For what it's worth, here I am writing again even though I've kind of left this blogging thing go for months. I'm just not a good blogger. But, today, I feel like sharing something because the Lord Jesus blessed me as I took some time to read and think and pray about some sentences in Colossians.
In Colossians 2:9-10 Paul says that in Jesus "all the fulness of the Deity lives" and then he writes that we "have been made complete" in Him. Just as I let that sink in to my mind and my soul God helped me remember in a deeper way that He has freely and very kindly given me (and not just me but all who are saved by and believe in Jesus) EVERYTHING that I need.
If I need encouragement, I have it in Him, all I need to do is GO to Him and seek it and ask for it and realize that it's mine for the taking all because of His majestic kindness.
If I need the ability to love someone in a way that fits their need (in a good and right sense) then all I need to do is GO to Him and I will find that ability in Him when I need it.
I could go on but that's the idea that blessed me this morning. To any who might read this I really hope that God uses this little scribble to remind you of "every spiritual blessing" that is in Jesus Christ and how you have that if you belong to Him.
Thank you, Jesus!
18 May 2009
27 December 2008
Enjoying My Relationship with God
I'm not sure if I've mentioned this before - I probably haven't since I've been horrible at keeping up my blog in the last 6 months or so - but I've been reading through Emotionally Healthly Spirituality by Pete Scazzero (I'm not positive I have his last name correct, but suffice it to say he's a pastor of a church in Brooklyn, New York).
Anyway, my point is that God has really used this process to develop in my a sense of intentionally taking time at points throughout my day to stop...and just be still before the Lord...and enjoy Him, for Who He is and how He's has so lovingly treated me (and all those who are united with Jesus) with forgiveness and strength and encouragement and constant love so that I can learn to love Him and follow Him wherever He leads me.
It's really an amazing experience to be able to have the privilege of spending time with the Maker and Lord of Heaven and Earth! It really is! There is a heavenly joy there that satisfies very deeply.
God is so good!
Oh, by the way, our 1st Christmas in Lima was awesome. Sara's sister came into town and we so enjoyed meeting her at the airport, then opening gifts, then eating pancakes then, of all things, going to the beach! It will be a memorable Christmas, no doubt!
Anyway, my point is that God has really used this process to develop in my a sense of intentionally taking time at points throughout my day to stop...and just be still before the Lord...and enjoy Him, for Who He is and how He's has so lovingly treated me (and all those who are united with Jesus) with forgiveness and strength and encouragement and constant love so that I can learn to love Him and follow Him wherever He leads me.
It's really an amazing experience to be able to have the privilege of spending time with the Maker and Lord of Heaven and Earth! It really is! There is a heavenly joy there that satisfies very deeply.
God is so good!
Oh, by the way, our 1st Christmas in Lima was awesome. Sara's sister came into town and we so enjoyed meeting her at the airport, then opening gifts, then eating pancakes then, of all things, going to the beach! It will be a memorable Christmas, no doubt!
11 December 2008
Holidays
Wow. Thanksgiving has past and Christmas is on the way! How quick things move.
Thanksgiving was awesome even though leading up to the day itself I had a strange sense that this was nothing like what it should be. But, when the decorations went up and the people came over and the food was eaten - oh yeah, it was Thanksgiving. It ended up being one of the most delightful Thanksgivings that I can remember. It really was a blessing.
Thanks, Lord. It was unexpected in light of our first one away from family.
Christmas is on the way, as well as a transition from full time language school/tutor to ministry. I'm "chomping at the bit" as they say to get involved and yet, at the same time, I am fearful of attempting to minister in light of my level of Spanish. Clearly, this is a great case of seeking the Lord's grace and power to be at work in my huge weakness.
Thanksgiving was awesome even though leading up to the day itself I had a strange sense that this was nothing like what it should be. But, when the decorations went up and the people came over and the food was eaten - oh yeah, it was Thanksgiving. It ended up being one of the most delightful Thanksgivings that I can remember. It really was a blessing.
Thanks, Lord. It was unexpected in light of our first one away from family.
Christmas is on the way, as well as a transition from full time language school/tutor to ministry. I'm "chomping at the bit" as they say to get involved and yet, at the same time, I am fearful of attempting to minister in light of my level of Spanish. Clearly, this is a great case of seeking the Lord's grace and power to be at work in my huge weakness.
29 November 2008
11 November 2008
Immigration
So, yesterday and today Sara and I spent all day in the office of immigrations in Lima. We were waiting to finally get our "carnets." These are are permanent resident ID cards while we stay here in Peru. The process took almost 9 months, but it happened! Yeah!
