LOOKING AHEAD ... RESETTING FOR A NEW YEAR ...

It’s pouring rain on this mid August morning here in Ethiopia. It’s cozy with a cup of coffee. I’m thankful that electricity is on and I’m thankful to be back in Addis. 

Life certainly is a gift. And in reflection of my time on planet earth overall, I’m grateful for the life God has given me to live, the family He blessed me with, and the places and people He’s led me to meet and get to do life with.

I think most of us are coming off of break time or summer vacations. And for me, it’s the same. I came back two weeks ago from a few weeks in the USA. I was thankful for the time with my family. And the chance to rest.

And now, I’m looking ahead, resetting for a new school year that for me begins on Monday.

Here in Ethiopia, there’s also a New Year approaching. In mid September, a new year will begin. So in preparation for a new school year at both schools and for a new year overall, I’ve been trying to take time to think about my life and what things I want to do in the new year to make it my best chapter yet for God.  

I’m looking ahead and trying to dream big with God’s help.

What does He want this next chapter to look like?

I think before looking too much at the road ahead, it’s important and healthy, though painful maybe, to evaluate the road behind.

 

In resetting for a new season, I think the first step is to REFLECT.  To look back…

REFLECT…

Some of us don’t like that, to look behind.

My sister and I talked about that when I was home. She asked me… and I asked her … how has the past season changed you? How are you better for God? Stronger? What have you learned? Where have you fallen? Where have you struggled?

Not easy questions of a season of life, but importance ones.

Maybe the past several months held struggle or heartache, disappointment for you. Maybe a relationship ended or changed, maybe you lost someone. Maybe a door closed or a dream fell apart. Maybe no door opened.

Or maybe it was a great chapter for you. Where things moved, and you saw provision or protection.

For me, in reflection, my past one year here (Sept-Sept) in Ethiopia, was very good overall. I felt at a good pace in teaching and in life.

This past spring into summer, I saw two graduations and was able to celebrate being part of the lives of students. I still feel so humbled to get to be part of the lives of so many here.

I also experienced the beginning of the process of a wedding. One of my former best students, Hilina, got engaged. To see this process and to watch the proposal, was deeply touching and so exciting. I still smile remembering the meeting of the families. Then the actual proposal that left those of us watching with the biggest smiles that lasted for days. The wedding will be next January. So excited for these two and for their love story to continue…

After graduations, I had a great quick few weeks in the USA with my family. The shift in cultures was shocking. But the rest was so good and the chance to visit with my family. I’m so thankful for them. Thank you so much to those of you who gave and prayed to make my time at home possible!

Then I made a quick return to Addis a few weeks ago, and joined a Masters class in Youth Ministry. This two week intensive class was the beginning of a three year Master’s degree program that ETC would like me to teach in the future. It was a tight schedule for a few weeks, but was outstanding.  This is the first Master’s program offered in Youth Ministry in the country and it couldn’t come at a more strategic time.  So again, I felt humbled to be part of history.

Also, Ethiopia is experiencing big and needed change. And that is a praise and prayer item for the way ahead. A new prime minister was elected in the spring and everyone is so excited about the changes he has already made in the country. So, the feeling of hope and new opportunities abound. So that is a huge praise…

So, as I’ve reflected, overall, life here has been good.

But, of course, there have been challenges too.

So, I’ve been making a list… in what areas did I struggle? What started? What finished? What didn’t? What needs to change?  Where were the areas of excess? Where was there too little? Was there balance?

Was there connection with God and others? Did I grow in my relationship with Him? Was there fruit, spiritual maturity evidenced? And if not, what happened? Do I look more like Jesus than last year? Can people tell I’ve been with Him?

Hard questions, but necessary I think before for a new season, a new chapter can begin, with all things in place…

Psalm 139:23-24

Search me oh God and know my heart, try me and know my thoughts, and see if there be any wicked way in me ….

Then, a reset is needed….

RESET

I’ve been trying to reset my life with God’s help.

