Blooming

 

It's been a while since I've updated anything about my life, what God is showing me, how I'm doing and all I have been up to. So, I thought I'd appropriately (and ironically) title this Bloom to show where things are growing since I last shared much. The irony is that for 3 weeks now we've been in Spring and are still having some of the coldest nights yet.

So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. -Psalm 90:12

In the last few months, we haven't had any teams (the last was in July) and I just found out we won't have any more coming for the rest of my term. It could be really easy to complain and be sad about that, but I'm not going to give that any of my time when there is so much to focus on here.

Knowing that I'm leaving in 3 short months has starting putting pressure on myself...to see results, which is good on the business professional side, but horrible for the disciple side. Yes, I need to work diligently while still here (cf. John 9:4), but I cannot be sure of seeing any results. Doesn't mean they aren't going to happen, it just means God's time scale is different and longer than what I would choose (how often is that the truth?) So I cling to God's great promises, knowing He cannot lie or change, and trust by faith for when my work yields fruit.

The small groups I attend are still going strong. We're almost done with John in Puerto Madero and considering Acts next if the others in the group want to. It's been 5 whole months in 1 gospel. Don't you love how rich God's word is that it alone is sufficient and we don't need prepared studies to be students of Christ?? In La Boca we're awaiting the birth of little Benjamin any day now!! We're no longer in the pizza shop, which isn't a bad thing, but it does put the pressure on finding a place to meet.

That's the short of the working side of my life, if you'll call it that. 

I am the Lord; that is my name! I will not yield my glory to another or my praise to idols. See, the former things have taken place, and new things I declare; before they spring into being I announce them to you. Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise from the ends of the earth, you who go down to the sea, and all that is in it, you islands, and all who live in them.  Let the wilderness and its towns raise their voices; let the settlements where Kedar lives rejoice. Let the people of Sela sing for joy; let them shout from the mountaintops. -Isaiah 42:8-11

I have been on 2 great trips in the last month. I will not call either one refreshing because one was physically the hardest thing I think I've ever done in my life, and the other a mental challenge for the weekend. 

I had a week long trip to Peru. And I fell in love. With Peru, just to clarify. The food there is delicious, this much we already know, but the views, the nature.... and Peruvians are just nice people. How could I not love it! I want to go back to see other parts of the country, but it may be a while before that happens. I went with some other company girls to visit the great Machu Picchu and we were blessed! By each others' company, the weather.. in every aspect. (Maybe I'll do a more in depth Peru post about what I did visiting Lima, Cusco, and Machu Picchu for readers with future ganas de ir a Machu Picchu)

Next, I went to a retreat/camp/meeting for ABA Jovenes which is just like youth group but older for the Argentine Baptist Association. We had it in Córdoba which was a 10 hour fun filled adventure in a bus! (see the sarcasm?) Really it wasn't terrible... with 2 stops driving all night we made it in plenty of time. [Note to Americans, why can't you do a 10 hour road trip with only 2 stops?? I remember going 5 hours to Branson with the youth group and had to stop 4 times to let people go to the bathroom.] We had two really great speakers and they talked about being protagonists in the story (or maybe it was in history.. still not sure). How God is THE protagonist, but as his disciples we too are protagonists in where we are. It was great to hear a Christ centered speaker with a heart for God's word. You could hear his passion in the way he preached, and assuming it wasn't just a camp high, a lot of youth were called by God to commit or a decision of some sort. 

So, why wasn't all this refreshing? I'm not against 10 hour bus drives, it's economical when you have a group. But I felt all weekend long I had on 'Merica cap, without evening intentionally putting it on. It was so clear in the way I skipped dinner to go to bed at 11PM to the fact I came to breakfast first every day expecting to leave on time, that you can take the girl out of America but you cannot take the America out of the girl. I try so hard to adjust but it's hard. Oh and did I mention I got sick with a horrible cold and the pharmacy didn't have the meds I needed? I hope I don't sound like ALL complaints here, because it was a good trip and I am thankful for the way the people looked after me. Not only when I was coughing and chugging 2L of water, but just in the in between. The family of God is good.

