A new year has begun ... 2018. The year feels funny for me to write. It seems like it's way in the future, how can that be the year?
Time has passed. What have I done with my life so far? Am I making the most of the life I've been given?
These are the questions I've had in my mind as the new year has begun...
I'm very grateful for a new season, back in fields, in Ethiopia. May God be honored in all.
I had a great few weeks at home in the USA with my family for Christmas and New Years. The time went fast and the weather was unseasonable cold, but I appreciated a white Christmas. I enjoyed spending time with my Dad, Mom and Sister-Noel and catching up on the last several months in greater detail. I'm so honored to be part of this great family! I'm inspired by their lives, their ministries, their examples, their love. My Dad... the great Jim Garrett, all-star greeter at the children's ministry door at Ginghamsburg Church; my Mom- a great facebook writer of daily devotions...both of my parents- lay pastors. And my sister, Noel, the greatest missionary I know. I'm humbled by her willingness to go wherever God needs her to go. She's humble, so brave, and loves Jesus so much. Again, no words to say what my family means to me. Thank you GOD for them!
Almost immediately after I arrived, it was time to celebrate another Christmas, in Ethiopia... Christmas is celebrated on January 7. It was a great kickoff to the new year. I spent my time with the Kenna family, yet again. And loved our time together as we remembered and celebrated Jesus.
Is Jesus remembered like He should be? In my heart, in my life? Is He my cornerstone, my greatest friend, my Shepherd? Am I allowing Him to lead me and do I obey Him because I trust Him? Can people see Him in me? Is there light, salt, peace, joy, in my life that is noticeable? For Jesus is key and the greatest gift ever given... May we not forget Him!
As I continued to settle back in to life here ... I quickly became busy ... wrapping up the semester at Hope College, we finished last Friday with the final exam of the fall semester. And I also became busy prepping for ETC's spring semester beginning the third week in January.
Yet, as those things were going on, I tried to take some walks, enjoy the sights and sounds and wonder of Ethiopia, this amazing land and people, and think about the new year.
I'm really so humbled to live here. If you're not sure what Ethiopia is like, a saw this video recently that gives a great five minute or so look at this country and people and culture. Very diverse from the countryside to my city Addis, from religious customs, and holidays, to dancing and music, food, coffee, fashion, ancient and modern all mixed together with a lot of sunshine and history. It's truly fascinating. No where like here.. in the world!
Here's the video if you want a great quick look at life here ...
Since returning, I have been thinking about many things.
So here are many of my random thoughts and reflections that I wanted to share...
I think one of the biggest challenges and areas of concern for me in 2017 was just the realization that time indeed has passed and I'm getting older. Getting older is so weird really. I'm thankful that the calendar here is seven years behind and I use that for my age, which helps, ha ha.
But, I find myself fighting getting older with all that I am. I want to be young, look young. I largely work with young people, where fashion and style also has impact. So, as I reflected on 2017, was that too much of a focus for me? We do have this earthly tent we've been given to house God's Spirit and take care of. But was my focus in 2017, more on the outward appearance of this tent, or was the inward focus where it needed to be, where TRUE BEAUTY literally glows from the inside out?
For I can't lose that as the most important thing. For the inward part of us ... where relationship is with God... can take ordinary and makes you extraordinary. It's a beauty, a grace, a light that is shocking and real and so attractive. Do I show that light to others... peace, joy, acceptance, approachability, no judgment, that Jesus showed?
Last semester, I had young ministry leaders visit my Youth Ministry class. When my older class saw these young men enter our class, I'm sure many thought ... what can these young cool looking guys teach us older ministers about ministry? And literally, as soon as these guys started talking, I almost fell backwards in my seat. They were ordinary but had EXTRAORDINARY light, that literally impacted me for days after. They had a grace, a humility, a coolness, a wisdom, that was bigger than them. I could tell they had been with Jesus. It shook us all.
Do I have that here, show that also?
May I take care of the body I've been given but make sure it doesn't supersede my relationship with Jesus in the new year!
1 Timothy 4:8
For physical training is of some value, , but godliness has value for all things, holding both promise for this present life and the one to come.
A few other things I heard when I was home for the holidays, I've been thinking about as well ...
One was a sermon from Mosaic Church, a church plant of Ginghamsburg Church, One of the pastors, Wayne Botkin, challenged us to think about headlines from 2017. The world had crazy headlines. Natural disasters, terrorist activities, elections that surprised.
