Did you know that in Nigeria, 1 out of every 5 babies die before they reach the age of one year? Did you know that out of those, 1 in 6 die before they reach the age of 5? The Nigerians are spiritually hungry and grab whatever comes their way. They embrace many cults because of their hunger. They often mix works with salvation and not fully understand true salvation.
How about Russia? Inside one of the cities on the eastern part, there are 49 orphanages? Did you know that most of these children have never heard the Gospel?
In Canada, the Cree people do not want to called Native Americans or Indians, but Native Canadians. Also, the Cree are very "handy" people, as they make many incredible pieces of jewelry and hair clips.
These are just some of the things I have heard about this week during our Missions Conference. Bro. Bragg has been the speaker and is a seasoned missionary who has spent time in the hard and Muslim country of Senegal. I had the opportunity to meet Bro. Bragg a few years ago when I went to Camp BIMI. I have enjoyed this week immensely. I like hearing what goes on while the missionaries are on the field or deputation or even on furlough. A few even shared some humorous incidents! I liked the one about the missionary being offered live grubs, and not knowing the culture too well at that point, popped it in a chewed it. You're supposed to swallow it whole. He likened to a teenager popping their zits. We all laughed and "ewwed" at that.
These missionaries are just saved and sanctified sinners who have yielded to the call of God. They shared trials and triumphs of their experiences. During Thursday and Friday, we had a chapel session and a chat & challenge session. During the chat & challenge, a couple of missionaries told the children about their fields and then the floor was opened up for questions. Mind you, this is K-5. One of my students asked the following question: Do you have donuts there?
The missionary did answer (yes, where we are going does have donuts) but stated that there are some places that don't. The next missionary addressed that question just as he got up there. We all chuckled at that.
While in high school, I surrendered to call of missions if the Lord would lead in that direction. I do know that missions is even in your own neighborhood. Right now, my mission field is that of my classroom and my new area of service. It is neat to see where God leads when He is allowed to do such a thing. Too many times, young, single teachers go off to a position in search of something other than God's will. We (as in teachers here) were given intent forms about our positions for next year. I've had a few people ask me if I was coming back. I told them as long as this is where the Lord wants me, I'll be here. I don't feel led to leave here. This is where the Lord wants me. I'll be here. Sometimes, it’s hard to know that some folks that claim to be following God are really just following money or relationships. How sincere is their faith?
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Monday, January 22, 2007
I read this on Nick's blog. The following is a very a very Anti-American letter from a business that rudely stated that they do not support our troops in Iraq. These men are willing to risk their lives and this business had no consideration.
From: SGT Jason Hess
Sent: Tue Jan 16 3:25
Do you ship to APO addresses? I'm in the 1st Cavalry Division stationed in Iraq and we are trying to order some mats but we are looking for who ships to APO first.
From: contact@discount-mats.com
Sent: Tuesday, January 16, 2007 9:44 PM
Subject: Re: Feedback: from discount-mats.com
SGT Hess,We do not ship to APO addresses, and even if we did, we would NEVER ship to Iraq. If you were sensible, you and your troops would pull out of Iraq.
Bargain SuppliersDiscount-Mats.com
From: SGT Jason Hess
Sent: Tue Jan 16 3:25
Do you ship to APO addresses? I'm in the 1st Cavalry Division stationed in Iraq and we are trying to order some mats but we are looking for who ships to APO first.
From: contact@discount-mats.com
Sent: Tuesday, January 16, 2007 9:44 PM
Subject: Re: Feedback: from discount-mats.com
SGT Hess,We do not ship to APO addresses, and even if we did, we would NEVER ship to Iraq. If you were sensible, you and your troops would pull out of Iraq.
Bargain SuppliersDiscount-Mats.com
Friday, January 12, 2007
Attitude is a choice
Yesterday could have been a really awful day for me. It certainly was "one of those days." I didn't want to get up when the alarm went off. My car wouldn't start so I had to walk to work. I get to work and then have to clean up my room because the Wednesday night ministry didn't do too good of a job. As I was cleaning, the basket of 85 popcicle sticks my kids use at seatwork time fell to the floor. I was almost late to teacher's meeting. I still have a stack of papers to grade. I got a glob of bright pink frosting on my plum-colored jumper. I had to do day care when I wanted to go home.