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. -Romans 12:2

A note on me. I'm doing well and still learning a lot. I got to go to a 9Marks conference last week and WOW. If you ever have the chance to listen to them or read their material, please do yourself a favor and do it!! For two nights I sat in with pastors and leaders from all around BA, Argentina, and other South American countries listening to 5 men speak (yep, the conference was in Spanish without translators!) about the Church and Christ and God's word. I left refreshed and challenged which I think is always a good thing. 

I've been doing a Bible Study with the other missionary ladies on my team called the Truth Project. It's a DVD series of 16 weeks I think looking at a Biblical worldview. I highly recommend it, but it isn't easily accessible. You have to complete the series as a "student" to place the order for it as I understand. It's also been a really challenging study to look at every little thing that enters our mind and test it with God's word, and make sure we're not making any assumptions or buying into any either. This study has again strengthened my love for the sufficiency of God's word in our life.

God is still revealing to me areas of my life where I need to let go and change, but I'm telling you it's hard! The process of sanctification is one of the most difficult things because it is showing us our ugly; Our personal sin that we love and don't want to get rid of, but if we're ever going to be like Christ, there is no other way. I'm thankful to God for his mercy and love! That He still pursues me and chasing me, a sinner as I am, knowing my sins past present and future, yet He calls me his own.

An Open Prayer to the Future Hubs.

My mind often wanders to some of the strangest things late night on the colectivos (buses) that bring me home. Tonight in particular, I was not distracted per say, but let's just call it like it is: there were good looking men on the bus. This is Argentina, after all.

So how do I appreciate God's good creation in a fine looking man? Well, I thank God for his creation (no, seriously) but what it really draws me to do is pray for my future husband, God willing I have one. Because while on the outside this man may be good looking, I know nothing about his heart, which is where the wellspring of life flows from (Proverbs 4:23).

There are so many ways to pray for my future husband, right? I mean SO many ways. And that's before even knowing him. Lord help me when I have character and real issues to intercede on behalf of! Tonight though, I thought it would be a good idea to pray for the armor of God. I know it's something in theory we put on everyday, but I thought, how could I specifically apply all of these to him?

Ephesians 6:11-17 we specifically find the armor, as stated:

¹¹ Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. ¹² For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. ¹³ Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. ¹⁴ Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, ¹⁵ and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; ¹⁷ and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,

So, amidst several things I seek, I think this passage gives great insight not only into how we can pray, but also what God wants for every one of his children.

The belt of truth. His Word is truth and by it we are sanctified, being made new. Does he know truth, that we mutually agree on?
The breastplate of righteousness. Does he leak Jesus? I know I don't always leak Jesus, and I can't expect him to 100% of the time because we're not perfect, but by God's grace and power of the Holy Spirit, we are made righteous by the blood of Christ Jesus. This I pray for my future husband.
The shoes (...) that put on the readiness by the gospel of peace. Is he willing and ready to always give a reason for the hope that he has? Can he challenge me and push me to be a better witness.
The shield of faith. Will he lead me and our household as Christ does the Church? When hard times and things of this world come our way, can he hold up this shield and say "our faith will not be shaken" because we have a firm foundation.
The helmet of salvation. Oh Lord, does he know you, today? If not, bring him now to your presence so he can grow in knowledge and wisdom. This helmet guards the most central part which cannot be taken away from us.
The sword of the Spirit. Does he know the Word, love the Word? It is sharper than any double edged sword because it cuts straight to the heart. I want him to have a hunger for it and it to constantly be on his lips.

There you have it. I new way to spiritually lift up my husband, Lord willing. Like I said, today there is so much more that needs to be taken into account. I've never been super animada about the idea of praying for a future husband, because - in case you missed it - it sounds presumptuous (hence all the "Lord willing's").  But, Lord willing [there it is again... I just can't!] He brings a man into my life, I don't want to say I never prayed for him. Given the way our world is today, young men could really use all the prayer they could against the things of this world... girls and the media aren't helping young guys, at all. Let's help a brother out.

Xo,
B

Four Wall Christian Homes.

I lived in my Christian 4-wall house for far too long. And I think a lot of Americans still do, if I'm not wrong.

And I don't mean we don't know pop culture or the world. I think we do that a little too well.

Let me explain. 

