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The summer issue of Daughters of Promise; filled with inspiring articles and beautiful photography. Features the new column, "Women in the Trenches", which tells the story of ordinary women living with great impact.
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daughters OFpromise
JULY&AUGUST2014
LIVINGA POURED OUT LIFE
page 54
YOUR KINGDOM COME the sacred calling of motherhood
page 26
Shamblesovercoming shame
page 8
Celebrationremembering God’s mighty acts
page 12
NEW!WOMEN IN THE
TRENCHES
ordinary women
living courageously
PAGE 50
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Thank you!
YOUR SUPPORT KEEPS US GOING.
Copyright © 2014, Daughters of Promise. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This magazine contains material protected under International and Federal Copyright Laws and Treaties. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without express written permission from Rachel Schrock or Daughters of Promise.
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Daughters of Promise is available in printed and digital form.
Currently, we offer free digital copies of the magazine, available
in high-quality PDF format. Visit the website to subscribe.
DOP magazine is also newly available in printed form. 1-year
subscriptions are available for $35. You may subscribe by several means:
1. Tear out the subscription form found in the back of this issue, complete, and mail in with payment.
2. Visit the DOP website and follow the appropriate links to subscribe by mail [using a check] or online [using Paypal].
Individual copies may be purchased for $8 each.
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{open}2 Contact Information 6 Contributors7 A Word from Rae
daughters of Godpursuing deeper intimacy with the Father
8 Shambles12 Celebration: Remembering God’s Mighty Acts18 Who is Jesus?
relationship exchangecultivating the sacred gift of friendship
26 Your Kingdom Come34 Justin & Ann’s Love Story, Part II40 Partnering to Develop
life & stylevirtue in everyday living
48 Flavored Water Recipes49 Tips for Healthy Living
legacy & impactlearning & living God’s heart for the world
50 NEW! Women in the Trenches54 Living a Poured out Life58 mINistryFOCUS: Choix, Mexico
white spacescreating rest, balance, & room to breathe
62 Summer Poetry
{close} 26
inthisissueJULY&AUGUST2014
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44 everest
48 square
53 quotes
60 team recommendsextra
s!
8
1840
44
12
54inthisissue
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Chief EditorRae Schrock
Assistant EditorTina Newson
Staff WritersMarlene Stoltzfus
Brittany Shult
Samantha Trenkamp
ColumnistsLuci Miller
Guest WritersAndrew Ranck
Justin & Ann Kanagy
Joyce Mummau
Maribeth Herr
MarJanita Geigley
Melissa Troyer
Staff PhotographerCarmie Sanchez
Guest PhotographersJessica Burdge
Emily Lapp
Gretta Coates
Creative DesignRae Schrock
Cover Photo by Gretta Coates
Introd
uctio
ns
BEHIND THE
CAMERAmeet this issue’s guest
photographers
Jessica Burdge
“I am a natural light photographer based in Washington Dc. I shoot mostly weddings and families. I love spring rain,
honesty, old quilts, and quaint cafes. I enjoy traveling,
exploring fabulous places and meeting new people.”
Emily Lapp“I am a follower of Jesus Christ and have purposed to
follow Him wherever He leads. He has given me the passion to create and capture the beauty
around me whether its in photography, painting, interior design or giving
a sad piece of furniture a face-lift. I especially enjoy capturing the beauty in people. Nothing created is more amazing then a person, someone created in the image of God. It’s very important to me to capture a person’s personality and style. I love to hang out with my family and friends, drink
coffee, chill in coffee shops and time in solitude. I love to revel in
the small moments throughout the day and notice the amazing detail of
the world around me. Check out my website: mphotographyii.zenfolio.com
and Facebook page: M-photography.”
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To the faithful readers of DOP,
I sit at my computer, putting the final touches on this issue and feel again a deep gratitude for all that has transpired to make it possible. A great deal of work is required to compile, edit, and publish each issue, and I would not be able to do it alone. This issue involved more guest contributors than any prior issue, making me deeply indebted. To those who gave so willingly of their time and creativity, THANK YOU!
This issue we welcome Luci Miller, a blogger, author, and now DOP columnist! She has graciously committed to a year of writing, and I think you will find her words life-giving. Her column, “Women in the Trenches” tells the stories of ordinary women who are leading courageous lives and making a significant impact, even through the challenging, mundane, and unique challenges they face.
It is a busy summer so far. So busy that I feel the margins are pushing to the edge of proverbial
Welcome Luci!Luci Miller has joined the DOP team as a writer for the
new column, Women in the Trenches. Welcome!
a word from Rae
paper. There is so much to do; so many good things to be involved in! How do we determine when to say ‘yes’ and when to say ‘no’? I am not sure there is a formula to follow, but I do know this: it is ok to ask for help! In the season of vacations, gardening, travels, and short-term mission projects, let’s come together even more as sisters and bolster each other up. It is humbling to ask for help, but fulfilling to be a part of something that is bigger than ourselves. I am inspired by Moses, who obeyed the Lord and held up his hands on behalf of Israel in battle. How beautiful his obedience! Even more beautiful is the picture of Aaron and Hur standing beside and holding up Moses’ hands when they grew weary. Everyone has a part to play -- whether it’s engaging actively in the “battle”, interceding on others’ behalf, or holding up the hands of those who are interceding. This summer, join a team of sisters working toward a common goal. Together, we can make a difference!
I hope that this issue of Daughters of Promise will arm you with courage for whatever God is calling you to right now!
Rae
-8-By Samantha TrenkampPhotography by Rae Schrock
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Shamblesovercoming shameI love old decrepit houses. They are so full of history and nostalgia; yet people often just leave them to waste away, and only the most beggarly would abide under such roofs. We look at these places and think, “What a shame!” But you know, if someone had taken the time long ago, there would still be life within those walls. Not too long ago I had to face up to the fact that I had made an utter fool of myself over a two and half year period. I chased after things that were never meant to be mine and it wasn’t a private thing either. I had to confront those closest to me with this painful misguidance. Though her response may sound harsh, the greatest comfort came from my mom.I told her “I feel like such a fool!” “Well,” she said “that’s just life; and sometimes we will make a fool of our self.” That was exactly what I needed to hear! I was encouraged to know that millions of other people have made ridiculous mistakes, have also made fools of themselves, and have had to bear the shame.
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But life goes on.
Yeah, I may have tripped and fallen flat, but I don’t have to stay that way! Satan wants us to stay in the mire. At every opportunity he will strive to remind us of all the blunders we have made. Or maybe you are carrying the burden of another kind? Maybe the shame you feel doomed to live with is the result of others. The sense of shame that comes from having been used and abused, mishandled and cast aside. You didn’t fall in the mud, you were thrown there. Whether self-inflicted, or imposed upon, even if we’ve been covered in the mud stains of shame and feel battered and bruised, we can make a choice. We have two options. We can stay stretched out on the ground with our hands over our head, afraid to face the world again, wallowing in self-pity ; or we can determine to not let the shame of our fall take away the glory that God desires to have through our lives in Christ Jesus. We can choose to not allow the enemy to snatch away the desire to live our lives fully. Having been made in the image of God we represent to the world just what He looks like. If we are always full of sorrow and shame, then that is the image the world will register. Who wants to commit to a life like that?! The world has enough trouble of its own. We are to be the Light of the world! We are supposed to bear the fruit of the Spirit as we live out days of joy and love and kindness and peace. But how do we gain the courage to get back up again? To go back and start repairing those crumbled walls? To rise up and see glory in the midst of the shame?
A man’s spirit will endure sickness, but a crushed spirit - who
can bear it? -Proverbs 18:14
If every inventor had given in to the destructive feelings of shame nothing would have ever gotten off the ground. Inventors endure many failures, many embarrassing endeavors, before something of worth is produced. They face rejection, criticism, and mocking; but they keep at it because they know it will be worth it in the end. Bearing shame is no different than any other trial we face as we grow into the stature of Christ. Just as anger, temptation, pride, etc. can all become the things that destroy us from the inside out, through surrender we can turn our failures to God and He can turn those things around. Only He can bring grace, glory, life and peace to our hearts. God always has a flip side to a situation. Shame can also be a blessing in disguise; It can cause our hearts to be stirred to realize a greater need of the Holy Spirit within us. We feel shame because of sin in our lives and so we seek Him. We feel shame because of things that have happened to us, through no fault of our own, and so we must go to the Lord for healing and affirmation. The ugly becomes beautiful, the wound gives way to health, the shame gives birth to life lived in sweet abandon to a loving Father. Shame can become yet another tool to teach us to lean hard. This process is not something we can just determine to do. We must give it all to the Lord and trust Him to “make everything new”. We don’t have to live with shame. Pray for courage to put your hand in His, to take the journey up those rickety steps, back through that lop-sided doorway, and work your way with Him through each of those rooms that are all paint peeled and caving in. Waste no more time in letting the rain seep in, damaging more and more of the foundation. Get in there and start remodeling! Rebuild the old waste places on the firm cornerstone of our Savior. Start rebuilding the beauty of who you are created to be. There is no shame in that.
Shame can become yet another tool to teach us to lean hard.
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The ugly becomes beautiful, the
wound gives way to health, the shame gives birth to life
lived in sweet abandon to a loving
Father.
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CelebrationREMEMBERING GOD’S mighty acts
by Rae SchrockPhotography by Jessica Burdge
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Celebrate: to praise widely; proclaim; make known publicly.
THE ESSENCE OF LIFE IS JOY. The challenge of joy is consistency. And in spite of a deluge of emphasis given to “celebrating life”, we don’t always. We long to. Every woman’s heart craves the rest, passion, and energy of authentic celebration. But life is hard, the deadlines descend; plans rearrange; relationships shake. Our joy is easily plundered.
In retaliation, “celebration” has come in vogue. One of the buzz-words making its way around Christian communities, the concept of “celebration” too often gets represented as the handyman guaranteed to renovate our run-down, beat up hearts. We all want to feel happy, like life is a party. But I do not believe this is the goal God had in mind when He told us to “Rejoice evermore”! Celebration is more than a good time; it is worship inspired by recognition of God’s mighty acts.
A heart of celebration is a joyous thing. We get pretty creative in the quest for it. Yet making lists of gifts is not enough. Bigger, more Pinterest-y parties won’t help. Willing ourselves to smile through suffering doesn’t
IF THE SIGHT OF THE blue skies FILLS YOU WITH joy, IF A blade of grass
springing UP IN THE FIELDS HAS POWER TO MOVE YOU, IF THE simple things OF NATURE HAVE A MESSAGE THAT YOU understand, REJOICE, FOR
YOUR SOUL IS alive. – ELEONORA DUSE
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cut it. Filling our lives with things that make us feel better is insufficient and damaging. Celebration isn’t something we tug on like a coat, but something that is conceived and produced from within! It is more the fruit than the seed. Without its origins being the Holy Spirit, our attempts to “celebrate life” will be shallow and unsustainable. They will be rooted in a desire to feel good, and not in obedience to the Lord or praise of His goodness.
In the past few years I have had a lot of fitting sessions with garments of praise. After a lot of really discouraging and clumsy results, I began to rethink my definition of celebration. What, after all, is it? What is its purpose? What does authentic celebration look like for a believing woman? The answers I am finding have been refreshing and liberating. Truly, celebration is not a cumbersome burden, but a soul-freeing exercise.