Its easy to look at myself and see how bad I think I have it, when in fact, I have it so well. It brings me back to the story of the Israelites and their attitude. When Moses brought them out of the land of Egypt (hey, wouldn't that have been good enough...no more bondage and slavery under the Egyptians?) and they complained and said it would be better for them to be back in bondage. The Lord prorvided for them in miraculous ways (manna and water and the leading of the cloud by day and pillar of fire by night) and all they could was complain. They thought Moses was trying to kill them! Then, while wandering in the wilderness for forty years, their shoes and clothes did not wear out. But, they probably didn't care for that miracle either. All of their troubles and "woe is me" came on them because of their choice of their attitude. Things didn't go they way they wanted, so they complained about it as if it were God's fault. All these years later, and that attitude is still evident.
Here's the truth:
Psalm 68:19Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.
Daily He LOADS us with benefits. That load depends on you. Are you trying to fill up a teaspoon or lake?
Yesterday, I did get frustrated every no and then, but I choose to have a good attitude about what happened. I even got a few good laughs to share about the day (with my roommates and even my mom when she called).
I didn't want to get up when the alarm went off. --> I can hear, I have electricity, I live in a nice house, I was sleeping in a bed.
My car wouldn't start so I had to walk to work. --> I live within a two-minute from the church/school, I can walk, it wasn't snowing, and it wasn't too cold or muddy.
I get to work and then have to clean up my room because the Wednesday night ministry didn't do too good of a job. --> the kids' club is an outreach to the lost souls, someone may have received Jesus as their Savior.
As I was cleaning, the basket of 85 popcicle sticks my kids use at seatwork time fell to the floor.--> At least there were only 85 and not 850 to pick up, I can use my body as some others can't, it was the only thing that I knocked down.
I was almost late to teacher's meeting. --> I wasn' late, I could hear the devotions and process them
I still have a stack of papers to grade. --> I have a job :)
I got a glob of bright pink frosting on my plum-colored jumper. --> It'll wach out, it was a student's birthday, the cupcakes were a treat.
I had to do day care when I wanted to go home.--> Again, I have a job and I get to see the kids in a slightly different atmosphere and I deal with a few others while in day care.
The blessing far out-weigh the troubles. There are many more that I probably haven't seen. I praise God for His mercy and His blessing on my life!
Its easy to look at myself and see how bad I think I have it, when in fact, I have it so well. It brings me back to the story of the Israelites and their attitude. When Moses brought them out of the land of Egypt (hey, wouldn't that have been good enough...no more bondage and slavery under the Egyptians?) and they complained and said it would be better for them to be back in bondage. The Lord prorvided for them in miraculous ways (manna and water and the leading of the cloud by day and pillar of fire by night) and all they could was complain. They thought Moses was trying to kill them! Then, while wandering in the wilderness for forty years, their shoes and clothes did not wear out. But, they probably didn't care for that miracle either. All of their troubles and "woe is me" came on them because of their choice of their attitude. Things didn't go they way they wanted, so they complained about it as if it were God's fault. All these years later, and that attitude is still evident.
Here's the truth:
Psalm 68:19Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.
Daily He LOADS us with benefits. That load depends on you. Are you trying to fill up a teaspoon or lake?
Yesterday, I did get frustrated every no and then, but I choose to have a good attitude about what happened. I even got a few good laughs to share about the day (with my roommates and even my mom when she called).
I didn't want to get up when the alarm went off. --> I can hear, I have electricity, I live in a nice house, I was sleeping in a bed.
My car wouldn't start so I had to walk to work. --> I live within a two-minute from the church/school, I can walk, it wasn't snowing, and it wasn't too cold or muddy.
I get to work and then have to clean up my room because the Wednesday night ministry didn't do too good of a job. --> the kids' club is an outreach to the lost souls, someone may have received Jesus as their Savior.
As I was cleaning, the basket of 85 popcicle sticks my kids use at seatwork time fell to the floor.--> At least there were only 85 and not 850 to pick up, I can use my body as some others can't, it was the only thing that I knocked down.
I was almost late to teacher's meeting. --> I wasn' late, I could hear the devotions and process them
I still have a stack of papers to grade. --> I have a job :)
I got a glob of bright pink frosting on my plum-colored jumper. --> It'll wach out, it was a student's birthday, the cupcakes were a treat.
I had to do day care when I wanted to go home.--> Again, I have a job and I get to see the kids in a slightly different atmosphere and I deal with a few others while in day care.