After looking at my life, what needs cut, said, done? What needs added, realigned?

Without proper connection and a solid foundation, when storms come, things can blow down and dismantle.  In this next chapter, I need to be set of the firm foundation of Jesus Christ. I need ready to weather storms and droughts. I need ready for mountain climbs and to do whatever He wants me to do. Am I ready? What needs fixed? What needs strengthened?

1 Corinthians 3:11

The only foundation is Jesus Christ

Maybe conversations need had. An apology spoken. I think often we move into new chapters without allowing God to help us close out old ones. And those come up later. Satan likes to barrage us with guilt and insecurity. We can’t let him have a stronghold over us.

1 Peter 5:8

Be aware, your enemy, the devil, roams around like a roaring lion, seeking who he may devour.

And I think in the reset comes repentance.  Real honest conversation with God and others.  I think you have to lift up ALL of yourself to God and ask for the reset, the realignment. It’s like surgery. You allow God to restore, renew, reconnect you. To cut things out, show you where things are off. Again, painful, but when we lift up our lives to God, He can bring change.  We can’t realign things on our own. We have to have the great Physician’s help.

Psalm 51:10

Create in me a clean heart, oh God, restore a right spirit unto me.

John 15:5

Remain in me, and I will remain in I will remain in you, apart from me, you can do nothing.

Psalm 34:18

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Psalm 23:3

He restores my soul

1 Peter 5:10

After your season of suffering, God in all His grace will restore, confirm, strengthen and establish you

Do you need a reset? Realigned? Does something feel off? Deep within? God can help. He makes all things new.  He restores. Gives perspective. Peace.  We have to remain connected to Him.

LOOKING AHEAD…

Then as you look ahead and God resets you to move, what do you see when you look ahead? What do you feel?

Maybe you look ahead and there’s fear. Maybe you don’t like the road you’re seeing. Maybe it’s the same mundane thing. Maybe God is asking you to hold a position that you’d rather be free from. Maybe you’re entering a dark stretch of road where it looks lonely or you can sense there’s trouble/persecution ahead.  Maybe God is asking you to return to where you’ve been before and you don’t want to.

Maybe for others, the way ahead looks exciting and new. A new job, a new school, a new hobby, maybe a new town or a new house.  A new opportunity is opening. The blank pages ahead bring excitement to you as you look forward.

Whatever you see when you look ahead, I’m remembering with you, that we must allow God to lead us.

He has a plan for us and a future. And He can help us, even yet, to become all He’s created us to be.

Maybe it’s not road that concerns you. But maybe it’s yourself and you’re worried. You might say Holly…I’m too young. Or I’m too old. My body is tired, or I’m not healthy. I think getting older is one of the strangest things to experience. But, as my dad says often, you can get better with age, like wine. I’ve been encouraged in studying youth ministry the past few weeks, that God did some of the greatest feats in history through the young. Mary, Joseph, David, Daniel, Esther, Jeremiah, so many who were not yet even through adolescence were used in great ways by God. Then, I’m encouraged by others, who were called mid-life and very late … to go into ministry, build an ark, leave a land for another place. It’s not about age or even our physique, it’s about our heart and our obedience.  God can use any life and write a new story through you.  We can trust Him to use us in whatever season we’re in, no matter what our age is, if we allow Him to lead us!

It’s interesting too, sometimes, often times, the way God takes us or leads us, is not the way we’d like to go or even when we feel like we’re ready. He often goes a hard way or an unusual way in our own eyes. Why? I’ve seen there’s usual many reasons and they’re often compounded.

Sometimes He will take us up a mountain or through a desert to teach us about ourselves and Himself.  To actually strengthen us for the next chapter. The trials are training. Just like Jesus in the desert, Moses in the wilderness, Joseph in prison… facing the challenge…even feeling our weaknesses… help the reset needed to take place, where our dependence on Him and in Him solidifies. He’s not about our comfort but about our character. It’s not about what we have, but who we are and who we are becoming. Sometimes also He leads us a hard way, into or through a storm, because there’s others there as well, who need a light or a testimony that you can give in that hard place.  There can a witness there...through you, in the hard, desert places.... 

