"Vigilante"

For the past two weeks, we have been in final exam time here for our students. Before our first final last Monday, I received a paper outlining my "vigilante duties." What? I had no idea what that meant.

Later I would learn that "vigilantes" were sets of staff chosen to administrate-give the final exams per different sets of students. We had a a list of detailed instructions- when to start the exam...what to say when it began...how to keep time...how to take attendance. We were to stand watch...making sure the exams were given fairly. Students were studying in small groups all over campus.

Would they be ready...would I ready to be vigilant?

students studying

As I stood at my first "vigilante" post, arms crossed watching the students, I couldn't help but feel a little Kevin Costner- like (from the movie- The Body Guard with Whitney Houston). I was the watchman- the guard. I was to protect the integrity of the final exams I had been given responsibility for. Interesting feeling. But as exams went into the second and third hour of test time, I honestly felt inclined to become a little lax on the "job." Instead of walking the room, watching carefully, I was tempted to uncross my arms and sit down. I fought hard to keep focused and not have my thoughts drift. I worked hard to be vigilant until the last exam was turned in. Whew. Being a "vigilante" took some work.

The whole experience got me thinking about vigilance the past several days...about being a watchman. There are many "gate guards" or "night watchmen" in this part of the world. I remember in one place I used to stay in Addis, our gate guard would always walk me into our compound because hyenas were around.  I was very grateful for those guards and others who were posted to keep me safe.

God calls us also to be watchful, vigilant. How are we doing at the posts He has called us to? He does tell us to be on guard, watchful...

Matthew 24:42-43

...keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into.





Matthew 24:48
Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you"

March 12:38
Watch out for the teachers of the law.

Mark 14:38
Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Luke 12:15

“Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”

Luke 12:34-36

...where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. “Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him.

Romans 16:17
I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them.

1 Timothy 4:16

Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

Colossians 4:2

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

2 Timothy 1:14

Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you...

1 Corinthians 16:13

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.

Proverbs 4:23

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

2 John 1:8

Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully.

Whew, we have much to guard, to watch out for. We're in enemy territory, in a world that's not our home. We're quick to become lax.

God calls us to stand watch/guard over ourselves- our hearts, minds, bodies. To guard or stand watch over your family. Your neighbors. Your friends. Over the least in your community. The hurting at your workplace. Maybe you actually have a "flock" under your care- a class of students, a youth group, a church, a community center, a people group. Are you staying vigilant over those? Or if God checked in on you, would He find you napping at your post like Jesus found his closest friends when he called them to watch and pray?

Matthew 26:40
Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?”

One of the most difficult watchman duties God called me to was over a big group of Ohio youth at a big church. For five years, God said- watch this flock. Stand guard. Shepherd them. I said, I don't know how, even where to begin to do this. Thankfully other experienced shepherds were there who helped me learn. But it was stretching.

a discipleship group

I remember in the beginning how I almost had "hyper vigilance." I was working frantically, speaking frantically, trying to connect with students and impact them frantically. God certainly had a big lesson to teach me about good vigilance. 

 At a big weekly event we had for largely un-churched community students- this was where I struggled the most.

The hyper vigilance kicked in. I got laughed at by many students when I tried to be "cool" or talk to them about God. After many many times of not doing that well, I told God I wasn't good at what He called me to do. And He said, you're right, you're not. But it's because you're not partnering with me on it. He would show me that good vigilance is simply prayer. He said stand watch and "pray without ceasing" and I will show you the student that needs someone to talk to...unless I'm at work in that kid's life already, you will hit a brick wall, a cold heart. Ministry is partnership. And the most important thing in that is connection with me. Good vigilance is good prayer. When I finally learned that from God, the pressure was much less.

Sometimes I believe people often try to pass off the duty and responsibility of vigilance. Some say....let the pastor pray, let the teacher pray, let the youth leaders pray for my kids. In America, for example, you put security cameras on your property, you build gates and fences. You get motion detectors. You have security blocks for your kids' computers. Then you think I've done my part.

But vigilance is much harder work than that. It's on your face prayer and fasting. It can't be bought, it has to be fought on the floor. Satan easily gets over gates and through security systems if no one is praying on your wall. Only partnership with God and staying on guard will protect you and those you love.

I believe God wants us to stay vigilant. To fear not and stay alert. We're not in safe territory.