Thank God for giving us patience through these two days of 5 hours of waiting in line to get these done. We could easily have given up and been mad but God graciously poured out His grace and patience into our hearts. For that, we are thankful.
And our dear brother in Christ and friend, Enrique, was instrumental in getting this to work. Wow! I can't say enough about him and his faithfulness through this whole time.
Thank God for giving us patience through these two days of 5 hours of waiting in line to get these done. We could easily have given up and been mad but God graciously poured out His grace and patience into our hearts. For that, we are thankful.
And our dear brother in Christ and friend, Enrique, was instrumental in getting this to work. Wow! I can't say enough about him and his faithfulness through this whole time.
14 October 2008
Mis Padres (My Parents)
Hey Y'all,
My parents were just in Lima, Peru (of all places) hanging out with their grandkids (and me and Sara, too, of course). It was wild and fun to have them here. At first they were a little concerned about what it would be like to stay here for 10 days. But, after that first taxi ride where they got to experience traffic in Lima and all the craziness that it entails....and they lived through it, they were fine.
We had a fantastic time reconnecting with them after last seeing them back in February before we left the States. It was a real blessing from Jesus to have them here and we are grateful to Him for allowing them to come stay with us for a bit.
They are back in the States now, safe and sound.
My parents were just in Lima, Peru (of all places) hanging out with their grandkids (and me and Sara, too, of course). It was wild and fun to have them here. At first they were a little concerned about what it would be like to stay here for 10 days. But, after that first taxi ride where they got to experience traffic in Lima and all the craziness that it entails....and they lived through it, they were fine.
We had a fantastic time reconnecting with them after last seeing them back in February before we left the States. It was a real blessing from Jesus to have them here and we are grateful to Him for allowing them to come stay with us for a bit.
They are back in the States now, safe and sound.
03 October 2008
Chesterfield Pres!
So, exciting news to report: five brothers in Christ came to Lima for several days just this past week to see what the Lord is doing and what the possibility is for them and their church, Chesterfield Pres in St. Louis, to be involved here.
It was awesome! These guys (and I know that you guys are reading this, but I'm being honest) were a real blessing to meet and spend time with. Clearly, it was something the Lord put together for them to be able to be here and spend time with us, the Lima New City mission team and some of our dear Peruvian brothers and sisters in the Lord, and to see the need that is here.
I don't know what the Lord has in mind with Chesterfield, but I, for one, am praying and hoping for the Lord to give us the priviledge of staying connected in an ongoing, meaningful way in the years to come. But, as we all know, the Lord doesn't have to listen to all of my ideas :) on the contrary, I need to shut up more often, listen and pay attention to His ideas! :) And so, I will wait on Him to see what He will say and do.
Also, this was my first time in San Clemente, a town that is a 3 1/2 hour bus ride south of Lima that was severely hit by the earthquake of August 2007. There is a whole neighborhood that grew up there that is entirely made up of folks who lost EVERYTHING in the earthquake. They lost their houses and all of their possessions and many lost family, too. So, the government gave them resources to build these "shacks" or as I call them "thatch huts" to be able to have something to call a home. But, the needs are great here among them. The need for reconstruction, the need for their hearts to get the Gospel and live for His Kingdom and the need for caring for all the many, many, many children that are there. And all of this revels the need for a church to be planted there to build up the Church that Christ has begun to build there. Many new believers there in San Clemente are asking for a church to be planted among them.
So, please, pray for San Clemente and the needs there that King Jesus already knows about is and is fast at work to meet them. Then, also, pray for those believers who may need to answer Christ's call to go and work among those dear souls.
Okay, all for now.
It was awesome! These guys (and I know that you guys are reading this, but I'm being honest) were a real blessing to meet and spend time with. Clearly, it was something the Lord put together for them to be able to be here and spend time with us, the Lima New City mission team and some of our dear Peruvian brothers and sisters in the Lord, and to see the need that is here.
I don't know what the Lord has in mind with Chesterfield, but I, for one, am praying and hoping for the Lord to give us the priviledge of staying connected in an ongoing, meaningful way in the years to come. But, as we all know, the Lord doesn't have to listen to all of my ideas :) on the contrary, I need to shut up more often, listen and pay attention to His ideas! :) And so, I will wait on Him to see what He will say and do.
