Real Recognition

There's something special about genuine recognition...about truly feeling seen and sincerely valued by another.  To feel at least one person or two on the planet longs to hear your voice, your ideas, seeks your presence, your advice, your friendship.  Who really knows you and understands and even laughs at your quirks (weirdness...which we all have if we admit).  Someone who desires and appreciates your influence, your stories, your experiences, and one who doesn't judge you for the past but believes and helps seek out your potential.  Who says good morning and good evening and good day to you. Who calls you to share triumphs or pain.  Someone who prays for you and with you.  It's a regal and royal and deep connection of the heart...it’s real recognition.

Here in Ethiopia- being a “foreigner” brings much unwelcome recognition.  I stick out more than I'd like to.  Every day I'm called various names...sometimes I get names like “forengie or forenj” or “money”.   But it's recognition not from a true connection, but just a surface acknowledgment.  These times often make me miss “home” and the deeper recognition that comes from longer relationships forged.

But then I’m always challenged in thinking about the recognition I give God.  Is it truly out of a deeper connection with Him, or just a surface acknowledgment that He is God?  Which does He prefer?

This weekend here in Ethiopia, the Epiphany (Timket) holiday was celebrated.  To me it felt like the whole country paused to celebrate the baptism of Jesus.  Streets were decorated. People of all ages dressed in traditional clothes.  It felt like royal recognition.  A big part of the celebration was the moving of the “tabots” from one Orthodox church to another...for a blessing. There was singing, dancing, bowing, priests dressed in what looked like ancient royal robes carrying these tabots (symbolic of each church's piece of the Ark of the Covenant.) Choirs and crowds preceded these tabots. Red carpet was rolled out and grasses were thrown on the ground before this procession. It felt like a Biblical march right of the Old Testament. 

And it made me wonder what God thought of all this recognition.

And it challenged me to really think again about the recognition I give God.

Is it the royal and deep recognition and honor He deserves…One that is deep and is given not because of obligation or tradition, but because of deep relationship and love?

For God sees our hearts. May we continue to be reminded and challenged by these scriptures…

Isaiah 29:13

“These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is based on merely human rules they have been taught…

Isaiah 58

For day after day they seek me out; they seem eager to know my ways, as if they were a nation that does what is right and has not forsaken the commands of its God. They ask me for just decisions and seem eager for God to come near them. ‘Why have we fasted,’ they say, ‘and you have not seen it? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you have not noticed?’ “Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you please and exploit all your workers. Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife, and in striking each other with wicked fists. You cannot fast as you do today and expect your voice to be heard on high. Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for people to humble themselves? Is it only for bowing one’s head like a reed and for lying in sackcloth and ashes?  Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord?

“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and He will say: Here am I. “If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,
then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings…

1 Thessalonians 2:4

…We speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts.

John 4:23-24

…true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”

I also continue to be challenged by the life of Jesus.  That He left the comforts and deep recognition of His home to come here.

To walk the dusty roads of our planet…to submit His infinite power to a human clay tent…

And to even end up being labeled and described this way...

Isaiah 53:2-6

He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in His appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain.  Like one from whom people hide their faces, He was despised, and we held him in low esteem.  Surely He took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.

.Philippians 2:5-11

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, He made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

As I continue to live and work on the planet in this new season…wherever God leads me to be in the time ahead...may I honor God with my life. May I give Him continually the true and deep recognition that He deserves.

And may I also recognize the value and potential in others...and call it out as God does...encouraging others on the journey...

Matthew 25:40

…whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

James 1:27

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress

  

Galatians 6:2

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ

Please pray for me as I continue to pray for you.  Thank you so much!

Prayer Requests (Many of these are repeats…)

-Please continue to pray for the healing of my Dad’s back. They’re running more tests this week to see what is going on. 

-I give thanks for my GREAT DAD- who celebrates his 65^th birthday on Wednesday. Pray He has a wonderful birthday on Wednesday!!!!

-Please continue to pray for my good friend Debelle’s wife- Chale. She still needs healing.

-Please pray for my sister’s new schedule- as she’s now back in the Czech Republic.

-Please pray for my work permit that is being renewed, I have an appointment, tomorrow-Tuesday, that all will go smoothly.

