Stephanie B. Blake's Blog, page 9
June 11, 2012
Stamps in My Passport
My passport fills up pretty fast. In fact, I ran out of room in the last one I had. Obtaining extra pages that would last until my passport expired entailed a trip to the American Embassy in Germany. 
The stamps in my passport are reminders of where my husband and I have been to serve as missionaries throughout the globe. I am not aware of any stamp in my passports in the last ten years that had to do with vacation. The passport gives me entry into the country, it is usually stamped by the officials and then we are off to complete the assignment God has given us in that country.Since we are missionaries, our stay in each country gives us a fairly good view of what is going on. We seldom stay in a hotel. We stay where the people live, so we see all sorts of behavior, hear all kinds of sounds and learn to get around the way the locals do. We eat the same food they eat, ride the public transportation just like they do, spend the local currency. In many of the transactions we make, we must show our passport.
For various reasons, the officials may not stamp my passport upon entry and exit. Even when it is not stamped, though, it is absolutely essential that I have it with me at all times. Sometimes a religious visa is just as important. It must be protected as well.
Security in international travel has become a very high priority. Passports are issued for the protection of the individual as well as the security of the country to which they are traveling. I am sometimes questioned about the other stamps in my passport. The officials want to know why I travel so often.
While traveling, I carry my passport with me at all times. I know that if something were to happen to me, that is the document that would link me to my family and my country. Without it, police or emergency personnel would have a difficult time providing aid for me or getting me home if I were to die abroad.
My passport has my picture, my name and my signature in it; however, I cannot issue a passport for myself. The U.S. Department of State does that. They issue all American passports and without their approval, my passport would not be valid. It would be a fake.
Occasionally, entering another country can be a little nerve-racking. I know of missionary friends who have been denied entry on a technicality even when they have their passports and visas. I am always more comfortable with the countries that allow both my husband and me to enter together. He then shows them both passports and we are good to go.
I treasure my passport and protect it because of what it represents: the ability to do what I need to do and then get back home again. I love our mission work and long to see my international brothers and sisters, but I am always ready to go home.
My deepest longing is not for my earthly home, but my heavenly one. There is a sense in which I feel like a foreigner on earth, for I know that my true home is in Heaven with Jesus. When my work on earth is done, I get to go home. In a way, because Jesus is my Savior, He has already put His stamp on my passport.
I don't have to be concerned about losing any documentation to enter the gates of heaven. I can't lose what I don't need. I cannot enter Heaven on my own. Jesus has already gone ahead of me and secured a place for me there. He is with me now, He has my entry day planned and He will walk me through. I will not go through the gates of heaven alone. Just as my husband can walk me through the entry ports of a country, Jesus, the Bridegroom, will be there for His bride.
"I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, you may be also..." (John 14:2-3). For our citizenship is in heaven, for which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ (Philippians 3:20).
June 2, 2012
Tired from the Journey
It's a little after 6 AM on a Saturday morning. My husband and I just returned from a mission trip arriving at our home a little less than five hours ago - 1 AM. My mind is filled with the people and events from the trip, but I still admit to being a little tired from the journey.
No matter where we go, it seems our journeys are long and hard. There is often a "hurry up and wait" factor involved. We seldom have a direct flight to our destination. Travel often entails a mad run through the airport to make a connecting flight. Sometimes even getting to the airport seems a little uncertain. We are often in a place where we don't speak the language and others have to make arrangements for us.
Traveling often takes up a great deal of time when we go to conduct international conferences. Just as on this trip, there are many journeys within our journey. Every day, we traveled from one city to another, sometimes several hours apart. I wondered aloud to a ministry partner as to why traveling is so tiring. We are often sitting in a car or a horse drawn carriage or in some countries a train. Why is sitting so tiring?
When I reflect on the fact that I get weary from travel, the circumstances in which our friends we left behind live make me realize that I have it very easy. I am able to make advance arrangements and plan for the trip. Often they don't know how they are going to get somewhere until the last minute. They may have to catch a ride. If one is not available, they may have to ride a bus - a very crowded old bus with no air conditioning, no shock absorbers and not enough seats for every passenger.
Life is very hard for my friends. Transportation, as well as everything else, is very difficult. Some of them walk for miles or ride bicycles for many miles in order to get to the conferences we teach. In every case, I know that they must be weary from their journeys, but they never complain. They smile and say that's just the way it is.
Often we need translators. This time we had a young man who traveled with us. One day I asked him if he had rested well the night before and he said he was rested even though he had only slept two hours. He said the Lord was able to make two hours seem like the eight he really needed. He insisted he had more than enough energy to do the work required for the day.