He asked ... what were the headlines of your life for 2017? Maybe you had some good headlines...? Maybe some bad ones?
Some common bad headlines ... maybe... indecisive; wrong turn; sick; lost; afraid; broken; jobless; attacked; directionless; unmotivated; lonely; sad; divorced; addicted; fired.
What will the headlines be of your 2018?
God can turn ANY headline, any life, into something new!
I just heard a sermon from Kyle Idleman at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, and he talked about making a turn in the new year. He also noted that God can turn any situation, any life around. But God needs all the broken pieces lifted to Him... for Him to be able to restore, renew your life.
And we have to say: because you say so Jesus, I will do that in trust. GREAT MESSAGE!
So again, it comes back to Jesus, to make sure I'm spending time with Him, that He's leading me, and is being lifted up in all I do.
If you want a Jesus check in your life... write down your thoughts, words, actions. Especially when you're under stress. If Jesus is your core- His response will come out. your thoughts will go to Him. Your words will please Him. If something else is at your core, when squeezed- other things may come out... negativity, suspicion, judgment, anger, fear. He can be the center, but we have to repent and focus on Him, be with Him.
It makes me so sad that so many churches today are leaving Jesus out of their messages. There's a focus on welcoming people and making people feel comfortable but nothing about the truth of what Jesus does and how He changes everything.
Jesus has to be lifted up.
That's a huge prayer request for 2018 for me here in Ethiopia as well, that as I help teach and instruct church leaders here, that I challenge them with that truth. We must focus on Jesus, be led by Him, and share Him! He's what people need, what I need! He can change every headline. May I stayed connected to Him in all.
And one more random thing to share, the song I've been listening to the most on my laptop since my return to Ethiopia has been: Matt Redman's When We All Get to Heaven. This song has been helping me keep perspective.
https://youtu.be/LGAdaGbmfFs
Again, many random things I'm thinking on already in 2018, but all in all, I'm grateful for a new season, a new chapter to live well, love well, and represent God well.
May 2018 be my best year yet for God!
My prayer is that for you as well. Keeping these scriptures in mind...
Isaiah 43:18-20
Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up, do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.
Isaiah 55:11-12
You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst in song before you, and all the trees of the fields will clap their hands. Instead of the thorn bush will grow the pine tree, and instead of briers the myrtle will grow. This will be for the Lord's renown, an everlasting sign which will not be destroyed.
Isaiah 41:8-13
But you, O Israel, my servant Jacob, whom I have chosen, you descendants of Abraham my friend, I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, "You are my servant; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. All who rage against you will surely be ashamed...I will help you...
Isaiah 54:2-17
Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide; do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes. For you will spread out to the right and to the left; your descendants will dispossess nations... Do not be afraid; you will not suffer shame. Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated. You will forget the shame of your youth. ... for your Maker is your husband, the Lord Almighty is His name- the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; ... though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, my unfailing love for you will not be shaken. ... no weapon formed against you shall prevail, ... this is the heritage of the servants of the Lord...
Thank you for your continued prayers and support for me and my family. Please let me know how I can pray for you as well in 2018.
Prayer Requests
-Please pray for my new work permit and residence visa, it's in process of being renewed.
-Please pray for Hope College, as I finish grades, have two weeks off, then as a new semester starts in early February, that God is honored by my work and that I represent Him well to students, student leaders, and staff
-Please pray for ETC, I begin the spring semester in one week. I will be teaching four classes: Cross Cultural Communication; Theology of Mission; Integral Mission; and Contemporary Youth Culture. Pray God leads my preparation for those and His people are equipped through these classes.
-Please pray for my Bible studies with students here, also for many of my graduate students going abroad, starting new businesses, ministries, even some getting married, that God blesses them.
-Please pray for my language learning, that I quickly learn as I focus there as a new year commitment.
-Please help in wishing our great Dad, the amazing, charming, handsome and too cute JIM GARRETT, a very Happy big B-day on January 23. I'm so honored to be one of his girls! We love him so so so much! Happy Birthday Dad!
Thank you again for your prayers and support!!!
If you'd like to join my financial support team in 2018, I'm still looking for new monthly supporters and those who can give one time gifts for various things. Please email on that for more specific financial needs or you can contact my sister or Ginghamsburg Church to set something up online, etc.
