God continues to lead Rob and I toward serving with Mission Aviation Fellowship. We are beginning Step 4 in the application process now: a longer written application with 6 personal references each.
This written application is basically a repeat of the formal interview. As we go through this process of answering questions and evaluating things, I appreciate the timeframe that MAF sets for it. Even though I feel as though we have answered many of these questions already, I am glad we have opportunities to go over them again and again and recognize how God is working in our lives and thought processes in regard to the mission field.
June 26, 2009
June 25, 2009
Back Wrap
With baby number 3 well on its way (I'm 20 wks now) and my youngest currently only 10 months old, I thought it would be worth while to find an inexpensive baby carrier. I've never been one for Snugli's or slings or carrying your baby around all the time... but I am thinking this may need to be re-evaluated. With a little bit of searching online, I found probably the most inexpensive way to make your own baby carrier. There are tons of different ways to tie these things, but this one seems to fit me and my son the best. He is about 20 lbs and pretty wiggly!
This wrap is made out of a cotton knit combination. It said unknown fibres on the bolt, so I couldn't tell you exactly. It has quite a bit of stretch to it, and I think if I were to buy more fabric, I'd buy something with less give to it. But the stretch does give you a bit of comfort around the shoulders, which hold most of your child's weight.
I bought a 5 meter length (150 cm (60") wide) and then cut it straight down the middle to create two 5 meter lengths each measuring approximately 75cm wide. With knit fabrics there's no need to serge or hem the edges, so this is a no-sew project! Bonus! If you have a sewing machine or better yet, a serger, you could buy 2.5 meters, cut it in half and then sew the two lengths together to create a really long piece. This would be even less expensive!
These 2 wraps cost me about $23 - a lot better than the Didymos or Moby wraps that retail between $100 and $160!
Tying it takes a bit of practice. To find many different carrying examples, just search "baby backwrap" on YouTube.
This link shows the method I prefer so far: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFLhddgIEIQ
June 24, 2009
What Is God's Will
This post is to follow up on one that I wrote a few months ago, Let God Decide How Many Children We Have?
I received a comment from a reader who asks “Hi, interesting topic... I was wondering if you could elaborate on what you mean by this? "Did you know that we aren't actually re-populating the earth at a healthy rate right now? I'm talking about caucasian people, specifically." I was wondering why Caucasian people specifically? For example, by law Chinese citizens are only allowed to have one child... I'm not trying to be difficult, I just want to understand! Thanks!”
I appreciate this reader’s comment and also found it interesting because I recently had a discussion with another friend who asked a similar question referring to China and their family planning laws.
Without going into too much detail about China’s family planning laws, I will say that according to the research I’ve done China’s social system is feeling repercussions from holding to these laws for the past 40 years. Because of this, they make exceptions for the 1-child per family law.
In my original post, I was blogging about attitudes our culture seems to be adopting about children. I mentioned “Caucasion” in the post and probably should have used different wording: western culture. Caucasion came to mind because it appears to me, in Canada where I live and how multi-cultural we are as a nation, that there are cultures within Canada that still hold more traditional views when it comes to family and children, ei. Muslims. Going back to the purpose of my original post, the challenge I wanted to throw out there was this: let us re-evaluate what we base our decision about family size on. As Christians, it should look different than the world. God’s Word is clear when it says children are of the greatest blessing God can give to a married couple. (Psalm 127:3-5) This decision is going to look different for every Christian couple.
I hope this helps to clarify. As an end note, I encourage all Christian women to get into the Word of God, nurture their relationship with their heavenly Father and ask Him to put His will for their lives into their hearts.
Another Related Post: Follow Up – Let God Determine the Size of Our Family?
I received a comment from a reader who asks “Hi, interesting topic... I was wondering if you could elaborate on what you mean by this? "Did you know that we aren't actually re-populating the earth at a healthy rate right now? I'm talking about caucasian people, specifically." I was wondering why Caucasian people specifically? For example, by law Chinese citizens are only allowed to have one child... I'm not trying to be difficult, I just want to understand! Thanks!”
I appreciate this reader’s comment and also found it interesting because I recently had a discussion with another friend who asked a similar question referring to China and their family planning laws.
Without going into too much detail about China’s family planning laws, I will say that according to the research I’ve done China’s social system is feeling repercussions from holding to these laws for the past 40 years. Because of this, they make exceptions for the 1-child per family law.