I remember in Haiti, after our compound was robbed one time, we hired guards. They would walk the compound perimeter at night. One time the staff was sitting around suddenly all the guards hid under the tables. They were afraid of a "light" coming down the mountain, thinking it was bad voodoo spirit thing. It was probably a little lady carrying a lantern.

We must remember we have NOTHING to fear. But we must stand guard and watch and pray. Stay at our post in vigilance.

1 John 4:4

You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

One of the greatest privileges and responsibilities we have is as a watchman, a "vigilante." To pray over the people we know. To pray over God's work being doing. Our King says: stay vigilant.

I was reminded in my quiet time this week about how quickly we forget to stay vigilant, to stay at our posts. How quick we are to forget our great God.

This past Sunday, I went with some of our Orthodox students to visit a mountain and some different churches. We sat and looked at these churches, prayed, reflected. 

students praying towards the church

We walked on the roads discussing scripture and remembering what calls us to be and that He wants to be remembered, honored.

walking from one church to another, discussing scripture as we went

May we not forget Him...

Deuteronomy 6: 1-12

....be careful to obey so that it may go well with you and that you may increase greatly in a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the LORD, the God of your ancestors, promised you.....Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates.  When the LORD your God brings you into the land he swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, to give you—a land with large, flourishing cities you did not build, houses filled with all kinds of good things you did not provide, wells you did not dig, and vineyards and olive groves you did not plant—then when you eat and are satisfied, be careful that you do not forget the LORD, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.

May we keep to our posts, knowing the One who put us where we are, will give us what we need to press on. 

Stay on your wall. Don't grow weary. Victory is ours. The dawn is coming, breakthroughs are near.

Wait for it. Don't miss it.

Psalm 130:5-7

I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope. I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning...put your hope in the LORD, for with the LORD is unfailing love.

I'm also grateful that God continues to "watch" over and stay vigilante over us.

Psalm 121:2-4

My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.  He will not let your foot slip, He who watches over you will not slumber...

May that give us confidence to run on.  Onward...

Praises

-A praise for my good friend, Dr. Magdy Khalil and his son Mina and their safe arrival in Kenya

-A praise that our first semester is finished!

-A praise for a bit of a break from the usual schedule to reflect and plan

-A praise that our parents celebrated their wedding anniversary yesterday, on Monday, March 26

So grateful for them!

So blessed by wonderful parents! Happy 41st wedding anniversary to them (3-26-2012)

Prayer Requests

-Please pray that students and staff who travel "home" (out of Addis) for the next few weeks- will have a safe journey and good time with their families

-Pray for students who did not do as well on their grades as they wanted to this first semester, that they will take pride in the work they did accomplish and stay encouraged to continue

-Pray for some guests we have this week from Holland who are helping fund the school. That their evaluation and trip will be successful

-Pray for the remaining Lent season until Easter (here celebrated on April )- that we will humble ourselves before God to hear Him, love Him, honor Him

-Please pray for several Ethiopian friends who are in a hard work situation, that God will have His way

-Please pray for our planning for next semester, that God will give wisdom

-Please pray for continued good health, for my parents and sister too

-Please pray for writing my book, that I will have time to get a solid first draft done in the coming months

-Please continue to pray for Magdy Khalil and Mina- that God will continue to bless their time serving in Kenya at Tenwik Hospital

Thank you for journeying with me.  Many of you sit on the "wall" for me, being vigilant for me and my family. So grateful for you!  Know I'm doing the same for you.  

Blessings from Addis- Holly

A Lesson in Reverence

I've learned so much since living here in Ethiopia. Lessons from old people, young people, even from just observing as I walk the streets. God has been speaking in so many ways, I'm grateful.    I've learned so much from our students as well. What a blessing they are!

Some of our students :-)

Our students have finished their semester and now are in two weeks of finals. I'm praying for them!

I'm also reflecting on the many things I learned so far.

One of the things you notice right away about Ethiopia is its deep religious roots. On streets you see people walking, many of them covered in a white head covering or shawl. When people pass by church gates, there is acknowledgment and reverence paid. They shape their hand in the symbol of a cross and make the sign of the cross, then they bow a few times towards the church. Sometimes, I'm not even aware that we're passing a church. It may be far off in the distance. But every church that is passed- seems reverenced by someone. Children, teens, men, women...all ages and economic backgrounds do this. Even people driving taxis, sitting in taxis, all do this. You often see people kissing the church gates or putting their foreheads against it. Some face the walls, some sit in the fields near the church or on the mountainside near a church- praying or listening to the prayers or singing-chanting that often rings out from loud speakers and old PA systems. And at several times during the day and night, you prayers or readings ringing out in the sky.  Wow.  This video I took this weekend at the church gate across from our school compound...

