Septoct13

SEPTEMBER&OCTOBERL2013

The Face of Pain finding God in suffering, p. 30

learning in unexpected ways, p. 66

love SCRIPTED BY GOD, p. 22

Give the gift of hospitality our readers share p. 10

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22 SEPTEMBER&OCTOBERL2013

inthisissue

10

{open} 5 6 8

A word from Rae Meet the Team Mission Statement

relationship exchange Cultivating the Sacred Gift of Friendship

10 14 22

Extending the Gift of Hospitality Hold on for Change & the Learning Curve!

Love‌Scripted by God

daughters of God Pursuing Deeper Intimacy with the Father

28 29 30 38 46

Rhema: Waiting with Hope Pearl of Promise The Face of Pain The Long Way Around I Trapped the Ball

extras!

life & style Virtue in Everyday Living

37 44 48

Common Day Quotes a Fresh Look at Modesty Color Love: red!

legacy & impact

21

pondering with Tina

50

featured blogger

53

life through Carmony’s lens

68

the team recommends

Living God's Heart for the World

54

Good Life Ministries: India

white spaces Creating Rest, Balance, and Room to Breathe

66

Learning in Unexpected Ways

{close} 70

Comments & Contact Info

38

30 3

open w x o¡pen [oh-puh n]

vb.– to move from a shut or closed position so as to admit passage.

4

a word from rae This summer found me traveling all over the place. In early August, I got to go home [TN Home] for almost a week to see my family and friends from the Athens area. It was marvelous. One of the highlights of my sojourn was my younger brother Zac’s fundraiser dinner—a little affair we did to <-----help raise money for his trip to IGo this fall. It was an evening full of all my favorite things: good friends, great food, laughter, lawn games, even some fireworks to finish off the night. Everyone came early and partied late.

And gave GENEROUSLY to Zac’s cause. We had so much fun!

1

Then came the Hilty reunion—a renowned affair of my boyfriend Tim’s family. It rolls around every two years and we rolled up to it on his new RED [!!] Harley, along with a few of the others cousins, in the traditional motorcycle ride to the reunion site. It was a very cool weekend in which I got to meet dozens of Tim’s long lost relatives, learn awesome new games like Kubb [a.k.a Viking Chess], canoe upriver, and assist in a spectacular fireworks show as the weekend grand finale. Tim and I made some wonderful memories with his family and I was invigorated by a weekend well-spent.

I have also added a few thousand miles to my faithful little Celica doing Home Health. It has been an interesting re-entry to the rigors of the American medical system, but the fascinating people I meet help compensate for the mountains of rules and regulations! Maybe sometime some of their stories will find their way into Daughters of Promise. :] This summer has also been a time of healing and growth. As I enter Fall [which happens to be my favorite season ever], I look back with satisfaction that the events of this summer have shaped me.

Where in the past, I have rushed hurriedly from one experience or relationship to the next, I am learning to engage fully in each moment, savoring every drop of its sweetness. Many changes have occurred in the last 6 months, yet recesses of rest have punctuated my time in the classroom. God is very good. His love I know. There is healing and restoration in His presence.

Where has your summer taken you? What doors have opened? I am sure that for as many as have swung wide, others have closed firmly behind. In navigating this earthly life, I am blessed to know that Jesus leads. A good guide is one who shows the way, who doesn’t just hand out maps and say, “Go get ‘em kid!” Our Lord walks beside, searching out the best pasture for His sheep. As my friend Kristi Witmer shares in her article [p.37], God sometimes leads us in unexpected and very painful places. Yet, we experience His presence even there. What a testimony!

There are some wonderful articles in this issue, written by talented and godly women with a beautiful message to share. I pray you are blessed!

Rae 5

Meet the team

BRITTANY SHULT| SC STAFF WRITER

RACHEL SCHROCK|VA FOUNDER,

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Raeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unique life experiences and love for writing inspired her form DOP in 2010. She loves Jesus and longs for all women to experience healing and freedom through an intimate friendship with Him. She loves many things, but especially the color red, jazz, good coffee, graphic design, and her family. In her free time, she can be found undertaking DIY projects, traveling the world, or behind the lens of her beloved Canon.

One of her favorite places in the whole wide world is Mae Sot Thailand, where she spent 6 wonderful months in 2011 and 2012. Above all, she strives to experience the precious gift of life with grace and gratitude.

Brittany is a schoolteacher currently living in the lovely state of South Carolina. She loves teaching her 2nd-5th graders and learning life lessons from them. Jesus is her Friend; she is thankful for everything He has done for her. She is excited about the plans that He has for her. Some of her hobbies include reading a good book and whipping up some baked goods in the kitchen, especially cupcakes! She will take a warm sunshiney day and flip flops over cold dreary winter days.

MARLENE STOLTZFUS|PA STAFF WRITER Marlene enjoys learning, living simply, and using creativity to meet a new challenge.

She and her husband Kyle live in Guys Mills, Pennsylvania with their seven month old daughter Elia. They are a staff family at Faith Builders Educational Programs.

Marlene is the compiler/author of the White Spaces section of DOP.

CARMIE SANCHEZ | VA STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Carmie joined the DOP team in January 2013 as the official photographer. Photography has been one of her pursuits for several years and more recently she has acquired a love of sewing, DIY, and hosting people in her little trailer house. She is a newlywed of October 27, 2012 and her wonderful husband is Gerry. Next to feeding him and being a housekeeper, she enjoys reading and spending time with family and friends.

Her expressive photography captures the essences of life and inspires many to delight in the simple joy of beauty.

LISA STRUBHAR | VA GUEST PHOTOGRAPHER As a teen, Lisa loved art, reading and world travel.

She has been to at least 14 countries and has friends from many she has never visited. Two years ago, her family spent 8 months in Thailand.

Although she still enjoys the same things when she has the time, her life is mostly full of serving her wonderful husband (who is also the talented main photographer at Darren Strubhar Photography) and her three little ones. She is learning to find joy in little things and fulfillment in being in the center of Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s will. Most of the photography in this issue was a joint project of Lisa and her husband. You can find more of their work on their Facebook fan page:

Darren Strubhar Photography, www.facebook.com/pages/Darren-StrubharPhotography.

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WELOVE food. liturgy. music. yellow things. the first spring rain. good coffee. DIY projects. empty notebooks. pursuing holiness. sunshine. green grass. the color red. long walks.



WEBELI

who

habit forms charac overrated. planting t people. in God’s goodn lattes are the best. in Jesus is En



8

we are

IEVE

ter. chevron is hings is good for ess. pumpkin spice redeeming love. ough.

WESTRIVETO live with integrity. read broadly. contribute to Anabaptism. give thanks. live simply. celebrate life. be centered in Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s will. advocate for the poor and needy.

9

Extending the Gift of Hospitality

when we got there. The bed sheets were

Hospitality related.

and

Kindness

are

closely

Last week, some friends and I got away for a night to a beautifully restored, 2-room stone cottage in the woods. The owner keeps it for her children to stay in when they come home. The place was spotless

clean. Towels laid out. Fresh flowers were on an old sideboard. She even insisted that we drive her "gator" the short distance to the cottage, but we took our own vehicle instead. Turns out we ran out of gas right at the cottage, and discovered this fact the next morning. It was raining, but the lady and her husband and hired hand came to bail us out, gas can in hand. "I enjoy this so much," she chuckled. "This is exactly something I would do." We only "knew" our hostess through my friend's husband, but left feeling like we were part of her family.

She is humble, gracious, charming, and kind... everything I want to be.

For overnight guests: anticipate the needs of your guests while they are in your home.

A little fore-thought and preparation goes a long way towards showing kindness. If it's a cool evening, have blankets to snuggle up in and offer them hot drink. If it's hot, have a pitcher of lemonade in the fridge.

Always offer your guests a drink of water, and if they've been traveling for a while, ask them if they want something to eat.

Keep extra toiletries on hand in case they've forgotten theirs. By far, the best hospitality is cleanliness and neatness, but small touches go a long way, too: a midnight snack basket, fresh flowers on the nightstand, crisp, line-dried sheets, chocolates on their pillows, a classic movie, books to read.

Some of you may not have a house of your own, or if you do, it may not be suited to entertaining. Don't let that stop you from offering hospitality! Even if you cannot welcome people into your home, there is a sense in which you can welcome others into your presence. Love others for who they are without trying to change them to be like you. We are all different, and this is

good. Listen to the things they say... really listen. Look for ways to serve them, even if it is in ways no one will ever see. In fact, now is the time to learn hospitality, because hospitality is really an attitude or way of thinking, not just an "event". You can also rarely show hospitality without suffering some kind of self-denial. :) A few more practical ways to show hospitality: brush up on great conversation starters. Always look out for people on the fringes and seek to draw them in.

I have learned that reaching out to others in hospitality is a wonderful way to look past my needs and see how I can bless others. I naturally want my house cleaned, candles lit, fresh flowers on the table, and my child smiling angelically before I offer an invitation to "Come on over!" But while all of these things are wonderful, I do think

11

true hospitality starts with a servant attitude; less of me and more of you. That being said, I love fresh flowers on my table and lots of candles. I want people to feel at home when they visit but I also want to provide for needs I do see. When we have guests spend the night, I try to have food in their fridge and extra toothpaste and shampoo in the bathroom. It’s those little things that say, I care about you, you have value, let me call you friend.

-Don’t feel pressure to have the perfect house—nobody does. Things like keeping your house smelling fresh and looking clean goes a long way! If I’m in a rush and have sudden company, something that makes my house feel clean fast is to give the bathroom and kitchen floor a onceover. Add a candle burning and I feel good to go!