In my original post, I was blogging about attitudes our culture seems to be adopting about children. I mentioned “Caucasion” in the post and probably should have used different wording: western culture. Caucasion came to mind because it appears to me, in Canada where I live and how multi-cultural we are as a nation, that there are cultures within Canada that still hold more traditional views when it comes to family and children, ei. Muslims. Going back to the purpose of my original post, the challenge I wanted to throw out there was this: let us re-evaluate what we base our decision about family size on. As Christians, it should look different than the world. God’s Word is clear when it says children are of the greatest blessing God can give to a married couple. (Psalm 127:3-5) This decision is going to look different for every Christian couple.
I hope this helps to clarify. As an end note, I encourage all Christian women to get into the Word of God, nurture their relationship with their heavenly Father and ask Him to put His will for their lives into their hearts.
Another Related Post: Follow Up – Let God Determine the Size of Our Family?
June 23, 2009
Desperate Cry For Help
Okay Lord, I know this day is going to be terrible if I do not submit it to you. I know I will be completely ineffective as a wife and mother if I do not rely on your strength to carry me through this day, to be obedient to your word.
Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire
besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.
Those who are far from you will perish;
you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.
But as for me, it is good to be near God.
I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge;
I will tell of all your deeds.
Psalm 73:25-28
Why does it take a frustrating night, or long day with children to make me realize that I haven't been relying fully on God's grace to carry me through? Why do I have to be pulling my hair out and wondering why am I so angry all the time? Why am I upset with my 3-year old constantly? To make me wake up and understand, oh yeah, I haven't actually fed off of God's Word today. I haven't committed this day into His hands. Whatever happens today, or during the night, is in His plan. It may not be in mine, but that doesn't matter. It's in His.
I have been blaming the last couple of days of frustration on the idea that we must be tired from our camping trip. Ha. Are we already back to this place? Believing lies, instead of taking responsibility for sin? Call sin what it is! SIN! I can't control my circumstances, but I can control my reactions to those circumstances, and quite often I trample over those I love the most, making them my target for nasty attitudes or words. Oh Lord, help me. There is nothing good in this heart of mine. Nothing good at all. But you have redeemed it! You have taken up residense in here! Shine through this awful flesh, take over and empower me to do what you would have me do today.
I have been blaming the last couple of days of frustration on the idea that we must be tired from our camping trip. Ha. Are we already back to this place? Believing lies, instead of taking responsibility for sin? Call sin what it is! SIN! I can't control my circumstances, but I can control my reactions to those circumstances, and quite often I trample over those I love the most, making them my target for nasty attitudes or words. Oh Lord, help me. There is nothing good in this heart of mine. Nothing good at all. But you have redeemed it! You have taken up residense in here! Shine through this awful flesh, take over and empower me to do what you would have me do today.
June 14, 2009
Braids
We've been on a french braid kick as of late. I haven't posted all the photos, but today I decided I would, considering my lack of posting this week! I've been rather lazy about blogging.
June 6, 2009
Roles and Authority
Exodus 18
Moses shows character in leadership by listening to Jethro's God-given advice. Perhaps it would have been easy for Moses to disregard his father-in-law's suggestions. Afterall, he just led the people out of Egypt, crossed the Red Sea, provided water and bread and meat for them (through God's power). But Moses was not an arrogant leader to ignore good advice from another individual from God. Jethro saw that Moses would probably wear himself out by being the nation's full-time judge, so he advised Moses to appoint godly men over groups of people to take care of the daily problems. Big problems would be brought to Moses, but he should share the load with other men he trusted.
Select capable men from all people--men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain--and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. Ex. 18:21 Moses was to be selective in choosing men for these jobs: Trustworthy, honest, no selfish ambition. Husbands are likely to make their wives their closest confidante's if they see that their wives can be trusted, they are honest, and are self-sacrificing. Even though Moses was relying on other men to lighten his load, he was still in authority over them. Jethro also suggested that Moses be the people's representative to God, not God to the people. He was to teach them the decrees and laws, and show them the way to live and the duties they are to perform. Ex. 18:20 This is a large responsibility in itself, and one that God calls husbands to be for their families. We are ultimately all responsible for our own actions and sins and personal relationships with Christ, but God has put the husband at the head of the home to teach, lead, protect, and pray for.
Moses shows character in leadership by listening to Jethro's God-given advice. Perhaps it would have been easy for Moses to disregard his father-in-law's suggestions. Afterall, he just led the people out of Egypt, crossed the Red Sea, provided water and bread and meat for them (through God's power). But Moses was not an arrogant leader to ignore good advice from another individual from God. Jethro saw that Moses would probably wear himself out by being the nation's full-time judge, so he advised Moses to appoint godly men over groups of people to take care of the daily problems. Big problems would be brought to Moses, but he should share the load with other men he trusted.