Also, this was my first time in San Clemente, a town that is a 3 1/2 hour bus ride south of Lima that was severely hit by the earthquake of August 2007. There is a whole neighborhood that grew up there that is entirely made up of folks who lost EVERYTHING in the earthquake. They lost their houses and all of their possessions and many lost family, too. So, the government gave them resources to build these "shacks" or as I call them "thatch huts" to be able to have something to call a home. But, the needs are great here among them. The need for reconstruction, the need for their hearts to get the Gospel and live for His Kingdom and the need for caring for all the many, many, many children that are there. And all of this revels the need for a church to be planted there to build up the Church that Christ has begun to build there. Many new believers there in San Clemente are asking for a church to be planted among them.
So, please, pray for San Clemente and the needs there that King Jesus already knows about is and is fast at work to meet them. Then, also, pray for those believers who may need to answer Christ's call to go and work among those dear souls.
Okay, all for now.
20 September 2008
Oops...I Forgot I Have A Blog :)
So, I was kindly reminded last night about this blog and how I have not written anything in a very long time (July 30th, I believe was the last entry).
I want to apologize. I have let my habit go and that makes me sad. ;(
BUT I'M BACK! So, let's get this thing started once again.
It is amazing to me that we've been here in Lima, Peru for 7 months! It's a whole new world still to me but I do feel much more settled in. Time does that, doesn't it?
The challenge for me, in addition to the normal desparately needed prayer for learning Spanish well, is beginning to get from the Lord what specifically He wants me to be involved in here. I mean, I have my ideas but as Scripture says, "Proverbs 16:9 'In his heart a man plans his course,
but the LORD determines his steps.'"
So, I need much patience but also intentionality to pursue that part of God's Kingdom that he's placed on my heart.
To this end I'll share here the verses that REALLY light a fire in my heart:
Proverbs 31:8-9
8 "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
for the rights of all who are destitute.
9 Speak up and judge fairly;
defend the rights of the poor and needy."
I was drawn to come here because I wanted to be a part of the Lord caring for those dear souls who are lost and oppressed and need to surrender their hearts as well as their needs to the Lord.
And Ezekiel 11:19-20
19 I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh. 20 Then they will follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. They will be my people, and I will be their God.
Plus, there is the constant need for people to be shepherded in and encouraged in this reality: God does in fact have the power to change a heart - to change a life. No one is beyond hope and no believe ever needs to dispair for his/her own failures or others. God is in the business of changing the very nature of sinners. I love this story!
All for now. I'll write a little later.
Jim
I want to apologize. I have let my habit go and that makes me sad. ;(
BUT I'M BACK! So, let's get this thing started once again.
It is amazing to me that we've been here in Lima, Peru for 7 months! It's a whole new world still to me but I do feel much more settled in. Time does that, doesn't it?
The challenge for me, in addition to the normal desparately needed prayer for learning Spanish well, is beginning to get from the Lord what specifically He wants me to be involved in here. I mean, I have my ideas but as Scripture says, "Proverbs 16:9 'In his heart a man plans his course,
but the LORD determines his steps.'"
So, I need much patience but also intentionality to pursue that part of God's Kingdom that he's placed on my heart.
To this end I'll share here the verses that REALLY light a fire in my heart:
Proverbs 31:8-9
8 "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
for the rights of all who are destitute.
9 Speak up and judge fairly;
defend the rights of the poor and needy."
I was drawn to come here because I wanted to be a part of the Lord caring for those dear souls who are lost and oppressed and need to surrender their hearts as well as their needs to the Lord.
And Ezekiel 11:19-20
19 I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh. 20 Then they will follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. They will be my people, and I will be their God.
Plus, there is the constant need for people to be shepherded in and encouraged in this reality: God does in fact have the power to change a heart - to change a life. No one is beyond hope and no believe ever needs to dispair for his/her own failures or others. God is in the business of changing the very nature of sinners. I love this story!
All for now. I'll write a little later.
Jim
30 July 2008
Where Did July Go?
Hey Guys and Gals,
Sorry. But, for whatever reason I have been completely absent from blogging for this month. I think, partly, it's because for awhile I had very limited use of my computer since Max (our dog) chewed my power cord to shreads and I had to wait until a friend came from the U.S. to bring me my new cord.
Then, over these last few weeks (last and this) the kids have been off school and so we went away to the city of Huancayo for 6 days and then home. But, even being here it's somewhat distracting since life isn't "normal" in its routine.
Ugh. Anyway, hopefully, I can now get back to it.