Jesus could certainly identify with the challenges of travel. When He lived among us, with few exceptions, He walked everywhere. He must have felt the stones on the path through His sandals. He must have had to stop many times and shake out the dust and small rocks. He felt the heat of the day as He traveled. He got tired.
Like my friends, although Jesus got weary from travel, He did not complain. He moved on. He had a job to do.
One particular time, Jesus got weary from His journey and sat down at a well to rest while His disciples went into town to find food. His tiredness led to a divine appointment arranged by His Father. While He was resting, He revealed Himself to a woman at that well - possibly the first woman who met Him face to face and heard Him declare that He was the Messiah.
When His disciples returned with food, they found Him refreshed - not by physical food or by water to drink (although His physical thirst started the conversation with the woman). The woman was more important to Him than His exhaustion or His thirst. The encounter that began because Jesus was so tired He needed to stop and rest led to her salvation and many others in her town.
He had to travel through Samaria...Jesus, worn out from His journey, sat down at the well...A woman of Samaria came to draw water...Then the woman left her water jar, went into town and told the men, "Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?
In the meantime, the disciples kept urging Him to eat. But He said, "I have food to eat that you don't know about...My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to finish His work" (John 4 HCSB).
No matter where we go, it seems our journeys are long and hard. There is often a "hurry up and wait" factor involved. We seldom have a direct flight to our destination. Travel often entails a mad run through the airport to make a connecting flight. Sometimes even getting to the airport seems a little uncertain. We are often in a place where we don't speak the language and others have to make arrangements for us.Traveling often takes up a great deal of time when we go to conduct international conferences. Just as on this trip, there are many journeys within our journey. Every day, we traveled from one city to another, sometimes several hours apart. I wondered aloud to a ministry partner as to why traveling is so tiring. We are often sitting in a car or a horse drawn carriage or in some countries a train. Why is sitting so tiring?
When I reflect on the fact that I get weary from travel, the circumstances in which our friends we left behind live make me realize that I have it very easy. I am able to make advance arrangements and plan for the trip. Often they don't know how they are going to get somewhere until the last minute. They may have to catch a ride. If one is not available, they may have to ride a bus - a very crowded old bus with no air conditioning, no shock absorbers and not enough seats for every passenger.
Life is very hard for my friends. Transportation, as well as everything else, is very difficult. Some of them walk for miles or ride bicycles for many miles in order to get to the conferences we teach. In every case, I know that they must be weary from their journeys, but they never complain. They smile and say that's just the way it is.
Often we need translators. This time we had a young man who traveled with us. One day I asked him if he had rested well the night before and he said he was rested even though he had only slept two hours. He said the Lord was able to make two hours seem like the eight he really needed. He insisted he had more than enough energy to do the work required for the day.
Jesus could certainly identify with the challenges of travel. When He lived among us, with few exceptions, He walked everywhere. He must have felt the stones on the path through His sandals. He must have had to stop many times and shake out the dust and small rocks. He felt the heat of the day as He traveled. He got tired.
Like my friends, although Jesus got weary from travel, He did not complain. He moved on. He had a job to do.
One particular time, Jesus got weary from His journey and sat down at a well to rest while His disciples went into town to find food. His tiredness led to a divine appointment arranged by His Father. While He was resting, He revealed Himself to a woman at that well - possibly the first woman who met Him face to face and heard Him declare that He was the Messiah.
When His disciples returned with food, they found Him refreshed - not by physical food or by water to drink (although His physical thirst started the conversation with the woman). The woman was more important to Him than His exhaustion or His thirst. The encounter that began because Jesus was so tired He needed to stop and rest led to her salvation and many others in her town.
He had to travel through Samaria...Jesus, worn out from His journey, sat down at the well...A woman of Samaria came to draw water...Then the woman left her water jar, went into town and told the men, "Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?
In the meantime, the disciples kept urging Him to eat. But He said, "I have food to eat that you don't know about...My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to finish His work" (John 4 HCSB).
May 24, 2012
Challenges of Past & Uncertainty of Tomorrow Fuel Actions of Today
I recently became aware of a very courageous young man, Lt. Col. Gregory Gadson. In May 2007, he lost both legs when his vehicle passed a roadside bomb in Baghdad. As he dealt with his injuries, he thought his future looked bleak, but he decided not to give up. His grit and determination landed him in the public eye - with positive results.
Assistant coach Mike Sullivan of the New York Giants invited Lt. Col. Gadson to a game. From his wheelchair, Lt. Col. Gadson delivered a pregame speech to the team. Although the Giants had lost their first two outings that year, they went on to win that game - and the 2008 Superbowl.
