The spiritual warfare has become more real to me in the last several days and I am becoming more and more aware of this glass bowl we seem to be living in. But is it just here? or is it that we just didn't notice or think about back in Indiana. People are watching and noticing little things that we don't even think about. How we respond in different situations, how we interact with each other, how we treat each other...what are they seeing? is it good or bad?
What is there in my life that is hindering the Light from going out? hindering seeds from being planted? People are watching. People that are hurt and scared and looking for answers. What are they seeing in me? Do they see the average person? or do they see something more? do they see Jesus?
These are the questions that are bringing me to my knees, asking God for wisdom and guidance. Alone, I am so inadequate.
A young boy, who seemed to have befriended Bryce in the last while has changed drastically in the last couple weeks. He has been acting up when he comes and has been mean towards Bryce. Bryce has been pretty disappointed in loosing that relationship and acceptance he sensed from him. Come to find out, besides spending time in the kiva in preparation for the bean dance, he is pretty worried and scared. His mother has been drinking again an he's afraid that he will get put back in foster care. My heart breaks for him and the weight he is carrying.
This is just one of the many struggles we see here almost daily. Thank you so much for all your prayers. I know God is faithful.
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
The faint beat of drums, or the "god of HP"
Tonight as I stepped outside to fill a bucket with coal, I could hear a faint thump,thump, thump...... this weekend is the "bean dance" in this village. The men are down in the kiva practicing, I'm told. Also the young boys or anyone that has been "initiated" is there late into the night.
In the last several days we have noticed a difference in the 12 year old boys that come here in the afternoons. obviously they are being affected by something. They are playing rough, showing disrespect to adults and other kids, and just in general hard to manage.
This is one of those weeks when it is very evident that we need help. What can we do that will make a difference in the lives of those around us? Who are we besides needy sinners, unless we are fully dependent on the LORD GOD...... the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and Jacob
It used to be that when I thought of people getting together, beating drums and dancing, I only thought of some remote people groups in the jungles somewhere....but look - they are doing it right here! I could walk over and peek down the opening to the underground kiva, but of course I won't do that.
By the way, you know, it's not the actual beating of the drums that is a problem - but, why are they doing it? They are trying to please, or pretend to please, their "gods"..... they are slaves to all of this, they have to do it..... what if the bean crop doesn't grow? what if the drought continues? what if they stop all the rituals and .... and ... loose their cultural identity?
It seems fairly obvious here in this place that something is not right - I mean, look at them, they are for sure serving the wrong "god".....but what about the rest of us? We were reminded in a recent sermon that there are many things in our lives that can become "idols" or little "gods" to us. What is it that you will not live without? - you depend on it, cling to it, get defensive if someone confronts you about it...... you get the picture. Recently I have been having quite a bit of trouble with my 13.5 month old HP laptop computer..... I depend on this thing a lot. My life is better because of it (maybe). Of course, the warranty has expired, because I did not pay the extra money for a longer warranty, so I am left a little peeved....just a little, mind you, this thing does not have control over me......no, no it doesn't..... Not that the computer cares how I feel about it. Just a worthless chunk of plastic that I put way too much confidence in.
That's how idols are - just worthless something or other that suddenly gains power because we choose to give it a high place in our lives - a place that the LIVING GOD wants in our life. He is a jealous God. Let's not make Him share our hearts with some worthless chunk o' junk or ritual, or.....
Anyway, there's my thougths for the week. Would you join us in praying for the local people this weekend as they go about these rituals and ceremonies? They are people just like you and me - ten fingers, ten toes, red blood, hurting hearts. Thanks again to all who prayed during the "bean dance" ceremonies for the village across the highway from us several weeks ago. We know that God cares, and we appreciate it too as you remember us and the team here.
In the last several days we have noticed a difference in the 12 year old boys that come here in the afternoons. obviously they are being affected by something. They are playing rough, showing disrespect to adults and other kids, and just in general hard to manage.
