God's Not Dead

On Good Friday, I was with my sister and niece at the movies watching God’s Not Dead. It was a bit of a juxtapose considering that Good Friday is the remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. I did not know much about it going in, so I was pleasantly surprised.

A college freshman is challenged by his philosophy professor to write on a piece of paper that God is Dead, and sign his name. Everyone else is the class does, but he holds to his conviction as a Christian, he cannot do this. He gets a variety of advice, from just sign the paper, its only a piece of paper,  to drop the class, but almost no one encourages him to accept the challenge. The local pastor asks him how many students are in the class and does he think they will ever set foot in a church.  Maybe this is there time to hear.

Josh (the student) takes the challenge and has 3 - 20 minutes sessions in class to convince his classmates that God’s not dead. He is putting all kinds of time and effort into this as well as prayer time  to the detriment of his other classes.

Based on the title you can probably see where the movie is going, somewhat predictable with a few twists to keep it interesting. However, I would recommend you go and see it for yourself. Support faith based films, so we can see more of them.

It got me thinking about my life and ministry. One of the things I learned as a missionary it that there is no separation between life and being a Christian. God brings me opportunities, that allow me to rise to the occasion and live out my faith. Some of you might think well that's great you are a missionary, isn’t it your job?

Yes and no, we are all called to be missionaries, to share the gospel with the lost world around us. The test lies in my day to day life; is it different so as to create the opening or moment where that conversation can begin or continue.

I thought about this idea all weekend, as I went to Good Friday service and then Easter service, and ultimately to the park with my extended family, which is our tradition. One of the things I realized is that I have a harder time stepping up to meet the opportunity here in the US, then when I lived in Cambodia.

Just Sunday at the park, I missed the opportunity to lead my family in prayer over the food and the day. I just wanted to sit back and enjoy the day, good food, interaction with family members. Even though I prayed for my own food, I missed a huge opening. I’m not perfect, actually far from it, but I do know one thing for sure.

God’s Not Dead.

Puzzles

Over Thanksgiving weekend I traveled to some friends house about 3 hours away.  It is a funny thing when you travel away from home; you allow yourself to take time to rest and relax, but do not seem to do so when you are at home. Why is that?



Through out the weekend we ate turkey and ham multiple times, played games and had a puzzle set out.  There were quiet times of reading, raucous times of games out doors with the kids and then, some good old fashioned card playing.

But as the weekend went on, almost everyone sat down and spent some time working on fitting in puzzle pieces. It was 1000 pieces and nearly completed by the time I had to leave to go home.

Yes, I like puzzles. They give me time to think and focus on something, which frees my brain from day to day, activities.  It works much like a reset button.  I get lost in the task and allow the stresses of daily life to drift away.

However, this puzzle set me to thinking.  Typically I do them by myself, but this one had many hands working on it.  There were multiple theories on how to approach it. Like, a friend who never looks at the box, or another who does not begin with the edge pieces, or myself who ferrets out the corners first.

The picture came together slowly, because there were parts that were being assembled outside the frame.  When one of those was placed, the picture became fuller and progress was seen.  I think one of the things I so enjoy about puzzles is the sense of accomplishment; when you get that one piece you have been looking for and it fits into its spot.

But in the past, I have had puzzles where it was hard to tell if the piece fit or not.  On those occasions, I usually had misplaced a piece or two, which caused frustration, as I could not find the piece that fit next.

My thoughts were about how a puzzle is like life.  Sometimes as I move along, I think I see the picture clearly and how a specific piece fits into the whole.  But on occasion, I am mistaken and it takes awhile to find the incorrect piece and get back on track.  So often the picture is not clear.

However Jeremiah 29:11 tells us that God he has a plan for us and it is for a hope and future.  Yes, that has been a comforting thought over the years.

It is like working a puzzle with no box.  I think the box makes it easier, but the accomplishment without the box is much greater still.  Life is like a puzzle without the box.  The picture unfolds in bits and pieces.  When we find that perfect fit, it is a day of exceeding happiness.

How is your life like a puzzle?

Hanoi, Vietnam

[caption id="attachment_153" align="alignright" width="150"] Aerial View[/caption]

I arrived in Hanoi Tuesday night after a one and half hour flight from Phnom Penh.  The airport is way across town, so I was glad that I had arranged for airport pick up with the hostel where I was staying, it made the transition so much easier.

I love staying in hostels, when I can book a single room.  I am not so much of a person who likes to share a dorm room, and I have a bit more money than the average backpacker.