I was reading a really great book last week, Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus, and in it we hear the story of a devout Muslim raised in America come to faith over a 4 year journey in college. One of the things that amazed me reading this book was that this boy raised as a Pakistani Muslim, knew so much of the Bible. Now, facts or twisted truths, that's a different story. But none the less, his family had a KJV Bible in the house growing up and when talking to Christians as a Muslim, he could refute their faith, always anticipating what they were going to say. This amazed me! Growing up Baptist, we never learn anything about any other religions. Is that not the truth? To this day I have trouble knowing the difference because Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses, honestly.

So, maybe when I say American Christians live in their 4-wall houses, I mean their Christian home and there is nothing else. No rooms, closets, no where to find out about other religions. NOBODY but Jesus in that household.

Now clearly I'm not wanting idols. Far from it! I also think we make idols out of the smallest things, from iPhones to husbands, but we'll save that for another day ;)

But is it bad to talk about those other religions within the home?? I never once growing up talked about Orthodox Judaism or Islam. What I learned about it was from the television. Reverse that. Do I want Muslims or Jews learning about Christians from what they see of it portrayed on t.v.?? Heck to the NO!  They make us out to be pious no fun duds!!

How are we supposedly to evangelize and teach truth if we don't know what we're speaking against? I realize the Bible stands for itself, but if we don't know what others believe and teach, how will we know what angles they have? We'll be blindsided.

Or how about Ramadan. I really don't think I knew anything about that growing up, but now I know more, finding that it's maybe the second most important month in the Muslim calendar? It's their holy month, full of fasting and seeking Allah. And it's known that during this time God often reveals himself to them in visions and dreams! It's a wonderful month to celebrate in prayer in fasting alongside them and I encourage you to look it up if you don't know much about it here.

I'm so grateful to God for making me aware of many things now, but I feel like it was a cost to myself. But the good, is that now I have a lifetime left to discover how to use what I know and to continue studying it!

(As You) Go - My Vacation to the Falls.

So a few weeks ago I had the great joy of taking vacation to Iguazu Falls. Have you heard of it? Maybe you've seen my pictures?

 

There, that's the falls. As seen from the Brazil side. I thought "seen one set of 'falls' seen 'em all, right? WRONG. Niagara falls has NOTHING on Iguazu. Below: Niagara 

Niagara. Not impressive, I know.

 I'll post more photos of Iguazu, I promise, but this post (really) isn't about the beauty of the falls. 

It's about how even on our vacation, God used my teammate and I to share His truth with Argentine nationals and teach us about this culture we still know so little of.

First, meet Gabriel. This is his Spanish name. He has two other names, I think, one in Guarani which is a tribal name, and then another, in Bu'ah which was a dialect of Guarani. Incredible.

Gabriel was born in the jungle. Just like this picture above shows, he is a natural at building traps. He started going to national schools at 11 years old, and that's when he started learning Spanish. An Argentine, that didn't know Spanish until he was 11 years old! Culture is so rich if you're willing to listen.

Anyway. Gabriel lives with his wife and three kids in a small home with a little bit of electricity (he just doesn't like it; he wasn't raised with it). One weekend per month he comes to this school in the jungle to teach about 100 children the ways and heritage of the Guarani so that the kids don't get any half-truths from the national schools.

Along our jungle tour, Gabriel told us that his father was a Shaman. This was really interesting to me for several reasons. In college, I did my capstone project over shamanism. When you confront that in real life with your beliefs and knowing truth, it is a strong dissonance. 

Then there was the fact that I hear about these tribes, and people who are animistic and often are associated with Brazil and Peru, but Argentina? My mind so often drifts to Buenos Aires -- which is anything but tribal. The diversity here is real and my heart longs for them, and for once, I understood and if even for only a fraction, felt like I knew what it felt like for the people working with the Unreached, unengaged people groups all around the world. And that's not even to say that all UUPGs are animistic.

When we started talking to Gabriel about the afterlife, I was curious if he had a spirit, where would it go? He told me we all have a good and bad spirit.  With all due respect, I asked if they were little angels and devils sitting on our shoulders. He laughed and told me no, that they come from the earth and heaven when we're born and then return to where they came from when we die. That simple. 

My friend had to ask him then, where did he learn this? He told us his father, who learned it from his father, and so forth. But there are no books with anything written. Because their language (bu'ah, remember?) is not a written language, it's only spoken.