So whether a valley or a summit is ahead, God has numbered our days and knows the plans He has for us. He goes before us. If we allow Him to lead us, He will get us to where He wants us to go. He deserves our trust. And He doesn’t ask us to go alone or without Him. He’s with us through all of life. Our greatest friend, heaven’s champion, is with us.  And He’s given us global family, brothers and sisters in God’s family, to also journey with us.

Jeremiah 29:11-13

I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future.  For in those days, when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.

Psalm 90:12

Teach us to number our days, so we may apply our hearts to wisdom.

Psalm 28:20

I am with you always, even to the end.

What will the new school year bring for me here? The new year in Ethiopia? May God write the pages of the next chapter … It’s His story, His life in mine.   May I do better, be better, for Him in all areas, showing His heart, His love, His compassion, His grace, His character, His truth, in all I do.

My prayer is that for you as well, in your new chapter of life… that you may experience Him in a new way. That looking ahead, as you move forward… that the next chapter is your greatest yet for God.

Blessings to you in the new fall season… with gratitude for each of your lives and examples…

Prayer Requests

-On Monday, a new school year begins at ETC. I have two classes: Intro to Missions and Intro to Youth Ministry. And will also be helping with other classes. Please pray for us and these classes. Also, as we move forward in developing the Youth Ministry initiatives and classes- that God will build His Church, the youth, and His people here 

-Please keep Hope College in prayer and it’s fall start up in late September, early October, that God will also use me there to be an advocate for students and to represent Him well.

-Please pray for good health

-Please pray that God will show me clearly which students to really pour into.

-Keep my family in prayer. That this fall season for them will be their best yet.

-Keep Ethiopia in prayer, for the new Prime Minister, and health, peace, and opportunities in this new chapter.

-Pray for the people God has around me here, that our lives will honor you, as we laugh and journey together. I’m thankful for global family and the opportunity to live and learn from each other!

Thank you so much for your prayers.

Please let me know how I can pray for you as well.

Many Blessings again…this fall season, with love from Ethiopia….

HOPE ... When the Way is Dark ... Thoughts for Easter (Fasika)...

Some days are dark and stormy.

The weather here in Ethiopia has been extremely weird the past few weeks, bringing that to mind.

Some days have been sunny with blue skies, the usual weather. Other days, it has felt too hot, the sun seeming to burn the sky.

And other days ... have been dark and cloudy, not usual for this time of year.  This is not a tornado place, but, some days have made me nervous... The weather overall has made everyone feel sick.

And life overall often has those variety of days and seasons... some are sunny and great when all goes well, other days and seasons have darkness and storms that surprise and can last for some time.

Darkness and storms are very hard...

Maybe an illness or a death changes your life and your family forever. And maybe fatigue and deep grief makes it hard to keep going.

Maybe doors close when they looked open, and you find yourself in an awkward hallway, where you maybe feel insecure and no other door or window can be seen as a way out.

Relationships can disappoint. People let you down, throw in the towel and walk away. And suddenly your world becomes dark.

And then you, we, disappoint ourselves at times. The darkness comes not from circumstances or others, but from within us. Negativity, jealousy, greed, maybe addiction comes from inside.

And the darkness from the inside or out, threatens to pull you, us,  down and enslave us to insecurity, fear, loss, and despair.

Are you in darkness now? Do you know someone who is?

What do we do when the darkness comes? Maybe you saw it coming. Other times it can hit by surprise.

There are common reactions by most of us. We often just ignore things. Make ourselves busy so we don't have to think about the situation or broken area/relationship.

Others maybe ignore the issue by sleeping or watching movies, reading books, escaping in some way. Anything- to not have to look at or deal with the problem.

