Ok folks...so, read Acts 19. Watch this video. Enjoy...sorry about the wind and bouncy camera...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuDjyQ-Cv6o&feature=youtu.be
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Friday, January 25, 2013
A Convicting Contradiction
Contradiction. The words carries such weight and negativity. I make a comment you contradict it. You say I am wrong. I disagree and respond to your contradiction with one of my own.
I am sitting here in Kushadasi nearby ancient Ephesus, getting ready to go out for one final day of work before I head back to base in Antalya. A few minutes ago, I was listening to the Aegean pounding on the rocks outside of my room and praying quietly, enjoying my moment in the morning.
Then began the contradiction...but it is not quiet as you might think...
For those of you not familiar with Islam, the call to prayer, broadcast by speaker from every mosque, rolls across the land every day. So, as I sat there praying, the call echoed across the water, bounced off the same rocks, and reached my ears. Two different beliefs, two different prayers rising in two totally different ways. A bit of a contradiction, but not the one that struck me like a blow to the face...no, this one has much more import and is much more convicting...
The call to prayer happens yet some simply ignore it. It is supposed to be a rallying cry, to call a people to prayer and worship and action, yet it is met by some with passivity and inaction. A contradiction.
And then came the convicting part...is this true in my life? At times have I become so used to the "norm" of my belief that I simply ignore it? At times have I met God's call or urging in my life with half-hearted enthusiasm, or passivity, or even inaction? Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not doubting myself horribly, just struck with the reality that I cannot be half-hearted, passive, or inactive.
A convicting contradiction.
My life cannot be directed by lip-service and good deeds. It is an affair of the heart, a rooted desire for the things of God that bubbles up from the deepest wellsprings of my spirit. Quiet simply, this belief, it is all or nothing. For if it is nothing...then why even bother to pretend?
I am sitting here in Kushadasi nearby ancient Ephesus, getting ready to go out for one final day of work before I head back to base in Antalya. A few minutes ago, I was listening to the Aegean pounding on the rocks outside of my room and praying quietly, enjoying my moment in the morning.
Then began the contradiction...but it is not quiet as you might think...
For those of you not familiar with Islam, the call to prayer, broadcast by speaker from every mosque, rolls across the land every day. So, as I sat there praying, the call echoed across the water, bounced off the same rocks, and reached my ears. Two different beliefs, two different prayers rising in two totally different ways. A bit of a contradiction, but not the one that struck me like a blow to the face...no, this one has much more import and is much more convicting...
The call to prayer happens yet some simply ignore it. It is supposed to be a rallying cry, to call a people to prayer and worship and action, yet it is met by some with passivity and inaction. A contradiction.
And then came the convicting part...is this true in my life? At times have I become so used to the "norm" of my belief that I simply ignore it? At times have I met God's call or urging in my life with half-hearted enthusiasm, or passivity, or even inaction? Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not doubting myself horribly, just struck with the reality that I cannot be half-hearted, passive, or inactive.
A convicting contradiction.
My life cannot be directed by lip-service and good deeds. It is an affair of the heart, a rooted desire for the things of God that bubbles up from the deepest wellsprings of my spirit. Quiet simply, this belief, it is all or nothing. For if it is nothing...then why even bother to pretend?
Monday, January 21, 2013
Wind and Rain...and what Comes After
This place brings to mind the journey of my heart. It makes me think of the grace of God. It reminds me of promises and assurances...you may not be tracking with me on this, and that's all right. Regardless of that, the pictures you see below will hopefully amaze you.
It rains here. A lot. At least it does right now. Winter here in Turkey, especially on the southern coast, is the rainy season...and when I say rainy, do I ever mean it. We've had three torrential downpours in the past two weeks. A few nights ago, I woke up around 3 in the morning to lightening flashing across the sky, thunder echoing between the buildings, rain and hail pounding on my window. I lay awake just listening to the raging winds howling through the streets.
It made me think of the turmoil that can come to my heart. The anxieties and fears that one would not expect, or ones that one might expect, can come and surprise you when you least expect it.
I took a walk in the rain the other night, as I do...rather often (LOVE the rain). This time, I was struck with the power of the storm...and also the One who makes them. This time, I didn't think of struggles, but I saw the power and majesty of the wind. I walked down to the Mediterranean soaked to the skin, grinning all the way. I couldn't see 20 feet in front of my face. Palm trees were bent almost double, the wind whipped the water around. At the base of the cliff I was next to I could hear the pounding of the waves smashing against the rocks. I was in awe.
...is totally worth weathering it.
It rains here. A lot. At least it does right now. Winter here in Turkey, especially on the southern coast, is the rainy season...and when I say rainy, do I ever mean it. We've had three torrential downpours in the past two weeks. A few nights ago, I woke up around 3 in the morning to lightening flashing across the sky, thunder echoing between the buildings, rain and hail pounding on my window. I lay awake just listening to the raging winds howling through the streets.
