In Pursuit of God

Clothed with Christ

2009-04-29T08:31:00.004-05:00

It has been over a year since I last posted. God has been working in my life, growing me, and I have not been led to post anything. I am learning more to pursue God, and it is both trying to self and yet exciting to my spirit.

"The night is almost gone, and the day is at hand. Let us therefore lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts." (Romans 13:12-14)

I am struck by the fact that wearing deeds of darkness is contrasted with putting on Christ, NOT putting on good deeds. This indicates not subjecting myself to a law resulting in slavery, sin and death but to the principle of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus, a relationship with Christ (Romans 8:2,15). I could be tempted to turn to good deeds when "casting off" (ESV) the evil deeds of darkness, but good deeds are to be an outflow of my relationship with Christ (Romans 8:3-4).

Therefore, above all, to cast off my deeds of darkness I must maintain my personal relationship with God through Christ. I have been learning and proving the necessity of this in my own life the past couple of days. It is only by being clothed by the sacrifice (Gen. 3:21) that my sins are atoned. It is only with the blood of the lamb the high priest could enter God's presence. It is only by coming to God in the name of His Son--the Lamb, the Sacrifice on my behalf--that I can come to Him at all! And so I must come to Him very CONSCIOUS of the fact that I come only because of my position "in Christ," and not by my own merit.

Being thus conscious before God of my own WORTHLESSNESS without Christ and my redeemed position IN Christ is to "put on" Christ.

This is not limited to prayer, the allocated time when I "come before God," but ALL THE TIME. For all my life is lived before the Lord (Gen. 17:1).

Starting by remembering my relationship with God "in Christ," this becomes practical by the doing of the opposite of those deeds of darkness. In Ephesians 4:21-32 we see this very thing: put off falsehood, speak truth; cease stealing, work and give to the needy; speak not what is unwholesome, but edify with your speech. I must consider the specific sins, the "deeds of darkness," that I myself have indulged in, and ask the Lord, "What is the opposite of that sin, that, clothed with Christ, I may do instead?"

It is also important to note that verse 12 says I am to put on the armor of light. I have heard it explained that part of this is bringing my sins into the light, exposing them. Sin thrives in secrecy and darkness, and if there is any hope of being set free from its hold, I must confess it.

The Greatest Challenge to Doing What Is Right...

2008-02-01T09:07:00.001-05:00

...Is doing what is hard."

This quote is from an article by Mark W. Gaither, published in Insights (Sept. 2007, p.2), the monthly newsletter from Insight for Living. I found it challenging to me, for, like in the life of King Saul, I find myself often doing what's right as long as it aligns with my comfort—or put another way: doing God's will when it happens to be mine as well. This is dangerous dealing and must be abandoned posthaste!

"Generally speaking, people have two important values they hope to preserve: comfort and integrity. And, more often than not, right choices are the best way to preserve both. Obedience to the law and honest dealings are not only right, but they pay good dividends—usually. However, doing what is right often requires as step of faith, and it may include a measure of suffering. That's when we come face-to-face with an ugly truth: We typically make decisions that preserve our comfort and then feel relieved when they also happen tot maintain our integrity. When doing what is right requires us to choose between comfort and integrity, the resulting crisis can be debilitating. Because the instinct to safeguard our comfort is so powerful, we will have to be deliberate about making integrity the primary value in every decision—even the easy ones."

Meditations from Chambers

2008-01-31T09:32:00.000-05:00

My brother got me my own copy of Oswald Chambers' My Utmost for His Highest for Christmas, and the Lord has blessed me with very relevant meditations from the book every day.

January 28 — All I do should be based on a perfect oneness with Him, not on a self-willed determination to be godly.

January 29 — Have I been persecuting Jesus by an eager determination to serve Him in my own way? ...My way will not be to foster a meek and quiet spirit, only the spirit of self-satisfaction. We presume that whatever is unpleasant is our duty! Is that anything like the spirit of our Lord— "I delight to do Your will, O my God . . ." (Psalm 40:8).

January 31 — Our calling is not primarily to be holy men and women, but to be proclaimers of the gospel of God....And as long as our eyes are focused on our own personal holiness, we will never even get close to the full reality of redemption. Christian workers fail because they place their desire for their own holiness above their desire to know God. "Don’t ask me to be confronted with the strong reality of redemption on behalf of the filth of human life surrounding me today; what I want is anything God can do for me to make me more desirable in my own eyes." ...There is no reckless abandon to God in that.

I have been distracted by pursuit of holiness to the point of forgetting knowing God. After all, redemption is all about knowing God. Jesus said in John 17:3, "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." And redemption involves the fact that we are utterly sinful and helpless without Christ. No amount of satisfaction should be gained by how well we are doing or how mature we are growing in Christ. Focus should be on the Lord alone—His love while we were sinners, His grace in supplying salvation, His grace every step of the way.

Oh, the love that drew salvation's plan!
Oh, the grace that brought it down to man!
Oh, the mighty gulf that God did span
At Calvary!

Acceptance Is Not By Condition

2007-12-15T11:39:00.000-05:00

First of all, we must consider the area in which we are not accepted by God, nor ever can be. It is only natural for us to feel that our spiritual walk and service make us acceptable to our Father. We imagine that it is our responsibility (with His help) to live and serve so faithfully and fruitfully that He will approve of us, and therefore continually and abundantly bless us. We are making the natural mistake of depending on condition, instead of position, for our acceptance.

Important as it is, service is often a condition-centered detriment in the lives of many zealous believers. When service is given predominance over fellowship with and growth in the Lord Jesus, doing, instead of being, takes over in the life. Fellowship and growth must ever take precedence over service and activity, otherwise spiritual declension sets in.

In this reversal of God's order for us, the heart seeks satisfaction and a sens of acceptance through production (law), instead of reception (grace). Bible study and prayer, as well as one's outlook, become almost exclusively service-centered. Instead of life bringing forth service, service becomes the life. Thus, as long as the service goes well, the servant is happy and feels accepted. But once the service wanes, or fails to produce results, all else falls with it. We are to be sons, not servants. "Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son..." (Gal. 4:7).

In time, we begin to realize that there is something very wrong with this entire concept. We become aware that our walk and service are less and less acceptable, even to ourselves. In seeking to do rather than to be, attempting to give out more than we take in, our condition becomes barren and carnal. We have been depending on self to do what only Christ our life can do; the farther we move on this tangent, the more active and malignant the self-life appears to be.

What the condition-centered believer does not realize is that God Himself is causing this shattering revelation of self. He takes us into situations and relationships that finally cause us to face up tot the fact of our failure as Christians—our nothingness, our total unacceptability in ourselves. Not until we understand that in our flesh there "dwelleth no good thing" (Rom. 7:18), can we rest in our position of complete acceptance in the Lord Jesus, just as we are. To abide in Christ, and to consent to be loved while unworthy, is the believer's positional privilege and responsibility. Love functions according to its nature, not according to the quality of its object.

The believer who is not abiding by faith in the acceptable One, but who is relying on his personal condition for acceptance, is hopelessly handicapped in the matter of fellowship, growth, and service. He is entangled in the self-effort of working to improve his condition, and is inevitably cast down in utter defeat. How can a defeated, depressed, self-centered Christian enjoy fellowship with the Father, or be at peace with Him? Yet, devastating as this Romans 7 trek is, it is our Father's preparation of us in order that we may shift our reliance and faith from our condition in ourselves, to our position in Christ. "...not I, but Christ..." (Gal. 2:20).

From The Complete Green Letters by Miles J. Stanford; Zondervan Publishing House, 1983; pages 91-92.

Abba, Thou Art There

2007-12-10T21:34:00.000-05:00

While meditating on Psalm 139 and Psalm 63:6-8, I was moved to write a song. I believe it is from the Lord, for I have never found it easy to put together words that rhyme and convey the desired message.

Abba, Thou Art There

All my thoughts Thou knowest, all my ways canst see
Whether walking justly or full selfishly.
Thou, my Father guardest with Thy hand so strong
With wonder I will praise Thee as I walk along.

Whither from Thy Spirit can I ever go?
Furthest, deepest reaches—Thou my place dost know.
Though the billows hide me, cause me to despair,
Still Thy hand doth hold me, reaching even there.

Abba, Thou art there so close beside me!
Though the night surrounds me it's not dark to Thee!
I will Thee remember in my darkest hour,
Think on all Thy goodness and Thy loving pow'r.

Search me in my heart, my anxious thoughts please know;
Often they're not proper, faithlessness they show.
Lead me in Thy truth and guide me in Thy way
Till I'm come to glory in Thine eternal day.

Follow-up on "Doing Hard Things Starves the Flesh"

2007-11-17T13:05:00.000-05:00

In the comments on the last post, Gracie said some things which got me thinking. Since my post was also featured on The Rebelution there was some good discussion which followed and I recommend to the readers of this blog. This post, however is to share the thoughts Gracie's comment provoked, and what the Lord has taught me on the subject.

In the months since I wrote the last post, I have learned first-hand that it is utterly impossible to rely on doing Hard Things to starve the flesh and "become godly." For the mature child of God especially, this is very much to be minimized.

My point was possibly more applicable to a less mature Christian. For example, parents may train their children to obey without asking questions. Unconditional obedience builds habits and behavior patterns that are extremely influential in a lifetime of things to come. There's no question that's good training. However, as a child grows older and more mature, it is increasingly important for the parents to back off on the legalistic do-it-because-I'm-your-father approach and in lenience test the young person's training and love for his parents.

This is what God does with us, too. When we were dead in sins, His commands were burdensome because they only showed us our incapacity to obey and brought condemnation upon us. When we place our faith in Christ's death on our behalf, our relationship with God is based on grace, not law (as Romans 7 says, we are now dead to the law).

Being based on grace, our relationship to God is not conditional upon our performance. I shall repeat: our relationship to God is not conditional upon our performance. He bought us while sinners; He will not "dump" us because we sin after we're saved.

My emphasis on doing in order to keep the flesh in subjection was undue. It is helpful only a little bit, especially, as I said above, in areas of more spiritual immaturity.

Moreover, this Doing to keep the flesh subject is of "no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh" (Col. 2:23).

Let's look at Colossians 2:20-23 (NASB)

"If [since] you have died with Christ to the elementary principles of this world, why, as if you were living in the world, do you submit yourself to decrees, such as, 'Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch!' (which all refer to things destined to perish with the using)—in accordance with the commandments and teachings of men? These are matters which have, to be sure, the appearance of wisdom [a good thing] in self-made religion and self-abasement and severe treatment of the body, but are of no value against fleshly indulgence." (Italics and brackets mine)

These verses speak of the things we need not and should not bother with if we have died with Christ. Notice that they are all things in the physical world (like Doing Hard Things). Admittedly, such things are easier to remember to do, and they appear to be wise things to do, but actually have no power in themselves against indulging in the fleshly lusts. I find they are ineffective for two reasons.

First, being things (Hard Things) we do with our physical bodies, in which is still the residual sin nature, they are in essence done with our bodies against our flesh. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. The problem arises when, with a subtle shift of focus, the become things done with our flesh against our flesh. You can immediately see the result: "if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand" (Mark 3:24).

Second, everything we do flows out of our spirit. Whether you do good or evil, "The good man out of the good treasure of the heart brings forth good things; the evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things" (Matt. 12:35). Thus the decision to sin, to indulge in fleshly desires, comes from the spirit. And no matter what your body is doing, if you are inclined to sin, no self-abasement in the physical realm will prevent the sin. Therefore the safeguard against sin lies instead in the spirit, and not in the flesh!

While my original post was rather on the subject of Doing Hard Things, the subject was more about how to starve the flesh. But seeing from God's Word that Doing Things is ultimately of no use against fleshly indulgence, how can we overcome the flesh?

Gracie put it well in the comments when she wrote,

"[W]hen we are tempted to sin we can say, 'I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself up for me.' (Gal 2:20)"

That is the essence, I believe, of Paul's command to "reckon yourselves dead to sin" in Romans 6:11. Let's also look at this in the context of Colossians where we were.

Chapter 3 goes on to indicate growth in Christ and suppression of the flesh is effected in the unseen, spiritual realm to which we have been made alive: "seek the things that are above, where Christ is....Set your minds on things that are above." It’s not a physical activity required to prevent you from sinning; it’s a change of focus, a shift of reference point from the earthly to the realm to which you really belong: the heavenlies.

Romans 13:14 is also indicative: "But put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts." Putting on the Lord Jesus is prerequisite to beating out the flesh.

Setting your mind on Christ, and knowing your life is hidden with Him in God—resting in the fact that nothing of your condition will affect your eternal position—is a primary cause of reckoning yourself dead to sin.

BUCKIT Week—Tuesday, July 24

2007-07-25T09:30:00.000-05:00

Wednesday, July 25, 2007 [writing about Tuesday, July 24]

Picking up where I left off, the first two sessions yesterday were taught by Craig and were about “Unfolding the Book of Romans.” Several helpful things we learned:

Know what the book is about
Master the doctrine of Romans and the language of John (both books are about the gospel; John gives it all in illustration and example. Craig did this: he would teach some deep things and then give an example that appeals to common sense and justice.)
A kleptomaniac is not judged, when caught, because he is a kleptomaniac, but because of what he stole. We learn that God doesn’t punish us for being sinners, but for sinning. But the fact is that He did deliver us from both problems: the wrath of God (because of sinS) and the wreckage of Adam (we sin).
We went over the witnesses of Creation, Conscience, and the Law in God’s courtroom. All of them are lower than God’s perfect standard, but we can’t even meet those!
Belief is not a work meritorious of eternal life anymore than a bum on the street’s extending his arm to take a hamburger, that you graciously offer him, earns him the hamburger.

At the first break I was talking with Megan and Rachel H. and David about Japanese. Megan spent a school year in Japan and has been taking Japanese in college.

A few smiling faces during a break. :) Craig is the one standing in the middle.

During the lunch break (boxes and boxes of pizza brought in), I decided to hang out with Jeremiah. His prayers were very Bible-based and powerful, and I saw a heart for God in him. We had great conversation—Jeremiah, Daniel K., and me—discussing what we had learned and encouraging one another.