But sitting in the hostel, allows me to meet some of the most interesting young people, and not so young who are travelling around for extended periods.  They have wonderful stories to tell and info to share on where to go and what to do, and the approximate costs.

The Little Hanoi Hostel has proven to be a hotbed of info and stories.  When I travel often it is by myself so this is a time of good interaction, because I do not speak Vietnamese so the interaction with the locals is limited.

[caption id="attachment_155" align="alignleft" width="150"] Lake in the center of Hanoi[/caption]

Hanoi is surprisingly low rise.  It reminds me of Phnom Penh when I first came in 2000.  I would say the typical building is 5 stories tall with a few beyond that in the business center.

I am staying in the old quarter and it is filled with skinny buildings that house businesses on the bottom floor and homes above.  However they are even narrower than the buildings in Cambodia.   There is no consistency in architecture, so there are really nice buildings intermixed with literal shacks.

It has been awhile since I have been anywhere that I did not have some of the language, so the inability to communicate is frustrating.  I constantly want to respond in Khmer, but no one here will speak that language because we are approximately 1000 kms north of the Cambodia border.

[caption id="attachment_157" align="alignright" width="150"] Me at the Happy Coffee Bean - doing some writing[/caption]

Today I took a cyclo ride.  This is one of the many things the French introduced to French Indochina.  We are seeing less and less cyclos in Phnom Penh, because Tuk Tuks have taken over, but here I have yet to see a Tuk Tuk so the cyclo is alive and well as a transportation option.  We used to call them the Cambodian pick up truck, because they can haul just about anything. (including entire dining room sets)

One of the things I am enjoying is the amount of Vespas on the street. So many old ones intermixed with the new ones.  I finally found a shop and was able to buy a few accessories for my Vespa in the States.

I am off on a 3 day 2 night cruise of Halong Bay, will check in again after that portion of my trip.

40 & Single - The Reality

Sometimes in the church I feel like I am looked upon as lesser, because I do not have a husband or children.  But other times I am esteemed like many other single missionary ladies of the past and present.  I would have to say that I am happy with my life and singleness about 80% of the time.  However, I do not believe that married women are happy with their lives 100% of the time either.  It probably works out about the same.

[caption id="attachment_139" align="alignright" width="183"] Singleness is a not a state of mind[/caption]

The single journey really began for me, when one night at a Bible study with 4 of my favorite girl friends, we committed to becoming the Godly Women, that would be ready to meet that special man, when the time came.  For me that was in my early thirties.

Little did I know as I undertook trying to discern and live a life that would lead me to that goal, that I would end up as a missionary.  In my life missionaries were those old guys in fat ties, (when skinny ties were popular) who showed slides and told stories of people very far away.  How could that possibly be relevant to me?  Kind of the same way I wondered how the verse that talks about never eating food offered to idols worked in day-to-day life.

But when I was 34 I read Jeremiah 33:3, which says, “call out to me and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.”  It is so very true.  Here I am nearly fourteen years later, living in Cambodia, being fairly confident of the fact that if I had married, I would never have found my way here. This has been the greatest adventure of my life.

The hardest thing to do was to let go of finding a husband and trust that to God and his timing.  Sure there are times when I have been lonely, and wished someone was there to walk with me on a day-by-day basis.  But it is in those times God, has proved his faithfulness. I always think about the song, In the Garden, which starts like this:

I come to the garden alone


While the dew is still on the roses


And the voice I hear falling on my ear


The Son of God discloses.

 

And He walks with me,

And He talks with me,


And He tells me I am His own;


And the joy we share as we tarry there,

None other has ever known.

 

As I look forward and listen for God’s voice, I wonder what mystery he will unravel, where this journey will take us next.  Singleness is a box on a form, not a state of mind.

I have always depended on the kindness of strangers

“I have always depended on the kindness of strangers.” Is a famous quote from the Tennessee Williams play A Streetcar Named Desire.

After a day in yesterday, where I got plenty of rest and reading accomplished, I needed to get out.  I seem to write better at coffee shops.  Which is a real misnomer, considering I am a tea drinker or connoisseur, as I like to call myself.  Here in Cambodia the choices are limited, so I typically stick with English Breakfast when I want a black tea.

This morning I went to one of my favorite spots Spinellis and placed my order only to be told that they are out of English Breakfast tea.  What?  I thought. The delightful girl behind the counter made me aware of the alternatives.  None of which was sounding good.