Lt. Col. Gadson played the part of a double amputee in the movie Battleship. Not only did he take the challenge, but to the amazement of everyone around him, performed his own stunts.
Lt. Col. Gadson considers his primary role to be that of Director of the Army's Wounded Warrior program, saying, "As a service member, there are a lot of people who have endured what I have, but their paths won't be highlighted. I want to speak up for them. I know we're not promised tomorrow. But there is a road ahead."
Lt. Col. Gadson reminded me of Franklin D. Roosevelt who served as President of the United States from a wheelchair. The limited use of his body did not slow him down nor did it affect his leadership abilities. Certainly mobility adds to enjoyment of life, but it is not life itself. That has been proven daily by many who have limited use or no use of their bodies.
Lt. Col. Gadson is just one of many brave men and women who have fought in our wars and lost their limbs. Others, like him, have demonstrated that their courage was not just in the field of war, but also in the choices they made to continue to live life to the fullest and to contribute to society.
It doesn't take physical mobility to be able to move on in life. It takes determination and a realization that each day is important. Accepting what has happened in the past and knowing that there may be no tomorrow puts a proper perspective on the present. Like Lt. Col. Gadson, it is good to know that we are all traveling on a path of influence.
Other challenges of the past may include cruelty or abuse, a debilitating illness, a tragedy or any other circumstance that severely limits options. Perhaps our own bad choices caused pain and devastation to others as well as ourselves. Sometimes those memories overshadow everything else, even when circumstances have changed for the better.
How we deal with issues - pleasant or unpleasant - is a choice. We can actually get stuck on a point in our own time line - something in the past that stops us from moving on. When that happens, productivity in the present and subsequently in the future will be substantially curtailed. As has been proven by Lt. Col. Gadson and others, however, that does not need to be the case.
My husband says, "We are not promised tomorrow. We are promised eternity." He is so right. God makes it clear that at any moment we could be called upon to face Him. Tomorrow is uncertain. Eternity is promised to those who trust in Jesus.
...you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away...(James 4:14). "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish (John 10:27-28).
Assistant coach Mike Sullivan of the New York Giants invited Lt. Col. Gadson to a game. From his wheelchair, Lt. Col. Gadson delivered a pregame speech to the team. Although the Giants had lost their first two outings that year, they went on to win that game - and the 2008 Superbowl.
Lt. Col. Gadson played the part of a double amputee in the movie Battleship. Not only did he take the challenge, but to the amazement of everyone around him, performed his own stunts.
Lt. Col. Gadson considers his primary role to be that of Director of the Army's Wounded Warrior program, saying, "As a service member, there are a lot of people who have endured what I have, but their paths won't be highlighted. I want to speak up for them. I know we're not promised tomorrow. But there is a road ahead."
Lt. Col. Gadson reminded me of Franklin D. Roosevelt who served as President of the United States from a wheelchair. The limited use of his body did not slow him down nor did it affect his leadership abilities. Certainly mobility adds to enjoyment of life, but it is not life itself. That has been proven daily by many who have limited use or no use of their bodies.
Lt. Col. Gadson is just one of many brave men and women who have fought in our wars and lost their limbs. Others, like him, have demonstrated that their courage was not just in the field of war, but also in the choices they made to continue to live life to the fullest and to contribute to society.
It doesn't take physical mobility to be able to move on in life. It takes determination and a realization that each day is important. Accepting what has happened in the past and knowing that there may be no tomorrow puts a proper perspective on the present. Like Lt. Col. Gadson, it is good to know that we are all traveling on a path of influence.
Other challenges of the past may include cruelty or abuse, a debilitating illness, a tragedy or any other circumstance that severely limits options. Perhaps our own bad choices caused pain and devastation to others as well as ourselves. Sometimes those memories overshadow everything else, even when circumstances have changed for the better.
How we deal with issues - pleasant or unpleasant - is a choice. We can actually get stuck on a point in our own time line - something in the past that stops us from moving on. When that happens, productivity in the present and subsequently in the future will be substantially curtailed. As has been proven by Lt. Col. Gadson and others, however, that does not need to be the case.
My husband says, "We are not promised tomorrow. We are promised eternity." He is so right. God makes it clear that at any moment we could be called upon to face Him. Tomorrow is uncertain. Eternity is promised to those who trust in Jesus.
...you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away...(James 4:14). "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish (John 10:27-28).
May 17, 2012
Politics as Usual
During election years in the United States (or other democratic societies), there are things to be thankful for and others to be grieved about. Living in a country where you are able to choose your leaders is a great privilege. It does give people a voice.