After the first two sessions we had several hours of free time. Daniel and Rachel were indicating going over to the mall here to pass out tracts and talk to people about the gospel. Frankly, I was terrified. But our group, minus Nathanael, drove over and prayed, then entered the mall.

The mall, viewed from the direction of the hotel.

Rachel and Jessica paired up, as did Arielle and Bethany. Daniel wanted to go off by himself, and that left me by myself. I saw Daniel got into a conversation with a man right away, but at every turn, when I saw someone sitting on a bench, I was reasoned my way out of doing anything. My time there was visibly unprofitable, except to show me how cowardly I am in beginning conversations about the gospel! Then I saw Jeremiah and Anna and was encouraged that others were there for evangelism too. Jeremiah soon was talking to a young man at a cellular phone kiosk. He is very outgoing...what an example! I also ran into Josiah and Megan, and David and Rachel H. They were all there and passed out a couple tracts, but Josiah felt like it was horrible, because of how little they did. I felt even worse about how I did, and I told them what happened with me.

My group returned to the hotel about 5:45—we were expecting to go somewhere for supper at 6:00. Daniel and I took a brief walk around the hotel, and we discussed the difficulty I had doing God’s work earlier. No revelatory solutions came of it, but it was good to talk. :)

When we had left the mall, Jeremiah was still talking to that fellow at the kiosk! We all left for supper without him. Transportation was the same as the previous evening: all those with cars drive past the entrance and all the people pile in, and we drive off. Supper was at El Ranchero, obviously a Mexican Restaurant. I sat in a booth in the corner with Nathanael, Josiah, and Daniel.

As we waited for the food and then ate, we talked about all the things that we had learned that day and the previous day, and just how different our lives could and probably should be. Like what are we doing here in America, living like Americans? Shouldn’t we be Christians? Let’s live more simply, giving up all the world craves, so that we can have more time or money or resources to devote to the Lord’s work. We discussed the treasures we lay up in heaven versus the treasures of earth; the importance of doing everything for God from the heart or else it’s useless; and we marveled that Jeremiah was still talking at the Mall! Josiah sent him a text message, but we never heard back from them, so we were continually amazed. After the meal was finished and we were still sitting there (while the whole group finished), Josiah encouraged us to pray for Jeremiah’s work for God over there. So at 8:00 all four of us prayed for him and for the week and for our lives and God’s glory. We prayed with power that God would save the young man today. What a great time of fellowship and marveling in the calling to which we have been called!

Nathanael and Josiah

Me and Daniel

When we got back, we found Jeremiah and Anna in the conference room with sandwich materials on the table. Jeremiah began telling us about his experiences.

The young man I saw him with, Collin, had not been sure whether we evolved or were created, and didn’t know if heaven and hell were real, physical places. Jeremiah asked if he had some time; he looked around and said, “I have all the time in the world!” (the mall was not at all crowded).

And he heard the complete gospel. Jeremiah said that he was able to incorporate things that we learned only hours before, as he talked with Collin. When he was done he asked him if all of what he said made sense.

“Man, that’s made the most sense of any religion I’ve ever heard,” was the reply.

Jeremiah and Anna made sure to get him a Bible, and Jeremiah is pretty sure the young man is now saved!

God gave him an open door with a man from another kiosk as they were leaving, and he stayed for another hour talking with a man who used to be in the churches, but who now suppressed the truth in unrighteousness, denying Jesus as the Son of God. The Lord was so faithful to bring to Jeremiah’s mind answers regarding evolution that he had heard many years before from Ken Ham, and there was nothing to which he had to say, “I don’t know.” Finally, despite this man’s talkative nature, the Lord impressed on Jeremiah to share his personal testimony with the man, whose name was Cory. God shut Cory up the whole time that Jeremiah told his testimony. As he said is usual while he shares how he was saved, Jeremiah was weeping, and at the end, the man had gone away quiet and with a changed countenance, having been upset from his mindset of denial.

Just think: God brought Jeremiah from Kentucky to Maryland to tell the gospel to these two people! I pray Cory also got saved.

Jeremiah shared more of the details before the whole group in a few minutes, just before the last session of the evening. When he had finished his account Craig asked someone to pray for Collin and Cory and the night’s session (it was now 9:00). The Lord moved me to pray, and during the prayer, I was overcome by God’s grace and goodness in bringing together things we had learned, and the power and love of God through Jeremiah. I couldn't help but break down in tears, and I didn’t care. I was praying to God, not to men. In my spirit I claimed in those two men’s salvation. I ended the prayer, just falling into the Father’s arms, praising Him. O Lord, to you be all glory and honor! May I decrease and you increase forever!

After the prayer, Jeremiah got up, came over, and gave me a hard hug. Craig suggested we sing “Thank You, Lord (for saving my soul).”

The last session was about some tips for presenting biblical truths, very helpful for newbies like me!

Afterward I noticed Rachel, Jessica, and Arielle retired immediately. It was kind of amusing, because it is so easy to get involved in conversations and go to bed late, that if you want any good amount of sleep, you have to not talk to anyone!

I went over to Josiah and Jeremiah again, and Nathanael was there again too. We talked some more, marveling over God’s work. Jeremiah suggested—since he was going to bed—that we commit our night to the Lord in prayer. Josiah began, then Nathanael, then Jeremiah, then I ended. It was another tearful and awe-struck prayer session! I feel such a bond with these brothers! God, your power is amazing, and we owe you everything. You loved us despite our deserving wrath, but we can’t love you even according to what you deserve! Thank you for the privilege to spread your love to the unlovable world.

Jeremiah went upstairs to spend time with his Lord and talk about the day with Him, while Josiah, Nathanael, and I decided to go for a walk. A young lady named Katie joined us after our prayer, feeling like she just missed something really important and deep. I felt sorry for her, because I have known what that’s like—walking in on the tail end of something so awesome and wishing I’d been there. So we invited her on our walk, and we walked probably a mile around the whole mall. She went in when we got back, but we men made lap after lap around the hotel while we talked some more. We must have walked four miles last night! What great fellowship!

I managed to get to bed at 11:30 and sleep seven hours. Nathanael stayed up talking about biblical things with Justin until 1:00 or so! What a sweet sleep, and a sweet remembrance of what God did yesterday. I am so thankful that He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

BUCKIT Week—Monday, July 23

2007-07-23T09:25:00.000-05:00

Tuesday, July 24, 2007 [writing about Monday, July 23]

The pillows were very downy and squished down to thinner than I’m used to. I finally got to sleep about 12:00. Unfortunately I couldn’t sleep past 6:00 am., so I managed to survive on six hours of sleep for the day. I took my Bible and notebooks outside for a while to spend time with the Lord. It was a little chilly, but refreshingly so. After a while of looking at the 1 Chronicles 17 passage I’m studying, I determined I needed to write some more down, so I set up the laptop computer back in our room, while Daniel and Nathanael went down to breakfast.

About 8:00 I myself breakfasted in the lounge with James A. from Georgia, Austin T. from North Carolina, and Leah R. from Georgia. It’s inexpressibly joyous to fellowship with these people! We come from all over but are as close as family.

A little past 9:30 the first session began. Jabe Nicholson is only here Monday and Wednesday this week, so we had three sessions in a row from Jabe. The first session was an introduction to Local Church Truths, concentrating on what God’s big idea for the church is:

man and God in intimate fellowship!
The church should be marked by supernatural love and supernatural power. We are to live lives so different that there is no way people can refute the existence of God. What an awesome responsibility!

We had a half-hour break after the first session. Daniel, Rachel, Nathanael, Bethany, Megan (from Maryland University), Rachel H., and Austin and I all were talking with Jeremiah M. about his upcoming tour with the Good News on the Move bus, and evangelism methods. It is so encouraging to see this eighteen-year-old’s zeal for the Lord and the gospel.

David and Jeremiah

The second session concentrated on culling church principles from the Acts, looking to what the early believers did before we look into the epistles. This was also insightful into the fundamentals that make up a church.

Patient waiting on the Spirit of God—so often we just run ahead with our ideas instead of really relying on the Holy Spirit.
Occupation with Christ—the early church was willing to die for the name of Christ. Everything they did was in His name, and everything they did therefore reflected well or evil of Christ.
Loyalty to the Word of God—they were faithful to show from the scriptures why Jesus had to die, and to point out Israel’s and everyone’s sin which separates them from God. The Word of God was their only authority; nothing was from their own opinions.

During the second break—in which we ate Chick-Fil-A brought in—I got to talk to Daniel G., an MK from Zambia. It was very interesting to hear about the mission field there: the struggles of the believers to overcome their cultural preference for going to the witch doctor or to buck their traditions and not conform to their close-knit communities. I know better how to pray for believers in Zambia now, and believers in more tribal kinds of cultures.

The third session involved some small-group discussions about hypothetical situations in which churches could begin. For instance, a remote tribe gets a hold of a Bible in their own language and is converted through reading God’s word. What do they do now? How will they form the church? They won’t be preprogramed with Western ideas of Church. This session, though long, was very informative. Very eye-opening about how little we need to “do church.”

For supper, we went up I-81 a couple exits to Ryan’s, a buffet restaurant. There was great food and fellowship. I got photos of all the tables of the BUCKIT Week attendees (below are most of them). We finished supper about 8:00.

Our teachers: Craig Shakarji, Jabe Nicholson, and Mike Flester

Me and Daniel K.

Rachel K. and Rachel H.

David, Jeremiah, Mike A., Jonathan, Austin

Jason, Andrew H., Shane

Sharon, Katie, John, Nathanael, Josiah

Mike and Jess R., me, Tami and Ozzie

Tiffany, Elspeth, Leah

Jeremy, James, Joe-Paul

Charlotte, Megan, Anna H., Elizabeth

Bethany, Arielle, Joyce, June

Back at the hotel I tried to figure out the wireless network on Mom’s laptop (on which I’m typing this) but to no avail. Nathanael and I traded photos we’d taken so far.

As you can see, the network problem was frustrating! :)

Craig had given us an assignment of a passage of Matthew to read and make observations about, so I tried to do that in the lounge. It proved too noisy to be fruitful, however, and I went back to the room to work on it. That worked! It was about 10:30 by the time I was done observing, and I was tired enough to go to bed, but lonely enough to return back to the lounge to see who was around and what was going on.

I found Nathanael, Daniel G., Rachel and Anna H., Bethany, and Austin talking. It wasn’t long before Justin found and joined us and immediately wrested control of the conversation! I smile to think of it, because Justin is an extreme extrovert, and loves finding connections between other people to facilitate conversation. He’s so funny and inspiring. He makes me want to step out of my reserved shell.

(Clockwise) Bethany, Daniel G., Rachel H., me, Justin, Austin

After a good long time, it was down to Austin, Nathanael, me, Justin and Daniel Geesey. Justin, having no sisters good-naturedly grilled Nathanael on what it’s like to have eight sisters, and what they are like. That kept us up until 12:30. I slept for six hours again, getting up this morning at 6:30.

[writing about Tuesday, July 24]

It’s almost time for the first session now, so I’m going to pause for now and pick this up later.

BUCKIT Week—Sunday, July 22

2007-07-22T09:00:00.000-05:00

Monday, July 23, 2007 [writing about Sunday, July 22]

Yesterday Rachel and Daniel K., Arielle H., Jessica S., Nathanael P., his friend Bethany W., and I drove down here to Hagerstown, Maryland for BUCKIT Week. BUCKIT stands for Bible University Christian Knowledge Intensive Training. We left directly from church on a 330 mile trip that took five and a half hours.

Arielle, Bethany, Rachel, Me, Nathanael, Jessica, Daniel

Everyone ate packed lunches while I drove the first section—from Newtown, Connecticut to I-78 in New Jersey. Then Rachel took over so I could eat. We swapped again when we were just past Harrisburg.

We arrived at the hotel about 6:45. The weather was absolutely beautiful—warm, not too humid, pink and blue clouds, and a light, warm breeze. Inside the lobby we met Craig Shakarji. I was glad Nathanael had met him before, or I wouldn’t have been sure who he was! He checked us in with his system and gave us the key cards to our rooms. Daniel, Nathanael, and I are all together; Rachel, Arielle, and Jessica are together; I’m not sure with whom Bethany is—she was assigned to a different room. We decided we’d check out our rooms, dump our luggage and meet back in a half hour to decide what to do for supper. Bethany and I bought some Quiznos salads, while everyone else ate some more food they brought.

We had an orientation session about 8:30 in the conference room. There were 40 to 50 people there. Craig went over some details of the week, and Mike Flester gave a quick, insightful encouragement about presenting the gospel to people.

About 9:30, that was over, and I got to talking with one of the young men here, Josiah M., who’s nineteen. I had left my toiletries at home, so I had to avail myself of the 24-hour Walmart Supercenter just north of us by an exit. I mentioned to Josiah that I was going there, and He expressed that he and some others also were headed over there. I offered the use of “my” van (really my family’s van) to go over there. He was grateful, and I ended up taking Josiah, his brother Jeremiah, a fellow named Shane, from California, and Rachel and Anna H. We were there until 11:00 and I didn’t get to bed until 11:30, but we had a great time talking in the car to and from Walmart. Christian fellowship is so amazing!

Doing Hard Things Starves the Flesh

2007-07-14T16:24:00.000-05:00

Alex and Brett Harris have chosen ¨Do Hard Things¨as the motto, or ¨battle cry,¨of The Rebelution. You can read more about what Do Hard Things means here.

As I was musing on the subject of Hard Things recently, I thought of a practical reason to Do them.

What's the opposite of Doing Hard Things? That's right: Doing Easy Things.

Doing easy things feeds the flesh. Playing computer games in free time when I could write to missionaries, tinkering on the guitar instead of cleaning my room, even building a web site instead of following up on that business lead I got—all these feed the base desires of the flesh for pleasure and self-satisfaction.

Regular election to do easy things builds a habit of feeding the fleshly pleasures. Therefore it hinders my fellowship with God throughout the day.

