We've been talking a lot about the whole purpose of our training here at Bible school and what the future will look like, and it seems to me that it all boils down to this: sacrifice. I know that's weird since it's so counter-cultural, but the Christian life normally is. It's cool that we are all in the same boat...we are ALL called to live lives of sacrifice and it looks different for every individual in the Body of Christ.
In reference to the training at the Bible School, they made some statements that made a lot of sense regarding our homework load. I went to a university and attended community college, so this is not my first experience in "higher education." I think I thought this would be easier than my university experience since it's not an "accredited" institution, but I had a rude wake-up call when I arrived. Not only was the class schedule more intense than what I had at the university, but the homework load a LOT more and the time I spent was significantly more as well. Here at the Bible Institute, I am in classes from 8-12 every day with electives in the afternoon. But I tend to spend the majority of my day doing homework and studying the Word. It's an awesome privilege that I have to be able to be in such an intense environment focused on studying God's Word, but sometimes it's easy to feel burnt out from all the work. I have decided its because I am used to a lot more free time than what I have here. But the leadership here addressed this and told us that the reason that the work load is so heavy here isn't just so that we will be studying the Word, but because when we are on the mission field, it takes many many hours of intense study at EVERY level. At first, you have to master the trade language of the country, and then you have to master the tribal language, which is often much harder than the first language you learn. After that, you have to study how to teach and translate the Bible into their language, how to answer their questions that will come from their worldview being confronted. It's a process to get God's Word into languages who have no written word, and it takes dedication and sacrifice, so these are things that the leadership is trying to instill in us here. It makes doing homework much "easier" in the sense that I understand there's a higher purpose and there's a reason for all of this.
We were also looking at the Proverbs 31 woman in chapel the other day. That woman was so busy and never seemed to rest! It's actually a real challenge to my heart. It seems like an "American" excuse to say "Well, I just need some time for myself," and while I do think that there are valid times when this is true, I have found myself abusing this statement and taking many breaks that are unnecessary, just because I don't feel like working any more. But this wasn't the Proverbs 31 woman's attitude. She was diligent and worked for God, not resting until the job was done. What an encouragement to me when I am feeling lazy, to remember the capacity that God has given me to work and to continue on! :)
Sacrifice is another thing that has been stressed to us lately. The principles behind the thoughts are all universal principles, such as the fact that we are all called to "take up our crosses" and Jesus tells us of the persecution we will face as believers. We aren't called to live of this world, but to see the greater purpose of life as the Glory of God. Sacrifices are inevitable in giving God greater glory, because life isn't about us, it's about Him. But I've been thinking a lot about that practically and what all I am willing to give up for Him and His glory and what all that will practically look like. I made a list of my needs and then defined them. Silly as it may be, this is what it looks like:
-Food and water (Bugs and plants...they qualify!)
-Shelter (Lean-to in the jungle...or just shelter in trees and leaves)
-Clothing (One pair...onen is enough)
While this list is not necessarily ideal, it is something I can look back upon and give thanks, even if my possessions and needs are met only by the things in this list (and this list could change as I realize God's provision in simpler means...but this was the simplest that I could come up with).
Today was the last day of the fourth block of classes. That means I only have three weeks left of classes and only two classes left to take; Bible Basis of Missions and 1 Corinthians. I am very excited to start them and to see what else God wants to teach me, and I'm glad to be done with all of the projects that were due at the end of this block; I counted more than 22 hours of homework I have done in the past three days! But then again...that's simply God preparing me. :)
I had previously been feeling a little discouraged and disconnected and had sent out a request to some supporters just that God would encourage my heart. It has been so neat to see the different ways that He has! Thank you all for your prayers; we serve such an amazing God who encourages our hearts as we find our rest and our strength in Him...and oh the grace he gives when He encourages our hearts when we are not finding our rest and strength in Him!
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Musings
This semester has been a struggle for me. Unfortunately, I have been sick for the majority of it either with kidney stone pain or a sinus cold or something. It's been a struggle to keep up with schoolwork and to focus in class when some of the time I'm on heavy painkillers and have a hard time thinking about ANYTHING, much less deep truths of the Word of God. BUT, I am blessed to have great teachers who have taken much time to prepare lessons and notes for us, and I am thankful that I have all the material to review and re-learn during Christmas break. :)
I've been learning a lot lately about how this whole relationship with God thing works. Unfortunately, I do not hold the keys to it or really truly understand everything about it, but God is faithful to reveal to me new things about who He is and His character and who I am in Him. One of the big things that I have been learning without even realizing it is contentment where He has me. I have a passion for missions, a passion that I truly believe God gave me, but yet I am not overseas. When I was younger, this was a HUGE struggle for me. I wanted to be overseas, I wanted to be with those people and I would CRY and be upset that I couldn't be. In my head the only reason that I had this passion was to use it overseas, since that was what the passion was. I didn't realize the broad range of God's abilities to use my passion in many different areas. I didn't know that I didn't have to be overseas for Him to use that passion and drive in me. This was a totally new concept to me! But lately it has been neat to see God broadening my views on how He works and how I am to respond to the situations that I am put in. I am learning how to be less abrasive with my passion (my apologies if I have been abrasive to YOU in the past!) and how God wants to use it here and now. It's just been neat to have my eyes open to the truth in the statement : "No matter WHERE I am, my responsibility before the Lord is still the same; to know Him and make Him known." This is true of all believers, though we all play a somewhat different facet of this, and I've really been learning this lately. I can fulfill my purpose and my passion no matter where I am or what circumstances may surround me.