-Meals don’t have to be extravagant.

Don’t get so stressed out over them that you can’t even enjoy yourself! Food is food and you can’t expect to become your mom overnight. Plan well in advance and keep notes on each meal you make. Try out new recipes for just your husband before you make them for your company.

-Watch out for your overnight guests’ individual needs. Some may like a fan, a nightlight, or extra blankets. Don’t expect them to be comfortable just because you are! Along with that, show them where the towels are…and how to use the shower if necessary! (ours is a little complicated as we learned one night from a guest!)

-Initiate positive conversation that makes all guests feel comfortable. A good topic breaks the ice and sets the tone for the rest of the visit. Talk about their lives more than yours. Along with that, don’t be too busy that you can’t sit down and relax with your guests. Dirty dishes can wait.

Being a hostess as a brand new wife can be very intimidating and a little overwhelming! Some of the things that I have learned in the past 21 months of marriage…

-Most of all, make your guests feel welcome, loved, and important. Make them want to return! Invite more than just church friends over—it can be a neighbor, a co-workers, or kids from your community.

12

A Christlike spirit of servant hood and humility goes a long way. Make your home a place of rest, simple beauty, and most of all, full of Jesus’ presence.

As I was thinking of hospitality in my life, I thought of a few things: -Numerous times in the last number of years we have allowed guests to lodge here over the night. People we had never seen or known. But we felt secure and not afraid. That is one of the blessings of the Anabaptist community.

-When meal guests come, I try to have thought of a seating arrangement for the table so as to have folks care for, not just say “find a seat!”

-I have tried to concentrate on the fellowship more than making a fancy meal. To care about guests and what is in their life, not making a display to impress.

-Hospitality is also sharing food – a casserole, dessert – taken to their house.

They can use it at their convenience. I like to share extra food with my close-by family also.

-Being sensitive to guests needs is also important, even if their need is just a cup of cold water at times, or a box of tissues nearby. Perhaps a hug as they come and go, so they leave feeling cared for. | 13

By Rae Schrock

14

15

Change

Change is an inevitable part of life. Not an “if” but a “when”. For some, change is welcomed—there is a thrill in moving from one stage to the next. For others, changing brands of toothpaste is enough to incite anxiety. Wherever you fall on the spectrum, there will come a point where life throws a curveball that spins you out of routine and challenges your patterns of coping. Living as an adult in a fast-paced society doesn’t often afford the luxury of easing into the alterations. Waves of change will hit and sweep us along, ready or not. When it does, how will you react?

My life has been characterized by frequent and significant changes. I have been blessed to experience a wonderful variety of job settings, cultures, and social groups.

Most of the time I enjoy the rapid adjustments my life has brought, though there are times I’ve been thrown so far out of my comfort zone that running away seemed like the best option. This past spring I uprooted from my hometown of 18 years and moved north to VA. Settling into a new community has been challenging but also very revealing. I’m learning a lot about myself and the patterns of coping I have developed—some of them not so healthy when applied to long-term social and cultural transitions. I am still traveling the learning curve and do not have the edge on dealing effectively with change— I am just a woman on a journey, excited to share a few of the lessons I am learning.

Change is inevitable. But we can do it bravely! Here are a few of the

practical lessons I am learning about how to do that.

Take a minute to breathe.

Change often brings stress.

With new routines and new information comes extra emotional, physical, and mental strain: we have to work harder to keep up. Therefore, it is essential to carve out time to take a break.

When I worked as a charge nurse on a busy med-surg unit, the first hour of the shift was always chaotic. Everyone needed something and at times it was hard to stay cool. Sometimes the stress didn’t let up. To help myself re-orient and relax, I would steal 5 minutes to slip out back and look at the stars and breathe easy. It was a window of refreshment that cleared my mind and prepared me for the rest of the night. It’s amazing what a 5-minute break can do. Whether nurses, mothers, house cleaners, or secretaries, we all experience moments where stuff piles up and we get that urge to panic. When this happens, remember that the frenzy will pass! Instead of caving in, carve out a period of white space to do something relaxing, no matter how brief or simple it may be. Intentionally relax your muscles. Take a walk, journal, pull on your favorite pajamas and take a 30 minute nap, steal away for 5 minutes and deep breathe. You may feel that you can’t spare the time, but in the end, you

16

will face the transitions better having given your mind a chance to decompress.

Give yourself time to grieve.

Anatole France said, “All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter another.” Change inevitably moves us away from something or someone dear; a part of life that was significant to us. This is a loss and should be grieved appropriately. In many ways, it is necessary to do this before we can fully move on. Working through the loss of what is being left behind frees us to connect with the new stage we are beginning.

Journaling or sharing with a friend are both

good ways to process change’s losses.

Don’t overdramatize or get stuck in this process but do give yourself permission to feel sad, cry, and wrestle with the new norms being established. Talk to God a lot during this time, and as you process, continually re-orient to the perspective that life is brief, yet we have a hope through Christ for a day when all change and loss will be past. For now, we must move forward if we hope to grow.

Grieving what is left behind is a vital part of maturing emotionally, spiritually, and mentally. Big life changes, like moving away from home, losing a loved one, or entering a new profession require more time and entail more loss. Give yourself plenty of time to emotionally process these changes so that you can move wholly on to the next stage.

All changes have their

melancholy; for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter another.

17

Call it like it is.

This has been one of the most important things I have learned about change. To “call it like it is” is to admit reality. Maybe our tendency is to face change with a rosy Pollyanna mentality that sounds nice but fails to convince our hearts—or anyone else—that “everything is great!” Don’t elongate the process or frustrate yourself by denying the realities of your situation.

Instead, be honest about its impact. It is freeing to face the mirror and say, “This is incredibly hard. Everything is not ok.” Be realistic about what the change is going to bring and how it makes you feel. Then gird your loins and go face it. Things are not going to “get better” or “be ok” until you first admit that things may not be alright at all. After I made the move to VA this spring, it took me some time to admit that things weren’t as rosy as I’d expected them to be. There have been major challenges that kicked me in the gut. But I’ve found that recognizing specific areas of difficulty helps me begin to address those issues. This has been so freeing and is the catalyst for real growth! Be honest with yourself in change. Lay your cards on the table and know what you have to work with. Call it like it is.

When you face those big learning curves, it is important to find someone to process with. My big sister has played this role in my life many times. Because she has walked through many of the changes I am facing, she can offer helpful input and a compassionate listening ear.

Her perspectives are valuable to me because they are based on experience and not cliché platitudes. As you confront uncomfortable changes, verbalize your

Find a friend to share with.

18

questions and feelings to others. Often, simply talking out loud with a good friend helps bring clarity. God made us to need others, so don’t try to do wade through life alone. Find a mentor who can offer sensitivity, honesty, and advice and invite her to share in your journey.

Enjoy the ride!

A few months ago, some friends and I strapped ourselves into a gigantic roller coaster and began the terrifying ascent to the top where we would be plunged 305 feet toward earth at speeds of over 70 mph. White-knuckled hardly begins to describe the grip of my fists on the lap bar as we neared the moment when the bottom would fall out and the dizzying drop would suck all the breath from already-choking lungs. “Put your hands up!” The others were saying.

“No!!” I screamed back, my hands locking even tighter. Even securely lashed into a seat designed for utmost safety, on a ride that had safely carried thousands of others before me, there was no way I was letting go! Life is like this sometimes. Change pulls us from what is familiar and into the unknown. We feel out of control and we know the big drop is going to be scary so we hold on as tight as we can. Somehow the bigness of God’s love and protection doesn’t seem like enough to warrant the release of my white-knuckle grip on the situation.

Holding on for dear life on a rollercoaster creates a false sense of security—what’s going to happen on that 305 foot drop is going to happen whether or not my hands are glued to the seat. In the belly-dropping changes of life, fighting for control may give the same feeling of security. However, in the long run, doing so actually keeps us from experiencing the joy and abandon of a life surrendered to Jesus. We are safe with Him, even when it feels like everything 19

is spinning out of control. Relaxing in His hand is hard, but possible, and brings true rest. Don’t allow fear to distract you from the beauty of what God has prepared for you right now. He has something wonderful to show you about Himself even in the difficult changes.

Life, like the roller-coaster experience, is better when you relax in the seat, throw your arms in the air, and lean into the adventure [ahem! a feat I did not achieve on the death-defying Intimidator of terror].

As you face the unknown, trust in Jesus—it will free you to enjoy aspects of your journey you would miss otherwise. Notice what is happening in the peripheral; you may discover marvelous beauty. Once as I complained about a stressful situation, my boyfriend encouraged me in his to-thepoint way to remember that life is beautiful. It was good advice for me in a moment when I had let anxiety distract me from the gifts God had prepared in that unique situation. I encourage you to learn with me to embrace the ride, confident that God is in control. What a thrill of joy is possible when we no longer have to be in control, but can simply rest in His hand, knowing that our end is secure.

Remember the purpose.

What

is the ultimate purpose of change?

The Christian writer Sinclair Ferguson summarizes it well: “Scripture speaks about God working everything together ‘for the good’ of those who love him (Rom. 8:28).

But what is this ‘good’? It consists of believers being conformed (changed and remade) to the image of Christ. Thus, all the experiences of life are intended, under the sovereign hand of God, to help us to grow towards the great goal of the Christian life—Christ-likeness.”

Whatever big or small transitions you find yourself in, remember that they come to you through the hands of our loving Father.

Look hard to see what Spirit-fruit He is seeking to fashion in you. Embrace change humbly as an instrument by which He is revealing glimpses of His character and molding your own to match. There is rest and joy in such surrender.