It's analogous to desiring good health and nutrition. Eat a fruit at breakfast or be sure to include a few carrot sticks in lunch, but otherwise eat sugary, frosted, refined-grain, and deep-fried foods. You still wish to be healthy, but by choosing all the foods that "taste good," you are actually choosing not to have good health.

Doing Hard Things, on the other hand, is choosing to eat healthful foods. It builds habits of starving the flesh, suppressing that hindrance to a closer walk with God.

Paul even did this in 1 Corinthians 9:27—

But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

Why do Hard Things? To keep the flesh in subjection (or at least to keep out of fleshly habits that keep you from God) so you can have a more effective relationship with God. Doing Hard Things in mundane aspects of life also builds discipline for doing hard "spiritual"* things like sharing the gospel with strangers.

Galatians 6:8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.

*I put spiritual in quotes because all of our lives ought to be spiritual! See Romans 8.

"Facing the Giants" Review

2007-06-02T15:36:00.000-05:00

Eight months ago, I wrote about the movie "Facing the Giants." No theaters northeast of Philadelphia were showing it, so I never got to see it. But my family recently bought the DVD.

Initial reaction

Best. Movie. Ever.

It was inspiring, it was heartbreaking, it was funny. A lot of movies can be those, but because of the overt reliance on God portrayed in the movie, it overwhelmingly surpasses any other secular or "undercover Christian" film. ("The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" excepted, since I haven't yet seen it. I'm sure it's great too.)

This movie was the most realistic to my experiences, because God was a part of the character's daily lives. "Family-friendly" secular movies, though good, do not have this aspect, and they are utterly devoid of importance compared to "Facing the Giants."

Faithful representation of truth

One thing I especially appreciated was that biblical truths were realistically portrayed. Usually you must die to your dearest desires before the Lord will bless you.

"Truly, truly, I say to you, Unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it abides alone; but if it dies, it brings forth much fruit." (John 12:24)

Another truth was that you can't just ask God to bless the football team and expect amazing changes if your heart is not devoted completely to Him. God won't just give you what you want because you're saved. You must be completely, honestly, given to the Lord in all areas of your life.

Things I got out of it
Another thing that made this movie different from all others is that it is truly inspirational. It challenged me: am I going to give God my best? Will I be a leader even when I'm weak?

I was impressed also with the idea that we are to entrust all outcomes of situations to God, sacrificing what we want, but still give Him our best efforts.

Then praise Him no matter what, because He led us.

This is pictured in a quote from the character of Mr. Bridges: "I heard of a story of two farmers praying to God for rain to come. Both prayed but only one prepared the land. Who do you think trusted God more to send the rain?"

Favorite quotes
All these quotes reveal what truths impacted me. There are so many ways they can be applied to daily life!

Coach Taylor to his wife, Brooke:"If the Lord never gives us children, will you still love Him?"

Brock: "So you think God does care about football?"
Coach Taylor: "I think He cares about your faith; He cares about where your heart is. If you live your faith out on the football field, then yes, God cares about football because He cares about you."

Coach Taylor: "But it's not just out on the football field: we've got to honor Him in our relationships, in our respect for authority, in the classroom—and when you're home alone surfing the Internet."

Coach Taylor: "[In order for God to do great things with this team,] we need to give Him our best in every area. And if we win, we praise Him; and if we lose we praise Him. Either way. We honor Him with our actions and our attitudes."

Coach Taylor: "Your attitude is the aroma of your heart. If your attitude stinks, it means your heart's not right."

Coach Taylor: "I've resolved to give God everything I've got and leave the results up to Him."

Brooke Taylor to God: "I will still love you, Lord!"

Coach Taylor to Brock: "This is when it matters most. I know you're tired. It's easy to lead when you're strong, but now is when you lead! Right now!"

Coach Taylor to David: "Your job is to do the best you can and leave the results up to God."

Oh what joy is possible when we seek to honor and glorify God with everything we have—from the secret places of our hearts to every attitude and action!

The Trial of No Trials

2007-05-27T08:00:00.000-05:00

When there are no trials it is easy to forget God in the daily routines. Our flesh says, "I can handle it," and indeed we don't acutely feel the need to entrust all to the Lord. Things are "under control."

But we think they are under our control. Oh how deceitful the flesh!

When things are good, they are not good on my account, not by my cleverness. Good times may be "leftovers" of God's most recent blessing that I actually acknowledged as from Him.

When things are bad, and we see easily they are out of our control, we turn to God for help—as if He is only there to help us when we can't help ourselves. The facts are, however, He is always there for us, and all things are out of our control.

"You do not know what a day may bring forth" (Prov. 27:1); commit it to the Sovereign Lord as early as possible. Release it from your grip and give it wholly to Him. Thank Him for the good times and prosperity, lest you take past days back from His Lordship and increase your own lordship in your mind. Let every day be lived like the one of great trials—entrusting all to God's wisdom and providence—and He shall increase and you shall decrease.

"For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen."

I'm Back, etc.

2007-05-27T07:49:00.000-05:00

As we as semi-bloggers say, I have not fallen off the face of the earth! And don't even consider that semi-blogger means semi-annually! :)

Anyway, I apologize for not posting sooner than the four months that have passed. For one thing, I have consistently had trouble logging in to Blogger. I finally thought to Google the problem and found this extremely helpful article…and behold, I have returned!

As I start this back up again, I pray the things expressed in this blog honor the Lord and inspire you in pursuit of God.

Obfuscation

2007-01-21T16:15:00.000-05:00

Scintillate, scintillate, globule vivific,
Fain would I fathom thy nature specific.
Loftily placed in the ether capacious,
Strongly resembling a gem carbonaceous.

(A.P. Gibbs uses this as an example of how unproductive it is to use big words and unnecessary phraseology in his book The Preacher and His Preaching.)

Oh, what does it mean? It's just another way of saying "Twinkle, twinkle, little star..."

Lesson on Faith and God's Provision

2007-01-17T20:03:00.000-05:00

"...they tested the LORD, saying, 'Is the LORD among us or not?'"
Exodus 17:7

Of course the Lord was with them. They but had to remember that they use to be slaved in Egypt; that they walked through the Red Sea; that God gave them water at Marah; that He provided manna every day so they would not die.

All they had to do was remember, and they would see the Lord was with them. Instead, they lived in the present, forgetting what God did for them. They wanted their needs met NOW, but God wanted them to learn to trust Him. He had not yet put them in circumstances that He did not deliver them from. But they were too focused on themselves to remember that.

May the Lord help us also, lest we forget all that He has done. God doesn’t overlap His provision: ———
He separates them: ——— ____
In this, at the end of the first provision, He is testing us, to see if we will question Him or trust Him. If we walk in His presence, this separation of provision will keep us trusting Him, dependent on Him for our lives, glorifying Him.

Written March 5, 2005

How? By Faith

2007-01-13T14:24:00.000-05:00

In all areas of life I find myself more frequently asking "how?" How do I set goals? How do I achieve a goal? How do I fit in time for Bible study, devotions, prayer, family, work, and e-mail and the Rebelution Forum?

I keep returning to two principles:

"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Cor. 12:9)
"And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God" (Gal. 2:20)

2 Corinthians 12:9 is the principle contained in the song Grace: "Your will cannot lead me where your grace cannot keep me." No matter what the circumstances may be, God has allowed them and given His grace so that we can pass through. But such grace-filled passage is only attained when we put our faith in that promise. "Live by faith" is not an abstract concept, but utterly practical! Faith is founded on fact: "My grace is sufficient for thee."

So there is the answer to all the "how" questions I have: "How? By faith in the Son of God."

How much easier is that life entrusted to God in every daily detail!

Encouragement for Mondays

2006-12-04T12:02:00.000-05:00

Here's a song that I find encouraging, especially on Mondays! As I look ahead to a week of work, all the things that need to be done, the difficult things to do...I find my thoughts unyielding: confusion clouds my way,...but how needful it is to acknowledge the Lord in all I do: But, then when I bow to you, the challenges you guide me through.

Spend that time with the Lord every morning! Ravi Zacharias once said, "The biggest battle you will face in life is your daily appointment with God; keep it, or every other battle will become bigger."

(Click to hear a 90 sec. sample)

Grace
by Carolyn Hamlin

Lord, as I seek your guidance for the day,
I find my thoughts unyielding: confusion clouds my way,
But, then when I bow to you, the challenges you guide me through,
Your promises are ever new: I claim them for today.

Your will cannot lead me where your grace cannot keep me.
Your hand will protect me: I rest in your care.
Your eyes will watch over me: Your love will forgive me.
And when I am faltering, I still will find you there.

Each new day’s design is guided by your hand,
And graciously revealed as I seek your Master plan.
Keep my footsteps faithful when from you I go.
Return me to the joy that your blessings can bestow.

Your will cannot lead me where your grace cannot keep me.
Your hand will protect me: I rest in your care.
Your eyes will watch over me: Your love will forgive me.
And when I am faltering, I still will find you there.

Your eyes will watch over me,
Your love will forgive me,
And when I am faltering,
Lord, I will find you there.

Facing the Giants

2006-10-01T16:10:00.000-05:00

"We came to the land to which you sent us. It flows with milk and honey, and this is its fruit. However, the people who dwell in the land are strong, and the cities are fortified and very large. And besides, we saw the descendants of Anak there." But Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, "Let us go up at once and occupy it, for we are well able to overcome it."

Numbers 13:32-33

Difficulties in our lives are allowed by God. What we do in response will either make us give up and turn away from Him, or draw us to Him into closer fellowship, drawing strength from Him to get through those difficulties.

On this note, I would like to recommend this movie "Facing the Giants." It is a wholly Christian-produced film with overtly Christian content. Unfortunately, it's not playing in any theaters in all of New England, but for my readers elsewhere, if you can find a theater playing this movie, by all means go see it!

Mexico: Part 11

2006-10-01T15:52:00.000-05:00

Half a year since going to Mexico, and I'm not quite done with the account!

Friday, March 17 (St. Patrick's Day)

Another perfectly beautiful day. We were scheduled to travel to Lagos de Moreno and enjoy the day at a swim park, so Marshall and I had to get to the Landrums' house promptly today. Despite Nancy's gracious offering to cook us a hot breakfast, we had to bow out and opt for cold cereal. I felt bad having to turn down her offer, but if we didn't we would be late!

Nancy said she would do what Josue did Tuesday—skip work and join us at the swim park. I thought she was joking, especially if she meant to arrive late to work and would be locked out! Josue got permission to skip school today and all three of us took la oruga again to the Landrums'. Marshall and I insisted on paying Josue's fare, since earlier in the week he paid ours.
When we turned down the Landrums' street, we saw some well-equipped police searching a man and his car. I have no idea what the situation was, but, well, take a look at the picture (sorry for the purple haze—a minor problem with the camera).In addition to all us gringos at the their house, there were also Oscar and Alberto, and from Ken's host family Alejandra (mother) and her boys Alejandro (11) and Fernando (7). She had driven Ken, Ryan, and Willie over.

Scott produced a huge sombrero which he had bought at some point, and we all got some laughs out of it, especially when Marshall put the hat on Fernandito, who was clearly dwarfed by it!

While we were waiting for a few of the others to arrive, I got to play a Mexican guitar duet with Alberto. That was very much fun.

Once everyone had arrived, Craig announced that we could drive to Lagos instead of taking a bus, since enough people had cars. I went with Marshall, Scott, Ryan, and Josue in Oscar's van.

Mexican countryside

Admission to the water park was only 40 pesos, about 4 dollars. The grounds were well-kept and the flora tropical. We had our team time there under a thatched pavilion, and again sang some songs in English and Spanish. The few Mexicans with us wanted to hear us sing Maravillas in English, which we were happy to do.

I don't remember what the devotional was.

After team time, some believers from Lagos de Moreno showed up, among whom was Memo, a young man who had attended Emmaus Bible College, and knew several of the American students.

Meanwhile, I was in the pool with Alberto, Josue, Willie, Emily, Amy, and Ryan, playing two-team keep-away with a frisbee.

There were two of water slides in this park as well, which were fun. Actually only the one was fun, because the other was too shallow and slow. The small pool at the ends of these slides was as warm as a bath, since it was fed by hot springs!

Just on a side note, it was interesting that immodesty in public swimming situations is not as much a problem in Mexico as in the U.S. Many men and women were wearing shirts and shorts, which I was grateful to see.

In the early afternoon, several people from the East Leon church showed up with a lot of food for lunch. Among those were Nancy, who, true to her word, had taken off from work, and Edit with her two children (Edit and her husband Beto were hosting Amy and Emily for the week).

Eventually it came time to change and pack up and leave. I rode in Oscar's van again, and I don't remember who all else, but I remember Ryan was taking a nap on the floor of the van as we arrived at the Landrums' house.

Ken took a picture of the mesa on the way back

While still at the Landrums' we saw several of the host families again as they were saying goodbye to the students. Luis and Yola left us his e-mail address so we could sent him information on origami. Alberto also left us a business card with his e-mail address on it.
There were many tearful hugs as everyone said goodbye.

Edit, Beto, daughter, and son Betito (little Beto) with Amy and Emily on the last evening

I remember very well when Oscar said to me and Ken, "No me olvides," "Don't forget me." How could we ever forget Oscar, Alberto, Fernando, our beloved hosts and all the brothers and sisters we met in Mexico!

The flight for all the Emmaus students was to leave the next morning very early, so they were all going to sleep at the Landrum's house that night, while Ken and I would go back to Nancy and Cuco's, since our flight was to leave a little later.

It was sad to be leaving everybody, knowing this might very well be the last time I would ever see them this side of heaven, for in a week we had gone from not knowing a thing about each other, to working together and knowing each other fairly well. What a comfort it is to know that we have that Eternal Hope of salvation in common and the promise we shall all be in the presence of the Lord someday. And certainly since God has given us this love for one another here on earth, we shall also enjoy one another in the ages to come.

As we left we said hasta luego (see you later), instead of adios!

