I have all sorts of thoughts running through my head tonight but I can't quite get them to settle down. Today was a really wonderful Thanksgiving. It actually felt like a holiday. Our meal was delicious, and the fellowship a real treat. When we left our friends house tonight I remembered quite abruptly that no one around us was celebrating today. All day long it had truly felt like Thanksgiving. We prepared an amazing meal and enjoyed eating it. We had apple cider and homemade pies. We played games and watched a Christmas movie. And then we went outside. It was a completely normal Thursday here. People all around us went to work, school and went about their daily activities. I was reminded that my husband even had to cut class in order to enjoy our day. It made me a little bit sad. I'm so thankful that our country has a day focused on thanks. I'm so thankful that as a child of God I have an opportunity to give thanks to the Giver of all.
Here is a quote and a few verses that have been special to me this Thanksgiving day.
"There is a calmness to a life lived in gratitude, a quiet joy."
Colossians 2:6-7
Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.
James 1:17
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
Psalm 118:1
Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever.
Quite thankful,
Kari
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Top 10 Frustrations
10. Incessant horn honking
9. Water off all day long without warning
8. Bagged milk...spills constantly
7. Burnt toast
6. No cabinet space
5. Not understanding what people try to tell you
4. Being hot inside and cold outside
3. Waiting 45 minutes for lunch and not knowing how to ask where it is
2. Trying to keep baby hands germ free in a place where NO ONE washes hands
1. Getting stared at all day long
But honestly...I don't have anything to complain about. God is so good and so faithful. Life is really different here and some days it seems so impossible. With God all things are possible.
Smile,
Kari
Thursday, November 20, 2008
How does your garden grow?
"With silver bells and cockle shells and pretty maids all in a row"? I know what I would like to see growing in my garden. His fruit. I want my life to be a beautiful display of His gardening skills. Yikes. Do I really know what I am saying? If I really want Him to be at work in the garden that is my life it means digging, sowing, and sharp clippers. Ouch! But if I desire the fruit of His Spirit to be displayed (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control), and I truly do, it means I must be willing to go through the pruning necessary.
I've been thinking about patience a lot lately. I've noticed that I'm very impatient. I've decided it is not the impatience that is the problem but my reaction to impatience. It exudes itself in an ugly way in my life. It looks like anger, frustration and snipity-ness. The other day the three of us were heading out into the cold. I was holding the little one, both of us bundled in such a way that made motion difficult. My husband was taking forever to get out the door. I said something like, "Honey, are you COMING?" He said, "Just a minute." And in my head I said, "I'm growing impatient." Now, that's not a phrase I typically use out loud. It sounds kind of funny to me. But nonetheless its what came to mind. Almost immediately after it did I heard in my head, "Why don't you grow patience instead." WOW! Talk about as close as it gets to hearing God speak audibly. It was a neat enough thought to make me laugh a little bit and I decided quickly it was stupid to be impatient. Just chill.
So, I've flunked the patience exam about 10 times this week. He's really using the trimming shears now. But, I'm a work in progress and I'm so thankful He's willing to work in my garden. I've been sitting here picturing gardens. You know, there are the simple type: nice straight rows of vegetables, and there are elaborate Victorian gardens where the flowers and vines flow together. I wonder what my garden looks like. I'm aware of lots of weeds that need to be pulled, and there is some over-growth that needs to be taken back so that new, fresh growth can come. There are also a couple of patches that are very dry and need to be watered. There's a beautiful section of flowers that are covered up by some kudzu vines that have taken over, I'd love to get rid of those so the flowers can be seen. Do you get it, or have I taken this comparison way to far?
Father, I ask you to enter the gate of my garden. Bring your tools and your tenderness. Pull away at the weeds, pour out your living water, prune what is dead, overgrown and useless, and most importantly continue to plant more of yourself that all may see Your light and beauty.
