Every word of God is tested; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. Do not add to His words or He will reprove you, and you will be proved a liar. Proverbs 30:5-6
Wow! I don't think I have ever really pondered these verses before. I've read through the Bible a couple of times, but one of the things I don't like about that approach is that I need more time to digest and chew than a read-through-the-Bible program gives me. Then I feel like I'm behind, and if you know me, you know that's enough to drive me over the cliff. These verses in Proverbs really struck me this morning, especially because I am really focusing on Bible study apart from the Bible reading I do as a part of my quiet time. Every single word has been tested. It is all truth. It doesn't require me to add anything to it. In fact, this says that if I try, I will be proved a liar and will be reproved by God. I don't want either of those things, so I'll stick to believing every word.
It's always interesting to me to see how God is working in my life. Now, what I'm about to tell you will make you think I am a complete and utter nerd, which I am, so be prepared. Every year, on January 1st, I choose a "theme song" for the year. For example, in 2005 it was "Great is Thy Faithfulness," which turned out to be very appropriate since that's the year we finally surrendered to God's call on our lives. In 2006, it was "Be Thou My Vision," which was appropriate as we went through the IMB process and strove to maintain the vision that God had given us for our mission. This year, I chose "Your Word is Life to Me," a song by Travis Cottrell, and this has been the year that God gave me a vision for really studying the Bible and knowing Him more. I especially like the chorus, which says, "You are the Word, my one desire, an all-consuming, holy fire, the very breath that I am longing for. My heart is desperate for Your ways, refine me in Your holy blaze if that is what it takes to know You more. You are the truth that sets me free. Your word is life to me." What I have found as I have really worked at studying the Bible is something my pastor has said again and again--everything in the Scriptures points to Jesus. And as I know more about the Scripture, I know more about Him, whether I'm studying the Old or the New Testament. And can I tell you this? The more I know Him, the more I want to know Him. I am astounded by Him, by His love, by His sacrifice for me. That One such as this could love me, could die for me...I will never grasp it. Never. But with the knowledge of this kind of love has come a joy and a freedom to love other people and a freedom from bitterness that has been absent in most of my adult life. To really know Him...it's more than I can explain in words.
So, here's my challenge to you: find a way to study more and know Him more. You don't have to be a rocket scientist or have a degree in theology to understand the Word. As a person who has studied literature for my entire adult life, that is what is so impressive about the Bible to me. To write something that is so profound and yet so simple...only God could have done that. Know Him. He's in there. But be aware of this--as you know Him more, you will come face to face with things in your own life that will have to go. For me, it was bitterness and anger and a martyr syndrome that I had become really attached to. Be ready for Him to do some excavation. I won't tell you that it will be painless, but once He's done...man! Life is really sweet on the other side of it!
I'm headed off for my morning walk and then we're going to the Utz potato chip factory in Pennsylvania. Pray that I can resist the urge to jump into the vat of potato chips and take a swim. :o) I love each of you. Thanks so much for reading this. Blessings!
His,
Kellye
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Monday, July 30, 2007
Be strong and courageous
Do not let this book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everthing written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:8-9
I have not written for a while, mostly because I was ridiculously busy trying to leave Florida for the last time, but also because there was almost too much for me to digest to get down in "ink." The week was a blur of people, goodbyes, packing and cleaning the mission house, etc. Lest you think there was nothing but tears, picture this: Barb and Troy Johnson, Marc and I on the sidewalk of the mission house on San Jose Blvd., transferring things from one bag to another while Marc stood on the scales and held the bags so we could weigh them. If people didn't think we were absolutely nuts, they simply weren't paying attention. There were tears, of course. Thursday night/Friday morning, when we left my aunt and uncle and my parents, were nothing short of traumatic. John John did not fully comprehend leaving until the time was at hand, and he wailed as we left. He has never known a life without Gigi and Raleigh, Mimi and Poppy. He cannot conceive of not having them with us. He thought Mimi and Poppy were coming to Richmond with us. It was terrible. Many, many tears. But God is good and faithful, and as much as He has a plan for my little family as we leave for Russia, He has an equally remarkable plan for my aunt and uncle and parents. I cannot wait to see what that plan is.
We arrived in Baltimore pretty much on schedule. One of our new bags was completely destroyed. I have travelled on airlines for almost 40 years, and I have never seen anything remotely like it. Thankfully, nothing came out of it, even though the bottom was basically torn off. Marc's home church sent a mini-bus to pick us up, and we were off to Westminster. Marc's parents have built a beautiful enclosed porch onto the back of their house, and we have thoroughly enjoyed being out there every morning, listening to the birds sing. They have a large back yard, and the kids have run and played and looked at birds through the binoculars and just had a wonderful time. Yesterday, Phil (Marc's dad) took Han and John to a farm to see llamas and cows and buffalo. If you know John John at all, you know that he had a wonderful time. He has really enjoyed playing games and running around. It has been fun watching them decompress. I have certainly discovered that how I feel (even more than how Marc feels) is how the family feels. There is no way the chaos and anxiety of the last two weeks in Florida could not have affected them. And those effects came out in different ways, but they came out, nonetheless. I am thankful for some time to rest and relax.
This part of my blog is for Lauren Crews: I bought the New Inductive Study Bible, because I haven't done a Precepts Bible study in a long time, and I wanted to practice my Bible Study skills. Oh, my goodness!!! I am thoroughly enjoying the Bible. If you have not experienced the kind of Bible study that Kay Arthur teaches, it is amazing. I like it because I want to discover truth for myself. I don't necessarily want to be led by someone else. I want to dig and dissect and analyze the language, the tenses, the imperatives, etc. If that isn't for you, then Kay Arthur isn't for you. But if it is your thing, I cannot emphasize enough the joy of really studying the Bible text for what it says and is. I have always believed the Scripture to be God-breathed and inerrant truth. But I am finding great joy in this part of my life as I get to really know the Scripture for myself. It is one of my goals during this first term with the IMB to become more of a Bible scholar than I am.
Well, I have blogged, I have eaten my Cheerios, I have had two cups of coffee, and I've spent some solid time in God's Word this morning. I can't think of a better way to start my day, can you? I hope wherever you are and whatever your circumstances, you can find the time to spend daily time in God's Word. If you can, I promise that it will be time well-spent. Without my knowledge of Scripture, I know that I could not have made it through the last two weeks. However, I can be strong and courageous, for I know that the LORD my God goes with me wherever I go. Blessings!
His,
Kellye
I have not written for a while, mostly because I was ridiculously busy trying to leave Florida for the last time, but also because there was almost too much for me to digest to get down in "ink." The week was a blur of people, goodbyes, packing and cleaning the mission house, etc. Lest you think there was nothing but tears, picture this: Barb and Troy Johnson, Marc and I on the sidewalk of the mission house on San Jose Blvd., transferring things from one bag to another while Marc stood on the scales and held the bags so we could weigh them. If people didn't think we were absolutely nuts, they simply weren't paying attention. There were tears, of course. Thursday night/Friday morning, when we left my aunt and uncle and my parents, were nothing short of traumatic. John John did not fully comprehend leaving until the time was at hand, and he wailed as we left. He has never known a life without Gigi and Raleigh, Mimi and Poppy. He cannot conceive of not having them with us. He thought Mimi and Poppy were coming to Richmond with us. It was terrible. Many, many tears. But God is good and faithful, and as much as He has a plan for my little family as we leave for Russia, He has an equally remarkable plan for my aunt and uncle and parents. I cannot wait to see what that plan is.
We arrived in Baltimore pretty much on schedule. One of our new bags was completely destroyed. I have travelled on airlines for almost 40 years, and I have never seen anything remotely like it. Thankfully, nothing came out of it, even though the bottom was basically torn off. Marc's home church sent a mini-bus to pick us up, and we were off to Westminster. Marc's parents have built a beautiful enclosed porch onto the back of their house, and we have thoroughly enjoyed being out there every morning, listening to the birds sing. They have a large back yard, and the kids have run and played and looked at birds through the binoculars and just had a wonderful time. Yesterday, Phil (Marc's dad) took Han and John to a farm to see llamas and cows and buffalo. If you know John John at all, you know that he had a wonderful time. He has really enjoyed playing games and running around. It has been fun watching them decompress. I have certainly discovered that how I feel (even more than how Marc feels) is how the family feels. There is no way the chaos and anxiety of the last two weeks in Florida could not have affected them. And those effects came out in different ways, but they came out, nonetheless. I am thankful for some time to rest and relax.