---------------------------------------------------------
We've been taking a language class break, which I guess is good. However, I'm dying to get back at it and learn more and get going on my Spanish. Sara, not so much. Culture shock is hitting her pretty bad right now. You can pray for her. A lot. :)
Sorry. But, for whatever reason I have been completely absent from blogging for this month. I think, partly, it's because for awhile I had very limited use of my computer since Max (our dog) chewed my power cord to shreads and I had to wait until a friend came from the U.S. to bring me my new cord.
Then, over these last few weeks (last and this) the kids have been off school and so we went away to the city of Huancayo for 6 days and then home. But, even being here it's somewhat distracting since life isn't "normal" in its routine.
Ugh. Anyway, hopefully, I can now get back to it.
---------------------------------------------------------
We've been taking a language class break, which I guess is good. However, I'm dying to get back at it and learn more and get going on my Spanish. Sara, not so much. Culture shock is hitting her pretty bad right now. You can pray for her. A lot. :)
03 July 2008
Eli's Bedroom
29 June 2008
My Kids....Fun Stories
So, Chloe asked me today, "Daddy, why do they call them 'French Fries'?" Then, of course, the follow up question is, "Why do they call it 'French Toast'?"
This, in light of the fact, that we had French Toast today and French Fries, too.
At some point she also asked, "How does hair grow if it's not alive?"
:)
Oh, also, Eli told me that the reason his team won his most recent basketball game at school was because he drank the red gatorade-like drink which, of course, makes you very powerful.
Just thought I'd share those great insights with you all.
This, in light of the fact, that we had French Toast today and French Fries, too.
At some point she also asked, "How does hair grow if it's not alive?"
:)
Oh, also, Eli told me that the reason his team won his most recent basketball game at school was because he drank the red gatorade-like drink which, of course, makes you very powerful.
Just thought I'd share those great insights with you all.
23 June 2008
Four Months
Can you believe that we've been here in Lima for four months?!?!?!?$?%?%?%?
I just wanted to say that.
Chau (pronounced "chow" and means, bye)
I just wanted to say that.
Chau (pronounced "chow" and means, bye)
21 June 2008
At the Airport Until 2am
So, yesterday was an adventure.
Sara and I had the chance to go out on a date. We enjoyed ourselves for a few hours and then at 8pm we attended a school meeting for Chloe's class. Yes, I'm not kidding, a Friday night meeting for all parents to attend (and it was well attended). Then, after the meeting I dropped Sara off at home and drove to Jeremy's house (Jeremy Ross a team mate on the Lima New City Team).
We took a taxi to the airport to greet and escort (along with several other team members) three church missions teams coming in for the week. One came in at roughly 10:30pm, the next at 11:30pm and the last one we met up with after customs around 1:45am, I think. If I remember correctly. :)
After we all got in the van/taxi and made it to the motel I got in my car and drove home by about 3:15am (again, I think that's right).
It was a fun evening in terms of hang out time with the team folks and meeting the new folks on the missions teams coming in. But, man...this day was a bit of a waste for me. I barely parented today...so....tired...must....go....on.
Sara and I had the chance to go out on a date. We enjoyed ourselves for a few hours and then at 8pm we attended a school meeting for Chloe's class. Yes, I'm not kidding, a Friday night meeting for all parents to attend (and it was well attended). Then, after the meeting I dropped Sara off at home and drove to Jeremy's house (Jeremy Ross a team mate on the Lima New City Team).
We took a taxi to the airport to greet and escort (along with several other team members) three church missions teams coming in for the week. One came in at roughly 10:30pm, the next at 11:30pm and the last one we met up with after customs around 1:45am, I think. If I remember correctly. :)
After we all got in the van/taxi and made it to the motel I got in my car and drove home by about 3:15am (again, I think that's right).
It was a fun evening in terms of hang out time with the team folks and meeting the new folks on the missions teams coming in. But, man...this day was a bit of a waste for me. I barely parented today...so....tired...must....go....on.
15 June 2008
Father's Day...
Well, today was quite a day. I was up in the morning with all three of my children in bed with Sara and me. They were giving me their gifts and it was great. I got some comfy slippers and a compass! I've been wanting one of those since I have a HORRIBLE sense of direction. And in a city of almost 10 million people I easily get lost. ;(
Anyway, we were over by the Pacific Ocean this afternoon ( which is only 30 minutes away on a lazy Sunday afternoon). It is so beautiful even if it is cooler in this Autumn/Winter time of year here in Lima. It's been around 15C as the low each day and around 18C as the high. Which is about 59F and 65F.
