Get Powered up!

Hey, it's almost Christmas, and I'll bet some of you are hoping Santa will bring you some really cool power tools! I know my brother is one of those who loves tools, the bigger the better. I'm just like him...

...Okay, that's a lie.

The truth is I consider myself somewhat "gadget challenged". If fact, it's embarrassing how terrible I am with electrical gadgetie-things. I am not good with power tools or anything with too many buttoms. To this day I still can't figured out why people use two or three of those hand held TV remotes (30 buttons per remote) just to watch a DVD? Knowing that, you might laugh when I tell you that one time I signed up to become an Electrician on Career Day at the local College! What was I thinking? Later I figured it was the adventure of working outside, climbing up and down on giant poles, and dangling from straps or harnesses that appealed to me!

Ooooo! Now this looks really fun. What is it?

Recently God has been showing me there are other types of power tools that all of us (even me) can become experts with. These "power tools" are called Words of Encouragement! We are daily given the opportunity to build up, reinforce and strengthen one another through the words we speak. Just like with any power tools, our words must be handled with care, so as not to cause injury. So maybe I am not very skilled with a DeWalt and I should never handle anything with high voltage! God and I (along with my brother) have finally come to an agreement over such things. Words of encouragement, hope and love are the only "power tools" I'm allowed to handle!

Oh My Gosh, what a cute little grandaughter!

This exquisitely crafted original was produced by Mr. and Mrs. W. Walter

Unfortunately she is a "Limited Edition" and there are no copies available

Photography by Heidi Marie Walter

(entrepreneur, mother, set and costume designer,diaper changer)

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me....one golden Buddha

It's almost Christmas! This is such a transitional time for me. This is likely to be my last Christmas in the states for a while. Although next Christmas I may be in Thailand, and as for today, I decided to join the Holiday frenzy!

I am not much for shopping, but I braved the crowds to make a small purchase, a Buddha statue! Yes, that's right. How strange? Christmas caroles playing, nativity scenes marked down for clearance, shopping carts overflowing with gifts, employees in red hats with fur trim, and there I stood in line holding my one small item, a golden Buddha statue! I felt a little sacrilegious. Needless to say, I was getting some odd looks from those around me, that is until I got to the Cashier...

Tonight I would be given a chance to meet with the AWANA children (not not an African tribe) but a christian evangelistic/discipleship program for 6th graders and younger. I wanted to use the Buddha as a simple visual aid to help them understand prayer. (little people have such an honest approach to spiritual matters.) I wanted to explain to them that some people pray to statues that have eyes and ears, but they can not help them, they cannot see, or hear, or love them. That is a sad thing. They, however, have a God in Heaven who loves them and sees them. He is not made of plastic, wood or gold. He is alive and He enjoys hearing their prayers!

Anyway, back to the Cashier... She smiled at me, gently took my little golden Buddha, spoke to it tenderly then brought it to her lips and kissed it!

It is not just the children who need to know there is a God who is alive! There is a deep longing in ALL of us for a connection, a relationship with the living God! Try to remember that as you rush around this Holiday Season.

Need a little Holiday Cheering up? This version of the "12 Days of Christmas" will make you smile!

(click on Link below)

http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=mikado95

Ridiculous Myth or Cumbersome Old Philosophy?

It’s finally raining in Northern California! As I was driving home from a meeting this morning, I noticed a young boy walking by himself in the rain. There he was, his hair plastered to his head, backpack strapped over his shoulders, short sleeved shirt drenched and stuck to his bony little ten year old frame. He had no hat, no jacket and not a care in the world by the way he was shuffling along! What caught my eye was the item he carried in his hand. Although not in use, you could see he had an umbrella!


This umbrella was a sight to behold, an old gaudy looking thing covered with giant pink and violet flowers. Certainly no self respecting 10 year old boy would be caught using such a ridiculous looking umbrella! Good intentions of a loving mom no doubt. ‘It’s raining! You need this- use it so you don’t get wet,” she may have said, stuffing it in his arms as he headed out the door.

