Today I went to visit a family we are really close to. They had been asking to spend sometime with the kids. So this morning the kids and I went for a nice walk down the street to visit our friends. When we walked in the door everyone was so welcoming. We talked and shared about what had gone on in each others lives over the past few weeks. We some amazing food and after we were just sitting around talking. Out of no where my friend's brother who is older than her says,"You know everyone missed you guys. You really have the same heart we have." I must have looked a little surprised by his comment, because their mother quickly cleared things up by saying,"Yes my dear you truly do have the heart of a Muslim." Then under her breath with a smile she quietly said,"But you just don't believe yet." Wow, I sat there a little shocked for a minute or two. I did not know exactly what to say. I smiled and corrected her a little and said, "Well, we can say I have the heart of someone who loves and fears God.!" I said that with a huge smile and a small nervous laugh. Before Icould say anything else my friend quickly changed the subject a little to the news. Evidently there is big news in the Muslim world.......It is rumored Brittney Spears will soon be converting to Islam. Wow! They are all hoping Islam will set her straight and she can be a new shinning testimony to us in the Western world. Hmmm????
So today, was an interesting lunch to say the least. The next time we discuss what my heart is like, I pray that I get a chance to explain who has changed my heart and about who calms my heart. The family I was with is not really all that religious they are Muslim out of pride and tradition. My friend herself has told me on numerous occasions that God does not answer her prayers like He does mine. She claims she prays and pray and gets nothing. Those are the exact words form her mouth. But in her pride she has to believe that somehow Islam is the hope of the world.I thank God for the truth of His Word and the miracle of His Grace. Praise God we can have confidence in what we believe!
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Monday, January 28, 2008
Pressure....
One thing men never understand about women is how emotional we are...right?? We have all heard this before right?? Well, sorry ladies I don't mean this to make us look bad but, I can not understand why I am so emotional......Maybe somebody out there can relate....
The other day I let my brain have one of those downward spiral type moments. Before I knew it I was all upset. Sure, I can practically explain the whole situation now and assure myself it was not as bad as I originally thought it to be. But, it was an intense few hours....
I wrote all that to share a few things on my heart. Most likely- if you are not a man- you can relate. We go through times in our lives when we are under a lot of pressure. No matter what our country of residence. I know and have faith that it is in these times that God allows us to get closer to Him. It has been a little intense for me here the last few days. I am reminded by the Lord that my life serving Him is an upward journey. Just when I think I can sit down I am given the nudge to get up and keep going. I know He will give me rest when I need it and then we will continue on.
At church here we sing a beautiful song and walking with Jesus,walking with our Sweet Jesus.
The other day I let my brain have one of those downward spiral type moments. Before I knew it I was all upset. Sure, I can practically explain the whole situation now and assure myself it was not as bad as I originally thought it to be. But, it was an intense few hours....
I wrote all that to share a few things on my heart. Most likely- if you are not a man- you can relate. We go through times in our lives when we are under a lot of pressure. No matter what our country of residence. I know and have faith that it is in these times that God allows us to get closer to Him. It has been a little intense for me here the last few days. I am reminded by the Lord that my life serving Him is an upward journey. Just when I think I can sit down I am given the nudge to get up and keep going. I know He will give me rest when I need it and then we will continue on.
At church here we sing a beautiful song and walking with Jesus,walking with our Sweet Jesus.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Faithful Fridays
Today was once again an eventful morning at the mosque below our new apartment. I stood on the counter again to watch the excitement of the Friday morning prayers. The street is still full as I write this. A particular interesting observation I made as I watched was the amount of Father/son combinations. Young boys learning early to be sure to show their devotion to Allah.
As I watch the young and old alike going the motions I was pained in my heart for the lack of hope these young ones have. I praised God for allowing me to grow up in a nation where we can choose. As believers our responsibility in this world is huge. I thank God for Salvation and the security we have in Christ, and we can believe as we do by choice and not by an hint of force.