This part of my blog is for Lauren Crews: I bought the New Inductive Study Bible, because I haven't done a Precepts Bible study in a long time, and I wanted to practice my Bible Study skills. Oh, my goodness!!! I am thoroughly enjoying the Bible. If you have not experienced the kind of Bible study that Kay Arthur teaches, it is amazing. I like it because I want to discover truth for myself. I don't necessarily want to be led by someone else. I want to dig and dissect and analyze the language, the tenses, the imperatives, etc. If that isn't for you, then Kay Arthur isn't for you. But if it is your thing, I cannot emphasize enough the joy of really studying the Bible text for what it says and is. I have always believed the Scripture to be God-breathed and inerrant truth. But I am finding great joy in this part of my life as I get to really know the Scripture for myself. It is one of my goals during this first term with the IMB to become more of a Bible scholar than I am.
Well, I have blogged, I have eaten my Cheerios, I have had two cups of coffee, and I've spent some solid time in God's Word this morning. I can't think of a better way to start my day, can you? I hope wherever you are and whatever your circumstances, you can find the time to spend daily time in God's Word. If you can, I promise that it will be time well-spent. Without my knowledge of Scripture, I know that I could not have made it through the last two weeks. However, I can be strong and courageous, for I know that the LORD my God goes with me wherever I go. Blessings!
His,
Kellye
Monday, July 23, 2007
A Servant's Heart
In the Discipline of service there is also great liberty. Service enables us to say "no!" to the world's games of promotion and authority. It abolishes our need (and desire) for a "pecking order." Richard Foster, Celebration of Discipline
I know I have discussed this book before, but it's honestly one of the most amazing things I've ever read. Today I read about true service vs. self-righteous service. It was very, very convicting. How often do I, as the Casting Crowns song says, "trade an altar for a stage"? How often do I long for the recognition of the people around me? I can see that for me this is a really easy pit to fall into if I'm not careful. And despite the fact that I have received a lot of attention for singing in different places, I don't think that's the area where God is convicting me. I really don't sing for glory. The audience disappears for me, and I really long to sing only for God. But I know in my teaching career this was an issue. I loved being "The Hooks." I loved that parents wanted their children in my class. I didn't care about being liked very much, but I loved being respected, both by faculty and by students. I'm not saying that's why I did a good job, because it isn't, but I know that always in the back of my mind was my reputation as a teacher. I can see that one of the things God is doing is really stripping me of those things which make me arrogant and proud. It's not an easy process, but it's one full of joy when I let Him work like he wants to work in my life.
Know what I did yesterday afternoon? NOTHING! That's right. Nothing. After a tremendous, missions-focused service at San Jose Baptist Church in Jacksonville, we met Janet Wells for lunch. After we left her (and I, of course, had cried for a while), we came home to find lots of ice in the air conditioner. So we turned it off and rested the rest of the afternoon. It was pretty nice. Of course, today we have to finish packing and take John to the dentist and get ready for company tonight, but it was nice to have an afternoon of nothing in my schedule.
I told Marc yesterday when we left Janet--I am tired of saying goodbye. Janet Wells is one of my all-time favorite people. She is compassionate and gracious and loyal to a fault. I told someone the other day--Janet's gift (at least for me) is that she sees me always as I could be, always in the best possible light, and not necessarily as I am right at that moment. I have never known anyone as faithful, loyal, and generous as Janet. To say that I am going to miss her is beyond understatement. However, Jonathan is likely relieved, since now we won't be in choir practice together making him miserable by talking the whole time. (It became a running joke with our families that we would talk through announcements every Sunday morning. Sarah Beth said we always looked like we were hatching some kind of plot.) I am blessed to have Janet as my forever-friend.
Well, there is packing to be done, so I must go. Thank you for reading this. Thank you for loving us. Thank you for being our friends. Know that you are prayed for and praised for often! Blessings!
His,
Kellye
I know I have discussed this book before, but it's honestly one of the most amazing things I've ever read. Today I read about true service vs. self-righteous service. It was very, very convicting. How often do I, as the Casting Crowns song says, "trade an altar for a stage"? How often do I long for the recognition of the people around me? I can see that for me this is a really easy pit to fall into if I'm not careful. And despite the fact that I have received a lot of attention for singing in different places, I don't think that's the area where God is convicting me. I really don't sing for glory. The audience disappears for me, and I really long to sing only for God. But I know in my teaching career this was an issue. I loved being "The Hooks." I loved that parents wanted their children in my class. I didn't care about being liked very much, but I loved being respected, both by faculty and by students. I'm not saying that's why I did a good job, because it isn't, but I know that always in the back of my mind was my reputation as a teacher. I can see that one of the things God is doing is really stripping me of those things which make me arrogant and proud. It's not an easy process, but it's one full of joy when I let Him work like he wants to work in my life.
Know what I did yesterday afternoon? NOTHING! That's right. Nothing. After a tremendous, missions-focused service at San Jose Baptist Church in Jacksonville, we met Janet Wells for lunch. After we left her (and I, of course, had cried for a while), we came home to find lots of ice in the air conditioner. So we turned it off and rested the rest of the afternoon. It was pretty nice. Of course, today we have to finish packing and take John to the dentist and get ready for company tonight, but it was nice to have an afternoon of nothing in my schedule.
I told Marc yesterday when we left Janet--I am tired of saying goodbye. Janet Wells is one of my all-time favorite people. She is compassionate and gracious and loyal to a fault. I told someone the other day--Janet's gift (at least for me) is that she sees me always as I could be, always in the best possible light, and not necessarily as I am right at that moment. I have never known anyone as faithful, loyal, and generous as Janet. To say that I am going to miss her is beyond understatement. However, Jonathan is likely relieved, since now we won't be in choir practice together making him miserable by talking the whole time. (It became a running joke with our families that we would talk through announcements every Sunday morning. Sarah Beth said we always looked like we were hatching some kind of plot.) I am blessed to have Janet as my forever-friend.
Well, there is packing to be done, so I must go. Thank you for reading this. Thank you for loving us. Thank you for being our friends. Know that you are prayed for and praised for often! Blessings!
His,
Kellye
Sunday, July 22, 2007
My rare and beautiful treasures
By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures. Proverbs 24:3-4
My "rare and beautiful treasures" are all still asleep, but since I've been up for a couple of hours and two cups of coffee, I thought I'd spend some time with y'all this morning. I've been looking in Proverbs for wisdom about being a wife and mom, and I have found quite a bit. This one, though, particularly caught my eye, because we had a pretty rough night last night, and I showed a decided lack of wisdom, understanding, and/or knowledge.
Many of you know that John-John is extremely hyperactive. If you don't have a hyperactive child, you think that means he has more energy than other children, but that is only one aspect of hyperactivity. Hyperactivity also means that he is very literal and very, very rigid...when you tell him something is going to be a certain way, if it varies from that at all, he is very upset and discombobulated. Add on top of these things that he is very smart, and you have a recipe for disaster. Throw in a really bad storm last night, and...well, you get the picture. At 11 last night, he decided he couldn't sleep, and if he couldn't, neither could anybody else. I have to say for my girls--when he starts acting like he did last night, they just ignore it. They know it will be over relatively soon, and they don't try to intervene or get in his way, because they've learned through experience that isn't the thing to do. Finally, after a half hour of horrible behavior (on his part and mine), Marc realized what was at the root of his behavior. Something I had really built up as important for a couple of days had not gone as he thought it would. Someone had not treated him nicely, and while he handled it well at the time (which I can see in retrospect is a sign of growing maturity), he let it build up all day, finally letting loose late last night. Marc asked him if that was what was bothering him, and we could immediately see that it was. Within five minutes, he was soundly asleep. He only needed for us to say that it was okay to be sad about that. How does this relate to the scripture above? If I had prayed (wisdom) for insight (understanding) instead of cajoling and pleading and getting angry because he was upsetting me and my plans for the night, I might have cut short this episode and had a better evening. One of the things God is teaching me in a massive, massive way is that while I might really want to be the perfect, Godly wife and mom, I cannot do it on my own. In fact, on my own I mess it up every single time. The good news? I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I am definitely not on my own--but I have to ask for help from Him who entrusted these to me.
Yesterday was packing day. (In our house, those words are now accompanied by a little trumpet fanfare we've created, since Marc kept saying "It's packing day!" over and over.) We filled all but one of our crates, and two of our five suitcases. It was an overwhelming task, but with my parents' help we got it done. We will be doing some more after church this morning.