Exercise. Yes, I said it! Celebration is an exercise. Sit back and think about that for a minute.
Let me say it another way: celebration is a spiritual discipline, as legitimate and important as the disciplines of prayer, fasting, or confession.
For some of you, this is not a new concept. For others, it is something we never considered before.
In a society where celebration is primarily linked to feel-good experiences, orienting to it as a spiritual discipline might take some time. Of all the acts counted as spiritual disciplines, that of celebration seems most out of place. Why? Probably because we tend to think of “spiritual disciplines” as a form of punishment or restriction. We might view them as stifling, dreary, or boring. In truth, “spiritual disciplines” simply refer to areas we intentionally surrender to God in a disciplined, committed manner. There is great freedom in cultivating these habits. Our God is one of order, structure and cohesion as much as He is of diversity, beauty, and multi-dimensionality.
My own thinking has radically shifted as I realize that a heart of celebration doesn’t just happen. It must be practiced. Celebration is not a transient emotion to seize whenever it randomly comes along, but rather
CELEBRATION IS NOT A transient emotion FELT
AT RANDOM, BUT AN inner state of joy EXPERIENCED BY
INTENTIONALLY TURNING THE SOUL TO PRAISE.
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an inner state of joy experienced by intentionally turning the soul to praise. Doing so takes diligence and surrender. As we all know, life is heavy with pain and sparing with overt joy. It takes practice to train our eyes to see beyond and into the goodness of God.
Sometimes, celebrating life doesn’t take much effort. The big events like weddings, new babies, birthdays, and graduations catch our attention and our hearts turn spontaneously to joy. It is important to recognize these events and to celebrate them jubilantly.
But what about the times in between – when life is characterized by stay-at-home-mommy duties; financial strain; an argument with the spouse; or a long, tiring season of waiting? In these times, our hearts involuntarily close to joy, like muscles cramping from too much exercise. In truth, there are more moments in which we naturally feel joy-empty, than joy-full. What then?
The ancient command still stands: rejoice always.
Obedience has the miraculous ability to produce what we naturally cannot. Again, an uncomfortable word, obedience. If you’re like me, you get a little anxious at the idea. We want our joy to flow naturally, not squeezed out like a too-empty tube of toothpaste. Does ‘rejoice evermore’ mean smiling and chatting happily when we don’t feel like it?
This is not what God calls us to. Obedience does not mean straining and wrenching to pull on celebration like a too-small shirt. This is shallow and unsustainable. Instead, He is beckoning us to step into the presence of the One who clothes us with righteousness and crowns us with glory. In this place, we glimpse His majesty and are moved to worship. Celebration.
Let me say it another way: the discipline of celebration is not wrenching out of the garments of despair, but the practice of stepping into the presence of Christ. We can never talk our hearts into feeling happy. True celebration comes, instead, by connecting with a much deeper reality.
This is where it gets exciting.
Stop with me for a moment to think about the purpose of celebration. Why do we throw engagement parties? Snap photos of dew-drenched clover? Cry at the sound of our baby’s first lusty wail? We are recognizing God’s mighty acts! Look again at the definition of the word celebrate: to praise widely; proclaim; make known publicly. Recognition of God’s mighty acts is the seed that produces a response of celebration! When we are moved by beauty, we are moved to praise widely, to proclaim God’s power, to make known publicly His greatness!
This is it, sisters! Celebration is really commemoration. It is about turning our eyes to Jesus in recognition of His goodness. As we embrace the gifts He gives, large and small, our hearts beat with worship and
Recognition OF GOD’S MIGHTY ACTS IS THE SEED THAT PRODUCES THE FRUIT OF celebration!
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celebration takes place.
How beautiful! I cannot express the relief that washed over me when I first understood this concept. It took all of the burden out of pursuing a heart of joy. Instead of feeling that I must just muscle through difficulties with a smile or a party, I understand that joy grows from an awareness of God’s goodness. As I glimpse His majesty, my heart swells with awe, and I yearn to proclaim His goodness; to give back my worship in response to what He has done. Recognition is the seed, and celebration is the fruit.
The discipline of celebration is the discipline of recognition. We must practice, regularly, an awareness of God’s presence in our lives. It is what brings joy, even in the times of darkness or discouragement. Regardless of the circumstance, our trained eyes can look past and into the multitude of small things God sends as tokens of His love: the smell of a child’s freshly washed hair; ripening red tomatoes in the garden; a lingering look of understanding shared with a lover; memories of God’s past provision.
Memorials are an important part of celebration. God stressed them over and over to the Israelites, instructing them to collect remnants of manna, build altars, stack boulders, and name wells following major events of Israel’s journey (Exodus 16:32,33; Esther 9; Exodus 12:14; Joshua 4:1-3). What was the purpose? To create tangible reminders of His goodness!
Erecting memorials for ongoing celebration of God’s mighty acts is an important part of our lives as well. Imagine a lifetime without commemoration of the good things—how empty and gloomy; like an empty strand of string. Every time we tangibly recognize God’s goodness, we thread a bead of remembrance on the strand of time. Memorials give us something to return to, over and over; to finger and handle and taste all over again that the Lord is good.
There are many ways to erect monuments. Some are obvious – like birthday parties or marriage ceremonies. Last weekend I had the privilege of participating in a motorcycle memorial ride in memory of two godly men who passed away suddenly several years ago. We visited the accident sites and mourned their deaths, but rejoiced in their lives. Memorials are precious.
One of my favorite ways to celebrate and memorize God’s goodness is through photography. Last week I took a long walk to clear my head at the end of “one of those days.” As I walked, I thought about “rejoicing always” and didn’t feel at all like it. But I decided to practice what I preach and to practice the discipline of celebration. I lifted up my camera and started to focus on things of beauty. There were many: blush pink roses climbing wild all over the trees along the trail. Fragrant, yellow honeysuckle. The auburn metal of an electricity tower leaning against a grey sky. Capturing beauty within my lens freed my soul. The troubles of the day didn’t magically resolve. There was no other-worldly euphoria. But things became
JOY GROWS FROM ANawareness of God’s goodness.
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clearer—especially the goodness of God, and the awareness that He loves to delight me through small gifts like these. My heart came to rest.
Do the “memorials of celebration” have to be obvious? No. You may not have the emotional energy or physical resources to throw a big party in honor of a special event. This is ok. The point of celebration is remebrance of what God has done, and to worship Him in response. Our celebrations don’t have to be accompanied by fireworks in order to be legitimate.
In fact, our most intimate celebrations may take place in secret, standing solo at the top of a field, arms outstretched toward the chest-tightening glory of a summer sunset. They may occur in the quiet, wee hours of the morning, tenderly rocking a restless babe. Even in the quiet moments, where there is no fanfare or audience or party hats, our hearts become keenly aware of the goodness of God. We celebrate with joy, and the notion presses in, a memorial of His love etched upon our world-worn souls. True celebration is not contingent on having just the right atmosphere, people, or ornamentation, but in glimpsing God’s power and being moved to worship.
Authentic celebration is not random, but consistent in response to an awareness of God’s goodness. Looking beyond present difficulties is not easy. It was never promised to be. What is promised, however, is “I will never leave you, or forsake you.” Our joy comes, not from pleasing circumstances, but the conviction that God is good and we are loved.
Life’s significant events -- the positive and the traumatic ones -- are really monuments of grace. It takes discipline to look first, for God in them. How might life change if we lived celebrating the moments; every one a gift from God? Every one an opportunity to see Him and to remember how good He is? What if we commemorated life, moment by moment, with celebration and praise? How might we see God differently?
As we practice celebration of all things, great and small, a little piece of heaven comes down. For a moment, there is only pure joy, the fragrance of intimacy, an encapsulated moment that will forever stand as a monument of His goodness; a bead of remembrance on the strand of time.
I pray that, as you practice the act of remembrance today, you will dance – maybe a salsa, or maybe a waltz – in the goodness of God. Don’t wait for the big events like birthdays and weddings to break loose and celebrate joyfully. Look around today – at the small gifts bestowed by heaven’s hand. They are tokens of the Father’s love. If the day seems black, then look back – find the glimmer of light from the memorials you have erected through celebrations past. In remembering God’s mighty acts, our hearts rejoice and we are empowered to enjoy life more deeply. |JOY GROWS FROM ANawareness of God’s goodness.
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Who is
JESUS?
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JESUS?
by MarJanita GeigleyPhotography by Emily Lapp
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Sacrifice
“WHO IS JESUS?” we ask the little girl as she clutches her teddy bear and slides into the social worker’s car.
She looks at us with big eyes as she replies, “He is a Daddy who never leaves me or hurts me.”
“Who is Jesus?” we ask the woman as she sits in the rocking chair.
Her shaky hands put down her knitting, and her laugh rings as silver as the color of her hair. “Why, He is my Beloved. He loves me when I am lonely.”
“Who is Jesus?” we ask the beaten young woman as we gaze at her through the bars.
She closes her eyes and whispers, “He is a Deliverer from evil and Strength in my weakness.”
“Who is Jesus?” we ask you. There is no way to avoid the question. Jesus has been a topic of conversation, ground for debate, and spark of discussion for over two-thousand years. Jesus is one of the key points that separate Christianity from other religions. What is it about Jesus that makes Him so unlike anyone this world has ever known? Why is He mentioned over nine-hundred times in the Bible? What is it about this name that people are and were willing to suffer rejection from family and friends, journey into dangerous parts of the world, give their lives at the stake, and endure torture, starvation, and imprisonment?
We have heard Him preached in sermons, taught in sunday-school lessons, and sung in hymns. We can recite the story- Jesus is the Son of God who came to earth as a baby, was crucified, rose from the grave after three days, ascended into Heaven, and is coming back at the end of the world to judge the saved and unsaved. We may even be apologetic professionals and know all the proofs that support Jesus- things like early and accurate manuscripts, fluent and extensive Gospels, fulfilled prophecies, eyewitnesses, an empty tomb, followers willing to suffer martyrdom....
Simple, right? Isn’t that all we need to know? No! We need to REALLY understand Who Jesus Is because that is what makes the dramatic difference in how and why we live our lives. Jesus is a fascinating combination of Deity and Humanity who longs to be in a personal relationship with us.
From the beginning of time, we have record of Jesus (Genesis 1:26). Jesus was there the entire time, because He was the Son of God. He was living in full majestic power and glory, and things were going well at the beginning of the earth’s birth. The Deity had created the perfect
A LOOK AT THE LIFE AND LOVE OF OUR SAVIOR, AND WHAT JESUS’ INTERMINGLED DEITY AND HUMANITY MEANS FOR WOMEN TODAY.
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Sacrifice
masterpiece. There was not a flaw of pain, hurt, abuse, hate, or sin to be found---- but then, the human race changed all of that.