How often do we, with our good intentions, hand out things that will never be used? We think it was good for me, it should be good for them too! Sometimes I think we do this by the manner in which we present the Gospel of Jesus. People certainly have need of it, in fact the bible tells us that we ALL have need. There are none of us that are good enough, no not one. The bible goes on to tell us how ALL can find love, forgiveness and acceptance. This is the Gospel; it is good news!

The truths of the bible are not ridiculous myths or cumbersome old philosophies to dutifully drag around with us, but never use! If they have become such a thing, we have no one to blame but ourselves. Perhaps hurting people, who have been drenched by the storms of life, would be more willing to accept the bible's message of compassion if we didn't present it like an old flower covered umbrella! The good news of salvation through Jesus must remain current, relevant and dynamic if it is to be seen as valuable by this present generation!

Communication Skills

We are all wired differently! We send out , receive and process information in a wide variety of ways. When we do this well we call it, GOOD COMMUNICATIONS. When we do this poorly, we call it A BIG FAT MESS.

Sometimes our wires get crossed or communications become jumbled like the electrical lines in this photo (taken last year while in Myanmar). Because we are human, because we are not perfect, because we interact with people wired differently, the potential for miscommunication, misunderstandings are inevitably. Hey, there are even times when I am perfectly capable of tangling things up all by myself, I don't even need outside assistance!

Are you like me? Is there any "rewiring" that needs to take place in your life? Maybe it's improving your communication skills, maybe it's working on not being critical of those who are wired differently than you! The willingness or desire to make improvements is always a good place to start. When we follow that desire through with an intentional plan, that's when we begin to see some exciting results! Changes take time and energy. It is for these reasons that I am very grateful to have a patient, slow to anger, compassionate God who love me even during those times when I fail.

As I look AGAIN at the posted picture above, I am seeing something I didn't notice before. In the center of all the crazy wires, the pole somewhat resembles a cross. Kind of a cool way to remember that when I'm feel completely overloaded and the "wiring" looks confused, I must look to Jesus (the cross at the center) He alone is God. He is the only one who can lovingly untangle and rewire my life!

This evening's blog posting is a very rare and strange sight. I hope it's not too shocking!

We like to call this... Re-lax-ing!

If any of you recognize this mystery person,

you'll know why this is such a rare photo!

Tonight, you hereby have permission to relax! Curl up in your favorite jammies and read a great book. Saying "No" to your long list of responsibilities for a few hours may be just what the Doctor ordered, especially if it is Dr. John Townsend or Dr. Henry Cloud. Enjoy some peacefulness and a great cup of tea and

you'll be better in the morning!

Scroll to the Got Questions section (on the right)

to sneak a peek of the "mystery women""

Any of these book titles look familiar?
Maybe you've heard of them, but never had the time to sit down and read their contents. If that has been your situation, you are not alone! We live in a society that publishes great books about subjects most busy people never have time to read.

Scroll down to posting for November 9th for more on the subject!

Need I Say More...

It will be Thanksgiving in a few days and I intend to fully enjoy time will with my family.

A Beautiful Sight!

A well-worn bible is a beautiful sight! Taped up, tattered pages, rubber banded together and jammed with notes is a good sign of a well-studied, well-loved bible. What condition is your bible in, could your bible use a little more "alone time" with you?

How beautiful are the feet...

WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM SHALL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED...

"Whoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call upon Him in whom they have not believed. And how shall they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO BRING GLAD TIDINGS OF GOOD THINGS!" the Bible, Romans 10:11-15

God's heart is for the Nations

Not all countries are open to the Gospel. We have many missionaries that will be traveling to countries that are considered closed, which is why I have been unable to disclose some of their "real names" or which part of the world they have been called to. My fellow missionaries will be headed to Haiti, Tajikistan, Cameroon, Cambodia, Venezuela, China, Tanzania, Peru, Ireland, Germany, Turkey, Sudan, Kenya, Mexico, Afghanistan, Nepal, Russia, Bahamas and the USA Navajo Nation. Please pray for them and their families. Pray that God will use their lives to bless people all over the earth.

Missionaries in Disguise!

