At our school, we have this hard working man, who is definitely a Jack-of-all-Trades. He knows how to fix basically anything.
Tonight, I just happened upon him in the hallway and we started talking. One thing led to another, and I found myself a few minutes later, sitting and talking with this man and my brothers, and he was just pouring out his history to us without us even asking one question.
I knew that he wasn't originally from Russia, and I'd been told he was from the 'Stans, but I didn't know which 'Stan.
As we sat there and talked about many things, from holes in the shower to "meat", I learned that there was more to this man than the world sees. He's from Kazakhstan and comes from a family of teachers, his mom is a doctor, and his brother owns a window factory. He taught for six years, teaching elementary children, and then decided to move to Korea. He loved Korea but he couldn't keep his visa and was deported, not to Kazakhstan, but to Russia, because it was cheaper. He was unloaded from the boat, he grabbed his two suitcases that held his entire world, and he walked into a new unfamiliar world.
He knew no one. He didn't have a job. Or a place to stay.
I didn't find out his entire story, but I know that God allowed him to experience all of this and planted him eventually at a Christian school. He is surrounded by missionaries, and he attends the weekly church services, and some of the Ms here say that he has repented and is a believer. Where he grew up, the main religion is Islam.
I can't help but wonder at God's working in this man's life.
It makes me stop and think about my own life, about those times I questioned God's plan for me.
Thank you, God, for the reminder that you are in control of everything. Also, thank you for reminding me, that everyone has a story, and that I need to stop and listen to them from time to time!
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Patience...What is That?!?
So, I've been reminded the past few weeks how hard it is to be a lady in this day and age, especially when it comes to friendships with boys. There is a very fine line that one walks, and it's very easy to fall over the edge. I've been relearning that I need to be patience and let the man be a man, and that isn't so easy for this modern day woman!
I've been told through various movies, television shows, and songs that it's okay if I take charge and go after what I want, but that isn't the Biblical view of a lady. We need to let the man be the pursuer.
I do think that it must be hard for a man in this day in age with all the women's movements and demands for equality to figure out how exactly to pursue a woman. Let me give you a hint men, if the woman you like is a godly woman, then pursue her like crazy, it's what she wants! I know it's scary because you have to put your heart out there, but it's your job as a man!
Now on to my job as a Christian woman, I need to be patience and remind myself that my goal in life is to glorify God and not seek out a husband. I need to be satisfied with my life the way it is now, and continue to live it daily for Him, and to daily give over this "friendship" and let the Lord handle it.
By the way, this message isn't directed at any certain guy and I'm not using my blog as a way of pursuing anyone, it's just an honest writing from my heart. Maybe, by writing about what I am struggling with, God can use it to encourage my single brothers and sisters in Christ.
I've been told through various movies, television shows, and songs that it's okay if I take charge and go after what I want, but that isn't the Biblical view of a lady. We need to let the man be the pursuer.
I do think that it must be hard for a man in this day in age with all the women's movements and demands for equality to figure out how exactly to pursue a woman. Let me give you a hint men, if the woman you like is a godly woman, then pursue her like crazy, it's what she wants! I know it's scary because you have to put your heart out there, but it's your job as a man!
Now on to my job as a Christian woman, I need to be patience and remind myself that my goal in life is to glorify God and not seek out a husband. I need to be satisfied with my life the way it is now, and continue to live it daily for Him, and to daily give over this "friendship" and let the Lord handle it.
By the way, this message isn't directed at any certain guy and I'm not using my blog as a way of pursuing anyone, it's just an honest writing from my heart. Maybe, by writing about what I am struggling with, God can use it to encourage my single brothers and sisters in Christ.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Embracing the New?
I read today that for someone to be able to change and embrace the new, they have to first let go of the old. I understand this, and it sounds great and all, but it's not as simple as it seems.
What if someone hurt you? It's hard to let go of the past if that means letting go of the hurt. Yeah you need to get over it and forgive that person. But what happens when you forgive them? Does it mean that no one else knows or remembers what that person did to you?
I think that is why it's so hard to forgive someone who's hurt you. It's the fear that Satan uses to tell you that no one else will remember how badly that person treated you, OR if you forgive them, then the world will think that it was just a little incident and that you overreacted.
It's hard letting go, even after you've forgiven them. But, it's a needed step to embrace the new.
So, today, even though part of me is screaming not to(the sinfully human part), I will give up the hurt to God. I will let it go and let the Father deal with it.
I am embracing the new!
What if someone hurt you? It's hard to let go of the past if that means letting go of the hurt. Yeah you need to get over it and forgive that person. But what happens when you forgive them? Does it mean that no one else knows or remembers what that person did to you?
I think that is why it's so hard to forgive someone who's hurt you. It's the fear that Satan uses to tell you that no one else will remember how badly that person treated you, OR if you forgive them, then the world will think that it was just a little incident and that you overreacted.
It's hard letting go, even after you've forgiven them. But, it's a needed step to embrace the new.