This is one of those weeks when it is very evident that we need help. What can we do that will make a difference in the lives of those around us? Who are we besides needy sinners, unless we are fully dependent on the LORD GOD...... the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and Jacob
It used to be that when I thought of people getting together, beating drums and dancing, I only thought of some remote people groups in the jungles somewhere....but look - they are doing it right here! I could walk over and peek down the opening to the underground kiva, but of course I won't do that.
By the way, you know, it's not the actual beating of the drums that is a problem - but, why are they doing it? They are trying to please, or pretend to please, their "gods"..... they are slaves to all of this, they have to do it..... what if the bean crop doesn't grow? what if the drought continues? what if they stop all the rituals and .... and ... loose their cultural identity?
It seems fairly obvious here in this place that something is not right - I mean, look at them, they are for sure serving the wrong "god".....but what about the rest of us? We were reminded in a recent sermon that there are many things in our lives that can become "idols" or little "gods" to us. What is it that you will not live without? - you depend on it, cling to it, get defensive if someone confronts you about it...... you get the picture. Recently I have been having quite a bit of trouble with my 13.5 month old HP laptop computer..... I depend on this thing a lot. My life is better because of it (maybe). Of course, the warranty has expired, because I did not pay the extra money for a longer warranty, so I am left a little peeved....just a little, mind you, this thing does not have control over me......no, no it doesn't..... Not that the computer cares how I feel about it. Just a worthless chunk of plastic that I put way too much confidence in.
That's how idols are - just worthless something or other that suddenly gains power because we choose to give it a high place in our lives - a place that the LIVING GOD wants in our life. He is a jealous God. Let's not make Him share our hearts with some worthless chunk o' junk or ritual, or.....
Anyway, there's my thougths for the week. Would you join us in praying for the local people this weekend as they go about these rituals and ceremonies? They are people just like you and me - ten fingers, ten toes, red blood, hurting hearts. Thanks again to all who prayed during the "bean dance" ceremonies for the village across the highway from us several weeks ago. We know that God cares, and we appreciate it too as you remember us and the team here.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Thank you for your prayers....
Thanks so much to all who prayed during the bean dance last week-end. We have not heard, but are trusting that God was working there to bring conviction and confusion. To get a glimpse of what is involved with these kachina dances...see Melissa's blog
It seems the spiritual warfare rages here, as people struggle to completely turn from the past and giving it up to serve God. There are so many different gospels taught here, it becomes confusing and satan seems to be the master of deception. But we do see God working in some positive ways recently so our prayers are not in vain.
Our kids have been having fun these last couple days. Monday at Goodwill we were able to pick up 2 sets of skis and 3 pairs of boots for less than $30. Tuesday night we got fresh snow, (it felt like spring last week) So skiing out behind the Toews' has been the popular thing. (And sledding for Sharayah who doesn't have any skis or boots to fit her....yet) They have caught on quickly and are having a blast.
Tara is hoping lady will move.
Sharayah sledding between skiers.
Seth has it figured out....I think it's something with the hand position.
Our fancy lift. (it didn't last long)
This is not recommended to try at home....or anywhere else. Skiing without boots. To see a few more ski pics check out Bryce's blog.
Melissa, along with several other single folks from church, put an a Sweetheart Banquet for the married couples here. It was very nicely done and a lot of time put into it. Thanks to all who helped with that. A few pics from the evening.
It seems the spiritual warfare rages here, as people struggle to completely turn from the past and giving it up to serve God. There are so many different gospels taught here, it becomes confusing and satan seems to be the master of deception. But we do see God working in some positive ways recently so our prayers are not in vain.
Our kids have been having fun these last couple days. Monday at Goodwill we were able to pick up 2 sets of skis and 3 pairs of boots for less than $30. Tuesday night we got fresh snow, (it felt like spring last week) So skiing out behind the Toews' has been the popular thing. (And sledding for Sharayah who doesn't have any skis or boots to fit her....yet) They have caught on quickly and are having a blast.
Tara is hoping lady will move.
Sharayah sledding between skiers.