It was so late that the buses weren't running, so Josue hailed a taxi, and he, Ken and I got to his house that way. I had told Nancy and Cuco I wanted to take them out to dinner some evening, and it just so happened that this night worked. While we were getting ready to go, Nancy was talking on the phone with her brother Miguel, and she invited him and his family along! He was going to drive over in his little Jeep Liberty or something and pick us all up. In true Mexican style, Josue and his dad squeezed into the rear cargo area while Ken, Nancy, and I sat in the back seat, with Miguel's wife in the front holding their toddler son. Thus we drove to their favorite taco place for supper (of course it was about 9:00 at night).

The restaurant, like so many, was on a small, gravel lot, covered by a large tent like we might use in the U.S. for outdoor event or "tent revival" meeting. It was about 20 x 40 feet. The furnishings were plastic tables and chairs. There were only a couple of people there, and the atmosphere wasn't really like Tacos Don Luis, but the food was just as good! Miguel knew some English, andproceededd to tell us a joke, first in Spanish, then in English, just to make sure we got it:

A Mexican, a Guatemalan, and a Honduran were all traveling towards the border in a Ford Explorer. Who was driving?

Miguel explained that a Mexican who heard the joke would pridefully expect the Mexican to be driving, the Guatamalan would expect a Guatamalan driver, etc. But who was driving? The American border patrol officer! (i.e. to deport them. ...Or so we Americans hope!)

When dinner was over, I offered to pay for everyone, but because of Miguel's insistence, he and I ended up splitting the cost.

We drove back to the house, and thanked Miguel and his family for coming (and for driving) and said goodbye. Then we got ready for bed and the next day's trip home.

The Ministry of the Interior

2006-09-06T06:12:00.000-05:00

There is one day's entry in Oswald Chambers' book My Utmost for His Highest that has been especially meaningful to me that I would like to share with you.

June 21st
THE MINISTRY OF THE INTERIOR

But ye are... a royal priesthood." 1 Peter 2:9

By what right do we become "a royal priesthood"? By the right of the Atonement. Are we prepared to leave ourselves resolutely alone and to launch out into the priestly work of prayer? The continual grubbing on the inside to see whether we are what we ought to be generates a self-centred, morbid type of Christianity, not the robust, simple life of the child of God. Until we get into a right relationship to God, it is a case for hanging on by the skin of our teeth, and we say, "What a wonderful victory I have got!" There is nothing indicative of the miracle of Redemption in that. Launch out in reckless belief that the Redemption is complete, and then bother no more about yourself, but begin to do as Jesus Christ said—pray for the friend who comes to you at midnight, pray for the saints, pray for all men. Pray on the realization that you are only perfect in Christ Jesus, not on his plea—"O Lord, I have done my best, please hear me."

How long is it going to take God to free us from the morbid habit of thinking about ourselves? We must get sick unto death of ourselves, until there is no longer any surprise at anything God can tell us about ourselves. We cannot touch the depths of meanness in ourselves. There is only one place where we are right, and that is in Christ Jesus. When we are there, then we have to pour out for all we are worth in this ministry of the interior.

Review of a Favorite Book: Preparing Sons

2006-08-05T13:05:00.000-05:00

I recently finished reading an EXCELLENT book by Steven Maxwell: Preparing Sons to Provide for a Single-Income Family. We were blessed to have the Maxwells visit the TEACH homeschooling convention in Connecticut this past June, and I purchased this book at their booth.

Especially written to fathers, this book provides a practical overview of implementing Biblical, principles in training sons. As I read this book, I could identify things in my own life that ideally would have been trained out of me at a young age, and I must say this book not only concerns itself with the training of sons to provide for a single-income family, but training them for life itself!

I strongly recommend this book to every Christian father of sons!

(On a side note, I must say I hold nothing against my parents at all for the way they raised me. God rescued them from some depressing family behavior patterns that they grew up with in unsaved and broken families. By His grace, I was raised according to the light and wisdom given to them. Now I have a charge entrusted to me to raise my children even better. My parents grew up with no personal knowledge of God. As they were raising me and my brother, they were learning more and more about the Lord and His Word, and they taught these things to us. Whenever Ken and I may start families in the future, we are starting from a point with more understanding of the Lord than our parents did, so we can pour this into the next generation, and even more as we learn more about the Lord. Each generation ought to become more godly with the Lord's help!)

Earning Potential
In this book, Mr. Maxwell first discusses typical factors that affect a son's earning potential—vocation, education, and skill level—but introduces the idea that there are more foundational preparations to be made. He provides some alternative factors: view of work, character, eagerness to learn, God's blessing, and God's discipline. Each of these are illustrated with real-life examples, to bring the ideas down to earth.

Next, he discusses things that affect what determines "making ends meet":

Living according to needs
versus wants; you can't live a life of luxury on a small income.
Size of family and residence location
Some states have higher costs of living than others, and that cost is also affected by the number of blessings from the Lord you receive!
Character
Laziness, faintheartedness, procrastination, faithlessness, and impatience will all negatively affect spending habits.
Bad appetites
May be as simple as a hobby that takes too much time or money, or something like alcohol. More on this later.
God's hand of discipline
For example, extra expenses may increase because he may not be giving money to the Lord's work.
Spouse
Not to put undue blame on the wife, but if the wife has shortcomings of desiring to spend too much money, it will hamper their ability to make ends meet.

Parents must influence these things long before they become problems in their son's life.

Parental Influence
Mr. Maxwell delves deeper into the parents', and especially the father's, responsibility with the three pillars of training sons: the father's training, example, and prayer. As fathers know better than I, sons will imitate their fathers (that reminds me of this cute post). That's why it's important to watch your own behavior for anything that could negatively impact your children. I am very encouraged also by the repetitive emphasis Mr. Maxwell places on prayer. It is the most effective tool in bringing up godly sons.

Some necessary foundations are then enumerated, first of all, salvation. There is little to be gained in training a son to provide effectively for his family if he loses his own soul (like Matthew 16:26). Secondly, a personal quiet time with the Lord every day is essential. How else but through study of the Bible and prayer will the son ever know what is God's will for his life? And Jesus said "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:31). Further, Mr. Maxwell points out the greatest hindrance to a quality, daily quiet time is pride. He also stresses the importance of memorizing and meditating on scripture, making it your delight all the day long. Such treasures in the Word can be so discovered!

He then goes on to talk in more detail about the practicalities and impact of proper stewardship, godly character, and a son's view of work.

Appetites
Next, the convicting chapter "Appetites." The first heading within the chapter is "What could be wrong with that?" A challenging question, indeed. This will make any father find something that he could change about his life so as not to negatively influence his son, as well as a keener sense of how innocent-looking activities can be a detriment to a godly son. This is not done in a legalistic way, however, and it is so refreshing! Always the emphasis is on seeking God's direction so as to be pleasing and glorifying to Him, with the goal that your son will do the same.

Some issues addressed in a non-legalistic and loving way are entertainment and recreation, movies and TV, watching sports and playing organized sports, hunting and fishing, recreational vehicles, eating, and any sin. Many of these "harmless" activities certainly become harmful when too much time or money is invested in them. "There is nothing inherently wrong with these types of outdoor sports—unless they take a dad away from his family. If they do, I think a man would have a hard time justifying such activities Scripturally...However, like anything, seeking the Lord's direction and self-control are necessary" (p.97).

After this list, he presents some postitive examples of appetites: evangelism, seeking a closer walk with the Lord, studying the Bible, serving the needs of others, desire to be a man of God, always pleasing Him.

Practicalities
The next four chapters cover ages 3-6, 7-12, 13-graduation, and post high school, regarding what things would be good to train your sons in and where their attitudes should be in the following areas: spiritual life, serving, work, school, play, computers, character, leadership, gaining useful work experience, higher education. There is so much wisdom in these chapters—not only "know-how" but "do-how," as Mr. Maxwell has sought to implement these same things in his own family, and uses examples from his experience. One thing that amazes me is when their son Joseph was ten, he began learning computer programming! Talk about useful computer time instead of video games...!

All along, he stresses the importance of prayer and seeking God's leading in your sons' lives. You really have to read this book!

The final chapter gives final encouragement to the parents who can't train sons on their own, but only with the help of the Heavenly Father!

It was a wonderful, inspiring read for me, looking forward to someday when God may bless me with sons, but there also are some things I know I want to work on in my life, with God's power, that I may be a more prepared father in the future.

I encourage the parents of every boy to get this book!

Mexico: Part 10

2006-07-22T08:45:00.000-05:00

Thursday, March 16

Today on our agenda was going to the capital of the state, Guanajuato, Guanajuato (like New York, NY!), which was about an hour's drive to the east of Leon. Since Nancy had taken us to the Landrums' house yesterday via oruga, we now knew how to get there; so we went alone.

Just before the team time started, Oscar showed up. He was supposed to have come yesterday to help out with the tract distribution, but got the day mixed up, and so here he was! Once he understood he arrived on the wrong day, he decided he could go with us to Guanajuato since he had the day free anyway.

I fail to remember who brought the devotional today. Perhaps it was Marshall. Oscar understood English fairly well, so we didn't feel bad about speaking in English the whole time! When it came time for singing, we sang some songs in Spanish and some in English, including Maravillas (God of Wonders), Señor Tu Nombre Exaltaré and it's counterpart Lord I Lift Your Name on High. Then we sang a unique song in 5/4 timing: How Deep the Father's Love for Us. Wonderful, deep words in that hymn!

Ryan, Celina, Emily, Beth, Amy, Willie, me, Marshall, Caleb

Willie said he didn't know most of these modern "praise songs" very well and was happy to hand his twelve-string guitar over to me to accompany the singing, since I had gotten familiar with them while I was in college.

Oscar volunteered to help drive us to Guanajuato, so Amy, Beth, Marshall, Emily, Celina, Scott, and I all traveled with him in his Mercury van. The middle bench seat was taken out so Emily, Celina, and I all sat on the floor. For an hour drive. Mexico is such fun!

Amy, Beth, and Marshall

Some typical scenery outside

First glimpse of Guanajuato nestled in the mountains

The road into the city wound around tightly as we made our way up a mountain where there is a good view of Guanajuato. The government pays the people to paint the houses and buildings vivid colors so they look good for the tourists!

Right next to the lookout was a statue of El Pípila, a historic figure who stormed the fortress in Guanajuato some centuries ago. I didn't learn the story.

We browsed some souvenier shops, and some of the others bought shirts or mugs. Then we took another group photo.

Oscar, Willie, Ken, me, Scott, Emily, Caleb, Ryan, Marshall

Beth, Celina, Amy

While Craig and Oscar parked the cars in a lot, the rest of us walked down from the overlook through narrow alleys and stone steps, finally reaching the streets. They were all cobblestone and only one car-width wide. It's quite an old city, not built for cars. We met up with Craig and Oscar at a tree-covered plaza, where Willie continually distributed tracts.

There we also met Atsushi, a Japanese graduate of Emmaus Bible College and friend of many of the students. He was living in Guanajuato, teaching at the University. Interestingly, his Spanish was better than his English, so he would talk to Craig and Brenda in Spanish. I had learned from Caleb previously that Japanese and Spanish basically have the same pronunciation, so it makes sense that Atsushi could pick up Spanish easier. He took us around showing us some of the sights of the city.

Us at the top steps of the University. Inside an opulently decorated church building.

A pretty veiw outside the church building

Now I must digress a little at this point to fill in some detail from earlier. It may have been a day or two earlier that this was brought up after our team time ended: Ryan and Caleb and Scott mentioned something about a group of men at Emmaus (perhaps that one or more of them are part of) that decided to be gentlemanly—opening doors for ladies, standing when a lady enters the room, pulling out her chair when she sits at the table. We had all affirmed those are good practices, the young ladies said that they appreciate them and that they make them smile, and the young men said as long as they smile when they do such things for them, they will continue to do such things! ;)

Back to the point: as we headed back to the green plaza from our tour, Ryan spotted a little stand selling all kinds of beautiful flowers, and went over to it as we passed by. The rest of us continued on, and he soon he caught up with the group, carrying four red carnations, which he then gave to each of the young ladies. This was another evidence of that "gentlemen's club," and a touching reminder to us all that we appreciate godly young ladies. Caleb made a point of complimenting Ryan for that gesture, and I know the ladies must have all felt special.

Once we got back to the plaza, we met a missionary family based in the city—Joel and Amy Hernandez, and Ivan and Sarah their children. Ivan was attending university and was practicing his very good English with us as we ate lunch (late in the afternoon of course). We were eating in a nice restaurant next to the plaza, where there was a jazz pianist playing lots of American big band/jazz on a keyboard with its accompaniment styles. My brother, Ken, who is a piano tuner, remarked that was the closest he came to seeing a piano all week!

Sadly, Marshall wasn't feeling well in the stomach, and only had a glass of water before heading out to rest on a bench in the plaza.

After lunch we said goodbye to the Hernandezes and Atsushi, and went to the market. The Market was huge—a big building with hundreds of little shops selling shirts, leather products, food, sunglasses... I don't even know what all. Here's a view from the second level:

I was not going to buy anything unless it was useful to me, so as not to waste money. Not far inside the building I saw a shop selling leather belts. I knew I had been in need of one, so I bought a genuine leather belt for about $8.50. Good deal.

As we headed back to the cars, we stoped at the Teatro Cervantes where there was a large statue of Don Quixote and his squire, Sancho.

Beth, me, Amy, Emily, Scott, Caleb offering Don Quixote a tract, Willie

Atsushi and Ryan

Scott
Ryan, Atsushi, and Marshall

Atsushi, Craig, and Brenda

During the trip back to Leon it got dark (because it was late), and we began to see some thunderstorms.Ooh! I thought excitedly, we finally get to experience some weather other than sun! Ha! The rain lasted a couple of minutes at the most. It was a sprinkling of large raindrops. I guess March isn't the rainy season, right? Anyway, Scott got a couple of good photos of lightning with his camera, so he was happy.