Imagine spending long hours sewing a new shirt for Johnny to wear for his birthday party at Grandma and Grandpa’s. Saturday morning, as you help him button up the shirt, you warn him not to get dirty because there will be consequences. Later, you find Johnny hiding in the corner of the barn. His new shirt is torn and smeared where he had attempted to clean off mud with a rag. He hangs his head and cries, “Mommy, I’m sorry. I didn’t know I would get dirty while I was playing.” You shake your head; he would have to suffer the consequences. But yet, amidst your anger, you feel such love for your little boy, love that prompts you to give him another chance. You put Johnny to work at some extra chores and sit down at the sewing machine once again. Your eyes are tired, and your fingers hurt; but you get another new shirt made. Johnny gets the chores done in enough time to go to the party, but you are left at home. You missed the party in his place, because the extra time spent sewing meant the bread for Sunday’s potluck was still not baked.
That is what Jesus did, but to a much greater degree! He saw the hopeless state of eternal death and misery that sin had put us in and chose to take our punishment. Mankind waited for this prophesied Messiah to set them free, but they could not fathom the degree of His love. They expected to see Him in His full Divinity because He was a King (Is. 33:22), Redeemer (Job 19:25), Emmanuel (Is. 7:14), and Prince of Peace (Is. 9:6).
They waited; but they missed Jesus’ arrival, because the Galaxy-Spinner and Star-Twirler had traded Heaven for earth. He had left power, glory, and beautiful harmony for a decaying planet, reeking of hate and sin. The angels must have gasped in disbelief. Kings do not walk with publicans and sinners. Kings are addressed by “Your Majesty “, not simply as a Child (Luke 2:43), Carpenter (Mark 6:3), Prophet (Mark 8:28), and Teacher (Math. 19:16).
Jesus was human, but He was still divine. However, that does not mean that He was lifted above the struggles and pains of humanity. He was flesh; He felt the same joys, pains, fears, and even temptations that we feel (Hebrews 2:18). He came as a baby, grew up as a child, and experienced the adolescent years. He was subject to His parents and honored His elders. Jesus had to wait thirty years until it was His time to fulfill his mission. However, He did not simply wait; He worked, served, and learned during that time.
Jesus was a complete stranger without a home, support, church, or family to fall back upon for refreshment and support (Luke 9:58). Even the circle of friends He did have were not there when He truly needed them, and one “faithful follower” betrayed Him for a few pieces of silver.
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SurrenderJesus fully knew what He would have to suffer. Do you wonder if He ever lay awake at night, tossing and turning as He realized that each day only brought Him closer to His execution? In His final hours, Christ pleaded with God to work out another plan, but there was no other way. Jesus wanted someone to be there with Him; but everyone was too tired, too scared, or too ashamed. “…Then all the disciples forsook Him, and fled” (Math. 26:56b KJV). The Lord was arrested like a criminal and faced trial. He was scourged and marred beyond recognition. He had only done good and helped people, yet a murderer was chosen for release over Him. The very people He was dying for screamed, “Crucify him!” The soldiers drove spikes through His wrists and feet. He was mocked and spit upon, and the weight of the world’s sin came down upon Him. The Lamb, a perfect sacrifice, had taken on humanity’s soiled garments and was dying alone.
We think Jesus was a superhero whose powers kept Him aloof from the full pain of betrayal, mockery, torture, and loneliness; but although divine, He was also human. He felt every curse, every hammer’s blow, and every whip’s lash.
Then Jesus died, but it was not over. He had entered death for our sakes. The world had given up on Him because they thought He was merely a man. They forgot that Jesus was the Son of God. But three days later, Jesus proved that the power of His Deity and Humanity had conquered death and saved the world. Before returning to His Father’s side, He left His followers with the promise to return and show all mankind His true Deity. “Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. For as the Father hath life in Himself; so hath He given to the Son to have life in Himself; And hath given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of Man. Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear His voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation” (John 5:25-29 KJV).
Knowing Who Jesus Is takes more than facts and knowledge, it takes a relationship. Most religious founders tried to turn themselves into gods so they would be not be a man and relate to us on our level; the Son of God became
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Surrenderhast given Me; for they are Thine. And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to Thee. Holy Father, keep through Thine own name those whom Thou hast given me, that they may be one, as We are. I pray not that Thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that Thou shouldest keep them from the evil. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word; Father, I will that they also, whom Thou hast given me, be with Me where I am…” (John 17: 9, 11, 15, 20, 24a KJV).
Jesus is our Bridegroom because we long to be chosen, our Hope because we face doubt and depression, our Light because we stumble in the dark, our Father because we long for our hand to be held by a Protector, our Ransom because we were a slave in Satan’s district, and our High Priest because our sin needed forgiven.
Right now, Satan is hurling accusations against us as he tries to drag us back into his realm. But Jesus looks at us and says, “She is Mine. She is My Bride, My Daughter, My Beloved. I purchased her with My blood. She was ugly and unlovely, but I chose her anyways. See her now; she shines
a man so that He could enter into a relationship with us. There is something beautiful about Jesus on this level.
What does He mean to us personally as women? Watch as He takes the children into His arms (Mark 10:16), see as He saves the adulterous woman about to be stoned (John 8:7), look at His love for Mary as she anoints His feet (Luke 7:44), listen as He takes time to speak with an outcast woman at the well (John 4), and glance at the scene of Him healing the woman who had suffered for so many years (Luke 13:11-13). Jesus does not view us as inferior or unworthy because we are women. “There is neither Jew nor Greek…bond nor free…male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus” (Gal. 3:28 KJV). Jesus’ first recorded miracle was done for His mother’s sake, He chose women to be the announcers of the empty tomb, and it was a woman who first saw Him after the resurrection.
Pay attention to His love. Read through the Gospels and notice how many times it says that Jesus was “moved with compassion”. One of the most powerful prayers recorded is the one Jesus prayed for us in His final hours. “I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which Thou
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in radiance and beauty because she has loved Me in return. You may not have her because I am Jesus- her Advocate (1 John 2:1), Mediator (1 Tim. 2:5), and Faithful Witness (Rev. 1:5-6).
Knowing Who Jesus Is will be something we are constantly discovering, because He is an indescribable majestic combination of Son of God and Son of Man. Jesus is what gives us women purpose, meaning, strength, and courage for life as He walks beside us every day in a personal relationship. “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 8:38-39 KJV).
MarJanita LaRosa Geigley is an average Pennsylvania gal, living with her brother, parents, and (large, loveable, polka-dotted dog) Oreo. Her favorite activities are reading classics, writing, painting, traveling, and singing; and she loves train rides, vintage Volkswagens, crayons, knee-socks, picnics, and frozen yogurt. If you cannot find her at the desk writing, she is probably with
her girls’ choir, taking classes somewhere, or doing short-term mission work to shower Jesus’ love upon hurting kids. You can visit her frankly-honest and somewhat-random blog at www.marjanitalarosa.wordpress.com.
Savior
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YOU KEEP TRACK of all my sorrows.
YOU HAVE COLLECTED ALL MY TEARS IN YOUR BOTTLE.
You have recorded each one in your book. My enemies will
retreat WHEN I CALL TO YOU FOR HELP.This I know: GOD IS ON MY SIDE!
I praise God for what he has promised;yes, I praise the LORD for what
he has promised. I TRUST IN GOD, so why should I be afraid?
WHAT CAN MERE MORTALS DO TO ME?
PS. 56:8-11, NLT
pearl of promiseSavior
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YOUR KINGDOMcomeTHOUGHTS ON THE SACRED CALLING OF
MOTHERHOOD
by Melissa TroyerPhotography by Gretta Coates
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I ROLLED OVER and turned off my beeping alarm. Soft morning light drifted in the window, and in spite if it being Saturday, I shook my husband’s shoulder. “Wake up, Honey. It’s six.” We are not morning people, especially my six-year-old son. I knelt over him and whispered, “Remember the race? Gotta get ready.” His eyes flew open. It was surprisingly cool for a morning in late May, and as we crawled out of our car at the park, I wished I had brought a sweater. The runners lined up for registration, pinned on their numbers and warmed up their legs.
A tall man pushed a jogging stroller to the line, and I noticed his son was special, very special. The marks of Downs were clear, and I knew I would have to meet this little guy. I knelt in front of him, smiling into his sleepy face. “Nick isn’t much of a morning person,” his daddy smiled. “Hey, I know the feeling…” I looked into his sky blue eyes and rested my hand on his knee, “I’m gonna be cheering for you, Nick!” He faintly smiled and nodded, his blond hair glowing in the morning light. The horn went off and my husband along with the throng of other runners flooded out onto the track. Nick’s daddy held back till there was a bit more room and joined the tail end of the group. Nick leaned back into the stroller, and settled in for the ride. It was a perfect morning for a run. I bounced my eight-month-old baby and chatted with the others who were waiting to cheer the returning runners. I kept scanning the track, and finally I heard someone say, “Here comes the first runner!”
Sure enough, that thin guy, wearing all black, with that beautiful stride. My man.
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The little girl in me came alive and I bounced over to the finish line, “Come on, Honey! Your amazing!” He came flying in, beating his race record time by several seconds.
More and more runners came through, my sisters, cousin and a friend. I cheered for each one of them. But I kept looking for that blue jogging stroller. I knew he would be near the back, since he started out last. And finally he came, his sweaty dad pushing that familiar stroller. The finish line filled with people and we waved and cheered, “Good job, Nick! You did it!”
Here I was, screaming my heart out for kid I’d never met until today. And He was all smiles. A few minutes later, they handed out the medals. One by one, the best times and names were called. And for his age group, Nick did the second best time. He crawled out of the stroller and ran up to the medal table. As he was handed the red ribbon and the shiny medal a huge smile spread over his face.
Instead of going back to his seat, he twirled the medal high over his head and danced around the pavilion. We screamed. We cheered. We laughed. His eyes glittered and his face glowed. Tears stung my eyes. We all watched this little guy dance in sheer delight, and we tasted heaven. I had to think about the story in Matthew 19, where Jesus and his disciples had been teaching and healing the thronging masses. Everywhere they went, people were pressing, shoving, reaching for that healing touch. Then came the children, full of energy and mischief, brought by eager mothers.
I can just imagine the disciples’ exhaustion as they began to intervene. “Not today, not these kids…” But Jesus pulled the children close, and looked reprovingly at the disciples, “Let these little ones come to me, don’t keep them away; my Father’s kingdom belongs to ones like these.” He touched them. He held them close. He blessed them. He saw their worth. The kingdom of heaven. Jesus Himself taught us to pray:
Our Father in heaven, May Your name be honored as holy, May Your kingdom come, and may Your will be done, here on earth as it is in heaven. God’s kingdom, here on earth. It’s a breathtaking thought. No sin. No grief. No loss. No sadness. I saw it, there after the race as Nick danced and jumped on legs that wouldn’t straighten perfectly. He limped, in fact. But he was jumping for joy with sheer delight that was marred by nothing - not even his handicap. The kingdom of heaven is not far away.
For us mothers, it is right here in our arms.
the Kingdom of heaven is not far away.
For us mothers, it is right here in our arms.
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I had no idea when my first child was born, that he was sent from God to teach me. The mother was now the student.
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I had no idea when my first child was born, that he was sent from God to teach ME. The mother was now the student.
This child, who could do nothing for himself, was an instrument in God’s gentle hands to teach me about myself and my Maker. I learned about rest as my baby slept so soundly in my arms.