As I watch the young and old alike going the motions I was pained in my heart for the lack of hope these young ones have. I praised God for allowing me to grow up in a nation where we can choose. As believers our responsibility in this world is huge. I thank God for Salvation and the security we have in Christ, and we can believe as we do by choice and not by an hint of force.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
The Trip!!
Hey, I just wanted to post a quick little note to let everyone who is interested in coming on the trip this summer know that we are praying for all of you! I pray for the Lord's will in your lives and for the courage to do whatever it is He has for you!
We are already excited about the trip this summer. As are many of our friends here. I can't wait for some of you to see things first hand. Please continue praying. Thank you to everyone for your faithful prayers!!!
We are already excited about the trip this summer. As are many of our friends here. I can't wait for some of you to see things first hand. Please continue praying. Thank you to everyone for your faithful prayers!!!
Friday, January 18, 2008
New Sounds.
Finally we have the Internet back up and working. We are excited to be here in our new apartment. It has been a lot of work unpacking everything, but slowly we are getting settled in.
-I wanted to thank everyone at home for the supportive and encouraging time we had with all of you. I love you all and I hope and pray that some of you will be visiting this summer!!
A little info about our new home; it is bigger and has many more windows than our last apartment. As a result of that we can almost see the entire city. The view is incredible. The one down side to all this is that because we are up so high, there is nothing in between us and the minaret towers announcing the call to prayer. So, it is sooooo loud. Today the kids and I had an interesting morning listening to the Imam (a Muslim preacher) give his message. The street directly below our kitchen windows was blocked off and huge mats were laid out and the men filled the street to do their Friday prayers.
Our kids were playing with their toys on the floor when the call to prayer started. They are pretty used to hearing it.("that Mohamed guy yelling") But today they noticed it was going on and on. My Son said, "Mommy is somebody calling for help?" I went over to them and picked them up so they could see the street below. I told them what the men were doing. How they were saying the same words over and over again. I explained that they do these things because they want to do good works so they can go to Heaven. Of course after that I explained what we believe. I reminded them about how we pray to God. After answering questions and talking for about twenty minutes our son said, "Hey, I think those people need to call to Jesus for help. Right Mommy???" I know he doesn't understand all the way, but I think that is a pretty good start.
I know I will have a new thought in mind every time I hear the blaring call to prayer from the mosques. I have to admit to me it is kind of a spooky sound, reminding me every few hours that we live in dark place, now when I hear it I will be thinking about how the people responding need someone to call for help for them, because they don't any better.
-I wanted to thank everyone at home for the supportive and encouraging time we had with all of you. I love you all and I hope and pray that some of you will be visiting this summer!!
A little info about our new home; it is bigger and has many more windows than our last apartment. As a result of that we can almost see the entire city. The view is incredible. The one down side to all this is that because we are up so high, there is nothing in between us and the minaret towers announcing the call to prayer. So, it is sooooo loud. Today the kids and I had an interesting morning listening to the Imam (a Muslim preacher) give his message. The street directly below our kitchen windows was blocked off and huge mats were laid out and the men filled the street to do their Friday prayers.
Our kids were playing with their toys on the floor when the call to prayer started. They are pretty used to hearing it.("that Mohamed guy yelling") But today they noticed it was going on and on. My Son said, "Mommy is somebody calling for help?" I went over to them and picked them up so they could see the street below. I told them what the men were doing. How they were saying the same words over and over again. I explained that they do these things because they want to do good works so they can go to Heaven. Of course after that I explained what we believe. I reminded them about how we pray to God. After answering questions and talking for about twenty minutes our son said, "Hey, I think those people need to call to Jesus for help. Right Mommy???" I know he doesn't understand all the way, but I think that is a pretty good start.
I know I will have a new thought in mind every time I hear the blaring call to prayer from the mosques. I have to admit to me it is kind of a spooky sound, reminding me every few hours that we live in dark place, now when I hear it I will be thinking about how the people responding need someone to call for help for them, because they don't any better.
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