31 March 2009
Basketball - in the Pool?
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P.S. One of our friends glanced at that picture of Nadia and reminded me that in this photo we get a little glimpse of our much sooner-than-I'm-willing-to-admit teenager!
30 March 2009
Encountering Jesus - Jesus speaks with the "Jews in Charge..."
And just like that, the Lord gave me a way to approach this abstract and difficult passage of Scripture. I printed out the following and took it to Bible study to show the ladies. It is a caricature of Tim and I, as well as a "portrait.""The purpose of the Bible is not just to convey a message but also to reflect an image. The images of the Bible are presented primarily through the lives of its characters. These images are not only to be hung on the wall like a portrait to show me what I should look like, but also like a mirror, to show me what I actually look like. If I do not see myself reflected in the bible, then its value to me is greatly diminished or lost entirely.... I need to take a closer [look] at the Pharisees [or the chief Jews in John 5] and at myself, but not to ridicule them and pat myself on the back. I think Jesus wanted there to be no mistake about His attitude toward external religiosity. Unfortunately, the Pharisees are often so scathinly caricatured that I cannot bring myself to see myself in them. If I see myself only in the noble or semi-noble characters of the Bible, perhaps I do not really see myself at all. the Spirit of God prevents me from being too harsh on the Pharisees for I am potentially more like them than anyone else in the entire Bible!" (Tom Hovestol, p. 12-13 of Extreme Righteousness, Seeing Ourselves in the Pharisees).
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27 March 2009
Sometimes--- Some days---
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Whether I'm translating, writing or working on Sheep Tales with Sam (as I am in these particular pictures), preparing for/actually teaching one of the two Bible studies with which I'm involved, planning lessons for home school, responding to "situations" at the French School, keeping up correspondance with our prayer and financial supporters... it is always with at least one, if not more, children in tow.
Most times I love that.
But some days...
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...it is hard not to get frustrated, jealous and, occasionally, even a little bit angry.
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I'd really rather not be negotiating with the teachers or conducting/sitting in a meeting with a baby who is fussy because I ate spicy food that had been graciously offered while I was visiting with someone.
I'd love two or three hours to prepare for Bible study (and no, not frm 2-5 in the morning, when I should really be sleeping) when all is silent and there are no children to interrupt.
I wonder what it is like to work on the computer without my foot bouncing a baby in her chair.
I know - this is a season in my life and someday I will miss and treasure these days; but sometimes, some days, especially when I'm tired and I'm looking at all that well-meaning others insist "urgently" needs to be done, it is easy to feel overwhelmed, discouraged, and wish I was only two and could have my own meltdown...
Instead, I'm trying to choose to meditate on the following two passages of Scripture:
- "So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father." Col 3:12-17 (NASU)
- "Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus..." Phil 2:1-6 (NASU)
26 March 2009
No Fear...
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25 March 2009
24 March 2009
Elsie Mae's New Dress
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23 March 2009
Parc W
Congé de Pâques
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Well, Tim just walked through the door after receiving his hot season haircut, so he doesn't hardly look like this photo now, even though it was taken Saturday night, after the Tri-M graduation ceremony. I wish you'd all been here to hear the kids' gasps as he walked through the door! Amusing!
21 March 2009
Life in Niger
20 March 2009
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19 March 2009
A Most Interesting Conversation~
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