I learned about trust as I cradled him in the shade by that roaring riverside, waiting for the body of my brother to surface after his drowning accident.
I learned about complete dependency, as I was the only one that could comfort him when he was hurt.
I learned how holding him was comforting to me, even in those moments when I didn’t realize I needed comfort.
I’m learning now, the vital importance of honesty, of telling my children that I messed up, again. Amazed at how quickly they forgive, I find my breath caught away again by these little teachers. Thing is, it’s so easy to miss. Children are a gift. A miracle. An opportunity to see life through pure and untainted little eyes. “Mommy, look!” My daughter bends down over a teeny tiny purple flower I hadn’t even noticed.
I pause. Here in the stopping, in the learning to see, the embracing of a new perspective, we get to taste life in its sweetness. Life as it was meant to be. It only takes one trip to the store to be reminded that motherhood is such a huge ‘chore’.
“My,” they say, “You have your hands FULL.” I only have three little ones in my cart. I smile back, “Oh, we have lots of fun!” They look at me oddly. But it’s true, we are embracing today, with all its joys and trials, for today is a gift. Oh, I know. It IS hard.
Pregnancy is not a walk in the park. And birth? Wow. The teething baby won’t be settled, the challenging attitudes, the outright disobedience we face. Not being able to go on dates like we used to, or even join the prison choir that we helped start, because you can’t take a nursing baby in behind bars- these are sacrifices. Salty ones. I’ve tasted the tears. But it’s about this calling. The invitation to experience God’s kingdom on earth. To choose to dive into the beauty of today. To be intentional about taking time to look deep into these little eyes, these windows of heaven. To see. To listen to their hearts, and build towers of colorful blocks and relationships that will last through adolescence and hard questions. And it’s about joy. It doesn’t just happen. As mothers, we mold and shape the way our children will think. About themselves, and the world around them. We can create a negative atmosphere, nagging and discontented. Wishing for the next season, a better house, more perfect and comfortable circumstances. We can subconsciously teach them to live for themselves, selfishly wanting everyone to cater to their needs. It’s terribly easy. ‘Cause its what feels good, here and now. But you know what? Life isn’t about us. Sounds cold, I know. But honestly, my life is just a speck in eternity. One wave that comes crashing into the shore, in and then out, and forever gone.
This child, who could do nothing for himself, was in instrument to teach me about myself and my Maker.
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Let’s look at ourselves through God’s eyes. Let’s see today like He does. Meet those hard moments with a thankful heart, “God, I thank You for what You want to teach me through this…” Not only will you find your heart more at rest, you will notice the sun shines brighter.
Your baby’s giggle is contagious. A tea party on the porch is too much fun to miss. These times are not ones of lost careers and other important things, but of finding for the first time how beautiful life really is.
You have traded the temporal for the eternal. You will be shattered. You will have hard days. Your children will see you cry. You will need tissues and burp cloths and diapers, pacifiers and cardboard books and moments alone in the bathroom (just for those two seconds of solitude). Those long hours of uninterrupted reading or journaling will give way to snack time and legos, to teaching simple addition and coloring inside the lines. But instead of resenting their ever-presentness, celebrate the opportunities that these little people create. Like James says so well,
“Count these moments of testing as opportunities for joy. For you know that after you have chosen to walk through it with a joyful heart, God will work unwavering faith deep in you. And as God perfects it in you, through these days of sacrifice, you
will be made perfect and complete.” You will lack nothing, here in this place of agreeing with God; of embracing today.
You will lack nothing, here in this place of agreeing with God, and embracing today.
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Pull your little ones close, smell their hair and feel the warmth of their skin. Catch the sparkle in their eyes. Laugh deep and hard with them.
Look up and smile. God has sent these beautiful little teachers into your life. Grasp their small hands, and dance to the beat in your heart.
Can’t you hear it, that heavenly song? The birds, the wind and the glittering creek, and you and your children together join in that beautiful melody of God’s kingdom here on earth. It is the most beautiful place to be. |
Melissa Troyer is a freelance writer, busy mother of three delightful children, and wife to the man of her dreams. She and her family are currently liv-ing in North Carolina, and are in the process of making a 100 year-old house their
home, full of their touches and tons of happy memories.
Her blog (danilissa.com) has been a place where she shares the lessons God teaches her, through simple day-to-day moments. Here she processes the delightful joys of life and the difficult moments of deep pain and loss. Through simple words, she finds ways to capture the beauty and joy of what life is really all about.
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Justin & Ann’s Love Story
Part 2
AFTER THE SOUTH CAROLINA TRIP I came home and enrolled in the Pure Life program. I do not know how great a blessing this has been in my life. I decided to go all the way and do everything I could to be free from these addictions. To gain a woman with the character and godliness to call off her wedding because of her lover’s sin, I knew I must go to great lengths to be free from that sin. I put myself into the program and into doing things with my time other than being alone or on my computer. I tell these things as part of my story because it was things like this that helped me to see some of the things that God wanted of me. Through the program I learned that lust and basically all sin is a result of selfishness. During our courtship, God had been impressing on me that I should live and hold my girl-friend with love, as it says in Eph. 5, so that I could present her to myself as a pure spotless bride. I am amazed at how God kept me from touching my girl-friend in a sexual or any other inappropriate manner. There were no hugs, kisses, or holding of hands. During this time God began to really apply these verses in my own life. As a part of the bride of Christ, I must also do my part in keeping myself pure for my Lover. All I can say without preaching a long sermon is that God did a work in me to bring me to a place of victory. This cost me a great deal. After six months of
Justin
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waiting, I was still waiting. I often wanted and was encouraged by some to make a phone call and demand that an answer be given so that I could at least go on with my life.
After seven months, we were able to have about a week
together to talk about things and share our hearts with one another. We also attended a Pure Life Conference
together. Those were some difficult times for me as I longed for an answer and wanted to demand one. God helped me to keep that longing under control and to be able to tell Ann to take her time in making a decision that she would not regret. If it was a “No”, it was going to be a “No” forever unless God made it extremely clear. At this point I was so ready for an answer that a “no” would have been as accepted as a “yes”. We went away from that conference with no definite answer. I cried on that drive home, pleading that God would give Ann an answer or show me something else. I felt clear to continue forward and of course wanted to move forward in a relationship. This conference was in April. On May 23rd I received a letter with the answer that she felt clear going forward in a relationship but not into engagement.
She took a trip to SC to visit friends there and planned to come to TN to be at my sister and brother’s weddings. Needless to say I was a little excited about going forward. She came up on a Friday and God began to show me that He is in control. On Sunday we were talking about some of our desires in our relationship and the thought crossed my mind of a letter I had written about a month before, asking her to marry me. I
MARRIAGE IS A GIFT NOT TO BE USED FOR OUR OWN GLORY, BENEFIT, OR PLEASURE. IT IS ORDAINED OF GOD TO SHOW THE WORLD THE GLORY OF GOD AND THE RELATIONSHIP THAT GOD DESIRES TO HAVE WITH THE CHURCH, WHO IS THE BRIDE OF CHRIST.
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wanted the decision to be so clear that we could go on into engagement because I really didn’t know where to go in our relationship, except to marriage. I had detailed certain things in the letter that covered the subject being talked about. So I gave her the letter and told her which paragraph to read. Well, she ended up reading the whole thing! Now what do I do? God why did you allow me to write that letter in the first place, and why did you let me give it to her? As she looked at me, she asked, “What am I supposed to say?” I quickly suggested, “Yes”. I didn’t plan to propose so soon. So it happened that three days after she arrived in TN, we were engaged. The date was June 3. Exactly a year previous on June 5th we were engaged to be married. Coincidence? I don’t think so. I believe God had His hand in it to show me that it is best done in His time and His way.
It wasn’t easy from there. Her parents thought we were taking our time and all. Imagine their surprise to hear that we are engaged! Not only that, but we are wanting to get married in August before my brother left for Ghana. This is also the busy time for their produce business. God continued to open doors so that we were able to set the wedding date to August 3, 2013. We got a house to rent within the price range we desired and the details for the wedding came together so beautifully. Only God could make everything happen the way it did. God showed His blessing even in the weather that we had in August.
God has taught us many things through our courtship and in marriage. The main one for courtship is that it is well worth the effort to keep your hands off each other. We are so thankful that God put it in our hearts not to hug, kiss, or even hold hands during our dating years. The blessing of having all those things reserved for marriage is something that few know today, but would wish they had, especially if there is any type of difficulty in their relationship while courting. In dating as well as in marriage we have seen that sin wrecks a relationship. Selfishness is one sin that has wrecked more marriages than anything else I know. It is the cause of divorce, break-ups, unfaithfulness, and strife in a marriage. If one person in the relationship is hiding sin, it has a direct effect on the other person and the relationship. Marriage is a gift not to be used for our own glory, benefit, or pleasure. It is ordained of God to show the world the glory of God and the relationship that God desires to have with the church, who is the bride of Christ. To live with God’s standard in a relationship between man and woman is difficult because you give yourself, body and heart, to the other. But the rewards that come, in persistently living according to His word and living in obedience to His commands are much greater than I know how to express. A dating/marriage relationship is a holy thing and not to be viewed as a trivial matter. If one in the relationship commits or hides sin in his/her life, it will have a direct negative effect on the other. This principle applies especially in marriage when God joins a man and woman in one. The same is true with the opposite. When we are open and not hiding sin and living holy lives, there is great freedom and joy that comes in the relationship.
This is our story in short along with some things that we have learned.
It isn’t easy to have a pure relationship but it is possible through the strength that God gives. If we seek His will and His righteousness, we will receive His blessings.
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AnnThe next months were not easy, but as we were separated, I prayed for him every day. The Lord opened an opportunity for me to help cook at our mission’s school in Ghana for three months. My sister and her family were part of the staff there also. It was a blessing to have someone close I could share and relate with. While over in Ghana I faced some very hard days wondering “How will I know for sure if it is God’s will for us to get married later on?” Different people had different opinions. I realized I needed to hear from the Lord, and trusted Him to make it clear somehow. As time went on, I sensed that He would lead us back together again.
Coming home was not easy, but I was becoming more eager for the time Justin and I would be able to talk again. I missed him, and longed for his friendship. I knew I could only take one step at a time as God directed me. I desired His will most of all.
Matthew 7:7-11 were verses that I hung on to. If we ask for good things from the Lord, will He give us something bad? Never! I didn’t need to worry that I might have to go into marriage without His assurance. This was a fear I faced, but the Word of God is powerful. Jeremiah 29:11 was also a sure source of strength for me. The promises of God proved to be the Rock under my feet.
As our 6 month break was coming to a close, I didn’t know whether we would get married for sure, but God gave me peace that we should continue our relationship. In May 2013, I let Justin know what I decided, and that I was coming to visit him in TN. As we talked together, I sensed a peace from God that we were in His will. Those were some sweet conversations we had together as we shared what the Lord was doing in our hearts and lives. I saw a reality in Justin that wasn’t there before. It made me feel like I could trust him. God was also working selfless love in my heart. He is faithful! A few days after I arrived in TN, we were re-engaged, and looking at the calendar to
The Lord always brings complete healing and strength in our relationship as we are honest with each other.