So, today, even though part of me is screaming not to(the sinfully human part), I will give up the hurt to God. I will let it go and let the Father deal with it.
I am embracing the new!
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Quest for Marshmallows...
The other day, we were driving down the road and I saw a sign advertising "Marshmallows, Made in the U.S.A.". Since then, every store that I've been in, I've looked and looked for them. After a few weeks, I gave up my search of the deliciously sugary, puffy bites of cloud.
Today, I was walking through a store, I happened to look over my shoulder at the aisle next to me, and there on the shelf were....MARSHMALLOWS!! They even have two sizes! Big ones and small ones!!! They are fresh and they even taste like the ones from the states, and aren't a cheap imitation of the real things!!
I think God is a lot like this when it comes to our future mate. So many of us single females, are actively searching and hunting down/stalking Mr. Right. It's time that we stopped looking, and started living this season of life that God has given us. Don't wait to live, start living now.
And, one day, while you are living your life and not out on the hunt, Mr. Right will just show up. He will be exactly what you need, and God will supply you with an amazing man of God that respects, loves, and cherishes you.
How refreshing it is, to just simply focus on what God has called us to do, rather than spending our time and effort on the quest for love.
Today, I was walking through a store, I happened to look over my shoulder at the aisle next to me, and there on the shelf were....MARSHMALLOWS!! They even have two sizes! Big ones and small ones!!! They are fresh and they even taste like the ones from the states, and aren't a cheap imitation of the real things!!
I think God is a lot like this when it comes to our future mate. So many of us single females, are actively searching and hunting down/stalking Mr. Right. It's time that we stopped looking, and started living this season of life that God has given us. Don't wait to live, start living now.
And, one day, while you are living your life and not out on the hunt, Mr. Right will just show up. He will be exactly what you need, and God will supply you with an amazing man of God that respects, loves, and cherishes you.
How refreshing it is, to just simply focus on what God has called us to do, rather than spending our time and effort on the quest for love.
Friday, December 9, 2011
All Things New
I love history and traveling and seeing old buildings, it's fascinating! I believe one of the reasons traveling to new places intrigues me is because I can walk where people have been walking for years. I can tour buildings that have been standing for hundreds of years, and touch the old bricks and imagine what life was like when they were put into place. Also, I love to know the history of the building. Yes, today, it might be a museum or a library, and maybe even a grocery store, but what was it originally?
When the architects drew up the plans for the building what was their intentions? What was the purpose of the building?
Russia has a lot of old buildings, and many of them were built during the old Soviet days. Most of these Soviet buildings aren't what I'd consider beautiful, but they do intrigue me, even though I see no aesthetic beauty in them. I love their history. Most of these old buildings were built so people could use them to spread Communism.
The school where I am living and working was actually built back in the Soviet days. The campus was used for youth camps where children were forced to attend each summer so they could be indoctrinated with Communist ideology.
About 11 years ago, Korean missionaries bought the land and buildings and turned it into a Christian International school. I love how something that was made to spread the old Soviet ways is being used to spread the Truth.
If God can do this with old buildings, what can He do with you?
When the architects drew up the plans for the building what was their intentions? What was the purpose of the building?
Russia has a lot of old buildings, and many of them were built during the old Soviet days. Most of these Soviet buildings aren't what I'd consider beautiful, but they do intrigue me, even though I see no aesthetic beauty in them. I love their history. Most of these old buildings were built so people could use them to spread Communism.
The school where I am living and working was actually built back in the Soviet days. The campus was used for youth camps where children were forced to attend each summer so they could be indoctrinated with Communist ideology.
About 11 years ago, Korean missionaries bought the land and buildings and turned it into a Christian International school. I love how something that was made to spread the old Soviet ways is being used to spread the Truth.
If God can do this with old buildings, what can He do with you?
Saturday, October 22, 2011
His Gracious Provision
Lately, I've been conflicted on what comes next in life. Yes, I know that my last blog post also talked about this, so as you can see, it's really been on my mind.
Some things are becoming clearer, and it has been made evidently clear to me that I needed to get out of Dodge! God wanted me to get away. I needed a time to heal, a time to restore my spirit, and God in His abundant goodness, foresaw everything in the future, and laid this dream of returning to Russia on my heart long before I ever foresaw the need to retreat. How amazing is the Father to provide for His children, and to prepare well in advance a course for them that provides protection and a chance to renew their spirit?! Sitting here typing this, I am amazed at the Father, and am so grateful. He knew what I needed when I had no idea what to do next. He knew and He provided.
Why didn't I seek God when I needed help? For about a year now, I've been reading through the Old Testament, and time and time again, I've read how God provided for His people. He provided, even when they didn't deserve it, even when they didn't seek or trust Him. He is definitely more patience than I ever would be, and because of His patience, I am seeing a difference in myself. I'm healing and thankfully there won't be a horrible scar left on my soul, and the wound isn't festering with bitterness anymore.