Thanks again so much!
Blessings in 2018 to you and your family!
Much love from Ethiopia.
Time has passed. What have I done with my life so far? Am I making the most of the life I've been given?
These are the questions I've had in my mind as the new year has begun...
I had a great few weeks at home in the USA with my family for Christmas and New Years. The time went fast and the weather was unseasonable cold, but I appreciated a white Christmas. I enjoyed spending time with my Dad, Mom and Sister-Noel and catching up on the last several months in greater detail. I'm so honored to be part of this great family! I'm inspired by their lives, their ministries, their examples, their love. My Dad... the great Jim Garrett, all-star greeter at the children's ministry door at Ginghamsburg Church; my Mom- a great facebook writer of daily devotions...both of my parents- lay pastors. And my sister, Noel, the greatest missionary I know. I'm humbled by her willingness to go wherever God needs her to go. She's humble, so brave, and loves Jesus so much. Again, no words to say what my family means to me. Thank you GOD for them!
I don't feel like I really was able to think about the new year, 2018, and what I needed/wanted to do different, better ... until I traveled back to Ethiopia a little over one week ago.
Almost immediately after I arrived, it was time to celebrate another Christmas, in Ethiopia... Christmas is celebrated on January 7. It was a great kickoff to the new year. I spent my time with the Kenna family, yet again. And loved our time together as we remembered and celebrated Jesus.
Is Jesus remembered like He should be? In my heart, in my life? Is He my cornerstone, my greatest friend, my Shepherd? Am I allowing Him to lead me and do I obey Him because I trust Him? Can people see Him in me? Is there light, salt, peace, joy, in my life that is noticeable? For Jesus is key and the greatest gift ever given... May we not forget Him!
As I continued to settle back in to life here ... I quickly became busy ... wrapping up the semester at Hope College, we finished last Friday with the final exam of the fall semester. And I also became busy prepping for ETC's spring semester beginning the third week in January.
Yet, as those things were going on, I tried to take some walks, enjoy the sights and sounds and wonder of Ethiopia, this amazing land and people, and think about the new year.
I'm really so humbled to live here. If you're not sure what Ethiopia is like, a saw this video recently that gives a great five minute or so look at this country and people and culture. Very diverse from the countryside to my city Addis, from religious customs, and holidays, to dancing and music, food, coffee, fashion, ancient and modern all mixed together with a lot of sunshine and history. It's truly fascinating. No where like here.. in the world!
Here's the video if you want a great quick look at life here ...
Since returning, I have been thinking about many things.
So here are many of my random thoughts and reflections that I wanted to share...
I think one of the biggest challenges and areas of concern for me in 2017 was just the realization that time indeed has passed and I'm getting older. Getting older is so weird really. I'm thankful that the calendar here is seven years behind and I use that for my age, which helps, ha ha.
But, I find myself fighting getting older with all that I am. I want to be young, look young. I largely work with young people, where fashion and style also has impact. So, as I reflected on 2017, was that too much of a focus for me? We do have this earthly tent we've been given to house God's Spirit and take care of. But was my focus in 2017, more on the outward appearance of this tent, or was the inward focus where it needed to be, where TRUE BEAUTY literally glows from the inside out?
For I can't lose that as the most important thing. For the inward part of us ... where relationship is with God... can take ordinary and makes you extraordinary. It's a beauty, a grace, a light that is shocking and real and so attractive. Do I show that light to others... peace, joy, acceptance, approachability, no judgment, that Jesus showed?
Last semester, I had young ministry leaders visit my Youth Ministry class. When my older class saw these young men enter our class, I'm sure many thought ... what can these young cool looking guys teach us older ministers about ministry? And literally, as soon as these guys started talking, I almost fell backwards in my seat. They were ordinary but had EXTRAORDINARY light, that literally impacted me for days after. They had a grace, a humility, a coolness, a wisdom, that was bigger than them. I could tell they had been with Jesus. It shook us all.
Do I have that here, show that also?
May I take care of the body I've been given but make sure it doesn't supersede my relationship with Jesus in the new year!
1 Timothy 4:8
For physical training is of some value, , but godliness has value for all things, holding both promise for this present life and the one to come.
A few other things I heard when I was home for the holidays, I've been thinking about as well ...
