Becoming a Pastry Baker!!

Upon moving into a new neighborhood, I met “Arnold,” a pastry baker. I was looking for a cooking supply needed by Amy. I was surprised to find him extremely open to a friendship even after only a couple of conversations. Over the next few months, I found myself having tea with Arnold once or twice a week. Sometimes I would stop by and talk to him while he worked in his pastry shop, but as hard as I worked to move the conversation toward faith-based conversations, he worked just as hard to move it away. After spending more than a year visiting, Arnold said that he wanted to teach me how to make the pastries that are his passion. I agreed and thought that I was in for a fun morning. After a day of mixing, kneading, rolling, making and baking, I had learned a small portion of what Arnold wanted to teach me. He asked if I could come back the next day so that we could really get to the “important” stuff. My mind was reeling as I mentally reviewed everything on my to-do list that would have to be shuffled if I spent another day at the bakery. A couple of hours into day two of my “training” as a baker, Arnold turned to me and asked what I believed about the end of the world. We talked for two hours about what each of us believed, how they were similar, and more importantly how they differed. The work in Central Asia is slow. We are often tempted to make judgments of an individual’s receptiveness to the Good News based on a handful of interactions. Arnold, like many others, just needed to determine if I was willing to stick with him whether he believed or not. Arnold has not come to faith…yet. However, he is asking questions that allow for the Truth to be shared with boldness and unwavering truthfulness.
It took a year to start spiritual conversations, but it was worth the wait! MT

Fall Karate

I feel blessed to have the privilege of living overseas with children. Having children opens so many doors to meet neighbors and other members of the community. I believe locals find me as a foreigner more approachable because of our common position as wives and mothers. Currently, my children (ages 10 & 8) are participating in a local sports club. They love the opportunity to exert some energy and make friends, and I am enjoying the fellowship of local women.
Over the course of a month, I noticed an elderly woman from time to time waiting with the other parents. She sat withdrawn from the other waiting moms, and she never joined in the chatter and fellowship. Truth be told, she has a very sad and somewhat mysterious presence about her.
One Saturday, as the Lord would have it, she entered the club and decided to sit on the bench right next to me. I began small talk with her and even shared a plate of cookies passed-out by the staff. After about an hour, she asked me to point out my children. I thought it was pretty obvious, but continued pleasantries by indicating which two belonged to me. She then very gravely informed me that several weeks ago she felt compelled to put a hex on my children. Her reasoning was: “so that their foreign souls would not harm her grandson, and so that they would not succeed and do better than her grandson in karate.” It is very common for women of all cultures to deal with jealousy; however it seems to be much heightened in this society. It is also just as common for women in Central Asian culture to dabble in folk religious practices. However, I must say that my initial response was shock. Thankfully, the Lord gave me His words to share. I basically shared with her that my family loves her and her grandson. We intend her no harm. I also explained to her that my husband and I pray in the name of Jesus over and for our children daily. Jesus is the King of Kings and Lord over all. Nothing happens without His permission. At that point, her face changed from the grave sadness to a strange grin, and she replied, "We know of Him and He is greatest over all."
I cannot quite wrap my mind and hands around what might be going on in this woman’s life, but I do know that the Father desires her heart and fully desires that she proclaim Him Lord of all. I am praying that the Lord gives me more opportunities to share truth with her as well as the other moms. One meeting at a time...AT

Happy All Martyr’s Day

Our theme this year was "The Kingdom of God". God is the King of Kings, and we are His children. That makes us princes and princesses. We spent the day dressed up in "royal" clothes and speaking very royally! We carved our pumpkin. I am so thankful that the Father cleans us out and places His light in us!! We made crowns. We will be given crowns in heaven that we will have the privilege of lying at the feet of Jesus. We baked brownies and made pumpkin soup. We read about people that have gone around the world and given their lives to share the good news of Jesus Christ with a lost and dying world. It is not an easy job, but it is one that all believers are called to. We pray you made the holiday a special one with your family. William Travis

He's in double digits!!