Oh, how I pray for the Holy Spirit to just open his eyes! Truly, I saw Romans 1:20-23 played out in that very moment. Gabriel chose to give credit the things of God, to things of the gods. 

Yet how often is my sin so similar; choosing to give the credit of things of God to credit of man.

Ruth and I left with him an opportunity to know the cross and he unfortunately never wanted to hear it, and we didn't see him the next few days because our schedule had us out all day. If you think about him, or right now, please pray for Gabriel, that his eyes would be open to Creator God. That God would continue to be merciful in sending people to share truth with him and that he would not reject the beauty that is so evident around him.

my super fun travel partner for the week!

Ok, so you've heard one story of how God moved in my heart teaching or showing me something, but there's more. Enter day 3 of our trip and we're heading to the Argentine side of the falls and up drives this guy is in an unmarked car wanting to give us a ride. Uhhh, no thanks. He circles around. Says he'll do it for the same price as the bus. I see on his window it says "Cristo me guia" or, Christ guides me.  Well that must make everything better! (at this point you probably think we're writing the script for Taken 4, but I assure you, it's okay!)

Ruth and I talk it over and I get in, and before she gets in and shuts the door, she takes one last look at the lisence plate number (how's THAT for contingency training?!?) and we're off to the falls! Our driver's name is Miguel, and he's young, and I quickly ask him what the sticker across his windshield means to him.

"Oooh, that means everything to me." He assures us. He quickly hands us a really old, used Bible and hymnal that was up on the dashboard that I had noticed right after we got in the car. After looking over the Bible, I realized the pages were missing from Genesis 1-4. The pages were a yellow/brown. I had a feeling this had been in the family for a while. He told us he was evangelical, Betuel [note to self: still need to look them up. Every Argentine in BA has not heard of this sect/congregation...]. I mentioned to him our experience with Gabriel and said "so animism must be normal here by the jungle?" and his response?? No, we're about 85% evangelicals in Iguazu. 

Now, Buenos Aires is about 2% evangelical, reached of the 14 million. I cannot fathom this little city being that reached. I didn't see one church! Ruth and I eyed each other in the back seat with a smile to keep from gasping, I think. So, appropriating, she led the next question to explain his relationship with Christ. He talked about how he was raised in the church, going since he was a child with his parents and grandparents, but not once was the word S I N mentioned.

We thanked him for the ride and had his information for the next day to go to the airport. This is where it gets good.

The next morning Miguel came to pick us up with his girlfriend to take us to the airport. We didn't have too much for conversation until on the way to get gas he tells us they saw a snake coming to get us and showed us the picture they took of it. 

I think both Ruth and I were both thinking about how the conversation ended the day before, and wanting to know how to get back to it. Suddenly Ruth asked them if they'd ever heard of the story in the Bible about the snake in the garden. They said no.

This is a 21 year old boy who was raised in an evangelical home driving around with his "Cristo me guia" sticker and Bible in the dashboard and didn't know who the snake in the garden was....SAY WHAT??

So Ruth ever-so-kindly tells them that I'm going to share a story. I went through Genesis 3 with them all the way to the airport, and the whole time, Miguel's eyes were looking back into the rearview mirror. When I explained the moment she picked and ate the fruit, sin entered the world, you know what verse he referenced sin with?? Not Romans 3:23. Not 6:23. Not even 5:8

John 8:7.

But. It was so great to share with him that from that moment, God had a plan for redemption, that the seed of woman, Jesus Christ, would crush the head of the serpent and forever have power over death.

Miguel asked us where to find this story and we said, Genesis 3. Just chapter 3? Genesis 3, God's word, that's it, we told him. Not my word's but His. Remember how I told you that Bible on his dashboard was torn and didn't start until Genesis 5? I pray he and his girlfriend went home and read it and sought truth for themselves.

I am continually seeing how the truth God showed to me from 2 Kings 22 keeps coming around, the importance of the Law, and teaching it to those around us, to your children. This boy who claims to be an evangelical didn't know the story of the garden, of sin. We have to read God's word to know God's word. To know Him.

