How Deep The Father's Love for Us

At the first of the year, just before we left the States, I met a very sweet lady.  She is in a blended marriage and told me a story about her step-daughter.  She felt like she had a great relationship with her 14 year old step-daughter.  They had her in their home every other weekend, and would always plan special family outings and events when she was there.  Everyone got along famously this way for years.  However, when the daughter decided to come and live with them, things didn't go as expected.  The child didn't like living by "rules"; having a schedule; and in general participating in "normal" family everyday living.  In her mind, living with daddy would be "a trip to Six Flags".  Sadly, the young lady decided to go back and live at her mother's house.  I would say that this is not an unusual scenario.  What did surprised me was the woman's "take" on the event.  She ministered to me by explaining:  My husband is a good father.  He thought that by saving the "fun" things for when his daughter was with us that he would be bonding with her and helping her to know how much she was loved.  What happened instead was that she only got to know a portion of who her father is.  Her father is fun, but he is also a disciplined and hard worker. 

Wow, what a testimony to me of my own lack of understanding sometimes of who our Father God truly is.  When things do not go "as I think they should", how often do I question God?  Is He really who I think He is?  Is He really there for me?  Yes and No!  Perhaps I still only know a portion of who He is.... 

Many of you know my ongoing saga with trying to establish a better "exercising lifestyle".  (see my post On to Victory for a laugh.)  Well, yesterday was another "grand experience" on the hotel treadmill.  Just as I would get into a steady jog, the silly thing would stop, and I would have to grab the rails to keep from busting my face!  After about the 3rd time, I was exhausted and frustrated to say the least.  In that moment, God whispered to me, "Sometimes you just need to hold to Me." Normally, in a run you swing your arms at you side; however, following God often means doing things "differently" if even for just a time.  The key is trusting Him to know what is best.   

God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.  It's not that I don't know Him; it's just that He keeps revealing more of Himself to me. Yes, a life spent walking with Jesus is better than any other.  It is a "trip to Six Flags" and so much more!  However, a life with Him is disciplined, orderly and challenging.  Sometimes you think you are going to bust your face!  However, if we "hold on", he will always show us a better way.  O, how He loves us!    AT   

How Deep The Father's Love for Us Stuart Townend; click to listen on YouTube.

How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,
Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that left Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom

Falling in love with the Word

Want to read a love story?  God's Word is the best love story ever!  Here's the "plot":  I love you; I lost you; and I want you back!!  And the best part about it is:  It's all true, and it is alive!  No matter how many times you read it, God will speak to you and touch your heart over and over!   

You might be saying, "I have tried reading the Bible in the past, but it was difficult and it didn't hold my interest."  Yes, I would agree that there have been times in my life that beginning as well as staying in the Word have been difficult, but just like in any love relationship, you will have to commit yourself.  Sounds tiring, but the benefits of spiritual discipline far outweigh the work.

You might be asking, "Is reading and knowing the Bible really necessary for having a relationship with God?"  Our family is living in a country that has over 200 different nationalities.  I am sorry to say that I do not know people well enough to know the difference between a person from Pakistan and a person from Iran; between a person from India and a person from Malaysia.  However, when I see a Turk or a Korean I know them right off.  Why?  Well, because I have relationships with people in these countries.  I know language, foods, customs, etc.  How can we build a solid relationship with the Almighty?  We start learning His ways...His language...His food...His customs...  How can we best learn those?  His Word!

Another crazy thing about living in a foreign country is learning the money.  The bills and coins are obviously different than U.S. money.  It takes time to memorize the shapes, denominations, colors, etc.  It is important to know the real from the fake, right!!  You better believe that it is one of the first things that we put our hearts into learning when we came overseas.  We didn't want to "lose our shirts" in the market!  How can we know truth?  How can we begin to take delight in God; in a relationship with Him; and in His Word?  Here's my method:

1) Read it!  Take the time daily; read with a plan in mind; and read expecting God to use it in your life!
2) Apply it!  Make small changes in your life one at a time; The Father will direct you.  Listen to Him alone.
3) Pray it!  Our wisdom is limited; pray the prayers that are in scripture; pray the promises
4) Memorize it!  In context I would add...
5) Sing it!  Yes, even with your scruffy voice!  Make a joyful noise!
6) Talk about it!  I have found that being a "teacher" made me a better student.  Share with people around you what you are learning.  AND Ask Questions: ask God, ask yourself, ask friends and others.