Others try to fix the problems themselves. Maybe you pound on doors for a new job or work hard to try to mend a relationship or to mend yourself on your own. Maybe you go to the gym to feel better about your age or your status. Maybe you get new clothes to elevate your confidence. Maybe you buy "self help" books to get wisdom.

Other people use medicine or become addicted to some drug as a way to escape.

And people tend to give alot of advice in and during the dark days. Some say: I will pray for you. God has a plan. Stay encouraged. Others may say: lead yourself, invest in yourself. Lots of people give advice...but we don't need to lead ourselves or to invest in ourselves...

I can tell you what we need, what is the only hope for darkness, We need a Savior! A Leader. A Shepherd to guide Us.  And the good news is ... WE have ONE!

Psalm 40
He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.... Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust

Psalm 130
If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, who could stand? but with you there is forgiveness. I wait for the Lord and in His word I put my hope...with the Lord there is unfailing love and with His is full redemption

Psalm 103
Praise the Lord, oh my soul, and forget not all His benefits- who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed liked the eagle's. ... The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger , abounding in love... He does not treat us as our sins deserve...

Romans 8: 1, 37
There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us

Psalms 23
The Lord is my Shepherd, ... even when I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou are with me

John 8:12
I am the Light of the World..

Though the world is full of darkness and it's even in us, there's HOPE. The darkness doesn't have to overwhelm us and take us down. There is help. A HAND to hold and a person to walk with through the darkest valleys and nights that come. He is the way, the truth and the life. Dark valleys can be passed through and conquered. Freedom and joy and peace can be had, experienced, even in the dark.

The way, the hope, is Jesus Christ. A Savior for our Brokenness, a Light in the Darkness, a Hope that Doesn't Fail, He gives Peace, Joy, A Relationship that doesn't leave, or disappoint.

We have a Friend, a Savior, a Risen King who offers us Himself on Life's Journey. Do you know Him?

When you ask Jesus to be with you in life, He pays for your sin and allows you access to God. But the darkness doesn't go away. There are still disappointments that come in life. There's sin. But you will never again walk alone. And He changes the darkness in you if you allow Him too. He gives you His peace, joy, hope, perseverance.

Storms and darkness can actually become some of your greatest times of growth and fellowship with God.

Looking back on my life, there were many times of sadness, insecurity, disappointment with myself and others. Times of fear, loneliness, etc.

But looking back on those dark times, those dark hallways... I remember those and that God showed Himself to me the most during those times. God wants to enter into your darkness and comfort you. Advise you and help you sing and fellowship even in the dark. And when that time has passed, you walk out with Him together, in a new chapter, stronger with Him for having passed through the darkness.

I believe I've mentioned this before, but it deserves another mention. There are crosses everywhere in ETHIOPIA. I love it. In taxis, on gates, on churches, in people's hands and on necklaces, it's a constant reminder to me of Jesus and the cross.

Jesus had some very dark days, the cross, being the biggest darkness for Him, as he felt punishment for our sin and separation from His Father.

But that darkness, brought us light and life. The chance to live with God forever, our sins paid for. What an amazing sacrifice and gift!

This is Easter (Fasika) weekend in Ethiopia. Tomorrow, we will celebrate an empty tomb and our Risen King.

But yesterday and today (Saturday)- we've been focusing on the cross. The incredible price Jesus paid for us so we can have victory over darkness and know the hope and love of God.

Let us celebrate that light has overcome darkness and we have a Merciful High Priest and a Good Shepherd ready daily to lead us on. May we not lose hope. In the darkest of nights, He is there. We have the light of the world, hope, to experience and share.

May we celebrate what He did and what He's continuing to do on our behalf. And if we're in darkness, may we cling to Him and nothing else. And may we share Him with others who may be experiencing darkness.

Blessed Fasika to everyone celebrating this weekend, and Blessed Easter to those who celebrated last week!

When the way seems dark, cling to Jesus. He will see you through and goes with you!