SELFLESS LOVE, THAT COMES ONLY THROUGH CHRIST, IS SO POWERFUL!
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see how soon we could get married. This time, we were both excited and all of those dark misgivings I had experienced the year before were gone! Praise God!!! There was a soberness in what we were committing to and a deeper understanding of this life-long commitment and of the goodness of the Lord. Also, the connection that we had now through Christ, gave me confidence to move forward. Our relationship was now being built on a solid foundation of openness and honesty with God and each other. On August 3, 2013, we vowed our lives together before God and our family and friends. What an amazing and joyful occasion when you KNOW God’s blessing is on you!! His touches of love and blessing were over everything that day! Our loving Father has taught us, and continues to teach us so many wonderful lessons. Through the things we have experienced in our courtship, and now in marriage, we see His wisdom and love in so many new ways! Justin and I are in awe at the relationship He has blessed us with and talk very openly about it all. Our marriage hasn’t been without trials, but we can work through anything with the Lord’s help. He always brings complete healing and strength in our relationship as we are honest with each other. Selfless love, that comes only through Christ, is so powerful! We thank God, and desire to make it known that God is GOOD. Through the darkest and deepest trials, He is faithful. Let us all trust Him that He will work all things together for good to those who love God.
Justin & Ann have an incredible story of redemption. For readers facing relationships with similar ques-tions and challenges, the couple has graciously provided their email address for contact. They are happy to provide encouragement and answer questions as able. Contact them at: [email protected]
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by Maribeth HerrPhotography by Jessica Burdge
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We are called to share our life stories. As you page through your Bible, you will find verse after verse where God has instructed people to tell their children stories. Jesus was continuously connecting to people through stories. He lived alongside of His disciples for three years and they watched as His life story unfolded. Jesus showed us story telling was important by modeling for us the art of conveying deep messages through story; this was his primary model of ministering to the masses here on earth.
Jesus came alongside people daily. He spent hours with others on their turf. He asked significant questions and then waited for their responses. What’s surprising, however, is that Jesus didn’t spend the majority of His time with the multitudes, but with just a few. He gave them an opportunity to see His deity up close and personal by walking faithfully with them. “And because of His love for His Father and the ‘realness’ in which He loved each of them, they took on His characteristics and His mission” (That Makes Two of Us by Connie Witt).
Jesus wasn’t the only individual from Scripture who shared His life stories. God has given us both Old Testament and New Testament models: Moses and Joshua, Naomi and Ruth, Elizabeth and Mary, Paul and Timothy. These men and women thought it important enough to intentionally invest in the younger generation. Some walked together for a season; others became life-long friends and companions, leaving a legacy of godliness after they left this earth. And so did Jesus. Before He ascended He said to His mentoring group, “Go therefore and make disciples… teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you…” (Matthew 28:19-20, ESV).
Paul reiterates what Jesus commissioned us to do, but with emphasis on reaching those in the church. “[Older women] are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the
word of God may not be reviled… Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned…” (Titus 2:3-5, 7-8, ESV). Some title this, “The Titus Mandate”, a call we should consider serious as we live out our Christianity. You are not an island. What you do affects other people. Why not follow Jesus’ example in growing people in their walk with Him by your lifestyle? There is much wisdom in this command from Paul. “The older women have experienced life, have learned lessons that don’t need to be repeated, have learned to submit to the hand of God, [resulting in] a deeper dependency upon God. Mentoring gives an opportunity for relationship, to bridge the gap between generations,” a wise older woman told me. This is why I believe mentoring is a serious call on our lives and not just something that’s another good thing we can do once we have time. As Susan Hunt writes in her book, Spiritual Mothering, “If Christian women begin to fathom the power of our God-given capacity, develop these God-honoring characteristics, and nurture younger women, perhaps we will see the fruit of righteousness flourish in women in our decade”. As women of experience come along side younger women who display a teachable spirit, we all become privileged to obey the Titus mandate. What are people from our communities saying on the topic of mentoring? Here are a few comments:
“In our Anabaptist circles, we do well in preaching evangelism and bringing our young people to the knowledge of their need of a Savior. But over the past dozen years of my life, I have seen so many young people make a commitment to Christ in their early teens, only to backslide in their later teen years. I believe they were genuine in wanting to serve the Lord, but we failed them in follow up and discipleship… I think mentoring could really help fill in that gap.”
Partnering To Develop
Thoughts on the value and experience of mentoring
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“Young women are full of life, energy, vision, ideals, etc. This is the way it should be. But they often don’t have the solid foundation to be able to maneuver the obstacles, challenges, and temptations adequately and successfully. Young people nowadays have so many choices, so many options that it is easy for them to lose their way. I think the older women are more anchored in their walk with Jesus and so have a lot to offer the young women.”
Mentoring is a lifestyle not a program. Connit Witt says of mentoring: “It’s developing a friendship with someone one step behind you in the journey of life, spending time with her, recognizing that God has put the two of you together for a purpose, and making a point to interject life lessons and point out God moments as you go through life together!” There are also seasons in life where God asks us to specifically partner with a person more intentionally. This is called formal mentoring. There are many methods but usually involves a one-on-one relationship where an older, spiritually more mature, woman invests in the life of a younger woman during a specific time in her life.
One of the first steps towards fulfilling the calling of Jesus is to allow an older woman to speak into your life. Girls need someone to go to other than their parents, although parents are crucial. Sometimes parents are the ones needing to be talked about. A mother from my church stated, “[Mentoring] is a way of opening myself to the greater community for input, instruction, role modeling, love, correction, and shaping. I need it. No family, no matter how wonderful, has all it takes to raise well-rounded, well-grounded kids; Or adults. So mentoring is a way of asking other people to get on board, to help round me out and round out my kids. I welcome this.” Mentoring gives opportunity to help the younger woman see God’s faithfulness, sovereignty and to come to a place of gratitude for where they are at in life, even if that place is not enjoyable. A mentor’s bank of knowledge is invaluable, providing a godly perspective or confirmation on a decision made. Especially as a young woman navigates the teen years, a mentor balances what is coming from her peers. Sometimes you just need to hear someone
say that you will make it through. A mentor can offer advice, comfort, accountability, a listening ear, and encouragement. I have had many mentors over the years. Some are long distance, some have been for a season, and some have been walking with me for years. Some days I find myself sitting on their couch shedding tears, and other days I’m talking about motherhood while painting or sharing a picnic lunch with their family.
Be intentional: How can you get started on this journey of receiving input and blessing from the older generation? On your knees is a good place to start. Pray. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you to a woman whom you could receive from. Look around you. Who has God already placed in your life as role model? Is there an older woman in your church who has already shown interest in your life? Is there a lady who you seem to connect to without much difficulty? But there’s one more step. Ask. If there is someone in your life whom the Holy Spirit shows to you as a Godly woman you would like to receive more from, ask her. She will feel like her story matters, and you will get some wise advice.
As women, we need to humble ourselves and ask for help. “I assumed I knew what I was doing too much of the time and did not risk my reputation through asking. Even now I have a hard time thinking of questions to ask of either an older or younger person,” an older woman in my community confessed. God never intended for us to walk through life alone. He intentionally created and placed us within a body of believers from whom we fellowship with. “Inviting someone to mentor you comes out of a teachable, vulnerable spirit,” she added. And as we reach out and ask an older woman to mentor us, it become easier to share with others what we have been given. We dare not risk walking alone.
Be prepared. If you are involved in a formal mentoring relationship, think about what you’d like input on before you’re sitting in front of your mentor. Prayerfully consider what you want to share with
Mentoring is a lifestyle, not a program.
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your mentor and give the Holy Spirit room to work during your time together. Mentors aren’t the only ones responsible to pray for your growth. You also have a responsibility to ask the Holy Spirit to do a work in your life. This also makes it easier for a mentor. You can speak freely about what God laid on your heart to share instead of requiring her to question it out of you.
Be willing. Entering into a formal mentoring relationship can feel vulnerable. But as you are willing to open your life up to someone who cares, they begin to display proof that they love you and begin to earn your trust. Being known can be a powerful reality. But you cannot be known without being willing to share your story, the God stories and the painful memories. With sharing comes a lot of grace from God through your mentor. She can be a powerful prayer warrior in your life and bring you before God’s throne. You also need to be open to advice. She has seen more of life than you have and God may speak through her when He wants you to take action in a certain area of your life. Be willing to be challenged and be called to be something more. Your mentor can then hold you accountable as you resolve to follow God.
Be grateful: Allowing others to walk with us through life also requires us to be grateful for their guidance. Investing in someone’s life takes time, prayer, emotional and spiritual energy. Your mentor was not placed in your life just to benefit you. Yes, there is often a larger giving on the behalf of the mentor but the mentee is not only around to receive. Honor your mentor for how she has allowed God to use her in your life. There are many ways to do this but here are a few ideas: listen to her story, pray for her, send her fresh flowers, offer to help her around the house, or write a note of appreciation. When God blesses us with something as powerful as mentoring, we are called to respond with gratefulness. What are others saying about being mentored? “She saw potential and needs in us that she wasn’t afraid to address. She is my model, a woman who understood the gift of impact that God gave her.”
“I’m passionate about this subject…. because I believe that mentors helped me become the person I am today. I will be forever grateful…” “[E]very time I walk away from meeting with my mentor, it is time well spent.” “Mentoring has been a major training ground for what it means to truly live in community. It was scary to reach out and admit I needed older women besides my mom, but it has proved to be worth it over and over again.” “I never knew mentoring was so powerful until everything looked black. Then she brought my head to her chest and held me as she brought me before God.” “I have to have someone in my life who I can really talk with.” “Mentoring… has helped me be honest and open about who I am and who God is. It has helped me realize that you must face life’s problems head on, instead of pretending they aren’t there. [It] has also provided a safe place to do exactly that.” Knowledge and blessing never come without an accompanying responsibility. As God reveals His heart on the issue of mentoring, and as you receive life from Him through it, you will be required to go and do likewise. |
Maribeth Herr lives in Guys Mills, Pa where she plays a role as the oldest child in a family of seven and runs as a paramedic on her local fire department. Her repertoire includes: Lyme disease, college, barista, and a four month trip to Asia. She is passionate about helping people in crisis, human trafficking, and becoming fluent in American Sign Language. Some of her favorite things
are: winter, traveling, fog, solitude, and reading life-changing books
stay tuned for Part II, coming in the Sept/Oct issue!
“ never knew mentoring was so POWERFUL until everything looked BLACK. Then she brought my head to her chest and HELD me as she brought me beforeGod.”
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GODLY FEMININITY is a concept that seems to successfully elude concise definition but effectively captures divergent controversy. Mention either one of the words separately in almost any context in our culture and you are bound to find yourself in a lively discussion. Mention the two words together and you have potentially set off an atomic bomb. In our fast paced technological world we receive stimuli, sometimes by the minute, that is loaded with messages, narratives, and parables that are all trying to shape our perspective of ultimate reality and our perception of Truth. Many times this is done by attacking or influencing our perception of ourselves. Godly femininity, and masculinity for that matter, is a subtle and sometimes not so subtle topic woven into the barrage of information we sift through daily. Some of the messages we consume are helpful, while many of them are not. So how do we discern which messages are true and which ones are false? I mean, ultimately what is godly femininity? How can it be attained? I would like to propose that Godly femininity in a believers life has more to do with position than it does with posture.