Geoffrey Thomas is an Englishman and former "footballer" that has written many things on the importance of knowing and reading the Bible.  He has a pamphlet online entitled Reading the Bible you can click on it if you are interested in more details on the importance of God's Word in your life.  Here is my list of what I believe are important facts to remember about the Bible:

1) It is Authoritative Truth.
2) It is Inspired by God.  
3) It is Applicable for today. 
4) It is Powerful for Creating and Transforming lives.
5) It is Gospel and Redemption centered.
6) It is the primary method God uses to reveal Himself to us.  (Please don't be offended by this; I am one that believes in dreams, visions, etc, too.!)

The gospel of John is my favorite book to read.  I love it for so many reasons, but for today I will share that one thing John reveals to us is that God is the Word.  We need to know the Word and have a relationship with Him.  I'll ask again on this Valentine's Day....Do you want to read a love story?  God's Word is the best love story ever!   A relationship with Him is like no other!  AT

Love Suffers Long...

I'm the mom!  What does that mean on most days?  I'm the teacher, the nurse, the head cook, house administrator, etc. etc.  What does that look like on most days?  I'm the one that brings "reality" back to this "house of fun".  I'm the one that says, "Write your spelling words; take this medicine; peal the potatoes; vacuum the hall" and so on.  That is not to say that Matt is not ultimately in charge.  He is a wonderful leader.  I am just the COO getting it done, if you will, while he is away.  That is also not to say that my kids do not work with joyful hearts.  Some days it is a challenge, but overall we all serve together.  What I am trying to share is that being the mom in a family is not just about kisses and hugs.  Yes, those are needed and abundantly handed out.  However, being "the mom", especially when children are young, usually equals requiring children to do things that do not seem fun or fair.  Yep, sometimes being "the mom" makes you the "meanie".  Hebrews 12:11 says, "All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness."  The word discipline does not always mean chastisement or punishment.  Instead, it often means to instruct, educate, disciple, prepare and exercise.  Proverbs 3:12 says, "For whom the LORD loves He reproves (corrects, disciplines), Even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights."  We don't often think of love as discipline, yet the Bible clearly tells us that if we love, we will be the trainers of our children.  Love Suffers Long...

Grace has a planter's wart.  We discovered it in September and treated it with an over the counter freeze formula.  After a month, we realized that this had not taken care of the problem; so we saw our doctor who administered a "freezing procedure" in office.  Unfortunately, this did not cure the problem.  In fact, 2 additional warts have come to the surface.  Now, 2-3 times a day, we are soaking her foot, scrapping it and applying a medicine that is basically a chemical burn.  As you can imagine, this is a weary process for all involved.  I truly hate watching Grace have to go through this; however, I love her too much to ignore the problem.  I tell her this all the time.  "Grace I love you and I don't want you to have a worse problem in the future."  During a treatment the other day, she told me, "Mom, love hurts!"  Yes, yes it does baby! However, thankfully, Isaiah 40:29-31 promises us that, "He gives strength to the weary, and increases the power of the weak.  Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."  Love Suffers Long.... 

Matt's mother has Alzheimer's.  Several years ago, when we first began discussing the topic as a family, Matt's father told us about a story he had read.  In the story, a man's wife was in a nursing home to receive care for her disease.  The husband faithfully visited her everyday.  One day someone asked him, "Why do you come every day?  She doesn't know you or even remember that you came."  The man responded by saying, "Yes, but I know and remember her.  I know who she is to me."  God knows who we are to Him.  He is faithful!  "But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: 'Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.'" (Isaiah 43:1)  "Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful."  (Hebrews 10:23)  Love Suffers Long...