Praises/Prayer Requests
-As most of you might have seen on the news, Ethiopia did finally elect a new Prime Minister. He is from the tribe that has been protesting and He's a Christian. So the country has returned to peace and most are hopeful/optimistic about the way ahead. Please keep this new leader in prayer and the government.
-Many of you probably saw this on facebook, my MOM is coming to visit me in Ethiopia Mothers day Week ( in May). My sister is bringing her for one week. To say I'm excited to show her here would be a major understatement. I'm thrilled. Please be in prayer as she and my sister prepares to come, as they raise money, etc.

-Classes at both schools have been going well. I give thanks for that. I love the students I get to be with.

-I've continued to work with the Student Parliament at Hope College and have been blessed to see them having events for charity and other events for students on campus.  We wore white and blue colors to support the events. And had guest speakers to encourage students.

 

 

-Please again keep Easter (called Fasika) this weekend in prayer here. May the Gospel be heard and Hope and Light pierce darkness in people's lives. We have so much to live for and be grateful for!

Blessed Spring Season to All. Please let me know how I can pray for you!

Grabbing Moments ... Thoughts on Living Secure in Insecurity

For me overall, being back in Ethiopia since Christmas has been a great start to 2018.

My love for this great land is deep. The coffee, the sunshine, the people, the cute kids ...there is so much to love about this place.

 

 

My start to the new semester at both ETC (the Evangelical Theological College) and Hope College has also been very good. I've loved getting to know new students and have felt God's leadership in lesson planning and preparation. I really feel so honored to get to do what I do. I've also started working again with the Student Parliament at Hope and love these student leaders and feel again humbled to be part of their life journey.

new freshmen class at Hope, Management students

Hope Student Parliament celebrating Valentines Day

We've had holidays to celebrate, birthdays, and I've loved seeing some of my best former students start new businesses. I've smiled much in 2018 and truly have felt God's hand on the new year.

 

Some of my ETC students helping celebrate my Dad's bday

My great sis Shali, celebrating her January birthday

H and H Leather Products... new business of my great former students: Hilina and Heldana (Hidi)

Despite the great start back to the new year, a few things have been throwing me off balance and have made things seem insecure. 

Big since my return has been the political situation here and the growing protests that have spread around Ethiopia. Though much of it has been outside of our capital city, Addis Ababa- where I live,  ... almost daily I'm getting email alerts to take caution in certain areas and to be prepared at any time for the city to change.  Often in taxis and on the roads, I find myself running scenarios in my head, if this or that happens up ahead, this is what I would do or try. There's an added level of vigilance I've felt I've had to keep. 

Late last week, the Prime Minister of the country resigned and that was a surprise. So, a six month state of emergency was initiated over this past weekend until new leadership is chosen and transition happens. Please pray for peace here.

http://www.aljazeera.com/topics/country/ethiopia.html

Another shaky thing for me has been a huge delay in the clearance of my work permit.

What usually takes a few days has now turned into seven weeks and though it seems it will process through, that it hasn't yet- has made me feel insecure. Not having documents processed with the government now transitioning is also not good, so that has made me feel off balance too. Thoughts have come to my mind- like what if I'm blocked from working. And what if God changes where He wants me to live and work. So, all of that has been on my mind.

So things seem insecure. But, I think life in general seems that way.

So how can I live secure in insecurity? That has been what God has trying to teach me. 

And Paul figured it out... it's time I did too.

Philippians 4:11-13
I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances... whether well fed or hungry, ... I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.

God has been trying to remind me that the KEY to my STABILITY is HIM.

If my foundation is Him, if I stay focused on Him, and rooted in Him, I can live secure in insecurity.

He doesn't shake. His hand in mine doesn't let go.

Psalm 112
Blessed is the one who fears the Lord... He will never be shaken.. He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting the Lord. His heart is secure...

Psalm 37
Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord... He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn... be still and wait patiently for the Lord...If the Lord delights in a man's ways, He makes His steps firm; though he stumbles, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with His hand.

