This morning I was reading a student's report about the development of the transcontinental railroad in the United States in the 1860's. He shared the information that it was in 1862 that President Abraham Lincoln signed an act to support the railroad's development. As I read this I was struck by the implications of such an act.
First of all, this was during the American Civil War and secondly it was only a few years before Lincoln was assassinated. As I pondered on this I couldn't help wonder how many of us allow ourselves to make important decisions about tomorrow when our today might be filled with havoc.
Granted, Lincoln had no idea his life would be cut short, but he certainly had no guarantees that a railroad could be built during a war or that the US would still be a nation when the railroad would finally be finished, and yet he did have Hope.
He had hope in the nation, hope that there would be people to benefit from such a decision. He did have a vision for a better tomorrow. No matter the wars, literal or figurative, that rage around us we should have hope for tomorrow.
We can plan for a better future for our children, ourselves, our church, our community, our nation, etc.
Advent begins November 29th. Advent is a time of preparing for Christ's coming. I guess you could say God was a visionary. He had stopped talking to His people for hundreds of years but planned for a better future by sending Jesus. During Advent Christians are encouraged to prepare their hearts, minds, and souls for when we remember Jesus' birth.
The weeks before Christmas are often busy with shopping, decorating, baking, extra cleaning, etc but if you want to truly maintain a clear vision for tomorrow then the best thing to do is to remember the meaning of Christmas and make sure Christ Jesus is the center of your preparations.
Yes, I would say God had a vision for us all and continues to maintain that vision; let us claim it for ourselves as well.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
Annette's Birthday
Annette too had a birthday this month. We had planned to have a party at the house, but another classmate had one the same day so instead we made cake and cupcakes and sent minerals, t
hat's pop or soda to the rest of you.
The cake was a team effort, Kauna made them and I decorated them. Her smile of appreciation made it worth the while. It is fun to see children grow up, especially when they share such wonderful smiles!
hat's pop or soda to the rest of you.The cake was a team effort, Kauna made them and I decorated them. Her smile of appreciation made it worth the while. It is fun to see children grow up, especially when they share such wonderful smiles!
Nat and Boys Birgade
Not long ago I wrote about Nat (Pwanekam Nathaniel that is). This picture was taken soon after his 13th birthday ealier this month.
Nat joined Boys Birgade last year and this was one of the few times he wore it to church. When they wear their uniform it is usually to act as ushers
during a special service. They also have a band, mostly trumpet and drums so Nat is now taking trumpet lessons at school and his teacher says he's doing very well. It's the first time he's shown interest in playing a musical instruement, so it's easy to encourage him and after a few months I can already recognize the songs he's learning.
It's easy to be a proud Momma!
Nat joined Boys Birgade last year and this was one of the few times he wore it to church. When they wear their uniform it is usually to act as ushers
during a special service. They also have a band, mostly trumpet and drums so Nat is now taking trumpet lessons at school and his teacher says he's doing very well. It's the first time he's shown interest in playing a musical instruement, so it's easy to encourage him and after a few months I can already recognize the songs he's learning.It's easy to be a proud Momma!
Saturday, November 21, 2009
God's Word: Is it your Greatest Treasure?
My husband is preparing his sermon for tomorrow and asked me to share my views on the text. When I read it, I had to laugh. The text is from Matthew 13:44-46 "The kingdom in heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field. When a man found, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field..."
Today we bought our first van. Even though it's not brand new, it is an amazing vehicle when you compare it to our other car or our previous cars. It has AC, a DVD player, and seats that will make travel to our home state very easy...even when it's over 100 degrees outside.
When I think of the verse above and the gleam in my husband's eye when he first described the van and explained how we shouldn't pass up the opportunity to buy it since they aren't often such good quality here in Nigeria, (All cars on the main market are used, or second new as we say here.) I began to wonder when I last became so persuasive over God's Word and His amazing love.
I must confess, I haven't felt God's wonder much these past weeks, rather I've felt pretty blah. This part of the school year is always tough because we don't always have a break between mid October and when we close for Christmas. It's tough too because there are tons of school activities for students and events for the community so everyone starts feeling pulled and drained. As such, it's easy to get tired and discouraged.
Yet when I think of these verses I have to stop and ponder on how easy it is to get excited about a new piece of property or something new in our life, like a "new" van or a new haircut, but how often do we rush to our friend and say, "Did you see this in the Bible? Do you know what this means to me? Can I share this precious gift with you?"
Growing up I used to hear the saying that suggested we should be careful with whom we talk politics and religion, but if we can't talk about God to those that are important to us or to those with whom we spend much of our work day, then what's the point? Why should we be so selfish to think that this special gift wouldn't be appreciated by someone else.