I think I've written enough here. I just wanted to share about some of the awesome ways God allowed me to be apart of the work and people's live in the part of the country. I could share about Alex the German, but that's just your typical post-modern worldview, and sadly there's so many of those around I feel like there all the same... though I know every person's story is different. Like Alex, who was in town to see Haussentauten. The DeadPANTS. Not DeadPANS. Better to say DeadTROUSERS so someone doesn't misunderstand you. Which can happen in German. If you say Haussentouten it means DeadHARES, like dead rabbits or something, and that's just sad.

Ok really I'm just rambling now. Here are some pictures of this BEAUTIFUL world wonder!!

Enjoy! xo 

so much water

garganta del diablo

rainbow

25 in 25.

I'm just gonna give it to you straight: this year had a lot of ups and downs. Sometimes I wonder if God really just wanted to bring me to Argentina to prove a point to me because I'm that stubborn or what. However, here are some of the things I never would have learned in the States, starting with #1...

1. Not applying heat to your hair for one year with a blow dryer or flat iron can do amazing things. I don't have any split ends!! Let's not talk about white hairs though...
2. A Godly person does not automatically make them a Godly leader. This one was hard to learn but I'm so glad I learned it sooner in this setting rather than later.
3. I really miss Dr. Pepper.
4. I've learned to cook things and with things I didn't know were possible. Red Velvet Cake without cream cheese or red dye? Sure, no problem......
5. I've learned what a woman's role in the relationship looks like, in a Godly submissive way. Let me explain a little.  It really was eye-opening because I've always thought that to be submissive was so 1950's, but when I actually studied the Word and how God designed relationships and the Church and Christ, I see how perfect and complimentary it is. I see it modeled with the ladies and families on my team and I am so thankful for this example now.
6. My selfishness and pride is at the center of all my sin, and God's grace and mercy are greater than said sin. Yep, still learning that.
7. Argentines are passionate when they love someone. So when they like you, then reallllly like you, and you're in great company. When they don't like you, well... you just kind of know.
8. The Church has so many problems, and will continue with problems, because it's full of sinners just like me. And I can't fix a church or its people, only Jesus can. This is a burden and relief. Mainly a prayer, than Jesus would be the center of the church, and that the people would believe that.
9.  Hebrews is the coolest book of the Bible. It just screams the gospel and glory of Jesus Christ from Old Testament to His resurrection and I don't know why I've waited so long to study it in depth. Best decision ever.
10. My theology and study of doctrine has developed in so many different areas in the last year that I didn't even realize needed developing. The Bible has an answer to every social, cultural....you name issue.
11. I watched part of the Billboard Music Awards the other night and I'm now afraid of re-entry into the United States. What has the country become..... pop culture is a mess. I would not let my son of 18 watch what I saw.  I think Christians in the US have become watered down because they are so apart of culture that they don't even realize it. I think we're already that boiled frog.
12. Peru and Brasil have a tie for the best food in South America.
13.  Ministry is messy. It's hard and many times I don't even see the fruit of work, but I'm not promised the fruit in my time here, and that's not what I do it for. It's all for an eternal value.
14. I have the best team in the company. I say team, but really we're a family. I mean, who else would go on vacation with you so you didn't have to go alone?? We're big, but we know the Lord has blessed us, so we're trying to make much of Him as long as we are all together.
15. Speaking of company, I work for the best company. I'm going to miss them in January. What I won't miss are the novel-long-emails from the president. (stick to the NOVELS, for novels, Mr. Platt- all due respect)
16. I learned that moving overseas doesn't really change your personality.  FOR EXAMPLE. If you're not one to make a lot of friends, and when you do, they're older, have kids, retired, whatever...... it's probably going to be the same in your new setting. Quality over quantity still exists overseas, fact.
17. I've found a new hunger for God's word like never before. Have you ever read Pslam 119 and realized every verse meditates on an aspect on the law, word, promises, statues, commands, decrees? Something, about HIS WORD. I love it. I thirst for it and cannot get enough of it. It IS the best thing and I relate to Josiah in 2 Kings 22 when he mourns for not having previously known its goodness before it's discovered. Do you know its goodness? I thought I did, but I was so wrong.
18. Time and again, I've seen God answer prayers. Even if it takes 15 years. His timing is perfect. Again, another christianism I'm still learning.
19. When they say it's a cold winter in Argentina at 50*, don't question it, just believe them and pack your long johns and scarves because 50 feels like 35 suddenly.
20. Americans really don't walk much. I know this because I didn't like more than 7 blocks when I got here, and now I walk around 20 blocks a day, maybe, if not more. Yet I've still managed to gain weight here... (I'm looking at you, medialunas)
21. Language learning NEVER gets easier. You never make it. 1 year later and someone will complement you, or switch to speak English because they're trying to help you. You just never know how the wind is going to blow that day. There's always room to improve.
22. We are not in control. I am not in control, as much as I try to be (ISTJ, speaking).
23. Americans make things more difficult than necessary. So you don't have a mixer? Use a fork, it works just as well when making cookies. Argentines improvise LIKE A BOSS. I haven't figured what's the correct improvisation for a blender yet.......
24. This is still my favorite number so I don't have to fill it out.
25. The biggest truth bomb of this year.. so obvious yet never so clearly presented in my life until living here: God is to receive all the glory (through my Spirit guided actions). But mainly Him receiving all the glory. All the glory. Even when I mess up, it's my prayer that He redeems my mistakes and failures for His glory.

