This summer I've been reading the book Story:recapture the mystery by Steven James.
When I first started reading it I found it so delightful that I thought I rush through it and absorb it like a sponge, but then I decided to take it slowly and just soak it in in bits.
I find it to be a delightful summary and synthesis of the Bible as it relates to today.
Here is what I read today:
"Jesus isn't interested in admires. He never was. And that's why his invitation was not 'Admire me' but 'Follow me.' That's why he was so blunt with crowds. Jesus didn't want a fan club. He wanted a spiritual revolution." p. 112
One thing I appreciate about this book is that the author processes and ponders the Word of God as it relates to today and asks questions that I might. His thoughts are not traditional, but common and random in a fresh and honest way.
Today I consider what I read and am reminded of how easy it is to go through the motions and and start looking at my feet as I go about the day and lose sight of what is going on around me. When I do that, the result is often miscommunication with my husband and children, boredom in my classroom and rising stress within me.
The thoughts in this book help me remember to look up and rediscover God's word.
Today I pray that you might also "look up" and rediscover God's handiwork.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Moving Day cont.
We moved a few more things today and tomorrow a few more. Here are a few pictures of the front room with our new furniture, two of the back rooms, and the kitchen.
The house is more American than we've lived in before. It will be a treat. Tomorrow we'll move the dining table, a desk for our room which you can see through the doorway of the second picture. A few other pieces will be moved too. I put a few more pictures up today. On Thursday I hope to check in the store of furniture in hopes that we can find a few odds and ends like bookshelves, small cupboards, chairs, etc. I'll post some more pictures as the days go.
We're trying to connect the light so we can pump water too.
Keep checking in for updates!
Monday, July 12, 2010
The Slow Move Has Begun
Today I unpacked the first carton in the new house, hung up a few clothes, made sure there is soap and toilet paper in the bathroom (My late Daddy drilled me on the importance of that one!), moved a few of Dan's toys over, and enjoyed first cup of coffee in our new house.
But before any of that, I went from room to room saying a multitude of prayers for our new life there. I pray it is a home of comfort, security, fellowship, and peace.
Since the kids and I are on holiday for about another month there's no reason to stress about moving in haste. I'll do a little each day while the kids are at soccer camp. Tomorrow we'll move some furniture and the new refrigerator and the tailor measured for curtains today.
I put up a picture of my parents too. Little by little it will all be done.
I look forward to setting up a new place, but it's kind of overwhelming to go through all the nooks and crannies and know what to move and toss, but as I said the other day, it will all get done one way or another.
Maybe in a few days I'll post a few pictures, but it will take awhile before it will start to look like our home. Maybe I'll find some more pictures to set around. Stay tuned!
But before any of that, I went from room to room saying a multitude of prayers for our new life there. I pray it is a home of comfort, security, fellowship, and peace.
Since the kids and I are on holiday for about another month there's no reason to stress about moving in haste. I'll do a little each day while the kids are at soccer camp. Tomorrow we'll move some furniture and the new refrigerator and the tailor measured for curtains today.
I put up a picture of my parents too. Little by little it will all be done.
I look forward to setting up a new place, but it's kind of overwhelming to go through all the nooks and crannies and know what to move and toss, but as I said the other day, it will all get done one way or another.
Maybe in a few days I'll post a few pictures, but it will take awhile before it will start to look like our home. Maybe I'll find some more pictures to set around. Stay tuned!
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Back Home
We arrived back in Jos a few hours ago. One thing that hit me hard is how much clutter we have. That was one thing I enjoyed about being in our Yola house...no clutter!
It's amazing how easy things add up. Even now, I need to unpack, but since we're moving soon I don't really want to unpack, only to pack up again soon. I'm tempted just to run my suitcase over to the new house on Monday and just unpack it there. I'll still find stuff to wear, especially after our clothes are washed.
I think I will try to be selective about what I take to the new house and then look at what's left and decide if I really need it or not. It's easy to give away things that don't fit the kids anymore, or things they have grown out of, but it's really hard to start giving away books, things I MIGHT need one day and so on and so forth. At the same time, I look forward to the opportunity to have a fresh start.
