A walk in the park

Yesterday I went to the park with T so he could run, ride, climb, and enjoy while I walked the 1/4 mile loop.  It was hot as I walk fully covered from head to toe but it felt so great to just be outside and enjoy the trees, semi-grass, and watch the world fly by.
The park had scattered groups of others enjoying the outdoors.  One group of 3 men sat under the only pavilion  providing shade (later I was to determine that these were the gardeners), another single man sat alone behind a bush at the far edge (weird), a family sat under the shade of a tree, and several groups of couples sat enjoying their lunches.
After several loops past the man "hiding" behind the bush, I watched two burka clade women walk towards him.  One sat down in the grass about 10 feet away while the other one sat down next to him as close as possible.... interesting.
Was this courting South Asian style?  Were they suppose to be there or out shopping?  Who was he? Who were they? Sisters, friends?  What was I witness to? I love to speculate!
It was fun to watch them interact as I passed them repeatedly.

Then suddenly the enjoyment ended.
The oldest of the three "guardners" with his white long beard and prayer cap covered head moved with determination towards the three young people.  I cut my loop short so as to not interrupt his rage and watched from a distance with  my little boy close at my side as he broke up their secret meeting. I have no idea what was spoken between them but I saw the group break apart.
What just happened?
Why did fear grip my heart as I watched him walk towards them and yet at the same time I wanted to run between them and shield them from his rage?
What should I have done? Where do I belong in all this mess?

Life here is certainly not a walk in the park.  For so many survival is day to day, let alone falling in love in a place where love is arranged. Life here is hard.  Life here hurts. Life here is so hopeless.

SAVIOR's HERE (kari jobe)

You bring hope You bring life 

Awaken hearts open eyes 

With our voices hear them rise 

We call these dry bones to come alive 

You are faithful you are true 

We can always run to ...

...Love that never fails 

Arms that never close 

Blood that covers sin 

Grace that never ends 

You have saved us 

You have won 

Sin is broken 

Death is gone 

Freedom's found us 

Breakthrough's near 

In your presence 

No more Fear 

Our savior's here 

Our savior's here 

Faith is stirring 

Hearts are free 

Chains are broken when we believe 

You are mighty you come through 

We can always run to...

You opened the blind eyes

Heal our sickness you alone 

You opened my blind eyes gave me a new life 

Oh yeah, our savior's here

May God use us to bring hope, freedom, faith, love, and grace to all through the good news of Jesus.

m

Vote for Amina, Vote for Toffees

Recently at T's school they had election for head girl and head boy. Signs hung on the school walls, speeches were made and a rally was held to announce the winners.
As the election week progress I watched my son evaluate who he would vote for:
"Assif gave me one rupee.  I think I will vote for him."
"Rosie says she will give the whole school money if we vote for her."
"Amina told us we would all get a toffee if she won."

Wow!!! At seven years old the age old game of empty promises and bribery has begun. But at seven there's no hiding the truth.  The poster's themselves honestly describe the bribery to be given out if votes are cast in their support.

So, my son came home with ink on his thumb, having cast his vote for Amina.
He didn't get any toffee.
But he got to vote.

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.  For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all,  

1 Timothy 2:1-6a

My vote is cast.

I choose the one who fulfilled all the promises of God.

He gets my vote, today and every day after!

Happy to be a citizen of another kingdom,

m

An Eid Story

This story is a true story from the Holy Book, the Law.

God made a promise to Abraham: "I will give you a son."
God kept his promise and gave him a son.
One day God told Abraham.
"Take the son whom you love and go to the place I will show you and sacrifice him."
Abraham obeyed.
He took his son.
He took the wood for the sacrifice.
He took fire for the sacrifice.
His son asked him, "Where is the animal for sacrifice?"
Abraham said, "God will provide."

