Life is no fairy tale, I know!!
But here's an interesting thought --
Between the "once upon a time" and the "happily ever after" there's a whole lot of drama!
Compare that to the creation of earth to the new heaven and new earth continuum.
Compare it to our birth and our death continuum.
Mmmm ...
Here's a great book to read -- Erwin McManus's The Barbarian Call. It's a motivator, for sure! Like this:
"... to walk in the character of Christ is always the right choice, regardless of outcome or consequence. ...God's will for us is less about our comfort than it is about our contribution. God would never choose for us safety at the cost of significance. God created you so that your life would count, not so that you could count the days of your life."
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Being Missional
Missional:
This word is floating around books, blogs, and boardrooms. It's being used in titles of new organizations and seminars. I don't want to beat it up or add my drumbeat. But the word popped into my mind last night when I was telling Jim something someone told me that they'd said about me. Here it is in a nutshell -- some of the gals were talking about all of the garbage I've been putting up with from a few of the women here. They were pondering why and how I keep moving forward. My friend, who doesn't understand why I am a follower of Jesus but she just knows that I am, told them, "It's because of her deep faith. I think that she is energized each day because she believes that she is here for a purpose. And she wants to accomplish that purpose. It's like her mission or something." (I think that actually is the word she used.)
I have to remember what that friend said about me. It is true, but I get so lost in the messes sometimes that I forget. If I awoke with a pulse this morning (which I can report that I did) it is because God has something for me to do here on earth this day. Specifically, here in Nigeria this day.
The WHO and the WHY are intricately linked. And more important than the WHERE.
WHO I belong to matters greatly. I belong to Jesus Christ -- the King of kings and Lord of lords. Creator of the universe and creator of my heart. Healer of the broken and sustainer of the weary. My Redeemer. My friend.
The WHY follows. Why am I here? Well, for a variety of reasons I might not ever know. Sometimes it feels like punishment. But usually, when I clear my head, I realize that Jim and I are here for things that we need to receive (learn, grow in, ...) and for things that we need to give (do, be, ...).
So, it's about being missional -- living with the end in mind. Not the end of the project or the end of the day. THE END -- For all eternity. We all are eternal beings and I need to remember that our time in Nigeria could change the destination of many people's lives -- for eternity. If one person can turn toward the same Jesus who is my Savior, King, and friend and call him their Lord, their Savior, their friend ... Well! That's a mission that I accept!
This word is floating around books, blogs, and boardrooms. It's being used in titles of new organizations and seminars. I don't want to beat it up or add my drumbeat. But the word popped into my mind last night when I was telling Jim something someone told me that they'd said about me. Here it is in a nutshell -- some of the gals were talking about all of the garbage I've been putting up with from a few of the women here. They were pondering why and how I keep moving forward. My friend, who doesn't understand why I am a follower of Jesus but she just knows that I am, told them, "It's because of her deep faith. I think that she is energized each day because she believes that she is here for a purpose. And she wants to accomplish that purpose. It's like her mission or something." (I think that actually is the word she used.)
I have to remember what that friend said about me. It is true, but I get so lost in the messes sometimes that I forget. If I awoke with a pulse this morning (which I can report that I did) it is because God has something for me to do here on earth this day. Specifically, here in Nigeria this day.
The WHO and the WHY are intricately linked. And more important than the WHERE.
WHO I belong to matters greatly. I belong to Jesus Christ -- the King of kings and Lord of lords. Creator of the universe and creator of my heart. Healer of the broken and sustainer of the weary. My Redeemer. My friend.
The WHY follows. Why am I here? Well, for a variety of reasons I might not ever know. Sometimes it feels like punishment. But usually, when I clear my head, I realize that Jim and I are here for things that we need to receive (learn, grow in, ...) and for things that we need to give (do, be, ...).
So, it's about being missional -- living with the end in mind. Not the end of the project or the end of the day. THE END -- For all eternity. We all are eternal beings and I need to remember that our time in Nigeria could change the destination of many people's lives -- for eternity. If one person can turn toward the same Jesus who is my Savior, King, and friend and call him their Lord, their Savior, their friend ... Well! That's a mission that I accept!