These friends are almost as colorful as my former Lady Bug friends, but they're a lot more fun and you don't have to vacuum them up at the end of the day!

The friendly neighborhood Exterminator came today to spray all the housing units for bugs and spiders. I learned a lot more about bugs than I really wanting to know. For example did you know that Lady Bugs are on the endangered species list? Ooopps. Also, you should never vacuum them up. Lady Bugs produce protective oil when they feel threatened which can make your vacuum cleaner smell horrid for days! Oooops again.

My friendly Exterminator (is that an oxymoron?) told me that there are 2.5 billion insects per every human. Hey, that's interesting because there are approximately 2.5 billion people in the world who have never hear about Jesus, which is why I am here in this Lady Bug invested apartment.

You never know when you'll have an opportunity to share the Gospel. The bible says we are to be prepared to give account for our faith, we are to be ready in and out of season......even bug season!

Help, I'm Being Invaded!

Today was the first day of my last set of classes at the Center for Intercultural Training (CIT). We are studying Church Planting, especially focusing on rapid church planting movements or saturation church planting. When I returned to my apartment this afternoon, there had been a sudden, saturation movement of LADY BUGS in my house! There were about 50 or 60 of them dotted all over my white living room walls. That's kinda crazy! Not sure where they came from or how they got into my house since all the windows were closed. Oh well, things are never dull around here.

The Power of Encouragement!

Tokens of love and concern from my friends.

To those of you who understand the power of an encouraging word, thank you so much!

Is suffering in contradiction with the goodness of God?

The Bible Has Something to Say About Suffering
(As Reflected in 1 Peter)

Jesus is our model as we look at the nature of God. He is the perfect reflection of the Living God. God’s great love is demonstrated through the sacrificial life and death of Christ. It was the willingness of Jesus to suffer death that we as Believers are able to experience spiritual life. “Christ died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, in order that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made us alive in the spirit”, 1 Peter 3:18. The very purpose and ministry of Christ involved suffering.

As followers of Jesus, our lives should reflect the same nature. We willingly subject ourselves to the living God, knowing that we too will be rejected at times. Jesus, “the choice stone, a precious living stone” was rejected and became a stumbling stone to those who were perishing. Although Christ was rejected and suffered unjustly at the hands of men, He endured patiently and faithfully unto the end. He entrusted Himself to the One who ultimately judges righteously.

As followers of Christ we are referred to as living stones. Our lives will not be exempt from suffering, in fact as a point of identification with Christ we are called to the same ministry of suffering. The suffering itself is not the end results, it is the patience and love we demonstrate through the process of suffering that honors God. We are given the opportunity to reflect God’s character through the process.

Jesus willingly chose to endure suffering for our sake to bring about an eternal benefit. “He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness, for by His wounds we are healed”. Jesus patiently endured, not returning evil for evil or retaliating when threatened. The long suffering patience of a holy God is demonstrated through the meekness of Jesus. He became a bond slave, purposely forfeiting all of His rights. When we respond to testing trials or distresses in the same manor as Christ did, we honor God. He finds favor in us when we faithfully endure. Our faith is compared to fine gold that has been refined in the fiery furnaces. It results in praise, glory and honor to God.

Through suffering we are exhorted to remember our position in Christ. We are not to be fearful or intimidated by circumstances. God considers us His chosen possessions, holy and loved. He has rescued us by grace out of darkness and into His marvelous light. At first the ministry of suffering appears to be in contradiction with the goodness of God. However we see both qualities displayed simultaneously through the person of Christ. Jesus, who was fully God and fully man, was compelled by love. It was His good pleasure that He should suffer for us.

Missions & Martyrdom

Original article was posted on PIONEERS website on August 27, 2007

Missions & Martyrdom
How do we balance risk and responsibility in world missions?
by Steve Richardson

Steve Richardson is President of PIONEERS-USA For more information on PIONEERS, visit http://www.pioneers.org/.

A Korean short-term mission group of 23 were taken hostage by the Taliban in Afghanistan recently. At the time of this writing two members of the group have been killed, and the lives of the others remain in jeopardy. Our hearts go out to these hostages and to their families. We pray with them for a speedy release.