By this time you may be wondering why a guy is writing about femininity. I mean, as a single guy I would never write an article on Godly marriage, therefore why am I writing about Godly womanhood? I don’t profess to know any more about femininity, even with my pink sunglasses on, than what a bullfrog might know about kissing a fair maiden. My goal for this article, therefore, is not to give a clear and concise definition of Godly femininity. Instead I want to provide a breath of fresh air charged with the aroma of a fresh bouquet of peony flowers, for those who feel like they are staggering under the deluge of the femininity debate. I don’t want to undermine anything that much wiser and more mature Christians have said. I simply want to provide a lens through which you can filter the many messages you hear about femininity. I just hope I don’t lose my masculinity in the process.
Allow me to give you some context to my perspective. Several years ago I spent eight months at the Institute for Global Opportunities (IGO), a small Anabaptist missions training school. During my time there, I
POSTURE or POSITION? A Guys Perspective on Godly Femininity
EVER
EST
godly
men
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age u
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to the
sum
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earned a great appreciation for the way the ladies at IGO modeled Godly femininity. At that time I concluded that the key to a Godly expression of our feminine and masculine roles could be found in conservative Anabaptist values. That theory was debunked, however, by the end of the summer of 2012. I spent the entire summer doing outdoor recreation training (rock climbing, backpacking etc.) in Wyoming. Although they were a Godly group of Christians, the individuals were not Anabaptist in any sense of the word. I did a forty day backpacking trip with a group of five guys and five girls. Although the closest thing to a manicure that was available was a cold soak in a glacier fed stream or lake, the ladies on that trip were uniquely and powerfully feminine. Even when deprived of all the amenities that most women need to make them feel feminine they modeled Godly femininity. I know that they
didn’t always feel feminine, but that didn’t change who they were. Also, during the three years that I spent at Lancaster Bible College, an evangelical college, I have interacted with many Godly and feminine women. Therefore, it is my opinion that Godly femininity cannot simply be reduced to a list of do’s and don’t’s; Godly femininity is not a tally of qualities that must be obtained nor is it a status that can be achieved. May I dare say, it is not even an ideal that should be aimed for. Godly femininity is a position in Christ, not a posture achieved through practice. What do I mean by posture verses position? Someone is said to have good posture if she stands or sits upright and does not slouch. Sometimes we are referring to an affected attitude or disposition someone takes towards something. We may say, they have a defensive posture, meaning, they
by Andrew RanckPhotography by Rae Schrock
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have decided to be on guard against attack. Posture, as I am looking at it, is that which can be attained through a change of attitude and behavior, or that which can be achieved through practice. A posture we have or take is something that can be measured and observed by other people. While godly femininity can be referred to as a posture, I believe that it is unhealthy to talk about femininity primarily as a posture. Godly femininity in your life cannot be measured like your physical posture is measured by a chiropractor. Nor does it come and go like a defensive attitude may come and go depending on who is in the room. There may even be different postures that are judged by our culture, church, or pinterest hits, to be more feminine than others, but that can’t change and shouldn’t change what femininity looks like in your life. Why? Godly femininity is not something you put on, because it is something you already have. Your position in Christ is the defining mark of who you are, not the posture you take towards Christ. Any feminine posture you may take is primarily a result of your position in Christ.
So what is our position in Christ? It is who we are, based not on what we have done for Him, but in what He has done for us. “God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God” (1 Corinthians 5:21 NIV italics mine). We can never measure up to God’s standard of righteousness, yet who we are is enough because of who Christ is. We are not defined by what we do, but by what Christ has done on the cross. The focus of Godly femininity should not be on passages like 1 Cor 11:3-16; and 1 Pet 3;1-7 but rather on passages like Rom 8:1-16; Gal 2:20; and 1 John 5:18. Now I am not at all saying that the posture is not important. What we do and think does affect our character. Romans 6 and Matt 25 make that clear. I am simply trying to prove that what we do is not the core of who we are. Godly femininity is part of the package deal that comes with salvation, and it is also a part of the Holy Spirit’s work in your life through sanctification.
Suppose I invited you to my house in October, a perfectly gorgeous time of the year here in rural PA, and I took you out to our back yard to show you my brother’s apple trees. Imagine that in the crisp autumn air, as you examined the apple trees, you noticed that I had stapled luscious granny smith apples to the spindly golden delicious trees (they are actually quite beautiful) because I know that you prefer juicy granny smith apples over small golden delicious. You would think I was out of my mind for doing something so ludicrous. Who in their right mind would staple apples to their apple trees? Yet isn’t this exactly what we try to do in our own life? We look around and observe the fruit in other people’s lives that seem to be bringing them life, joy, or attention, and we try to produce similar fruit, even to the point of stapling it onto our lives, in hopes of receiving
equivalent results. How do I know this? Because I have so often, in pride, done the same thing. Apart from the work of Christ through the Holy Spirit in our lives, sanctification is nonexistent.
When I asked a friend of mine to provide me with some feedback for this article, one of the things she said was, “Honestly, I feel like comparison is one of the greatest enemies of beautiful, vibrant, Godly femininity. It’s one of Satan’s greatest tools.” What you produce is centered in who you are in Christ, not the other way around. We must believe that God is more passionate about trading our brokenness for beauty than what we will ever be. He has promised it and He will do it (2 Pet 3:9; Phi 1:6). I believe that as we begin to grasp this concept, comparison will lose its grip on our lives.
The hobbies and pursuits of my Christian lady friends are almost as different as guys are from girls; ranging from hunting, rock climbing, and snowboarding to pinteresting, blogging, and baking. Their personalities and idiosyncrasies are equally different as well. Yet I have never thought something like, “My friend Cleopatra is so much more feminine than my friend Damaris is because she wears lace on her dresses, works with women trapped in prostitution, and makes awesome pastries while Damaris just wears jean skirts, enjoys riding dirt bike, and loves studying theology.” I understand that many ladies admire other ladies for their beauty and Godliness; us guys also admire certain guys for parallel reasons. Just don’t let that admiration turn into idolatry. And especially don’t give up who you are in your attempt to become like them. Us guys don’t put nearly as much pressure on you ladies as you put on yourselves. And I believe that God doesn’t either. What many guys find attractive in a woman’s life, no that is not a typo, is not ladies who are stapling femininity based on other people’s interpretations, to their life, but women who are simply being themselves.
So if you were only to get one whiff of the fresh cut bouquet of peony flowers through this article, what is that one thing that I so passionately want you to hear? Rest, rest, rest, in the unfathomable riches of God’s grace because that is where true beauty is found. Believe that you are enough, not because of anything you have done, but because of what HE has done. Don’t worry about being feminine enough because as a child of God you already are beautiful. Trust in the inexhaustible and unconditional love of the Father (Rom 5:18; 1 John 3:1). And finally don’t lose sight of your position in Christ because when it has all been said and done, that is who you are. |
Andrew Ranck grew up on a dairy farm in central PA and loves the beauty of the outdoors. He just graduated from Lancaster Bible College this Spring and plans to use his education to combine his love for the outdoors and his passion for discipleship to lead outdoor recreation and personal development trips. Andrew longs for people to know and experience the freedom and joy that comes from a life changed by the power of the gospel of Christ. When he is not driving
tractor, fixing a tractor, studying, or backpacking, he enjoys reading detective novels and classic literature, birding, and hanging out with friends. Oh, and he loves dark night hikes and deep late night talks. His highest goal in this life is to live a life of humble faithfulness and obedience to Jesus Christ his LORD and Savior. If there is one thing that wakes him up in the morning and lets him sleep at night, it is Galatians 2:20 because ultimately, that is who he is.
WE CAN NEVER MEASURE UP TO GOD’S STANDARD OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, YET WHO WE ARE IS ENOUGH BECAUSE OF WHO CHRIST IS.
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HOW FAR THAT LITTLE CANDLE THROWS HIS BEAMS!
SO SHINES A GOOD DEED IN A WEARY WORLD.
Smile and be friendly
Stop to help someone in need
Write a note to let someone know how much you
appreciate them
Surprise a friend at work with flowers or iced coffee
DON’T: Use electronics. Studies show that exposure to the blue light from smartphones, tablets, and computers can reduce melatonin levels and throw off your body clock.
DON’T: Go to bed with an uncomfortable full stomach.
DON’T: Work out. Exercising helps us sleep better, but be careful when you do your work out. Exercising 3-4 hours before bedtime can mess with your sleep. DON’T: Drink caffeine after lunch. Caffeine can stay in your system for up to twelve hours.
DO: Shut everything down at least one hour before bed time or trying dimming your screen.
DO: Aim for a morning, afternoon, or early evening work out.
DO: Switch to decaf after midmorning and sip chamomile tea or warm milk in the evening
DO’S AND DON’TS before going to bed
try something new!Flavored Water!
Lemon Mint Water4 lemons, sliced
1 1/2 cups firmly packed fresh mint leaves
6–8 cups water
6–8 cups ice cubes
Fresh mint or basil sprigs
Place lemon slices in a large pitcher. Rub the mint or basil leaves between the palms of your hands to bruise the leaves slightly. Add to the pitcher with lemon and pour in the water. Cover and chill 1–8 hours.
Strain lemon–water mixture and discard herbs. Divide lemon slices and additional fresh mint sprigs equally among 6–8 glasses. In each glass, add 1 cup of ice cubes, then fill with lemon water.
Sometimes drinking plain water gets old, especially in the summertime. Hereare a couple recipes to take your regular glass of water from ordinary tosomething
special. Enjoy!
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EVERYONE WANTS TO FEEL GOOD. We want energy and stamina to be able to the things we enjoy. Feeling good in a physical sense be-gins with the foods we eat, the amount of exercise we exert, and our sleeping habits. For many of us, however, healthy living seems so complicated. How many times have you used one of these excuses?
“I just don’t have time to exercise.” “Eating healthy is too expensive.” “I don’t know where to start.”
Healthy living is actually very simple and it comes down to making the right choices. Yes, maintaining such a lifestyle will take discipline and focus, but it is all totally worth it. Making the choice to be health-ier doesn’t mean that you need to suddenly make a 180 degree turn in your regular habits. Start with baby steps. Need some ideas? Here ya go!
1. HYDRATEWe all know that drinking water is good for us, but sometimes we still need a reminder. Drinking water maintains the balance of body fluids. Our bodies are compounded of about 60 percent of water and that water aids in digestion, absorption, circulation, creation of saliva, transportation of nutrients, and maintenance of body temperature. Proper hydra-tion also reduces muscle fatigue because it keeps the muscle cells from shriveling. 2. EXERCISEThis one is also a no-brainer. Physical exercise boosts
energy and endurance. It also stimulates certain brain cells that can leave you feeling happier and more relaxed. The ability to fall asleep more quickly and sleep more soundly are more benefits of reg-ular exercise. The recommended amount of daily exercise is around thirty minutes. Basically anything that gets your heart rate elevated is good for you. If you can’t manage a thirty minute chunk, break your time down in to three ten-minute intervals.