However, the process can be exceedingly painful. What candidates do to each other leading up to the election is sometimes nothing short of character assassination. It appears that nothing is sacred. Often a candidate's campaign staff hunts for something juicy on the opposing candidate and offers the morsel up to the media. It is patently obvious that such a search has taken place when supposed indiscretions reach all the way back to childhood or high school.
The candidate cannot get away from his history, but he also has to be extremely careful about every word he says. So many comments have been taken out of context that "damage control" is a common term used after a candidate has made a speech.
Many times a candidate's approval rating has nothing to do with him, but everything to do with the political party he is associated with. The political party itself has a reputation. In the United States, the Republicans are known as conservatives and the Democrats are known as liberals. Mike Huckabee recently said, "when a Republican changes his mind, he's a flip flopper; when a Democrat does it, he's evolving, and showing courage."
Johnny Carson was the host for the Tonight show for thirty years. Many politicians came and went during his tenure. Johnny Carson did not want to be identified with a political party. He must have been fairly successful at that attempt. A television special on his life indicated that no one could really tell whether Johnny was a Democrat or a Republican because he poked fun at both of the parties and its members equally. Johnny Carson said, "unlike communism, democracy does not mean just having one ineffective political party; it means having two ineffective political parties."
It all comes down to a matter of trust. Seldom can we imagine that a politician is really doing something just because it is the right thing to do. The nature of politics is that people question the motive of the politician. Many times the words they say and the actions they take are so that they can get elected or reelected - politics as usual.
God, on the other hand, is totally trustworthy. He is in control. He says what He means, means what He says and does what He says He will do. Examine His background and His reputation stands true. Love is His motivation behind all His actions.
In fact, even though when I vote, I often am just choosing the lessor of two evils, I don't really have to worry about the damage that politicians do to each other and ultimately to their constituents. The best choice we can make is to elect to trust God, serve Him and pray for those He allows to be in authority for a short time. Ultimately, God is in charge and He will make all things right.
I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity (1 Timothy 2:1-2 NAS).
However, the process can be exceedingly painful. What candidates do to each other leading up to the election is sometimes nothing short of character assassination. It appears that nothing is sacred. Often a candidate's campaign staff hunts for something juicy on the opposing candidate and offers the morsel up to the media. It is patently obvious that such a search has taken place when supposed indiscretions reach all the way back to childhood or high school.
The candidate cannot get away from his history, but he also has to be extremely careful about every word he says. So many comments have been taken out of context that "damage control" is a common term used after a candidate has made a speech.Many times a candidate's approval rating has nothing to do with him, but everything to do with the political party he is associated with. The political party itself has a reputation. In the United States, the Republicans are known as conservatives and the Democrats are known as liberals. Mike Huckabee recently said, "when a Republican changes his mind, he's a flip flopper; when a Democrat does it, he's evolving, and showing courage."
Johnny Carson was the host for the Tonight show for thirty years. Many politicians came and went during his tenure. Johnny Carson did not want to be identified with a political party. He must have been fairly successful at that attempt. A television special on his life indicated that no one could really tell whether Johnny was a Democrat or a Republican because he poked fun at both of the parties and its members equally. Johnny Carson said, "unlike communism, democracy does not mean just having one ineffective political party; it means having two ineffective political parties."
It all comes down to a matter of trust. Seldom can we imagine that a politician is really doing something just because it is the right thing to do. The nature of politics is that people question the motive of the politician. Many times the words they say and the actions they take are so that they can get elected or reelected - politics as usual.
God, on the other hand, is totally trustworthy. He is in control. He says what He means, means what He says and does what He says He will do. Examine His background and His reputation stands true. Love is His motivation behind all His actions.
In fact, even though when I vote, I often am just choosing the lessor of two evils, I don't really have to worry about the damage that politicians do to each other and ultimately to their constituents. The best choice we can make is to elect to trust God, serve Him and pray for those He allows to be in authority for a short time. Ultimately, God is in charge and He will make all things right.
I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity (1 Timothy 2:1-2 NAS).
May 10, 2012
Therapeutic Writing
I enjoy writing. My self-imposed schedule of once a week articles, once a month devotionals, frequently updated Bible studies and always working on a book keeps my mind occupied. If and when adverse circumstances come along, I have discovered that because I have a writing schedule, I can keep thinking positively instead. Not all stress is bad. The tension that comes from having to write something at least once a week is a good thing.