My own journey continues and I have much to learn. But I believe that change is a healthy part of life, intended for our growth. Without our willing participation in the process, life becomes stagnant. My personal challenge is to embrace change with a heart of faith, believing that God has plans in it—to change me and to touch the world through me. I look forward to experiencing the richness and joy that comes from each new stage I encounter and pray that you experience the same. |

Thus, all the experiences of life are intended, under the sovereign hand of God, to help us to grow towards the great goal of the Christian life—

Christ-likeness.

20

with tina There was once a young woman who liked to play Candy Crush.

She spent much of her time and energy trying to calculate the right combination of the sweet confections so that she could move up to the next level. Surely this time will be different she'd say as she started each new round. On and on she would work trying different strategies, calculating her turns that slowly

ran out until she heard the familiar music and was defeated. This game intended to bring relaxation now became a stressor unto its' own accord. Yet onwards, she would play, the familiar sound of the divine crunch bringing

her another wave of optimism that perhaps this time would be different; This time if she worked hard enough and did exactly the right moves then she would conquer and be good enough to move to the next level, only to struggle again.

Yay I say unto you, such is life without Christ and His Mercy. Let Him who have ears hear. |

Tina Newson is a licensed mental health counselor, having obtained her BS in social work from Florida International University; an MA in Psychology from Trinity International University, and a Doctorate from the school of hard knocks.

She is a Certified Addiction professional and licensed mental health therapist. Tina has over 25 years of experience working with addicts, mental health patients, the developmentally disabled, Geriatric patients, children, and grad and undergrad students. She believes life is meant to be an adventure, lived with passion and flexibility and she 21 strives to live it as such. Tina loves book studies, sunsets [especially over FL beaches], the smell of coffee, connecting with friends, and stepping out of her comfort zone for the sake of the adventure. Cystic Fibrosis has been a channel through which God has given her glimpses of His sovereignty and taught her what it means to embrace each moment as a gift. She is loved by many, mother of 2, wife of 1 and lives in Southeast TN.

By Beth Slabaugh

23

SCRIPTED BY

Experience the of a Godwritten

Picture this scene with me…there is a beautiful young lady, enraptured in the love of her Lord, faithfully active in His service. She loves what she is doing, but deep inside, there is an ache of longing; a longing to belong to someone, to be a part of something greater than her own ‘adventure’.

She lives with joy, content with the life God has given her and daily surrenders her ache to Him. One day God says to a young man: “Awake, Adam!” And the dance of romance begins. (Proverbs 30:18-19) We, as women have all shed tears over a beautiful love story.

It is our hearts speaking…awaking desires placed there by our Creator Himself. God is the Author of the Greatest Love Story and the Author of every beautiful love story since. Every story scripted by the Author of Romance gives us a tiny, tangible picture of His Greater Story.

God created men to display His strength, to bear His honor. A man bearing the image of Christ commands respect. He

protects, he provides, and he is a warrior.

God created women to display His glory, His beauty. A woman at rest, secure in who she is in Christ, reveals the gentle, nurturing aspect of Christ’s image.

The complete picture of Christ is found in the Oneness of marriage. (This is not to say that as a single you are not complete. We all need to find our completeness first in Christ.)

As John and Stasi Eldredge write in Captivating, “Femininity is what arouses his masculinity. His strength is what makes a woman yearn to be beautiful…It’s that simple, that mysterious, and that incredibly profound. The beauty of a woman is what arouses the strength of a man.” (154) My own personal journey of allowing God to script my love story began as a little girl.

From very young, I dreamed of being involved in overseas missions, but alongside of my beloved man. I longed to be the help meet and to be a mother as well. As the years stretched on and I sought God’s leading in my life, He gave me many 24

opportunities for serving and growing. I was loving life! However, many times the ache of longing brought me to my knees as I surrendered my desires to the Lord. At times I felt that God spoke the verses to me…”Ask, and it shall be given you...” So, I asked, and I waited…and I pursued my Lord, and threw myself into serving Him! The day came when my Dad shared with me about a phone call he received from a certain young man desiring courtship.

When he said his name, my heart leapt with joy as peace flooded me. We had met in Thailand at the Institute for Global Opportunities. Lavon was the men’s dean and having watched his leadership the previous year, I knew that he was the man that I wanted to follow. I did take time to pray and to seek counsel, but that steady peace and joy never left me and thus began our together story!

You as a woman are created with a beautiful treasure that is to be guarded carefully and unwrapped with care. The journey of courtship is a time where trust is

built. This foundation of trust is built to last a lifetime. The way that your man pursues and helps guard your treasure during courtship are keys to how he will continue to treasure you for a lifetime.

Dear daughters of God, how will you guard the treasure of your heart and body, allowing the rose to blossom ever so slowly during courtship? We’ve all heard the term: “play hard to get”. I don’t agree with that term, but something of the principle in it. There is something very beautiful and attractive about the mystery of a woman that draws a man and keeps him attracted. This mystery is a piece of how the woman reflects the character of God. If a woman loses her mystery, she has lost something very beautiful indeed.

Your heart and who you are as a woman is a mystery. Don’t give it all away at one time!

Allow your prince to pursue the treasure of

25

Every story

scripted Author

your heart. First, there will be a spiritual connection. As sons and daughters of God, your spirits will connect and be drawn together in worship.

Enjoy this phase and then allow the soul connection to happen gradually as he leads. You will learn each other’s likes and dislikes, hobbies, spiritual gifts, unique personalities and love languages. Over time, your stories will come out and you will give bits and pieces of your heart.

Savor this time and delight in each step!

Save sharing the deepest parts of who you are for the level of commitment you have with each other.

Lastly is physical connection which is in perspective of the level of commitment. Whether you as a couple choose a hands off relationship or to have appropriate physical touch, the key is to guard your heart with all diligence and have wide open communication with your parents, mentors, and each other.

by the

of romance

Boundaries in place are the key to a healthy relationship.

Keep this in perspective always: Pleasing Christ and having NO REGRETS! Some keys in our relationship that helped me to guard my heart and allow the blossom of love to open slowly. #1: Keeping Christ as our Center. (pursuing relationship with Christ as individuals and together). #2: Parental blessing and communication.

Even if you haven’t had the most open, caring relationship with your Father, this is a time when you can show respect to your Dad in being open with him. You need your father’s counsel in this transition period. It’s a good place to start practicing in being able to respect and honor your future husband! If your Dad has your heart, 26

you are very blessed indeed and he is still your protector until the day that you commit your heart fully to your husband and your Dad gives you away. #3: Staying accountable. If you don’t have a mentor, choose a mature, Godly married woman with whom you can openly share your heart and be free to ask questions. It all feels so new and it is new for you! But, many have walked the road before us and have valuable insights to share. One thing we did was to choose a couple who we observed to have a beautiful, healthy marriage, and asked them to mentor us as a couple. This was

gives of His

and real hug. Waiting to talk about the most intimate things until within the sacredness of marriage.

Every story is different…you as a couple need to choose these things…but in today’s world of quick, “do what feel’s good” mentality, I ask you to carefully contemplate your choices!

Love is sacred…beautiful…a gift from above. When you view everything along the journey as a gift from your 1st Lover, and delight in the treasure of today, you won’t want to rush tomorrow’s treasures. A quote by Amy Carmichael, one of my heroes: “It is a safe thing to trust Him to fulfill the desires which He creates…” May God

us a tangible

picture

Greater Story.

very helpful and healthy in guiding our relationship.

They helped us with communication by asking insightful questions about our relationship and about topics that we hadn’t know when the right time was to discuss them.

Be the initiator sometimes! Men are to be the initiators but some spontaneity in a relationship is a way that you can bless him. Send him a card, make a surprise visit, or call him at an unexpected time. Be creative!

Save the special things for when they will be the most precious…there is no rush! For us, it was waiting till after engagement to say “I Love You!” and to hold hands. We waited till after our “I Do’s” for our 1st kiss

grant each one of you a beautiful, love story scripted by Himself! |

About

the

Author

I am Beth Slabaugh, pictured with the love of my life, Lavon.

He is my best friend and teaches me daily about what true love is all about. I have a learner’s heart and desire to grow in my love relationship with Jesus Christ and His call on my life to be my husband’s help meet. I love Jesus, Lavon, children, and people in general! The people of Mae Sot, Thailand have especially stolen pieces of my heart. I feel deeply when people are hurting, especially children. My life goal is to be a joy-giver and invite others to trust in the One who first loved us! Some material things that are touches of God’s love to me are butterflies, flowing water, flowers, sunsets, and piano music. Oh, and I like coffee shops, especially in Thailand.

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By Marlene Stoltzfus

I was wrestling long and hard with the effects of death. And not only death, but the wheel of ways people attempt to make peace with it.

Especially grueling to me are the platitudes about God knowing best and us being at total peace with what happened as though it isn’t holy to feel that death is invasive and part of the fall. Yet how can the cruelty of death be reconciled with the fact that, because of Jesus, death is no longer hopeless, horrible finality?

Against the backdrop of grief and turmoil, I took an assigned day of solitude. Part of the assignment was to read Romans 8. I sat in the library of Allegheny College, tearfully feeling God meet me and my questions through Paul’s words. I have always found this chapter profound, but this was the first time that I read it in regards to addressing death.