It made me think of the turmoil that can come to my heart. The anxieties and fears that one would not expect, or ones that one might expect, can come and surprise you when you least expect it.
I took a walk in the rain the other night, as I do...rather often (LOVE the rain). This time, I was struck with the power of the storm...and also the One who makes them. This time, I didn't think of struggles, but I saw the power and majesty of the wind. I walked down to the Mediterranean soaked to the skin, grinning all the way. I couldn't see 20 feet in front of my face. Palm trees were bent almost double, the wind whipped the water around. At the base of the cliff I was next to I could hear the pounding of the waves smashing against the rocks. I was in awe.
Storms can be cleansing. Natural ones wash the streets clean, bring life to the flora, and nourishment to the fauna. Internal storms can wash away fear and anxiety when you place your trust and hope in the One who is the giver of life. As struggles come, as storms blow about you, the are a chance for growth and strength and self-examination. Becuase what comes after a storm...
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Late night...Day 2
It is 12:43 in the morning. In the states, 5:43 (although by the time I wrote that it is now 12:44 and 5:44 respectively...but you get the idea).
I'm sitting here by myself in an empty apartment/office. Cars are whizzing by behind me, every now and then a police car zips past, blue lights flashing as they are want to do. Across the street is an old stadium. Above the stadium, were it not dark, are vistas of snow capped mountains. Between here and there...the glistening bay, letting out into the Mediterranean. It is crisp here, a little warmer than home, but once the sun sets, things change drastically. There is little insulation, no heat to speak of except a few space heaters and lined crocs (my first pair ever...does my man card get pulled for that? I'm not sure). I've already picked up a few words of Turkish. Really heady stuff. Merhaba evet saool tesekkur ederim taksi sul domates. For those of you who don't speak fluent Turkish...I just said: Hello, yes, thanks, thank you, taxi, water, tomatoes. Like I said, heady stuff.
Out of my comfort zone? Yeah. A bit. It is kind of a shock when you the first conversation you recognize anything in (other than one you are having) is in German...and you still can't understand what was said. You just know it is not Turkish. Or English. Or Chinese.
Met a wonderful lady named Joy who is helping out for a few weeks. Her name, fits her personality. Full. Of. Joy. We both discovered that I can walk straight through every door in the place without ducking, except for the bathroom. Or WC. Already bopped my head once...and only in a test. Hopefully I won't walk into it straight on at night or I might knock my block clean off.
Met another lady named Kate who works mapping and trying to preserve ancient sites here in Turkey. We talked about the OLDEST known man-made structure in the world...which I forget the name of. They believe it predates stone hedge. Sorry to all my British pals.
This is mostly just an update to let y'all know what goes on...more will follow soon but I've been struck with something multiple times since I got here: generosity. I was at a market today and a man was about to check out with about fifteen items, his arms were loaded. I walked up with my professor (hereafter referred to as Prof) with two things and he let us go first. Mind you, you may have seen that happen when you have been to a grocery store in the states...but did it happen the first time you ever walked into a store? What are the odds? Seriously. Now add to that. As we were finishing an elderly gentleman walked up...and the man, still juggling his fifteen items let HIM go before him as WELL! I dare you, I dare myself, do that for someone the next time you go to a grocery store.
Beyond this, God continues to work on me. Refinement is a long process. There is a lot. I have a lot I need to pray about. A lot to think about. A lot to observe. All requiring a LOT of trust. Trust and obedience.
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
This has been update numero uno from Turkey...or numara bir.
Praying for you all
Grace and peace
I'm sitting here by myself in an empty apartment/office. Cars are whizzing by behind me, every now and then a police car zips past, blue lights flashing as they are want to do. Across the street is an old stadium. Above the stadium, were it not dark, are vistas of snow capped mountains. Between here and there...the glistening bay, letting out into the Mediterranean. It is crisp here, a little warmer than home, but once the sun sets, things change drastically. There is little insulation, no heat to speak of except a few space heaters and lined crocs (my first pair ever...does my man card get pulled for that? I'm not sure). I've already picked up a few words of Turkish. Really heady stuff. Merhaba evet saool tesekkur ederim taksi sul domates. For those of you who don't speak fluent Turkish...I just said: Hello, yes, thanks, thank you, taxi, water, tomatoes. Like I said, heady stuff.
Out of my comfort zone? Yeah. A bit. It is kind of a shock when you the first conversation you recognize anything in (other than one you are having) is in German...and you still can't understand what was said. You just know it is not Turkish. Or English. Or Chinese.