Justin Buzzard, the author of Date Your Wife and a the new book Why Cities Matter, was a guest speaker at a fellowship we attended in Dubai last Friday.  He gave an amazing message on the last chapter of Jonah.  I honestly have to say that I had never taken note that only 2 books in the Bible ended with a question:  Lamentations and Jonah.  Both of them question love.  Buzzard challenged us with a question of his own at the end of the meeting:  "How much larger would your life be if your self could become smaller in it?"  In John 3:30 John the Baptist is quoted as saying "He must increase, but I must decrease."  John was trying to teach his disciples that "our life/our ministry" is not what is important.  Christ is all that matters.  In our lives, how many things do we choose to do that we realize will not "give us any credit"; we know we will receive no recognition;  there is no "glory" attached; it will likely cost us something personally; it will bring about hardship and pain; we will never be thanked, etc.?  Not many, if any I would guess!  Yet, this is Christ's example to us.  "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails...." 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a  Love Suffers Long...          AT

Sharing Life in a Lonely Place

For our second "new weekend" overseas, we decided to fellowship on Friday with a House Church and then take our Sabbath Rest as a family watching movies during the day and visiting with new friends in the evening.  It was another blessed weekend!! 

On our new worship day, we sat out "on the grass" in the court yard of a villa.  We shared our week and what the Lord is teaching us; sang praises to the Father; and studied His Word together.  There were families from 5 different nationalities represented; people of all ages from a 3 week old to a man in his 70s; all from different backgrounds, cultures and countries!  What a joy to hear and learn from this precious group!  We are still asking the Lord to show us where to "plug-in" for the long hall, but we are humbled that he allowed us to share in life and relationship with this young group of Believers.  We trust that He has a special place for us to serve among the body here, and believe He will show us where that is in HIS time.

On Saturday, between family time and traveling to visit with friends, Matt decided to take us by his new office.  It is a quiet place in what is called a "free zone".  What that means is that foreigners are "free" to start businesses in that area.  (not that it is "free" to start a business - big difference!)  If you have a business, by law you must have a physical office address.  Many people simply rent offices, but never occupy them.  The result of this is that in this "free zone" area there are rows of office buildings that are often found neglected and sparse in furnishings and most importantly people.  Now, it was Saturday, but an emptiness "feeling" was there...left over from the week and the natural apathy of the area I believe.  I confess, I was a little taken aback.  Matt had not mentioned his new place being "off the beaten track", old or secluded.  As we walked through the rows of buildings (picture a place kind of like a storage facility) and into Matt's office, I had a strange feeling of solitude...and not in a peaceful way...in a way that made me sad.  Matt happily showed us around, and then as we were leaving, William remarked, "This is a lonely place."  Wow, he hit the nail on the head.  Yes, lonely.  That is what I was feeling, too. 

However, my sweet husband was not discouraged.  He smiled broadly and used the moment to remind our family that we are in this country to share and bring relationship to people.  Yes, this is a lonely place, but only because the people do not know the "Friend that sticks closer than a brother" (Proverbs 18:24); the"One that will never leave of forsake us" (Deut. 31:6); the One that died so that we could be in relationship with Him. (John 3:16)

We have a great opportunity before us to encourage the Believers that are here and to share peace and comfort to those that are lonely and without hope.  I suppose that is the opportunity that we all have no matter where we live. 

Where are the lonely places and the lonely people around us?   Do we know?  If we do, how are we meeting them where they are?  Are we leading the lonely to the Comforter?

Matt has decided that he will go to his office regularly even though most don't...not just to work, but to offer water, tea, coffee and LIFE to anyone who comes.  He is determined that his office will be a haven to the broken hearted and a place that the lonely find welcome.  I am so proud of his attitude! 

This morning as we were beginning another week of home (hotel) school, William (remembering where his daddy was headed off to) prayed, "Jesus help my daddy be a friend.  Help him share your love with the lonely."

Let us all do the same today!  AT                       

On to Victory!!

So, yesterday was Sunday:  the start of our new "work week".  The start of setting up new habits and routines.  However, all I accomplished was homeschool with the kids.  I shouldn't say all because it took quite a bit of effort to get anything done while battling the start of the "usual" stomach irritations that come along with moving to a new country.  In the end, it WAS a successful day, and we lived through it to fight another day. 