In this chapter, Paul opens with a larger perspective of death: more fearful than physical death is the law of sin and death which controls those who are carnally minded (vv. 1, 6). He builds increasing contrast between those in whom the Spirit or flesh/sin/carnality dwell. Then, Paul slowly infuses the harsh reality of life with the hope Jesus brings for those in whom God’s Spirits dwells. To summarize and

paraphrase this section: the same Spirit who raised Christ from the dead will quicken your mortal bodies. It’s the Spirit of adoption by which we become sons of God. Paul then masterfully delves into the tension between hope through the partial redemption that Jesus brought to death and agony of deferred full redemption. At that time, it felt as though this was release to feel the wrongness and unnaturalness of death. “For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body (vv. 22-34).”

So if there are no complete answers yet, instead the waiting like the pain of childbirth, what keeps us going? The rest of the chapter talks about hope, love, and the physical, tangible testimony of God’s love by giving His Son for humanity.

This chapter is too packed and interwoven to write in full here. Read it sometime. It has helped me to embrace the honesty and confusion of only partially seeing and experiencing now while waiting with hope that one day I and all creation will fully know redemption. | 28

Pearl of Promise

See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as

he is.

[I Jn. 3:1, 2] 29

By Kristi Witmer 30

in the

Face of Pain

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“Seek to please me above all else. As you journey through today, there will be many choice-points along your way…”

It was a crisp, sunshiny November day in the Colorado countryside where our family eagerly awaited my brother’s wedding. It began with quiet moments with God and chatter with the family in the small living room of the downstairs apartment where we were staying. We ate a yummy breakfast, cooked by my mother, and made plans for the day. It was happy and innocent and full of excited anticipation for the week ahead of us.

“Seek to please me above all else. As you journey through today, there will be many choice-points along your way….” read the devotional for that day (taken from Sarah Young’s, Jesus Calling).

Jesus, help me to live this way today. Help me to continually choose You at each point I come to.

“But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.” These were the words I highlighted that very morning in my Bible. I sat there pondering the heaviness of those words, the passion with which they were stated.

Then we set out across the Colorado countryside, the three of us in our van— Mom, my brother and I—to make the

fifteen-minute drive into town to meet up with Dad and brother.

Little did I know how much that fifteenminute drive would completely change my life and the direction I thought I was headed in this journey.

I do not remember most of the drive, and the details of the events that followed are recorded as a large blank spot in my memory, with faint glimpses of medics, anguish, and tears. For that drive cruelly brought an end to my mother’s life as our minivan met the metal of a vehicle larger than itself, crushing the bones and heart of her body.

As the day went on and I tried to wrap my injured brain around what had happened, the only question I did not ask more than once was where my beautiful mother was.

My mother had died. This information was far too big, the pain too immense, for even a struggling memory to forget.

And just like that, in a matter of several seconds, I was thrust into a lifelong journey I did not ask for. I had no choice in it; I would not choose it if I could. It is a journey of tears, of raw grief and continual pain. It is a journey of learning, at age 20, how to live again; a journey of finding God in the broken places; of walking into deep dark

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It is a journey of believing truth, preaching it to myself when I cannot believe it, and worshipping

God in it all.

valleys and crevices in order to discover the light and life of God.

of much falling down, of struggling to get up, and of remembering Who the Strong

I wish I could say that walking this journey of pain has brought about more clarity and answers to my questions of life. I wish that for the next ten paragraphs I could write a ten-step list of “How to Handle Pain and Grief.” Unfortunately, that is not how it is, and I do not expect it ever will be that way. In fact, the longer it goes, the more questions it seems I have.

One is and who I am to Him. It is a journey of believing truth, preaching it to myself when I cannot believe it, and worshipping God in it all.

Why God? What were You thinking? What could Your purpose be in this? Are You sure this is the journey You meant for us to walk?

Because, You know, You are God, so maybe You could just go back and redo that detail.

Yet, amid my many questions, I can know for sure Who God has been to me in it all and how He is leading me on this journey

“Truth” and “worship” are two words that have become incredibly real to me. They are two “lifelines”, I guess you could say, to which I cling, and are intertwined in so much of life. Focusing on truth leads my heart to worship. Worshiping Christ for who He is and all He has done for me, reminds me of what I have experienced in the past and know to be true.

I have come to realize just how much Satan attacks truth and my worship in desperation to draw me away from Jesus.

He combats truth with lies and shoots down worship with ingratitude and despair.

When things do not make sense, and my 33

This is Who God is to me.

Daily, hourly, moment by moment, He grasps my flailing hand in His and gives me what I need to live each day.

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mind tries to sort through all the pieces and put them together in a logical way that fits my understanding, I find the need to run to the truth of God’s word and claim the promises for myself; continually reminding myself of truth, preaching it to myself.

Ocean waves and ripples would be a pretty good description for life right now and it amazes me how easy it is to sing praises and trust God’s strength when I feel strong. Yet, the Christian life has very little to do with my emotions and how I feel, and everything to do with the One who gives me life and every breath I breathe.

What about the times when I am incredibly weak and the feelings are far from praise?

Or when looking at my future is like looking at a death-sentence because life seems so daunting and I feel so weak that it is hard to believe I could possibly step forward and still survive? There are meals to cook, a large house to clean, and appointments to remember. Not to mention the deeper things such as decisions to make, family to care for, grief to process, and no mother to help me do this! How can I begin to dream about the future when I barely feel the strength to process the here and now?

Well-meaning friends quote verses, encouraging me to simply cast my burdens on the Lord, and He will take them, and I will feel so much better. What if I do not even have the strength to cast my burdens? Who says that what is right for this journey is to fix the problem and be freed from the pain? What if the power of what God has to show me is only found in walking this journey, step by agonizing step?

Think truth, Kristi.

God reminds me Who He is: In Psalm 37:23, David says that “The steps of a man are established by the Lord and He delights in his way. When He falls, He will not be hurled headlong because the LORD is the one Who holds His hand.” I get the picture of a father and his child walking along a rutted, dirty path. The child tries his best to step over the big ruts and potholes, but often catches his foot and nearly falls. Yet, because the father is grasping the child’s outstretched hand, strongly, gently, lifting him over the potholes, the small one is not thrown head over heels into the ditch. His hand is tightly grasping the hand of his father’s; the weight of his body is fully dependent on the strength of his father’s arm.

This is Who God is to me. Daily, hourly, moment by moment, He grasps my flailing hand in His and gives me what I need to live each day. When I do not have the strength to cast my burdens on Him, He comes beside me, girds me up, and helps me to carry the load. It is in my weakness that His power is perfected.

As I surround myself with truth, my focus is shifted off of all that does not make sense and on to Jesus, Who is Truth, Who is Love, and Who is so intimately involved in the details of my life. He delights in my way (Ps. 37:23), and even though my journey looks different from what I ever would have imagined, He still has not forsaken me.

Even though my life sometimes feels rather devastated and totaled, His plans are still to prosper, and are still for good and not for evil (Jer. 29:11). Even though the sting of death feels so strong, God is still stronger, the victory is still His.

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Knowing these truths helps me to stand up with Job and sing â&#x20AC;&#x153;the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh, blessed be the name of the Lord.â&#x20AC;? The only place where the deepest needs of our hearts will be met is in the place of worship before God. It is a

worship that is not found according to my circumstances and surroundings, but by being loved and surrounded by a God who is in control and who is worthy of every breath I breathe. |

About the Author I live with my family in the big city of Los Angeles, California. God continues to show me how much He loves me and each person He created. Therefore, I love being anywhere that includes rubbing shoulders with others and making relationships with people--particularly those who don't know Him or His love yet. Currently, I am getting ready to begin my first year of nursing school--a dream come true, and something I hope to use to help those around me and glorify God! In my spare time I love making music, reading, writing, or being outdoors! I'm simply a follower of Jesus, continually learning about what it really means to walk in His steps and be a true disciple of His. 36

In the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter and sharing of pleasures. For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed. Khalil Gibran

embracingtheordinaryday Whatever you do work heartily, as for the lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.

Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.

Col. 3:23-24

Ralph Waldo Emerson

“What day is it?” asked Pooh.

“It’s today,” squeaked Piglet.

“My favorite day.” Said Pooh.

It’s when I get lost I the day’s details, or so caught up in worries about what might be, that I miss the beauty of what is.

Karina Kenison

Oh ordinary day, let me be aware of the treasure you are. Let me not pass you by in quest of some rare and perfect tomorrow. Let me grateful while I may, for it may not always be so. One day I shall fall upon my knees, or bury my face in the pillo1, or lie among the sick, or raise my hands to the sky and want, more than all the world, your return. Mary Jean Iron 37

The Long Way

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By Rae Schrock

Has it ever felt like God is taking you on a detour? Perhaps you were headed fullsteam toward a goal, when suddenly, out of nowhere, everything changed. Detours in life happen all the time, some relatively minor—like having to adjust one’s schedule for a last-minute appointment. Others are catastrophic.

We organize our lives with certain goals and expectations in mind. Our plans and moves are chosen based on what we want or expect to happen next. It can be quite a shock, then, when we suddenly experience the de-railing of our plans.

Sometimes the easy road we had mapped out suddenly turns into a hazardous pathway adding many more miles to the journey: a loved one dies suddenly. A precious child walks away from God. You face financial crisis. A marriage that stood for years is torn apart by unfaithfulness.

Serious illness sets in suddenly. Events like these shake our world. We feel helpless, frightened and maybe even abandoned, like a little girl who is lost in a terrifying world of uncertainty and change.

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making sense of life’s hard detours.

How do we make sense of the detours that take us far from our dreams? Does God know what He is doing? You and I have both asked this question as we experience the disappointments of this life. I know the heartache of abrupt loss and unfulfilled dreams and have wondered many times if God really does know what He is doing.

Last year, a very special phrase in Exodus helped me to get a better glimpse of why God sometimes does lead us the “long way around”. Perhaps it will encourage you as it has me.

