This Too Shall Be Made Right

As Resurrection Sunday approaches, I've been doing a lot of thinking about why Jesus came to earth. In the Sunday School curriculum our church uses, the past few weeks have been full of commentary on how clueless the disciples were at the true purpose of Jesus' ministry. They thought Jesus had come to be the Messiah, yes; but in a political sense - to set things right with the world - to overthrow Roman rule and set up his Kingdom on earth. Jesus' ministry so many years ago was out of obedience to the Father - to do what we could not do - to live a perfect and sinless life and to die in our place - to take our punishment - that we may be made right with God.

As I've meditated on this these few weeks before we celebrate his resurrection, I think of his coming again. When Jesus comes again it will not as it was then. He will be here to make everything right - a just and righteous judge.

The words of Derek Webb's song "This Too Shall Be Made Right" are really resounding with me now. The song is a thoughtful commentary on how fallen our world presently is and yet how we hope for the day when Christ returns and makes all things new. Enjoy the lyrics below:

"This Too Shall Be Made Right"
Derek Webb

people love you the most for the things you hate

and hate you for loving the things

that you cannot keep straight

people judge you on a curve

and tell you you’re getting what you deserve

this too shall be made right

children cannot learn

when children cannot eat

stack them like lumber when children cannot sleep

children dream of wishing wells

whose waters quench all the fires of Hell

this too shall be made right

the earth and the sky and the sea are all holding their breath

wars and abuses have nature groaning with death

we say we’re just trying to stay alive

but it looks so much more like a way to die

this too shall be made right

there’s a time for peace and there is a time for war

a time to forgive and a time to settle the score

a time for babies to lose their lives

a time for hunger and genocide

this too shall be made right

I don’t know the suffering of people outside my front door

I join the oppressors of those who i choose to ignore

I’m trading comfort for human life

and that’s not just murder it’s suicide

this too shall be made right

Two and a Half Months Later

...so it's been a while.

Why? Well our neighbor, whom we shared wireless with moved and of course, took her wireless with her. Sadness for us. Though I must admit that not having the internet at home - I was able to get a lot more accomplished. It did however, make for some spur of the moment jaunts to Panera to partake of hot chocolate and free wifi there.

Now? We have new neighbors and are back to sharing wireless again. It stinks being poor and having to share, but whatcha going to do?

Since November:
-I cooked my first Thanksgiving meal: Turkey and all the trimmings.
-Shared Thanksgiving with our Cuban & Mexican friends.
-Spent the days before Christmas in WV with James' family.
-Spent Christmas itself in Louisville.
-Spent the days after Christmas in TN with my family.
-Heard James preach at my home church on New Years' Eve.
-Turned THIRTY! (crazy)
-Survived a bought with Salmonella. (no more pb for me)
-Currently cooped up in the house due to the Snow/Ice storm that has blanketed KY.

Presidential Meme

Over at Making Home, Jess did a little meme about the various presidential elections she has lived through. I thought it was cool, so I've blatantly copied her :)


My thoughts on this election
I wish I could have voted for Obama. I really do - to be apart of the group that elected the first biracial president - how could would that have been - except for the fact that I couldn't vote for him. Why not? Not because he's biracial - that really means little to me, in fact it kinda excited me. Not because he's a democrat - I'm actually registered as a democrat! Why then? Simply because of his staunch pro-choice stance. You may say I'm making too much of one issue and perhaps I am ... but I like to think that had I lived in the 1960s I would have made too much of the one issue of segregation or had I lived in the 1920s I would have made too much of the one issue of women's suffrage... But that aside, Obama is now my president and I am commited to praying for him. Praying for him to have wisdom in guiding our country; praying for his safety; praying for the health of his marriage; praying for God to draw him close to him.

A Quick Review of the Elections of my Life

1980: Ronald Reagan
1. I REMEMBER: absolutely nothing
2. I WAS: 22 months old
3. DURING THAT 4 YEARS: My family moved from Merryville to Nashville, I learned to walk, started school, learned to read.

1984: Ronald Reagan
1. I REMEMBER: nothing, again
2. I WAS: in first grade
3. DURING THAT 4 YEARS: I got my ears pierced, learned to ride a bike, started attending Scottsboro First Baptist Church, celebrated when my sister got married, cried when my mom went into the hospital for the first time (of many) in my life.

1988: George HW Bush
1. I REMEMBER: not a lot, except that I thought Dukakis was a funny name - yeah I know, really mature :)
2. I WAS: in fourth grade
3. DURING THAT 4 YEARS: We moved to Jackson, then back to Nashville, Dad fell on the jobsite and was in the hospital, celebrated when my neice Angela was born, cried when my dog Bear Baby died.