I know all moms say this, but it really is amazing how quickly time goes by. It is hard to believe that it has been a whole decade that I have had the wonderful privilege of being the mom of this precious boy. William celebrated many times over the course of the week. Since Matt was needed in Van, we had a family party on the 24th. The big toy around here right now is "Beyblades". Of course, what they have here is the cheep version that breaks easily. Fortunately, we were able to get a hold of some nicer ones. They seem to be pretty solid. I think they are really the modern day version of tops. On William's birthday, he opened packages & cards from loved ones; played at the park; rode his bike & skates; and had a PJ/movie afternoon. When Matt returned from Van, he took William and 2 local friends to the new 7D theater and bowling alley. Yes, DIY is moving up in the world. They just put these in the new mall last month...along with a "pizza" place!! William had a good week. I look forward to seeing all that God is going to do in his life over the next 10 years! AT

The First Letter of Paul to the Thessalonians

This has always been one of my favorite passages of scripture. I read it this morning during my alone time, and I thought of you, so I decided to share. I Thessalonians 5:16-28

16 Rejoice always; Yes, the Bible really does say ALWAYS. Not just when we feel like it....not just when things are going "good"....not just when it's easy.....ALWAYS (Phil. 4:4; Ps. 33:1) 17 Pray without ceasing; Talking to God should be so much apart of our lives that on our every breath are praises and petitions to the Father. Our hearts should be constantly at His feet. (Eph. 6:18) 18 In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus; You want to know God's will for your life? It's right here....to have a thankful heart. This is a command, by the way, not a suggestion. The verse says in everything give thanks. See verse 16 again for more clarification on timing.... (Ps 107, 92) 19 Do not quench the Spirit; Do not put out or stifle the Holy Spirit. What do we think that means? Some would say that this is a warning to unbelievers to "beware" of messing with the Spirit of the Lord. However, I believe that because this was a letter from Paul to the church that Paul is specifically talking to persons that are indwelled with the Spirit. He is warning us not to try to take on the roll of the HS. Yes, some are gifted with discernment and may be aware of a brewing problem - but the Spirit is the convictor of sins....yes, some are gifted in evangelism - but the Spirit draws all men to Himself....yes, some are gifted in teaching - but the Spirit gives wisdom to those that ask. I think you see where I am going. We are to be faithful servants, but we are not the King of Kings. Let Him sit on the throne of our hearts and use us as He chooses. (I Peter 3:15) 20 Do not despise prophetic utterances. 21 But examine everything carefully; hold fast to the which is good; 22 abstain from every form of evil; I think that 20-22 should really all be one verse because they are really one thought. As a Baptist, sometimes I freak-out a little bit when someone says they have a "prophetic word", and I believe rightfully so. The "freak-out" part comes, unfortunately, because all too often people say that they have a word from God when in reality they don't. With all good intentions sometimes they are simply trying to "make you feel better". The opposite of that would be with bad intent they are trying to glorify themselves or manipulate a situation. I think the key here is personally having an intimate relationship with the Father and knowing His word. If someone comes to you with a word, take it to the Father yourself. He will confirm it for you. (I John 4:1-2) Then you can tell the Baptist part of you to lighten up and dance a little before the Lord! : ) 23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Sounds easy right??? Hummmm....well...I wish! The process of sanctification is a lifelong process and boy sometimes it hurts. One day at a time...right? (Romans) 24 Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass. OHHHH, but yes that is the good part. We are not trying to sanctify ourselves. It is He who is faithful to us. (Phil. 1:6) 25 Brethren, pray for us. I love it that Paul asks for prayer. I believe prayer is the real battle ground. Our family is so grateful for the many prayer warriors that stand guard on the battle field for us. (Matt. 7:7-11) 26 Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss. We now live in a culture that a kiss on each cheek is a proper greeting. I am not a "physical touch" love language person, so I admit this has been a big adjustment for me over the past 2 years. However, I am making progress in this area, and I plan to give each of you a 'big ole smack-a-roo' the next time I see you - in the name of the Lord, of course! 27 I adjure you by the Lord to have this letter read to all the brethren. 28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. I am just following Paul's recommendation by sharing the word. Yes, may the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you!! AT

Who am I exalting?