Seth has it figured out....I think it's something with the hand position.
Our fancy lift. (it didn't last long)
This is not recommended to try at home....or anywhere else. Skiing without boots. To see a few more ski pics check out Bryce's blog.
Melissa, along with several other single folks from church, put an a Sweetheart Banquet for the married couples here. It was very nicely done and a lot of time put into it. Thanks to all who helped with that. A few pics from the evening.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Not to be outdone by the Midwest...
.......snow hits the high mesas.
We had temps in the high 50s last week.
As they say, "the only thing more beautiful than falling snow is melting snow". It won't last long around here.
Lesson of the Week
Last week one day I stepped out of the house door just in time to witness an "attack". I knew right away that what I witnessed was only a portion of the fight.
I was just in time to see "T" lunging at "E", grabbing his arm and sinking his teeth deep into flesh....yeeow!
Upon further investigation, it became clear that "E" actually started it. You see, "E" wanted to see "T's" skateboard, so..... he pushed him.......that's about when I came out the door, saw the lunging bite, and hollered a halt to the negotiations. "You know "E", just because you want his skateboard, does not mean you may push him. We ask permission if we want something." ""T", just because he pushed you is no reason to "take a bite out of crime", or arms either. try doing something nice".
I had to think about a discussion we had several Wednesday evenings ago from 1 Peter:
1 Peter 3:8-12 : 8 Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude.9 Don't repay evil for evil. Don't retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it.10 For the Scriptures say,
"If you want to enjoy life
and see many happy days,
keep your tongue from speaking evil
and your lips from telling lies.
11 Turn away from evil and do good.
Search for peace, and work to maintain it.
12 The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right,
and his ears are open to their prayers.
But the Lord turns his face
against those who do evil." NLT
How do you "pay them back with a blessing"? What situations in your life can you think of when you had opportunity to do that? So often we miss it! After all, he pushed me, and I have my rights, don't I? God has a better idea.
The hard part of it the other day in the yard was that kids are constantly picking on "T", and he plays into their hand by crying and wailing and causing trouble. Seems he probably has a bad case of FAS.... "E", on the other hand, has been quite a good kid, I thought. Now he has a nasty wound on his arm to remember his lesson by. It seems obvious in the yard with a bunch of unruly kids that they are making wrong choices. But it can be less obvious with adults sometimes. .....pay them back with a blessing.....hmmmm
I was just in time to see "T" lunging at "E", grabbing his arm and sinking his teeth deep into flesh....yeeow!
Upon further investigation, it became clear that "E" actually started it. You see, "E" wanted to see "T's" skateboard, so..... he pushed him.......that's about when I came out the door, saw the lunging bite, and hollered a halt to the negotiations. "You know "E", just because you want his skateboard, does not mean you may push him. We ask permission if we want something." ""T", just because he pushed you is no reason to "take a bite out of crime", or arms either. try doing something nice".
I had to think about a discussion we had several Wednesday evenings ago from 1 Peter:
1 Peter 3:8-12 : 8 Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude.9 Don't repay evil for evil. Don't retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it.10 For the Scriptures say,
"If you want to enjoy life
and see many happy days,
keep your tongue from speaking evil
and your lips from telling lies.
11 Turn away from evil and do good.
Search for peace, and work to maintain it.
12 The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right,
and his ears are open to their prayers.
But the Lord turns his face
against those who do evil." NLT
How do you "pay them back with a blessing"? What situations in your life can you think of when you had opportunity to do that? So often we miss it! After all, he pushed me, and I have my rights, don't I? God has a better idea.
The hard part of it the other day in the yard was that kids are constantly picking on "T", and he plays into their hand by crying and wailing and causing trouble. Seems he probably has a bad case of FAS.... "E", on the other hand, has been quite a good kid, I thought. Now he has a nasty wound on his arm to remember his lesson by. It seems obvious in the yard with a bunch of unruly kids that they are making wrong choices. But it can be less obvious with adults sometimes. .....pay them back with a blessing.....hmmmm
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