This tragedy is yet another vivid reminder of the cost of doing mission in today’s world. “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.” Do we really believe this? Are we willing to pay the price?

Growing up in the jungles of New Guinea in the 1960s, I witnessed first hand the great cost of the mission advance in hundreds of tribal cultures. It was a cost paid in sickness, sweat and tears. I knew martyrs like Stan Dale and Phil Masters, killed by the Yali tribe, and others who lost their lives in airplane crashes in the unforgiving New Guinea highlands.

What can we learn from the experience of our Korean brothers and sisters?

1. There is still a high price to be paid for the advance of the gospel in unreached areas. This has not changed in 2,000 years, and it never will.

2. There are many places in the world, especially in Muslim regions, that do not enjoy the freedoms we take for granted. The lack of liberties and suffering of Christians in these countries should be a major concern to all of us.

3. Churches should pray for much wisdom when planning to send short-term teams to volatile places. I’ve traveled in Afghanistan and sped across the desert into Baghdad, Iraq in 2003. I have felt the dangers first hand. While risks will never be eliminated entirely, there is value in association with an experienced mission organization that has knowledgeable personnel on the ground to advise and protect.

4. Prayer is absolutely essential. Any major advance of the gospel comes only through victories won in the heavenly realms.

5. The “fear factor” must never prevail. We must serve courageously and boldly, joining the ranks of those who by faith “conquered kingdoms, administered justice and gained what was promised ... ” (Hebrews 11:33).

May God give His people wisdom and courage to stay faithful in a dangerous era.

Steve Richardson is President of PIONEERS-USA For more information on PIONEERS, visit http://www.pioneers.org/.

Last year at this time I was in Myanmar...

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and burden is light." Matthew 11: 28-30

A year ago I was serving with a medical team in Myanmar. We were only there for one month. The heat was sweltering and the work challenging, but the blessing of being an extension of God's love made it a life changing trip.

Today I am bundled up in a blanket watching the autumn leaves dance across the road, studying the principles of cross cultural communications at a Missionary training center! This is a huge life transition for me. A year ago I was employed, lived in my own home and my only task for the day was raking leaves in the front yard!

I have been at CIT for almost three months. It has been a time of study as well as seeking God's direction for my next steps. It has been rich and wonderful. The classes have been excellent even though sometimes I feel like I've been given a sip of water from a fire hose!

Your prayers are greatly appreciated as there are many times when the reality and consequences of these life changes overwhelm me. It is a humbling thought to know that the great and mighty God of all the nations, invites me to participate in His Kingdom work....loving people. This is an impossible assignment apart from Him. Pray I stay yoked closely to Him as He leads me through this process.

Maintaining Healthy Margins

I Don't See Any White Space!

At some point in time you may have noticed how difficult it is to read a paper that has no margins. Hopefully you are not actually trying to read this crazy paper, as I only wrote it to demonstrate a point. Margins are very important. Some people write all over their whole paper and leave absolutely no available space. If you haven't stopped reading this yet, now is the time! Jump down to the large print below and continue reading. Their many words spill over to consume every conceivable inch. They stretch to very edge of the sheet of paper leaving no margins at all. Seeing such a letter may cause you to panic. If you haven't stopped reading this yet, now is the time! Jump down to the large print below and continue reading. You may even become fatigued by the very thought of having to read such a thing. No matter how interesting the topic may be, when there are no places to rest your eyes it becomes an exhausting chore. At some point in time you may have noticed how difficult it is to read a paper that has no margins. Hopefully you are not actually trying to read this crazy paper, as I only wrote it to demonstrate a point. Margins are very important. Some people write all over their whole paper and leave absolutely no available space. Their many words spill over to consume every conceivable inch. They stretch to very edge of the sheet of paper leaving no margins at all. Seeing such a letter may cause you to panic. You may even become fatigued by the very thought of having to read such a thing!