We drove directly to the kinder on the east side of Leon for the Thursday night church meeting. It was pure joy to see the believers once again, assembling in the name of Christ. Normally this mid-week meeting consists of a testimony time, sharing prayer requests, and praying, but since we were there, Craig recommended that six testimonies be shared, alternating Mexican and American, with Craig translating.

Craig joked that they didn't know what to call us. Americanos? No, Mexico is part of North America. (The USA is usually called Estados Unidos in Mexico) Are we estadounidenses? No; technically Mexico is the United States of Mexico (Estados Unidos de Mexico). So what's left? Gringos? That's a derogatory term in the USA, so let's not use that. Now what? Gueros! Yes, let's use that! When Marshall and I were playing dominoes with Nancy and Cuco, I learned that guera is the term for the blank/white tiles. So the Mexicans joked that we should be called the same thing, since we are so light-skinned! It was hilarious!

The testimony from a man named Josue (introduced on Sunday) was especially moving. As he recounted how he came to belive in Christ as his Savior, he could not hold back tears. He came from a violent, alcoholic home, and followed in his parents' footsteps. He became a boxer and a champion in the state, but nothing satisfied him. Finally the gospel was preached to him and the Holy Spirit opened his eyes to the truth and he was saved. He had only been saved about a year and two months at that time, but he obviously loves the Lord and is growing daily, though his parents and siblings are still un saved. Thankfully his wife Lupita is also saved.

That testimony time was such good fellowship, and enabled us to get to know one another a more on a deeper level. We ran out of time for prayer, unfortunately. Afterward I gave Josue a hug and said "Voy a orar por tu familia" (I will pray for your family). With tears still in his eyes he thanked me.

We had some refreshments afterwards—Coke of course—and some more fellowship. Eventually someone got us visitors together for a group photo...which quickly turned into a visitors-and-instant-brothers-and-sisters photo as some dear Mexicans joined us!

Back: Fernando (the guitarist), Ken, Scott, Caleb, Ryan, Marshall, and Josue (who shared his testimony)
Middle: Fernando's sister, Samuel (who preached in the street) holding Betito (whom you will see later), me, Amy, Emily, Beth, Celina, and Alberto
Front: Willie, Josue, and Oscar

There was setting on a table in the room a can for collections to help fund Fernando's trip to Turkey, coming up soon. He was going to visit the Landrums' oldest daughter, Sarah, and her husband Jerry who are missionaries there. He is burdened for the Turks and may become a missionary. I was happy to contribute some to his trip. Fernando also had a handful of leather souvenier bracelets he gave to each of us as a reminder of him and our trip to Mexico. I'm not a bracelet-wearing man, but I couldn't say no. It was a gift from a beloved friend!

When it came time to say good-bye, we knew we would see some people the next day when we would go to Lagos de Moreno to a swim park, but for those we wouldn't see, it was sad. Might we return next year? I don't know, but the common bond in Christ ties our hearts together forever. We shall see each other again some day, even if it's in heaven.

Mexico: Part 9

2006-07-01T11:24:00.000-05:00

Wednesday, March 15, continued.

After the afternoon tract distribution, we drove back to Craig and Brenda's house. We hung around on the sidewalk talking to Alberto until he had to go to work. He is a dentist and works in the afternoons till about nine o'clock PM.

It was around this time that Beth and Celina arrived from their day of outings with their host family.

Somehow or other, some believers from the Leon West church helped transport us all over to a neighborhood on the west side of the city for evangelism. The neighborhood over there was poorer than where we all were staying. The roads were rather beat up and the houses didn't seem as nice. Some of the men set up a power inverter to their truck's battery and plugged in a large amp to make a rudimentary PA system. Then they took turns preaching the gospel to the whole neighborhood!

We Americans were handed many home-made tracts to hand out to the inhabitants of the neighborhood. Those soon ran out, so some others and I were writing the contact phone number for that area on the backs of the other tracts we had, and the rest of the Americans passed them out.

There were quite a number of young people from the West church there too: Chuy, Samuel, Stephanie, and more that I didn't meet. When one of the men finished his address from the top of the street, they moved down a block, set up the amplifier again and another preacher took over. Samuel, who was 16 years old took a turn too, and it was awesome to see him despite his youth unashamedly preaching the gospel.

Once again, Celina's fluency with Spanish was a blessing as she was able to explain the gospel to several children on the sidewalk. I'm sorry the photo quality is poor, but it was at night under street lights. Celina is at the 11:00 position in the circle on the ground, looking at the girl on her right.

You may recall my reluctance on Sunday to hand out tracts, but thankfully this evening was different. Especially because of observing Alberto's method in the afternoon, I was more comfortable and more eager to give tracts to people and converse a little in Spanish.

I felt rather put to shame by those who knew very little Spanish but used what they could. Here I was, knowing more than they did, but fearing to use it: What if they respond too fast or say something I don't understand? How silly! I have an ability; I should use to the fullest what God has blessed me with and let Him worry about the details! So I did.

"Buenas noches, señor. Le regalo un folletito." I could be pleasant and personable by using the greeting, like Alberto did, and be confident they would be happy to take something free. We passed them to people riding by on bicycles, people walking by on the cross street—everyone.

Oh, if only all those people would take the best Gift that's free! Everyone wants a handout, except when it regards his eternal destiny.

It was getting rather late and we had to get back to our homes, so we began to say goodbye to the West church believers, knowing we wouldn't see each other again on this trip. However, Ken found out that Stephanie knew some English and also had Skype on her computer, so he gave her his e-mail address. Then she went around gathering as much contact information from us all as she could.

(Fast forward to back home, she had some problems with Skype for some reason, so we have communicated using MSN messenger. Samuel also has Messenger and he and I have chatted a few times, he in English and I in Spanish!)

We enjoyed some joking and laughter together and then shook hands and hugged everyone good bye. It was delightful to know them all as brothers and sisters in Christ, and that gave us special comfort, since though we may not see each other again in this age, we shall see each other in eternity!

Back at our Mexican home again, we had supper after 9:30, I think. Typical. We stayed up with until around midnight, playing dominos. And of course we joked a lot. ¡Nancy es muy chistosa! She jokes a lot, and we had some running jokes during the whole week! You had to be there, you know?

Mexico: Part 8

2006-06-24T12:47:00.000-05:00

Wednesday, March 15

Now I really regret that I did not write about this trip sooner, because more details are escaping me.

It was wonderful to wake up to comfortable temperatures and low humidity—a combination rarely experienced in Connecticut. The days were always sunny and we didn't have to worry about rain clouding our schedule. On la agenda today was door-to-door tract distribution.

Before breakfast, Nancy put on a CD of Christian music, and I enjoyed hearing God-honoring songs sung in Spanish. I still remember one of the songs: "Yo soy Alpha y Omega, principio y fin" (I am Alpha and Omega, beginning and end).

One of these days we had cereal for breakfast—Cornflakes or a Nestle's version of Cocoa Puffs—and vanilla gelatino, or pudding. It was nice and quick, though not distinctly Mexican!

Josue made it to school on time, so Nancy took us to the Landrums' home via the oruga. Now that we had more experience with the bus system, we noted what was the stop for the Landrums'.

Yesterday Caleb invited Ken or me to bring a devotional at the team time today. I replied I had some thoughts I could share, which is what I did. Starting from , we looked at what last words Paul, at the end of his life, had to give to his son in the faith Timothy. We were encouraged to live all our lives for the Lord, to please Him, and looked at how these verses relate to and

After the main meeting of Team Time was finished, while we were waiting for lunch to be ready, Ryan began folding some more origami objects. Now Caleb grew up in Japan, where his father teaches english in a school (if I recall correctly), so he was interested in trying his hand at folding a paper crane. While he did, he also explained to us some of the Japanese words written on the instruction sheet. I found out Origami is pronounced correctly when you pronounce it with a Spanish accent! I also folded a paper flower, which Scott wanted to learn how to do. So here's a picture of us all folding paper before lunch.

Amy, Ryan, Caleb, me, Scott.

The plan for the afternoon was to drive to some nearby neigborhoods and make some first contacts with the people, giving out tracts and gospels of John. We were expecting a certain number of fluent Spanish speakers to arrive to help us with this task, but a few didn't show up, so Craig had to make some adjustments. One major adjustment was when he said, "Ken, you speak pretty well; why don't you go out with Ryan [not me] and Zeke." Ken was surprised, but accepted the assignment. He didn't do too badly at it either, he tells me. He speaks better than I do.

So Bob DeLaine and his 8-year-old son Zeke arrived, and Celia and Alberto from the church. Bob took Ken, Ryan, Emily, Marshall, and Zeke in his pickup truck.

Marshall and Zeke

Ken and Ryan

Willie, Celia, Scott, Amy, and I all packed into Alberto's Jetta. Since Amy was the lightest, she sat on Scott's lap in the front seat. Caleb stayed behind and went out with Brenda to their neighborhood. Beth and Celina were not with us today but spent the day with their hosts, Luis & Yola.

When we arrived in the neighborhood of Manzanares, Alberto, Amy, and I set out to cover a block together. Alberto pointed out to us his own house, a mere two streets over! He said that last year he was saved as a result of people passing out tracts door to door! Oh, what motivation that was, to know that such evangelism worked! And here we were doing the same thing that led him to the Lord.

Not long into knocking on gates and doors, we met a man who was a Christian, who had been saved many years ago as a result of the ministry of some missionaries who worked in Leon before the Landrums started there: the Beattys. As we moved on, we encountered a old lady with deteriorating eyesight who had spent many years teaching catechism in the Catholic church, and was relying on her works to enter heaven. It was sad to see she was set in her ways. I think she did receive a gospel of John, though.

We stopped at many houses; at a good number no one was home. Sometimes we gave the tracts to children in the street to deliver to their parents.

At one house, my ears perked up at the sound of parakeets. Having had parakeets all my growing up years, I was delighted to hear the happy chirps so far away from my home. It turned out that several houses had these little cages of parakeets hanging in their garage/patios.

When we were on the last street Alberto greeted a woman in her sixties mopping the floor of her garage/patio. She spoke really fast, so I didn't get much of what she said, but I could read her body language and expressions quite well! She wasn't at all interested in taking a gospel of John, and thought it a curiousity that Alberto was passing them out. She was kind of scoffing at Alberto, but was friendly enough. She seemed to appreciate his sincerity in passing out the gospels, but her attitude towards him was condescending, as one might regard a child trying to do something his own way. In the end, she still wouldn't take the gospel.

A quick note and a link

2006-06-22T20:47:00.000-05:00

Hi everybody, I just wanted to write a quick note to say I do intend to continue my account of Mexico, and I do have more I want to blog about, but I just haven't had time lately. So for any of you checking my blog every day there is more coming.

I just read a post over at Doulogos that was very true and motivating, concerning our relationship with the Lord and the effect it has on our prayer life. It's certainly a matter I need to deal with in my own life. Here are a few excerpts:

God doesn't answer prayers because your faith is greater than the guy beside you - he answers prayers because you are in communion with him through your continued willingness to obey....

God doesn't demand perfection as a prerequisite to communion - but He is rightly aloof from those too proud or lazy to continue in obedience.

Mexico: Part 7

2006-05-29T09:19:00.000-05:00

Tuesday, March 14

By the time Marshall and I awoke, Josue had already left for school. (By the way, I don't think I have explained that Josue is pronounced Ho-sway.) We did all those normal morning things that you do and ate breakfast. Because of the time I have allowed to slip by between the trip and writing about it now, I don't remember what we did for breakfast each individual day. I do know that one day (perhaps not this day) we had tortas. They are sandwiches made from little oval loaves of white bread, on which is spread cream (kind of a cross between cream cheese and sour cream), a slice of cheese and some sliced ham. Jalapeños were optional, which of course I accepted. The tortas were great! Since returning I have even made my lunches like that, spreading cream cheese on bread and making sure to load up on jalapeños or chopped hot peppers.

Again this morning, we were going to the Landrums' for Team Time, but before we left, Josue returned home. He explained that he arrived at school too late and the doors were locked. So since he had a suddenly free day with nothing else to do, Marshall suggested he accompany us. Nancy agreed to let him go, and we headed out to the bus stop. Soon we got off at the stop for the Landrums' house.

During the team time I felt sorry for Josue because he doesn't know English, and that's all we spoke in! Eventually it came time to leave for the bus station to take us toward San Juan de los Lagos. We would be stopping to eat in Lagos de Moreno, where the Landrums used to serve several years ago.

On the walk to the station, we passed a construction site where they were putting up a commercial building. It was right at the street, and we were walking on the sidewalk only a foot or two from the construction--there were no fences, barriers, tarps, etc. keeping people away from the action!

The fare to Lagos was only about three dollars on a coach for the near-hour ride. It was a pleasant ride, providing ample opportunity to see the countryside, which was quite deserted: few trees, much scrub brush, and few houses. At one point, traveling through a more populated area, we saw a lot of sizeable white stucco houses with terra cotta roof tiles. "Casas de ricos," Josue explained. Rich people. It was ironic, because when you think of a southwestern style house in America, or see things like Taco Bell with their stucco walls, you tend to think of that as being a Mexican style house...which it is, only for the rich.

In Mexico they do have a lot of familiar stores. One which was on our normal bus route home was Wal-Mart supercenter ("Precios bajos. Siempre.") There were also Home Depot and McDonald's, and this Goodyear service center Ken saw in Lagos.

When we arrived in Lagos de Moreno (which means Brown Lakes), Craig took us to a shopping mall, not heavily patronized in the middle of the afternoon on a weekday, to eat lunch. There were several restaurants to choose from, but most of us ended up ordering from the same traditional Mexican place. They had enchiladas, quesadillas, hamburgers, the like. I ordered chicken enchiladas: three enchiladas on a large plate, with lettuce, cheese and red or green salsa (I don't remember which one I got). The salsa was sufficiently hot, rather liquid, and soaked all the food, so every bite was spicy! I have since discovered I can achieve the same effect at home by pouring the water from a jar of sliced jalapeños over my food.