The blessing far out-weigh the troubles. There are many more that I probably haven't seen. I praise God for His mercy and His blessing on my life!
Thursday, January 11, 2007
And they want to abort this?
http://www.clearviewultrasound.com/
http://www.4d-ultrasounds.com/3d-ultrasound-photos/index.htmThis is an incredible picture of our technology. Now, tell me that this is just a lump of flesh. This is that new 4D sonogram picturing. I am just amazed at how technology has advanced.
http://www.insight4dultrasound.com/I am so thankful that the Lord still provides ways to show his wondrous handiwork and this miracle of life.
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Reflections
As I was having my devotions, I read this:
Leviticus 10:10
And that ye may put difference between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean;
It’s so clear, yet so many people don’t even bother with it. There needs to be a difference between the Christian and the world.
Exodus 19:5
Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:
Deuteronomy 14:2
For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth.
Deuteronomy 26:18
And the LORD hath avouched thee this day to be his peculiar people, as he hath promised thee, and that thou shouldest keep all his commandments;
Titus 2:14
Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
1 Peter 2:9
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;
I am peculiar. The Bible says so. There should be a vast difference in my life compared to that of a person with out Christ. Each New Year brings a time of self-evaluation: Have I met my goals that I set last year? Have I made a difference? Did I grow in Christ? Have I matured? Am I where God wants me? Am I walking in the Light or in darkness? Am I pleasing God or man? There are so many things to look at when I review my life. I do realize that perfection will not be reached, but maturity can be reached. It is a day by day process, not an all at once thing.
One thing that I have been dealing with is my shallowness. This is hard. It’s so easy to be basic in the things I say and so; to be a “milk” Christian. I do desire to be a “meat” Christian and to grow. I want that deeper relationship with Christ and I want to be able to be a good, Godly teacher and example to my students. They are very impressionable and yet very independent at this age. I want them to see Christ in me.
I was having a conversation with someone and a few different topics came up. One was that on standards, in particular, dress and music. These two areas show a person’s relationship with Christ.
Deuteronomy 22:5
The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God.
1 Timothy 2:9
In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;
1 Timothy 2:10
But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.
1 Peter 3:3
Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
I took a stand on dress right after high school (I wish it had been sooner, but I let peer pressure win). I don’t wear pants and I don’t want to. Some people argue that certain jobs need to have a woman wearing pants. My thought is that if a certain job makes wearing skirts, dresses, or culottes immodest, should a woman even be doing that job in the first place? I’m not saying a woman shouldn’t do anything, but that they need to keep in mind that pleasing God in what they wear is a matter of importance. I see double standards a lot. Ladies will wear “church” clothes at church, but at home, anything goes. That’s the example people see. I don’t see why ladies think that dresses are such an inconvenience, but then again, I’m peculiar.
Music is a big issue for me. I love music. Growing in up in a typical “bus” home, I listened to every kind of music. Then, when I got saved, I tried to listen to better music, but it really wasn’t any better since it sounded just like the world. Contemporary Christian music is no good. They just changed the words to make it sound good. I remember going to a teen conference that was very contemporary in all they did. They tried to put in a sales pitch that seemed pretty reasonable for witnessing to family and friends: music that they would like (rap, punk, rock, country, etc.) only with “Christian” words. I bought into it for a while, but I knew something wasn’t quite right with it. It wasn’t until college that I saw why it wasn’t right, or pleasing to God. Music has been a struggle for me. It’s hard knowing that while going shopping there will be that “old” music being played over the loud speaker. I try to tune it out or think of good songs while shopping. I have taken an interest in classical, but it certainly was an acquired taste.
All in all, I feel the Lord has brought me so far, but yet I still feel like there is a long way to go. I know He will keep working on me as long as I let Him. God Bless!
Leviticus 10:10
And that ye may put difference between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean;
It’s so clear, yet so many people don’t even bother with it. There needs to be a difference between the Christian and the world.
Exodus 19:5
Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:
Deuteronomy 14:2
For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth.
