this out: http://seekerville.blogspot.com/2010/04/she-said-what.html
We serve a God of lavish love. He doesn't just meet needs, He overwhelms.
I use up my emotional well-being on this entirely unproductive process, which leaves very little "se la vie" for actually life. Like driving. And flying. Travel of any sort, really.
The good side is I tend to petition God a lot, albeit frenetically, so at least He gets invited into the process. And He would calm me I'm sure if I paused long enough to let Him.
Well, today part 1 of a big event went down. It involved travel. Need I say more?
Here's where the blessing happened. I found myself smiling at strangers. I strolled instead of pounding along at the speed of sound. I...relaxed. IN THE MIDST OF MY CHAOS!
Now that is God. He took a day I have fretted over and sucked the winds of anxiety out of my soul, then breathed in His life-giving, peace-making, path-directing Spirit. He smothered the fear with His love until it's talons unhooked and crumbled.
Thank you so much, God!
And then after a day of peace, He gave me a reason to laugh out loud. If you want to also, check this out: http://seekerville.blogspot.com/2010/04/she-said-what.html
We serve a God of lavish love. He doesn't just meet needs, He overwhelms.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Comfy Friends
My roommate and I just finished cleaning up after five of our friends. We had a dinner party with some of 'the old crew.' You know, the people who you don't have to explain your jokes to, in front of whom you're comfortable getting seconds, and you can argue about which band is the best and not really mind who wins the debate.
Relationships are almost all blessings, whether they last a season out of convenience, or are cemented through shared experiences. But there's something special about the ones that, like a favorite pair of slippers, just get more comfortable with age. The people who you can talk to once every few months without tripping over insecurities or misunderstandings.
I'm sure part of the beauty is the rarity of these relationships. It is somewhat uncommon to reach a point where you care about a person enough to stay in touch when it's no longer easy and neither feels forgotten in the meantime. It's amazing now, and I imagine it will be downright splendid in a couple dozen years when we can look back further than a decade and see how lives have bloomed like wildflowers and where their seeds have been carried by the wind.
Thank you, God, for the lives you've braided with my own. Thank you for the handful I can count on no matter what, for the pile I can enjoy a lovely chat with, and for the heaps I have yet to encounter. Thank you for the comfy friends I have, and for those I will meet further down the road.
Relationships are almost all blessings, whether they last a season out of convenience, or are cemented through shared experiences. But there's something special about the ones that, like a favorite pair of slippers, just get more comfortable with age. The people who you can talk to once every few months without tripping over insecurities or misunderstandings.
I'm sure part of the beauty is the rarity of these relationships. It is somewhat uncommon to reach a point where you care about a person enough to stay in touch when it's no longer easy and neither feels forgotten in the meantime. It's amazing now, and I imagine it will be downright splendid in a couple dozen years when we can look back further than a decade and see how lives have bloomed like wildflowers and where their seeds have been carried by the wind.
Thank you, God, for the lives you've braided with my own. Thank you for the handful I can count on no matter what, for the pile I can enjoy a lovely chat with, and for the heaps I have yet to encounter. Thank you for the comfy friends I have, and for those I will meet further down the road.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)