~Kari
I've been thinking about patience a lot lately. I've noticed that I'm very impatient. I've decided it is not the impatience that is the problem but my reaction to impatience. It exudes itself in an ugly way in my life. It looks like anger, frustration and snipity-ness. The other day the three of us were heading out into the cold. I was holding the little one, both of us bundled in such a way that made motion difficult. My husband was taking forever to get out the door. I said something like, "Honey, are you COMING?" He said, "Just a minute." And in my head I said, "I'm growing impatient." Now, that's not a phrase I typically use out loud. It sounds kind of funny to me. But nonetheless its what came to mind. Almost immediately after it did I heard in my head, "Why don't you grow patience instead." WOW! Talk about as close as it gets to hearing God speak audibly. It was a neat enough thought to make me laugh a little bit and I decided quickly it was stupid to be impatient. Just chill.
So, I've flunked the patience exam about 10 times this week. He's really using the trimming shears now. But, I'm a work in progress and I'm so thankful He's willing to work in my garden. I've been sitting here picturing gardens. You know, there are the simple type: nice straight rows of vegetables, and there are elaborate Victorian gardens where the flowers and vines flow together. I wonder what my garden looks like. I'm aware of lots of weeds that need to be pulled, and there is some over-growth that needs to be taken back so that new, fresh growth can come. There are also a couple of patches that are very dry and need to be watered. There's a beautiful section of flowers that are covered up by some kudzu vines that have taken over, I'd love to get rid of those so the flowers can be seen. Do you get it, or have I taken this comparison way to far?
Father, I ask you to enter the gate of my garden. Bring your tools and your tenderness. Pull away at the weeds, pour out your living water, prune what is dead, overgrown and useless, and most importantly continue to plant more of yourself that all may see Your light and beauty.
~Kari
Monday, November 17, 2008
Answered Questions
1) My daughter has grown a huge appetite! The past few weeks she has only nursed about twice a week, the last time being 6 days ago! She is back to enjoying her scrambled eggs and her new faves are "puhtay and passta" (potatoes and pasta)! After spending a month in our new home, my kitchen is set up and I am able to control how often and what I can offer her. Please do pray that she continues to eat well, and that I learn how to buy all of my groceries in another language!
2) What does daily life look like? Hmmm, that question, which i got nearly a dozen times in my e-mail box is a little bit more difficult to answer. But, I'll do my best. I get up about 6:30 and take a shower. Sometimes, if I feeling extra energetic I make some muffins and have some cider. But for the most part after my shower I park it on the couch for some QT with the King of Kings. My husband is gone from 7:00-1:00 for his studies. My little one has been waking up somewhere between 7:15 and 8:30. Once she wakes up we get milk and cuddle on the couch for a little while. For the next hour or so we work on breakfast, getting baby dressed, diapered, and playing the whole time. Three times a week we have a house helper to clean. The environment here is much dirtier than what we were used to in the states, and it is difficult to keep the house clean. I'm very thankful for LJ, and my little one absolutely loves to play with her. She's even learning the language from her. She isn't a believer so we take every opportunity to practice our limited language saying, "God loves you. Jesus loves you." She typically just smiles and giggles a little bit. She knows almost zero English. On Sunday mornings we join our friends in the city for worship and then enjoy a meal together. Yesterday we had Mexican food! It was so exciting! We had soft tacos, chips and salsa, and my famous black bean and corn salad! YUMMY! On Monday mornings we have prayer time with a sister in the city, those of us with little ones aren't able to get out and about the city as much as our husbands and those here without kids, so we try to be like Aaron, holding up the arms of Moses. We spend that special time lifting up the team and work here. One morning a week I go prayer walking in a new part of the city. My little one loves to ride on my back in the Ergo Pack. The other mornings we may go to the grocery store, or take a bus downtown. The other day we took a bus all by ourselves, found an art store and purchased a canvas, a set of acrylic paints and 3 paint brushes! It was exciting. My little girl is starting to get used to all of the comments about how beautiful she is and how yellow her hair is. They don't have a word for blond in this language! Our favorite lunches to eat while at home are peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, baked potatoes with salsa, and pasta. Our favorite lunches to eat out on the town are beef noodle soup and KFC. The sweet one naps after lunch for about 2 hours. While she naps I catch up on computer stuff, read, take a nap every once and while, run to the grocery store, or play wii with my hubbie. Once the baby wakes up the three of us take off to learn our way around the city. We've really enjoyed the bus system, it's inexpensive and everyone is really great about offering a seat to those with little ones. Our favorite dinner to eat in is roasted chicken, butternut squash and steamed broccoli. Our favorite dinners to eat out are the local steak house, actually modeled after Outback...it's delicious, we love all of the local foods as well, but its still difficult for us to order on our own! In the evenings we enjoy family time, time with friends, and keeping inside and away from the bitter cold! We're trying to meet lots of friends and begin building relationships, but with limited language it is difficult. Also pray that we will know where to find everyone when it is so cold outside! The baby goes to sleep at 7:30 and my hub and I enjoy playing cards, watching movies and studying language.