Deuteronomy 26:18
And the LORD hath avouched thee this day to be his peculiar people, as he hath promised thee, and that thou shouldest keep all his commandments;
Titus 2:14
Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
1 Peter 2:9
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;
I am peculiar. The Bible says so. There should be a vast difference in my life compared to that of a person with out Christ. Each New Year brings a time of self-evaluation: Have I met my goals that I set last year? Have I made a difference? Did I grow in Christ? Have I matured? Am I where God wants me? Am I walking in the Light or in darkness? Am I pleasing God or man? There are so many things to look at when I review my life. I do realize that perfection will not be reached, but maturity can be reached. It is a day by day process, not an all at once thing.
One thing that I have been dealing with is my shallowness. This is hard. It’s so easy to be basic in the things I say and so; to be a “milk” Christian. I do desire to be a “meat” Christian and to grow. I want that deeper relationship with Christ and I want to be able to be a good, Godly teacher and example to my students. They are very impressionable and yet very independent at this age. I want them to see Christ in me.
I was having a conversation with someone and a few different topics came up. One was that on standards, in particular, dress and music. These two areas show a person’s relationship with Christ.
Deuteronomy 22:5
The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God.
1 Timothy 2:9
In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;
1 Timothy 2:10
But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.
1 Peter 3:3
Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
I took a stand on dress right after high school (I wish it had been sooner, but I let peer pressure win). I don’t wear pants and I don’t want to. Some people argue that certain jobs need to have a woman wearing pants. My thought is that if a certain job makes wearing skirts, dresses, or culottes immodest, should a woman even be doing that job in the first place? I’m not saying a woman shouldn’t do anything, but that they need to keep in mind that pleasing God in what they wear is a matter of importance. I see double standards a lot. Ladies will wear “church” clothes at church, but at home, anything goes. That’s the example people see. I don’t see why ladies think that dresses are such an inconvenience, but then again, I’m peculiar.
Music is a big issue for me. I love music. Growing in up in a typical “bus” home, I listened to every kind of music. Then, when I got saved, I tried to listen to better music, but it really wasn’t any better since it sounded just like the world. Contemporary Christian music is no good. They just changed the words to make it sound good. I remember going to a teen conference that was very contemporary in all they did. They tried to put in a sales pitch that seemed pretty reasonable for witnessing to family and friends: music that they would like (rap, punk, rock, country, etc.) only with “Christian” words. I bought into it for a while, but I knew something wasn’t quite right with it. It wasn’t until college that I saw why it wasn’t right, or pleasing to God. Music has been a struggle for me. It’s hard knowing that while going shopping there will be that “old” music being played over the loud speaker. I try to tune it out or think of good songs while shopping. I have taken an interest in classical, but it certainly was an acquired taste.
All in all, I feel the Lord has brought me so far, but yet I still feel like there is a long way to go. I know He will keep working on me as long as I let Him. God Bless!
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
My car made it over 1,000 miles to make it from VA to MI to IN and back to MI.
I had a great time with my family and friends. I sure do miss everyone already. My break was too short! Nevertheless, I am now back in VA. The flight itself was very uneventful (praise the Lord!) but luggage was another story. First, I checked in my carry-on on accident and then had to carry my duffle full of clothes as my carry-on. I get to the gate that was on my ticket only to find out that I still had another 10 gates to go due to a gate change. Once I got to Dulles, I'm waiting for my luggage to be loaded on the carousel and I see my big duffle that carried all of my Christmas presents. I did not see my accidentally checked in carry-on anywhere. Then I go to the info desk for my flight and find out that my other piece of luggage was coming in on the next flight…in three hours! That one had my purse (minus my wallet because that was in my coat pocket) and house keys in it. They said they would deliver it to me. I was thinking "by mail" and "in 3-5 working days." I was wrong. They said it would be at my house by 8pm that night (I got in at noon). Well, I did get a couple of phone calls from the airline only to find out that it would be later than that. The final time they said was midnight. I decided to wait up for it. Midnight came and went. It did arrive (finally) at 1:30am. Boy was I tired! Oh, I did get into the house. My roommates were got home at 4pm from their trip to Florida.
For New Year's Eve I went to the watch-night service at church. A few of the preacher boys preached and then there were some games to play and food to eat followed by a time of testimonies and then prayer to bring in the New Year. It was my first New Year away from home. My first one in VA. Kind of sad, kind of exciting. I ended up not staying the whole night, though. I went home and there was a small party with a few ladies and a chick flick. It was just different from the other New Year's Eves I've done: Surrounded by people I don't really know.