-Please pray for our students and staff as we prepare to finish out this semester at the end of February.

-Please pray for my schedule after February- that God’s perfect plan unfolds for how I can best serve.

-Pray for many people serving international during this time and those serving soon- that God will protect and give courage.

Men Lamta...What Can I Bring?

My first full week and a half back in Ethiopia has felt busy.  I wasn’t just getting back into teaching and adjusting back to life in Africa overall… which is different in pace, climate, etc, but it was also a holiday time here. I returned on a Friday night, January 4. And Christmas day was celebrated Monday, January 7.  There were coffee ceremonies, church services, feasts, and invitations to things in abundance.

I also needed to visit my dear friend Debelle’s wife, Chale, who was still not well.  And also help them to celebrate their daughter, Merry’s, 11^th birthday.  And there was a wedding to attend as well.

A common question I found myself asking was: what can I bring? (Men Lamta? in Amharic)

Thankfully, most said...just bring yourself.  If they would have said to “whip up a dish”- or…cook something…well, let’s just say I would have been in trouble, ha ha.  I’m not a chef.  So I was able to mainly just enjoy the moments…

Melkem Genna (Merry Christmas) party had for our students

Enjoyed some of Christmas day with Yohanna and her family

Had bunna (coffee), popcorn, and prayer with Debelle and his family

Later that week, helped Merry celebrate her 11th birthday

In reflecting on all of this activity over the weekend and trying to catch my breath, God reminded me of some things when I was reading from Matthew, chapter 9. 

I was thinking about what can we bring to God that is significant to Him.  I felt some stress this past week to "bring" the right thing to the right event.  

And I remembered what seemed to bless Jesus when He was here.

People brought Him many things...

Some people brought…

Themselves

Some needed healing. Some were just curious.  Some had questions.  Some just wanted to be with Him.  Most of them had needs. I believe Jesus was moved by their faith and courage to approach Him.  And He took time to hear them, respond, and love them.

Matthew 9:20-22

Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak.  She said to herself, “If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.” Jesus turned and saw her. “Take heart, daughter,” he said, “your faith has healed you.” And the woman was healed at that moment.

Matthew 9:27-34

As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, calling out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!” When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” “Yes, Lord,” they replied. Then he touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith let it be done to you”; and their sight was restored. Jesus warned them sternly, “See that no one knows about this.” But they went out and spread the news about him all over that region. While they were going out, a man who was demon-possessed and could not talk was brought to Jesus.  And when the demon was driven out, the man who had been mute spoke. The crowd was amazed and said, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.”  But the Pharisees said, “It is by the prince of demons that he drives out demons.”

Luke 10:38-31

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”  “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

This thought challenged me.  May I spend more time with God in this new year and not other things more than Him.  Often here when I walk…I see beautiful skies, stunning colors on the mountains…that all whisper of our amazing God...and I try to whistle in awe, but I can’t whistle.  I’m constantly reminded that God is magnificent and present with us. The other day I was right by a donkey and my mind drifted to thinking about how the Son of God, the creator of the universe, actually sat on one of those, and my jaw dropped and I laughed.  Then I swallowed a bug.  But it was a moment. 

I believe God loves it when we bring ourselves to Him.  When sing Him a song (even off key), when we clap our hands or give a shout out for who He is.  He wants our FIRST glance, our first moments…to be His direction before we go to anything or anyone else.

Sometimes I think we feel like we can’t approach Him because we’re too dirty or too guilty- or not cleaned up enough.  I remember many times staying away from “churches” or “fellowships” because I wasn’t where I needed to be in my relationship with God.  I didn’t think Him or others would appreciate me coming that way.  And of course, I liked those things not being known.  Thankfully, because of Jesus, our sins can no longer separate us from God.  Jesus paid for our sins…so we can approach God with full confidence.  Sometimes we try to clean up or mask our “issues.” Here in Ethiopia, people cover up in shawls and blankets.  But I believe God wants us to press in to Him, confidently.  Our closeness to Him is up to us.  He knows us to the core of who we are. He sees us. And still loves us. Amazing!

Hebrews 10:19-23
Therefore,...since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus,...and since we have a great high priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings...Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful...

God loves us to bring ourselves to Him.

Many people also brought to Jesus...