Another thing I have been learning is that while I am learning a lot ABOUT God, it has to be my decision to take that a step further and KNOW Him, walk and talk with Him. I can read the Bible and learn as much about Him as I want, but if I do not KNOW Him, if I do not depend on Him, this is a mute point. God wants me to KNOW Him, not just about who He is. I've heard this all my life and never really understood the difference between the two. Isn't reading my Bible getting to KNOW Him? And while it can be, it all depends on me and the attitude of my heart. If I am going to the Bible to read it and to study it, but not talk to God and rely on Him, I am just learning ABOUT Him. I'm not sure if all of this makes complete sense, because right now I feel like I am just clipping the tip of the iceberg, but I know that He is faithful to reveal to me more wrongs in my life and my thinking and to conform me into the image of His son. Thank the LORD!! :)
I've been learning a lot lately about how this whole relationship with God thing works. Unfortunately, I do not hold the keys to it or really truly understand everything about it, but God is faithful to reveal to me new things about who He is and His character and who I am in Him. One of the big things that I have been learning without even realizing it is contentment where He has me. I have a passion for missions, a passion that I truly believe God gave me, but yet I am not overseas. When I was younger, this was a HUGE struggle for me. I wanted to be overseas, I wanted to be with those people and I would CRY and be upset that I couldn't be. In my head the only reason that I had this passion was to use it overseas, since that was what the passion was. I didn't realize the broad range of God's abilities to use my passion in many different areas. I didn't know that I didn't have to be overseas for Him to use that passion and drive in me. This was a totally new concept to me! But lately it has been neat to see God broadening my views on how He works and how I am to respond to the situations that I am put in. I am learning how to be less abrasive with my passion (my apologies if I have been abrasive to YOU in the past!) and how God wants to use it here and now. It's just been neat to have my eyes open to the truth in the statement : "No matter WHERE I am, my responsibility before the Lord is still the same; to know Him and make Him known." This is true of all believers, though we all play a somewhat different facet of this, and I've really been learning this lately. I can fulfill my purpose and my passion no matter where I am or what circumstances may surround me.
Another thing I have been learning is that while I am learning a lot ABOUT God, it has to be my decision to take that a step further and KNOW Him, walk and talk with Him. I can read the Bible and learn as much about Him as I want, but if I do not KNOW Him, if I do not depend on Him, this is a mute point. God wants me to KNOW Him, not just about who He is. I've heard this all my life and never really understood the difference between the two. Isn't reading my Bible getting to KNOW Him? And while it can be, it all depends on me and the attitude of my heart. If I am going to the Bible to read it and to study it, but not talk to God and rely on Him, I am just learning ABOUT Him. I'm not sure if all of this makes complete sense, because right now I feel like I am just clipping the tip of the iceberg, but I know that He is faithful to reveal to me more wrongs in my life and my thinking and to conform me into the image of His son. Thank the LORD!! :)
Friday, October 9, 2009
Update
Whew! I feel as if time has just flown by! Things have been busy and crazy here, especially since I'm in 19 credit hours this semester, but I'm so thankful for the opportunity that I have to be studying here at New Tribes Bible Institute. It's crazy to think that before I know it, I will have graduated from this place. Time just flies!
I've been learning so much. I feel like I say that all the time, but it is seriously so true. I've been learning about foundations and God has been building mine. I've been learning that my faith has been so shallow for so long and I didn't even know it. I've been seeing things from a fresh perspective, understanding things that I simply glanced over before. Having spent so much time in the Old Testament, everything in the New Testament makes so much more sense now! It's so exciting. I remember coming to school last semester and being so frustrated that we were starting in Genesis...I already knew all of those stories!! But my perspective has changed SO much since starting. My mindset has been transformed and I'm just so thankful for those gifts that God gives us of transforming our minds. Mine definitely has a far way to go, but I know He will be faithful to transform me into the image of His son.