While we were ordering, a ten-year-old boy came around, apparently begging for money (not an uncommon sight in Mexico). We all turned him down, but he took a seat at a table next to us. Willie did give him a tract, though, which was in the style of a comic strip.

Marshall also ordered some enchiladas, but began to feel a little bit nauseated. He didn't push himself and only ate a few bites. A little while later, he had an idea.

"Ryan, why don't you ask that kid if he wants my food? He may not have had anything yet today."

"Yeah, okay," I agreed, intrigued by the fact that in the U.S. we (or I) don't usually talk to people so freely whom I don't know. But this is how you can minister to people and practice the love of God.

"¿Quisiera esta comida?" I asked him ("Would you like this food?"). He gladly took the plate and got some utensils from the restaurant, and proceded to clean the entire plate. Not a normal feat for a ten-year-old.

After most of us finished eating, Celina, who was fluent in Spanish, went over to the boy's table and began talking to him about the gospel and what it said in the tract.

While many of us were praying for the boy and Celina's witness to him, Celina later reported that he did make a profession of faith in the Lord Jesus! She gave him the phone number of some believers in the area, but only the Lord knows if he was able to contact them. Again, He knows what kind of a family he has and what living conditions he is in; they might discourage any faith in him. His name is Juan, and he could use our continued prayer.

Meanwhile, as Willie and some others were passing out tracts to the few people around, a policeman in the building discovered them and stated they couldn't do that here. As I heard the story, he wanted/needed contact information for people who could explain more about what the literature was about, so they gave him the contact phone number on a tract! Perhaps he read it later.

After everyone was collected, we walked back to the bus station to continue on to San Juan de los Lagos (St. John of the Lakes). We got there in time to miss the most recent bus, and the next would arrive in half an hour. Craig was kind of dissatisfied with that amount of waiting time and inquired at another bus line's ticket desk. They said a bus would be there in twenty minutes. Well, twenty minutes turned into an hour! (That's Mexico.) To pass the time, we talked and some of the students played a card game on the floor of the station.

On the bus to San Juan, Craig met another American, not a christian, and Celina witnessed to the young woman next to her almost the whole time. God's word will not return void! We must continue to pray for these people.

From the station in San Juan, we all took taxis to the cathedral. Entering in the back, we saw the confessional booths. How tragic to think people think you have to confess your sins to another person because you can't approach God Himself!

Next, we went into the trophy room. It had a lofty ceiling, and pegboard covered the stone walls. Literally the walls were letters, photos, soccer trophies, motorcycle helmets, jerseys, locks of hair, crucifixes, children's crayon drawings, communion dresses, paintings... They were all tokens of thanks to the Virgin of San Juan de los Lagos, because supposedly she answered prayers made to her at this shrine, whether for healing from an illness, a game won, or some other request. All the letters were addressed to the Virgin of San Juan. Of course the virgin is supposed to be Mary, but there is also the Virgin of Guadalupe, the virgin of this town, the virgin of that place... It's effectively not the same person, because people address the virgin of each individual place. It was heart wrenching to see the utter idolatry of the country in this room. Occasionally the caretakers of the building come through and clean it all out. I think I heard that the amount of stuff on the walls there was only about six months' worth! You see, six million people go through that cathedral every year! The disparity between the wealth the church gets and the non-wealth of the general population is despicable.

From there we made our way into the "sanctuary," where the stench of incense filled my nostrils. A mass had just begun. At other times, we were told, you might see people walking down the center aisle on their knees. At the front of this cavernous main room is an altar to a three-foot-tall doll, representational of Mary.

Back in the 1500's there was a situation where someone had supposedly died, so another person who had this Mary doll laid it on the "dead" person, who revived. Thus they enshrined the doll. The whole town was built around the cathedral and the doll, and it is now a profitable institution for the Catholic church in Mexico.

Everything in that building spoke to me of death, between the 3/4 life size dead Jesus on a cross off to the side, and the pitiable, blind worship of this image. We made our way to the back of the the "sanctuary" (nothing sanctified about it) and noticed, as the chanting prayers and songs were raised, there was an old man in the back row, on his knees, arms upstretched, rosary in one hand, whose voice soared over those of everyone else. He was dedicated or desperate, and hoplessly lost in his religion! It was a horror to see. He obviously was clinging tight to the Catholic religion to get him in favor with God.

Josue was especially glad to leave, since he is so much more aware of the hold the religion has on the populace, and the deadness of it. In the U.S., you usually don't see such dedication as the Mexicans have to the Catholic faith, nor the superstition.

Craig said that every year when he brings the Emmaus Bible College students to San Juan to show them the pitiable state of the Mexicans in their beliefs, it's a real "downer" of a day, with which I quite agree.

Just before we headed back to Leon, a couple of us took a detour to the restroom...they were pay restrooms. A rather foreign concept here in the States, but it helps to pay for the cleaning services. It was only 3 pesos, or about 30 cents, so it wasn't a bother to pay. It was just a bit funny, you know?

On the trip back, we all were seated together in the rearmost seats in the bus. Ryan was folding some origami again, and for quite a long time Emily, Josue, Ken and I were talking and having a lot of fun! I learned all the Spanish names of the fingers: Thumb = pulgar, index = indice, etc. If you want to know them too, just ask!

We got home after dark, so it was past 9:00 pm, and we had supper at our host familys' homes. Normal Mexican time for supper. At Nancy and Cuco's house, Nancy's father was there visiting, and we told him we were at the cathedral of San Juan that day. He told me to take a look at Jeremiah 7:17-18:

Do you not see what they are doing in the towns of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem? The children gather wood, the fathers light the fire, and the women knead the dough and make cakes of bread for the Queen of Heaven. They pour out drink offerings to other gods to provoke me to anger.

It startled me to see the phrase "Queen of Heaven" in there, for that is what they call Mary. It was just so similar to Catholicism in that it was creepy. The passage goes on to declare that the Lord GOD (the name used when God made the covenant with Abraham and David) would pour out his wrath on those people for their idolatry.

We too should be careful if we think we are not idolatrous like the Israelites were or Mexicans are. We all have things we put in priority before Christ, and anything like that is an idol. Before God, all sin is equal, so blatant, open idolatry is just as offensive as idolatry hidden in the heart.

Well, again I don't remember the specifics of what we did at the home. Often times, after we supposedly went to bed, Marshall and I would talk for quite a while. One night early in the week we talked about military aircraft and top secret airplanes. It was a subject I had some knowledge of and an interest in ever since I was about thirteen.

Nights were warm, the window in our room was always open, and we slept without sheets or blankets on us. The pillows were rock hard (I never got quite used to it) but we did sleep well after a long day!

Mexico: Part 6

2006-05-15T19:37:00.000-05:00

Monday, March 13

The next day dawned and Marshall and I got up at our usual time, 7:30. I think Nancy made us huevos revueltos, scrambled eggs, that morning. She mixed chopped bacon and cheese into it. Great way to make eggs!

We were scheduled to meet at the Landrums' home at 10:00 for "team time," and we needed to get there somehow. Cuco left early for work, Josue left for school around 7:15, and Nancy was going into work around 9:30. As it worked out, Nancy's father, also a believer, came by in his car to drive us over to the Landrums', and Nancy to work. (She sells advertising in a local newspaper.) So we ended up getting to the Landrums' house first of all the students!

When I first stepped outside on this morning I was surprised at how warm it was! I asked Marshall if this day was any warmer than Saturday. "About the same," he replied. And to think I was chilly even in long pants and a jacket Saturday. I was definitely not well! Thus it was refreshing and cause for praise to the Lord again for my restoration to health.

By this time in the week, Marshall had already taken around 500 MB of photos and he wanted to burn them to a CD, so, with Brenda's gracious permission, we went upstairs to the office and I helped Marshall with his project. Meanwhile, everyone else arrived, and we became late for the meeting because of the computer work!

After a short devotional given by Ryan, we sang a few songs accompanied by Willie on his guitar, and then Craig told us some history of how he and his wife became missionaries.

Soon I found out the talents of Ryan and Scott. Ryan was very interested in origami and was folding some paper cranes. We found this interesting because I used to be big into origami when I was younger, and we both have the same first name. When I pulled out the juggling balls I brought along, Scott eagerly began trying to juggle four, for he was pretty good at three already and had good form.

After lunch, with which we enjoyed some mangos, we headed over to the kinder where we were to meet some others of the church for evangelism. The day prior to our arrival in Mexico first contacts were made in the neighborhood of the kinder, where they handed out tracts and asked the people to read them. Today were the followup visits in which we would ask the people what they thought about what they had read, and explain the gospel. Obviously we don't speak Spanish that well, so Ken and I were teamed up with Alberto, and everyone else was matched to a Spanish-speaker as well.

Not too many houses out, Alberto had a chance to talk at lenght with a middle-aged woman named Margarita. I didn't catch a lot of what they were saying, but it was very encouraging to see that she was (mildly) interested, and polite enough to chat. As we left after about fifteen minutes, Alberto pointed out a small sticker on the gate, which featured la Virgén de Guadalupe, some popular virgin Mary shrine. So much more we appreciated the opportunity to converse with her!

As we moved on, many people were not home, and since we were unclear exactly which streets to cover, many people received the tracts for the first time. After a couple of blocks, however, there was one elderly woman seated outside a little shop who, when asked what she thought of the tract she received, said distainfully, "I don't have an opinion; it doesn't interest me." How sad to see a soul, likely convicted by the gospel contained in that tract, dismiss it callously. So many people are set in their ways, trusting in the rituals of the Catholic Church for salvation, that it may be enough to discourage one. But knowing that the little church on the east side of town was built from such as these is assurance that God's Spirit working in people's hearts, co-laboring with faithful witnesses produces fruit!

After making use of the allotted time, we returned to the kinder. There we shared with one another how things went and enjoyed some more fellowship.

Here Ken and Emily are talking with Alberto

Next on the agenda was a trip to downtown Leon to see a little bit of the city, which also offered a chance to do some souvenir shopping. All the students, Ken and I, and Craig picked up the big bus, la oruga and began the trip. The orugas are interesting buses. They are about one and a half times as long as American city buses, and accordian-hinged in the middle. It's from this that it gets the name oruga, which means caterpillar! There is a lot more standing room in Mexican buses than American, because it is a more common mode of travel. Everyone uses it! Even middle school students going to and from school.

We walked a few blocks from the bus stop downtown, passing many leather shops on the way. Leather and women's shoes seem to be the biggest industry in Leon, judging by the number of shops specializing in them!

We soon reached the square, which was square. And big. And had more people in it than you would ever see in a similar setting in the States. Mexican people love to hang out outside! It did so happen that there was some sort of political/communist rally-type event ocurring there which did account for a large chunk of the people, but still there were so many just enjoying the weather, shopping, etc. In the center of the square was a fountain that was the image of lions standing in a pool with a large bowl on their backs. They were the lions of Leon. Los leones de Leon. We got a pretty good group picture there:

Beth, Emily, Scott, me, Marshall, Ken
Ryan
Celina, Amy, Caleb, Willie

Everywhere we went, Willie was handing out tracts, repeating the phrase taught him: "Le regalo un folleto" ("I 'gift' you with a pamphlet," indicating the fact that it was free). It was a real encouragement to see his enthusiasm and single-mindedness for evangelizing according to his ability.

Making our way around the square, Craig recommended a certain ice cream shop there, so we all bought some ice cream. It seemed blueberry was a favorite among us. While there, Willie met a young couple sitting at a table. Because he knows, practically speaking, no Spanish, he soon called Ken over to interpret. It turned out these folks were Christians and excited to hear about the mission we Americans were there for. They even exchanged e-mail addresses with Ken and urged him to contact them if we were ever in the area again! The brotherly bond in Christ is boundless!

While Ken was talking to them, the rest of us purchased and finished our ice cream. So while Ken got his, Willie got talking to another man outside and enlisted the help of Craig. Craig and this man talked for a good long time, possibly 20-25 minutes. He reported to us that the man had been in the Catholic church, tried Buddhism, and several other things, apparently trying to find a religion that really worked. He's another soul needing fervent prayer.

Also during that time, a man and his teenaged son came by and set up a homemade marimba on the stone-paved walkway and began to play some tunes. This was something quite typical in Mexico, especially when they hopefully solicited tips from the bystanders.

Finally we were all ready to go, so we made our way back to the bus stop, Willie dealing out tracts all the way. We had to switch buses partway through the trip, and one of them was packed. Do you know what Mexicans do when there's no room on the bus? They don't wait for another...they pack it tighter! We were literally shoulder to shoulder and back to back to everyone on the bus. Craig was shouting our destination for us to hear. "Next stop!" The buses only stop for about a minute, which, for a vehicle that packed, made it possible that people would either miss their stop or miss their bus, depending on which side of the doors they were. We were concerned that only some of us would make the stop! Nevertheless, with much pushing and "Con permiso!" we all got off together.

Mexican bus rides are a blast! Adventure! Excitement!

Anyway, we headed over to the Landrums' favorite restaurant, Tacos Don Luis. As you can see, like all Mexican store-fronts, the restaurant was open across its whole width to the street. Never have I had better, more authentic tacos! There were choices of pork, beef, and sausage, with or without cheese, and you could add as much lettuce, onion, or hot sauce (yeah!) as you wanted. The tables were about waist high, and you could either sit on stools or stand to eat. They had Coke, Sprite, and a couple of other choices of beverages, served in glass bottles. That's something you don't find here. We ordered what we wanted and watched in awe as the men chopped, cooked, fried and assembled the meat and tortillas into tacos. Using blisteringly hot griddles. With bare hands. They could grab a tortillas, throw some meat in it, throw some hot sauce on it, throw it on a paper plate and hand it to you in five seconds, absolutely no kidding. That's Fast Food! Once you were done with your tacos or quesadillas, a waiter might come by and take more orders, delivering them to you.

Like I said, great food. And great service. All at a cheap price. Each taco was about 80 pesos, or close to 80 cents American. The cost of living in Mexico is much cheaper, as is the average income, so I'm not really sure what it was like for a Mexican to pay 80 pesos, but it sure was cheap for me.