Select capable men from all people--men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain--and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. Ex. 18:21 Moses was to be selective in choosing men for these jobs: Trustworthy, honest, no selfish ambition. Husbands are likely to make their wives their closest confidante's if they see that their wives can be trusted, they are honest, and are self-sacrificing. Even though Moses was relying on other men to lighten his load, he was still in authority over them. Jethro also suggested that Moses be the people's representative to God, not God to the people. He was to teach them the decrees and laws, and show them the way to live and the duties they are to perform. Ex. 18:20 This is a large responsibility in itself, and one that God calls husbands to be for their families. We are ultimately all responsible for our own actions and sins and personal relationships with Christ, but God has put the husband at the head of the home to teach, lead, protect, and pray for.
June 5, 2009
Painfully Close To My Heart Today
Exodus 17
The Israelites are grumbling again and believing some lies.
1. God is not really good
2. God doesn't love them
3. God is not really enough
4. God should fix their problems
5. They have rights
6. Their authority (Moses) is supposed to serve them
7. They shouldn't have to suffer
8. They just can't take it anymore
9. This will go on forever
10. It's all about them
The first time I read through this passage this morning, I thought of the marriage relationship. (Moses being the husband, and the Israelites being the wife.) Husbands lead their wives into situations, and many times wives doubt that God is leading their husbands and they begin to grumble about it. When I read this account of the Israelites grumbling, I almost wanted to slam my Bible shut and yell, "You ungrateful people! Look at how God has provided for you and led Moses in the past!" Sadly, wives fail to recognize God's hand at work in their husbands' lives as well and grumble too. I should really be yelling, "You ungrateful, selfish, disobedient, unsubmissive wife (I'm yelling at myself now)! Look at how God has provided for you and led Rob to care for and protect you so far! Wake up and stop believing these lies!"
The very first verse in chapter 17 reveals that the Lord is doing the leading and it would seem Israel recognized this: The whole Israelite community set out from the Desert of Sin, (ironic name I think. Although my NIV notes say that word is probably just derived from Sinai, the mountain that was nearby) traveling from place to place as the LORD commanded.
It would seem at this point, the Israelites recognize that the Lord is leading Moses to lead them to different places as they pursue the Promised Land. One verse later, the Israelites are grumbling because they camped somewhere without water to drink. They demand Moses to give them water. Moses is faithful; He cries out to God for Israel, however, tones of disgust are definitely present in his prayers. Instead of calling the people, his people, Moses refers to Israel as these people. He is certainly becoming annoyed and tired at their demands.
I can only leave this with one question for now (my children are waking up), how do our demands affect the authority God has placed in our lives? Does it make them love us more, or be painfully faithful to us?
June 4, 2009
Those Stupid Israelites! Oh, wait....
I have been reading Exodus lately and am once again dumbfounded by the stupidity and unfaithfulness of those Israelites. It doesn't take very long, however, only a few questions, and I sober up as realize I'm not much different.
Exodus 14-16 is the account of the Israelites finally being freed from the Egyptians and the Lord delivering them through the Red Sea and destroying the Egyptian pursuers in it! The Israelites are full of praise for God and worship Him in song. A mere three days later, after being in the desert, they begin grumbling because they can't find any water. Instead of crying out to God, they grumble and doubt God's goodness and faithfulness. Don't they remember what they've just come through!? After Moses prays and asks God for water, He provides it--displaying His faithfulness, mercy and grace. By this, I shake my head in disgust at the Israelites behavior. Don't they believe that God is good and that God can be trusted? Wait. After I experience God's faithfulness and blessings, how long does it take me before I am complaining or worrying about a situation?
Just a little farther along in their journey and the Israelites actually start wishing they were back in captivity! They are hungry and figure it would be better to be well-fed slaves rather than free and experiencing God's provision and promises. Instead of writing them off as ungrateful untrusting children, God provides for them once again. He provides daily food for them. At the same time as providing for them, He is also testing their faithfulness. Judging by the way they reacted to the other blessings, I wouldn't think they needed anymore tests, but God gives chance after chance. He wants them to learn, He wants to show them His power and faithfulness over and over again. Some of the people are untrusting, and don't obey the regulations God gives about the manna and the meat. And God allows the food they hoard to rot. They need only take what they require to survive for that day. God will provide more for the next day.
All I can pray after reading this passage of Scripture is, Lord Help Me! So quickly do I doubt His trustworthiness and goodness when something doesn't turn out the way I expect or desire. So quickly do I start worrying about the next situation even while experiencing God's blessings and provisions in our present circumstances.