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In Exodus 13, we are told that when Pharaoh finally relented and released the Israelites, God did not lead them out through the way of the Philistines, even though it would have been the fastest route. Instead, He took them through the desert—a detour. I had never noticed this detail but it leaped up at me. Why wouldn’t God take the Israelites on the fastest route, through Philistine territory? It would have trimmed hundreds of miles off their trek to Canaan—wasn’t the goal to just get there after all those generations of slavery? Why take the long way?

In the middle of verse 17, we read why.

God took His children the long way around “lest the people change their minds when they see war and return to Egypt.”

This simple explanation hit me with eyeopening force, bringing simultaneous comfort and clarity: God knew exactly what His children would face if they crossed into barbaric Philistine territory and He knew that they would not be able to handle it! It would terrify and destroy them.

The people who had lived in bondage for so long had no strength to face the horrors of war; they were weak and vulnerable.

They needed time to grow strong in their faith and experience God as their Defender. They had to go through the desert.

The more I ponder this small detail from the Exodus story, the more I am convinced it was mercy that caused the Lord to lead His children the long way around. It was His protection and kindness that took them the way that would build in them a deep tenacity, patience, and faith.

My perspective of the seemingly senseless detours I have experienced has also changed. Think with me of some of those you have faced—like when the perfect job fell through; the doors closed to the ministry you were certain God was leading you into; the need you have prayed about for months has not yet been met; the longings for marriage remain unfulfilled. Could it be that the when the Lord takes us a way we don’t expect, it is, in some sovereign way, His mercy? Oh how painful the detours can be; how they test our patience! And yet, maybe, just maybe, they are extended by the loving hand of a Gracious Father who knows just what we need and what our faith can stand. He knows our frailties and vulnerabilities and how to develop resilient faith within us. Can we dare to believe that the detours we face are tokens of His love, weaving into us tenacity and rest as we come to trust Him for all our needs? I believe they are. Our loving Father does not take us through the desert to punish us or take away the things we long for. No, He moves us into the paths of righteousness, for His own name’s sake; the way that will fashion us into a purer reflection of Christ Himself. There is deep joy, even mingled in the pain of the desert-journey.

When God calls us to the desert, He does not send us out alone. He journeys with us!

Of the Israelites, Scripture tells us, “God led them through the way of the desert.”

God led them. What an amazing reality!

We often mistakenly think of the Israelites as wandering in the desert. In fact, this terminology is used only twice in the Exodus account. The rest of the time, the Scriptures record that “God led” His

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He may lead you away from your dreams for a season, but only that He may fulfill them more fully in the end. people. He did not leave them to stumble blindly through the desert.

He didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t occasionally step in to nudge them in the direction of Canaan. No, the Lord guided them with a visible presence that went with them constantly. As you face your own wilderness journeys, take

comfort in knowing that His presence enfolds you too. If you are called to the desert, one thing that will never waver is that God is leading you. There is a purpose in your detours and He walks with you, His presence bringing an inner cooling and warming as you tread the difficult places.

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Taking the long way around was necessary to remove Egypt from their hearts and carve out a place for Canaan.

God’s presence in the Israelite camp provided literal respite from the brutalities of the desert—cooling shade during the day, and protective warmth at night. For us, His shade and warming is spiritual—a soul-respite from the trial. I especially love the idea of the Lord being our shade—a description of God found multiple times in the Psalms. How close does a friend have to stand to block the glare of the sun?

Right by our side! The feelings of rest, comfort, and peace we experience in difficult times are the “shade” of our loving Father, who is walking at our side. Often His shade comes in very tangible ways, for even the most tedious trials are punctuated by moments of relief—an unexpected word of encouragement, a breakthrough in the struggle, a moment of unrestrained laughter.

As you walk, look for evidences of the Lord’s presence. In my own life, the Spiritshade has often come in the form of beauty; lovely things bring joy and serenity to the difficulties. This past year, moving to Virginia brought many unexpected changes and my heart has craved to touch beauty. Often, I escape to the outdoors, meandering long through the woods and fields, steeping my soul in the colors and sounds and smells of nature.

I’ve found that creating beauty also brings rest—painting, planting flowers, writing, or playing my guitar are all things that calm my heart and refresh me before I return to the hard things that need to be done.

Realize that God’s shade takes different forms, but be diligent to search for it. The respite found in His presence will strengthen you for long days of hiking.

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Finally, remember that your story is still being written. We have the advantage of knowing the Israelites’ story, beginning to end and it gives us hope. We can see how their journey led to incredible spiritual awakening, miracles and redemption. Had they taken the “way that was near”, some of the most dynamic revelations of God’s character would be missing from history.

Even more meaningful to our journeys today is the realization that Canaan was not just a place where the Israelites’ journey ended. It was a place the Lord wanted to infuse in His people along the way. Taking the long way around was necessary to gently remove Egypt from their hearts and carve out a place for Canaan. God’s purpose is the same for us today.

you and removing the bondage of selfpreservation, pride, and doubt from your heart. In its place, Jesus is kneading in humility, surrender, and patience. Lay down fear and rest in His kind hand. He may lead you away from your dreams for a season, but only that He may fulfill them more fully in the end and at the appointed time, you will emerge from the desert strong in Christ.

We all have to walk hard roads sometimes—maybe roads so difficult that we feel we will not make it through. But hold on to Jesus and don’t waver your gaze from Him. The long way around is not a senseless detour, but a time of drawing deeper into His arms.

What Spirit-fruit is the Lord weaving into you through your trial? Follow Him with eyes wide open for the miracles He is doing every day within your heart. Your faith will grow as you glimpse His power and provision. Keep hiking, sisters. The desert is hard and often painful, but it does not last forever. Jesus walks with you and is leading you away from your Egypt that He may carve out a place within you large enough to contain all the glory of Canaan. |

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We sojourn without the benefit of knowing how the details of this earthly journey will unfold. But we do know that the end is secure—and the Promised Land is in sight!

Walking with God through the desert, our hearts fill with a yearning for deeper intimacy with Him. The things of earth grow dim, and the anticipation of the eternal grows strong, filling in the spaces the desert has carved out within us. Though you may not see it all now, the desert is softening

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WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE MODEST? IS IT JUST AN ISSUE OF DRESS OR IS THERE MORE TO THE STORY? CAN A WOMAN BE CLOTHED APPROPRIATELY BUT PORTRAY AN IMMODEST HEART? READ AS BRITTANY SHARES PERSONAL EXPERIENCE AND SPIRITUAL WISDOM FOR CLOTHING MORE THAN JUST OUR BODIES, BUT ALSO OUR LIVES WITH BEAUTY, FEMININITY, AND GODLINESS.

MODESTY.

It’s a concept that invokes

many different reactions and at times, confusion. Just what exactly is modesty? Is it making sure every square of inch of skin is covered? Does it mean buying baggy, ugly clothes lest, heaven forbid, some curves are visible?

While at times these particular aspects may factor into our lives, they are not the complete story. As women of God, we should desire to cover ourselves outwardly for several reasons. First and foremost, our bodies are the temple of God. Putting our bodies on display for the world to see cheapens the holiness of how God designed us. He created us to be the dwelling place of His Spirit and our hearts to be His throne room. Dressing in a chaste manner brings beauty to that temple.

Secondly, choosing to dress modestly protects our brothers in Christ. There are plenty of examples of blatant immodesty in the world. Our men should not have to struggle because a sister in Christ chose to clothe herself in a sensual manner.

Thirdly, choosing a modest wardrobe is just plain lady-like! There is something special about a woman who dresses in a genteel fashion. People appreciate feminine modesty much more then we may realize.

One time I met someone at the grocery store who commented on my skirt and expressed how they appreciated the way I dressed.

Now, I can already hear some of you say, “But wait a minute! Men just need to pull their minds out of the gutter and get over it. I want to dress the way I want to.” Trust me, I understand where you’re coming 44

from. Once upon a time I felt somewhat resentful that the subject of modesty landed solely on the women’s shoulders and that it was our fault if a man stumbled.

After all, we can’t please everyone. We might as well wear a box so that everything is hidden.

My outlook on modesty has changed as I have gotten older and hopefully have gained some wisdom. Yes, we as women should do what we can to present our outward parts as modestly as possible for the reasons already listed. However, I have learned that modesty is not just an issue of covering our bodies, but also protecting our actions and words. A woman may be covered on the outside, but attentionseeking actions and cynical words do not convey modesty to the people around her.

We should guard our actions and protect our speech.

I realize that God has blessed some of you with personalities that tend to lean towards a more boisterous, fun-loving perspective.

There is nothing wrong with that. God created you that way for a reason. You don’t have to force yourself to be a meek, quiet woman because doing that simply will not work. It was not how you were designed. Rather than trying to be someone you are not, try instead to temper your actions. If you know that you

can be somewhat noisy in a group of people, simply be aware of that fact and do what you can to control it. Loud, rambunctious conversation, while having its place in some situations, should not be the norm for a modest woman.

I have a strong personality that loves sarcastic humor and I’m not afraid to dish it out to people. However, I realize that while having that particular characteristic is not a bad thing, it can be immodest if I am not careful. There is a time and place for that type of joking, and I am learning to temper it to the right situation.

Because modesty is a heart issue, we need to be aware of how our words sound to others. Negative emotions we feel inside very often manifests itself in ugly words. A modest woman is careful with how she expresses herself. Harsh criticisms and gossip are not attractive and lady-like to anyone.