As a result of this writing schedule, I view things a little differently than before. Even something trivial - a stepping stone, sunrise, walking through the woods or poison ivy (not so trivial when you have a reaction to it!) or something more substantive like working with my husband on a project or becoming interested in Chinese New Year because I now have a granddaughter adopted from China - all these are potential subjects for articles.I created a blog in order to interact with others, but the benefits I have received from being faithful in writing it have far exceeded even the potential of what it might do for anyone else. My blog is titled One Focus. It has done just that. It has kept my mind focused on what is really important.The fact that I am constantly thinking about something to write has saved me from other distracting thoughts. Each of us experiences self-talk - talking to ourselves in our minds. What dominates our thoughts eventually comes out in our actions. Choosing to think constructive thoughts will prevent the negative thoughts from crowding in. Or so it has for me.
The beauty of writing a blog is that you can do it from practically anywhere. I travel a great deal, but my laptop is always with me. If I have an idea, I can start on a post even when the internet is not available. In fact, I seldom sit down and post in one sitting. I need to mull it over to make sure I am communicating what I really want to say.
I have come rather late to writing, blogging and maintaining a website. There is always something new to learn about putting your thoughts “out there on the web.” It is a wonderful medium, however, when used to help others.
Whether you share your thoughts with others or keep them to yourself, your thoughts define who you are. You are not the only one engaged in the conversation that goes on in your mind - God is as well.
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect...Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things... for the righteous God tries the hearts and minds (Romans 12:2, Philippians 4:8, Psalm 7:9 NAS).
May 3, 2012
Background Software
Like practically everyone else, my life seems to be contained in my computer. I use it for work, for reading, for socializing, for writing, for shopping - you name it. I have stopped using my heavy dictionaries or encyclopedias. If I need to know something, I can search for it online.
I write a lot of Bible studies and often have a scripture in mind that I want to refer to. The problem is I can't remember exactly where the scripture is located in the Bible - the chapter and verse. I used to use my concordance exclusively for this purpose. Now I often "goggle" the verse.
Tied very closely to my use of information on the internet are the software programs on my laptop. Some programs I have chosen to install. Many of them are just necessary for the operation of my computer. What I am able to accomplish by using my computer are tied to software programs that run in the background. Being technologically challenged, these run in ways that are mysterious to me.
Even when I am unable to log on to the internet, my software programs enable me to keep working. Since I carry my laptop with me practically everywhere, I often even record reminder notes on my computer rather than using pad and pencil. The time saving possibilities are endless.
Since using my computer has become such a normal part of my life, I often forget the background software is there. I just take advantage of it and its functionality.
God created our brains to hold all the data we could possibly use. We load them with all kinds of information - some good, some bad. That "background software" can be useful or harmful, depending on how it is accessed.
Unlike computer software, data stored in our minds cannot be uninstalled. It can surface at any time. Satan can use the information for evil. God can remind us of something for usefulness. It is even possible to forget that we input something that will later be harmful or useful, so good judgment is called for when acquiring any new information.
Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You... Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a just man, and he will increase in learning... Wise people store up knowledge...For as he thinks in his heart, so is he... (Psalm 119:11, Proverbs 9:9, 10:14, 23:7).
I write a lot of Bible studies and often have a scripture in mind that I want to refer to. The problem is I can't remember exactly where the scripture is located in the Bible - the chapter and verse. I used to use my concordance exclusively for this purpose. Now I often "goggle" the verse.
Tied very closely to my use of information on the internet are the software programs on my laptop. Some programs I have chosen to install. Many of them are just necessary for the operation of my computer. What I am able to accomplish by using my computer are tied to software programs that run in the background. Being technologically challenged, these run in ways that are mysterious to me.Even when I am unable to log on to the internet, my software programs enable me to keep working. Since I carry my laptop with me practically everywhere, I often even record reminder notes on my computer rather than using pad and pencil. The time saving possibilities are endless.
Since using my computer has become such a normal part of my life, I often forget the background software is there. I just take advantage of it and its functionality.
God created our brains to hold all the data we could possibly use. We load them with all kinds of information - some good, some bad. That "background software" can be useful or harmful, depending on how it is accessed.
Unlike computer software, data stored in our minds cannot be uninstalled. It can surface at any time. Satan can use the information for evil. God can remind us of something for usefulness. It is even possible to forget that we input something that will later be harmful or useful, so good judgment is called for when acquiring any new information.
Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You... Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a just man, and he will increase in learning... Wise people store up knowledge...For as he thinks in his heart, so is he... (Psalm 119:11, Proverbs 9:9, 10:14, 23:7).
April 26, 2012
Modern Devices and the Loss of Eye to Eye Contact
According to a 2011 New York Times article, there is an interesting trend among young people. If forced to make a choice teenagers would rather have the internet than a car. Staying connected to friends via a smart phone is a priority. "The iPhone is the Ford Mustang of today," according to Thilo Koslowski, an automotive analyst. "Mobile devices, gadgets and the Internet are becoming must-have lifestyle products that convey status."