-Their Friends/Family....with needs-sicknesses-diseases- troubles

Jesus honored the faith and courage of friends and family who brought others to Him.  Who literally carried the sick and demon-possessed and injured and wounded and brought them to the Healer.  Bringing people to God is part of our responsibility…people need Him.

Matthew 9:2-8
Some men brought to him a paralyzed man, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.” At this, some of the teachers of the law said to themselves, “This fellow is blaspheming!” Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, “Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts?  Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’?  But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the paralyzed man, “Get up, take your mat and go home.” Then the man got up and went home. When the crowd saw this, they were filled with awe; and they praised God…

Mark 2:3-11

Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on.  When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves… “Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, “Why are you thinking these things?  Which is easier: to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’? But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the man,  “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!”

Over the weekend, I saw a little girl pushing another little girl who was in a wheelchair- and it brought tears to my eyes at the power of that action. Caring enough to get involved, to carry other's burdens, and take them to the One who can help them.

May I be bringing others to meet God, to see Him, to know Him by my life, my prayers, and my faith.

May I bring myself into His presence all the time. I need Him more than ever before!

And may I not seek out the attention or approval of others before Him.

Onward!

Prayer Requests

-Please continue to pray for the healing of my Dad’s back. He’s experienced more pain since his surgery and they’re running more tests to see what is going on.

-Please continue to pray for my good friend Debelle’s wife- Chale. She is back in the hospital again after some swelling and pain in one of her legs. (I’ll try to send more of an update on that this week).

-Please pray for my sister’s new schedule- as she’s now back in the Czech Republic. She’s added in teaching English at a high school- pray God gives her new opportunities to serve and build relationships as she continues there.

-Please pray for my work permit that is being renewed in the next five days, that things will be smooth.

-Please pray for our students and staff as we prepare to finish out this semester at the end of February. Pray for final tests, reports, exams, and presentations that still have to take place. Please pray for my schedule after February- that God’s perfect plan unfolds for how I can best serve.

-Please pray for another holiday time coming up this weekend called- Ephiphany (Timket)- an Orthodox holiday celebrating the baptism of Jesus. 

-Pray for many people serving international during this time and those serving soon- that God will protect and give courage.

Thank you for praying for me as I continue to pray for you. 

2013- Beyond Borders

I'm beginning this first new blog of the new year from somewhere above Africa.  After an 11 day visit to the US of A, I’m headed back to Ethiopia now. And despite just having a bit of turbulence, I’m still smiling. 

What a fantastic visit I had with my family over the Christmas holiday.  After being in Africa for over a year, I was able to enjoy things I’d forgotten were so nice.  Things like soft water that feels like silk.  And HOT water, not lukewarm, with amazing water pressure.  I could drink the tap water, brush my teeth in it, and didn’t have to buy bottled water every day or haul it.  I enjoyed consistent high speed internet, chai tea lattes, and college football bowl games. I had a super soft bed.  Quiet.  Snow. I enjoyed being wrapped in things like blankets washed and warmed in the dryer and scarves and hats that kept me warm. And of course being "wrapped" in the security and comfort and love of my "Garrett tribe" was a joy...

With my Mom

Our parents, Rosie and Jim, on Christmas Eve :-)

It was a great reunion time for my sister and I

My sister, Noel, enjoying Christmas :-)

Thankful for warm clothes in the cold weather of Ohio :-)

I was wrapped in the ease and convenience of all these things and more. And I enjoyed every minute of it!

A huge difference I felt with my time at home…was that I was largely INDOORS.  A blizzard came through our area- and let’s just say it was cold.  I was inside my car. Inside our house. Inside stores and coffee shops.  This was TOTALLY different than my life in Ethiopia.  Tons of time in Ethiopia is spent outside in the brilliant sun…and I’m often coated in dirt and dust…and surrounded by smells and sounds and raw life.

On the roads here in Ethiopia...

Which way is preferred?  I was thinking about this as I traveled back to Ethiopia.  In the USA, we’re often insulated, padded, cushioned from the extremes...from wind, snow, rain, sickness, death, war.  These things have hit us more often than not in recent years.  But compared to how much of the rest of the world lives, we are insulated.  We often become boxed in, defined by borders or job descriptions or labels that often hold us back from our full potential.  We become relaxed and sometimes lazy.