Today as I sat seeking God in a decision I was reminded of two stories from the Bible that are unrelated but show the beauty of the Father.
The first, is the Tower of Babel. Genesis 11 says:
3 "They said to each other, “Come, let’s make bricks and bake them thoroughly.” They used brick instead of stone, and tar for mortar. 4 Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves; otherwise we will be scattered over the face of the whole earth.”
The second passage is Joshua 4 which says:
"1 When the whole nation had finished crossing the Jordan, the LORD said to Joshua, 2 “Choose twelve men from among the people, one from each tribe, 3 and tell them to take up twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan, from right where the priests are standing, and carry them over with you and put them down at the place where you stay tonight.”
4 So Joshua called together the twelve men he had appointed from the Israelites, one from each tribe, 5 and said to them, “Go over before the ark of the LORD your God into the middle of the Jordan. Each of you is to take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, 6 to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’ 7 tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever.”
You may be asking, “What do these stories have in common?” I believe they have more than we see at first glance. At the tower of Babel we see a people so focused on building up their own names that they lost sight of the creator. They wanted to be famous rather than making Him famous. Funny, I didn’t get their names. Joshua, in contrast, led the people of God to build a memorial to His faithfulness for future generations. It is amazing to me that we then read a few verses later in verse 14 of the same chapter:
"14 That day the LORD exalted Joshua in the sight of all Israel; and they stood in awe of him all the days of his life, just as they had stood in awe of Moses."
Now, you may be thinking, “So are you saying that Joshua was exalted because He followed God’s command to him?” Yes…and no. Joshua was made famous, but not for his own sake. Joshua was made famous and revered in the site of Israel because it accomplished God’s purposes. Joshua would later lead the army of God into battle and those men needed a strong respected leader to follow. Joshua was not made king of Israel; they already had God as their King. Joshua was a man who followed God for His glory. His work was to point to highlight Famous One that He might be glorified throughout the earth for his contemporary and future generations.
How often do I look to build a monument to my own name, even under the pretense of “doing it for God” rather than building a memorial to His faithfulness? MT

9-11 A Challenge 10 years later...

As I was taking time to remember, reflect & pray today over the tragic events that took place 10 years ago, I believe the Holy Spirit challenged me with a question? "What would it look like if every Believer were able to share the gospel in 9 min. and 11 seconds?" If you are a Believer, than you would agree with me that all those that died on September 11th would want those of us that are still here on earth to be about ONE TASK....helping people to be ready for eternity. Yes, I am a firm proponent of relationship building; meeting people where they are; making my life a bridge; living a life that causes people to seek truth...all those things that take time. HOWEVER, I think that all too often I miss opportunities where the simple telling of the great news of Jesus Christ needs to take place. Why do I miss those opportunities? Well, I have a whole list of excuses; however, on this day of remembering, the question that comes to me over and over again is: "If the people that died 10 years ago had 9 min. and 11 sec. left to discuss eternity with someone, would I step up to the challenge?" As a native English speaker, I have a whole host of "tools" to help me accomplish this task. The Roman Road, Evangelism Explosion, Bridge Brochures; just to name a few. These are great ways to systematically share the simple and accurate truth of God's desire to have a relationship with us for eternity. So, how will I step up to the challenge today? How will you? Can we share the gospel in 9 min. and 11 sec.? NO - well, then let's figure out how. YES - well, then let's do it at least once every week!! Eternity is at stake! AT

If interested click here for my "Where was I" post.