Get Creative with Exercise!
Toss a Frisbee with someoneGo on a hike with a friend
Have a summertime water fightPlay hopscotch
Rearrange the living room furnitureJump on a trampoline
Go rollerbladingJump rope
3. SLEEP!Sleep is vital to good health. Good sleeping habits help us think more clearly, have better reflexes, and focus better. A good night’s rest produces extra protein molecules that strengthens our ability to fight infections and stay healthy. Stress levels lower with a good sleep and our memory improves as well. A good night’s sleep can do wonders in improving our relationships with others as well as our outlook on life. Typically, an adult needs an average of about seven to eight hours of sleep at night.
Brittany’sTips for Healthy Living
Strawberry Mango Water
1 cup of fresh, ripe mango - cubed
1/2 cup fresh strawberries - quartered
2 quarts of water
ice Add mango cubes, and strawberry quarters (about 6 strawberries) to a pitcher. Cover with water and let steep in the refrigerator for about 4 hours. Serve over ice for a subtle fragrant fresh beverage!
Note: The fruit swells from the water. If serving more than 8 hours from the time you make it, I recommend replacing the fruit in the pitcher with fresh fruit for a more visually appealing presentation.
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TRENCHES
Kendra Lilly, RN
Peten, Guatemala. Tropical rain forest. Land of coconut and palm trees, monkeys, geckos, and three-wheeled motorcycle taxis called tuk-tuks. It is the wild west of Guatemala. In years past, the government paid people to settle in the Petén. They also sent convicts there, gave them a piece of land, and said, in effect, “Make something of yourself.” The population grew, and today is composed of both Mayans and the Spanish-descended Latinos. The poor of the Petén work as farmers and construction workers, the rich as cattle ranchers and drug dealers. The poorest of the poor live in tin houses and subsist on beans, corn, and tortillas, with perhaps chicken for a party.
It is here, in this lush and tropical part of Guatemala, in the municipality of El Chal, that Kendra Lily Martin has chosen to
pursue her nursing degree. Every Saturday of the school year, she, along with her study partner, Priscila
Muñoz, wake at four thirty to dress, eat breakfast, and walk a block to the main road, where they flag down a bus headed toward the university. They are fortunate to live on the edge of town, as they are usually able to grab seats before the bus--in actuality a Toyota maxi van--is packed to the hilt with both sitting and standing passengers. If they are lucky, they might catch a cat nap during the hour’s drive to the university in Santa Elena. The university is a large campus with many students. It is similar to a U.S. campus, but the buildings are made of cement block instead of brick, the windows are covered by decorative iron grates instead of glass, and air conditioning is non-existent. After a long, hot day of classes, Kendra and Priscila bus back to El Chal, feeling like puppies with their tails between their legs, a week of intense homework ahead of them.
Even though Kendra Lily is skilled in Spanish, studying in a second language, in a school system foreign to her, is difficult.
by Lucinda Miller Photos provided by Kendra Lily
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courage in the ordinary
Kendra says she would never have made it without Priscila. “We are a good balance for each other,” Kendra says. “We go in shifts. Sometimes I’ll be saying, ‘Come on, Priscila, let’s study,’ and the next time it’ll be me who has no desire to study, and she’ll be saying, ‘Come on, Kendra!’ I’m good at the hands on stuff, but Pris is better with the textbooks. I tease her that she has to take out her hammer when we study and hammer the words into my head.”
I met Kendra Lily in 2003, when her missionary family moved up from Novillero, Guatemala, to my home state of Wisconsin. She was thirteen at the time, fourth in a long row of blue-eyed children. I thought them exotic. They were talkative, sturdy, and adventurous, and had traveled to places I only dreamed of. The family eventually bought an abandoned brick school building, three stories high, and moved in.
Who would do such a thing? we dyed-in-the-wool Americans wondered.
Returned missionaries, that’s who. The Martins became an integral part of our rural Wisconsin community. Kendra Lily was always in the thick of any activity or church get-together. She was outgoing, capable, and fun, with a smile that would split a rock in two.
In 2011, Kendra Lily returned to Guatemala to live with her brother and his family and to pursue her dream of nursing. She told me, during our interview, “I picked nursing because I want to help people. I have no idea what situations I’ll find myself in, but it’s good to know how you can help someone. I chose to study in Guatemala because I
couldn’t see myself working as a nurse in the states, where there is too much legal stuff and not a lot of hands on.”
In Guatemala, she has received more than her share of hands on. Within the first three months of schooling, the Guatemalan nursing students were learning to administer shots and IV’s. Instead of practicing for the first time on a dummy, as nursing students in the states would do, they practiced on each other. In their second practice session, they worked on real patients. The nursing students take an active part in community health, doing work projects and going into schools to give medical checkups and health education to the children.
Kendra has also gained valuable hands-on experience working in the mission’s Good Samaritan Clinic. The clinic is run by a team of volunteer nurses. Its purpose is to reach out to the community and provide medical services at affordable prices. The free, government-run clinics of Guatemala provide medical help that is often shoddy, while private clinics typically charge two hundred quetzales ($25 USD), a price which only the richest Guatemalans can afford. The Good Samaritan Clinic charges only fifteen quetzales ($2 USD) a visit. It cannot employ a doctor, but even the rich sometimes prefer it to the doctor-run clinics.
Kendra Lily says, “Even though we do not have a doctor, our care tends to be better. We take time to listen, and sometimes that is all somebody needs. We want to be there for people who need spiritual help. Sometimes we end up just talking. We send them home with a little relief
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medicine, but basically, they got better because they got it out of their system.”
The clinic promotes health care and education, teaching life-style changes, better nutrition, and exercise. For those who cannot afford to pay even the fifteen quetzales, a mission fund covers their cost.
At the clinic, Kendra Lily and the other nurses do everything a general practitioner might do. During a day’s work, Kendra might find herself washing out an old codger’s wax-plugged ears, stitching up a little boy’s finger, administering emergency oxygen to a woman having an asthma attack, checking monthly blood sugars, treating the dengue fever so common in the tropics, prescribing an antibiotic for a urinary tract infection, dealing with a diabetic ulcer, or giving shots or medicine for a host of other ailments. There are currently six nurses. During their busiest season, they have to limit their patients to a manageable amount--perhaps fifteen to twenty patients per nurse per day. Patients sometimes travel for hours to reach them. The nurses do what they can with the resources and skills available to them. Emergency cases are sent on to the nearest government hospital, an hour away.
When I asked Kendra Lily what she planned to do with her nursing degree, she said, “I would like to work in the Shalom Missionary Hospital here in Guatemala to get more experience as a nurse. What I’m doing in the clinic is actually doctor’s work. My goal for sometime next year is to go to the states and take my state boards, so I can become registered as a nurse there. After that, it’s hard to tell. I definitely want to keep working at the clinic. But I want to do and go where God wants me to do and go. I want to be flexible.”
“Tell me a story of a time you’ve seen God at work there in
Guatemala,” I said.
She thought about it. “One time when I was working in the government hospital during clinicals, I was assigned to a patient who had been in an accident. She had banged up her head; her face was all swollen up and her eyelids blue; and she was waiting for tests to come back that told whether she had internal injuries. I took care of her, washed her up and put ice on her eyes, and we were talking, when all of a sudden she asked, ‘Are you a Christian?’ I said, ‘Yes,’ and she said, ‘I could tell you were a Christian, because when you walked in, I felt a peace come over me. I could feel God’s presence, and I knew I was going to be ok.’
“I needed that reminder,” Kendra Lily said, “that no matter where I am or what I am doing, I am an ambassador. It has to do with being a light where you are. People think being a missionary is more romantic, but it’s not. I am just a normal person living a normal life somewhere else. Being a light is something I still struggle with. I mean, I work in a ministry, right? But I still can get stuck in a rut just doing my thing and not paying attention to people, especially when school gets hard.
“There was a lady who came in to the clinic the other day. She was my patient, and told me something about not sleeping well at nights. I asked if she was stressed or if there was something bothering her, trying to figure out what her problem was. ‘I really don’t know that I need anything,’ she finally said. ‘I just always feel better when I come here, and someone prays with me.’
“That humbled me and at the same time made me wonder why we don’t do that more often--just pray. After all, who is the all powerful here? I know infection needs an antibiotic, but we need to remember that the true healing comes from God.” |
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“Bees do have a smell, you know, and if they don’t they should, for their feet are dusted
with spices from a million flowers.”
Ray Bradbury Dandelion Wine
“Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under
trees on a summer’s day, listening to the murmur of the wa-
ter, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a
waste of time.” John Lubbock
The Use Of Life
“If a June night could talk, it would probably boast it invented romance.“
Bern Williams
“There shall be eternal summer in
the grateful heart.” Celia Thaxter
QU
OTES
-54-By Joyce MummauPhotography By Carmie Sanchez
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I wandered lonely as a cloudThat floats on high o’er vales and hills
When all at once I saw a crowd,A host, of golden daffodils
Beside the lake, beneath the treesFluttering and dancing in the breeze.
Continuous as the stars that shine
And twinkle in the milky way,They stretched in never-ending line
Along the margin of the bayTen thousand saw I at a glance
Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.
The waves beside them danced; but they out-did (sic) the sparkling waves in glee.
A poet could not but be gayIn such a jocund company.
I gazed and gazed but little thoughtWhat wealth the show to me had brought.
For oft, when on my couch I lieIn vacant or in pensive mood
They flash upon that inward eyeWhich is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fillsAnd dances with the daffodils. (Daffodils, by William Wordsworth)
What a lovely picture this brings to mind. All of us have seen the beauty of the daffodils nodding in the Spring breeze after the sparkling snow has disappeared, and the barrenness of winter has been a stark reality. They speak and sing volumes to the soul of HOPE, NEW LIFE and PROMISE!
So, we, as a daughter of the heavenly Father should convey beauty, hope and love to the community around us in our actions, words and responses. We should be a source of inspiration to the hurting, to the sad, to the lonely and rejoice with the joyous! Let’s look at the passage in Isaiah 6. We see King Uzziah had died and it was because he sacrificed in the Holy of Holies where only the high priest was to go. He got leprosy and died and this traumatized Isaiah. Isaiah goes on to articulate that he sees the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up and from one act of disobedience to the Lord, King Uzziah dies. Reverent fear must have seized Isaiah and he goes on to elaborate on the greatness of the Lord. He says His train filed the temple! A train on a wedding gown is a mark of significance and the longer it is the more servants to carry it. At Prince William and Kate’s wedding, her gown had a long train, a mark of significance. But the Lord’s filled the Temple!
Above it stood the seraphim that had six wings; two
l i v i n g a
l i f e
For young women, life stretches ahead like an blank canvas, full of opportunity and potential. In the pursuit of our dreams, it is tempting to turn inward, rather than outward. Yet, life is not meant to be kept to ourselves. We were created to serve! Joyce Mummau, a woman who has dedicated the greater portion of her life to ser-vice as a pastor’s wife, and missionary in Thailand and Canada, shares her thoughts on what it means to live a life poured out for Christ.