I hope this has helped everyone to see a bit more into daily life in ASIA! And answered some questions.
Stay tuned for a journal entry about "growing impatient versus growing patience."
With joy,
Kari
2) What does daily life look like? Hmmm, that question, which i got nearly a dozen times in my e-mail box is a little bit more difficult to answer. But, I'll do my best. I get up about 6:30 and take a shower. Sometimes, if I feeling extra energetic I make some muffins and have some cider. But for the most part after my shower I park it on the couch for some QT with the King of Kings. My husband is gone from 7:00-1:00 for his studies. My little one has been waking up somewhere between 7:15 and 8:30. Once she wakes up we get milk and cuddle on the couch for a little while. For the next hour or so we work on breakfast, getting baby dressed, diapered, and playing the whole time. Three times a week we have a house helper to clean. The environment here is much dirtier than what we were used to in the states, and it is difficult to keep the house clean. I'm very thankful for LJ, and my little one absolutely loves to play with her. She's even learning the language from her. She isn't a believer so we take every opportunity to practice our limited language saying, "God loves you. Jesus loves you." She typically just smiles and giggles a little bit. She knows almost zero English. On Sunday mornings we join our friends in the city for worship and then enjoy a meal together. Yesterday we had Mexican food! It was so exciting! We had soft tacos, chips and salsa, and my famous black bean and corn salad! YUMMY! On Monday mornings we have prayer time with a sister in the city, those of us with little ones aren't able to get out and about the city as much as our husbands and those here without kids, so we try to be like Aaron, holding up the arms of Moses. We spend that special time lifting up the team and work here. One morning a week I go prayer walking in a new part of the city. My little one loves to ride on my back in the Ergo Pack. The other mornings we may go to the grocery store, or take a bus downtown. The other day we took a bus all by ourselves, found an art store and purchased a canvas, a set of acrylic paints and 3 paint brushes! It was exciting. My little girl is starting to get used to all of the comments about how beautiful she is and how yellow her hair is. They don't have a word for blond in this language! Our favorite lunches to eat while at home are peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, baked potatoes with salsa, and pasta. Our favorite lunches to eat out on the town are beef noodle soup and KFC. The sweet one naps after lunch for about 2 hours. While she naps I catch up on computer stuff, read, take a nap every once and while, run to the grocery store, or play wii with my hubbie. Once the baby wakes up the three of us take off to learn our way around the city. We've really enjoyed the bus system, it's inexpensive and everyone is really great about offering a seat to those with little ones. Our favorite dinner to eat in is roasted chicken, butternut squash and steamed broccoli. Our favorite dinners to eat out are the local steak house, actually modeled after Outback...it's delicious, we love all of the local foods as well, but its still difficult for us to order on our own! In the evenings we enjoy family time, time with friends, and keeping inside and away from the bitter cold! We're trying to meet lots of friends and begin building relationships, but with limited language it is difficult. Also pray that we will know where to find everyone when it is so cold outside! The baby goes to sleep at 7:30 and my hub and I enjoy playing cards, watching movies and studying language.
I hope this has helped everyone to see a bit more into daily life in ASIA! And answered some questions.
Stay tuned for a journal entry about "growing impatient versus growing patience."
With joy,
Kari
Saturday, November 15, 2008
My cup...
My morning was so happy. I had a cup of my favorite peppermint tea with lemon and honey, two raisin bran muffins and my Bible and journal (my 16 month old slept in until 8:30 and my time was amazing!!!!).