We often get so worried about rocking the boat or making someone uncomfortable by mentioning God, but in actuality, we end up not valuing those friends enough by being quiet. If there's a choice between sharing God's love with someone who might be seeking for the Truth and risking losing that friend if we mention God, we are being extremely selfish to decide to remain silent about our passion for God. (Psalm 39 talks about the anguish that can come when we do this and Psalm 40 talks of God's response to us.)
It's true, we shouldn't force God on anyone, or insist they understand our excitement, but I don't see anything wrong with letting others see a glimpse of our love relationship with God, to share a great insight we've gained from reading about Jesus life, or explain the new meaning revealed to us by the Holy Spirit during our personal devotion time. If God is really important to us, then let others see His Joy flow from our lives and when those blah days try to get you down, take time to stay in the Word and give thanks that God's Joy never fizzles out, even when our own threatens to do just that.
The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to my heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. Psalm 20:8
Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy. For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does. Psalm 33:3-4
Today we bought our first van. Even though it's not brand new, it is an amazing vehicle when you compare it to our other car or our previous cars. It has AC, a DVD player, and seats that will make travel to our home state very easy...even when it's over 100 degrees outside.
When I think of the verse above and the gleam in my husband's eye when he first described the van and explained how we shouldn't pass up the opportunity to buy it since they aren't often such good quality here in Nigeria, (All cars on the main market are used, or second new as we say here.) I began to wonder when I last became so persuasive over God's Word and His amazing love.
I must confess, I haven't felt God's wonder much these past weeks, rather I've felt pretty blah. This part of the school year is always tough because we don't always have a break between mid October and when we close for Christmas. It's tough too because there are tons of school activities for students and events for the community so everyone starts feeling pulled and drained. As such, it's easy to get tired and discouraged.
Yet when I think of these verses I have to stop and ponder on how easy it is to get excited about a new piece of property or something new in our life, like a "new" van or a new haircut, but how often do we rush to our friend and say, "Did you see this in the Bible? Do you know what this means to me? Can I share this precious gift with you?"
Growing up I used to hear the saying that suggested we should be careful with whom we talk politics and religion, but if we can't talk about God to those that are important to us or to those with whom we spend much of our work day, then what's the point? Why should we be so selfish to think that this special gift wouldn't be appreciated by someone else.
We often get so worried about rocking the boat or making someone uncomfortable by mentioning God, but in actuality, we end up not valuing those friends enough by being quiet. If there's a choice between sharing God's love with someone who might be seeking for the Truth and risking losing that friend if we mention God, we are being extremely selfish to decide to remain silent about our passion for God. (Psalm 39 talks about the anguish that can come when we do this and Psalm 40 talks of God's response to us.)
It's true, we shouldn't force God on anyone, or insist they understand our excitement, but I don't see anything wrong with letting others see a glimpse of our love relationship with God, to share a great insight we've gained from reading about Jesus life, or explain the new meaning revealed to us by the Holy Spirit during our personal devotion time. If God is really important to us, then let others see His Joy flow from our lives and when those blah days try to get you down, take time to stay in the Word and give thanks that God's Joy never fizzles out, even when our own threatens to do just that.
The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to my heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. Psalm 20:8
Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy. For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does. Psalm 33:3-4
Saturday, November 14, 2009
A busy but wonderful day!
Visiting the tailor to drop off cloth for Christmas clothes (we always have matching family attire), taking Annette to a birthday party, making granola, going to the food fair at school, and Internet time a few times to check FB and mail.
We tried to meet the tailor and waited for close to twenty minutes before having to leave to get Annette to her party. But while waiting I watched the market activity in front of the shop and realized how removed I have gotten from much of Nigerian life. This past year I've hardly gone to the market since my sisters-in-law have had more time than I have had. As I watched the traders and their many children running about I gave thanks that we can clothe our children well and that I usually have time to care for my kids, or at least know they are safe and being cared for.
Dropping Annette off at her classmate's birthday party I gave thanks that she could spend time with her friends. She doesn't have any girl friends on our compound and most of her friends live on the other side of town, near school. It was a great day for a swim party and she seemed to enjoy herself.
I've been missing granola for breakfast. Too often the past week I've been hungrier than when I eat a bowl of granola and have often bought fried potatoes and kosai from Ladi at break time. It always tastes great going down, but the abundance of oil hasn't sat so well the past few days!
The highlight of the day was the school's food fair. There was an abundance of food; Nigerian, East African, Korean, Lebanese, American, European, Indian, Ethiopian, and Egyptian.
The basketball courts were all decked out with colorful banners streaming overhead and a stage where the choir sang a few numbers, a few groups danced on or around, and some students entertained with raps and jokes. We've never had such great entertainment and it was fun watching students and parents enjoy sharing their ethnic dances and just having fun together. I feel really lucky to be a part of the Hillcrest community. I enjoyed it even more because my husband joined us for the first time, only Nat opted to stay home so he wouldn't miss his soccer time with his compound friends and sharing his new soccer ball with them.