Friday night, we said farewell to some beloved friends--Gail Warren and Melissa Grimsley. Our girls have been friends forever, and we have developed a close relationship over the years, too. These are amazing women...funny and beautiful, full of compassion and mercy, loyal and faithful, both to those they love and to God. I am in awe of them, and we had such a wonderful time at Gail's house. One of the funniest parts of the evening was John's reaction to Gail's animals. If you know John at all, you know that he is absolutely IN LOVE with all God's creatures. He doesn't want us to kill ants or roaches or bees--they are God's "little guys," and they deserve John's love and affection, too. Well, Gail has a menagerie at her house, and he was in love with every animal there. His favorite, however, was the ferret. He did not want to call it a ferret. He wanted to call it a weasel. So he spent the night playing with the weasel. No matter how many times he said something about the weasel, we still laughed. Poor thing. It probably slept really well after we left!
Well, the sun is almost up, and there are things to be done. Continue to pray for us this week, as we say our final goodbyes and prepare to leave Friday morning. Pray especially for my Mom and Daddy. It is hard. Enough said.
Blessings!
His,
Kellye
My "rare and beautiful treasures" are all still asleep, but since I've been up for a couple of hours and two cups of coffee, I thought I'd spend some time with y'all this morning. I've been looking in Proverbs for wisdom about being a wife and mom, and I have found quite a bit. This one, though, particularly caught my eye, because we had a pretty rough night last night, and I showed a decided lack of wisdom, understanding, and/or knowledge.
Many of you know that John-John is extremely hyperactive. If you don't have a hyperactive child, you think that means he has more energy than other children, but that is only one aspect of hyperactivity. Hyperactivity also means that he is very literal and very, very rigid...when you tell him something is going to be a certain way, if it varies from that at all, he is very upset and discombobulated. Add on top of these things that he is very smart, and you have a recipe for disaster. Throw in a really bad storm last night, and...well, you get the picture. At 11 last night, he decided he couldn't sleep, and if he couldn't, neither could anybody else. I have to say for my girls--when he starts acting like he did last night, they just ignore it. They know it will be over relatively soon, and they don't try to intervene or get in his way, because they've learned through experience that isn't the thing to do. Finally, after a half hour of horrible behavior (on his part and mine), Marc realized what was at the root of his behavior. Something I had really built up as important for a couple of days had not gone as he thought it would. Someone had not treated him nicely, and while he handled it well at the time (which I can see in retrospect is a sign of growing maturity), he let it build up all day, finally letting loose late last night. Marc asked him if that was what was bothering him, and we could immediately see that it was. Within five minutes, he was soundly asleep. He only needed for us to say that it was okay to be sad about that. How does this relate to the scripture above? If I had prayed (wisdom) for insight (understanding) instead of cajoling and pleading and getting angry because he was upsetting me and my plans for the night, I might have cut short this episode and had a better evening. One of the things God is teaching me in a massive, massive way is that while I might really want to be the perfect, Godly wife and mom, I cannot do it on my own. In fact, on my own I mess it up every single time. The good news? I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I am definitely not on my own--but I have to ask for help from Him who entrusted these to me.
Yesterday was packing day. (In our house, those words are now accompanied by a little trumpet fanfare we've created, since Marc kept saying "It's packing day!" over and over.) We filled all but one of our crates, and two of our five suitcases. It was an overwhelming task, but with my parents' help we got it done. We will be doing some more after church this morning.
Friday night, we said farewell to some beloved friends--Gail Warren and Melissa Grimsley. Our girls have been friends forever, and we have developed a close relationship over the years, too. These are amazing women...funny and beautiful, full of compassion and mercy, loyal and faithful, both to those they love and to God. I am in awe of them, and we had such a wonderful time at Gail's house. One of the funniest parts of the evening was John's reaction to Gail's animals. If you know John at all, you know that he is absolutely IN LOVE with all God's creatures. He doesn't want us to kill ants or roaches or bees--they are God's "little guys," and they deserve John's love and affection, too. Well, Gail has a menagerie at her house, and he was in love with every animal there. His favorite, however, was the ferret. He did not want to call it a ferret. He wanted to call it a weasel. So he spent the night playing with the weasel. No matter how many times he said something about the weasel, we still laughed. Poor thing. It probably slept really well after we left!
Well, the sun is almost up, and there are things to be done. Continue to pray for us this week, as we say our final goodbyes and prepare to leave Friday morning. Pray especially for my Mom and Daddy. It is hard. Enough said.
Blessings!
His,
Kellye
Thursday, July 19, 2007
When did I get to be this old?
Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. Psalm 62:5-8
First, let me say that the above is a gorgeous verse that is a wonderful reminder of God's place in our lives--our shelter and refuge and salvation. However, it's going to be difficult for me to write anything terribly deep since Hannah and Ashley (her sleepover pal last night) are singing and dancing to Hannah Montana pretty loudly in the next room. (Okay, here's my confession for the day: I love and adore Hannah Montana. Seriously, it's like my favorite show.) So today's blog will likely be a little lighter than most.
We got sooooo much done yesterday! We had two large boxes of stuff left to go through, and we went through them, getting rid of most stuff. We are really getting close to having the action packers (our crate/tote/storage) packed and ready to send to Richmond. We vacuum packed the stockings and other Christmas linens, my mom bubble-wrapped my ornaments, and we found out the family leaving the apartment in Moscow is leaving their Christmas tree for us! Yea!!!
At about 9:30 last night, I decided to get my cross-stitch stuff organized and ready to go. I had what I thought was a great idea: I'd make my own kits, putting patterns, material, and thread together in ziploc bags so that I could easily have projects to do there. (I am a cross-stitch fanatic...it's something I really enjoy a lot.) Well, I had thread everywhere, so at about 10 I decided to go ahead and reorganize my thread by numbers in order to make it easier to find. At 11:40, I finally finished. Yep. I spent two hours organizing embroidery thread. Somewhere about 11, I realized that I was pretty dumb to start a big project so late, and then it became a running joke, as Marc or Sarah Beth would come in periodically to check on me and find me with pieces of thread all over. If you know me, you know that I HAD to finish. I cannot leave something undone over night without going nuts! (It's a talent I'd like to develop.)
The most fun thing I did last night was to look at the wedding video from my niece's wedding in May. Amy and Jason have been together forever, and their wedding was just wonderful. My favorite part of the video was at the unity candle. Jason leans over to Amy and says that she looks really beautiful and that her dress is pretty. She turns to look at the back of the dress and says, "My dad stepped on it" and then they have a good giggle over that. It's just kind of how their relationship has always been--friends first, and the other stuff built on top of that foundation. Our entire family adores Jason, and we couldn't have picked someone for Amy who would have been more perfect. They're just great folks, as all of my nieces and nephews are. They're growing up, finishing college, getting married...when did I get this old? I've always thought of myself as the "cool, young" aunt...but I'm coming to realize that I'm just old Aunt Kellye. Yikes!!!! :o) Honestly, though, they are so wonderful, and I'm so proud of them. Dan has his first real job, and he loves it and is so happy. Ben and Matt made the Dean's list. The three boys have just always been so nice, like the kind of guys you'd pick for your daughter. I've always thought that whoever they end up with, the girls' parents are going to be so happy, because they're just solid men. (and handsome, too, did I mention how handsome they are?) Amy was my first real job--I babysat her when she was a baby and Kay worked in the summer. I cried more over leaving Amy when I went to college than anyone. She has turned into this beautiful, gorgeous, wonderful woman--someone I'd want as my friend. And Katie, our baby of this set of grandchildren, is just the kindest, most compassionate person on earth. Her heart is as big as her beautiful smile. She is stunningly beautiful on the outside, but her looks pale in comparison to the wonderful person she is on the inside. I'm so proud of all of them. Can you tell?
I think I'm getting sentimental as the birthday approaches. Oh, well...I guess getting older beats the alternative by a long shot. I'll take it! Here's praying that no matter how old you are (or how old you feel), your day is filled with giving thanks for the great people in your life through whom God has blessed you. Blessings!
His,
Kellye
First, let me say that the above is a gorgeous verse that is a wonderful reminder of God's place in our lives--our shelter and refuge and salvation. However, it's going to be difficult for me to write anything terribly deep since Hannah and Ashley (her sleepover pal last night) are singing and dancing to Hannah Montana pretty loudly in the next room. (Okay, here's my confession for the day: I love and adore Hannah Montana. Seriously, it's like my favorite show.) So today's blog will likely be a little lighter than most.
We got sooooo much done yesterday! We had two large boxes of stuff left to go through, and we went through them, getting rid of most stuff. We are really getting close to having the action packers (our crate/tote/storage) packed and ready to send to Richmond. We vacuum packed the stockings and other Christmas linens, my mom bubble-wrapped my ornaments, and we found out the family leaving the apartment in Moscow is leaving their Christmas tree for us! Yea!!!