Do I Really Like What I Do??

I was talking to a friend back home, as a frequently do, and she told me, "Bethany, are you happy there? It just seems like you're really depressed every time I talk you you."

Now, these may not be the words you're looking for when you talk to your best friend, but then again, if they are your best friend and they know you well, they should be able to tell if something is really wrong, right?

The problem with this, cross-culturally, is that ministry is messy. I'm good. I (most of the time) love Argentina. Now, God didn't promise moving here was going to be easy. In fact, he said quite the opposite when said he was sending his disciples out as sheep among wolves (Luke 10:3).

But just because I'm living in a "Christian" nation doesn't mean all my thoughts and ideas are welcomed and accepted. Being a North American is not necessarily a good thing here, and working alongside my brothers and sisters here has a sandpaper like effect here. It rubs some people the wrong way. While I'm praying it has a smoothing affect, right now it is painful.

I see hints of prosperity gospel. Authoritative leaders. A lack of faith. And because of the politics of the Church (yes, that exists here,) I can't just fix it.

But what has God shown me in this? Or rather reminded me of? That the church is still all sinners, and we all need Jesus.

I have seen so much good in my last year. Praise be to God. I have heard stories of missionaries who leave the field without physically seeing fruit in their term, but that does NOT mean God wasn't working. It just means the work is hard. It is painful. We (hopefully) put all of our heart into these people, these churches because we so want for them to seek God, and when they don't it pains us. It is ALL for an eternal value. If it wasn't I wouldn't be here. Anything less than eternal is in vain. My heart aches when people don't want to get together to study not because my feelings are hurt (that initally happened, but I'm over it now) but because I fear they're losing out on the promises of God.

So am I depressed? Not in the least bit. Do I like what I do? Absolutely. Do I LOVE what I do? There are some things I'd change, but I can't change Argentina ;) nor can I change America. My citizenship is in heaven and I'd have it no other way.

Tunesday Tuesday.

This song is actually on a Christmas EP by Meridith Andrews, but the message is so simple as the title says, "The Gospel Changes Everything." I've been listening to it daily, reminding myself how simple the gospel message is. How good it is.

2 for 1

Part I

Imma about to tell you something. Normally my posts are fairly organized but tonight, I came home from church, semi-discouraged about something. Seems to be the norm these days that there's something to tell my roommate about at the end of the day that is "wrong."

Why are churches just bad at being churches? Or loving people, rather?? That was my thought. And before I could keep going with reasons, God stopped me in my tracks and said: because it's made up of sinners. Listo. That's all I needed to hear. No church is perfect. Not in Buenos Aires, not in Tennessee, not in Missouri. We're all broken people and as long as we're on this earth, the Church - the church- is going to have issues. And that is a fact you can take to the bank. We'll remain that way until Christ returns, to make us WHOLE.

I so can't wait for that day. I so need Jesus. Don't you??

Part II

So I have to tell you about another thing I read this morning in my Bible that has just so convicted me for our world. Second Kings 22 we read about Josiah who has come to reign at such a young age and praise God, he doesn't follow his father's footsteps, but he chooses to seek God and restore the temple. (Why and how, I honestly don't know. If you read his family's messed up past, there's no reason apart than evidence that GOD calls people to himself.)