And that day would be today...and oh man...did I face a "battle" I was not expecting!

Matt did not have to be out of the apartment until after lunch today, so he graciously volunteered his time (sweet man is one of the hardest workers I know!) to sit with the kids while they worked on lessons so that I could catch the 2 hour window that they allow women into the gym at the hotel. (men and women do most things separately here)  So, I got the kids off and going with school and then raced down to try and have a good workout.  When I arrived at the gym, I was the only one there.  Humm, not to be deterred, I began to try to figure out how to get the treadmill turned on and working properly.  From this point forward just think of an I love Lucy episode!  I turned on and off the lights, flipped switches, unplugged and replugged the machine, pushed the reset on the power outlet countless times and finally "walla" on came the machine.  "Well, okay, all is good now.  Here I go!" I thought.   However, the machine had a mind of its own!  I tried desperately to find a "normal" setting, but just as soon as I began at a pace that suited me, the machine would take off.  The incline would change; the air vent would blow; it hummed; and it kept asking for my heart rate!!  At first I tried to keep up; then I desperately tried to slow it down; how can I fix it....cancel, cancel, CANCEL!!  Man, that was a fight I was not sure I was going to be able to walk away from!  Truth be told, I am sore and my back is killing me!

My panic attack in the gym made me think more today about life's battles.  Daily we all face all sorts of battles:  Spiritual, Emotional, Physical, Small, Big, Personal, Family Related, Job Related, and the list goes on...The question I keep asking myself is, "How can I ensure victory in life's battles?"  What keeps coming to me are the words HABIT and FOLLOW.

Follow - well, it was certainly hard to follow that machine today.  Why?  Well, it didn't know me, love me or have my best interest in mind.  Matt's dad says, "Sin will take you further than you wanted to go, make you stay longer than you wanted to stay and make you pay more than you wanted to pay."  Wow, do I feel that right now!  I put my trust in something that did not deserve it.  I followed when I should have just left the machine and walked around the building in circles.  It would have provided better results!  In what areas of my life am I battling and feeling like I am about to be taken over?  Perhaps I need to look at where I have placed my trust.  Who am I following?  Do I know the will of the One that has my best interest in mind; the one that loves me!  Have I surrendered to His desire in my current battle?  If I have than I can take heart...HE WILL NOT LOSE!  1 John 5:4 says, "For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith."

Habit - this is a hard one isn't it!  I want so many things out of life:  to be physically healthy and in shape; to learn a new language; to keep an orderly home; to learn culture; to have good relationships; and list goes on.  How do I accomplish any of these?  Steadfast Habits!  So often you hear people say, "You have to make time for this or that."  Well, this is simply not possible.  Matt told me a long time ago, "Amy you have to take time.  You cannot make it."  God gives us all 24 hours in a day; 365 days in a year; and only HE knows the number of years that we will be given in our lives.  We have to treasure each moment and use it best for His glory.  What has He called me to?  How can I ensure victory in that area?  Unwavering Habits.  When I say "habit", I am not talking about "just get by with life" bad habits.  Matt quotes his high school choir teacher a lot by saying, "Practice does not make perfect.  It only makes Habit.  Perfect Practice makes Perfect."  What I need is to set up routines in my life that lead me to faithfulness in Christ.  This is what will be key to not just surviving to "fight another day", but to have the victory in the war.  Psalm 144:1 A Psalm of David:  "Blessed be the LORD, my rock, Who trains my hands for war, And my fingers for battle"

On to Victory!  AT       

A New Weekend

Friday marked one week in our new country as well as the start of a big change in our lives.  For the first time, we are moving our day of corporate worship from Sundays to Fridays....and all good Baptists gasp...Why are we doing this?  Well, the United Arab Emirates is a Federal Monarchy.  Basically, that means that the ruling family decides how the government and everything else is run.  The ruling families in the UAE follow the practices of Islam.  In Islam, the holy day is Friday; therefore, the weekend was set as Friday/Saturday. 