Also, we're in a new rental house that's really big. I can't believe that the Lord has given us this place. Seriously. I need to get pics up. But, it is painfully clear to me that He's given us this place (as we just begin our adventure here in Lima in the new roles we have in the Kingdom) for a Kingdom purpose. So, we begin to pray, "Lord, how do you want to use this house? Show us each day?"
The kids are doing well. Chloe is speaking spanish very well and Eli and Caroline are getting in in them but it's coming out a little slowly. Which is fine. We're here less than four months so it takes a lot of time. Their school work is a big load. They do 2 hours (sometimes more) of homework each night which includes Spanish and History in Spanish and something else too. I forget.
Okay. I'm going.
Anyway, we were over by the Pacific Ocean this afternoon ( which is only 30 minutes away on a lazy Sunday afternoon). It is so beautiful even if it is cooler in this Autumn/Winter time of year here in Lima. It's been around 15C as the low each day and around 18C as the high. Which is about 59F and 65F.
Also, we're in a new rental house that's really big. I can't believe that the Lord has given us this place. Seriously. I need to get pics up. But, it is painfully clear to me that He's given us this place (as we just begin our adventure here in Lima in the new roles we have in the Kingdom) for a Kingdom purpose. So, we begin to pray, "Lord, how do you want to use this house? Show us each day?"
The kids are doing well. Chloe is speaking spanish very well and Eli and Caroline are getting in in them but it's coming out a little slowly. Which is fine. We're here less than four months so it takes a lot of time. Their school work is a big load. They do 2 hours (sometimes more) of homework each night which includes Spanish and History in Spanish and something else too. I forget.
Okay. I'm going.
13 June 2008
Finally, Internet Again
Hello All,
Sorry for the grand delay. I can't write a lot, but I wanted to say that we've been without internet for the past week in light of our move into the new house. But, we're back online and hope to give a full update via email soon.
I hope and trust the Lord is blessing you and yours in the midst of life
Jim
Sorry for the grand delay. I can't write a lot, but I wanted to say that we've been without internet for the past week in light of our move into the new house. But, we're back online and hope to give a full update via email soon.
I hope and trust the Lord is blessing you and yours in the midst of life
Jim
06 June 2008
Tomorrow, Saturday, we're moving again. The third time since being here in Lima. I'm so tired of moves.
But, this house that the Lord supplied is amazing and good and a great price and a blessing. It needs A LOT of work since the last tenant absolutely RUINED the place. I have pics but they're not loaded onto the computer yet.
So, you'll just have to wait a little bit. :)
I'll talk with you after the move sometime.
But, this house that the Lord supplied is amazing and good and a great price and a blessing. It needs A LOT of work since the last tenant absolutely RUINED the place. I have pics but they're not loaded onto the computer yet.
So, you'll just have to wait a little bit. :)
I'll talk with you after the move sometime.
31 May 2008
Not a Natural Blogger..
Okay. What can I say? I'm not, by nature, a blogger.
I want to be. I'm trying to be. But, it just gets lost many times by the day to day busy of learning the language/culture and parenting/school routines and needs and Sara and I learning by grace and faith to adjust to this new world.
So, enough with my excuses already!
We're doing well, although highly frustrated at this point because the house that we are supposed to move into has become a "soap opera" of sorts. The tenant is not letting the landlord/owner of the house in to meet with her and let us see the house. (We've never seen the house.) Her lease is up today, so we hope that tomorrow or Monday at the latest we'll get things rolling, but we're not 'holding our breath.'
Each time we've had a scheduled appointment to see the house, she has canceled and rescheduled. That's happened four times now, I believe. It's amazing to me how the landlords/owners have little rights in these situations.
But, clearly, the Lord wants us to wait on Him patiently.
Help us, Lord
I want to be. I'm trying to be. But, it just gets lost many times by the day to day busy of learning the language/culture and parenting/school routines and needs and Sara and I learning by grace and faith to adjust to this new world.
So, enough with my excuses already!
We're doing well, although highly frustrated at this point because the house that we are supposed to move into has become a "soap opera" of sorts. The tenant is not letting the landlord/owner of the house in to meet with her and let us see the house. (We've never seen the house.) Her lease is up today, so we hope that tomorrow or Monday at the latest we'll get things rolling, but we're not 'holding our breath.'
Each time we've had a scheduled appointment to see the house, she has canceled and rescheduled. That's happened four times now, I believe. It's amazing to me how the landlords/owners have little rights in these situations.
But, clearly, the Lord wants us to wait on Him patiently.
Help us, Lord
21 May 2008
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