What this study reveals confirms what I see on the streets. Everywhere I look someone either has their cell phone to their ear or is looking down at it. With their gaze fixed on their IPhone, they are checking social networks or looking for the nearest restaurant.
Recently a news report showed a man who nearly ran into a bear who had wandered into his neighborhood. The man did not see him until he nearly bumped into the bear. He had been texting on his cellphone.
Teenagers have even been caught texting in church - sitting next to each other!
Parents used to say, "Look at me when I am talking to you." With texting, Facebook and smart phone usage so common, this is even harder than it has ever been.
Before smart phones and the internet, people frequently stayed connected through personal visits - made possible by trips in those automobiles which are now rating second place among young people.
Technology has brought incredible advantages that do make our lives easier. I make use of many of them. There is nothing wrong with email, texting or smart phones. I travel a great deal and keep up with family and friends through those means - especially SKYPE which gives me an opportunity to see as well as talk to my grandchildren. However, the trend away from eye to eye contact and face to face conversation makes me uncomfortable.
Certainly there are many ways to communicate. Not all means of communication have to be face to face to be productive. God has used many methods to get His message across to His people - angels, prophets, a burning bush and even a donkey.
There is nothing like eye to eye contact and a personal encounter, however. God chose to meet us face to face through His Son, Jesus Christ. His eye contact was penetrating. So penetrating that people would rather avoid His gaze than be confronted with their own sinful nature. That's what happened to Adam and Eve after they sinned. They hid.
Standing face to face with Jesus not only causes us to confront our own sin, but to realize that His deliberate personal participation in an imperfect world was to redeem those who would believe in Him. Those who have seen Him are never the same.
He is despised and rejected by men, a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief and we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised and we did not esteem Him (Isaiah 53:3). But Peter said, "Man, I do not know what you are talking about." And immediately while he was still speaking, a cock crowed. And the Lord turned and looked at Peter (Luke 22:60-61).
What this study reveals confirms what I see on the streets. Everywhere I look someone either has their cell phone to their ear or is looking down at it. With their gaze fixed on their IPhone, they are checking social networks or looking for the nearest restaurant.Recently a news report showed a man who nearly ran into a bear who had wandered into his neighborhood. The man did not see him until he nearly bumped into the bear. He had been texting on his cellphone.
Teenagers have even been caught texting in church - sitting next to each other!
Parents used to say, "Look at me when I am talking to you." With texting, Facebook and smart phone usage so common, this is even harder than it has ever been.
Before smart phones and the internet, people frequently stayed connected through personal visits - made possible by trips in those automobiles which are now rating second place among young people.
Technology has brought incredible advantages that do make our lives easier. I make use of many of them. There is nothing wrong with email, texting or smart phones. I travel a great deal and keep up with family and friends through those means - especially SKYPE which gives me an opportunity to see as well as talk to my grandchildren. However, the trend away from eye to eye contact and face to face conversation makes me uncomfortable.
Certainly there are many ways to communicate. Not all means of communication have to be face to face to be productive. God has used many methods to get His message across to His people - angels, prophets, a burning bush and even a donkey.
There is nothing like eye to eye contact and a personal encounter, however. God chose to meet us face to face through His Son, Jesus Christ. His eye contact was penetrating. So penetrating that people would rather avoid His gaze than be confronted with their own sinful nature. That's what happened to Adam and Eve after they sinned. They hid.
Standing face to face with Jesus not only causes us to confront our own sin, but to realize that His deliberate personal participation in an imperfect world was to redeem those who would believe in Him. Those who have seen Him are never the same.
He is despised and rejected by men, a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief and we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised and we did not esteem Him (Isaiah 53:3). But Peter said, "Man, I do not know what you are talking about." And immediately while he was still speaking, a cock crowed. And the Lord turned and looked at Peter (Luke 22:60-61).
April 19, 2012
Marriage Partnerships
I am one of those lucky wives. My husband is the original handyman. He can fix just about anything and with a little self-education, he can build most anything he needs. Over the years he has saved us countless dollars because he is a do-it-yourselfer.
We have a pretty good arrangement. I do what I can do. He does everything else - which is by far the larger part. When he asks for my help on a project, I know it is not because he needs me. In fact, he says, "Just do your best and don't worry about it if you mess up a little." Actually, I mess up a lot but I am happy to work alongside him. I may not be much of a help, but I am very touched that he wants me to be there with him. The fact that he enjoys my company means more than anything.
I often think if I go first, he will have very little adjustment. If he goes first - well, not only will I miss him terribly - but I will have to hire plumbers, electricians, auto mechanics, call for outside tech support and much, much more. As I said, I am one of the lucky ones.