I confess, I am always a little hesitant when looking into change, but I have learned that usually this is the time when God is desiring to work something great in my life.  This Friday was no different.  The Emirate of Dubai allows Christians to gather for worship.  We decided that for our first official Friday in the UAE to visit an international church in Dubai.  The church is very young.  It is only about to celebrate its 3 year anniversary, yet it weekly already has several hundred in attendance.  We were overwhelmed with the diverse congregation that gathered.  We met people from 6 continents!!!  (I don't think Anarttica counts anyway!!)  As we were worshiping, God gave me a beautiful picture of Heaven.  To my left was a family from Kenya; in front of me India;  behind me Bangladesh; across the isle Pakistan and all around Australians, Brits, East Asians and other Europeans....WOW!  I have never before worshiped with such a wonderfully mixed group.  It was AWESOME!  We are asking the Lord for direction in plugging in to a new family (perhaps this one) and ministry in this country.  We are thrilled to see all that the Father is doing!  We spent the rest of the day visiting with new friends and learning more about the country.  Just like most Sundays, we finished the day exhausted but energized at the same time.  However, the great thing was it was FRIDAY!!  We did not have to get up and start our school/work week!!!  We were able to slide into our Saturday with ease - no pressure!

Over the last 2 years, I have been reading many blogs, books and posts about "taking back the Sabbath".  It has been on both Matt's and my heart to take more time to rest; enjoy each other as a family and "download" all that God is teaching us and wanting to do in our lives; however it just hasn't felt possible with all that pulls at us.  For the first time, I think we are going to really try to capture and set aside time for a Sabbath.  I look forward to seeing all that the Father is going to do with this time in our lives.  I am praying that it helps us to be more productive and affective for the Kingdom during the rest of the week!  Yesterday, we all read books and lounged around.  It felt amazing!! 

God we give you this time and this new weekend schedule.  Use it for your glory.  Show us how to be good stewards of rest and servants in your Kingdom.  AT            

On our Knees...Together

We are really trying to get creative with "killing time" in a hotel room;  so yesterday, I let Grace practice putting earrings in and out of her ears.  I know I was asking for trouble, but I let her match all the earring in our travel box and lay them on the dresser while she played "dress-up".  She spent several hours occupying herself with the jewelry.  The next thing you know the "I should have seen it coming" happened.  Grace appeared in the doorway with a long face and said,  "Mom, I have lost one of the earrings."  OH MAN - was my first thought, but thankfully, I paused.  I had a decision to make.  I could get mad, give a consequence for irresponsibility, give a lecture on the importance of certain things, etc. OR I could take her by the hand and go to the room and get on my knees with her.  Grace is 9.  She could have tried to hide her error from me.  She could have employed her brother to help her find the earring.  She could have tried to just carry the guilt, and hope I would not find out.  First of all, I'm the mom...I would have found out!  Second, and most importantly, I want an open relationship with my daughter.  How I deal with her today will determine the trust between us.  We didn't find the earring.  Am I sad? Yes.  Is she sad?  Yes.  Do we still have a relationship?  YES!  We worked through it together. 

Recently, someone I love dearly confessed a sin to me.  Did they have to come to me?  No.  Would I have found out about it eventually?  Yes.  In that moment of openness I had a choice...I could lecture, preach and condemn, or I could commit to getting on my knees with the person. 

God already knows when we mess up!  In fact, His word says that "God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)  I think so often we view God as a Lord that sits around ready to hand out consequences.  Yes, consequences will come; we have to live with the repercussions of our actions. Sometimes there is loss and sometimes what has been done will change not just our life but everyone around us....however, God is a Father that desires relationships.  He is sitting at the right hand making intercession for us.  (Romans 8:34)  He is praying for us when we don't know how. (Romans 8:26) In other words, HE gets on His knees with us because there is nothing too big or too small that should keep us from HIM!

Where in our lives do we need to stop judging and lecturing and simply get on our knees with people?  Are we living a life that when our family, friends, the lost around us...are in "trouble", need freedom, need help, need somewhere to turn...they know they can come to us?

Yes, sin is still sin, but the sinner is dearly loved. Colossians 3:12 "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."

Let's get on our knees together...AT