It is a good time to scale back...I'm sure I could find good homes for some of the things and I'm sure there are some things I should just toss out.
At least I know some places that can use some things and I can think of a few people who might be interested in some of the other stuff. It's summer break and a good time to scale back and examine priorities. Wish me luck...or better yet, pray for discernment between things that would be wise to save and those that are just clutter at this time in my life. Perhaps you want to join me in this effort!
It's amazing how easy things add up. Even now, I need to unpack, but since we're moving soon I don't really want to unpack, only to pack up again soon. I'm tempted just to run my suitcase over to the new house on Monday and just unpack it there. I'll still find stuff to wear, especially after our clothes are washed.
I think I will try to be selective about what I take to the new house and then look at what's left and decide if I really need it or not. It's easy to give away things that don't fit the kids anymore, or things they have grown out of, but it's really hard to start giving away books, things I MIGHT need one day and so on and so forth. At the same time, I look forward to the opportunity to have a fresh start.
It is a good time to scale back...I'm sure I could find good homes for some of the things and I'm sure there are some things I should just toss out.
At least I know some places that can use some things and I can think of a few people who might be interested in some of the other stuff. It's summer break and a good time to scale back and examine priorities. Wish me luck...or better yet, pray for discernment between things that would be wise to save and those that are just clutter at this time in my life. Perhaps you want to join me in this effort!
Friday, July 2, 2010
Holiday in Yola
HI, we've been in Yola for over two weeks. It has been a wonderfully restful time. I've had time to read novels, magazines, a few devotional books and had time to bake. The kids and I have enjoyed time with our extended family here in Adamawa. Amson's cousins and their families are here and his mom spent two weeks with us.
We are really blessed to have this home here. I really love all the space we have and we've gotten to know one neighbor better, they have two boys Daniel enjoys.
Now we just have a few days left before we head back to Jos and move into a new house. As much as I have enjoyed our time here, I'm ready to head back...besides, my novels are all read and I only have one devotional book left and the magazines are fun, but I much prefer relaxing with a good book.
Amson arrives today to spend our last weekend with us and then we head home on Tuesday...we are so rich to have more than one home we can enjoy!
I have often wished I could share some of the various thoughts I have pondered on these past few weeks: thoughts on living more simply, rediscovering my faith in God, enjoying my children and family in Yola, and just being able to slow down. It has even been good to have less access to the internet.
Well, it's time to sign off. I've been on internet while Nat is taking confirmation class....more about that another day. Now it's time to go.
Hope you too are enjoying some downtime this summer!
We are really blessed to have this home here. I really love all the space we have and we've gotten to know one neighbor better, they have two boys Daniel enjoys.
Now we just have a few days left before we head back to Jos and move into a new house. As much as I have enjoyed our time here, I'm ready to head back...besides, my novels are all read and I only have one devotional book left and the magazines are fun, but I much prefer relaxing with a good book.
Amson arrives today to spend our last weekend with us and then we head home on Tuesday...we are so rich to have more than one home we can enjoy!
I have often wished I could share some of the various thoughts I have pondered on these past few weeks: thoughts on living more simply, rediscovering my faith in God, enjoying my children and family in Yola, and just being able to slow down. It has even been good to have less access to the internet.
Well, it's time to sign off. I've been on internet while Nat is taking confirmation class....more about that another day. Now it's time to go.
Hope you too are enjoying some downtime this summer!
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Schools Out!
Well, we've been on break for two weeks now. The past few days haven't been so fun since I've been sick, but I am feeling better again.
It's been a bit busy too. Last Sunday I preached on Mark 8:28-34. It was a good experience and I felt the Spirit's guidance.
Now we're getting ready to pack up from the "Blue House" in a few days and then head to our home in Yola, or Jimeta as the locals call it (not to be confused with Yola Town where the traditional ruler has his palace).
Staying in this house has had it's ups and downs, but then I guess that's just life in a nutshell. No matter, I'm ready for this chapter to close.
We'll have three weeks in our house in Yola and then come back to start moving into the compound where there are other ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church of America) missionaries. It will be good for us to be on a larger compound again, I like having a little more life around us, even though I tend to be a homebody.