I've been having some kidney stone trouble lately. I'm not entirely sure what's going on there, but I will be going to the doctor in a few weeks and it'll be good to have a better idea of what is going on. :)
There is a really cool passage, Luke 12:35-48, that I just read in Life of Christ. For some reason it struck me differently this time than it ever has before. I'd love to hear your thoughts on it!
I had the opportunity to visit a different religion this week with my school group. It was a neat experience and I feel like I really learned a lot. I even got to eat food from a different culture! YUM!
I'd love your prayer as I continue to learn more in my classes. There is so much to learn!!
I've been learning so much. I feel like I say that all the time, but it is seriously so true. I've been learning about foundations and God has been building mine. I've been learning that my faith has been so shallow for so long and I didn't even know it. I've been seeing things from a fresh perspective, understanding things that I simply glanced over before. Having spent so much time in the Old Testament, everything in the New Testament makes so much more sense now! It's so exciting. I remember coming to school last semester and being so frustrated that we were starting in Genesis...I already knew all of those stories!! But my perspective has changed SO much since starting. My mindset has been transformed and I'm just so thankful for those gifts that God gives us of transforming our minds. Mine definitely has a far way to go, but I know He will be faithful to transform me into the image of His son.
I've been having some kidney stone trouble lately. I'm not entirely sure what's going on there, but I will be going to the doctor in a few weeks and it'll be good to have a better idea of what is going on. :)
There is a really cool passage, Luke 12:35-48, that I just read in Life of Christ. For some reason it struck me differently this time than it ever has before. I'd love to hear your thoughts on it!
I had the opportunity to visit a different religion this week with my school group. It was a neat experience and I feel like I really learned a lot. I even got to eat food from a different culture! YUM!
I'd love your prayer as I continue to learn more in my classes. There is so much to learn!!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Firm Foundation
I've been learning a lot lately that has really cemented things in my head.
1. I am learning how God couldn't show me that I couldn't change myself for Him before I understood that I couldn't change others for Him either. This was a hard lesson to learn, but I'm glad that I did. Lessons build. :)
2. I'm learning that right now, I'm being constantly shown my failings...and that's good. I need to understand the extent of my failure; I need to be shown it and grasp it. What's amazing is that a year ago, given the same amount of failure, I wouldn't have seen it as such. God is growing me. :)
3. Going through the Bible from start to finish is really challenging my faith. It's such an amazing way to understand it, such a necessary way.
4. We heard a missionary in chapel today who taught the Bible from start to finish in a tribe. It was a powerful testimony, especially seeing that this guy and his wife were probably either in their late 20's to early 30's. Their stories really shed a lot of light to the process of what I'm going to be doing and why it's done that way. It was so good to see it in light of that. It was really encouraging and really challenging in the same way. We get so caught up in culture and making God a part of our lives that we lose sight of the fact that HE IS LIFE.
5. The families here have been amazing. I am so blessed to be around so many people who genuinely care about me. Thank you!!
I feel incredibly blessed to be at a place where my relationship with God is constantly challenged to grow and where I am learning His truths every day. The environment here is an incredible body of believers and I am so thankful for it. Thank you all for your support and your prayers!
1. I am learning how God couldn't show me that I couldn't change myself for Him before I understood that I couldn't change others for Him either. This was a hard lesson to learn, but I'm glad that I did. Lessons build. :)
2. I'm learning that right now, I'm being constantly shown my failings...and that's good. I need to understand the extent of my failure; I need to be shown it and grasp it. What's amazing is that a year ago, given the same amount of failure, I wouldn't have seen it as such. God is growing me. :)
3. Going through the Bible from start to finish is really challenging my faith. It's such an amazing way to understand it, such a necessary way.
4. We heard a missionary in chapel today who taught the Bible from start to finish in a tribe. It was a powerful testimony, especially seeing that this guy and his wife were probably either in their late 20's to early 30's. Their stories really shed a lot of light to the process of what I'm going to be doing and why it's done that way. It was so good to see it in light of that. It was really encouraging and really challenging in the same way. We get so caught up in culture and making God a part of our lives that we lose sight of the fact that HE IS LIFE.
5. The families here have been amazing. I am so blessed to be around so many people who genuinely care about me. Thank you!!
I feel incredibly blessed to be at a place where my relationship with God is constantly challenged to grow and where I am learning His truths every day. The environment here is an incredible body of believers and I am so thankful for it. Thank you all for your support and your prayers!
