What are We and Who are We Fighting

In the movie “Sherlock Holmes, A Game of Shadows”, the antagonist, Professor Moriarty states that there is a subconscious hunger for conflict.  Thoughts might come to mind of fist fights, war, or perhaps even the stress felt between two people that don’t agree. One out of the three can’t really be seen, but it doesn’t mean it isn’t there.  The other two, can be viewed more easily with our eyes. 

I was reading a small devotional page the other day and didn’t really know how to take it.  It talked about how much suffering this one guy went through because of converting from Islam to Christianity.  It said that we (most likely), in America wouldn’t go through as much persecution as he did.  Instead, we may feel, at most, like a social outcast in some settings.  However, the part I didn’t really like was this, and I quote:  “Do we wear our cross where someone can see it?  Do we pray where someone might see or hear us?  Do we refuse to laugh at inappropriate jokes?”

It was almost like these things signify if one is a Christian or not.  These things are good, but they’re not the core of what a “Christian” is.  Once again, they were onto something and then missed the target, as so many do.  As I seem to do often, as well. 

Ephesians 6:12 says, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but...against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”  Many fights that we encounter will (most likely) not be seen out in the open, but will be in our very minds.  Just how, in the movie, Sherlock fought with Moriarty first and foremost in his mind.  The enemy attacks as many ways as he can.  He’s not an idiot and will use thoughts if he can.

So what then?  Is it impossible to tell who’s a Christian if so much goes on inwardly?  Surely not.  Fruit must be produced, and then inspected.  Honestly, I’m not great at telling what tree bears whatever fruit, but I can kinda tell when a fruit starts to go bad.  For other fruits, as a non-expert fruit-checker, I taste and then realize its not a good thing to eat.  Eventually, the good and bad kinds of fruit should reveal themselves. 

There are times that I’ve felt like I must “put on a show” so people don’t see the conflict happening inside me.  (“Show” good fruit, even if I’m going a little sour or rotten inside.)  I guess there’s this pattern that we (Christians) want to convey that we’re “good enough” Christians who don’t have issues or struggles (like a “Who’s-the-best-Christian” contest).  Maybe we use the excuse of other people who look at Christians and only see messed up people; and, therefore, figure that our God isn’t big enough to help us with our messes.  Whatever the case, we lie to ourselves and to others when we mask everything up. 

One night, there was a storm.  I heard a little kid crying, and then, I started hearing “Old MacDonald had a farm, ei ay ei ay o...”  It sounded like the dad was leading it and then the whole family started singing.  The kid calmed down and wasn’t scared anymore.  This isn’t the first time I’ve heard this here in PNG (and not the only family to sing at crazy times to quite a kid either).  It made me think of family (and I missed mine a bit that night).

When I think of “family”, I think of bonds stronger than normal relationships.  Bonds through our very blood and genes.  Each of my family members are very different and distinct (though we all look similar and have the same background).  We don’t always agree, but we’re family.  We love each other, even through annoying, frustrating times. 

What I’m trying to say is that we, as Christians, have been adopted... or rather had a blood transfusion from Jesus that’s made our relationship run deep.  We’re family and though we may not agree entirely and sometimes have conflict, we must remember who we’re really fighting against.  Its not each other, but is the sinful nature that threatens our hope that we have found (in Christ Jesus).  Often these conflicts can start small, and as a very brilliant friend once told me, “chaffing is the enemy”. 

On a ship, you realize when the mast falls over.  Its kind of a big deal and everyone can see it.  However, chaffing (the rubbing and chiseling and breaking down little by little) no one seems to notice or deal with it until its too late and you’re sinking. 

“Let us,therefore, love one another” and be united in order to stand against the real enemy and bear much (good) fruit for our Creator, Lord, and Father.  Let us let go of what doesn’t matter, and deal with what may become an issue (before it does).  Let us be a “work-in-progress” as God continues to shape us into His beautiful creation, and fight the temptation to hide what’s going on inside.  (*And a small note to some who might need it, let us also not constantly spill forth our issues in order to get attention, but deal with them and move on.)

Sum up:  Unity, Forgiveness, Love, and also Praise to God in and through our lives.

Jewels and Crowns

I was recently commended for doing the work I’m in and trusting God in order to do this work (being a missionary).  During this, I was reminded that I will have lots of jewels in my crown when I get to Heaven.  I just kept thinking, “That’s not really my motivation.”  The next thing that came to mind was laying my crown at Jesus’ feet.  I want the crown I give to be worth something and pretty for Him.  That’s my motivation.  God has given me true life and meaning.  I’m not one to really do things “only” for me.  The one exception is when I learn/study in order to become better at something (and usually that’s to serve others better). 

Now, I’m not trying to build myself up in others eyes by writing this.  I just thought I would share something I realized and really appreciate.  I want to give God a life lived with purpose and praise for Him.  Em tasol (or translated, “that’s it”).

What's your motivation for what you do?

Step Up and Ride

Its been a while.  Quite a bit has changed since I last wrote in April.  For one, I'm in Papua New Guinea.  Yep.  I'm finally here.  I've kept up with writing a newsletter either every month or every other month.  For anyone wanting to catch up on what has happened within the past seven-ish months, let me know and I'll send you my newsletters through email. 