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H E R E A M I L O R D . S E N D M Ecovered his face (even the Lord’s servants were unworthy to see his face) Two covered his feet (in the Thai and other cultures it is very rude to expose one’s feet) and with the last two they flew and cried out, “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory!”. The posts of the door shook and the house was filled with smoke. How powerful!!
Isaiah says, “Woe is me for I am undone and a man of unclean lips!” Isaiah realizes how small he is and how unworthy even though he was a prophet. One of the seraphim flew to Isaiah and touched his lips with a live coal purging him of his sin. What a beautiful picture of redemption. When asked by the Lord “Whom shall I send?” Isaiah answered with a willing heart, “Here am I,
send me.”
That can be the only response of you and I when we see the glory and majesty of the Almighty. I believe it is a prerequisite for living a life of productivity for the Kingdom of God.
So you may ask, what can I do? I am young and inexperienced and there are so many options. Those are great questions and each individual has different circumstances with unique possibilities for their talents and interests.
To be serious about living a “poured out life” one must be willing to be a servant. The song that says, “if you want to be great in God’s kingdom, be a servant of all.” By saturating our minds in the Word, we find comfort and direction. The Psalms are direct and honest, helping us to adjust our attitudes, carry us through pain and bring renewed faith. Service can be an acquired “taste” similar to our acquired taste for espresso or latte. Our natural “tastes” desire to be catered to for comfort, ease and fun.
We need to come to the Lord with an empty cup, the most beautiful cup you own, and lift it up to him. Literally hold the cup up to the Lord, upside down, and ask him to empty it of self and then turning it right side up, ask for a filling that only He can give. And as He fills it to overflowing, it can flow from your cup to another cup and another cup and another cup. This is a beautiful example of pouring out in servant hood for the Kingdom of God.
come to the Lord with an empty cup, the most beautiful cup you own, and lift it up to him. ask him to empty it of self and then, turning it right side up, ask for a filling that only He can give.
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H E R E A M I L O R D . S E N D M EYou are blessed to be young and energetic and have so many opportunities available. There are several organizations right now that need personnel. There are also many ways everyday that can be a source of service and blessing. I read the story of a 5 year old that was with his family visiting a poor country and saw a beggar lady and a child by the street. He had been told he may see this, and can give some money to them. Upon seeing this lady, he pulled out $5.00 and gave it to her. His sister said. “Do you want to give all your spending money?” He said, “yes, she needs it and I don’t.” That is caring and service! Another way of serving is performing the kind of ordinary, menial tasks that need to be done. These jobs do not bring glory or recognition, but these humble chores, done in Jesus’ name, can be a graceful offering of love. Why does Jesus single out the kind of service of feeding the hungry, visiting the prisoners and sick? “In as much as you have done it to the least of these, you have done it unto me.” An hour or two entertaining their kiddos for them will bless busy Moms. Why not play your violin (or other instrument) to a sick or elderly person? How about having a lonely person over for a cup of tea or taking a pretty teacup, some tea and a snack to a Grandma in the senior center? Perhaps the pastor’ wife would be happy for a casserole to pull out of the freezer on an especially busy day. We have spent three years in Thailand. The experience has been priceless. I really think that all young people need to go to a foreign country to experience the poverty and
hopelessness of many people. The world abounds with great needs. You will be a different person seeing through different eyes after you have witnessed the world in this way. To see pictures is great but to see it in reality can not compare, an indelible impression is left on your heart as it is softened and left pliable before the Lord. I can only imagine the marvelous ideas and unique services you all will render “in the name of Jesus” in the days and years ahead. Kindle that spark, let it blaze, add fuel to keep it alive and keep lifting up your cup and YOU WILL BE BLESSED ABOVE ALL YOU COULD ASK OR THINK! |
Joyce Mummau grew up in Lanc. Co, PA and married Benjamin Hess with whom she was blessed with 4 children. In 1972 there were great changes as Ben was instantly killed in a farm accident. In 1975 Lee Mummau and Joyce were married and 2 years later a little girl joined their family. A year after marriage Lee and Joyce were asked to pastor at Goshen Mennonite Church in Laytonsville, MD. After 34 years, Lee passed on the mantle of
lead pastor. Two months later they were asked to go to Thailand for a 3 year term. Upon completion of their work at IGO, Joyce and her husband moved to Canada as an interim pastor couple. This summer they plan to terminate in Ontario and move to Sugarcreek, Ohio.
Joyce enjoys the challenge of different ministries with her husband. Tea time is a vital part of her service to others as well as hosting people in their home. Joyce is an avid reader and enjoys her 11 grand children, (and some great grands, too:) Relaxing walks and nature lure her outside plus her flower beds and roses are a source of joy. God is her Rock and in He is her source of strength.
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MINISTRY FOCUS
Vaughn Loewen (the young lady I work with) and I have a couple teen girl’s classes every week, and here is one of them.
A children’s class
This is how our truck looks most Sundays (and almost
every other day of the week!)
We use motorcycles a lot to get around town and into
nearby villages.
CHURCH PLANTING TEAMLeft to Right back row: Vaughn, Loren, & Caleb. Middle row: me (Suzanne), Donna, Janessa, & Anthony.
Front row: Kyle, Kedric. Vaughn, Anthony and I are the three singles that work with Loren and Donna’s family on the church planting team.
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MINISTRY FOCUSChoix church plant in Choix Sinaloa, Mexico.
HISTORY & VISIONThe ministry was founded in 2006 by Loren Yoder, who had a vision to to start an Anabaptist church in Choix, Mexico. His vision, shared by us today today, is to see God lifted up in Choix and in the surrounding villages.
MINISTRY PROGRAMSWe host church services, Bible studies, & teen girl’s/children’s classes; distribute literature; and visit the elderly and shut-ins.
CURRENT NEEDS One of the biggest challenges for me has been feeling like I am being stretched out really thin. We have so many bible studies and a few teen girl’s classes, that it is hard to really focus on individules. There are also some stresses with working with the girls in this hard teenage stage where they are trying to figure out who they are and where they belong. We need so much wisdom with knowing how much to committ ourselves to different ministry oppertunities, and how we can be most affective with what we are already involved in.
Another challenge for me has been people just showing up and just like that you have to change your plans. It’s not as hard as it used to be, but it isn’t always fun to change plans when you would really prefer to do what you thought you were going to do. It is most definitely a wonderful growing opportunity in flexibility!
Finances would probably be the biggest thing, especially because I’m planning on moving back to the States in a few months, and starting from practically zero.
a ministry overview, provided by a current VS worker, Suzanne Miller
HOW TO HELPThe biggest thing would be prayer...prayer for the team and for the local believers. You can also check out the website for more suggestions on how you can become more involved.
CONTACT INFOThe ministry has a website, representing the church plant and an affiliate orphanage project, that you are welcome to visit:
www.dnimexicoteam.com For more information about the Choix church plant, along with volunteer opportunities, feel free to email Suzanne at:
[email protected], or mail donations/letters of encouragement to: Apartado postal #5 Choix, Sinaloa Mexico.
A children’s class
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Summer EveningOUR 3
FAVORITE
PASTIMES
l
l
1 Hide-and-Seek in the dark!2 A game of sand volleyball3 Prisoner’s Base
Brittany
1 Share an ice cream bar with a child 2 Go for a walk at dusk . 3 Read outside by the light of Tiki lanterns
MARLENE
Samantha1 Ultimate Frisbee (for the great exercise!)2 Taking walks in the shade with my brother3 When it’s simply too hot to be outside there’s few things that bring more pleasure than lounging around with friends and singing or hammering out a tune on the piano.
Carmie1 Swimming2 Going for a bike ride with famiily or friends3 Playing softball
Rae1 Hanging out with friends/family playing lawn games, sitting around talking, and generally just being together2 Catfiishin’ on the Dan River with Tim and Co. 3 Concerts in the park, seated on blankets or camping chairs! Ahhh...
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1 Sit on a rock and watch the sun set. In our yard, we have a flat-topped boulder that Dad hauledi n from the field one year. I love to sit on that boulder and look at the sunset and talk to God. In absence of a boulder, sit on the grass.
2 Catch fireflies with a child. Let them go again.
3 Make a camp fire in the lawn--you can build a fire ring with stones, or use a fire pit. Roast hot dogs and marshmallows. Drink coffee with French vanilla creamer. Talk. Stare into the fire. Tell stories. Laugh. Watch it get dark.
LUCI
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Daughters of Promise SUBSCRIPTION FORM
Like what you see?! Fill out the form to begin receiving the DOP magazine regularly. Already a subscriber? Tell a friend!
Mail completed subscription form + payment to:
Daughters of Promise2206 Vaughan Street
South Boston, VA 24592
SUBSCRIBE BY MAIL:
recipient name:____________________________________recipient address:_________________________________ _________________________________email address:_____________________________________
MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO:Daughters of Promise SUBSCRIBE ONLINE:
www.daughters-of-promise.org/subscribe 1-YEAR SUBSCRIPTION {6 issues}: $35 INDIVIDUAL COPIES: $8/each
Questions? Comments? Email DOP at:
May the God
of hope fill you with
all joy and peace as you
trust in him, so that you
may overflow with hope
by the power of the
Holy Spirit. Eph. 15:13
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Flower in the Crannied Wall by Alfred Tennyson
Flower in the crannied wall,I pluck you out of the crannies,
I hold you here, root and all, in my hand,Little flower---but if I could understand
What you are, root and all, and all in all,I should know what God and man is.
White Spaces
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T he Snake Emily Dickonson
A narrow fellow in the grassOccasionally rides;
You may have met him, -did you not?His notice sudden is.
The grass divides as with a comb,A spotted shaft is seen;
And then it closes at your feetAnd opens further on.
He likes a boggy acre,A floor too cool for corn.
Yet when a child, and barefoot,I more than once, at morn,
Have passed, I thought, a whip-lashUnbraiding in the sun, -
When, stooping to secure it,It wrinkled, and was gone.
Several of nature’s peopleI know, and they know me;I feel for them a transport
Of cordiality;
But never met this fellow,Attended or alone,
Without a tighter breathing,And zero at the bone.
Summer Laid Her Simple Hatby Emily Dickonson
Summer laid her simple HatOn its boundless Shelf --
Unobserved -- a Ribbon slipt,Snatch it for yourself.
Summer laid her supple Glove
In its sylvan Drawer --Wheresoe’er, or was she --
The demand of Awe?
Bed in Summer by Robert Louis Stevenson
In winter I get up at night,And dress by yellow candle-light.In summer, quite the other way,
I have to go to bed by day.
I have to go to bed and seeThe birds still hopping on the tree,
Or hear the grown-up people’s feetStill going past me in the street.
And does it not seem hard to you,When all the sky is clear and blue,And I should like so much to play,
To have to go to bed by day?
White Spaces
compiled by Marlene Stoltzfus
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“AND GOD RAISED US UP WITH CHRIST AND SEATED US WITH HIM IN THE HEAVENLY REALMS IN CHRIST JESUS...IN
ORDER THAT IN THE COMING AGES HE MIGHT SHOW THE INCOMPARABLE RICHES
OF HIS GRACE, EXPRESSED IN HIS KINDNESS TO US
IN CHRIST JESUS.” EPH. 2:4-7
T hanks for reading!We hope you were blessed.