Well, I think this has been an eventful year. Much different than any other. It started out with a knowing that I was done with my college degree (even though I stayed and took only one class). I worked two jobs. I made some new friends. I came to point in which I was content with where God had me and what He had me doing.
Looking at some past blogging I have done has brought back some memories, such as all those first time driving experiences with Betty (like hitting a deer and that big snowstorm!), God working on my heart through books and preaching, and writing a poem.
A Life
A life so wonderfully, graciously given
A life beyond what thought can achieve
A life bound for a perfect Heaven
If only I can such a life believe.
A life not of lazy, hazy days
A life but more full and free
A life through turmoil and dark haze
If only such a life can be for me.
A life of overflowing joy and happiness
A life full of love unknown
A life in which I've made such a mess
If only my life in You I've grown.
A life, my life, as I have deemed it
A life I've thought to please myself
A life, my life, I've dug a pit
If only my life You do not shelf.
A life given wholly to You
A life much greater it shall be
A life, Lord, a work please do
If only my life I give unto thee.
It really is interesting taking a look back at the past year. To see where I've come from and where I've been
As we have already begun this new year, there are areas in my life I know need improvement. Who's life doesn't? I'm not too sure what the Lord has planned, but I am content with where he has me right now. I love my students and the area is growing on me.
I hope this update finds you doing well and looking forward to this new year.
God Bless,
Nicole
My car made it over 1,000 miles to make it from VA to MI to IN and back to MI.
I had a great time with my family and friends. I sure do miss everyone already. My break was too short! Nevertheless, I am now back in VA. The flight itself was very uneventful (praise the Lord!) but luggage was another story. First, I checked in my carry-on on accident and then had to carry my duffle full of clothes as my carry-on. I get to the gate that was on my ticket only to find out that I still had another 10 gates to go due to a gate change. Once I got to Dulles, I'm waiting for my luggage to be loaded on the carousel and I see my big duffle that carried all of my Christmas presents. I did not see my accidentally checked in carry-on anywhere. Then I go to the info desk for my flight and find out that my other piece of luggage was coming in on the next flight…in three hours! That one had my purse (minus my wallet because that was in my coat pocket) and house keys in it. They said they would deliver it to me. I was thinking "by mail" and "in 3-5 working days." I was wrong. They said it would be at my house by 8pm that night (I got in at noon). Well, I did get a couple of phone calls from the airline only to find out that it would be later than that. The final time they said was midnight. I decided to wait up for it. Midnight came and went. It did arrive (finally) at 1:30am. Boy was I tired! Oh, I did get into the house. My roommates were got home at 4pm from their trip to Florida.
For New Year's Eve I went to the watch-night service at church. A few of the preacher boys preached and then there were some games to play and food to eat followed by a time of testimonies and then prayer to bring in the New Year. It was my first New Year away from home. My first one in VA. Kind of sad, kind of exciting. I ended up not staying the whole night, though. I went home and there was a small party with a few ladies and a chick flick. It was just different from the other New Year's Eves I've done: Surrounded by people I don't really know.
Well, I think this has been an eventful year. Much different than any other. It started out with a knowing that I was done with my college degree (even though I stayed and took only one class). I worked two jobs. I made some new friends. I came to point in which I was content with where God had me and what He had me doing.
Looking at some past blogging I have done has brought back some memories, such as all those first time driving experiences with Betty (like hitting a deer and that big snowstorm!), God working on my heart through books and preaching, and writing a poem.
A Life
A life so wonderfully, graciously given
A life beyond what thought can achieve
A life bound for a perfect Heaven
If only I can such a life believe.
A life not of lazy, hazy days
A life but more full and free
A life through turmoil and dark haze
If only such a life can be for me.
A life of overflowing joy and happiness
A life full of love unknown
A life in which I've made such a mess
If only my life in You I've grown.
A life, my life, as I have deemed it
A life I've thought to please myself
A life, my life, I've dug a pit
If only my life You do not shelf.
A life given wholly to You
A life much greater it shall be
A life, Lord, a work please do
If only my life I give unto thee.
It really is interesting taking a look back at the past year. To see where I've come from and where I've been
As we have already begun this new year, there are areas in my life I know need improvement. Who's life doesn't? I'm not too sure what the Lord has planned, but I am content with where he has me right now. I love my students and the area is growing on me.
I hope this update finds you doing well and looking forward to this new year.
God Bless,
Nicole
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