[caption id="attachment_134" align="alignright" width="266"] English Breakfast tea @ Spinellis[/caption]

(Which made me want to hire her for my restaurant, because this is a rare quality in a Cambodian employee)

So, I was just kind of standing there, when a man walked up and gave me an individually wrapped English Breakfast tea bag.  I was a bit stunned.  Thanked him and he told me where he purchased them.

I realized that I have stopped depending on the kindness of strangers.  Here in Cambodia, it is a dog eat dog kind of place.  Even in driving you had better be looking out for yourself, because no one else will.

I was blessed by a simple act. Then it dawned on me that not only had I stopped relying on kindness, but I had stopped giving it as well.  As I drank my tea, which I thoroughly enjoyed, I mused on this topic.

My conclusion is, I can only see the world through my perspective, but I can choose to change my behavior, which changes my outlook.  There is lots of talk about worldview, and yes we see the world differently, but if we want the world to be different, it requires action.

Today I was blessed by the kindness of a stranger, and I plan to pay it forward.

When was the last time you did something unexpected for someone else?

Not Wrong Just Different

Recently, I hired a new house helper, after having the last one for nearly 3 years.  It has taken some training and getting used to each other as we find a routine for the days she is here.

[caption id="attachment_131" align="alignright" width="266"] I know what you are thinking it is just different[/caption]

Not too long ago I bought a couple of rugs like this.

After the first day of Serey working, I came home and found all three of the rugs like this.  I know that I have been living here for quite some time because I just laughed and turned them around.

I also knew what she was thinking.  You need the bigger part of the rug to wipe your feet so why would you put that next to the wall where it is hard to use.  Which she confirmed when I asked her.  Actually she was probably thinking foreigners, doesn’t she know that rugs are rectangular?

Today September 12th marks my 13^th year anniversary of being in Cambodia.   If I have learned anything in that time, it is the phrase, “It’s not wrong, just different.”

Being an American it has been a difficult lesson to learn, because I was raised with self-confidence and a work ethic that there is right and wrong.  Yes, there is right and wrong when it comes to morals, laws, etc..   But how the rug is placed on the floor; does it really matter?  Are looks more important than function?

Moving to a new country requires the mindset of a learner.  Things are done here the way my mom taught me.  I have had to be taught and trained like a small child.  If I am not fully vested in the process then, it falls apart really quickly.

It made me think of new Christians.  They come to church so eager and excited, and those of us who have been at this Christian thing for quite some time, can be the biggest killjoys.  They are trying to absorb, learn and grow, when we often want to set them straight.  Why not teach and train them?  They could be the next Billy Graham.

I have to check myself after this many years; I have to remind myself that I still have lots to learn about Cambodia, its culture and people.  I have just as much to learn about Jesus, and how to be in this world and not of this world.

Things around me are not wrong just different, and I need a learner’s attitude to ask the questions and engage the culture so I can function and flourish.  That does not make me a native, but and interested sojourner in this place at this time.

It teaches me lessons; I get to take with me on the journey.  Missions is not a destination it is a journey.

When was the last time you approached something from the attitude of a learner?  Was the result different than when you are sure you know it all?

 

 

Liebster Award

I was recently nominated for The Liebster Award by the author of wheresthescript Chris Bowman.  A friend from Phnom Penh, who now lives in Australia. 

What is that you ask? 
 The Liebster Award is a chance for smaller blogs to promote and endorse other great small blogs!

Here’s the deal: 
My “nomination” came with a list of 11 questions for me to answer. 
Next I choose up to 11 other small blogs to bestow a Liebster upon,
and write a list of 11 questions for them to answer as their own Liebster acceptance.

 

So here are my answers:

1. If you could have dinner with three of your heroes (from anytime in history), who would they be?

The Apostle Paul, Anne Frank & Elizabeth Dole – a woman who made her mark in politics – all the way to running for President

2. What’s your go-to Karaoke track?

The Mamas & The Papas – California Dreamin’

3. What got you blogging in the first place?

If I had not become a missionary where I had to write to stay connected to my supporters and churches I probably would never have realized how much I like writing but I would say my friend Michelle kept encouraging me to do National Write a Novel in a Month and it just naturally followed from there.

4. If you could interview anyone, who would you choose?

That is an easy one – Barbara Streisand.  I think she is amazing – she acts, sings, directs movies, is politically active, even though I don’ t agree with her politics it would make for a great interview

5. What’s the first thing that you think of when you wake up? (For me, its where’s the snooze button and can I reach it?)