1992: Bill Clinton
1. I REMEMBER: that our school held a mock election and I was on Ross Perot's team.
2. I WAS: in 8th grade
3. DURING THAT FOUR YEARS: I started driving, was horribly rebellious towards my parents, had my first two boyfriends (who each contributed to my rebelliousness), won the geography bee at school, stopped going to church (due to my rebelliousness), then returned to church (due to God's gracious pursuit of me).

1996: Bill Clinton
1. I REMEMBER: being upset that I wasn't quite 18 yet and hence could not vote.
2. I WAS: in 12th grade.
3. DURING THAT 4 YEARS: Graduated High School, Started College, I lost my mom to the horrible consequences of diabetes, Truly committed my life to Christ, Grieved alongside my best friend when she lost her mom.

2000: George W. Bush
1. I REMEMBER: voting for the first time - yahoo!
2. I WAS: a senior in college.
3. DURING THAT 4 YEARS: Graduated College, Started my first teaching job, Was Baptized, Went on my first mission trip, Felt called to Missions, Moved to Louisville from Nashville, Started Seminary.

2004: George W. Bush
1. I REMEMBER: wondering if this would be my last election in the states or not.
2. I WAS: beginning seminary
3. DURING THAT 4 YEARS: Traveled to Jamaica, France, Peru, and Montana, Learned so much and grew so much in the LORD, Graduated Seminary, Got Married, Started teaching again.

Using that Seminary Degree

So, while I do LOVE my teaching job - part of me does at times feel bad about not being in full-time ministry during this period of waiting until James' graduates and we can go overseas, Lord willing. Anyway, today I realized that I am putting that M.Div to good use afterall.

Exhibit A: The first graders actually ask some rather deep questions about theology. Granted, they don't exactly know they are asking deep theological questions, they're just curious and wanting to know. But today alone I answered questions related to the Total Depravity of Man, Inherent Sin, Inherent Guilt, Propitiation, etc... Now, I will say I didn't use those exact terms in my answers for if I had, the first graders would have been slightly confused, but it was a deeply theological discussion nonetheless.

Exhibit B: Last Friday, Eduardo and the crew weren't able to make it to ESL so James and I took to the streets. We went to various companies frequented by hispanics to hang up ESL fliers. In God's faithful providence, we were able to connect with a lady who is an apartment manager of a predominently hispanic apartment complex. We followed her to the complex and had a converstaion with a Cuban-American there who doesn't have a clear understanding of salvation by faith in Christ alone. Please pray for Raul as the Lord deals with his heart.

Exhibit C: Working at a Christian school I am surrounded by Christ-centered conversations daily, particularly among the teachers at lunch-time. I am praying for more opportunities to encourage my fellow believers towards biblical womanhood.

So, I don't feel so bad afterall - I believe God is using this season of my life to show me that ministry doesn't have to be necessarily a paid/full-time position, but it should be something that characterizes my life and flows from what I do. I am grateful to the Lord for his faithful instruction and leading me to understanding this.

My new sweet baby - Jameson Andrew!

And here's the boy ...


What do you think about my little new baby Jackson?
MakeMeBabies.com - What will your baby look like?

My new sweet baby - Hadasseh Addene!

So according to this website, this is what James & I's little girl would look like. Not sure how accurate it is, but isn't she a cutie :)


What do you think about my little new baby Hadasseh?
MakeMeBabies.com - What will your baby look like?

One month later ...

I can't believe I haven't posted in a month - geez.





1) Happy Birthday to my Sister, Sharon!

2) I am LOVING teaching 1st grade. God has blessed me with an incredibly sweet group of students - they are eager to learn, loads of fun, and sssoooo energetic - I LOVE it!

3) Life is good - thanks for stopping in :)

Trusting God in Transitions

Last fall when I was preparing to graduate and knew James and I would be getting married the next Spring, I began sending out my resume to every school I found find contact info for in Louisville and nothing ... so when I was offered the full-time position at my current place of employment I gladly accepted.

Last Friday, I received a phone call from a school needing a first grade teacher. We met Friday afternoon, talked several times over the phone that weekend and met again last night. Viola! I am their new first grade teacher.