In case I haven’t made myself clear, modesty is not only about our outward

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appearance, but also the way we conduct ourselves. Some of us have personalities that are hard to tame. Just because we may live life a little bit more loudly then the more sedate ladies does not mean that we can’t be modest. God created us with our special characteristics for a reason. Don’t squash your natural ability to make everybody laugh just because it may not be lady-like. Learn to temper it, to be aware of how it may affect those around you.

Let’s take joy in being women and dress for the honor and glory of the King, not for the people around us. Let’s strive to present our unique personalities in ways that point back to the One who sits in our throne room. |

I TRAPPED THE BALL Frank Reed, friend, teacher, and mentor, calls us to a life of integrity.

It was the last play of an important game.

Down by three points, the game was on the line. Number twenty four was to catch a pass in the end zone. There was a long throw and a diving catch. The ref signaled ‘touchdown!’

The bench was running onto the field. The stands were emptying. The team was running to celebrate with number twenty four.

In baseball and football the way a ball is ‘caught’ is critically important. It can happen two ways: if the player gets to the ball in time and gets his hand under the ball and the ball does not contact the ground, the ball is ‘caught’. If the player gets to the ball at the very instant the ball contacts the ground, the ball is ‘trapped’. A trap is not a legal catch.

Many times it is nearly impossible for the ref to tell if the ball was caught or trapped.

Twenty four, however, was walking over to the ref. “I trapped the ball”, twenty four told the ref.

The ref changed the call. The points came of the scoreboard. The other team won the game. The stunned fans took only a moment to react. The jubilant side grew silent and sullen.

The bench and bleachers on the other side of the field erupted in victory celebration.

Twenty four walked to his team mates and fans. Fear gripped his heart. What had he 46 done?

The ref had called the play. They had won the game. He was the hero. The cheerleaders, the team, the fans….He was a hero.

No more. No more hero. No one would have ever known. No one would have needed to know. From hero to scoundrel.

The stands were quiet. The locker room – more quiet. The long ride home on the team bus – painful. What had he done? He had a life to live. He had a moment to relive. He did not have time to decide. The truth had to be told now. NOW! Tomorrow would be too late.

He had made a choice – a choice between loyalty and integrity. Loyalty to the team or integrity to doing what was right. Doing what was right, no matter the cost. He had a life to live.

honest and the ref does not change the call, you have done what you could. You will know you did what was right.

What is most valuable to you? Winning or integrity? Can you live with yourself?

Volleyball – the ball was in and the ref was not looking and made a bad call. What do you do? What about your personal life? Is a moment’s indiscretion worth the damage it will do? A moment of fun at the expense of someone else? An opportunity to make money for your company…An opportunity to cover up the truth at your church. No one would ever know.

What will honesty cost you? What is the price of honesty? Can you live with yourself? Can you face God?

NO ONE WOULD EVER KNOW.

Every morning when he looked in the mirror, he would know. At every reminiscence of the “play” that won the game for his whole lifetime, he would know. When his children heard the story he would know. On his dying day, he would know.

BUT YOU.

Loyalty or integrity? Which will it be for you? Why must life be so hard?

The ref must make the call.

You must live with yourself. If you are

What will honesty cost you? What is the price of honesty? Can you live with yourself?

Can you face God? 47

{RED} 48

Red

is a vibrant, energetic color that grabs our attention. As one of the more emotionally acute colors in the spectrum, red is known to incrase blood pressure and helps spur the adrenal glands, thus encouraging strength and stamina. It is commonly associated with emotions such as anger, passion, and love; however it can also be the color of courage and strength.

Excess exposure to this color can produce stress and perhaps frustration; therefore use red sparingly when doing interior decorating.

Use it as an accent color instead of making it the focal point. Throw some energy into your life by using one of these simple dĂŠcor ideas:

Eating red fruits and boost our systems by antioxidants. fresh or dried, are Roses arranged in a vase fiber because of A throw blanket on the couch also provide Potassium.

Red covered cookbooks stacked heart healthy as on the kitchen counter provide Vitamin C A bowl of fresh apples Grapefruits are a good source of Paint the front door red pectim, which can help lower cholesterol.

An area rug When choosing grapefruit, go with pink or red, as these varieties have higher levels of lycopene. Lycopene can help reduce the risk of various cancers as well as heart disease.

SIMPLE RED ACCENTS

veggies can help providing powerful Cherries, whether great source of their skin. They Vitamin C and Tomatoes are they also and Potassium.

Red, whether light or dark, adds zest to ordinary color palettes. Perk up your day with something red and see if it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make things seem just a little more energetic!

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Meet Shari

featured blogger Click to visit Shari’s blog: http://shari.zooks.us

About Shari Zook “I don’t have much to post on this page, because most of what I say about myself is probably propaganda and you should think before you swallow. Some is purposely slanted; some is innocently biased; none of it is documented. I am not wise enough to see myself accurately.

Here are the most basic facts I can think of.

My name is Shari Zook.

I am married to a handsome and compelling man named Ryan. (See? The bias comes out already. But what I say is true nonetheless!) Here on my blog he goes by The Boss, or Not the Boss, depending on the month.

We have three beloved, infuriating children: Aarick (7), Regan (5), and Kelly (2).

We love Jesus.

We live in Meadville, Pennsylvania, and attend Meadville Mennonite Chapel.”

&

Green Beans and

Posted on July 30, 2013

Did you know that I can hear what plants are saying?

This is one reason why I hate weeding (besides the fact that it is hard work): it feels cruel and unfair. I hate the sight of all those babies gasping and shriveling in the sun.

When I prune I have to steel myself against the protest. Once when Ryan chopped off a big wild grapevine, the sight of that gaping, dripping stump was dreadful to me, like someone bleeding.

The other day I was out in my garden picking green beans.

As I

pulled the long straight pods, I was sure (quite sure) I heard the plants sighing with relief.

Left alone, the beans would turn fat

and woody, aging idly, sapping strength, corking the usefulness and life span of the plant. Removed, they cleared the way for fresh energy to surge into the blossoms and new beans coming on. The plant found it was still young. Productivity endured.

They were delighted to give; I was delighted to receive.

I thought to myselfâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;this is how I should think of good deeds.

Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly loveâ&#x20AC;Ś not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

(Romans 12:10-13) Sometimes I get exhausted with my works, as though I have to produce enough of them to stretch around to the needs of all. Instead, I should be 51

producing them because that is what I do—fueled by internal design, not external pressure. I am a bean plant. I make beans. And when someone comes along and picks them to enjoy, I can release them with a sigh of relief.

Whew. Thanks for taking that. I needed to cook a good meal for someone.

Ahh. Lovely. Thanks for giving me an opportunity to babysit.

I’ve been growing that one quite a while.

Mmmmm.

It feels good to stop in and visit you. I hope you are feeling better soon…

Thank you for letting me throw you a party! Now I can start cooking up the next one.

If you’re feeling useless and stuffed up, clear out some of the overripe projects, the things you’ve been meaning to do for others for a long time—or you’ll soon find you have stopped concocting the fresh.

And a little nontraditional advice, if I may–

Don’t get too bogged down examining your motives: you usually have several. If you can get them about 80% pure, just go with it, trusting to Jesus to iron out the rest.

“Am I just doing it to make myself look good?” is not the end of the road you may think. For women who claim to be devoted to God should make themselves attractive by the good things they do. (I Timothy 2:10 NLT.)

For women who claim to be devoted to God should make themselves attractive by the good things they do. For women who claim to be devoted to God should make themselves attractive by the good things they do. For women who claim to be devoted to God should make themselves attractive by the good things they do. *****

What do you think?

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Fall

life through Carmony’s lens

Among the Rocks

BY ROBERT BROWNING

Oh, good gigantic smile o’ the brown old earth, This autumn morning! How he sets his bones To bask i’ the sun, and thrusts out knees and feet For the ripple to run over in its mirth;

Listening the while, where on the heap of stones The white breast of the sea-lark twitters sweet.

That is the doctrine, simple, ancient, true; Such is life’s trial, as old earth smiles and knows.

If you loved only what were worth your love,

Love were clear gain, and wholly well for you: Make the low nature better by your throes!

Give earth yourself, go up for gain above!

Good Life MINISTRIES Hyderbad, India

Good Life Ministries is located in Hyderbad, India, and began in 2000 with a simple gift of $20.00, given to Sam Gunti who is a native of India. With this gift, Sam began a ministry formed from a love for Jesus and a passion to reach out to the un-reached of India! Today, Sam and his wife, Becca, and their 3 children, continue to reach out with the love of Jesus to the people of this needy country. Here, Becca Gunti shares their heart of ministry, as well as stories of individuals they have met along the way, and ways that you too can become involved in the important work in India!

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As it is very tough

to get into some of the villages that are so closed to the Gospel and with our love for children; we felt the Lord calling us to reach out to the children of India by starting little kids clubs (using a coloring book which taught them about cleanliness and later about Jesus).

Often, these clubs began under a tree or in someoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s front or back yard or even sitting on a rock or tree stump somewhere in the village. The kids would love to come and see what Sam has to share and the parents were curious as well...but they would stand far off at first...and little by little get closer and closer; then they would tell their children to come and tell Sam to come and pray in their house for them. This was a BIG sign that the parents were interested to know more about Jesus!

Praise the Lord, through Kids Clubs, Good Life Ministries has been able to start 11 churches in the different villages!