There seems to be a deep humility here. A deep reverence for God and the church. There are so many practices I see here that seem to be Old Testament in tradition. Many "religious festivals", many times of fasting. Most of our students are involved in these. This time before Easter (the Lent season)- many fast until 3pm or 6pm each day. It really makes you question how much your relationship with God affects or defines your life. Is it something you do once a week, or something you live out daily, remembering the God you serve? 

This past week one of my students invited me to a special service at the Orthodox church/compound across the street from our school. It was a special service being held in observance of Easter. I wasn't sure what to expect. But I would learn a big lesson in reverence.

It was last Wednesday and at 5pm, at the end of a busy school day, I rushed to grab my "scarf" -shawl- and made my way to the church compound with some of my students. I covered my head as I entered the compound, the students reminding me. (just women do this). Many people were sitting in the field facing the main church building. We headed towards a building made of tin on the left back side of the compound.

the main church building inside the compound

the tin building where we would meet

I was immediately amazed to see about 90% of the 30-40 present were our students. Girls/women sat on one side, heads all covered. Boys/men sat on the other side. I was astonished to see many of our students leading the service. (this was right after a full day of school) One of our young men opened up the time with a greeting and some readings. Then one of our girls led a time of beautiful singing. I felt tears sting my eyes because of the obvious and felt reverence. It felt like I was in a youth group in the Holy Land. At one point we stood up, faced the wall that faced the main church building, and prayers were sung-chanted. Heads were bowed. I was so moved. I noticed one of our students standing outside of the door, he was bent over at the waist with his palms up as if wanting to receive something. Maybe it was mercy. Maybe he didn't feel worthy enough to come closer. It was touching to see that humility.

A priest spoke to us for a long while. It was in Amharic, so I'm not sure what he said. But students were taking notes. He had a wooden cross in His hand. He had the full attention of everyone. As he talked and it got a bit darker out, more people came in the back. A candle in the front corner was lit. I felt hidden almost. Which- I liked. It's hard when you stick out so much here. The ground felt very level.

Later pieces of bread and juice were served by some of our students. I thought it was communion but one student said it was to commemorate that special day of the fast.

I left feeling very moved overall. To see young people or people overall revering God that much.

WOW. It was humbling.

The past few days I've been thinking about my reverence of God. Do I revere Him? Respect Him? Is that clearly seen in how I live my life, in my words, my actions?

How is that reverence shown? It made me think about being a teacher. When I teach and students listen- it shows respect-reverence. When they acknowledge that I'm passing by or call my name from across the campus- "Holly" or "Teacher"- I like that acknowledgment. When they do what I tell them to do, this shows respect.

Now some people are "revered" or respected because of the position or power they hold. There are some in management roles that I'm like WHAT? God, why? They're just terrible or they've grown that way overtime. But respect still must be shown to them. Maybe they control your paycheck or their decisions affect you. You really don't revere them or respect them, but you have to respect their position over you for however long God has you there. It's not out of love or trust of them though.

It made me think of one job I had in a medical clinic when I was working my way through seminary. One lady, who wasn't really over me but she acted like she was, always seemed to cause me trouble and I couldn't understand why God continued to allow it. I kept saying to myself, you're treading on dangerous ground sister, God could get you with a lighting bolt. :-) That thought really did go through my mind. Bad seminary student, ha ha. Well, one day, when our office was busy, I went to our main doctor and told him that lady was not keeping up. I thought it was justified, but my heart was just spiteful, I was getting even. She did get in trouble and I felt God tell me I needed to apologize. I blew things out of proportion, yep, and it was done in spite. I told God- you've got to be kidding me. Do you know how much trouble that lady causes me? God said- APOLOGIZE. So, during our lunch break I went to a local gas station and brought everyone on our staff a piece of beef jerky. On my return- I gave them out. The doctor, who claimed to be an atheist, said- what is this for? I said- I was a jerk to "here" earlier and blew things out of proportion. This is acknowledgment that I was a jerk and I'm sorry. He laughed, they all laughed. He said- no one thought twice about that Holly. And I said- well, I have a bigger Boss than you I answer to and He had a huge problem with what I did, I answer to Him. That was a seed- that God would use later, but that is a story for a whole different blog. :-) But I rememb holding to these verses...