Many people think my life living in Asia is glamorous and adventurous, and at times it is. But I'm just a normal girl trying to seek this great big God, and the scope of my eyes can only understand a glimpse or a shadow at time.
This past week I was studying Ephesians. I've spent a lot of time meditating on chapter 3:14-21. As it says in verses 18-19 it is my prayer that I "may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses all knowledge..." God really impressed upon my heart how huge He is. He gave me that picture of what I can understand: a glimpse or a shadow, so small and partial. But oh, my desire is to know Him so deeply and to walk with Him so closely, to truly know the whole of Him.
Andrew Murray said in the forward of his book Waiting on God, "The great lack of our faith is that we do not know God. The answer to every complaint of feebleness and failure, the message to every congregation or convention seeking instruction on holiness, ought to simply be, What is the matter: Have you not God? If you really believe in God, He will make everything all right. God is willing and able by His Holy Spirit. Cease from expecting the least good from yourself, or the least help from anything there is in man. Just yield yourself unreservedly to God to work in you. He will do all for you."
So, that is what I desire to do. I strive to yield myself unreservedly to God, to walk closely with Him, to abide in Him, so that He is able by His Holy Spirit to work His good in me. As I finished studying Ephesians tonight the very last verse in the book stood out to me. Ephesians 6;24 says, "Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible." That phrase "love incorruptible" caused me to pause and think on my love for the Lord for a little while. In my mind when I think of things that are incorruptible I think of purity, holiness, things that cannot go bad. The more I thought on it the more I realized outside of the power of God I can think of nothing in this world that is incorruptible other than His love. So it is His gift of incorruptible love that allows me to seek Him with in fact that very same incorruptible love.
Father, continue to pour Your grace over me, allowing your strength to be made very present in my abundant weaknesses.
~Kari
P.S. My coffee mug and muffin cups are empty now, but my cup overflows. :-)
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Tring to "un-pack"
I've been reading Psalm 69 and I'm trying to "un-pack" it. David must have really been at a low point in his life. People are seeking to destroy him. Verses 5 and 6 really stood out to me.
"O God, you know my folly; the wrongs I have done are not hidden from you. Let not those who hope in you be put to shame through me, O Lord God of hosts; let not those who seek you be brought to dishonor through me, O God of Israel."
So, I'm not sure what David's folly was but I know my own. And even more than that my sin is not hidden from the Lord. What an amazing prayer David prayed out of his own sin. "Let not those who hope in you be put to shame through me...let not those who seek you be brought to dishonor through me." O that is my prayer too. May my shortcomings, my sin, my selfishness, my attitudes never allow those around me to stumble. May my sin never tempt or thwart a sister or brother in their walk with God.
I also love verse 13.
"But as for me, my prayer is to you, O Lord. At an acceptable time, O God, in the abundance of your steadfast love answer me in your saving faithfulness."
My paraphrase, "Father, I ask you, in your timing and in your way answer me. You have so much constant love to give me and your faithfulness provides safety for me, thank you Father."
In verse 19 God's all-knowing characteristic is reiterated.
"You know my reproach, and my shame and my dishonor; my foes are all known to you."
He knows it all. In verses 20-21 David said that in his reproach he sought pity from others. He sought comfort from others. He sought food and wine to make himself feel better. None of it satisfied. In verse 29 he came to the only hope for satisfaction and healing.
"But I am afflicted and in pain; let your salvation, O God, set me on high! I will praise the name of God with a song; I will magnify him with thanksgiving."
But oh my goodness, what is so awesome is his focus once again goes to those around him. At first he didn't want those around him to stumble and be discouraged or dishonored because of his sin. Now he is choosing to be thankful, to seek God and worship him and about this he says in verse 32--
"When the humble see it they will be glad; you who seek God, let your hearts revive."
Wow, I want that to be my desire. I want to be more concerned with those around me than with myself.
Verse 34 says, "Let heaven and earth praise him, the seas and everything that moves in them."