At about 9:30 last night, I decided to get my cross-stitch stuff organized and ready to go. I had what I thought was a great idea: I'd make my own kits, putting patterns, material, and thread together in ziploc bags so that I could easily have projects to do there. (I am a cross-stitch fanatic...it's something I really enjoy a lot.) Well, I had thread everywhere, so at about 10 I decided to go ahead and reorganize my thread by numbers in order to make it easier to find. At 11:40, I finally finished. Yep. I spent two hours organizing embroidery thread. Somewhere about 11, I realized that I was pretty dumb to start a big project so late, and then it became a running joke, as Marc or Sarah Beth would come in periodically to check on me and find me with pieces of thread all over. If you know me, you know that I HAD to finish. I cannot leave something undone over night without going nuts! (It's a talent I'd like to develop.)
The most fun thing I did last night was to look at the wedding video from my niece's wedding in May. Amy and Jason have been together forever, and their wedding was just wonderful. My favorite part of the video was at the unity candle. Jason leans over to Amy and says that she looks really beautiful and that her dress is pretty. She turns to look at the back of the dress and says, "My dad stepped on it" and then they have a good giggle over that. It's just kind of how their relationship has always been--friends first, and the other stuff built on top of that foundation. Our entire family adores Jason, and we couldn't have picked someone for Amy who would have been more perfect. They're just great folks, as all of my nieces and nephews are. They're growing up, finishing college, getting married...when did I get this old? I've always thought of myself as the "cool, young" aunt...but I'm coming to realize that I'm just old Aunt Kellye. Yikes!!!! :o) Honestly, though, they are so wonderful, and I'm so proud of them. Dan has his first real job, and he loves it and is so happy. Ben and Matt made the Dean's list. The three boys have just always been so nice, like the kind of guys you'd pick for your daughter. I've always thought that whoever they end up with, the girls' parents are going to be so happy, because they're just solid men. (and handsome, too, did I mention how handsome they are?) Amy was my first real job--I babysat her when she was a baby and Kay worked in the summer. I cried more over leaving Amy when I went to college than anyone. She has turned into this beautiful, gorgeous, wonderful woman--someone I'd want as my friend. And Katie, our baby of this set of grandchildren, is just the kindest, most compassionate person on earth. Her heart is as big as her beautiful smile. She is stunningly beautiful on the outside, but her looks pale in comparison to the wonderful person she is on the inside. I'm so proud of all of them. Can you tell?
I think I'm getting sentimental as the birthday approaches. Oh, well...I guess getting older beats the alternative by a long shot. I'll take it! Here's praying that no matter how old you are (or how old you feel), your day is filled with giving thanks for the great people in your life through whom God has blessed you. Blessings!
His,
Kellye
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Submission
Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife...Better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and ill-tempered wife. Proverbs 21:4, 19
OUCH! I'm reading the Proverbs in my quiet time (I read through a book of the Old Testament and a book of the New Testament at the same time), and I'm particularly looking for wisdom about being a wife and mother. I really have gleaned quite a bit from what the Bible has to say (go figure! God created the family and then told us how to do it.), but this morning I was not thrilled to find two verses in the same chapter about the horrors of the quarrelsome wife. Now, honestly, Marc and I hardly ever fight. We have been married almost 17 years, and we just don't disagree anymore about most things--we worked out stuff long ago. However, the stress of getting ready to go can make us grumpy, and yesterday was a particularly grumpy day for both of us. So not only is God's Word a source of renewal and refreshment every morning, it can also be a source of terrible conviction. So today, I'm praying for Marc--I'm hoping he's going to be able to stay inside the house and not up on the roof or out in the desert! :o)
I am reading a tremendous book that I highly recommend: Richard Foster's Celebration of Discipline. I am really taking it slowly--only a small section a day--so I can chew it up and digest it, but it's worth the effort. (Lest you think I'm superwoman, our region--CEE--requires us to read a couple of things, and this was high on the list.) It is just an amazing book. Right now, I'm reading about submission (hence the title of this entry--had you worried, didn't I?), and I thought this was earth-shaking. "The most radical social teaching of Jesus was his total reversal of the contemporary notion of greatness. Leadership is found in becoming the servant of all. Power is discovered in submission...But note this: Christ not only died a cross-death, he lived a cross-life." Nearly everything God is doing in my life right now has to do with submission. I have had a lot of personal success in my career. I've been tremendously blessed, I've worked hard, I love kids, I love teaching, and I was fortunate to be recognized for all of those things. But suddenly I find myself in a new role. When the IMB talks about assignments, they're talking about Marc. Make no mistake about this--they're glad to have me, but Marc is the star of this show. His talent, his genius, his skills are the ones needed on the field. He is the one they prayed for in Russia for a long time before we showed up in Atlanta. It isn't that they don't want or need me and the skills I bring to the table, but my primary role is to take care of Marc so that he can minister. That is something totally new to me. Suddenly, it isn't about what I can do. YIKES!!! That's a new ballgame to me. Everything I have wrapped around myself as identity is gone--teacher, singer, go-to gal. For a girl with a degree in Leadership, I'm wearing an apron an awful lot of the time. (But in all fairness, I love aprons.) I am learning a whole lot about submission--to the IMB, to Marc, to what God has for me, to being the person He created me to be. It isn't easy, but I'm finding that there is a lot of joy wrapped up in submitting. There are many things I worried about for years and years that I have completely let go of, because they aren't my job anymore. For a long time, I lived a life where I kind of looked like a servant on the outside, but on the inside I wasn't a servant at all. I was arrogant and pushy, and I had to have my way all the time. I'm finding that letting that go and embracing servanthood is actually pretty joyful. Once again, it turns out that God knows what He's doing.
So what is He calling you to submit to Him? Your career? a relationship? a hobby? I don't have a clue what He's doing in your life, but I can promise you He wants to do something big. Let him. Remember that old cliche, "Let go and let God"? Turns out it's full of wisdom. Here's praying that today is a day you submit to what He has for you--and that your husband gets to stay in the house, too. :o)
Blessings!
His,
Kellye
OUCH! I'm reading the Proverbs in my quiet time (I read through a book of the Old Testament and a book of the New Testament at the same time), and I'm particularly looking for wisdom about being a wife and mother. I really have gleaned quite a bit from what the Bible has to say (go figure! God created the family and then told us how to do it.), but this morning I was not thrilled to find two verses in the same chapter about the horrors of the quarrelsome wife. Now, honestly, Marc and I hardly ever fight. We have been married almost 17 years, and we just don't disagree anymore about most things--we worked out stuff long ago. However, the stress of getting ready to go can make us grumpy, and yesterday was a particularly grumpy day for both of us. So not only is God's Word a source of renewal and refreshment every morning, it can also be a source of terrible conviction. So today, I'm praying for Marc--I'm hoping he's going to be able to stay inside the house and not up on the roof or out in the desert! :o)
I am reading a tremendous book that I highly recommend: Richard Foster's Celebration of Discipline. I am really taking it slowly--only a small section a day--so I can chew it up and digest it, but it's worth the effort. (Lest you think I'm superwoman, our region--CEE--requires us to read a couple of things, and this was high on the list.) It is just an amazing book. Right now, I'm reading about submission (hence the title of this entry--had you worried, didn't I?), and I thought this was earth-shaking. "The most radical social teaching of Jesus was his total reversal of the contemporary notion of greatness. Leadership is found in becoming the servant of all. Power is discovered in submission...But note this: Christ not only died a cross-death, he lived a cross-life." Nearly everything God is doing in my life right now has to do with submission. I have had a lot of personal success in my career. I've been tremendously blessed, I've worked hard, I love kids, I love teaching, and I was fortunate to be recognized for all of those things. But suddenly I find myself in a new role. When the IMB talks about assignments, they're talking about Marc. Make no mistake about this--they're glad to have me, but Marc is the star of this show. His talent, his genius, his skills are the ones needed on the field. He is the one they prayed for in Russia for a long time before we showed up in Atlanta. It isn't that they don't want or need me and the skills I bring to the table, but my primary role is to take care of Marc so that he can minister. That is something totally new to me. Suddenly, it isn't about what I can do. YIKES!!! That's a new ballgame to me. Everything I have wrapped around myself as identity is gone--teacher, singer, go-to gal. For a girl with a degree in Leadership, I'm wearing an apron an awful lot of the time. (But in all fairness, I love aprons.) I am learning a whole lot about submission--to the IMB, to Marc, to what God has for me, to being the person He created me to be. It isn't easy, but I'm finding that there is a lot of joy wrapped up in submitting. There are many things I worried about for years and years that I have completely let go of, because they aren't my job anymore. For a long time, I lived a life where I kind of looked like a servant on the outside, but on the inside I wasn't a servant at all. I was arrogant and pushy, and I had to have my way all the time. I'm finding that letting that go and embracing servanthood is actually pretty joyful. Once again, it turns out that God knows what He's doing.
