The robbed that smiles, steals something from the thief. ~William Shakespeare, Othello
I know God will not give me anything I can't handle. I just wish that He didn't trust me so much. ~Mother Teresa
As I write this my spirit is very heavy with burden. If you have somehow missed the news of the past 12 hours or so, then here is a link: Click me
As someone who has experience huge emotional tragedy, such as this, I can't help but sit here and wonder what I can do to help. I know when tragedy struck my community, it was the first responders, the emotional and spiritual supporters there in those first few vital days that made all the difference. It was the one person who would look at you and smile that knowing smile, or the one who would simply hold and console.
I can't help but look at articles about this attack over and over again, re-reading, trying to take it all in. To me, it is unfathomable that over 80 people were killed on that island. This tragedy is on 10 times the scale of anything I have even seen (as far as shootings go).
It is so sad that we as a people have gotten to a place where this is almost normal. "Oh, another shooting..." we say. Then we walk away and continue our day. But what can we do to genuinely help?
I say, if you cannot go and be a shoulder to cry on, then pray. Pray with everything you have in you. Pray in the Spirit. Fall on your knees and intercede for these people. Even though their tragedy is over, its effects will linger severely for a very long time. Pray for the strength of those who lost family and friends to senseless violence. Pray for those who have been through this kind of thing before, as it will rip their old wound open again. I know we will move on from this moment and life will eventually return to a form of normalcy for those involved. However, we mustn't forget to lift one another up, and to ask God to show us His hand in the midst of this storm. Pray.
Pray.
Thanks for reading,
Julie
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Saturday, July 9, 2011
July 9, 2011 (part 2)
"Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved."
~ Helen Keller
As of today, I have been away from home for 102 days. Thats is almost a third of the year. Wow.
Over the past week or so, I have been given a lot of opportunity to reflect on what has happened in those 102 days. It seems, as I have been chasing after God and His purpose for my life, that I have changed a lot as a person.
It is funny what a dramatic change in lifestyle will do to you. It affects you in every way, such as spiritually, emotionally, physically etc...
For me, one of the things that has made the biggest impression is that I continually see God's provision in every way. For the most part, I am not talking about finances. June was a rough month financially, but only because of unexpected visa related expenses. However, that is not what I am talking about.
I have seen God provide in a very big way for me in the area of healing. Now, I am not about to go all "Kenneth Copeland" on you or anything. The healing I am talking about is a little different than what you might think of off the bat.
As a minister for many years, it has been my experience that 99% of the time, when a preacher is preaching or a teacher is teaching, God is using that time of ministry to do something in the person who is delivering the message from the pulpit. I remember as a youth pastor, one of the best things about it was the ministry I felt God doing in me as I gave of myself to the kids. It is a unique experience.
This "logic" has not failed me on the missions field. As I give of myself in ministry here, even if it is only little by little as I am building something new, I have seen God minister to me in a huge way. He has given me people to walk this journey with, and he has used them in instrumental ways.
It is funny how time and time again I have seen God use my ministry time to talk to me. This trip has been the biggest example of His loving hand on my life that I have ever seen. He has taken emotional moments and used them to point out strongholds in my life that I had never even considered before. Although working through one's life with a "fine toothed comb" can be taxing emotionally, it is so worth it in the end, when you can walk out your front door a more confident person because of what God has done in you.
I know God is not done doing what He has to do in me, and I know there is much more to "clean up" in my life, but I also know that through the trial and pain come growth and confidence and a deeper relationship with God. I want nothing more than that. Refine me, oh Lord.
Thanks for reading,
Julie
~ Helen Keller
As of today, I have been away from home for 102 days. Thats is almost a third of the year. Wow.
Over the past week or so, I have been given a lot of opportunity to reflect on what has happened in those 102 days. It seems, as I have been chasing after God and His purpose for my life, that I have changed a lot as a person.
It is funny what a dramatic change in lifestyle will do to you. It affects you in every way, such as spiritually, emotionally, physically etc...