One was a sermon from Mosaic Church, a church plant of Ginghamsburg Church, One of the pastors, Wayne Botkin, challenged us to think about headlines from 2017. The world had crazy headlines. Natural disasters, terrorist activities, elections that surprised.
He asked ... what were the headlines of your life for 2017? Maybe you had some good headlines...? Maybe some bad ones?
Some common bad headlines ... maybe... indecisive; wrong turn; sick; lost; afraid; broken; jobless; attacked; directionless; unmotivated; lonely; sad; divorced; addicted; fired.
What will the headlines be of your 2018?
God can turn ANY headline, any life, into something new!
I just heard a sermon from Kyle Idleman at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, and he talked about making a turn in the new year. He also noted that God can turn any situation, any life around. But God needs all the broken pieces lifted to Him... for Him to be able to restore, renew your life.
And we have to say: because you say so Jesus, I will do that in trust. GREAT MESSAGE!
So again, it comes back to Jesus, to make sure I'm spending time with Him, that He's leading me, and is being lifted up in all I do.
If you want a Jesus check in your life... write down your thoughts, words, actions. Especially when you're under stress. If Jesus is your core- His response will come out. your thoughts will go to Him. Your words will please Him. If something else is at your core, when squeezed- other things may come out... negativity, suspicion, judgment, anger, fear. He can be the center, but we have to repent and focus on Him, be with Him.
It makes me so sad that so many churches today are leaving Jesus out of their messages. There's a focus on welcoming people and making people feel comfortable but nothing about the truth of what Jesus does and how He changes everything.
Jesus has to be lifted up.
That's a huge prayer request for 2018 for me here in Ethiopia as well, that as I help teach and instruct church leaders here, that I challenge them with that truth. We must focus on Jesus, be led by Him, and share Him! He's what people need, what I need! He can change every headline. May I stayed connected to Him in all.
And one more random thing to share, the song I've been listening to the most on my laptop since my return to Ethiopia has been: Matt Redman's When We All Get to Heaven. This song has been helping me keep perspective.
https://youtu.be/LGAdaGbmfFs
May 2018 be my best year yet for God!
My prayer is that for you as well. Keeping these scriptures in mind...
Isaiah 43:18-20
Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up, do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.
Isaiah 55:11-12
You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst in song before you, and all the trees of the fields will clap their hands. Instead of the thorn bush will grow the pine tree, and instead of briers the myrtle will grow. This will be for the Lord's renown, an everlasting sign which will not be destroyed.
Isaiah 41:8-13
But you, O Israel, my servant Jacob, whom I have chosen, you descendants of Abraham my friend, I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, "You are my servant; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. All who rage against you will surely be ashamed...I will help you...
Isaiah 54:2-17
Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide; do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes. For you will spread out to the right and to the left; your descendants will dispossess nations... Do not be afraid; you will not suffer shame. Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated. You will forget the shame of your youth. ... for your Maker is your husband, the Lord Almighty is His name- the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; ... though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, my unfailing love for you will not be shaken. ... no weapon formed against you shall prevail, ... this is the heritage of the servants of the Lord...
Thank you for your continued prayers and support for me and my family. Please let me know how I can pray for you as well in 2018.
Prayer Requests
-Please pray for my new work permit and residence visa, it's in process of being renewed.
-Please pray for Hope College, as I finish grades, have two weeks off, then as a new semester starts in early February, that God is honored by my work and that I represent Him well to students, student leaders, and staff
-Please pray for ETC, I begin the spring semester in one week. I will be teaching four classes: Cross Cultural Communication; Theology of Mission; Integral Mission; and Contemporary Youth Culture. Pray God leads my preparation for those and His people are equipped through these classes.
-Please pray for my Bible studies with students here, also for many of my graduate students going abroad, starting new businesses, ministries, even some getting married, that God blesses them.
-Please pray for my language learning, that I quickly learn as I focus there as a new year commitment.
-Please help in wishing our great Dad, the amazing, charming, handsome and too cute JIM GARRETT, a very Happy big B-day on January 23. I'm so honored to be one of his girls! We love him so so so much! Happy Birthday Dad!
Thank you again for your prayers and support!!!
If you'd like to join my financial support team in 2018, I'm still looking for new monthly supporters and those who can give one time gifts for various things. Please email on that for more specific financial needs or you can contact my sister or Ginghamsburg Church to set something up online, etc.
Thanks again so much!
Blessings in 2018 to you and your family!
Much love from Ethiopia.