Colossians 2: 22-25

...obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs,...

1 Peter 2:18-19

...in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God.

With God, thankfully, He is for us and We can trust His leadership over us.  He has earned respect, reverence. I trust Him. How do I show that though? How can I show that more?

I think it's about acknowledging Him. (I know how much I like that from my students). It's yelling His name and involving. Asking His advice. Seeking Him on good days, bad days, all days.  It's also about listening to His voice, knowing His voice. Obeying His leadership. It's about revering His Word. Some people get killed in some countries for being caught with a Bible. But our Bibles grow dusty on our shelves. It's realizing He's speaking through His Word and then positioning yourself in expectation to hear something from Him.

Showing God reverence is also about respecting what He's made. That's the planet. That's other people. God took time to breathe life into each person on the planet. He made them. You disrespect them, you disrespect Him. Jesus showed huge compassion for the marginalized , the sick, the outcasts, and children. 

God loves little children, like Sami- my adorable neighbor :-)

Those society overlooked and rejected, He didn't. He showed them dignity. He valued them. So should we. We also respect God by respecting ourselves. You are made unique, with a special purpose and mission on the planet.  Do you take care of yourself? Realize your worth?

Check out these verses...

James 1:27

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. 

 

Romans 12:10

Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.

Matthew 25: 34-40

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ 

 

“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

1 Corinthians 6:20

...you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

It's also about respecting the "Church." The people are the church- even with all their problems, they are still family if they're in Christ. They're part of your body. If you hand is causing you problems, you don't ignore it, well maybe you do but that's not wise. You don't laugh at it. It's ineffectiveness and unhealthiness makes your whole body off target. You don't cut it off, give up on it. You nurture it. You take it to a Physician- at least you should. How much more should we do that with each other? We're quick to reject, despise, forsake our own body, brothers and sisters, that we need. It's Jesus' name and His message that gets defamed if we don't take care of each other.

1 Corinthians 12: 12-27

...Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. ...Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many. Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.

And just a note on going to "church." Going to church is a respect you can give to God. It's not FOR YOU, it's FOR HIM. It's a chance to worship Him corporately, hear from Him corporately. He notices when your seat is vacant. No one likes giving out invitations and those invited NO SHOWING. People often say in church circles- I didn't like church today, the sermon was off, the music was no good, blah blah. But those are the wrong comments. It should be...was God honored in church today by what I contributed? May we honor Him by showing up and giving Him the glory and respect He is due.

Psalm 29:2

Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness.

Exodus 20:8

Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy

Hebrews 10:24-25

...let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

I'm so grateful that because of Jesus and His sacrifice, we can approach the throne of grace with confidence. I don't have to sit far away because of my sin. 

Hebrews 10:10-14

And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, and since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool. For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy. 
 

May I not forget what Jesus' death did, the access it allowed me.

Hebrews 10:19-23

Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful

And may I walk humbly with our God always, wherever He leads.

1 Peter 1:17

live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear

Micah 6:8

And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

And as I continue to teach here may I also continue to learn. Thank your for journeying with me!

PRAISES

-that our first semester is finished, except finals, praise God!

-for good health and provision (water is still on!) :-)

-for my sister and her friend Petra's safe return to the Czech from time in California, also that Noel has moved into a new apartment in Prague and we give thanks for this new season for her.

PRAYER REQUESTS

-students are in finals the next two weeks, pray they work hard and score well

-pray for planning for the next semester- that God will give us a good plan

-pray for me to put good rhythms in place so I'm giving God my best here, in reverence

-pray for the neighbors and staff who want to start a Bible study-prayer time, for a good start of that after finals

-pray for a lion-chaser and great friend-Dr. Magdy Khalil and his son Mina leaving this Friday (March 16) to serve at Tenwik Hospital in Kenya for three weeks. Please pray for safety and blessing for them as they serve.

Thank you for the continued prayers, encouragement, emails, facebook comments and messages and blog comments. They mean so much.  Please keep in touch.

And may we walk humbly in reverence of our God. He's worthy and He's with us!