         Another day another dollar – it is something my grandpa used to say, and it kind of just stuck with me, and me reminds me of him.

6. What’s your dream job?

This has changed so many times over the years, but right now I would have to say being an Author.  I truly enjoy writing and getting better at my craft, but I love to learn and that is part of that passion, is what fuels the output of writing.

7. If you could live in any point in history, which would you choose?

I know this sounds a bit crazy, but I think WWII Europe – I have always thought I was born on the wrong continent – I should have been European (I love to sit around drinking wine or tea and discuss religion and politics) – I think people rose to the occasion through difficult circumstance to be the best or the worst of humanity.  I often wonder if I would have been heroic or meek and quiet – hopefully the first.

8. Which writer/journalist/blogger has most influenced you as a writer?

Maeve Binchy – She is Irish and she knew people and could describe relationships in a way no one I know does.  But my favorite book is As the Crow Flies by Jeffrey Archer.

9. Why did the chicken cross the road? (Really…I need to know).


         No, idea – I have not often seen chickens run in a straight line, so it was probably on accident as they wandered around.

10. When was the last time you laughed?

While writing the answer to the above question – I love to laugh, and many things strike me as funny and others just look at me, with that questioning look.

11. What blog post of your own are you most proud of and why?

Time Does it Fly or Walk?   It helped me to communicate what has been the biggest change in me since coming to Cambodia.

My Nominations are:

Michelle Knowlden Writes: This is my friend that has been a constant source of encouragement on writing – she writes about mysteries, writing and engineering

My favorite post is : The Teahouse from Dushanbe

 

The Sabbath Journey:  This is a friend from Phnom Penh, who is taking a year sabbatical and is documenting her thoughts.

My favorite post is :  Magic

 

Nominee Questions:

1. What is your favorite season, and activity for that season?


2. If you could interview anyone who would it be and where would you conduct the interview?


3. Which Bible character do you most relate to?


4. What inspires you the most?


5. What places are on your list to visit?


6. What were you like in High School?


7. What/who made you want to write/blog?


8. What is your Dream Job?


9. If you could go back to college, would you change your degree if so to what?


10. What piece of advice would you give a younger you?


11. What is your favorite all time movie?

Time does it Fly or Walk?

Time - Does it Fly or Walk

I was asked the other day what I like most about living in Cambodia.  The answer is quick and easy, the pace of life.  The question asker looked at me a bit puzzled so I started to explain.

In America we talk about time flying by, but in Cambodia they talk about how time walks.  She was still a bit perplexed. I continued, it is a matter of worldview.  In America time is money, which makes it so very valuable to us.  In Cambodia time is plentiful but people are important. So, their day to day, moment to moment choices are different.  Often I want to think that it is wrong, but when I embraced the saying it is not wrong just different, I opened myself up to chance to join in and try something different.

Appointments get pushed off if you are with someone right now.  Whatever you are doing right now is more important than the next thing.  You will deal with the next thing next.  I will freely admit that in the beginning this idea nearly drove me mad.  It always seemed like I was the one waiting around.  When my Cambodian friends would show up and I was annoyed they would look at me with that “What?” expression, not even a shoulder shrug, with no concern that they might be 30 minutes or more late for something.

It took a couple of years for me to ease into this mind set.  I will honestly admit, it was a difficult transition, but one that I am happy I made. I live a much slower life focused on people and relationship rather then the almighty day planner.  Freedom is what I have found. The freedom to choose this moment, not be so focused on the next that I miss this one.  Freedom to pursue relationships, by having an hour and a half lunch.

The main difference I see is in the approach to the day.  I schedule things for the day, but I limit them to 2 or 3 things, not something for each hour slot.  The day flows, I accomplish my main tasks most of the time, but I spend time on the things that really matter people, me included.

One of the first things I noticed when I came to Cambodia is that the crescent moon is on the bottom, where in Southern California it is on the side.  It is a visual reminder to me that Cambodians see the world differently than I do.

I have come closer to their way of thinking, but my Americanness continues to win out sometimes.  Especially, when it comes to consumerism.  I have that urge to buy the newest, biggest & brightest thing.  Where Cambodians are reuse, make do or do with out types.

Again they have been the teachers and I the student.  Pace of life is part of what makes it good, simple and easy.  I have always said that life is a daily adventure and living overseas, has made it better and challenged my worldview.  I believe I now have the best of both viewpoints.

How has your worldview been challenged recently?