I also look forward to having a larger community to be a part of, I know the kids have missed that a lot. It will be different though, we've never lived around other Americans here in Nigeria, but at least one of our neighbors will be Nigerian/American like us so that will be good.
It's hard to explain how that makes a difference, but I guess it is kind of a tribal thing...though our husbands are from opposite ends of Nigeria. I've been in Nigeria long enough to know that while tribal tendancies can be dangerous, they're also quite understandable....and comfortably familiar.
Perhaps that's what I've missed most these past months, feeling at home in my home. I pray that as we move to our new house it won't take long to feel at home. In December 2008, when we spent a month in our brand new home in Yola, it was home from the moment we walked in the door. I pray that might happen again.
Well, it's time to turn off the gen and go to bed so I'll sign off.
I pray that as you read this, you too feel at home where ever you are.
Dorthea
It's been a bit busy too. Last Sunday I preached on Mark 8:28-34. It was a good experience and I felt the Spirit's guidance.
Now we're getting ready to pack up from the "Blue House" in a few days and then head to our home in Yola, or Jimeta as the locals call it (not to be confused with Yola Town where the traditional ruler has his palace).
Staying in this house has had it's ups and downs, but then I guess that's just life in a nutshell. No matter, I'm ready for this chapter to close.
We'll have three weeks in our house in Yola and then come back to start moving into the compound where there are other ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church of America) missionaries. It will be good for us to be on a larger compound again, I like having a little more life around us, even though I tend to be a homebody.
I also look forward to having a larger community to be a part of, I know the kids have missed that a lot. It will be different though, we've never lived around other Americans here in Nigeria, but at least one of our neighbors will be Nigerian/American like us so that will be good.
It's hard to explain how that makes a difference, but I guess it is kind of a tribal thing...though our husbands are from opposite ends of Nigeria. I've been in Nigeria long enough to know that while tribal tendancies can be dangerous, they're also quite understandable....and comfortably familiar.
Perhaps that's what I've missed most these past months, feeling at home in my home. I pray that as we move to our new house it won't take long to feel at home. In December 2008, when we spent a month in our brand new home in Yola, it was home from the moment we walked in the door. I pray that might happen again.
Well, it's time to turn off the gen and go to bed so I'll sign off.
I pray that as you read this, you too feel at home where ever you are.
Dorthea
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Inner Peace
Life in Jos, Nigeria continues on. School is in its last quarter and is going fine, kids are managing fine with their own school work, staying in touch with friends they see only on the weekends, church activities are going fine....everything is going on well, in spite of occasional outbursts around town, the state, or nation.
As I was making supper last night I found myself aware of the inner peace I was feeling and giving a word of thanks for it.
Most afternoons I head home tired from the day at school, and it doesn't take much stress added to the tiredness to where I feel exhausted and overwhelmed, but at the end of the week the load of work and family was feeling much more manageable.
It's amazing how much difference a positive attitude transforms life's challenges to become minor inconveniences.
At school this week I wrapped up a chapter on WWII in one class and discussed the Great Depression and earlier revolutions in others so perhaps that's part of why my own life's challenges seem so minor at the moment. Survivors of these events endured so much and lived to share their experiences.
When the kids and I were on spring break last week it was wonderful to take note of their frequent smiles and enjoyment of the restful week. I thank God that in spite of the many things, life is good and His love and care is ever present. May it also be apparent in your own life.
As I was making supper last night I found myself aware of the inner peace I was feeling and giving a word of thanks for it.
Most afternoons I head home tired from the day at school, and it doesn't take much stress added to the tiredness to where I feel exhausted and overwhelmed, but at the end of the week the load of work and family was feeling much more manageable.
It's amazing how much difference a positive attitude transforms life's challenges to become minor inconveniences.
At school this week I wrapped up a chapter on WWII in one class and discussed the Great Depression and earlier revolutions in others so perhaps that's part of why my own life's challenges seem so minor at the moment. Survivors of these events endured so much and lived to share their experiences.
When the kids and I were on spring break last week it was wonderful to take note of their frequent smiles and enjoyment of the restful week. I thank God that in spite of the many things, life is good and His love and care is ever present. May it also be apparent in your own life.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