Blessings from Addis,

Holly

Life Rhythms

This past week, my life felt like it was one step off most days. I was out of sync. Have you ever felt that way? No fun to be off rhythm. Maybe it was because I started the week on too little sleep, but I felt off. And when God movements began happening, I struggled to run in and embrace those moments. That then made me mad at myself. When I noticed a cow the other day on the streets that seemed out of step with the rest, I could relate. 

More than ever, I want to be a good steward of my remaining time on planet earth- the breath, the strength, the abilities I have- the relationships I've been blessed with. ALL- I want to maximize in honor of God. And to be ready to climb any mountain or swim any sea or do any kind of jump that God asks me to do.

But to be ready to do that, in reflection, I've noted all the more the importance of having certain patterns or disciplines or rhythms at work in my life- that help me stay ready, flexible, for what's next.

If some of these “life rhythms” aren't going on in my life on a regular basis, I'm quickly OFF beat and can miss God moments- either just to be with Him or to be used as His hands, His feet, His voice, or to be about His work.

I don't want to miss any moment, any opportunity.

There are some key rhythms I know I need to put in place or keep in place. These have not only become apparent here in Africa, but through the years I've learned these patterns I need.

The most important is fellowship with God. If I don't rise early to talk with Him and allow Him to talk to me- well, the whole spiritual dimension of my day- I can be totally oblivious to. My vision becomes shallow and I only see with my natural eyes. If I'm not taking time to nurture this primary love relationship- keeping it foundational- other things are quick to fight for my focus, attention, and loyalty. Relationships take work. And what a privilege to be able to have a relationship with the Most High God. It's a rhythm of communication we can take in, like breathing oxygen, and I need Him so much. I've found through the past several years that God's Word indeed is LIVING. He's talking to us, corporately and individually. It's astonishing. It's like He's blogging or dropping email right into your life, your relationships, your work situations through His Word. He stands ready to stir His Word into your life, your heart, giving you wisdom and direction. It's ours to take or not to. If I'm not spending time with Him, in communication with Him, I quickly get off track. This rhythm is key.  Key to joy, peace, discernment, effectiveness, perspective.

I've noted another rhythm for me personally that I also need is time alone. I'm an introvert that has often been been in extrovert roles. I have to find that “higher ground” or quiet mountainside to retreat to to reflect and re-charge often. 

a "higher ground" view here

I also need good discipline physically as a rhythm. We have a very unique body....an earthly tent that is amazing,  But our unique bodies are also still under the curse of sin and death. There are things I can do to keep this aging-dying “tent” where my spirit is housed - healthy. But this calls for intentional discipline to do my best to keep my house/my “tent” holy, set apart for God, healthy. 

I need to keep-stay clean (which can be challenging in the third world), literally. But I also need to be mindful of what I'm inputting into my earthly tent- what I'm allowing my eyes to look at- watch, listen to, dwell on. We are to be responsible for the “temple” God gave us, inwardly and outwardly. May my temple be a place that honors God.

There are other things I can do to keep my "temple" in good condition. I need to drink enough water. Eat the right foods as well- (which was-is a challenge in the over-processed, deep fried, huge-proportion sized American culture). There are challenges in most cultures with food. In most places, it's not enough food or good nutrition available. Here in Ethiopia, I've come to realize how big our proportion sizes are in the USA. When someone here offers you some “gum”- one stick is split three ways. You don't get a whole pack. When you're invited for a meal, 3 or 4 people share ONE piece of cake or ONE order of french fries. Bunna cup sizes are miniature in comparison to our “venti lattes, etc” of the USA. Proportion sizes are a big thing we overlook. May we only take what we need then share the rest. Our bodies would thank us.

Kristyna, when she was here, sharing food :-)

Intentional exercise is also big. I'm grateful to be in Africa now where exercise is a natural part of the day, walking is the main mode of transport. But with aches and pains and changing metabolism of  the 30's, I've realized I need to do more to stay “fit.” So, I'm trying to learn all I can to do the right stretches and strength building, etc, so I'm ready in all areas to offer God my life and have it be pleasing to Him.

And I need to get enough rest. (definitely easier on this side with less entertainment options available). I need to brush my teeth. So much. :-)

Why should I work hard to pattern all of these into my life? It's good stewardship.

Short-term mission trips have also helped me see some important rhythms Jesus had with his followers and ones I need too. For what God has shown me is your whole life is a mission trip. God doesn't expect you to do one or two trips a year or one every few years, and that's the only time when you live as a follower of Him. Rhythms put into these trips need replicated year round into our lives.