So what is He calling you to submit to Him? Your career? a relationship? a hobby? I don't have a clue what He's doing in your life, but I can promise you He wants to do something big. Let him. Remember that old cliche, "Let go and let God"? Turns out it's full of wisdom. Here's praying that today is a day you submit to what He has for you--and that your husband gets to stay in the house, too. :o)
Blessings!
His,
Kellye
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Counting the cost
We will abandon it all for the sake of the call. No other reason at all, but the sake of the call. Wholly devoted to live and to die for the sake of the call. "The Sake of the Call" by Steven Curtis Chapman
I heard this old song last night on Marc's iPod, and was taken with it once again. My favorite part of the song is the first verse, which talks about the disciples following Jesus. "Empty nets lying there at the water's edge told a story that few could believe and none could explain. How some crazy fishermen agreed to go where Jesus led with no thought for what they could gain, for Jesus had called them by name." Do you know what it's like when Jesus calls your name? He does call, every single day, to you. Are you listening? Every morning, listen to Him. What is He calling you to do? He's calling me to leave everything, and that might scare you and make you not want to hear HIm. It's a daunting prospect. But I promise you this--what He calls you to do, He equips you to do. He is ever faithful and trustworthy. He did not call me to Africa (my great fear as a college student--the humidity and its impact on my hair were my main issues), but He called me to someplace He gave me a heart for long ago. He has been at work a long time for just such a time as this. How is He working in your life?
My pastor's sermon on Sunday was hard. "Peter, do you love me more than these?" As Alan swept his arm around, discussing what Jesus might have meant by "these," I looked around. "Kellye, do you love me more than your beloved church? your career? your singing? your precious sisters? your adored aunt and uncle? the parents you treasure? Do you love me more than these?" Last night, after saying goodbye to my sisters and not knowing when I will see them again, with my face down on the kitchen table while I sobbed, I heard Him again. "Kellye, do you love me more than these? And even more, Kellye, do you trust me with these?" Yes, Lord, I do. You are faithful. You are compassionate. You are full of grace. But it is HARD. It is beat my head against the wall hard, Lord. "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. The LORD Almighty is with [you]; the God of Jacob is [your] fortress." (Psalm 46: 10-11) And suddenly, the sobbing stopped. He is God. He can be trusted with my family, with those I adore the most. He is sovereign. His plan is perfect. It is not easy, but it is perfect. Amen.
Last night, we received even more information on our apartment. We even got to sort of look at it on google earth. There is a HUGE park nearby. We are less than a mile (about a kilo) from the metro. And the address, for me at least, is funny. It is on a street with the Russian word for academia in it. Come on...that's kind of funny. A little wink from God, perhaps? He knows how I love a good pun, and to live on academia street after years of being a teacher...He's funny.
I'm off to pack some stuff today. Pray for me--it's a daunting task to decide what stays and what goes. But it must be done and it must be done soon. Thanks for reading this. I have no idea why anyone would find the random ramblings of my somewhat addled brain remotely interesting, but I'm really flattered that you do. Blessings to you and yours!
His,
Kellye
I heard this old song last night on Marc's iPod, and was taken with it once again. My favorite part of the song is the first verse, which talks about the disciples following Jesus. "Empty nets lying there at the water's edge told a story that few could believe and none could explain. How some crazy fishermen agreed to go where Jesus led with no thought for what they could gain, for Jesus had called them by name." Do you know what it's like when Jesus calls your name? He does call, every single day, to you. Are you listening? Every morning, listen to Him. What is He calling you to do? He's calling me to leave everything, and that might scare you and make you not want to hear HIm. It's a daunting prospect. But I promise you this--what He calls you to do, He equips you to do. He is ever faithful and trustworthy. He did not call me to Africa (my great fear as a college student--the humidity and its impact on my hair were my main issues), but He called me to someplace He gave me a heart for long ago. He has been at work a long time for just such a time as this. How is He working in your life?
My pastor's sermon on Sunday was hard. "Peter, do you love me more than these?" As Alan swept his arm around, discussing what Jesus might have meant by "these," I looked around. "Kellye, do you love me more than your beloved church? your career? your singing? your precious sisters? your adored aunt and uncle? the parents you treasure? Do you love me more than these?" Last night, after saying goodbye to my sisters and not knowing when I will see them again, with my face down on the kitchen table while I sobbed, I heard Him again. "Kellye, do you love me more than these? And even more, Kellye, do you trust me with these?" Yes, Lord, I do. You are faithful. You are compassionate. You are full of grace. But it is HARD. It is beat my head against the wall hard, Lord. "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. The LORD Almighty is with [you]; the God of Jacob is [your] fortress." (Psalm 46: 10-11) And suddenly, the sobbing stopped. He is God. He can be trusted with my family, with those I adore the most. He is sovereign. His plan is perfect. It is not easy, but it is perfect. Amen.
Last night, we received even more information on our apartment. We even got to sort of look at it on google earth. There is a HUGE park nearby. We are less than a mile (about a kilo) from the metro. And the address, for me at least, is funny. It is on a street with the Russian word for academia in it. Come on...that's kind of funny. A little wink from God, perhaps? He knows how I love a good pun, and to live on academia street after years of being a teacher...He's funny.
I'm off to pack some stuff today. Pray for me--it's a daunting task to decide what stays and what goes. But it must be done and it must be done soon. Thanks for reading this. I have no idea why anyone would find the random ramblings of my somewhat addled brain remotely interesting, but I'm really flattered that you do. Blessings to you and yours!
His,
Kellye
Monday, July 16, 2007
How great Thou art
Then sings my soul, my Savior, God, to Thee, How great Thou art! How great Thou art!
There are too many things in my heart about yesterday to get down on "paper." I was overwhelmed with the number of people at the reception last night, I was overwhelmed by the gifts we received, I was overwhelmed by the sheer joy of the day, by the sadness of the day, by the love of the day. If you had any part in our celebration yesterday, thank you is inadequate, but it's all I have. Thank you.
I think the part of the day I dreaded the most but was actually quite wonderful was the commissioning itself. I worried about the emotion of that, of the laying on of hands, that John wouldn't be able to sit. But, as in all things, God had every aspect of that covered. The thing that I really liked (and didn't know ahead of time) was that Alan had those who have worked with us closely come up first--our FLG leaders, choir leaders, etc. I didn't know this until afterward, but all of the guys came out of the sound booth to be with Marc. You cannot imagine what that means to us. To be surrounded by those who are close to us...an unspeakable joy. To look around, to see those faces, to feel those precious hands upon us as they sent us off...I can't tell you the peace and calm that brought to me. And then to be able to get up and sing, "Holy Spirit, rain down..." I believe He already had. Hallelujah. Amen.
I think what strikes me the most this morning is how good God is. I felt very peaceful for most of the day. I prayed for peace...and He showed up with all the peace I needed. I prayed for joy...and His joy that surpasses understanding washed over me. Over and over and over, He gave me more than I needed. He is worthy of whatever I give to Him and so much more. Above all, I think that He was glorified. That is my prayer. If you were there, if you heard Alan tell even the smallest portion of our story, if you heard me sing songs that are so special to me--I pray that what you walked away with was not that I or Marc or the kids are the story here, but it is our huge God, who took really ordinary jars of clay and has done something marvelous in our lives. And you know why? Not because we are great or wonderful, but because we said, "Yes." Yes without condition, without holding back, without hesitation (not counting, of course, the many years we ran from Him). If you will only say yes to Him, to His purpose, His plan, I promise you will be amazed at the way your life falls into place. This is not the plan I had for my life, but I must tell you this--it's far better than anything I could have come up with on my own. But I had to say yes to it in order to receive His best. Say yes to Him today.
Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails. (Proverbs 19:21). Hallelujah. Amen.
Blessings to you and yours!
His,
Kellye
There are too many things in my heart about yesterday to get down on "paper." I was overwhelmed with the number of people at the reception last night, I was overwhelmed by the gifts we received, I was overwhelmed by the sheer joy of the day, by the sadness of the day, by the love of the day. If you had any part in our celebration yesterday, thank you is inadequate, but it's all I have. Thank you.
I think the part of the day I dreaded the most but was actually quite wonderful was the commissioning itself. I worried about the emotion of that, of the laying on of hands, that John wouldn't be able to sit. But, as in all things, God had every aspect of that covered. The thing that I really liked (and didn't know ahead of time) was that Alan had those who have worked with us closely come up first--our FLG leaders, choir leaders, etc. I didn't know this until afterward, but all of the guys came out of the sound booth to be with Marc. You cannot imagine what that means to us. To be surrounded by those who are close to us...an unspeakable joy. To look around, to see those faces, to feel those precious hands upon us as they sent us off...I can't tell you the peace and calm that brought to me. And then to be able to get up and sing, "Holy Spirit, rain down..." I believe He already had. Hallelujah. Amen.