Thank you God for your provision, for knowing what I need when I don't even know I need it yet!
Because He has been gracious with me in this, I'm putting more faith in Him for my future, there will be less doubting taking place in this heart!
Psalm 147
He Heals the Brokenhearted
"1 Praise the LORD! For it is good to sing praises to our God;
for it is pleasant, and a song of praise is fitting.
2The LORD builds up Jerusalem;
he gathers the outcasts of Israel.
3He heals the brokenhearted
and binds up their wounds.
4He determines the number of the stars;
he gives to all of them their names.
5 Great is our Lord, and abundant in power;
his understanding is beyond measure.
6The LORD lifts up the humble;
he casts the wicked to the ground.
7 Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving;
make melody to our God on the lyre!
8He covers the heavens with clouds;
he prepares rain for the earth;
he makes grass grow on the hills.
9He gives to the beasts their food,
and to the young ravens that cry.
10His delight is not in the strength of the horse,
nor his pleasure in the legs of a man,
11but the LORD takes pleasure in those who fear him,
in those who hope in his steadfast love..."
Some things are becoming clearer, and it has been made evidently clear to me that I needed to get out of Dodge! God wanted me to get away. I needed a time to heal, a time to restore my spirit, and God in His abundant goodness, foresaw everything in the future, and laid this dream of returning to Russia on my heart long before I ever foresaw the need to retreat. How amazing is the Father to provide for His children, and to prepare well in advance a course for them that provides protection and a chance to renew their spirit?! Sitting here typing this, I am amazed at the Father, and am so grateful. He knew what I needed when I had no idea what to do next. He knew and He provided.
Why didn't I seek God when I needed help? For about a year now, I've been reading through the Old Testament, and time and time again, I've read how God provided for His people. He provided, even when they didn't deserve it, even when they didn't seek or trust Him. He is definitely more patience than I ever would be, and because of His patience, I am seeing a difference in myself. I'm healing and thankfully there won't be a horrible scar left on my soul, and the wound isn't festering with bitterness anymore.
Thank you God for your provision, for knowing what I need when I don't even know I need it yet!
Because He has been gracious with me in this, I'm putting more faith in Him for my future, there will be less doubting taking place in this heart!
Psalm 147
He Heals the Brokenhearted
"1 Praise the LORD! For it is good to sing praises to our God;
for it is pleasant, and a song of praise is fitting.
2The LORD builds up Jerusalem;
he gathers the outcasts of Israel.
3He heals the brokenhearted
and binds up their wounds.
4He determines the number of the stars;
he gives to all of them their names.
5 Great is our Lord, and abundant in power;
his understanding is beyond measure.
6The LORD lifts up the humble;
he casts the wicked to the ground.
7 Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving;
make melody to our God on the lyre!
8He covers the heavens with clouds;
he prepares rain for the earth;
he makes grass grow on the hills.
9He gives to the beasts their food,
and to the young ravens that cry.
10His delight is not in the strength of the horse,
nor his pleasure in the legs of a man,
11but the LORD takes pleasure in those who fear him,
in those who hope in his steadfast love..."
Monday, October 10, 2011
Leaping Into The Unknown
It's hard to have faith. Oh it's easy to talk about, and it's easy to claim that you have it, but it's a lot harder when you have to step out in it. It's hard when you have to trust God and you need to make bold moves without complete assurance.
Lately, I've been questioning what comes next in my life. The last two decisions to live in Russia came pretty easily, but not always quickly. The first time, I heard God calling me to come to Russia, it took me about 10 years to get here! But, I knew my calling, it was clear, and God affirmed it several times, in several different ways. Then the second time, it was also clear and God provided everything, and thankfully it didn't take me nearly as long to get back here.
For this next chapter of life, I'm not really sure what to do. I have a general idea, but it seems almost impossible! It's going to take a lot of faith.
Faith to rely on God and His will for my life. Faith to know what I am desiring comes from God. Faith to be obedient and to take that huge leap into unknown territory.
So, I guess I'm asking for prayers that my desires are God's desires. Also, I want to be obedient and take that huge leap, even though I have no idea where I'm going to land!
Lately, I've been questioning what comes next in my life. The last two decisions to live in Russia came pretty easily, but not always quickly. The first time, I heard God calling me to come to Russia, it took me about 10 years to get here! But, I knew my calling, it was clear, and God affirmed it several times, in several different ways. Then the second time, it was also clear and God provided everything, and thankfully it didn't take me nearly as long to get back here.
For this next chapter of life, I'm not really sure what to do. I have a general idea, but it seems almost impossible! It's going to take a lot of faith.
Faith to rely on God and His will for my life. Faith to know what I am desiring comes from God. Faith to be obedient and to take that huge leap into unknown territory.
So, I guess I'm asking for prayers that my desires are God's desires. Also, I want to be obedient and take that huge leap, even though I have no idea where I'm going to land!
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