Rhythms like...

• Intentional quiet time (the focus on God)- so important yet again
• Packing light (we get bogged down with things we REALLY don't need)
• Focus on serving
• Living in community (this one is one of the most challenging...sharing space, bathrooms, meals...taking care of each other, challenging each other, living like disciples, shouldn't this be more a part of how we live daily?)
• Awareness of “alien” status (you're aware you're not of that place and are more ready to “give a word” when asked, etc. Yet doesn't the Bible tell us- this world is not our home, we're aliens...???)

I've also noticed that on mission trips I do a lot more observing and reflecting than in “usual days at home.” I look around, take everything in. I debrief my day and think about what God wanted me to learn. Shouldn't we be doing these things every day?

All these things went through my mind this past week as I struggled to get back in a good rhythm.

My Grandpa also came to mind. John Paul Smith, or "Papa" as we called him, passed away in 2008 at the age of 91. For probably his last 12-20 years- he was more than ready to leave this world and check into heaven. My Grandma went on ahead of him and many days I know my Grandpa was lonely. I remember how he loved Bob Evans (restaurant) and how he would often order a pie, a whole one, and that would be his main food for the week. :-) I remembered thinking- when I'm that age, that will be the life. Pie all the time, not having to worry about calories so much. :-) I have many great memories of him. He was hilarious. But more than anything he had rhythms in place in his life that I believe kept him young and fit and God continued to use him in big ways. My Grandpa was always at church serving. He was always in his big chair reading his big Bible. He was always generous with his money. And was intentional about spending time with his family. 

My Grandpa with my Mom

Noel and I with our Papa when we were little

I remember his final weeks on the planet. He was admitted in a hospital and I remember one day he had me bend low so I could hear him. He said- if Jesus doesn't come and get me, you've got to get me out of here Holly. Get your “hot rod” ready. ("hot rod" being his name for  my ford escort, ha ha). He then said, “let's make a move.” He wanted to get back in his rhythms. 

In his last days here, he continued asking Noel and I to read his Bible to him

Later that week, I believe Jesus entered his room and said John, it's time, let's make a move. And I can imagine my Grandpa jumping from his bed and into the arms of the Savior he loved and they walked into his eternal home together.

I'm so grateful for the time we had with John Smith and what we learned from Him. His life had rhythm, even at 91. He laughed. He loved. He served. He gave.

As I continue here in Ethiopia, I'm still trying to put those healthy rhythms in place in my life. May God help me do so in the days ahead.

May I live well, serve well, give well, being mindful that I'm not guaranteed tomorrow.

May I make the most of each moment. May I put rhythms in place that keep me flexible, healthy, focused, joyful, with perspective. So when God says “let's make a move”- I'll be ready.

And may people say of me- wow- her rhythm is interesting. I wonder who who drummer is? :-) Then may I be ready to tell them, show them, serve them, love them because of the one who loves me.

May we all do that for Him, keeping His words in mind...

Ephesians 5:15-17
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

1 Peter 2:9-12

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

1 Peter 4:7-8

The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

1 Peter 5:8-11

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

PRAISES

My sister and her Czech friend Petra arrived safely in California and have had a great week there speaking at different churches. They are winding down their time there this weekend.

I was able to do the “drama” in my two remaining classes for 42 students. It was very well received and I trust God will water that seed in His time.

Tests were completely by our students this week and they did their best. I think it was a good measure of student's levels in English, though it was a more difficult exam.

I wasn't feeling well and felt off beat but feel better now.

PRAYER REQUESTS

That all the healthy rhythms needed will be put in place here

For my financial and prayer support team and its strengthening

For students as they wrap up this first semester, finals are the week after next

For the staff, that we can finish the semester well

For a Bible study-prayer time some of the staff and my neighbors are trying to start- that it will get off the ground.

For some of my fellow Ethiopians serving in the area and some of the challenges they're facing in work and ministry- that God's hand will move on their behalf

For my family- keep my parents in prayer, they're a blessing! Also pray for my sister and Petra as they finish their time in California and head back to the Czech Republic on Monday.  I'm so grateful for my family.

Thank you for your prayers and partnership. So grateful to be with you on the journey!!!

May we all move in healthy rhythms, ready for God when He says “let's make a move.”

Let me know how I can pray for you.

Onward with You by His Strength,

Holly