2 Timothy 2:19
God's solid foundation stands firm

Psalm 40:2
He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand

God has helped me to see the great value in constantly checking my connection with Him. For if I lose sight of Him or look at other things first, my perspective can be off and I can feel insecure.

Here in Ethiopia, there are often power outages. And with most people now having smart phones, it seems most people know places where you can grab a quick charge. I know most cafes around my school where if needed, I can sit at a certain table and find a socket where I can charge my phone and have a good cup of coffee.

God challenged me recently in those times. When I plug into a power source for charge for my phone, I heard God say- also grab those moments- to plug in with me, get charged in me. Talk to me, listen for me. Check your focus, your foundation- be with me, I'll give you security, perspective, peace, joy... grab moments, all the time,  to connect with me.

So, I've been grabbing moments, not just in the morning or at night, but several times during the day, to charge, to check my foundation and plug in with God, and literally my mood changes if it's off. For maybe I start to plug into frustration or doubt or insecurity or fear, but when I spend time with God, grabbing moments with Him, I plug into hope, joy, peace and security. And I leave those places charged, my phone and my spirit. 

Great indicators of what you're standing on, connecting to, or looking at ... are your words and actions. If jealousy, negativity, anger, bitterness, unholiness is coming out of your mouth or is seen by others in your actions, then you need to plug into God, get alone with Him, and let Him refocus you in Him and for Him. The world is watching and listening to our lives. We have to take care. And if insecurity is also evident, we can connect with God and experience His peace.

We CAN live secure, even in insecurity, because God is with us and in us.

But can we REALLY connect with God... a holy God, a just God, when we're not worthy?

Does He really want us to be with Him? That's the good news we have... a way has been made possible for us to connect- and it's only through Jesus. He's the connecter, with Him in us and with us, covering our sin- we can boldly approach God as much as we want. Amazing!

John 3:16-17
For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Jesus will not perish but will have eternal life. For God did not send Jesus into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.

Hebrews 4:14-16
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. ... let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so we may receive mercy and grace to help us in our time of need.

If we're rooted in God, we can face any army, and not be afraid. We can look at any storm or disease, and still feel anchored in peace, having joy and hope. We can walk through any valley that has danger, we can see any door slammed shut and still come out the other side, secure with God. We can sing in the dark places, rejoice in the hallways and times when we don't see the next thing, because on the mountains, in the valleys, God doesn't change. He is for us and we can trust His leadership to see us through.

And as we countdown to Easter and reflect with humility the greatness of the fact that we are loved by God and can walk with Him, talk with him, grab moments with Him, be used by Him, and be with Him forever, thanks to Jesus, may we not lose days or time but make the most of all.

Psalm 91:
Because He loves me, I will rescue him. I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble...

John 14:1
Do not let your hearts be troubled, trust in me.

John 15:4
Remain in me and I will remain in you.

1 John 4:4
Greater is He that is in you, than He that is in the world.

Romans 8:31; 39
If God is for us, who can be against us? ... Nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Matthew 28:20
I am with you always, even to the end of the age.

May we live secure in insecurity, grabbing moments to be with God. And sharing the connecting power of Jesus Christ in a world needing to know the peace He gives!  Onward.

Prayer Requests... Please pray...
-For Ethiopia, for wisdom in the coming days and peace as leadership transitions. Pray for new leadership that will unite the country and be just and fair for all the people here.
-For my work permit to process successfully this week.
-For my new classes at both ETC and HCBST, that God will use be at both schools to be a good example of Him
-For security in insecurity, that I will grab moments all the time, to be with God
-For this Easter-Lent season for us all, that we can remember and celebrate the great sacrifice made by Jesus
-for continued good health and for my family's health

Please let me know how I can pray for you too! Blessings from Ethiopia

 

Thoughts for a New Season ... Back in the Fields...2018

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!

 

 

 

 

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 ...

https://vimeo.com/249782279

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!

https://www.southeastchristian.org/sermons/

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.