If my focus is God, praising Him at all times and in all circumstances, then those who witness my life will see me living a testimony that points to Him. (vs 32) "WHEN THE HUMBLE SEE IT THEY WILL BE GLAD; YOU WHO SEEK GOD, LET YOUR HEARTS REVIVE."
Peace is joy resting.
Joy is peace dancing.
Kari
"O God, you know my folly; the wrongs I have done are not hidden from you. Let not those who hope in you be put to shame through me, O Lord God of hosts; let not those who seek you be brought to dishonor through me, O God of Israel."
So, I'm not sure what David's folly was but I know my own. And even more than that my sin is not hidden from the Lord. What an amazing prayer David prayed out of his own sin. "Let not those who hope in you be put to shame through me...let not those who seek you be brought to dishonor through me." O that is my prayer too. May my shortcomings, my sin, my selfishness, my attitudes never allow those around me to stumble. May my sin never tempt or thwart a sister or brother in their walk with God.
I also love verse 13.
"But as for me, my prayer is to you, O Lord. At an acceptable time, O God, in the abundance of your steadfast love answer me in your saving faithfulness."
My paraphrase, "Father, I ask you, in your timing and in your way answer me. You have so much constant love to give me and your faithfulness provides safety for me, thank you Father."
In verse 19 God's all-knowing characteristic is reiterated.
"You know my reproach, and my shame and my dishonor; my foes are all known to you."
He knows it all. In verses 20-21 David said that in his reproach he sought pity from others. He sought comfort from others. He sought food and wine to make himself feel better. None of it satisfied. In verse 29 he came to the only hope for satisfaction and healing.
"But I am afflicted and in pain; let your salvation, O God, set me on high! I will praise the name of God with a song; I will magnify him with thanksgiving."
But oh my goodness, what is so awesome is his focus once again goes to those around him. At first he didn't want those around him to stumble and be discouraged or dishonored because of his sin. Now he is choosing to be thankful, to seek God and worship him and about this he says in verse 32--
"When the humble see it they will be glad; you who seek God, let your hearts revive."
Wow, I want that to be my desire. I want to be more concerned with those around me than with myself.
Verse 34 says, "Let heaven and earth praise him, the seas and everything that moves in them."
If my focus is God, praising Him at all times and in all circumstances, then those who witness my life will see me living a testimony that points to Him. (vs 32) "WHEN THE HUMBLE SEE IT THEY WILL BE GLAD; YOU WHO SEEK GOD, LET YOUR HEARTS REVIVE."
Peace is joy resting.
Joy is peace dancing.
Kari
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Making it.
I'm making it. Mawn mar lie. That's what we say here for a little bit at a time.
Psalm 68:19, 35
Blessed be the Lord who daily bears us up. God is our salvation. Awesome is God from his sanctuary; the God of Israel - he is the one who gives power and strength to his people.
It is he who carries me. Each day is different. There are joys and frustrations, there are disappointments and hopes. There are even some victories.
He is my source of strength. I am so weak. On my own I can do nothing. I'm discovering that I am a little bit shy. I have been nervous about making friends in my new country. I met a sister a few weeks ago and had been putting off calling her. I called her yesterday and she was so excited to hear from me. I think the Father is going to use our relationship to build one another up and strengthen one another. We are getting together for girl time and dinner tomorrow night. I'm really looking forward to it.
May I be an example of depending on His strength and not my own, for it is he who is carrying me.
My joy is resting today.
Kari
Psalm 68:19, 35
Blessed be the Lord who daily bears us up. God is our salvation. Awesome is God from his sanctuary; the God of Israel - he is the one who gives power and strength to his people.
It is he who carries me. Each day is different. There are joys and frustrations, there are disappointments and hopes. There are even some victories.
He is my source of strength. I am so weak. On my own I can do nothing. I'm discovering that I am a little bit shy. I have been nervous about making friends in my new country. I met a sister a few weeks ago and had been putting off calling her. I called her yesterday and she was so excited to hear from me. I think the Father is going to use our relationship to build one another up and strengthen one another. We are getting together for girl time and dinner tomorrow night. I'm really looking forward to it.
May I be an example of depending on His strength and not my own, for it is he who is carrying me.
My joy is resting today.
Kari
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