White space is the area of a document or letter that is purposely left available, uncluttered with text. Some of us live our lives in the same way that this paper was written without any "margins" or "white spaces". Our busy lives spill over to the edges or margins of our day. For many, this happen EVERY DAY. This type of chronic over extension of our personal or business life is harmful and although we may be aware of the serious consequences of living beyond our margins (emotional, spiritual and physical) are we doing anything to address it?

As a Christians I am not exempt from the stresses of this world. I live in a society that places great value on those who accomplish much. We esteem those who are able to withstand great pressures over prolonged periods of time. We rewarded them with important titles, positions of responsibility and sometimes we even give them a BONUS.

I am learning the importance of living with margins. I need them! They need to be intentional built into my life, or I’ll have none! The lack of establishing healthy margins (or boundaries) will eventually result in burnout or other serious ailments.

Here is my problem, there is a disconnect between what I know and what I do. I think my actions, not my words, reveal my true core beliefs most of the time. In the privacy of my own heart, perhaps I still foolishly believed these following statements to be true:

1. That I am indispensable
2. That I am the only one able to complete the task
3. That I am only as important as my last success
4. That my value is directly related to "how" or "what" I am able to produce
   
   For Me To Maintain Healthy Margins

1. Remember it's not about ME
2. Remember sometimes the right answer is NO
3. Remember it's okay to ask for help
4. Remember to depend on God's strengths and abilities, not mine!
5. Remember times of solitude are necessary and valuable
6. Remember REST IS NOT A SIN
7. Remember my value is not ultimately determined by others, but by a loving God
8. Remember Jesus!

My Grandaughter, Codie Rae

Approxiamtely 5lbs 5oz at the time of these photos!

Functional vs Dysfunctional

Who is the Father Carving You To Be?

Understanding who I am in Christ, out trumps who I was and how it is that I became numbered among the vast sea of dysfunctionals. No family or person is perfect, but that did not seem to slow me down from trying. That’s what dysfunctional people do, we try and try to make sense of a world that has none. The harder we try to sort through what seems to be an unending cycle of chaos or insecurities the deeper we fall into despair and denial. In an escape to flee the inevitable branding of being “damaged goods”, many of us ran smack into the undeniable, unconditional, inescapable love of a Heavenly Father.

How great is the Father’s love that we should be called children of God! Today I am a new creature in Christ, old things have passed away. My value does not come from who I am, but who’s I am. I belong to Jesus. He calls me; Beloved, Chosen and Redeemed. These new titles may have been stamped on me at the time of my conversion, but they become engraved in me through the struggles and trials of life.

God is not the one who subjects us to terrors; dysfunction begets dysfunction, sin brings forth more sin. During my younger years I observed unhealthy patterns for marriage, conflict resolution and life in general. I filed these pieces of information away in my mind as “normal”. As an adult, these same dysfunctional patterns manifest themselves through 15 years of marriage. I played a part in repeating the cycle.

The scars of domestic violence never really fade away. They are like deep gouges that disfigure a fine piece of wood. So how do people move forward? Where and how does healing take place? I can only share with you how it has been happening in my life.

Among other things, my earthly father was a craftsman, a carver who painstakingly transformed ordinary blocks of wood into beautiful master pieces. In a similar way I see my Heavenly Father, as a master craftsman, lovingly transforming my damaged life through the years. Seeing the deep gouges of fear and distrust in my life, He carefully, painstakingly chiseled over the top of them with His grace and love. What others might have discarded as damaged or scrap lumber, unfit for any good thing, God has firmly set hold of for His Kingdom purposes. He engraved deep into my soul that which was initially only stamped on to the surface. I am a daughter of the King, I am His workmanship created for His glory!

The weather is changing and so are the leaves in North Carolina!

Have you ever noticed how our lives are marked by seasons? There have been periods of time throughout my life when God has allowed circumstances (both good and bad) to prevail. These seasons have led me to significant revelation as to who I am and who God is. Surprisingly, some of the most valuable lessons concerning God's grace, mercy and love have come during the painful or lonely seasons of my life.

May Day! May Day!