My husband is also a great gift giver. He often surprises me with something I never expected. He does things for me and gives things to me not because he has to. He wants to. Some things he does for me are fairly easy for him, like helping me with the dishes. Other things may require a sacrifice on his part. He may purchase something for me that prevents him from having something he wanted. In each case, whether easy or sacrificial, what he does is an expression of love.
Our marriage is a partnership - albeit a little lopsided.
Jesus relates to His followers in a variety of ways. As our Savior, He redeems us. As the Bread of Life, He supplies our needs. As the Light of the World, He brings us out of darkness. As our Shepherd, He guides us. As our Rock, He gives us strength. As our Foundation, He gives us stability. As our Advocate, He intercedes on our behalf. As the Truth, He brings integrity and clarity to life. As the Word of God, He speaks to us. As the True Vine, He gives us the ability to bear fruit.
One of the incredible revelations about our relationship with Jesus is that He relates to us as our bridegroom. He calls the redeemed His bride. He is planning an incredible wedding feast for us - the likes of which cannot even be imagined.
Jesus asks for our participation in His work - not because He needs it, but because He wants it. I sometimes think I hear Him saying, "Just do your best. Don't worry. I'll take care of the results."
He is the ultimate gift giver. Many gifts that He gives are easy for Him. Others cost him the ultimate sacrifice. In every case, what He does is an expression of the love of a bridegroom for His bride.
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word..."Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready." And it was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen, bright and clean, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints (Ephesians 5:25-26, Revelation 19:7-8 NAS).
We have a pretty good arrangement. I do what I can do. He does everything else - which is by far the larger part. When he asks for my help on a project, I know it is not because he needs me. In fact, he says, "Just do your best and don't worry about it if you mess up a little." Actually, I mess up a lot but I am happy to work alongside him. I may not be much of a help, but I am very touched that he wants me to be there with him. The fact that he enjoys my company means more than anything. I often think if I go first, he will have very little adjustment. If he goes first - well, not only will I miss him terribly - but I will have to hire plumbers, electricians, auto mechanics, call for outside tech support and much, much more. As I said, I am one of the lucky ones.
My husband is also a great gift giver. He often surprises me with something I never expected. He does things for me and gives things to me not because he has to. He wants to. Some things he does for me are fairly easy for him, like helping me with the dishes. Other things may require a sacrifice on his part. He may purchase something for me that prevents him from having something he wanted. In each case, whether easy or sacrificial, what he does is an expression of love.
Our marriage is a partnership - albeit a little lopsided.
Jesus relates to His followers in a variety of ways. As our Savior, He redeems us. As the Bread of Life, He supplies our needs. As the Light of the World, He brings us out of darkness. As our Shepherd, He guides us. As our Rock, He gives us strength. As our Foundation, He gives us stability. As our Advocate, He intercedes on our behalf. As the Truth, He brings integrity and clarity to life. As the Word of God, He speaks to us. As the True Vine, He gives us the ability to bear fruit.
One of the incredible revelations about our relationship with Jesus is that He relates to us as our bridegroom. He calls the redeemed His bride. He is planning an incredible wedding feast for us - the likes of which cannot even be imagined.
Jesus asks for our participation in His work - not because He needs it, but because He wants it. I sometimes think I hear Him saying, "Just do your best. Don't worry. I'll take care of the results."
He is the ultimate gift giver. Many gifts that He gives are easy for Him. Others cost him the ultimate sacrifice. In every case, what He does is an expression of the love of a bridegroom for His bride.
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word..."Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready." And it was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen, bright and clean, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints (Ephesians 5:25-26, Revelation 19:7-8 NAS).
April 12, 2012
Blinders and Staying on the Path
I travel a lot. Occasionally I am in a country where horses and buggies or carts are still being used. In such cases, I notice the horses always have blinders on. That is obviously to prevent them from being distracted and veering off the path the owner has chosen for them. It seems to work. The horses appear calm and relaxed both while walking and while waiting for further instructions.I guess if all you can see is straight ahead of you, then that's where you want to go. The horses have to trust their owners to keep them on a path with sure footing. Having blinders on lessens the possibility for the horse getting spooked. The blinders are most often used in public places where the horses could easily be scared by what is going around them.
The blinders also prevent the horse from being confused. There may be several different choices - more than one path - in front of them. In order for the horse to know where the owner wants to go, he needs to see the path intended for him. The blinders are for the protection of the horse as well as direction of the owner.
Ordinarily, when you hear someone talk about a person having blinders on, it is meant in a negative sense. It usually means that someone does not recognize what is going on around him. He may refuse to accept what is happening. The origin of this idiom comes from the very thing I have observed in my travels - blinders on horses.