Exodus 14-16 is the account of the Israelites finally being freed from the Egyptians and the Lord delivering them through the Red Sea and destroying the Egyptian pursuers in it! The Israelites are full of praise for God and worship Him in song. A mere three days later, after being in the desert, they begin grumbling because they can't find any water. Instead of crying out to God, they grumble and doubt God's goodness and faithfulness. Don't they remember what they've just come through!? After Moses prays and asks God for water, He provides it--displaying His faithfulness, mercy and grace. By this, I shake my head in disgust at the Israelites behavior. Don't they believe that God is good and that God can be trusted? Wait. After I experience God's faithfulness and blessings, how long does it take me before I am complaining or worrying about a situation?
Just a little farther along in their journey and the Israelites actually start wishing they were back in captivity! They are hungry and figure it would be better to be well-fed slaves rather than free and experiencing God's provision and promises. Instead of writing them off as ungrateful untrusting children, God provides for them once again. He provides daily food for them. At the same time as providing for them, He is also testing their faithfulness. Judging by the way they reacted to the other blessings, I wouldn't think they needed anymore tests, but God gives chance after chance. He wants them to learn, He wants to show them His power and faithfulness over and over again. Some of the people are untrusting, and don't obey the regulations God gives about the manna and the meat. And God allows the food they hoard to rot. They need only take what they require to survive for that day. God will provide more for the next day.
All I can pray after reading this passage of Scripture is, Lord Help Me! So quickly do I doubt His trustworthiness and goodness when something doesn't turn out the way I expect or desire. So quickly do I start worrying about the next situation even while experiencing God's blessings and provisions in our present circumstances.
June 3, 2009
Let God
"The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." -- Exodus 14:14
How many times do I go through a battle and try and find victory myself? I lose patience and want to solve the problem now, without waiting on God and seeking His Word. I have revisited Exodus this week and been reminded at how little faith the Israelites had. It`s easy for me to be judgmental of them. First, God summons Moses from a burning bush! After asking Moses to be His spokesperson to Pharaoh, Moses pleads with God that he is not a very good public speaker; someone else should do it. God complies, and uses Aaron alongside Moses. Moses doubts God`s power. And then all the plagues. Moses fails to see that God is using these plagues to display His glory. He simply sees them as failed attempts to get Pharaoh to let the people of Israel go. Finally, once the Israelites are set free, they are actually led by a cloud from God during the day, and a pillar of fire at night! Unfortunately, they are still scared of the Egyptians, and don`t trust that God will actually deliver them.
I read these Scriptures and almost chuckle at the Israelites. Then, I sober up and realize how I am really not that much different from them. They didn`t have the whole story like I do. From the beginning of their captivity in Egypt, I know that God will deliver them after 10 plagues and part the Red Sea for them to cross, meanwhile drowning their pursuerers! Likewise, I do not have the whole story of my life. And too often, in the busyness of daily living, or surviving, I don`t stop and recognize God`s hand in everyday situations. The Lord will be with you; you need only to be still. Lord, help me to be still. Instead of jumping in and trying to solve issues on my own, give me wisdom and discernment to see the bigger picture. I do not have to worry about the battle for my son`s soul now. I need only to pray, be immersed in the Lord`s promises, and remember: The Lord will be with you; you need only to be still.
June 2, 2009
Growing Up Boys
All night long last night, I dreamed of rules and boys and authority. This morning my heart is burdened to pray fervently for wisdom to know how to raise my son: wisdom for both Rob and me! How do we raise him to respect authority? To implement rules in his life (for safety's sake, and to teach him consideration of others) without pushing him to rebel later on?
I see sons around me (and this was also true in my husband's life as a teen) completely turn their backs on their parents' teaching. I see them despising authority, wanting complete freedom without accountability. These are boys that have been raised with knowledge of the Bible, knowledge of the power of God, and I would say even good examples of Christian living in their homes.
Oh Lord, please give me wisdom!
I would love it if you would share your thoughts or burdens with me on this issue. Let's pray together that God would give us wisdom to raise our sons to be men of God, to desire to do His will in their lives, to raise up godly families, and to bring all glory to God.
I see sons around me (and this was also true in my husband's life as a teen) completely turn their backs on their parents' teaching. I see them despising authority, wanting complete freedom without accountability. These are boys that have been raised with knowledge of the Bible, knowledge of the power of God, and I would say even good examples of Christian living in their homes.
Oh Lord, please give me wisdom!
I would love it if you would share your thoughts or burdens with me on this issue. Let's pray together that God would give us wisdom to raise our sons to be men of God, to desire to do His will in their lives, to raise up godly families, and to bring all glory to God.
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