Good music too. Eventually a man came in with a boombox, and the restauranteurs pointed him to a spot in the restaurant and an electrical outlet. He plugged in the boombox, which he held in his hand, pulled out a notebook of handwritten words, and proceded to sing to accompaniment tracks on a CD. The musical style was Ranchero, specifically Vicente Fernandez songs, if that means anything to you. Fernandez and his son, Alejandro, are amazingly popular singers in Mexico, and my dad has a couple of their CD's from his business trips down there years ago. It's really nice, traditional Mexican music. So this man was singing these songs, without amplification, and he was clearly heard above the cacophany of the restaurant. Quite a talent that man has!

When dinner was over--probably around 9:30 pm (lunch is usually around 3)--Craig told Marshall and me that we had to take the bus by ourselves back home. He told us what bus stop we were at and which one we had to go to. We were both good-naturedly nervous about it, but it couldn't have been simpler. (By the end of the week we were old pros.) We got home and I told Nancy and Cuco what we did that day. Nancy asked what we were doing tomorrow, Tuesday. Going to San Juan de los Lagos, I replied, to see the cathedral. Josue joked, "On your knees?" The cathedral there is a big pilgrimage spot where millions of people come to every year, often on their knees. Even some in the church in Leon made the pilgrimage before they trusted in Christ alone for their salvation, believing that all their so-called righteousness was as filthy rags before God. But more about that in my accounting of the next day.

We showed them Marshall's digital pictures on the TV, which they enjoyed immensely, then I think played dominoes and eventually went to bed around midnight.

Mexico: Part 5

2006-05-06T11:05:00.000-05:00

Sunday, March 12, continued

After the services were over and food was being spread out on the table in the back room, I met and talked to a few more people. Soon I joined Ken and Amy talking to Juan, who was sharing his testimony of how he came to trust in the Lord, and how he evangelized his wife and she got saved too. Juan is the father of Fernando, the guitar player.

By this time, the food was smelling delicious. That was a good sign, considering the smell of food the day before was unappetizing. It was announced that the visitors from the United States would go through the food line first, and of them, the ladies first.

There was quite a variety of food. You could make your own sandwiches, tacos... I don't even remember all that there was! I remember grabbing a couple of tortillas and a variety of mixed foods to fill them with. And I made sure to get some jalapeños!

An interesting note: In the U.S., disposable plates, whether paper, styrofoam or cardboard, are round. In Mexico most of what I saw were rectangular! They do have round ones, but apparently they're not as common.

Though I did not fill myself with food, my hunger was satisfied. I still didn't want to push myself for fear of becoming sick again. Of course we had Coke to drink, too.

After the meal, I headed out the back door, which opened into a little yard. Josue and his 16-year-old friend Samuel were playing guitars together. When he saw me, Josue offered his guitar to me to play something, and in a little while he showed me a bit of a song he was working on learning.

We stayed outside for quite a long time, and Fernando began to play and sing all kinds of songs with his guitar, mostly hilarious renditions of popular songs including "Besame" and "Volare." He was really good, especially at flamenco style, and his fingering on the strings was so precise! As you can see from the picture, everyone was having a grand time!

Brenda Landrum said that these Mexicans were so gregarious and loving a good time that you never knew what they might do or want you to do for fun. Somehow, they began coercing each other to step into the ring of people enjoying the music and do a little flamenco (or whatever we thought was flamenco) dancing. Ha ha! Yes, even I got it over with when they selected me.

Ken and I also enjoyed a small game of basquetbol with Alberto and Susana.

After the basketball game, I rejoined the (still) singing group and learned a couple of Christian songs, one of which Hannah the Landrums' daughter had written.

Gracias Jesus, porque tu me salvaste
De la muerte
Gracias Jesus porque tu me amaste tanto
Hasta morir en la cruz. Jesus

(Thank you Jesus, because you saved me
From death
Thank you Jesus, because you loved me so much
to die on the cross. Jesus)

Another person whom I remember with fondness was a man named Chuy. Throughout the day, he would pass by one of us Americans and tap him on the shoulder. When he would look around to see who was requestion attention, Chuy would have the most matter-of-fact normal look on his face as though he never did it. I've seen people in the U.S. do this, but not with as much success as Chuy!

As the time approached 6:30, we all got ready to leave for the park, where we would do some evangelism. People piled into the Landrums' vehicle, Oscar's van, and Chuy's pick-up and headed out.

Here's another fun aspect of Mexican culture: vehicle packing. It's not unusual to pack as many people as can possibly fit in any vehicle, whether a two door hatchback, pick-up truck, or bicycle (I saw a whole family of four on one bike! Father pedaling, and mother and small child on the back rack, and another small child on the handlebars!). Admittedly, it's quite dangerous, and they do have accidents because of this kind of thing, but it sure was fun.

After we stopped at my host family's home to pick up Nancy, there were about fifteen people in the back of the truck. Nancy brought a bottle of diet Coke with her. Remember what Brenda had said about the Mexicans being a little unpredictable? Well they began passing the bottle of Coke around and almost everyone took a sip, me included. I have no idea why they did it, but it was funny!

The park we arrived at was right next to a Catholic church, and there were some vendors selling CD's, produce, and cheap children's toys. The whole area was about half a block in size, paved with stones, with planters here and there with benches around them, and a central stone fountain. Stockpiles of tracts were distributed among the believers and we prayed together as Fernando and some others set up a PA system.

We all organized ourselves into a large semi-circle and the music began. It was a heart-wrenching soundtrack for the mime drama the Emmaus students began to act out.

Marshall and Ryan, guards, threw Caleb to the pavement. As he struggled to get up, they kicked him and punched him and mocked.

Eventually they stood him upright and grabbed Amy and Celina, making them pound "nails" into Caleb's hands. When the deed was done, the women retreated to the sides.

Jesus was crucified, put there by each of us.

When he was dead, he was taken down from the cross.

Amy and Celina stood by solemnly. Then Caleb came out from the now-rather-large crowd of observers and approached Amy. He presented himself to her, very much alive, but she was full of scorn and disbelief. She shoved him away in hatred. Then Caleb went over to Celina, presented himself to her. She couldn't believe her eyes--he was alive! Full of joy, she tried to convince Amy of the risen Christ, but Amy angrily pushed her away too. Caleb indicated it was no use, and he and Celina walked away together.

Obviously, this was an allegory that our own sins nailed Jesus to the cross, and it demonstrated people's reaction to the gospel, both believing and rejecting. I assume this is what Fernando preached about next, when he picked up the microphone and began to speak. I and the others were looking around, seeing to whom we could give the tracts.

In the discomfort of my flesh, I was not eagerly participating. I wanted to hand out tracts, but didn't know how, didn't know what I would do if someone started talking to me... I did make excuses to myself. I never did this before. I know there was profit from the preaching and distribution of tracts that evening, but it was not helped by me, much to my sorrow.

About 8:30 Josue took Marshall and me back home. I found out later that all the Mexican believers who were there went to Luis and Yola's house afterward, the poorest and most hospitable family of that church! I was very happy for Celina and Beth, for Luis and Yola were their host family, so they got to enjoy more fellowship! It would have been fun to be there.

Mexico: Part 4

2006-04-06T22:15:00.000-05:00

Sunday, March 12

I woke up about 7:00 feeling fully rested and refreshed! ¡Grácias a Dios! The prayers of the saints were answered.

The morning was warm, and a cool shower felt refreshing. After breakfast, Cuco informed me that, though the church meeting began at 11:00, he was responsible for bringing the grape juice for communion, so he was going a little early for preparations. Marshall and I were ready to go, so we accompanied him to Ley, the grocery store just the next block over. For as much of a landmark as Ley became to us for our neighborhood, somehow I never thought to take a picture of it!

All three of us were wearing backpacks, and as we walked into the store, I thought it odd that they would let us take bags into the store. But Cuco immediately approached a desk just inside the entrance where we could check our bags. A very interesting concept!

Here's an interesting tidbit about Mexico. When we go into a grocery store in the U.S., we expect to see a lot of teenagers working at the check-outs and collecting shopping carts. In Mexico, they employed children, about 12 years old, to collect the carts and bag groceries! This is not so odd to consider, since schools have day sessions and night sessions. Josue happened to go to school in the morning, around 7:15. Other children might go to school in the afternoon to evening. So when they're not in school, they have time to work during the day. The other reason for children working is they don't have such restrictive child labor laws as the U.S.

Cuco made his way to the juice section of the store and selected a bottle of jugo de uvas. Right by the checkout lane was a display of water bottles. Marshall recommended we both get one, since one never knows when there might not be purified water nearby. Cuco graciously offered to pay for them, for which I was extremely grateful, since I hadn't had a chance to get money out of an ATM yet. The next day or two I exchanged $50 with Celina, who had accidentally gotten way too much money from the ATM!

From Ley we walked across the street, through an empty corner lot, and met up with Ken, Willie, and Ryan who were waiting across the street from the church meeting place. It was really nice that the building was so close!

Only a couple of minutes passed before Craig and Brenda drove up. They unlocked the door and we helped carry in the soda bottles and food they had in the back of their Explorer.

The church building for the Leon East assembly was a house converted into a private preschool/kindergarten, owned by one of the members of the church. It's trademark is the colorful stripes on the front gate/wall/garage door at the street. It wasn't until much later that I discovered this Sunday was the first meeting in that facility! Before then they met in the Landrums' home.

The front meeting room technically was a garage. At this point I should explain about Mexican houses in the city. They are, as you can see in the above picture, right on the street, and have no yard. Almost all of them have a parking spot or garage on the property. Such parking areas are not asphalt but tile, and the house, which surrounds it on at least two sides, usually has a main door that opens directy to the parking area. If the area is a garage, the house has two stories and the floor plan of the second story extends over the garage. The garages and parking spaces are enclosed by a metal gate/door that hinges on the side. So in the picture above, the wide, brown doors on the house on the left are actually garage doors.

It was in the front room, or garage, of the "kinder" where the church service was held. We Americans helped set up the plastic chairs (much more comfortable than the metal and wood chairs we have at our home church in Newtown, CT!) and distribute the song books.

After Cuco set up the communion cups and crackers, he took a spot in the corner as one of the guitarists. At 11:00, when the service was supposed to begin, only a third of the people were there, and everyone knew there were more coming. The Mexicans are usually laid back, and not in the big hurry that we Estadounidenses (United States-ians) are, so this was typical.

I distinctly remember a couple of individuals who arrived. Alberto went around the whole room greeting everyone with hanshakes, even all us Estadounidenses. Josue (not the one from my host family) made a point of giving all of us hugs. I later found out Alberto is 31 years old, and I know Josue was married in his twenties. Another young man, Fernando, also gave us hugs then took a seat with the guitarists.

Now there were four guitarists: Fernando, Cuco, Josue (Cuco's son), and Luke Delaine, the son of Bob Delaine, a missionary on the other side of Leon. His family was attending the East side this morning probably because it was the first meeting in the new location.

During the worship hour, many songs were requested in the beginning as a few people still were trickling in. All the songs were accompanied by the four guitars. It was really neat to be able to sing songs to the Lord in another language and know He understood! Some of the songs were transcriptions of some contemporary christian songs like "God of Wonders" (Maravillas) and "Lord I Lift Your Name on High" (Señor, Tu Nombre Exaltaré). I don't think any of the songs we sang were quite as rich with meaning as Isaac Watts or John Darby, but they were sung from the heart, and to the Lord.

Knowing some Spanish enabled me to understand the gist of what the prayers were about, if not completely understand them. I can't imagine how it must have been for the people in the Emmaus group who didn't know Spanish! Despite the language barrier, which differed in intensity from person to person, the love of Christ was definitely present! The believers all made us feel so at home!

After communion, there were times for prayers of intercession and supplication, a "free time" in which brothers could share an encouragement from the Word or something, and a memory verse review led by Fernando.

Caleb, from the Emmaus group, brought a message from the Bible that morning, speaking in English, while Craig translated into Spanish. It was interesting to hear the subtle differences in how the Spanish was worded to convey the English meaning.

Mexico: Part 3

2006-04-01T11:00:00.000-05:00

Saturday, March 11, continued

I was still feeling very tired from the previous night, and all I had the energy for was sitting in a chair in the warm sunlight...still with my jacket on. I had brought a dozen loops of string along to play some string games (like cat's cradle) with the children, but did not have the energy to participate in such activities.

Ken was working with Celina, Caleb, Scott, Ryan, and Willie entertaining the children. They played Bible charades by acting out stories from the Bible, as well as goofy games.

Here three of the boys are acting out the story of Joseph (José). Fernando is playing Joseph, and he is receiving the coat of many colors from his father. Alejandro, his brother, played Joseph's brothers and did a good impression of mutilating the coat!

These little girls were delighted to have Ken take their picture!

I was very comforted by the concern of the believers for my health that day. Word quickly spread among them about my condition and several checked up on me during the day. It was astounding just how much I felt at home with them! They were like family! And such we are, for we are brothers and sisters in Christ. The family of God is a wonder!

All day long I was drinking water and Coke, staying hydrated while not well (don't worry, there was plenty of purified, bottled water!)

Around noontime, I was feeling a little better and joined a conversation with Scott, Ryan, and a Mexican, Oscar. Oscar was about 30 years old, and was telling us about how God had changed his life (even after trusting in Christ for salvation), making him more outgoing and filled with love for the brethren. It was really neat to meet him. He was one of the ones frequently asking after my health, and when I admitted I seemed to have a headache, he gave me someaspirinn.

Here's a picture of the building where the church meets...up on the second floor of the building in the center. Behind that front room is a kind of courtyard that is open to the sun, with classrooms and kitchen off of it. Beyond the courtyard is the main meeting room. I hung out in the courtyard all day.

Midday, a large meal was prepared (it was lunch, but lunch in Mexico is usually eaten around 3:00 p.m.) but I can't tell you what there was to eat. The smell of food was still unappetizing to me. However, I did have a little cup of fresas con crema,strawberriess in cream. That was tasty. By that time, Brenda Landrum and Oscar had told me if I felt I needed to go home, they would be happy to drive me. I had thanked them both, and thought I would wait a little while. I started to suspect I had a fever, for my face felt warm to my touch. At some point, I told Oscar about my suspicion, and after feeling my face, he confirmed I was warm.