In verse 8 something interesting happens here, and the high priest finds the Law of Moses, or the Scriptures, which had been hidden away for years (because I'm telling you, MESSED UP family history rid the land of God's word. ¡Ojo!) When King Josiah finds out about God's law for the first time, it says he tore his clothes! He was living in a time so sinful and apart from God's law that he knew they were far from what God demanded of His people. He found a prophetess to call upon the Lord and find out will happen to them because they have so veered from what the Book says. He has a truly repentant heart. And the Lord hears that because in verses 19-20 the Lord tells him his eyes won't see the disaster to come.

When I read this passage today, I just wept for our generation, the world we live in. I fear that people don't appreciate the Bible for the living word that it is, while yet there are people and nations waiting for it to come in their own language. I live in one of the most literate cities of the world, and yet I can't get people - believers - to get together and study this incredible tool, gift we've been given.

I fear we're going to get to the point of Josiah where generations down, children won't even know the Word of God because parents didn't teach it to them. If only the Israelites had remembered. If only they had taken to heart Deuteronomy 6:5-7:

⁵ You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.⁶ And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. ⁷ You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.

Dear friends, please don't let us get that way. I'm not going to ask you to read your Bible because it's the "Christian thing" to do, I tried that for many years and it's tiring. Don't read it out of guilt, either. Definitely don't read it because you're bored.

I ask you to experience God through His word, prayerfully, and see what He wants to show you. You'll never walk away the same. But please, let us not be like the man James warns against, saying "for he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like" (1:24). 

Hanging.

If you got my last update, you saw me write a lot about discouragement. It was an over-hanging feeling all month long and wasn't just a one time feeling. It was the accumulation of different people [what felt like] constantly cancelling on me. Bailing. Leaving me hanging.

Now in the middle of all this, I had a great friend who was trying to be so encouraging and telling me, "I just thank God when people cancel because it means I can spend my time reading!" which is true, but when I have finished 6 books in a month, you know something's gotta give.

So tonight I was just so wrapped up in the thought that God knows in the moment I make plans with people, that those plans are going to fail.

Then I was taken to an even scarier thought.

All those times I leave God waiting for me.

He is always there, ready with an open ear wanting me to come to give me everything. Wanting to hear my concerns, my heartache, my joys, my all. Yet how often do I rush my time with him in the morning or cut short my time with him in the nights because of somewhere I have to be, or I'm too tired.

Yet sadly those are the exact same responses people give me when I'm looking forward to my plans with them in the week and then the day of when I go to confirm, they tell me they can't meet.

But our Heavenly Father, everlasting and good, is just waiting for us to go to him. And he hears us. He isn't a god that we have to fast, sacrifice, or work our way to. He has already made a way to be near to us.

I'm so thankful for Jesus and the Father never hanging up on me. Never giving up on me. Never ignoring me when I ignore him.

Psalm 40 starts off with, "I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock." (vv. 1-2)

MUD and MIRE. SLIMY PITS, people! It's in the Bible. But that's what my sin is and if God can look past that and still give an ear to me, than I suppose I can take heart and not be so dis-couraged when people cancel or don't make plans for the week.

Yes, it makes relationships a little more difficult, but nobody said it was easy... [cue the Coldplay music]

Xo, B

All Things Redeemed.

Christ the Redeemer. Redemption. We are redeemed. He is redeeming all things. These are all thoughts that have been on my mind lately and I love when God puts His word with a physical picture to remind us of it! Don't you? His word is living and active and ever present in our lives.

The first definition in the dictionary says:

redeem

/rɪˈdiːm/

1.

 Compensate for the faults or bad aspects of; to do something that compensates for poor past performance or behavior, to atone or make amends for (sin, error, or evil), to save (someone) from sin, error, or evil. 

 

Synonyms: vindicate, save/free from blame, remove guilt from, compensating, qualifying, save, compensate for the defects of, rescue, justify, vindicate.

