Oh my

How did I turn around and it was March 8th already?!?! Sorry blog readers everywhere, for my absence. I hope to rectify the situation shortly... :-)

Good and Dangerous

“Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and His greatness is unsearchable.” Psalm 145:3

I do not claim to be an expert on any of these cultures at all. Just wanted to share a few glimpses from our vacation experiences…

*The Middle East*

Taking a break from playing with her dolls, the three-year-old girl is struck by a thought. “Jews do not love the Qur’an.” “That’s right, dear,” her grandmother replies, “So where does that mean they go?” Curly head tilted up, the girl replies, “To hell.”

This interlude occurred as Heather and I were visiting with a Palestinian refugee family. It was interesting getting to see how a traditional Muslim family entertains guests, with hospitality being such a vital part of the culture. I, personally, love that aspect of Middle Eastern living! We arrived mid-afternoon and were ushered into a separate room where we could talk with the ladies of the home. We were soon made to eat MORE than a full meal regardless of the fact that we had just had a delicious lunch AND had supper plans. :P The family made us feel very welcome.

*Spain*

Not only is it culturally expected that you look super cute every time you walk out of your door, but most people in Spain are offended if you ask them about their spiritual beliefs without having a very good relationship with them first. While politics and intimate romantic details can be first time conversation pieces, you couldn’t possibly be so impudent ask someone if they know God!

*North Africa*

This is a beautiful land. I got to talk with a man from North Africa and as he told me stories, I exclaimed, “God is so good!” The believer looked at me and explained that there is a phrase he uses in Arabic about God in these situations. There is no direct translation, but the closest it comes out to is “God is so dangerous.”

I love C.S. Lewis’ Narnia books. In The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, a girl asks about Aslan (the God figure in the series) – as to whether He is safe. “Safe?” Comes the reply. “Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King, I tell you.”

My friends, our God is unfathomably great. And we have the utmost joy and privilege to serve a God who is not “safe,” but dangerous and good. “[God] who does great things, and unsearchable, marvelous things without number” (Job 5:9). This is the One we serve.

Updated Prayer Requests

1. Next week a man will be coming to help us by recording a story in Malagasy. Pray that this would be done with accuracy so it can be clearly communicated to many!

2. It is raining…a lot. :-) We praise the Lord for the rain because the people and crops definitely need it, but would like you to pray with us for the safety of the people in their flimsy huts as storms (tropical cyclone Bingiza was the latest) hit.

3. In April and May we are having people come minister with us. Please pray that God would be glorified through all the preparations for these times.

4. For the Newtons as they travel back in a couple weeks after completing their stateside assignment. Thank you all for praying for Jeremy’s leg. The doctors say it is healing quickly and we give God all the glory for that!

Once Upon a Time

A Valentine’s Tale

Once upon a time a girl had a dream. She dreamed about her future husband. He was wearing jeans and a blue plaid shirt. She couldn’t make out his face in her dream, but knew he was out there – somewhere. So she waited in hopeful expectation until that time came…

Fast forward a decade. This girl is now a young woman, living with her sister while going to college. She is scared of the idea of a relationship and has never been on a date. Turning around in a store one day, she spies a man working there. Blue jeans, blue plaid shirt, and a kind, handsome face. He looks over and smiles. That’s him – my future husband, she thinks. She smiles, makes her purchase, and leaves.

This store is not far from her sister’s house and a couple days later (after the two sisters have been giggling every time they spot him going to and fro), the man approaches her and asks her if she would like to come over for tea. She says no, still scared, but is convinced when her sister says that she will come as well. After tea come more days filled with tea, talking, watching movies – always the three of them. After two weeks the sister refuses to join anymore. The man comes to the girl and tells her he’d like to speak with her parents. After two weeks? Eyes wide open, the girl says, “That’s not enough time – we don’t even really know each other!” “It’s enough time for me,” the man states, grinning, and the preparations for marriage begin…

Fast forward three decades. This woman and her husband retire comfortably. They ask God where He wants them to serve Him. God tells them to go to a little town in the rain forest and open up a hotel. The woman is a prayer warrior and shares with everyone she meets. The man hikes out to the villages and leads worship in their hotel every Sunday morning. This sweet couple prepared rooms upstairs for two foreign girls. Girls named Cara and Heather. :)

It Matters

It matters, indeed.