I think what strikes me the most this morning is how good God is. I felt very peaceful for most of the day. I prayed for peace...and He showed up with all the peace I needed. I prayed for joy...and His joy that surpasses understanding washed over me. Over and over and over, He gave me more than I needed. He is worthy of whatever I give to Him and so much more. Above all, I think that He was glorified. That is my prayer. If you were there, if you heard Alan tell even the smallest portion of our story, if you heard me sing songs that are so special to me--I pray that what you walked away with was not that I or Marc or the kids are the story here, but it is our huge God, who took really ordinary jars of clay and has done something marvelous in our lives. And you know why? Not because we are great or wonderful, but because we said, "Yes." Yes without condition, without holding back, without hesitation (not counting, of course, the many years we ran from Him). If you will only say yes to Him, to His purpose, His plan, I promise you will be amazed at the way your life falls into place. This is not the plan I had for my life, but I must tell you this--it's far better than anything I could have come up with on my own. But I had to say yes to it in order to receive His best. Say yes to Him today.
Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails. (Proverbs 19:21). Hallelujah. Amen.
Blessings to you and yours!
His,
Kellye
Sunday, July 15, 2007
It is well with my soul
When peace like a river attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll, whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say, "It is well, it is well with my soul."
I do not think there are adequate words to describe how much I have dreaded today, which is the day we say goodbye to our beloved church. I have cried almost as many tears over my church as I have my parents...and that's a whole bunch of tears. But this morning, I am settled. There is a peace about the day that cannot be explained except that God Himself has brought it. He has been so faithful. His plans are beyond my comprehension. This is all part of His glorious design. Hallelujah! "O Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done marvelous things, things planned long ago." (Isaiah 25:1)
Last night, my sisters and parents and aunt and uncle surprised me with a birthday celebration. For those of you who don't know, I turn one of the "0" numbers in a couple of weeks. I'll let you guess which one. My sisters gave me a gorgeous Vera Bradley bag, one that is both in a design I can carry in Russia and a pattern that won't stick out too much. I was so excited! I will proudly be carrying it this morning. I am soooo enjoying my time with my sisters!
Pray for us today. It will, no doubt, be a difficult day. However, I am thankful for a church that is missions-minded, that is excited about our going but not about our leaving, that has encouraged us along the way. Pray for me as I sing. I do not want to be so emotional that I sound terrible! But above all, pray that the God of Everything, who has done all of this, is glorified above all. He is worth all the goodbyes we have said, are saying today, and will say in the next two months. In the face of His love and sacrifice, what other response would be appropriate? None. And so, it is well with my soul.
Blessings to you and yours!
His,
Kellye
I do not think there are adequate words to describe how much I have dreaded today, which is the day we say goodbye to our beloved church. I have cried almost as many tears over my church as I have my parents...and that's a whole bunch of tears. But this morning, I am settled. There is a peace about the day that cannot be explained except that God Himself has brought it. He has been so faithful. His plans are beyond my comprehension. This is all part of His glorious design. Hallelujah! "O Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done marvelous things, things planned long ago." (Isaiah 25:1)
Last night, my sisters and parents and aunt and uncle surprised me with a birthday celebration. For those of you who don't know, I turn one of the "0" numbers in a couple of weeks. I'll let you guess which one. My sisters gave me a gorgeous Vera Bradley bag, one that is both in a design I can carry in Russia and a pattern that won't stick out too much. I was so excited! I will proudly be carrying it this morning. I am soooo enjoying my time with my sisters!
Pray for us today. It will, no doubt, be a difficult day. However, I am thankful for a church that is missions-minded, that is excited about our going but not about our leaving, that has encouraged us along the way. Pray for me as I sing. I do not want to be so emotional that I sound terrible! But above all, pray that the God of Everything, who has done all of this, is glorified above all. He is worth all the goodbyes we have said, are saying today, and will say in the next two months. In the face of His love and sacrifice, what other response would be appropriate? None. And so, it is well with my soul.
Blessings to you and yours!
His,
Kellye
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Last things
Before the throne of God above, I have a strong and perfect plea, a great High Priest whose name is Love, who ever lives and pleads for me. My name is graven on His hands, my name is written on His heart. I know that while in heaven He stands, no tongue can bid me thence depart. "Before the throne of God above"
Last night was my last choir rehearsal and praise team practice, so I have been thinking this morning about what that part of our church has meant to me over the years. When we came to FBCMiddleburg, my intention was to sit on the back row and never, ever sing in the choir. I didn't want anyone to know me. But when I saw Jonathan for the first time, and I saw that great big, giant heart for God in him as he sang...it was all over for me. I knew that I had to lead worship with that guy. And I was right, because God has worked miracles in my life through the worship ministry. Whether it was Passion Play or a Christmas program or just going to practice every week...you all in the worship ministry have been God's messengers for us many times. You are appreciated and loved, and I will continue to pray that God works blessings all over you. (And now Janet will have to behave, because I am no longer there to be just awful with. :o))
The quote above is from a song Jonathan and I are singing together Sunday night. It is one of my all-time favorite songs, especially this first verse. My favorite part of the verse is the reference to Isaiah 49:16, "See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands..." Isn't that the best thing ever? The God of Everything has my name (and yours!) engraved on His hands. It's not written in ink my friends--no accidentally washing it off--it is there for good. I love it. What peace and joy and comfort it is to know that at any given moment He is looking at my name written in the palm of His mighty hand, where I am forever held. Big stuff.
Sunday morning, the choir is singing, "On Mountains High," and I am singing the solo. I love this song so much, not because it's particularly easy or anything like that, but because I learned it in Russia. When I left in March for St. Petersburg, Jonathan sent me with instructions to learn the song, so I listened to it again and again on my iPod. Standing in the little kitchen of the apartment we lived in while there, I watched the sun come up over the apartment building across the courtyard, listening to those beautiful words: "On mountains high, I'll praise Your name. In valleys low, I'll do the same." A good reminder at that moment, as I got a full picture of how different my life was about to become, that no matter where I go, no matter what circumstances I might find myself in, praising God must be my first choice always. He is totally worthy of my praise. He is faithful and true, and He has kept every promise. I have not always liked His answers, but He has always answered every prayer. He is giving and compassionate and loving beyond my capacity to describe. How can any circumstance overshadow those things? He is worthy of my praise.
Well, my friends, the workout video awaits. (I'm kind of sad to say this, but I miss my treadmill!) My sister, Kay, comes in today, and my sister, Cathy, comes in tomorrow. I am SOOOOO excited! I am absolutely nuts about my sisters. I hope you all have a wonderful day. Blessings to you and yours!
His,
Kellye
Last night was my last choir rehearsal and praise team practice, so I have been thinking this morning about what that part of our church has meant to me over the years. When we came to FBCMiddleburg, my intention was to sit on the back row and never, ever sing in the choir. I didn't want anyone to know me. But when I saw Jonathan for the first time, and I saw that great big, giant heart for God in him as he sang...it was all over for me. I knew that I had to lead worship with that guy. And I was right, because God has worked miracles in my life through the worship ministry. Whether it was Passion Play or a Christmas program or just going to practice every week...you all in the worship ministry have been God's messengers for us many times. You are appreciated and loved, and I will continue to pray that God works blessings all over you. (And now Janet will have to behave, because I am no longer there to be just awful with. :o))
The quote above is from a song Jonathan and I are singing together Sunday night. It is one of my all-time favorite songs, especially this first verse. My favorite part of the verse is the reference to Isaiah 49:16, "See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands..." Isn't that the best thing ever? The God of Everything has my name (and yours!) engraved on His hands. It's not written in ink my friends--no accidentally washing it off--it is there for good. I love it. What peace and joy and comfort it is to know that at any given moment He is looking at my name written in the palm of His mighty hand, where I am forever held. Big stuff.
Sunday morning, the choir is singing, "On Mountains High," and I am singing the solo. I love this song so much, not because it's particularly easy or anything like that, but because I learned it in Russia. When I left in March for St. Petersburg, Jonathan sent me with instructions to learn the song, so I listened to it again and again on my iPod. Standing in the little kitchen of the apartment we lived in while there, I watched the sun come up over the apartment building across the courtyard, listening to those beautiful words: "On mountains high, I'll praise Your name. In valleys low, I'll do the same." A good reminder at that moment, as I got a full picture of how different my life was about to become, that no matter where I go, no matter what circumstances I might find myself in, praising God must be my first choice always. He is totally worthy of my praise. He is faithful and true, and He has kept every promise. I have not always liked His answers, but He has always answered every prayer. He is giving and compassionate and loving beyond my capacity to describe. How can any circumstance overshadow those things? He is worthy of my praise.