However, there is another way to think about blinders. If you are to intentionally stay focused on the path God has assigned for you, having blinders on can be a good thing.
Most of the horses wearing blinders have probably learned to trust that their owners will lead them down a good road and know that they will eventually settle in at night with nourishment and a place to sleep. As Christians, we may not need blinders, but the distractions of the world and our own desires can easily trip us up or lead us down the wrong path. We do need God to steer us in the right direction. We can totally trust Him to do so.
Let your eyes look straight ahead, and your eyelids look right before you. Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established. Do not turn to the right or to the left; remove your foot from evil (Proverbs 4:25-27).
April 5, 2012
The Rhythm of a Writing Style
Writing styles have certainly changed over time. Recently I reread the original Robinson Crusoe. I was shocked at how hard it was for me to get into the rhythm of Daniel DeFoe's writing style. It was a bit like reading a legato book in a staccato world. Many of his sentences are longer than my paragraphs!
I have several books on writing in my library. Write Tight: Say Exactly What You Mean with Precision and Power by William Brohaugh was highly recommended. I have found it to be quite useful.
Attention span is not what it used to be. In cultures where television is prevalent, people have become accustomed to finishing an entire story in thirty minutes. With the advance of technological devices such as laptops, IPads, IPhones etc., instantaneous information is the norm. I know few people who have patience for a slow internet connection. Practically everyone feels any price they have to pay for a fast connection is worth it.
The popularity of Twitter confirms this trend. 140 characters is enough to get your point across. Blogs longer than five hundred words are seldom read all the way through. Surveys indicate most people scan all online material instead of reading articles word for word.
In writing fiction, rambling dialogue is discouraged. Leave out cliches. Nonfiction writers are especially encouraged to write tight. You seldom need a "the" or a "that." Say what you mean. Mean what you say. Say it concisely or don't say it at all!
Writing styles also differ in translations of the Bible. I try to sample all translations and paraphrases. It occurs to me that I don't have a problem with lengthy sentence translations (such as the King James or New King James). I suppose it is because, unlike novels like Robinson Crusoe, I read from these versions frequently.
Some people stick with one translation and swear that it is the only accurate translation there is. Funny thing, they seem to forget the original manuscripts were written in Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek. I only know one person who routinely reads from a Hebrew Bible. The rest of us have to rely on the translators to get the message across.
I am grateful for those scholars who have given us various translations and even paraphrases. Occasionally I catch something in the NIV or NAS I missed in the NKJ. I sometimes enjoy a paraphrase in my devotional reading. For deep study, the multiple word equivalents to Hebrew and Greek words in the Amplified Bible prove to be very beneficial. With all the difficulties that occur with translating one language to another, God's message comes through loud and clear to those who want to know Him.
All Scripture is inspired by God, and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 2:16-17).
I have several books on writing in my library. Write Tight: Say Exactly What You Mean with Precision and Power by William Brohaugh was highly recommended. I have found it to be quite useful.
Attention span is not what it used to be. In cultures where television is prevalent, people have become accustomed to finishing an entire story in thirty minutes. With the advance of technological devices such as laptops, IPads, IPhones etc., instantaneous information is the norm. I know few people who have patience for a slow internet connection. Practically everyone feels any price they have to pay for a fast connection is worth it.
The popularity of Twitter confirms this trend. 140 characters is enough to get your point across. Blogs longer than five hundred words are seldom read all the way through. Surveys indicate most people scan all online material instead of reading articles word for word.
In writing fiction, rambling dialogue is discouraged. Leave out cliches. Nonfiction writers are especially encouraged to write tight. You seldom need a "the" or a "that." Say what you mean. Mean what you say. Say it concisely or don't say it at all!
Writing styles also differ in translations of the Bible. I try to sample all translations and paraphrases. It occurs to me that I don't have a problem with lengthy sentence translations (such as the King James or New King James). I suppose it is because, unlike novels like Robinson Crusoe, I read from these versions frequently.
Some people stick with one translation and swear that it is the only accurate translation there is. Funny thing, they seem to forget the original manuscripts were written in Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek. I only know one person who routinely reads from a Hebrew Bible. The rest of us have to rely on the translators to get the message across.
I am grateful for those scholars who have given us various translations and even paraphrases. Occasionally I catch something in the NIV or NAS I missed in the NKJ. I sometimes enjoy a paraphrase in my devotional reading. For deep study, the multiple word equivalents to Hebrew and Greek words in the Amplified Bible prove to be very beneficial. With all the difficulties that occur with translating one language to another, God's message comes through loud and clear to those who want to know Him.All Scripture is inspired by God, and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 2:16-17).