This position is such a blessing from the Lord in so many ways:

1. I will make there in 9 months what I make here all year. Which means even though they don't offer insurance, we'll be able to afford adding me to James' school policy.
2. I LOVE teaching and this is a job that will actually use my undergraduate degree.
3. I LOVE missions and this school is very missions-minded. They were begun my returned missions in 1924 and take 2 international trips each summer and do mission projects throughout the year. This will allow me to use my graduate degree!
4. The drive will be the same, so no extra gas expense.
5. The hours will be better - I'll be home by 3:30, 3:45 every afternoon verses 5:30, 5:45 - woo hoo!
6. Can we just even mention all the teacher holidays and Christmas breaks, Spring breaks - yeah :)

So for those of you who prayed so hard for me I thank you so much! Praise God who answers our prayers with exactly what we need!

Check out my new school.

Louisville

"The city of Louisville, Kentucky is an odd metro-suburban mix of stark industry and fine thoroughbreds and rock and roll fevers. It's a place with no labels. It's not the South, it's not Chicago, and you don't think of it as you think of New York or LA. It has some Southern romanticism to it, but also a Northern progressivism, this weird urban island in the middle of the state of Kentucky that has always provided a fertile, often dark, bed. Louisville and the surrounding areas are the center of massive creativity and massive weirdness. The place has its flaws: You move away, but you're always going to come back."- --My Morning Jacket

Newlyweds - 3 Months!

For our one month anniversary, I posted on 10 things I had learned about James in that previous month. Yesterday was our 3 month anniversary and as I reflect, I notice that God has taught me so much about myself, most of it is not pretty but I do have faith that He is working on me, using marriage for my good and his glory.

10. I am a domestic nerd. You know the term "domestic goddess" - yeah I will not claim to be one of those but; I am a domestic nerd. I make lists and calendars for everything! Presently there is an August calendar on the fridge with all the meals planned for the month AND I'm actually looking forward to planning for September.
9. According to James, I say certain words funny. Yeah, funny coming from the mountain man from WV. I can't recall the words right now, but I'll post on that later.
8. I have learned to enjoy Westerns. *Silence from the crowd* I know - crazy what you do for someone you love!
7. I have learned to like talking on the phone. James calls me randomly throughout the day. I have learned to enjoy and look forward to these little interruptions throughout the day.
6. I have no rhythm. So, I knew that before we got married, but James in his naive hope thought that perhaps I was being modest. Yeah right!
5. Deep down I really am a girl. I think I spent 29 years of my life being so independent, so self-reliant, that I'm almost denied being a girl. What I mean is, I was always trying to be tough - one in control. I'm learning how to lean on another - depend on him, which is strengthening my dependence on God. So all in all it's a very good thing :)
4. Apparently, I too snore and sometimes talk in my sleep. This, of course is according to James and I'll beleive it when I see documented proof!
3. I am a decent cook, sometimes - ha! With the exception of an undercooked pork loin and some burnt garlic bread, I've done pretty good so far, if I do say so myself.
2. I am very much loved. James loves me SOOO much - more than I ever thought a person could. He is always first to reconcile/forgive if we disagree. He constantly seeks ways to serve me and do little things for me. I am very loved!
1. I am much much more sinful than I had ever thought before. Yes, so some of you may be thinking, "yeah we knew that!" But seriously, living with another human 24/7, particularly in the close relationship of husband and wife, I have learned that my selfishness, stubborness, pride, tendencey towards self-reliance and independence, controlling nature, etc... run much deeper than I had ever imagined. I am thankful to God for pointing out to my sin and am trusting that He will continue to shape and mold me into the person he wants me to be!

Post about Nothing

I really don't have anything to say ... sad huh? So here's some random things running through my head.

• I wish our sad little rabbit ears picked up NBC so I could watch the Olympics ... oh well.
• This week we're driving to South Point OH for James' aunt's birthday - fun times - I'm very excited. AND we got her a super cute gift :)
• School starts next week for James ... so he'll then be super busy reading, studying, etc ... I really need to get on that reading list of my own.
• I wish I could have gotten a teaching job this fall, but I'm trusting God to provide and making the best of my current job in the meantime.
• I really like my new ESL student - she's very smart, eager to learn, and sweet.
• I need a hair cut, badly.
• I bought new shoes and some new shirts this past weekend - woo hoo!
• Free Dessert night at Marks' Feed Store is great, except when you stuff dessert on top of an already full of BBQ belly, then it's not so great.

That's about all folks ...

Pray for Courtney

Courtney's mom lost her battle with cancer on Saturday evening. While I grieve for Courtney's loss, I join her in rejoicing over her mother's faith in Christ and his salvation. Below is an email from Courtney announcing her mother's passing. The funeral is tomorrow, please remember her family in your prayers.