Oh well! I wished to stay at the gathering, but I knew I really needed rest if I was sick. So I told Brenda about it, and she steered me to Bob and Kim Delain, another missionary couple in León. They were just about to leave and would be passing by my house on the way home, so they gave me a ride in their van.

When I arrived back at the Cuco and Nancy's apartment, I went straight to bed and slept from about 4:30 to 11:30 or so when I was awakened by the rest of the American team and some of their hosts. I tell you, it's amazing how many people you can stuff into a little apartment! And they do the same with cars, taxis, and buses in Mexico too!

Here's a picture of their apartment complex, taken the morning of our departure.

Mexico: Part 2

2006-03-29T18:15:00.000-05:00

Friday, March 10 (6:55 p.m. CST / 7:55 p.m. EST)

¡Estamos sobre México!

Soon before we landed in Houston, Ken struck up a conversation with the young woman sitting next ot him. Se llama Tracy. She was returning home to Houston. Ken le dio una tarjeta de PeaceAndPurpose.com.

We only had half an hour before boarding the plane, so we quickly grabbed some food and made our way to the gate. In Houston they give all announcements in both English and Spanish.

(It was just announced we are passing over Monterrery, Mexico. 7:05)

We have been gradually introduced to a more Spanish-speaking environment. I am sure most of the folks on this flight to León are Mexicanos. Our flight attendant is bilingual and gives all announcements in English and Spanish.

The sunset was beautiful from up here, and the mountains are also an interesting sight...in contrast to Texas' flatness.

About the time I finished that last entry, I was beginning to feel funny in my stomach. Nevertheless the flight went well and we landed in León about 7:25 p.m.

When we stepped off the plane I was amazed that the temperature was so warm, even after dark. We picked up our luggage and passed through customs without event. We easily met up with Brenda Landrum, who took us to their Ford Explorer, where we greeted Craig and loaded in our luggage. In the car was Marshall, the fellow I was to stay with at Cuco and Nancy's house. We talked and got to know one another on the drive to the house.

Nancy and Cuco have one son, Josue [Spanish for Joshua], who is 17. None of them know enough English to converse and Marshall doesn't know Spanish, so I am the translator! It's a demanding job, but one I am willing to do.

Josue made each of us an alacrán, scorpion, out of copper wire—a technique he learned from a classmate. They are amazing works of art!

We stayed up until 11:30 and I was very tired and my back was sore from the plane ride. As a result, I slept little. My stomach upset at 3:30 in the morning, whereupon I began to feel better, though I still slept little.

Saturday morning, Nancy called Brenda Landrum and told her how I was, and Brenda recommended I not eat much at all—be cautious.

This was the day of the leaders' meeting, and there were missionaries from around the area and Mexican elders as well, and others who came, I think, for fellowship. This get-together took place on the West side of León, where the West León church meets. I thought the day was a little chilly, so I had long pants on and wore my jacket most of the day.

Marshall spied some boods some of the children brought about dinosaurs,a nd he wanted to engage in a defense of Genesis (for the book was evolutionary). Using me as translator, he spoke to Josue and another young man, Chuy, about some evidences, both scientific and Biblical, for a young earth and the coexistence of men and dinosaurs.

It was nice to meet and get to know the others of the Emmaus group: Willie, Ryan A., Scott, Caleb, Amy, Beth, Emily, and Celina. Celina converses easily in Spanish and Scot is quite good (probably like Ken and me); otherwise everyone speaks little.

Mexico: Part 1

2006-03-29T17:17:00.000-05:00

Well, it's about time I began writing about the trip to Mexico, so I'll start with what I wrote in my journal on the journey.

Friday, March 10 (about 3 pm, EST)

Esto es el viaje a México para ayudar a los Landrums.

Last night was spent packing and finishing preparation for the trip. This morning, before Dad left for work he prayed for us and the whole week down in Mexico. At 8:25 Mom drove us down totheh Stratford train station to pick up the 9:06 train. She had heard there was heavy traffic on Route 8 in Derby/Shelton, but when we got there, nothing slowed us down. At the time, I was worried we would be late for our train, but Ishouldl have trusted the LordÂclear sailing! How gracious He is that He blesses us in spite of immaturity.

We waited about ten minutes for the train, hugged Mom goodbye, and stepped in Three rows to our right was a row with two available seats. Ken stowed our luggage on the rack and we sat down, our bags at our feet. The ride to New York City was pleasant and took an hour and a half. The last ten minutes or so was underground, entering Grand Central Station. I never knew that trains arriving there ended underground.

Exiting the train, I clipped the pull-strap to my suitcase, then we headed for the stationÂor the lobby, or plaza! I don't know what to call a room that large with so lofty a ceiling! I thought to take pictures of the room, but it's immensity could not be captured by so smalllensnse. Ken pointed out we had to catch the 10:40 bus, so I abandoned the idea completely.

We exited the edifice onto the streets of New York. I would have loved to go sightseeing bobviouslysly that is an activity for another time. The bus we needed to catch was just leaving so we boarded the next one, the 10:50. This took us directly to LaGuardia airport.

We found the counter for Continental Airlines and checked our bags, confirmed our seats, and headed toward the security checkpoint. We passed without incident. After finding our gate, we bought a lunch of wraps (Southwest Tuna!). That was about 11:45 a.m. Our boarding was around 1:00 p.m., so we talked in a mixture of Spanish and English while we waited. It was interesting to hear several others who were waiting speaking Spanish. Perhaps they are taking the same route to León (via Houston).

The time to board came at last and we were grateful to get out of the heat. Though it's only March, when we left home it was 51 degrees F and the airport was hot. The airplane, however, is much cooler. We are now cruising at 38,000 feet, clouds and cities far below.

Takeoff was fascinating, for never had I gone so fast before! The airport was whizzing by and within a minute we were pointing towards the sky. I found the G forces of climbing, banking, and leveling off a bit disconcerting, but once I told myself to relax, I felt good. It was delightful to see New York shrinking below us and the cards turning imovingoing specks. It was partly cloudy for a while, so generally I didn't see groundroun, but more recently (3:10) there has been a fair view of the ground.

"Uptime"

2006-03-08T19:37:00.000-05:00

A week and a half ago, I wrote about downtime, a period of time in which business was slow. Well this week it's been the opposite, especially today. A huge order for engraved signs came in yesterday afternoon, so the engraver's been running all day long, turning out 46 signs (about 600 characters total!). I've begun work on a logo design for a new construction company, which has been testing my illustrating skills and taxing my patience for going over my time budgeted for it.

Speaking of taxes, I finished figuring my taxes this year. Praise the Lord I don't have much to pay! It was fun figuring it all by myself for the first time, though I did occasionally have to consult with Ken and Mom.

The other thing on my mind today is the fact that all this stuff needs to get done before Friday morning, which is when I'm leaving for Mexico.

Ken and I are traveling to Leon in the center of Mexico to work with a missionary family there and a group of students from Emmaus Bible College. Much of what will our role be is still unknown to me, but I know that if I obey the Lord and stay close to Him, I will not be shaken.

How wonderful is our Lord! It´s astounding to think that we have the power of the One who made the world and the sun and the hurricanes and the mighty forces of nature on our side to strenthen us and conform us to His own image!

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? Who will bring a charge against God's elect? God is the one who justifies; who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Just as it is written,
"For your sake we are bing put to death all day long;
We were considered as sheep to be slaughtered."
But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

A Blog Needs Pictures

2006-03-07T20:06:00.000-05:00

It's a known fact that people are more likely to read something if the text is interrupted by pictures. It's also nice to see photographs people have taken and posted on their blogs. I hereby join that crowd. Here's a picture of a bee I took two and a half years ago. Enjoy!

New Definition of "Bad Day"

2006-03-06T22:22:00.000-05:00

In the past years, having a "bad day" meant things were not going like I expected them to, were not easy, and/or kept going wrong. But now, being a few years older, with a little more spiritual growth having occurred (thanks be to God alone), I have found a new definition of a "bad day."

Today was one of those. I kept working at what I was supposed to, starting a logo design, finalizing another, making a few plastic signs, and working a little on my promotional brochure, but by the end of working hours, I felt like I do when I waste a day. Why was this? I did not in spirit commune with my beloved Father in heaven. The day was not horrible, nor would I say full of forfeited peace, but it just wasn't right.

A bad day is a day spent without devotion to the Lord.

I am reminded of the words of Joe Zichterman (sung by Mac Lynch & Tim Fisher) in the song "One Needful Thing"

With my whole heart I beseech Thee to behold Thy glory, Lord.
May we learn to wait and worship at Thy throne.
We are cumbered with much service; may we cast our cares on Thee
As we go into our closets there to meet with Thee alone.

That one needful thing, that one needful thing,
As the sacrifice of praise we humbly bring.
As Thine own peculiar treasure, created for Thy pleasure,
May we not forget that one needful thing.

When Thou sayest, "Seek Me early," Thy face, Lord, will I seek;
For Thou art my soul's exceeding great reward.
While abounding in Your service, may men's record of us be
That we've spent much time in secret in the presence of our Lord.

I am learning just how much prayer and communion with God is "one needful thing."

More on Numbers 11:1a

2006-03-03T06:57:00.000-05:00

The reason it says they became like those who complain of adversity is that their circumstances were not adverse! Though the complaint against the manna starting in verse 2 is not what verse 1 refers to, we can see they had nothing to complain about with just cause. They had miraculous food and water and their clothes did not wear out. Their circumstances were not adverse, abut they complained. Thus the anger of the Lord was kindled.

Lately, I have found myself complaining as though I am in adversity. Really, it's been all my fault that I have bad days and felt unfulfilled. I have not been in close fellowship with the Lord and that throws off my entire day. Seeking fulfillment in other things that are normally fun does not result in true fulfillment. Thus I have complained to the Lord as though in adversity. But really I am more like the prodigal son, trying to find pleasure apart from the Father. That doesn't work! I gladly return home where He provides all the pleasures and fulfillment I need (Luke 15, Psalm 16:11).

In contrast to the Israelites complaining like those in adversity, David complained when in adversity, where it was appropriate: Psalm 55:2-3,16-17

Give heed to me, and answer me;
I am restless in my complaint and am surely distracted,
Because of the voice of the enemy,
Because of the pressure of the wicked;
For they bring down trouble upon me,
And in anger they bear a grudge against me.

As for me, I shall call upon God,
And the Lord will save me.
Evening and morning and at noon, I will complain and murmer,
And He will hear my voice.

When truly burdened by something, we ought to "complain" about it to the Lord: Psalm 55:22, 2 Peter 5:7

Cast your burden upon the Lord, and He will sustain you;
He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.

Casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you.

Thoughts on Numbers 11:1a

2006-03-03T06:45:00.000-05:00

Now the people became like those who complain of adversity in the hearing of the Lord"

This "became like those" implies they were neither supposed to nor expected to complain, moreover that it was a low thing for them to do. The Israelites saw countless miracles, were being fed miraculous, heavenly food, were being led by the glory of God Himself every day, and now they became like those who complain of adversity in the hearing of the Lord.

Let us beware lest we too become like those who complain of adversity. We have no need to do so.

Psalm 33:1-4

Sing for joy in the Lord...
Give thanks to the Lord...
Sing praises to Him...
Sing to Him...
Play skillfully with a shout of joy.

Why?

For the word of the Lord is upright; and all His work is done in faithfulness.

Faithfulness. The continual result of the will to love. The day-to-day action giving proof to the undying will to love.

The Lord loves us and therefore is faithful to us. All that He does is good, for it comes from His love and faithfulness to us. THEREFORE, why should we ever become like those who complain of adversity in the hearing of the Lord? Sing praises to Him and rest in the faithfulness of God. When you don't feel like resting, trust that He is faithful and rest in that! He will work all things for our good because He loves us, whether circumstances themselves are good or bad. (Romans 8:28, Hebrews 12:1-13)

"In everything give thanks" I Thessalonians 5:18

Surpassing Peace Forfeited

2006-02-27T21:04:00.000-05:00

So often when we sing hymns, especially familiar ones, we forget to pay attention to the words. But at the end of a long day, feeling like I got nothing done (due to liberty given to the flesh), I realize the truth of these precious words:

What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.

I forfeited peace today because I did not take it to the Lord in prayer. Oh, how essential this is!

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which passes all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
—Philippians 4:6-7

About Me

2006-02-27T11:41:00.000-05:00

I am a Christian, a follower of Jesus Christ, seeking practical implementation of the logical outcome of a world view founded upon the God's truth. That means I want to be sold-out for God, but my flesh keeps getting in the way. My heroes are Jim Elliot, Peter Fleming, and Ed McCully, some of the five missionaries killed in Ecuador January 8, 1956 as they were making contact with a violent tribe of Indians in order to preach the gospel to them. They lived a life of denial of self, and their faith was placed wholly in God, that their lives would be lived according to His will.

I often analyze my thoughts and actions in order to understand why I do what I do, and compare them to God's absolutes and the characteristics befitting a follower of Christ. You may read some of these things in my blog. I seek absolutes. I seek God Himself. I want my life to match God's truth; I want to glorify God. I want to have a closer, truly personal relationship with my Lord.

On a less sublime note, I am quite artistic, though have little time to practice the graphic fine arts. And I think and learn visually.

Downtime

2006-02-27T10:16:00.000-05:00

Business has been slow lately, even for the other sign shop where I work. He's been having me come in only one day a week lately instead of the usual two. But I am beginning to see some fundamental things about my life I need to work on, which are especially manifested in these days of non-busyness—e.g. laziness.

I have always been more of a responder than an initiator, so running my own business is really a challenge, especially when I need to promote my business or make first-time phone contact with customers.

I will probably supply more details about my business and other things as time goes on, but I thought it best to start this blog in the middle of my life where I am.

Well, that's all for now!