Language learning involves training my mouth,
my thinking patterns and my ears to respond correctly
to new and unfamiliar data! Cross-cultural work will require
me to become somewhat of a communication specialist in
a culture other than my own. Learning to process EVERYTHING
through new cultural filters is not easy, the simplest tasks
can become very complicated or be completely misunderstood.
Attempting to immerse oneself in a new
culture can be challenging and there will no doubt be
times when even my best efforts will not be enough. It will
be those times when I can take great comfort in knowing
THIS MINISTRY IS NOT MY OWN, IT IS GOD'S.
He initiated it, He will accomplishing His purposes
with or without me and yet He has graciously invited me to
join Him in this work. II Corinthians 4:1 is a good reminder
for me when I begin to feel overwhelmed. It is through God's
mercy that I have this ministry, and for that reason, I am not
to lose heart ... even when I fall short. Thankfully God has
promised to never leave me alone to fend for myself!
Unfortunately, not everyone is that lucky. Have you ever felt like
the the guy in this clip? If so, send me your comments.
Enjoy!

North Carolina Fair Time!

Last weekend a few of us took a break from our studies and drove to the Shelby County Fair. This is the largest county fair in North Carolina. We had all sorts of fun adventures and experienced many cultural surprises. For one thing, people aren't bashful around here! At one point in the evening we heard an announcement go out over the PA System, "--------, meet your husband at the water wheel right away! Your hemorrhoid medicine has been located!"

Can You Guess What These Are?

DEEP FRIED OREOS!

My Friends and I decided to try one of these interesting little treats while we were at the Shelby County Fair. The oroes were okay, but not as amazingly delicious as we expected. It was still fun trying something different!

These are crispy Ribbon Fries. They are potatoes that have been peeled and cut in such a way that they all remain connected together like a long chain or ribbon. They are served with vinagar, salt and pepper or with ranch dressing. Wash them down with a cherry-lime-aid, an RC cola or a cold Cherrie-Wine! By the way, Cherrie-Wine isn't wine at all, it's more like a cherrie coke.

Now that I have your attention, have you ever heard of deep fried candy Bars? I hadn't either. Snickers or Milky Ways seem to be the favorites. How do I know? I was so amazed, I started interviewing people who were standing in line for one of these crazy treats.

Move over COTTON CANDY and CORN DOGS, it's time for more adventurous "County Fair Cuisine". How about a Deep Fried TWINKIE? Maybe you would prefer a giant frozen cheese cake triangle dipped in chocolate, or a mountian of deep fried PICKLES! Don't worry we didn't eat all these crazy foods. We did however enjoy watching others dine on their deep fried delicacies.

Seeing is believing
Southerns will fry anything, even pickles! As I said earlier, you do not have to travel to exotic international countries to experience unusual, culturally unique foods.

At least now I have a better understanding as to why 65% of the US population has become overweight......she says, as she ties the laces of her jogging shoes!

The clouds are starting to lift. Finally, a little time to relax! I just completed my first school on Equipping for Ministry. It has been a time of deep reflecting and processing with plenty challenging questions being tossed my way.

My friend summed up our classes with this statement, " I like eating onions, but it's no fun being one!" God has been carefully, purposely peeling away the layers of selfishness and pride in our lives. He lovingly peels away one layer, then the next and the next. So far I have survived... but just barely. My final 15 + page document on cultural values and contextualization was turned in today. Through this process of growing and being stretched, I take great courage in seeing what He has already accomplished in my life. What a mighty God we serve!

I have learned may important truths through these classes, but one of the most important lessons is a very simple one. "Therefore since through God's mercy, we have this ministry, we do not lose heart". II Corinthians 4:1-12 begins by reminding me that this ministry I have been called to is His. This is not about me, it's all about the love and hope that Jesus brings to lost people. It is through His mercy that I am invited to join Him as He loves and blesses the nations with this Good News. Although this ministry involves laying aside my agendas, my expectations, even my familiar, comfortable cultural values and habits, I am not to lose heart, I WILL NOT LOSE HEART. God is good!

Jesus Said, Follow Me...