They set off and came to the place for the sacrifice.
They built an altar.
Then Abraham took the son he loved, bound him and lay him on the altar.
As he was about to sacrifice his son a voice spoke from heaven,
"Abraham, do not harm the boy. I can see that you fear me for you did not withhold your son."
Then God provided an animal for sacrifice.
Abraham worshipped God there and call God, "God will Provide."

God, from the beginning of time has provided the sacrifice for his children.
He did this once for all when he sent Jesus as the perfect sacrifice.
Jesus was God's provision for man's sin and rebellion, to bring us to God.
God, himself is the perfect sacrifice giver.

henna design used to share the story of God's perfect provison

The streets have been lined with goats, cows decorated with garlands and orange henna, along with occasional camel, all for sale for sacrifice.  Today is the beginning of Eid.

We have joined the celebration by celebrating God's perfect sacrifice and basking in the knowledge of his grace.  No, the blood of an animal, no matter how free from flaw, will not take away man's sin, but it certainly does point to the grace bestowed on us in Christ.
The celebration is one you can't help but take part in because He has purchased for himself a people, once and for all through the shedding of his blood.  We have new life because of his shed blood.  This is cause to remember and to celebrate.

He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth.  Isaiah 53:7
For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.  Hebrews 10:4 
For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified. Hebrews 10:14

Take time to remember the sacrifice of Christ today.
Take time to rejoice in his victory over Satan, sin and death.
Take time to intercede on behalf of the nations and people around you who don't have the same hope.

Take time to remember.

BEHOLD THE LAMB

Behold the Lamb who bears our sins away,
Slain for us: and we remember
The promise made that all who come in faith
Find forgiveness at the cross.

So we share in this Bread of life,
And we drink of His sacrifice,
As a sign of our bonds of peace
Around the table of the King.

The body of our Savior, Jesus Christ,
Torn for you: eat and remember
The wounds that heal, the death that brings us life,
Paid the price to make us one.

The blood that cleanses every stain of sin,
Shed for you: drink and remember
He drained death's cup that all may enter in
To receive the life of God.

And so with thankfulness and faith
We rise to respond: and to remember.
Our call to follow in the steps of Christ
As His body here on earth.

As we share in His suffering,
We proclaim: Christ will come again!
And we'll join in the feast of heaven
Around the table of the King.

Keith, Getty, Kristyn Getty & Stuart Townend
Copyright 2007 Thankyou Music

Remembering and Rejoicing,

m

Thanks Mom!

Once again I am so thankful for my mom.
Years of eating her cooking, mine never seems as good.
Sometimes I think hers is just better because I didn't have to make it but that is just pride speaking!

I asked her for a recipe a couple days ago.
I got it.
It tastes great.
Maybe even better because I got to make it with MY son.

But I got more than a recipe.
In the course of emails I got encouraging words.
I received care and love.
I laughed.
I saw a humble heart.
I felt built up.

Thanks mom.

Maybe one day I will cook as good as you.
Love as well.
Make other laugh and enjoy life like you do.
Encourage and care for others (especially my kids) the way you do.

I love you, Mom!

"o help me to set an upright example that will ever rebuke vice, allure to goodness, and evidence that lovely are the ways of Christ." (puritan prayers)

 m


here's the recipe in case you wanted it:

Starlight Cupcakes

2 Cups Flour

1 1/2 Cup Sugar

3 1/2 tsps. baking pwder

1 tsp salt

1/2 cup shortening

1 cup milk

1 tsp vanilla

3 eggs

350 for 40 minutes

That is all I have but I would imagine it is Cream shortening, sugar and eggs and vanilla until perfect...add dry ingre. alternately with milk.  Or something of the sort.

Life Long Lessons

I believe the disorder is hereditary. It hasn't been given a name but I've seen it in my parents, I've watched my big sister and I do the same. We love to take the things of every day life and find a "lesson" or "moral" or "sermon illustration" out of it.
The best protagonists are usually the kids.  The things they do, say or the way they respond seems to always provide a story to tell or something to learn.