Well, I guess it's time to close for the day. Amson and Dan are sleeping and perhaps Nat too, Annette is waiting for me to see her to bed; we like to end the day together with special good night hugs and kisses (much like I often did with my own mom).
Yes, it was a busy, but wonderful day! Good nite!
We tried to meet the tailor and waited for close to twenty minutes before having to leave to get Annette to her party. But while waiting I watched the market activity in front of the shop and realized how removed I have gotten from much of Nigerian life. This past year I've hardly gone to the market since my sisters-in-law have had more time than I have had. As I watched the traders and their many children running about I gave thanks that we can clothe our children well and that I usually have time to care for my kids, or at least know they are safe and being cared for.
Dropping Annette off at her classmate's birthday party I gave thanks that she could spend time with her friends. She doesn't have any girl friends on our compound and most of her friends live on the other side of town, near school. It was a great day for a swim party and she seemed to enjoy herself.
I've been missing granola for breakfast. Too often the past week I've been hungrier than when I eat a bowl of granola and have often bought fried potatoes and kosai from Ladi at break time. It always tastes great going down, but the abundance of oil hasn't sat so well the past few days!
The highlight of the day was the school's food fair. There was an abundance of food; Nigerian, East African, Korean, Lebanese, American, European, Indian, Ethiopian, and Egyptian.
The basketball courts were all decked out with colorful banners streaming overhead and a stage where the choir sang a few numbers, a few groups danced on or around, and some students entertained with raps and jokes. We've never had such great entertainment and it was fun watching students and parents enjoy sharing their ethnic dances and just having fun together. I feel really lucky to be a part of the Hillcrest community. I enjoyed it even more because my husband joined us for the first time, only Nat opted to stay home so he wouldn't miss his soccer time with his compound friends and sharing his new soccer ball with them.
Well, I guess it's time to close for the day. Amson and Dan are sleeping and perhaps Nat too, Annette is waiting for me to see her to bed; we like to end the day together with special good night hugs and kisses (much like I often did with my own mom).
Yes, it was a busy, but wonderful day! Good nite!
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Obligations
Growing up, even as a young adult, I never thought much about obligations. I guess that's more a part of the adult world...at least in Western culture.
Here in Nigeria I meet it much more often. I remember the first time I thought about it. I had gone to a village with a friend, her brother was my student and we went to greet the family. I thought it was a good visit, but I came to realize it was much different for my friend.
She worked in the town and had a decent job so when she went to the village she had to make sure she went with plenty of money so that she could give some sort of monetary gift to her uncles and other extended family members or neighbors who might be in need. She could not afford to go home often, the demands were often too great; her job was decent, but not a high position.
This weekend there is a wedding I could have gone to. Since my husband is out of town I probably should have gone...probably.... What can I say, I am still like the rebellious teenager who doesn't want to do what she SHOULD do.
I often wonder what Jesus did such situations. Did he go to those "should do's"? I guess he did go to the wedding of Canaan and even did what his mom asked him to with the wine; but then on the other hand, he didn't want to!
Out of respect for our church member I could still go to the reception, but it's been nice to have a rare slow morning and make pizza for lunch; not something I do very often. It was also good to give my sister-in-laws the afternoon off since they usually share the cooking and I rarely do much.
Obligations...I still don't know how to deal with them, but I do know that I would have gone if my husband had suggested I go, or if I had a personal invitation ,or I knew the wedding couple...as it is, I feel I needed some down time so I hope I made the right choice.
Here in Nigeria I meet it much more often. I remember the first time I thought about it. I had gone to a village with a friend, her brother was my student and we went to greet the family. I thought it was a good visit, but I came to realize it was much different for my friend.
She worked in the town and had a decent job so when she went to the village she had to make sure she went with plenty of money so that she could give some sort of monetary gift to her uncles and other extended family members or neighbors who might be in need. She could not afford to go home often, the demands were often too great; her job was decent, but not a high position.
This weekend there is a wedding I could have gone to. Since my husband is out of town I probably should have gone...probably.... What can I say, I am still like the rebellious teenager who doesn't want to do what she SHOULD do.
I often wonder what Jesus did such situations. Did he go to those "should do's"? I guess he did go to the wedding of Canaan and even did what his mom asked him to with the wine; but then on the other hand, he didn't want to!
Out of respect for our church member I could still go to the reception, but it's been nice to have a rare slow morning and make pizza for lunch; not something I do very often. It was also good to give my sister-in-laws the afternoon off since they usually share the cooking and I rarely do much.
Obligations...I still don't know how to deal with them, but I do know that I would have gone if my husband had suggested I go, or if I had a personal invitation ,or I knew the wedding couple...as it is, I feel I needed some down time so I hope I made the right choice.
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