The Lord has expanded our ministry to include many more avenues of outreach such as: 1. Good Life Clubs 2. Good Life Schools

3. Sponsorship Program (Feeding Program) 4. Training Center (Computers, English, Driving School) 5. Youth Ministry 6. VBS 7. Church Planting 8. Evangelistic/Revival Meetings 9. Christmas Gifts 10. Medical/Eye Camps 11. Bore Wells 12. Sewing 13. Jesus Films 14. Relief Work 15. Training Mission Workers (Good Life Club Leaders) 16. Bible Correspondence Course It is beyond the scope of this paper to tell you about every aspect of the ministry, but here are a few highlights of our work here in India:

GLM Computer/English Center

Training

Many youth who come to our Training Center for the services we offer have a desire and want to learn all they can to be able to earn an income and support themselves and their families.

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As Sam was working in different villages, parents and young people themselves would ask Sam if he knew of a place where they could take a class on computers as many jobs require computer knowledge. Many wanted to go somewhere but could not afford it. As Sam realized the great interest among young people for this kind of training he started wondering how he could meet this need and at the same time use it as a tool for sharing the Gospel.

Some friends from the states offered to give a laptop to the ministry. Sam had a thought: he asked if they could give two desk-top computers instead to help the youth to learn computers. These dear friends surprised Sam and not only gave two desktop computers but four. Sam started out with these four computers right in his home in 2005 and as friends told their friends of a place where they could take computer classes free, the need grew for more space and more computers. Starting out we thought we could reach around 40 young people a year but within the past 8 years the Lord has blessed us with over 6,000 people coming through the doors of our Training Center.

Presently we offer two classes, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. We average 60-80 students each day.

Sam initially meets with each of the students before a new group begins classes to learn what he can about them and how he could best minister to them and share the Gospel.

This is different from what most students are used to as in India as teachers do not normally befriend them. As he shows an interest in their lives Sam is able to speak into their hearts. Sam requires each new group of students to attend at least two extra classes where he will share the Gospel message in a creative way. The 6000 or more young people who have come through our doors in the past nine years represent around 45 different villages coming from various backgrounds and castes. To some young people who are very closed to the Gospel, this has been a way of breaking down those barriers. Some who have come have not only been able to find a good job but have also â&#x20AC;&#x153;tasted and seen that the Lord is goodâ&#x20AC;? and have given their lives to Him. Some have begun attending Bible Studies.

Teaching young people Computer and English classes has also been a source of protection for us from the local government and leaders 57

in our community who may oppose us sharing the Gospel. They see and appreciate our effort of helping those in our community.

GLM Schools and Feeding Program-Slum School Our slum school began from our work among the poor people in a slum area under a bridge in the city. We initially began a Kids Club there and as we would take our coloring books called â&#x20AC;&#x153;Good Life Guidesâ&#x20AC;? into the slum we would teach the children about personal hygiene. We also taught them about how they could be clean with Jesus in their hearts. Most children who live in slums do not go to school.

They either help their parents picking up trash, watching their younger siblings or find some way to make a little bit of money. As we were going into the slum on a daily basis and saw their needs and the difference it would make

Approximately

25,000 children have been reached through Kids Clubs & VBS. in their lives by giving them an education we decided to start a school in the slum in 2004.

The original slum area where we first started ministering to these children 9 years ago was destroyed without warning in 2005. The people were told to leave in a very short time. The new school building we had built was knocked over along with any other homes that were not moved in the allotted time. The government moved the people to a building to stay in but it

turned out to be very inadequate for the amount of people. They did not bring them the food they promised either. The parents called us asking for help. That was the beginning of our Feeding Program.

The children had been without food for a whole day and night. The parents called us asking for help since their children were so hungry and they had nothing to give them. We knew they also had not been getting adequate nutrition in the past and so we went quickly to a restaurant and took them some little rice cakes and decided to continue giving them one good meal a day at school from that day onwards. Oh, how the children look forward to getting a nice warm meal!

Time passed and the government did not relocate the people as they had promised. We eventually helped them find an area outside of the city where they could again set up their community of around one hundred families.

Good Life Ministries, with the help of friends, then built another school near them in 2006 which is now known as the Slum School. (This is also the same school onto which we built our Boarding School in 2010.)

The present location of the Slum School has turned out to be a blessing as it is not directly in the slums. It is easier to teach the children about cleanliness when there is easy access to water. Ministering among the parents has been difficult but we have been encouraged by the commitments that some of the children have made. We are also encouraged by the different stories we hear sometimes from the parents and sometimes from the teachers of the children who have made changes. For example there was one young boy who used to pick up trash and keep all his money plus take as much from his mommy as possible.

After coming to school, he learned about helping his parents and helping other people and sharing what he has with others; he then would take the meager amount that he would 58

get from his trash and bring it to his mommyâ&#x20AC;Śshe was shocked and wondered what had made her son change.

We have 120 students at the Slum School. We will be adding more students as we find the sponsors to support these children in giving them an education and also the opportunity to learn about Jesus!

GLM Sandpit/Boarding School Our school in the Sandpit began with a group of parents who were believers and wanted to learn to read so they could read the Bible.

When we started our school in this area in 2005 we had parents at first learning alongside of their children. Another reason for starting the

school is that the Sandpit was located in a very rural area, way back off the main road; the government did not provide schooling for the children.

Knowing the importance of education for these dear ones, we started a school and were also excited that their parents learned the alphabet so they could read the Bible! We had a School/Church in the Sandpit for five years. In June of 2009 the Sandpit where the s worked was destroyed. The parents needed to leave and move on to find work elsewhere. Without much besides their few meager belongings, they did not know where they would need to go to find work; what would happen with their children as they would most likely not have a school where they are going; what about their childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s future? They trusted Sam to come to him and ask if he could take their children in and care

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for them helping them to continue their education. Twenty three children came to live at the Slum School. For almost a year the children slept in the classrooms... moving the desks out each evening and putting them back in time for class the next day. We were blessed with the resources to build a Boarding School for these children and in December of 2010 the children were able to move into their new home.

Having the children living at the Boarding School has been an opportunity to allow those children who do not come from Christian homes to see what it is like to live in that atmosphere and to have a time of prayer and sharing with them. It is also an opportunity to be able to give them a more structured setting. Here we can also encourage and teach them to respond in right ways. We have been encouraged with how we have seen them thrive in this environment. We have also seen an improvement in their grades as a result of the structured learning time. We now have 60 students at the Boarding School. It costs $25.00/month for a day student and $40.00/month for a student staying at the Boarding School.

One childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s testimony: My Name is Kavitha. I am in the 8th grade. I have been to VBS several times. My family beat me the first time I went to VBS. I loved hearing the stories and singing the songs so I went back. This year I made a commitment to follow Jesus Christ. Since then my hardship has increased at home. My brother takes my Bible away from me when I read it and my dad keeps me from going to church. He tells my friends I have work to do and cannot come. I keep remembering what Jesus did on the cross for me; how much pain he bore for my sins. I am happy to suffer for Jesus because He suffered for me! I am so thankful that God used GLM VBS to save me! I am so happy with Jesus in my life. I want my Dad, Mom and brother to have this same happiness!

Please pray for children, like Kavitha, who suffer for the commitments they have made to follow Jesus at VBS and Good Life Clubs.

GLM Vacation Bible Schools Initially we began Vacation Bible School as a ministry to come alongside and encourage churches and other ministries. Although we still do occasionally help churches or ministries that ask us our main target is the unreached children.

We have found children to be great â&#x20AC;&#x153;evangelistsâ&#x20AC;? as they come one day/year and having enjoyed VBS they bring their friends the next day/year. Festivals in India are times of great celebration and fun. In the States it would be likened to children going to camp for a week. Lots of fun! That is how children here view VBS! Christian parents are glad to have their children going somewhere to learn Biblical truths. Other parents who hear good things are going to be taught are excited to send their children. Children from Christian families are also excited to be able to bring their Hindu friends. Our smallest VBS is around 30 children and our largest reached over 7,500 in January 2013.

VBS has been a way to encourage children to love the Lord and make decisions to live for Him. As many pastors have not had a lot of training in knowing how to minister to children and do not have a lot of resources available to them the time of VBS is an encouragement to them as they observe VBS and even take part in teacher training sessions. Sam sometimes gives them resources to be able to use with their children after we've left. It is an encouragement to the pastors just to know they are not alone. It has been our privilege to be able to train 50-100 volunteers (youth), from different areas, to know how to minister to children. It has been encouraging to us to see them continue to carry on that vision by ministering to children after we leave. We've had a young man who has joined our team ministering through Kids Club in our area. Some 60

of the young people who have volunteered have also since then been to our Youth Center joining in Bible Studies or taking part in our Computer/English Center.

Here it is so hot and so we need to be sure to have ample supply of water or some kind of drink. We usually also give out a snack or meal.

Many times children come without having eaten breakfast. We sometimes cook a meal for the children because they come from a distance in the extreme heat of the summer and without nourishment they become sick.

The Lord has blessed VBS with rapid growth, it started in 2007 with 800 kids, 1500 kids in 2008, 2250 in 2009, 3000 in 2010, 4000 in 2011, 6000 in 2012 and around 7600 in 2013.

GLM Kid's Club For Kid's Club we like to target non-Christian areas where there is not an established church and not any Christian presence that we know of. We start out Kid's Club using Good Life Guides to teach the children cleanliness and make parallels to our lives spiritually. Our youth boys (Young men who are being mentored through our Youth Center) help out with the Kid's Clubs passing on the things they have learned. Kid's Clubs can be challenging as we start out because the children are generally unruly and undisciplined but over time they learn to be respectful. We have found Kid's Club very effective in gaining the confidence of their parents as they see the good things we are teaching their children. Many times when we have Kid's Club it is held somewhere right in the middle of the village. The parents come and gather around the edge of the circle of children to see what we are doing. As they listen seeds of truth are planted in their hearts as well. Over the years GLM has reached into 8 slums 16 villages with Kids Clubs. We currently have 8 Kids Clubs where we go every week and share with the children.