Met a wonderful lady named Joy who is helping out for a few weeks. Her name, fits her personality. Full. Of. Joy. We both discovered that I can walk straight through every door in the place without ducking, except for the bathroom. Or WC. Already bopped my head once...and only in a test. Hopefully I won't walk into it straight on at night or I might knock my block clean off.
Met another lady named Kate who works mapping and trying to preserve ancient sites here in Turkey. We talked about the OLDEST known man-made structure in the world...which I forget the name of. They believe it predates stone hedge. Sorry to all my British pals.
This is mostly just an update to let y'all know what goes on...more will follow soon but I've been struck with something multiple times since I got here: generosity. I was at a market today and a man was about to check out with about fifteen items, his arms were loaded. I walked up with my professor (hereafter referred to as Prof) with two things and he let us go first. Mind you, you may have seen that happen when you have been to a grocery store in the states...but did it happen the first time you ever walked into a store? What are the odds? Seriously. Now add to that. As we were finishing an elderly gentleman walked up...and the man, still juggling his fifteen items let HIM go before him as WELL! I dare you, I dare myself, do that for someone the next time you go to a grocery store.
Beyond this, God continues to work on me. Refinement is a long process. There is a lot. I have a lot I need to pray about. A lot to think about. A lot to observe. All requiring a LOT of trust. Trust and obedience.
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
This has been update numero uno from Turkey...or numara bir.
Praying for you all
Grace and peace
Thursday, January 3, 2013
New Things
So it begins..
Some of you know this, some of you don't, some may have forgotten...some won't even read this. :) Such is the reality of the electronic age.
I am leaving to go to Turkey. For just under 4 months. Tuesday in fact. Next Tuesday. I'll be finishing my thesis, working in a research center, and working with both non-Turks and Turks alike, outside of the school stuff.
I'm amazed by the fact that I am under a week of way from this undertaking, of which so much is still uncertain. Beyond Turkey, even MORE is uncertain. What I am learning is that "uncertainty" is not a bad thing, it is not a fearful thing, it is not a harmful thing. In fact it can be a very good thing for it requires a reliance on someone larger than yourself. Some folks might say something, I say someone...someone with a capitol S. "Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act." ~ Psalm 37:5
It is sobering. I am leaving all that I know and find comfortable to go live overseas. I know that it isn't permanent, that Lord willing I will come back, but I don't want to live or become lost in longing wrongly for the day when I return. If I did, would I have ever really left? Worse still, would I have been relying and trusting on God to sustain and guide me? I think not.
As I sit here surrounded by the few things I will be packing into a suitcase and lugging 5000 miles away, I am struck by God's faithfulness. I am learning that patience and prayer are essential. I am learning that pro-activity is not the same as ANY-activity. His ways are not my ways. "Many plans are in a man's heart, but the counsel of the Lord will stand." ~ Proverbs 19:21. I choose to follow Him in all I do.
I've had a song stuck in my head for a few days, one that sums up my thoughts fairly well.
Here I am Lord
Is it I Lord
I have heard You calling in the night
I will go Lord
If You lead me
I will hold Your people in my heart
That is my prayer. For myself, and for all of you.
Some of you know this, some of you don't, some may have forgotten...some won't even read this. :) Such is the reality of the electronic age.
I am leaving to go to Turkey. For just under 4 months. Tuesday in fact. Next Tuesday. I'll be finishing my thesis, working in a research center, and working with both non-Turks and Turks alike, outside of the school stuff.
I'm amazed by the fact that I am under a week of way from this undertaking, of which so much is still uncertain. Beyond Turkey, even MORE is uncertain. What I am learning is that "uncertainty" is not a bad thing, it is not a fearful thing, it is not a harmful thing. In fact it can be a very good thing for it requires a reliance on someone larger than yourself. Some folks might say something, I say someone...someone with a capitol S. "Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act." ~ Psalm 37:5
It is sobering. I am leaving all that I know and find comfortable to go live overseas. I know that it isn't permanent, that Lord willing I will come back, but I don't want to live or become lost in longing wrongly for the day when I return. If I did, would I have ever really left? Worse still, would I have been relying and trusting on God to sustain and guide me? I think not.
As I sit here surrounded by the few things I will be packing into a suitcase and lugging 5000 miles away, I am struck by God's faithfulness. I am learning that patience and prayer are essential. I am learning that pro-activity is not the same as ANY-activity. His ways are not my ways. "Many plans are in a man's heart, but the counsel of the Lord will stand." ~ Proverbs 19:21. I choose to follow Him in all I do.
I've had a song stuck in my head for a few days, one that sums up my thoughts fairly well.
Here I am Lord
Is it I Lord
I have heard You calling in the night
I will go Lord
If You lead me
I will hold Your people in my heart
That is my prayer. For myself, and for all of you.
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