For me, one of the things that has made the biggest impression is that I continually see God's provision in every way. For the most part, I am not talking about finances. June was a rough month financially, but only because of unexpected visa related expenses. However, that is not what I am talking about.
I have seen God provide in a very big way for me in the area of healing. Now, I am not about to go all "Kenneth Copeland" on you or anything. The healing I am talking about is a little different than what you might think of off the bat.
As a minister for many years, it has been my experience that 99% of the time, when a preacher is preaching or a teacher is teaching, God is using that time of ministry to do something in the person who is delivering the message from the pulpit. I remember as a youth pastor, one of the best things about it was the ministry I felt God doing in me as I gave of myself to the kids. It is a unique experience.
This "logic" has not failed me on the missions field. As I give of myself in ministry here, even if it is only little by little as I am building something new, I have seen God minister to me in a huge way. He has given me people to walk this journey with, and he has used them in instrumental ways.
It is funny how time and time again I have seen God use my ministry time to talk to me. This trip has been the biggest example of His loving hand on my life that I have ever seen. He has taken emotional moments and used them to point out strongholds in my life that I had never even considered before. Although working through one's life with a "fine toothed comb" can be taxing emotionally, it is so worth it in the end, when you can walk out your front door a more confident person because of what God has done in you.
I know God is not done doing what He has to do in me, and I know there is much more to "clean up" in my life, but I also know that through the trial and pain come growth and confidence and a deeper relationship with God. I want nothing more than that. Refine me, oh Lord.
Thanks for reading,
Julie
July 9, 2011
“May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be ever at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face and the rain fall softly on your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the hollow of his hand.”
Today I had a very unique experience. Well, I had many unique experience today, but I am going to focus on just one.
A little over two weeks ago my roomie, Kerri, had a guest arrive for a visit. We knew she would be coming for a visit from Kerri's home church in S. Africa, and we knew that she would be leaving today. Not that it is relative to my blog, but just so you get an idea of who she was, this lady had been working in Albania since 1996. She has LIVED in refugee camps in Africa, and is really one of the most inspiring people I have ever met. But, like all of us who have been here, her heart has always been in Albania. She is now 73 years old and was very happy to be able to visit Albania again. I can't say I blame her. Who knows, I may be here at 73 also.
In the past couple of days, I saw her start to get a little emotional at the idea of having to leave soon. Anyone who has ever been to Albania on a short term missions trip can probably relate to her emotions. It is always so hard to leave. I have done it 7 times, and every single time I feel like I am making a big mistake. Something in me wants to stay so badly, and yet I always seemed to watch the mountains pass by me as I leave again. Not this time...
My experience in taking her to the airport today was unique for one reason. I didn't leave. It was a huge accomplishment for me. I have never been to the airport here in Albania just to drop someone off. It was a crazy, emotional and wonderful feeling to be able to do that. I can finally say that I know I am in Gods perfect will for me at this time. I know I am supposed to be here, and even though it can be hard and I miss some things from home, such as lifestyle and friends, I know it is the right thing for me to do.
So I will stay.
Today I had a very unique experience. Well, I had many unique experience today, but I am going to focus on just one.
A little over two weeks ago my roomie, Kerri, had a guest arrive for a visit. We knew she would be coming for a visit from Kerri's home church in S. Africa, and we knew that she would be leaving today. Not that it is relative to my blog, but just so you get an idea of who she was, this lady had been working in Albania since 1996. She has LIVED in refugee camps in Africa, and is really one of the most inspiring people I have ever met. But, like all of us who have been here, her heart has always been in Albania. She is now 73 years old and was very happy to be able to visit Albania again. I can't say I blame her. Who knows, I may be here at 73 also.
In the past couple of days, I saw her start to get a little emotional at the idea of having to leave soon. Anyone who has ever been to Albania on a short term missions trip can probably relate to her emotions. It is always so hard to leave. I have done it 7 times, and every single time I feel like I am making a big mistake. Something in me wants to stay so badly, and yet I always seemed to watch the mountains pass by me as I leave again. Not this time...