I'm working in Madang now with PBT (Pioneer Bible Translators) and am loving it!  I trained in POC (Pacific Orientation Course) for 14 weeks (or around 3 months), took a week break up at Ukarumpa (in the highlands), and am back in the lowlands (Madang). 

There are so many wonderful people here.  I'm hoping that I can really step up to the challenge of what lies before me.  God has been bringing people and situations together for literacy to happen in a big way, and I get to be here to see what's taking place.  A few main people who have been working on this (in order to help things come together) will be leaving within the next year and I'll be the one to pick this up and run with it.  I'm praying for the courage and strength from God in order to do this effectively. 

When I got here after my training and week break, I started getting oriented, but got the chance to jump right in and helped with a curriculum course.  It was awesome, but I'm still in the process of finishing the orientation process.  I'll get there some time. 

As of now, I'm learning how to drive stick-shift and thinking about getting a motorcycle (something like this picture...).  We'll see what happens.  So lets see if I can step it up and take a ride.  This is the land of the unexpected, ya know.

Speeches

I've always been fine to sing in front of a crowd. I've never thought I was great at speaking in front of people.  I guess it sounds weird.  One would think that standing in front of people is either hard or easy.  For me, I guess its easy to be in front of people, but speaking is another thing entirely.

So far, I've spoken at two churches (other than my home church) about going to Papua New Guinea.  I remember speaking in front of my speech class as well as other classes.  I don't know if I can count how many times I've spoken before an audience (though they were never super huge groups).  I've heard many people have issues with public speaking.  Lately, I've been one of these people. 

The first church I went to, I was up almost the entire night before.  I couldn't sleep and my stomach was tied in knots.  When I got there, it wasn't really hard at all.  I loved the people there and they really wanted to know more about what I was talking about. 

The second church was tons easier than the first time.  I slept pretty well at night, but still had my stomach in a few knots when we got there.  Once I got on stage to speak, I started talking, but my lungs felt like they forgot how to work.  I made myself slow down and take some breaths.  After that, it was a breeze.

I'm hoping that it just keeps getting easier.  Maybe one day, I'll be a pro at it.  Who knows?  I'm excited to see what happens. 

Feel free to share any of your public speaking experiences here.

Homework = Bad Word

We're trained to cringe when we hear the word "homework".  Even teachers don't really like homework (at least the seemingly normal ones).  If we could live in a world without work to take home, we might see things differently.  What I'm talking about (for the most part) is the busy work.  Its the work that's suppose to reenforce what we've already learned that day.  Really? 

I know that there are worthwhile projects that can be worked on at home and presented back at school, but if its just for a grade, why bother?  How much time is waisted in dreading homework and then finally doing the kind of homework that we will never truly keep in our minds for the future?  I'm gonna guess there's lots of waisted time.

So what happens when we grow up and get jobs/careers?  Though most of the time we hope for a job that leaves work at work, sometimes that doesn't happen.  (And I wonder about those to "work" from "home".  Hmm.)  Do we take this repulsive word and apply it to what our chosen paths give us to take home?  Perhaps for those who hate their jobs. 

For me, however, its different.  Yes, its my job to get things done, update people on what I'm doing, make new contacts, and so on, but its not a bad thing.  Its work that's done at home, but its not the dreaded "homework".  Its an opportunity to do something I love, to write about things that matter, and to get to the adventure of life.  So I'll write my newsletters, call possible supporters, fundraise, and such.  I'm a missionary.  No homework please.

Time

When I was in high school, I always looked forward to summer breaks.  Who doesn't?  Most of it was spent in a routine of breakfast, cleaning, fixing lunch for the kids, and going out onto the front porch to read in the sun.  I never felt like I was waisting time.  I was in my own world, enjoying the day until Mom and Dad would come home.  It was peaceful, steady, and I felt good not watching tv. 

My days aren't quite like that anymore.  I get up, take the dogs out, eat, hang a bit with Dad, do letters and calls to churches to raise funds, clean (lots if I get in the mood), and other random things until the boys and Mom come home (unless I need to pick someone up).  There's a tiny bit of routine, but I feel like I don't get outside enough (which winter often does anyway) and I'm constantly feeling like I need to do more.  I get things done, but it doesn't feel like its enough.  I feel like I'm waisting time even though I'm busy. 

So what's the difference?  One was a break; the other's work.  One has sunshine; the other's in winter.  One has inner peace, the other worries on my mind.  I could totally be a bum on a beach and have total peace with it.  Still, I know that the work I do now is worth it.  Though I'd probably be a good beach bum, I know this to be what I need to do.  I just need the peace of sitting on my front porch in order to excel even more at what I'm doing... and a little more sun wouldn't hurt either. 

Winter Sun

Do you ever get down in the winter?  I don't mean dancing.  I'm talking about emotions.  There are times when I feel sad for no good reason.  So what do I blame?  ...the weather.  It makes total sense.  There's just not much sun during this time of year.  I'm not saying that I need tons of sun.  I usually burn very easy.  However, I need some sunlight. 

Its just healthy.  When its cold, I usually want to stay inside where its nice and warm.  By doing this, though, I end up depriving myself of sunlight.  Everyone needs vitamin D.  Some people go to tanning beds, others just take vitamins, and I just need the real thing. 

I guess its good that I'm planning on going to Papua New Guinea (since its way closer to the equator).  If you find yourself getting sad and don't know why, it may just be that you need more sunlight... so take a little time and get moving outside in the winter sun.  Stay warm!!!