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
School
School has officially started!! For those of you who don't know, these are the classes I will be taking this semester:
-Acts and the Roman World*
-The Love of God*
-Job*
-Prophets^
-Hermeneutics II
-Life of Christ
-Acts
-1 Corinthians
-Ruth, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon*
-Islam*
-Bible Basis of Missions
-Theology^
-Anthropology/Harmartiology
-Christology
^=Class I am currently in *=Elective
I have already been learning and thinking through a lot of different things. It's so neat to see God work. I went and talked with one of my deans today and we talked through a lot of things that made me realize that I do everything in my power to fix my problems or prevent them before they happen because I am afraid to fail...which is a pride issue. I know in my head that I can't change myself, that I can't fix myself, that my failures do not cause God to love me any less and my triumphs don't cause Him to love me any more...but my heart hasn't learned this yet. I still try. I still want to fix me...I still think at some point I will be perfect...like I'm climbing a ladder instead of simply walking. I can't make myself any better. I can only look at Him, depend on Him, let HIM change me. It's funny how hard we try. It's funny how our flesh can convince us of so many lies. But God is faithful to grow us and to reveal truth to us on HIS timing. As much as I want to absorb everything possible, I need to be content learning at His pace and knowing that He is graciously showing me what I can handle at the time. It's a lesson I feel I will probably be learning for the rest of my life. But I'm ready to learn. :)
-Acts and the Roman World*
-The Love of God*
-Job*
-Prophets^
-Hermeneutics II
-Life of Christ
-Acts
-1 Corinthians
-Ruth, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon*
-Islam*
-Bible Basis of Missions
-Theology^
-Anthropology/Harmartiology
-Christology
^=Class I am currently in *=Elective
I have already been learning and thinking through a lot of different things. It's so neat to see God work. I went and talked with one of my deans today and we talked through a lot of things that made me realize that I do everything in my power to fix my problems or prevent them before they happen because I am afraid to fail...which is a pride issue. I know in my head that I can't change myself, that I can't fix myself, that my failures do not cause God to love me any less and my triumphs don't cause Him to love me any more...but my heart hasn't learned this yet. I still try. I still want to fix me...I still think at some point I will be perfect...like I'm climbing a ladder instead of simply walking. I can't make myself any better. I can only look at Him, depend on Him, let HIM change me. It's funny how hard we try. It's funny how our flesh can convince us of so many lies. But God is faithful to grow us and to reveal truth to us on HIS timing. As much as I want to absorb everything possible, I need to be content learning at His pace and knowing that He is graciously showing me what I can handle at the time. It's a lesson I feel I will probably be learning for the rest of my life. But I'm ready to learn. :)
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Back at School
The summer is finally over. I am actually partly glad, although I have had an awesome summer at home. Here are the highlights:
-I was blessed with two jobs: One full-time+ job at the pool working in the office and one part-time job working with a 13-year old autistic girl...so awesome! I worked a lot, so if I didn't get to see you, then I'm sorry!!
-I have been able to make a lot of good friends this summer while at work. I was also able to reconnect with some old friends, which has been incredibly amazing.
-Thankfully, I was actually able to be a part of VBS this year, even though I was only there for two days. It definitely encouraged my heart in big ways!
-My church has been amazing. Their support and their prayers have been so awesome and I am just incredibly blessed.
-Someone from New Tribes moved to Hilliard!! That has been awesome! It's always good to have a support system with people who are headed in the same direction that you are. :)
But now I am back at school and it has already been great!! I feel like I was just gone for a short weekend! I had a smooth ride (not literal, you know, if you have ever driven in Michigan) and had a move-in crew move all of my stuff into my room in two short trips! I am unpacking and organizing it all tomorrow...along with a million other things that I have to do...but I am so excited to be here! At some point...probably Friday by the looks of things, I will begin my job hunting and filling out loads of applications. :) I'm looking forward to this new semester and all that it brings. Well, that's all for now. I'll update you more soon....
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-I was blessed with two jobs: One full-time+ job at the pool working in the office and one part-time job working with a 13-year old autistic girl...so awesome! I worked a lot, so if I didn't get to see you, then I'm sorry!!
-I have been able to make a lot of good friends this summer while at work. I was also able to reconnect with some old friends, which has been incredibly amazing.
-Thankfully, I was actually able to be a part of VBS this year, even though I was only there for two days. It definitely encouraged my heart in big ways!
-My church has been amazing. Their support and their prayers have been so awesome and I am just incredibly blessed.
-Someone from New Tribes moved to Hilliard!! That has been awesome! It's always good to have a support system with people who are headed in the same direction that you are. :)
But now I am back at school and it has already been great!! I feel like I was just gone for a short weekend! I had a smooth ride (not literal, you know, if you have ever driven in Michigan) and had a move-in crew move all of my stuff into my room in two short trips! I am unpacking and organizing it all tomorrow...along with a million other things that I have to do...but I am so excited to be here! At some point...probably Friday by the looks of things, I will begin my job hunting and filling out loads of applications. :) I'm looking forward to this new semester and all that it brings. Well, that's all for now. I'll update you more soon....
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