Now that we've clarified what being redeemed what what redemption is, I can go on. Last week I was able to read the story of Ruth again and I just love the way the writer writes it like a play. He sets it up so perfectly as a drama, setting the way for the kinsman redeemer to come and save Ruth. Just as Christ has been brought into humanity's life story to be our Redeemer. To atone, make amend for our evil, our sin.

This week I've been thinking about how God redeems so much, not just at the start of our walk with Him and he's done, but all throughout our lives, he takes things and makes them new.

For example.

I have these two floral plants on my balcony that I bought when my mom was here and I was so excited to have color and something to look at. If you know me, or have ever worked with me, you know I have a black thumb. I kill plants! I don't know a thing about watering or how much sunlight, or watering (!!) they need. So a week after my parents left, I did too for a trip and I left my plants outside because that's were plants go, right? In the sun? Well, much to my dismay, when it's 90* and sunny and you're not home to water them, you're SUPPOSED to bring them inside, I'm told. So imagine my surprise when I get home and they are all but brown. I ran to the kitchen and dump buckets of water on those plants and watch the next day for blooms.

And were there blooms the next day? No.

But this week, 3 weeks later, with slow watering and a careful eye, both plants have had blooms and I am happy to say my balcony has color again.  God has redeemed, or compensated for poor past performance or behavior, the life of my plants, when I should have brought them in but left them out to almost die in the sun. My poor behavior and knowledge on flowers led to their bad, but God has redeemed it for their good! You guys I was so excited when I realized this connection. 

Did you see my post on Monday about my quick prayer, "Lord redeem this 10x over"? He always has a plan to bring about good, don't you know Romans 8:28! And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

*not my photo, not my blooms. I wish.

 {P.S. There's a really great song by Big Daddy Weave that is called Redeemed that you should check out! Here's the link for it! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzGAYNKDyIU }

Monday Musings.

This is going to be short. Yesterday I was out walking a LOT farther and longer than I thought I was going to. It was easy to get frustrated, with myself, mind you. Nobody else was to blame for getting off the bus too soon or for not asking precise directions when leaving the church.

So I came up with this quick prayer, and I'm pretty sure other people say it and it's not original, but I just said:

"Lord, please redeem this situation 10 times over."

Just like that, it leaves you open to expect the Lord to come in great ways and redeem and make much of himself. Especially when we make messes of ourselves.

Try it and see if you don't find yourself with less stress and joy!

2015: Chasing

As I wrote this title, I can't believe we're already in 2015, and more so, almost done with January.

Last week as I was flying to Guatemala, I filled my phone up with podcasts to last the 18 hour travel day, and the first one I listened to that day was from Jeff and Alyssa Bethke. It's a new one and this particular day they were talking about the new year and goal setting. Everyone's favorite, right?

So Alyssa went on to share about how every year she finds a word to capitalize on and make it her everything, a focus, for that year. For example, this year it was JOY. So many verses talk about rejoicing and we know it is a part of the Christian's character.

I've normally picked out a verse for the year, not that I search my Bible January 1st, but as the days go on I feel like God places something on my heart. So when I heard this idea about a word I wondered if I could find something like that for me.
. . .

In my 2014 end of the year post for I talked about how I don't want this year to look like the last or the one that follows. I want each year to be better than the last. And the only thing that I could think of for this is chasing. Maybe it was influenced by a favorite Bethel Music song, but who can hold that against me? ;)

chase¹

/tʃeɪs/
verb
gerund or present participle: chasing
1) to follow, rapidly in order to catch or overtake, pursue
2) to seek the favor or company of persistently 

I have 1 year left (down to the week) here in Buenos Aires, and I want every day to be spent chasing the only One who matters. Ministry comes second to my time with the Father, because He's the one from whom all blessings flow, afterall. When I see the synonyms or definitions for chasing, I realize that it's active, a present tense thing we do. It's not something for us to sit by and watch happen. We are going after something, whether it's Christ or not. 

I made a goal for myself, and feel free to come back and check me on this, but I looked up all Scriptures with seek, pursue, and follow in it and there was a good variety from both Old and New Testament. We are told to chase peace, love, JESUS. And do it whole-heartedly. 

When I think about how He pursued me in my sin, and continues to chase me when I'm far from Him, I'm overwhelmed by his grace. How can it not evoke a response of anything less than a life of worship to my Savior.