I Will Go

I will go where there are no easy roads

Leave the comfort that I know

I will go and let this journey be my home

I will go, I will go, I'll let go of my ambitions

Cut the roots that run too deep

I will learn to give away

What I really can not keep

I will go where Your glory is unknown

I will live for You alone

I will go because my life is not my own

I will go

"The extent to which we identify ourselves with the people to whom we go is a matter of controversy. Certainly it must include mastering their language, immersing ourselves in their culture, learning to think as they think, feel as they feel, do as they do..."

The Willowbank Report-Lausanne Committee

Liver Mush?

Yep! Liver Mush, or as the folks around here refer to it, "Liva moosh". Doesn't sound very appitizing does it? Well, the folks around here would disagree. Apparently this is a favorite food in this neck of the woods. Observing or studying a new culture is as easy as going out to breakfast in North Carolina. Don't expect to be served a bowl of Special K or low fat yogurt, that's what them Californ-ians eat! Here in NC, you better be ready for a REAL breakfast. This last weekend I had a chance to enjoy a traditional southern style breakfast. It included, eggs, buscuits'n gravey, an assortment of jams and jellies, grits (that's a whole other blog entery!) ham, sausages and last but not least LIVER MUSH, a crispy slab of the stuff. Yes, of course I ate my brown square of mush, I had to... I was a guest, remember! I'll bet you don't know what liver mush is really made from. To find out, YOU'VE GOT TO WATCH THIS SHORT VIDEO. Come on...I dare ya, I double dog dare ya!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HIpRRxta4w

Living with Integrity

The Men in My Life!

Today is my oldest son's birthday, and five days ago was my youngest son's birthday. I have two amazing sons! The men in my life also include a great son-inlaw and one awesome younger brother. They are all bright, personable, fun loving and gifted. I am so proud of them for so many reasons. In a world where it is acceptable to do your own thing, to live life on your own terms or to think that "as long as it doesn't hurt anybody, it's okay", they have chosen to live as men of integrity.


The qualities of integrity are rare these days! For many in our culture the idea of remaining faithful to a spouse or sexually pure is almost considered a joke. For those who have rationalized that there is no real danger in the virtual world of cyber sex, think again! The increased use of Internet pornography is staggering, and this is not just an issue for the men, hundreds of thousands of women have become caught in it's snare as well. Sometimes we fail to see that the real problem lays much deeper than that of lust or lack of self control.

Soon I will be heading for Thailand, a country that has a thriving pornography industry. Many men, women, young teens and even little children fall prey to this activity. Please pray for me as I may be working in very close proximity to all of these things. I am keenly aware that anyone at anytime can fall into this pit and climbing out of it can be very difficult. If you or someone you know is struggling to break free from these snares, fortunately there is plenty of help available for those who desire it.

Need a battle plan?

Go to the GOT QUESTIONS link, scroll to EVERY MAN'S BATTLE (view the video)

• False Intimacy: Understanding the Struggle of Sexual Addiction (Paperback book) by Harry W. Schaumburg (Autho
  
• http://www.everymansbattle.com/Amazon.com: Every Man's Battle: Winning the War on Sexual Temptation One Victory at a Time (The Every Man Series): Books: Stephen Arterburn, www.amazon.com/Every-Mans-Battle-Winning-Temptati on
  
• Every Woman's Battle: Discovering God's Plan for Sexual and ...
  This an accompanying workbook to Every Woman's Battle. Every Man's Battle: Winning the War on Sexual Purity www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/

For those surfing the net for information, travel or anything else about Thailand, please be careful! TAKE GREAT CAUTION as there are many visual links and advertisements that could easily trip you up!

My New Home for the Next Few Months

"Missions is not the ultimate goal of the church, worship is. Missions exsists because worship doesn't...Worship is the fuel for missions. When the flame of worship burnes with the heat of God's true worship, the light of missions will shine to the darkest peoples on the earth, and I long for that day to come!"

Let the Nations be Glad- John Piper

Study, study, study

Pre-field is training is intense and challenging, but really exciting. What an amazing privilage to to spend these months with so many others who are preparing to travel all around the world with this Good News. This is not our ministry, but His... "Therefore, since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do have not lose heart!" II Corinthians 4:1