My experience in taking her to the airport today was unique for one reason. I didn't leave. It was a huge accomplishment for me. I have never been to the airport here in Albania just to drop someone off. It was a crazy, emotional and wonderful feeling to be able to do that. I can finally say that I know I am in Gods perfect will for me at this time. I know I am supposed to be here, and even though it can be hard and I miss some things from home, such as lifestyle and friends, I know it is the right thing for me to do.
So I will stay.
Friday, July 1, 2011
July 1, 2011
The winds that blow through the wide sky in these mounts, the winds that sweep from Canada to Mexico, from the Pacific to the Atlantic - have always blown on free men. ~Franklin D. Roosevelt
It seems that Independence Day is on us again. It is, by far, my favorite holiday of the year. Since I was a little kid I have felt a deep devotion to the Red, White and Blue. I love America and I am so patriotic that I will shed tears every time I hear Francis Scott Keys infamous song. I think about what he would have been seeing when he penned those lyrics, and how it must have made him feel. I think about the people who gave their lives before they even knew or tasted the freedom they fought for. I think about the love of country that would, to this day, cause nearly every American to be willing to sacrifice their own life to keep what we have.
America is the longest standing Constitutional Democracy in the world's history. That makes us a historical figure as we stand in one of the world's ruling positions. It also, however, makes me realize that what we have and what we have spent decades and centuries building is a very fragile thing. Since it is once again the Fourth, I will choose to humbly remember and celebrate one more year of passionate, history making and freedom giving success in our country.
Maybe what I have in the way of patriotism is a higher dose than some of you out there. I do think that it is an amazing and ironic thing that God has chosen to put a strong passion for another nation, such as Albania, in the heart of someone who is such an American patriot. I do think that it could be His way of testing my faithfulness to Him. Of course I will give up the things I love most for His purposes. That will never be a question in my mind.
When I realized I would be spending this year abroad, I also realized that means that I will be the only person I know celebrating the 4th. It is a weird thing to not have anything to do. Maybe I will force my non-American friends to do a picnic with me. (Insert evil laughter here).
To my fellow Americans: If you are at home, please celebrate (responsibly of course) and take a minute to listen to the Star Spangled Banner play as the sight of fireworks fill the sky. Realize that the fireworks are used because they represent the "Bombs bursting in air" that lit up the sky so the Key could clearly see the victory of his flag still there. Our flag is still there. Celebrate for me.
Thanks for reading,
Julie
It seems that Independence Day is on us again. It is, by far, my favorite holiday of the year. Since I was a little kid I have felt a deep devotion to the Red, White and Blue. I love America and I am so patriotic that I will shed tears every time I hear Francis Scott Keys infamous song. I think about what he would have been seeing when he penned those lyrics, and how it must have made him feel. I think about the people who gave their lives before they even knew or tasted the freedom they fought for. I think about the love of country that would, to this day, cause nearly every American to be willing to sacrifice their own life to keep what we have.
America is the longest standing Constitutional Democracy in the world's history. That makes us a historical figure as we stand in one of the world's ruling positions. It also, however, makes me realize that what we have and what we have spent decades and centuries building is a very fragile thing. Since it is once again the Fourth, I will choose to humbly remember and celebrate one more year of passionate, history making and freedom giving success in our country.
Maybe what I have in the way of patriotism is a higher dose than some of you out there. I do think that it is an amazing and ironic thing that God has chosen to put a strong passion for another nation, such as Albania, in the heart of someone who is such an American patriot. I do think that it could be His way of testing my faithfulness to Him. Of course I will give up the things I love most for His purposes. That will never be a question in my mind.
When I realized I would be spending this year abroad, I also realized that means that I will be the only person I know celebrating the 4th. It is a weird thing to not have anything to do. Maybe I will force my non-American friends to do a picnic with me. (Insert evil laughter here).
To my fellow Americans: If you are at home, please celebrate (responsibly of course) and take a minute to listen to the Star Spangled Banner play as the sight of fireworks fill the sky. Realize that the fireworks are used because they represent the "Bombs bursting in air" that lit up the sky so the Key could clearly see the victory of his flag still there. Our flag is still there. Celebrate for me.
Thanks for reading,
Julie
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