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
The NFL in NGA
So, I went to sleep at 10:30 with the alarm set for 1:30 a.m.. Watched Monday Night Football -- what a great second half for the Broncos (better than the first half for sure!)!! And I went back to sleep at 4:30 a.m.
Wow! How terrific.
A bit strange, though, to wake up this morning and find myself in Nigeria. It just didn't fit into my foggy mind at first. I'm sure those of you in Denver woke up to snow!
I'm on the hunt for simple pleasures. I had to unpack my suitcase and give up all dreams of France with Jim. He's there now but he's got to hurry back to NGA after his meetings end -- a long-awaited project is ready to roll. So, I can't join him for the 8 day vacation on the Riviera. My countdown to freedom is back up there to months instead of days! Yep. A bit discouraging. But, Jim is actually experiencing the pain of trying to get the things on my shopping list. That's true love! Lest you feel too much pity for him, though, remember -- his meetings are on the Riviera all week. REALLY tough!
Wow! How terrific.
A bit strange, though, to wake up this morning and find myself in Nigeria. It just didn't fit into my foggy mind at first. I'm sure those of you in Denver woke up to snow!
I'm on the hunt for simple pleasures. I had to unpack my suitcase and give up all dreams of France with Jim. He's there now but he's got to hurry back to NGA after his meetings end -- a long-awaited project is ready to roll. So, I can't join him for the 8 day vacation on the Riviera. My countdown to freedom is back up there to months instead of days! Yep. A bit discouraging. But, Jim is actually experiencing the pain of trying to get the things on my shopping list. That's true love! Lest you feel too much pity for him, though, remember -- his meetings are on the Riviera all week. REALLY tough!
Friday, October 06, 2006
Reports
Should you believe the reports you hear about this place? Well, ... yes and no.
Safety/violence issues?
There have been a couple of kidnapping incidents again -- after 5 weeks of relative calm. But we are still quite safe, here in our walled, guarded, and gated community! You will continue to hear reports because the place will be unsteady up through and after the April elections. Criminal activity abounds but oyibos are never the targets. Imagine this, though. Some of our students on a school bus had to wait while their police escorts were told to put on seat belts. The guys refused. So their boss caned them! Yes, he actually beat them with a cane in front of the children. So we get close to the violence sometimes but we are never touched (at least not physically!)
Corruption?
Definitely true!! In fact, whatever you hear -- double it!!
Example -- 30 of the 36 governors are being investigated for corruption. At least 16 will face charges very soon. And ... the group investigating them are sure to be corrupt as well! (That's the "double it" part!!)
Another -- a guy who worked here on our camp for the facilities contractor was in charge of the Bill of Quantities for projects around the camp. And, he had to get 3 bids for each project. Interestingly, he owned all three companies that did the bidding!!!! Creative!!
Progressive?
Nope, no, and no way! This country is really not progressing in any way -- culturally, economically, politically, spiritually, ... nothin'
We still haven't lost that American "we can fix this" attitude! Maybe that's good -- as we continue to try to influence our own little part of this vast place! Please continue to pray for our wisdom to know where to put our energy. And pray for grace -- that we might offer it everywhere we go and to everyone we touch.
Safety/violence issues?
There have been a couple of kidnapping incidents again -- after 5 weeks of relative calm. But we are still quite safe, here in our walled, guarded, and gated community! You will continue to hear reports because the place will be unsteady up through and after the April elections. Criminal activity abounds but oyibos are never the targets. Imagine this, though. Some of our students on a school bus had to wait while their police escorts were told to put on seat belts. The guys refused. So their boss caned them! Yes, he actually beat them with a cane in front of the children. So we get close to the violence sometimes but we are never touched (at least not physically!)
Corruption?
Definitely true!! In fact, whatever you hear -- double it!!
Example -- 30 of the 36 governors are being investigated for corruption. At least 16 will face charges very soon. And ... the group investigating them are sure to be corrupt as well! (That's the "double it" part!!)
Another -- a guy who worked here on our camp for the facilities contractor was in charge of the Bill of Quantities for projects around the camp. And, he had to get 3 bids for each project. Interestingly, he owned all three companies that did the bidding!!!! Creative!!
