"Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." Romans 5:3-4 (NIV)
Wow! This verse was what I needed to hear today! Life has not been easy the past three months. There has been almost something each day to deal with, and I'm not going to lie, it's been tough. Lately, it's been to the point that I just want to go home. Then God always comes to the rescue and reminds me that my time here in Russia is short and to tread on through all the daily muck and mire.
I often wonder, when another issue/problem arises, why there is so much spiritual opposition? It's not like I am Mother Teresa or Corrie Ten Boom. The work I do here, isn't something that is out of this world amazing. It's simple. I'm a teacher. So, why on earth am I facing so much opposition?
The only answer I've come up with, is that God is using all of these trials to make me seek Him. When I seek Him, I grow as a person and in my walk with Him. I know so far, that He has taught me from people I've come across, to watch out for certain characteristics and behaviors in my own life, to purge of them while I am young and not to let them take root and grow.
I am grateful for what I have learned, but sometimes I just need a break, and today was one of those days.
But God you are ever faithful and You have reminded me yet again that, "we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope."
Monday, April 9, 2012
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Prayer
Over the past few years, I've felt like God was telling me to write a book for young ladies. It would be a "how to book" that helped them figure out how to be godly young ladies.
I've started writing this book several times, and each time I get lost in what I want my message to be, and I eventually quit writing.
The other night, I was talking with a friend and he reminded me that the best way to start anything is with prayer.
I know that, yet I forgot to do that each time in the past.
So, this time, I'm bathing this thing in prayer!
Who knows what will happen with it this time around, hopefully I'll finish it, but I know that this time it will be something God has directed, not Alexa directed.
I've started writing this book several times, and each time I get lost in what I want my message to be, and I eventually quit writing.
The other night, I was talking with a friend and he reminded me that the best way to start anything is with prayer.
I know that, yet I forgot to do that each time in the past.
So, this time, I'm bathing this thing in prayer!
Who knows what will happen with it this time around, hopefully I'll finish it, but I know that this time it will be something God has directed, not Alexa directed.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Stories...We've All Got 'Em
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!
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!
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?
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