Well, my friends, the workout video awaits. (I'm kind of sad to say this, but I miss my treadmill!) My sister, Kay, comes in today, and my sister, Cathy, comes in tomorrow. I am SOOOOO excited! I am absolutely nuts about my sisters. I hope you all have a wonderful day. Blessings to you and yours!
His,
Kellye
Friday, July 6, 2007
Hanging out with the great cloud
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1
One of my life verses is Joshua 1:8-9, which is an admonition from the Lord to know His Word so that we do not have to worry or be discouraged, because if we know the Word, we know Him, and if we know Him, we know that He is with us wherever we go. That has always been special to me, because I love scripture so much, but the last part of verse nine, which says that He will go with me wherever I go, has become especially important to me as we approach our leave date. It is great to know that I will be with Marc, Sarah Beth, Hannah and John-John, but even better to know that the Creator of Everything is coming along for the journey. It leaves a lot of things out of my hands and off my shoulders.
I read Hebrews 12:1 this morning, and it made me think of our current situation (what doesn't? God's Word is amazing to me...always news, always fresh, always relevant), and it occurred to me that while I am certainly no Abraham or Enoch (see chapter 11), I am part of the great cloud of witnesses, and so are you. It can be so easy to get caught up in the day-to-day struggles of life, the peaks, the valleys, and let that determine how we feel about God. But the reality is this--He is at work all around us all the time. If we will open our eyes, if we will remember our past, our own lives become the great cloud of witnesses to the amazing presence of our big God. It is easy to let the drama of life hinder and entangle us, but it is something we must let go. Instead, I want to be the person who looks at all the things God has already done and know that His best, His plan, the race He has marked out for me is perfect. If I will follow it no matter where it leads, I will be blessed with peace and joy. And that is what I am experiencing now. It is not easy to leave. If you don't think I daily spend time crying over leaving my parents, you're crazy. Because I am the baby of the family (no remarks about the silver in my hair, please) and because I live close to them, I have the privilege of being both a Mama's girl and a Daddy's girl. And yes, I still call them Mama and Daddy. We are all struggling with leaving them, my aunt and uncle, our friends, our church, our home. It is not easy. But there is joy and peace to be found here, joy and peace that can only be attributed to the surpassing greatness of our God. Yes, there are some tears, but there is also a lot of laughter and fun and anticipation of what is to come. I am going halfway around the world on a mission God has just for me. C'mon...that's pretty cool!
Look around you. God is at work in every detail of your life. If you will only be aware of His constant work on your behalf, I promise you will be overwhelmed at the love He has for you. In every detail, He is molding and shaping you into the person He sees when He looks at you. When times are good, He is at work. When dark days come, He is at work. He loves you more than His own life...literally. Imagine that. You, my friend, are loved beyond measure by the God who created the universe. If that doesn't make you dance for joy (in an appropriate, Southern Baptist kind of way, of course!), then you need to take a look and find what's hindering and entangling you. I challenge you--be overwhelmed today by the love He has for you.
Blessings to you and yours!
His,
Kellye
One of my life verses is Joshua 1:8-9, which is an admonition from the Lord to know His Word so that we do not have to worry or be discouraged, because if we know the Word, we know Him, and if we know Him, we know that He is with us wherever we go. That has always been special to me, because I love scripture so much, but the last part of verse nine, which says that He will go with me wherever I go, has become especially important to me as we approach our leave date. It is great to know that I will be with Marc, Sarah Beth, Hannah and John-John, but even better to know that the Creator of Everything is coming along for the journey. It leaves a lot of things out of my hands and off my shoulders.
I read Hebrews 12:1 this morning, and it made me think of our current situation (what doesn't? God's Word is amazing to me...always news, always fresh, always relevant), and it occurred to me that while I am certainly no Abraham or Enoch (see chapter 11), I am part of the great cloud of witnesses, and so are you. It can be so easy to get caught up in the day-to-day struggles of life, the peaks, the valleys, and let that determine how we feel about God. But the reality is this--He is at work all around us all the time. If we will open our eyes, if we will remember our past, our own lives become the great cloud of witnesses to the amazing presence of our big God. It is easy to let the drama of life hinder and entangle us, but it is something we must let go. Instead, I want to be the person who looks at all the things God has already done and know that His best, His plan, the race He has marked out for me is perfect. If I will follow it no matter where it leads, I will be blessed with peace and joy. And that is what I am experiencing now. It is not easy to leave. If you don't think I daily spend time crying over leaving my parents, you're crazy. Because I am the baby of the family (no remarks about the silver in my hair, please) and because I live close to them, I have the privilege of being both a Mama's girl and a Daddy's girl. And yes, I still call them Mama and Daddy. We are all struggling with leaving them, my aunt and uncle, our friends, our church, our home. It is not easy. But there is joy and peace to be found here, joy and peace that can only be attributed to the surpassing greatness of our God. Yes, there are some tears, but there is also a lot of laughter and fun and anticipation of what is to come. I am going halfway around the world on a mission God has just for me. C'mon...that's pretty cool!
Look around you. God is at work in every detail of your life. If you will only be aware of His constant work on your behalf, I promise you will be overwhelmed at the love He has for you. In every detail, He is molding and shaping you into the person He sees when He looks at you. When times are good, He is at work. When dark days come, He is at work. He loves you more than His own life...literally. Imagine that. You, my friend, are loved beyond measure by the God who created the universe. If that doesn't make you dance for joy (in an appropriate, Southern Baptist kind of way, of course!), then you need to take a look and find what's hindering and entangling you. I challenge you--be overwhelmed today by the love He has for you.
Blessings to you and yours!
His,
Kellye
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
My hiding place
"You are my hiding place. You always fill my heart with songs of deliverance. Whenever I am afraid I will trust in You. I will trust in You. Let the weak say I am strong in the strength of the Lord." "Hiding Place" by Selah
If you know me even a little, you know that music is very, very important to me. One of the ways God often speaks to my heart (especially when I am being hard-headed about something) is through music. This morning, as I was cross-stitching and baking cookies at 3 a.m. (I have got to learn how to sleep a little more), I was listening to Selah, and this song came on. Of course, it's straight from the Psalms, and more and more I am coming to appreciate the amount of scripture contained in some of the really good modern music. But I love the truth of it. On my own, I am so weak, so incapable. But with my eyes focused on Him, there is nothing I cannot do. It makes me feel so confident about our new life.
We have learned so many things about where we'll be living when we move to Moscow. I got a call on Saturday from the business manager's wife, Leslie, and she told me so much about our apartment! It was so exciting. We have been in contact with the people there now (a retiring couple from Georgia), and they seem so wonderful, too. I cannot say enough about the people we have worked with on the field. They are wonderful. I'm not saying missionaries are perfect, because they're just ordinary people with foibles and flaws like I am, but we have sure enjoyed the time we have spent with the people we'll be working with once we get there.
Speaking of getting there: we have our official leave date! October 2nd, my parents and Marc's will come to Richmond for our official IMB commissioning, and October 3rd we fly to Moscow, arriving October 4th. How exciting is that! That will give us time to acclimate a little before the main part of winter hits. (The big joke around our house is that our team is taking a retreat in November--to Siberia! Nothing like baptism by fire--or snow!!!) We will also have plenty of time to get our lives into some kind of normal pattern before Christmas hits.
Yesterday was such a fun day for us. We celebrated the 4th a day early with my parents and aunt and uncle. We always have so much fun there. We really enjoyed our time with them. In fact, it was the first day in a long time I can remember all five of us laughing until we cried over something. I think the delivering of the kitties to their new homes on Monday was a huge load off of everyone's shoulder. You know how it is when you dread something? It was a literal, physical weight lifted off of us when we knew our kitties were safe in good homes where they would be loved. To the two families who are providing those homes--you'll never know what it means to us, because we simply can't express it in words. Denise, Sarah Beth was especially happy to see her cat leave in a Vera Bradley bag. :o) But the dread was gone. Yes, it was hard and awful, and we basically spent most of Monday crying, but then it was over. I feel blessed that my kids have had the chance to say goodbye to impotant things and people in increments. It isn't like we moved and left all in one day. Instead, they've had time to adjust each step of the way. I'm thankful for that.