And in thinking about the new year, 2013, what did I want to change or improve in me?  Where would I end up at the end of another year? How would God change me? How would I allow Him to use me in the new year to change His world?  Where were areas where maybe I’ve gotten too comfortable or lazy?

I’ve determined…one of my biggest prayers for this new year is to live in FULLY in God’s presence and purpose for me.  Like Moses, to know God face to face, and to boldly say…show me more of you. And to trust Him to take me to new places with Him- beyond borders and boundaries and limitations…to even part seas or free captives, wherever or however, to live BEYOND what I think I can be for Him.

Exodus 33:11; 13-18

The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend…
Moses said to the Lord…If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you…”  The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”  Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?”
And the Lord said to Moses, “I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name.” Then Moses said, “Now show me your glory.”

I want to boldly walk with God like that.  To know Him more.

And I need to watch out for trying to insulate or cushion myself from walking the narrow, hard way. 

I need to live fully engaged and active, not holding back, to do and be who God has made me to be. 

To insulate is to:

: place in a detached situation, to isolate, to separate

To cushion is to:

: control the effects of something…ex. try to cushion the blow

: protect against force or shock

These things sometimes I lean towards here in Ethiopia.  When I get irritated with the culture, I sometimes hide.  Or I listen to music and close my eyes to try to feel some amount of cushion and ease.  But I need to live fully exposed and fully engaged with God and others.  To not live behind walls or be confined to borders.  Things like insecurity; fear; fatigue can lead to this insulation, which leads to isolation. 

Missionaries or those living cross culturally- sometimes build big walls or big gates to try to give this cushion and insulation.  We must be careful.  Did Jesus do that?  No.

Often we also try to cushion ourselves in wealth or good jobs.  Maybe wrap ourselves in nice clothes or nice homes.  Maybe we gain security and confidence from knowledge or relationships.  We stay busy.  These things can help make us feel like all is well.  But these can become false securities and make us lazy if we’re not careful.

We already have insulation that should make us walk with courage… we are “covered” by God’s hand of protection and by the blood of Jesus.  We can move forward in confidence and boldness because of that. 

What or who are we trusting the most in? 

These verses continue to encourage me and focus me…

Psalm 32:1

Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.

Psalm 5:12

Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield

Psalm 91:4

He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart

Hebrews 10:22

Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings…

Proverbs 11:28

Those who trust in their riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf

Proverbs 28:26

Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe

Isaiah 61:10

I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For He has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness…

Sometimes getting rid of the “cushion” is not easy or comfortable.  In fact, it’s downright painful.

I long time ago, I did a talk about how coming into contact with brokenness is one of the most powerful things that can change a person’s life.  My extended time of living in Haiti- was really for the first time that I experienced the deep brokenness in the world. I saw poverty, disease, death, corruption.  I saw the brokenness in myself.  This led to a repentance in me that was needed.  Also a deep humility and realization that I needed a Savior so much.

2 Corinthians 7:10-11

 Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done…

I believe God wants His people, each of us, to move boldly forward in the new year, claiming new territory, not being held back by old fears.  Not being insulated or isolated or padded or cushioned..but going to the hard places to see God’s glory be known.

Isaiah 54:2

“Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes…

May this be our greatest year yet in honor of our God!  Remembering this God says…

Jeremiah 29:11-14

I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.”

Let it be!  Onward with you…beyond borders!

Prayer Requests

-Ethiopia celebrated yesterday, Monday- January 7, and celebrations continue today. Please pray that as people celebrate with friends and family- that Jesus will be remembered and honored.

-Please pray for the continuation of our school semester- (school starts back tomorrow)-that as I begin teaching this coming week that the remaining time of this semester will be blessed.

-Please pray for the continued FULL recovery of Chale (my dear friend Debelle’s wife). She is out of the hospital, but is still struggling day to day.

-Please pray for continued good health for my family in the New Year.

-Please pray for my sister Noel- that she will have safe travel back to the Czech Republic tomorrow, on Wednesday, January 9^th.  And that God will bless her coming months and she continues to serve in the Czech Republic.

Please keep in touch and know I’m praying for you as well.

Happy New Year-2013- to you all!