Progressive?
Nope, no, and no way! This country is really not progressing in any way -- culturally, economically, politically, spiritually, ... nothin'
We still haven't lost that American "we can fix this" attitude! Maybe that's good -- as we continue to try to influence our own little part of this vast place! Please continue to pray for our wisdom to know where to put our energy. And pray for grace -- that we might offer it everywhere we go and to everyone we touch.
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
You end up missing the strangest things!
Hotdogs with ketchup in a previously-considered "bad" white flour bun ... I would love to eat one right now!
A bag of potato chips ... or Doritos ... definitely any kind of chips and salsa.
Hot fudge sundaes ... even from McDonald's would do ...!
The unfamiliarity of everything here really hit us when, low and behold, on the Sports Channel -- there was BASEBALL!!! Usually it's golf, lots of golf ... and car racing (I still can't figure out how that can be called a sport -- I know, some of you love it, but ... really, a sport for athletes??) and lots of football (soccer) and cricket and rugby and ... never American Football and never Baseball! So, it was fun to watch a bit of the Padres and Cardinals game. We've never even seen a clip of a football (our kind) game, yet. So, we rely on internet updates -- it's just not the same!!! I never thought I'd miss seeing the Broncos sooooooooo much. Hey, I'd even be thrilled to watch a 49ers game!! :-)
A bag of potato chips ... or Doritos ... definitely any kind of chips and salsa.
Hot fudge sundaes ... even from McDonald's would do ...!
The unfamiliarity of everything here really hit us when, low and behold, on the Sports Channel -- there was BASEBALL!!! Usually it's golf, lots of golf ... and car racing (I still can't figure out how that can be called a sport -- I know, some of you love it, but ... really, a sport for athletes??) and lots of football (soccer) and cricket and rugby and ... never American Football and never Baseball! So, it was fun to watch a bit of the Padres and Cardinals game. We've never even seen a clip of a football (our kind) game, yet. So, we rely on internet updates -- it's just not the same!!! I never thought I'd miss seeing the Broncos sooooooooo much. Hey, I'd even be thrilled to watch a 49ers game!! :-)
Sunday, October 01, 2006
Sunny Days and Goofy Nights
So, it looks like all we do is party around here!
By Saturday I was so exhausted, I hid behind closed curtains to be able to find a few hours of peace and quiet.
Let's see ... the first photo is from a "Decade" party -- can you tell? Two from the 60s, one from the 80s, one from the 90s. These gals are not as tall as they look -- I'm scooting down.
The other photo is proof that I really did "dance" -- ok, it looks like I'm just standing there, I know!
The sun is filtered through the bushes outside my patio and streaming through the window. Wow! We've had a few hours without any rain and it's wonderful. Families are by the pool -- kids and inflatable toys abound. On days like this I really do love this place!
Spirits are up around camp as people are adjusting to life in a lockdown situation. Basically, the only answer to survival is -- get along with your neighbors or be miserable and stay in hiding. We've had more parties and we have even more on the way. I'm working on bringing in some pro athletes for the kids and I'm working on bringing in a comedian. Should be fun.
My job is still taking up too much time but this weekend, at least, I've had a few hours of break.
Jim and I have a good "second choice" Sunday routine. We each have solitude, separately (or it wouldn't be solitude, duh!) until 10 a.m. and then we pray together, watch a Christian DVD, worship, ... We do miss going to Carpenter's Church, though. But it looks like things will stay this way for a long time.
Jim travels this week -- Lagos and then France. I'll join him next week. Yippee!!!!!!! I can't wait. His meetings are very near Antibes (where we stayed in May) so, what a bummer, ... that's where his hotel is located!!! We'll have a few days of fun and relaxation and I'll work like crazy on some writing deadlines and then ... we'll be back here.
Jim and I have had an ongoing Rummy game going since March. I was in the lead for months but he moved ahead and it's looking impossible to catch him. So, we'll be battling it out in a couple of hours.
I'm off to a meeting -- yes, we always have work, even on Sundays. Jim's in the office doing some catch-up work, himself.
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