John's passport came yesterday (hallelujah!) and our final action packers arrived, too. (Action packers are the crates we are using to pack most things in--they are awesome, and can be used as storage when we arrive.) Time is drawing close! In a week, my sisters will be here, and I am soooo looking forward to their visit. They are the people I want to be when I grow up. In our small group time at candidate conference, I held myself together pretty well--until I talked about my sisters. They influenced me in so many ways...too many to count. They are not only great people, great sisters, but they are the most fun I have ever had. Cathy is compassionate and kind and caring, and has a dry wit that catches me off guard every time. Kay is generous and loving and loyal, and she literally makes me laugh until I cry when we're together. They are coming for a visit and so they can be at our commissioning on July 15th. I can't wait. (Did I mention I'm excited?)
Whatever you're doing on this July 4th, I hope you have a wonderful day. We are spending it very quietly with family, and I'm sure there will be time to think about what it means to be American. I'm proud of our country, and no matter where I am in the world, I will always pray for the U.S. I challenge you to commit some time each week to pray for the leaders of our country. They face immense challenges we cannot even fathom, and God has placed them in positions of power for a purpose. They need our prayers.
Blessings to you and yours!
His,
Kellye
If you know me even a little, you know that music is very, very important to me. One of the ways God often speaks to my heart (especially when I am being hard-headed about something) is through music. This morning, as I was cross-stitching and baking cookies at 3 a.m. (I have got to learn how to sleep a little more), I was listening to Selah, and this song came on. Of course, it's straight from the Psalms, and more and more I am coming to appreciate the amount of scripture contained in some of the really good modern music. But I love the truth of it. On my own, I am so weak, so incapable. But with my eyes focused on Him, there is nothing I cannot do. It makes me feel so confident about our new life.
We have learned so many things about where we'll be living when we move to Moscow. I got a call on Saturday from the business manager's wife, Leslie, and she told me so much about our apartment! It was so exciting. We have been in contact with the people there now (a retiring couple from Georgia), and they seem so wonderful, too. I cannot say enough about the people we have worked with on the field. They are wonderful. I'm not saying missionaries are perfect, because they're just ordinary people with foibles and flaws like I am, but we have sure enjoyed the time we have spent with the people we'll be working with once we get there.
Speaking of getting there: we have our official leave date! October 2nd, my parents and Marc's will come to Richmond for our official IMB commissioning, and October 3rd we fly to Moscow, arriving October 4th. How exciting is that! That will give us time to acclimate a little before the main part of winter hits. (The big joke around our house is that our team is taking a retreat in November--to Siberia! Nothing like baptism by fire--or snow!!!) We will also have plenty of time to get our lives into some kind of normal pattern before Christmas hits.
Yesterday was such a fun day for us. We celebrated the 4th a day early with my parents and aunt and uncle. We always have so much fun there. We really enjoyed our time with them. In fact, it was the first day in a long time I can remember all five of us laughing until we cried over something. I think the delivering of the kitties to their new homes on Monday was a huge load off of everyone's shoulder. You know how it is when you dread something? It was a literal, physical weight lifted off of us when we knew our kitties were safe in good homes where they would be loved. To the two families who are providing those homes--you'll never know what it means to us, because we simply can't express it in words. Denise, Sarah Beth was especially happy to see her cat leave in a Vera Bradley bag. :o) But the dread was gone. Yes, it was hard and awful, and we basically spent most of Monday crying, but then it was over. I feel blessed that my kids have had the chance to say goodbye to impotant things and people in increments. It isn't like we moved and left all in one day. Instead, they've had time to adjust each step of the way. I'm thankful for that.
John's passport came yesterday (hallelujah!) and our final action packers arrived, too. (Action packers are the crates we are using to pack most things in--they are awesome, and can be used as storage when we arrive.) Time is drawing close! In a week, my sisters will be here, and I am soooo looking forward to their visit. They are the people I want to be when I grow up. In our small group time at candidate conference, I held myself together pretty well--until I talked about my sisters. They influenced me in so many ways...too many to count. They are not only great people, great sisters, but they are the most fun I have ever had. Cathy is compassionate and kind and caring, and has a dry wit that catches me off guard every time. Kay is generous and loving and loyal, and she literally makes me laugh until I cry when we're together. They are coming for a visit and so they can be at our commissioning on July 15th. I can't wait. (Did I mention I'm excited?)
Whatever you're doing on this July 4th, I hope you have a wonderful day. We are spending it very quietly with family, and I'm sure there will be time to think about what it means to be American. I'm proud of our country, and no matter where I am in the world, I will always pray for the U.S. I challenge you to commit some time each week to pray for the leaders of our country. They face immense challenges we cannot even fathom, and God has placed them in positions of power for a purpose. They need our prayers.
Blessings to you and yours!
His,
Kellye
Monday, July 2, 2007
God is good all the time...even on hard days.
Today was easily one of the most difficult days of my life. I said farewell to my beloved home and my adored cats. Both the home and the cats were gifts from God, and saying goodbye was, frankly, heartbreaking. If you have tried to get ahold of us, you know that for most of the day, I have been incommunicado--letting myself recover from the shock of saying goodbye in private.
I understand a little better the Psalmist who said "The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. Blessed be the name of the Lord." I have always read those words a little flippantly. It has a nice flow to it, a balance to the sentence structure that makes me pleased in my English teacher heart, but I'd never really contemplated the meaning for me personally. But in the last few days, it seems like I've done nothing but the "taketh away" part. I told Marc today that though I am humbled by God's choice of our family, today was one of those days when I wanted to stop saying goodbye to beloved people (or cats) and things. Today it felt like too much. I actually rarely feel like God is asking more of me than I can do, but today...well, today was different. My career, my friends at work, my very identity, okay...but my cats? my home?
One of the lessons we are learning in front of our children (aren't those the lessons that really "take" for them?) is that our devotion, our service, our commitment to God has nothing to do with how we feel. Yes, there are incredibly emotional moments involved in being a Christian. But emotions change, and God never changes. Never. He is still the same God who parted the sea for the Israelites. He is still the same God who called us in the first place. He is still the same God who has worked miracle after miracle in our behalf. And so even when emotion makes us want to throw up our hands and shake our fists, we do not. We look at our stones of remembrance, we remember the path He has led us down, and we recite to our children the things that the Mighty God of the Universe has done for us. And we walk on, following the path that He has made straight and clear.
Even today, we received two beautiful letters that were such an encouragement. Even now, I hear Sarah Beth in the shower singing, "You are God alone" at the top of her lungs, even after such a hard day--when she went with Marc to deliver the cats to their new homes. Even now, as I watch Hannah sneak around taking notes (she watched Harriet the Spy today, and it seems to have made quite an impact) and I hear John and Marc playing checkers, I know that I have been blessed beyond measure, that He has given me far more than He has asked of me. And I know that He is good all the time...and all the time, He is good.
No matter what, no matter where, no matter how much He asks of me and mine...blessed be the name of the Lord.
His,
Kellye
I understand a little better the Psalmist who said "The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. Blessed be the name of the Lord." I have always read those words a little flippantly. It has a nice flow to it, a balance to the sentence structure that makes me pleased in my English teacher heart, but I'd never really contemplated the meaning for me personally. But in the last few days, it seems like I've done nothing but the "taketh away" part. I told Marc today that though I am humbled by God's choice of our family, today was one of those days when I wanted to stop saying goodbye to beloved people (or cats) and things. Today it felt like too much. I actually rarely feel like God is asking more of me than I can do, but today...well, today was different. My career, my friends at work, my very identity, okay...but my cats? my home?
One of the lessons we are learning in front of our children (aren't those the lessons that really "take" for them?) is that our devotion, our service, our commitment to God has nothing to do with how we feel. Yes, there are incredibly emotional moments involved in being a Christian. But emotions change, and God never changes. Never. He is still the same God who parted the sea for the Israelites. He is still the same God who called us in the first place. He is still the same God who has worked miracle after miracle in our behalf. And so even when emotion makes us want to throw up our hands and shake our fists, we do not. We look at our stones of remembrance, we remember the path He has led us down, and we recite to our children the things that the Mighty God of the Universe has done for us. And we walk on, following the path that He has made straight and clear.
Even today, we received two beautiful letters that were such an encouragement. Even now, I hear Sarah Beth in the shower singing, "You are God alone" at the top of her lungs, even after such a hard day--when she went with Marc to deliver the cats to their new homes. Even now, as I watch Hannah sneak around taking notes (she watched Harriet the Spy today, and it seems to have made quite an impact) and I hear John and Marc playing checkers, I know that I have been blessed beyond measure, that He has given me far more than He has asked of me. And I know that He is good all the time...and all the time, He is good.
No matter what, no matter where, no matter how much He asks of me and mine...blessed be the name of the Lord.
His,
Kellye
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