However, in the past 24 hours it's been me.
Yesterday a drain was pushed open.
So why is that a big deal?
Let me explain: the amount of drains we have in houses here far out numbers that in the western world.  In every bathroom, kitchen and any other space where water may come, there is a drain.  Our drains are about 3.5 inches in diameter. Most drains in this house are equipped with a double layer of steel and are "cemented" into the ground.  All but one.  One drain has a lightweight plastic top.  It has been loose since we arrived.  Since we arrived I have repeatedly said to myself, "If you leave that the way it is, you will have rats. And not just rats but sewer (larger) rats.  Do something about it."
Did I?
No.
Why?

Earlier today I put eggs on to boil for Thomas' lunch tomorrow.
I said to myself, "You know that you always forget odorless things you are cooking until they can be smelled (meaning you are way too late). Be sure to set your timer."
Did I?
No.
Why?

Now the eggs are in the trash, the pan is sadly scarred and poison lines the walls of the bathroom.
All because I just didn't do what I knew in advance I should do.
Why?
Why ignore the heart warnings?  Why wait till there's a mess to clean up?  I knew the problem. I foresaw my weakness, but what did I do about it?
Nothing.

Why do I deal with sin the same way?
I know my weaknesses but do nothing.
I know the precautions I should take but wait till there's a problem.
I know my need for accountability but don't always seek it out.
I know the things that tempt me but fail to remove them.
I know where I am prone to give in but don't run the other way.

Why?

Morning Needs (from Puritan Prayers)
O God the author of all good, I come to Thee for the grace another day will require for its duties and events. I step out into a wicked world; I carry about with me an evil heart. I know that without Thee I can do nothing, that everything with which I shall be concerned, however harmless in itself, may prove an occasion of sin or folly, unless I am kept by Thy power. Hold Thou me up and I shall be safe.
Persevere my understanding from subtlety of error, my affections from love of idols, my character from stain of vice, my profession from every form of evil. May I engage in nothing in which I cannot implore Thy blessing, and in which I cannot invite Thy inspection. ...

wanting to be more like Jesus,

m

Kittens... Please Tell Me Why...

I am not a pet person.
In fact, I prefer most animals well-done along with garlic mashed potatoes.
But for the time being (till they find another home) we have two kittens growing up in our back yard.

They love Bliss.
They love the food I give them.
They aren't really sure of Thomas.

The yellow one (Rani = queen) has this sad, pathetic whimper of a meow.

I feel like her sometimes.
I feel like I look up to God and can hardly get a cry out.
It sounds more like a whimper.
I'm so dependent. So helpless. So pathetic. So weak.

So, as they scamper up on the screen of my kitchen window, crying out for whatever it is I'm cooking I'm reminded:

How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? 

How love will you hide your face from me?

... But I have trusted in your steadfast love; 

my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.

I will sing to the Lord, 

because he has dealt bountifully with me.

Psalm 13:1, 5-6

trying to stay worm free!!!

waiting on the Lord

singing for he has dealt bountifully

m

All's Well that Ends Well

Well, the day has been over for several hours and W is catching the "zzzz's" as I lay in bed over analyzing every sound in my hyper-alert state. It has been a long day.

We are thankful for a quiet day in the house even though things outside may not have been as peaceful.  We are thankful for another chance to live another day in this place, what a privilege.  

We are thankful for caring neighbors and kind friends watching out for our safety.

We are thankful for the promises in God's word we can hold to. 

See, the protesting may not be over but the outcome is sure:  In this world you will have trouble but I give you my peace. Take heart, I have overcome the world.

Jesus has sealed the outcome with his blood.  The troubles were all around today and they may be tomorrow too.  But Jesus has given his peace and he has already proclaimed the end outcome.

We have so much to be thankful for because we are sure of this: Jesus is victorious, reigning, and not one of his sheep can be snatched from his hand. The end is sure to come but the outcome is already decided!

Thankful to be in Jesus.

m