No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life’s first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from his hands
Til he returns, or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand

Mom passed away August 9, 2008 at 7:00pm. She waited until after Tabetha returned from her graduation in Atlanta. I can only imagine what she is seeing now, but I know that she has heard the words “Well done, thy good and faithful servant.” She is laying her crowns at the feet of Jesus and He is showing her the mansion He built for her when He ascended into heaven. Mom is home and for this we rejoice.

The words above are from the song, “In Christ Alone” written by Stuart Townend and Keith Getty. It is one of my personal favorites and recently it has reminded me of Mom and her life. She lived in the power of Christ, with the knowledge that death had no hold on her. The power of Christ in her was to have no guilt in life, nor fear in death. Dad, Tabetha, David, Granny, Granddaddy, Uncle Paul, Aunt Ann, and I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that we will see Mom again. We will be reunited with her in Heaven and she is already experiencing what we all dream of. We rejoice that she is in Heaven. We also mourn the fact that we will never again have the joy of her presence here on Earth.

We already miss her dearly, and though we are comforted in our grounded Hope we are also saddened that this world has lost a truly wonderful person. Our prayer is that each of you will join us in worshipping our Father and Savior in eternity. Since we, as a family, first learned of Mom’s illness we trusted God had a perfect plan and that He was in complete control. My personal prayer is that you have been able to experience the peace and joy that Mom had in life. Please do not go another day without the assurance that you will spend eternity with God in Heaven. As we have learned, there are no promises of tomorrow.

On July 28, 2007 we had no knowledge of cancer. Mom had been given a clean bill of health in June and she had recently hiked a mountain. July 29, 2007 we learned that Mom had tumors in her brain and her prognosis was grim. If there is one thing that we can all learn from this fact, it is that our life is a “vapor” and there will come a day when we have to face our eternity. Will you be ready like Mom was? Do you have no guilt in life, no fear in death because you stand in the power of Christ?

Pray for Courtney and her mom

Please pray for my friend, Courtney and her mom.

Courtney's mom was diagnosed with brain cancer last year and Courtney subsequently moved back home and has been her mother's primary care giver since then. It would appear that her mother's last days are coming and the Hospice workers have told them to "prepare".

Good News is that Courtney's mom is a believer - so please pray for comfort, as little pain as possible, and wonderful times with her family these last days. Pray for Courtney, her dad, her sister, brother-in-law, and nephew as they minister to her - ask that the Lord would give them strength and courage and be able to be there for her.

Check out their blog here.

If you want to be a Watermelon

This Sunday, the youth came over for "National Watermelon Day"

Watermelon
Seed Spitting Contest

Steal the Watermelon

"Watermelon" Toss


Eating Contest

Group Pic

After the Watermelon Party, we went to visit A,
from our Sunday School class who is recovering from spine surgery.
We had a Watermelon Party in her hospital room :)

Up for the Challenge

30 Day Husband-Encouragement Challenge.

So technically I'm on day three, but slightly behind on posting to brag about my sweet husband - oops!

Proverbs 31:11-12 "The heart of her husband safely trusts, so he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil all the days of her life."

It is my prayer and desire to be this kind of wife. Sadly I can say that in our 2 1/2 months married, I haven't consistently done this. I think being 29 and having lived on my own for 7 years has made me obstinant in many areas - ha! Sadly it truly is no laughing matter as marriage calls you to put away any selfish desires or independent thinking and truly think/live for the two of you. So I am intentionally seeking ways to do him good, to build more trust, to encourage him in all his endeavors, and to be more gentle.

Galatians 5:13b "Through love serve one another"

James is a master at loving me through service. Whether it's small things like opening the door, or bigger things like fixing my car - he is always eager to do things for me.

I Corinthians 13:4 "Love suffers long and is kind."

Philippians 4:19 "And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."

James is very considerate of my needs, usually quite sensitive. He tries to be proactive in doing things that will help me and is always willing to help when I ask him to.

Cusco

Machu Picchu

Peru Sneak Peak

(click to enlarge)

More Peru Prayer Requests

Pray that God will send other teams to minister and share the gospel with the people of Cuzco, Peru.

Praise God for the workd that he is doing among the people of Cuzco, Peru and the workd that is still to come.

Ask God to teach you ways to go, give, and share in mission opportunities in the future.

Pictures coming soon!

Peru Prayer Request #14

The team is returning home! Pray for safe travel and opportunities for them to share about their trip.