The children who come to our Kid's Club come to our VBS as well bringing their friends with them. (Just recently in 2013 we have started 18 new Kids Clubs).

GLM Church Planting Our goal for church planting is to go into areas where there are no Christians, churches or ministry working presently. As these villages are usually closed to the Gospel we build their trust and a relationship with them by holding Medical/Eye Camps in their village, boring wells and through Kid's Clubs. A church was started in the Stone Quarry as a result of our Kid's Club and School there.

Presently we are meeting in eleven villages where churches have been started through Kids Clubs. We have 3 full time and one part time worker going out and ministering in these villages. Sam tries to visit each village at least once a month to encourage the believers there.

Because the believers are first generation Christians they usually have a lot of questions about why they should or should not do certain things. There are many traditions that they have that are not necessarily wrong but they want to make sure they do them in a godly way. For example: when a baby is named at six months or later normally a priest or grandparent would name the child. Since they are now Christians they come to the pastor wanting him to name the child- giving him/her a Bible name.

GLM Medical/Eye Camps In 2004 we started Medical/Eye Camps as a way to go into rural villages that were closed to the Gospel. As villagers see that we care about them as individuals they are willing to open their hearts to us and the message we bring.

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Sometimes the leaders of the villages are more opposed to us than the people. It has already happened that the day we go into a village that a leader who is opposed to us will be sick.

After coming to us for help and getting better he will be our best spokesperson having gained a different outlook about who we are and what we are doing.

We normally begin our medical camp with prayer, dedicating all that we are doing to the Lord and giving Him the credit for whatever takes place. That in itself is then a testimony to the people that anything that takes place is from the Lord. As needs are met among the people their hearts are softened. In this way we are able to begin Kid's Clubs in the villages opening the door to the possibility of eventually starting a church within that village.

In one large village where we drilled a well there were a number of wells the government had drilled. In time the government wells dried up. It has been a testimony to the people of the Lord's faithfulness as the well we drilled has continued to supply the much needed water. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Although access to drinking water has improved, the World Bank estimates that 21% of communicable diseases in India are related to unsafe water. In India, diarrhea alone causes more than 1,600 deaths dailyâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the same as if eight 200-person jumbo-jets crashed to the ground each day.â&#x20AC;? (water.org) You can see that the need for good, clean water is very much a necessity.

At this time more than 50 villages have access to wells that we have drilled bringing water to 30,000 people.

In many different ways people are helped and encouraged through Medical/Eye Camps.

To date we have been able to reach into approximately 150 villages with the Gospel through Medical Camps.

GLM Bore Wells In India there is a scarcity of water and people need to carry any water they use for long distances if there is not a well nearby. If a well is not giving much water it affects the whole village because everyone is dependent on it for water. Bore Wells are similar to Medical/Eye Camps in that as we meet the need for water people out of gratefulness are open to listening to the Message we bring.

When we go into a village to begin digging a well we will pray asking the Lord to provide the water for us. When the people see the abundance of water, they remember that we asked the Lord for it, and recognize that it is the Lord who has provided.

GLM Sewing Centers We started Sewing Centers in 2006 as we realized the young girls within our Kids Clubs would not be coming much longer. What could we do for them that would benefit them in the future? That would help to better their lives and give them a brighter future?

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In many villages parents and husbands do not allow their daughters or wives to leave or venture far from their homes. Without the ability to go far they usually don't have the opportunity to learn a trade or even have a job.

With Sewing Centers the young ladies could learn the trade within their village. It is a trade they could learn at home and then also work out of their homes.

Knowing how to sew not only helps a young lady bring in a little income for her family before she is married but also afterwards.

Because of the dowry system in India, if a potential husband knows his bride-to-be can sew he may ask less dowry from her family knowing that after they are married she will be able to bring in a little income for them.

As young ladies are helped and learn how to sew they in turn encourage their younger siblings to come to our Kid's Clubs.

GLM Jesus Film Ministry We have found the Jesus Film to be a very effective tool in sharing the Gospel and has touched many lives. As many people do not know much about Christianity other than that they believe it is a foreign religion; showing the Jesus Film helps them to learn the truth about who Jesus is and why He came.

Sometimes there is opposition; as in one village where three Hindu leaders insisted that Sam go to the police station for forcing his religion on their villagers. Even though Sam had the young men take down the equipment they still insisted that he go. Ironically the men had no vehicle to take him in and so insisted that Sam drive them there. As they went the men asked questions about Christianity in a rude, mocking way. At the police station, there happened to be a Muslim policeman among the predominant Hindu staff. He told the men that because Sam had willingly taken down his

Raju’s Story Raju sat very still; looking down as words flowed all around him. The kind, funny man had come again. Raju liked this man; he made Raju laugh.

He made him forget. Forget that he looked different. Forget that he had a gap in his upper jaw and a lip that was big and out-turned showing teeth and gums that were badly deformed. Forget that children made fun of him for looking different, for talking funny and for not being able to keep food from running out his nose when he ate. He liked to forget. He peeked up at the man who was talking intently to his father and mother. The man made him feel safe, like he belonged, like he was no different from any of the other children, like he was special.

Raju turned his eyes to his mother as he realized she was crying. “I am so happy you will do this for my son! I thank you so much! She said lifting her folded hands to her face and bowing her head slightly as a sign of gratefulness and respect. Her heart ached for her son whenever she knew he was hurting from some thoughtless word that had been directed at him. She had been deeply disappointed when as a baby he had had a free surgery to correct his cleft palate only to have it come apart months later. She sensed Raju’s big brown eyes looking at her questioningly.

“Raju, Mr. Sam, will take you to a special Dr. and he will fix your lip! You will look like other children!” she exclaimed happily. Even though there was much pain and discomfort that little Raju had to go through for some time with the different surgeries; he now is so happy and he looks beautiful!

Raju will always have a scar but it is a good reminder of how God showed His love to him through using people like you to reach out and make it possible for him to have surgeries to fix his cleft pallet!

There are many hurting children in India…much by harsh words that are directed toward them!

Please pray that they will lean on Jesus and feel His loving arms around them and Trust in Him! 63

equipment to show the film he was not forcing it on them. As the other police talked with the leaders, the Muslim policeman took Sam aside into another office telling him that he was free to go they were not going to charge him with anything. He could leave out the back door.

As Sam went to leave he felt bad as it was late in the evening and if he left without the men it would take them awhile to walk back to the village. Sam offered them a ride. The Muslim policeman thought he was crazy. The men

rode quietly all the way back and Sam took the opportunity to share his faith with them.

Get involved with Good Life Ministries: 1. through our sponsorship program for the children at our Slum/Boarding School.

With $25/month you can make it possible to send a child to school and receive a nice warm meal a day.

Ruthnamma’s Story In 2003, someone gave Sam $20 to go to remote villages to share the Gospel. He faced some difficult times. One of the villages Sam traveled two hours to was called Rumkanpally. It was way back off the main beaten path. He would go evenings when school was out. There was a lot of wickedness in this village, NOBODY wanted Sam to come and convert their people to Christianity.

Sam would hold Kids Club under a tree, sitting on a stump, and as he did the people would gather around.

A certain lady would catch his attention each time. She would stand in back and stare; her devilish eyes would make you want to run. Sam found out that she was the witch doctor for the village. When going into the village Sam and the team felt a heaviness and a darkness. The people were very superstitious. The village was hard to reach… when there were Hindu festivals the Christian had to go in before they started and wait until the festivities ended or they would be harmed.

Sam went in one day to do a Kids Club; while he was sharing a man from the village who didn’t like him sharing with the children came to him and began cursing Sam and his family. Sam tried to ignore him but it was hard as he even spit at him. Within the same week the man that cursed him became very sick and died. Sam wasn’t sure how the people would take it- would they think he had caused it by coming into their village and sharing about Jesus? The people didn’t take it that way though- they believed that the Christians’ God was angry at the man because he had cursed Sam. They came to respect and were willing to listen to what Sam shared. He no longer had the opposition that he had had before.

This lady who had stood at a distance glaring at Sam- the Lord worked in her life and was able to break the chains of darkness in her life. Now she is one of the main Christian ladies in the village. We still do not have a church in her village but for the last 9 years Ruthamma has allowed us to hold church in her home every Sunday and Kids Club during the week. She is always so happy to do what she can even though she has had trouble with her health. She has a strong faith in Jesus and we believe that because of that faith God has healed her and blessed her family.

Sam was also able to help the daughter and wife of the man who died. He bought school books and sent her to school. The mother was delighted with the help and would accept the gifts of God’s love when Sam would visit her village. The daughter has grown up so much… she is now in the 9 th grade. At Christmas last year, at a Christmas program that we held in the village, she was there and sitting in the front row, listening intently with a big smile on her face. It made her so happy to be able to come forward and help Sam with the object lessons he was doing as well as cut the Christmas cake in celebration of the birth of Jesus!

Sam has many memories of how difficult it was when he first tried to share the Gospel in Rukanpally, but now… we praise the Lord for the believers and young people who were once in Kids Club but are now growing into beautiful testimonies for the Lord. Please pray with us for these believers and especially the youth that they would be able to stand strong even in the face of opposition and persecution from their family and friends!

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2. with $40/month you can provide a child to go to school and have room and board and 3 warm meals a day!

3. for VBS; you can help to provide the means for a child to come to VBS for 4 days for $4.

4. we are also training young men and woman to be effective Kids Club leaders and if you would like to be involved in giving to these teachers (we normally have a 3 day training) trained and equiped to go

Volunteer Options -come and teach our children here at our house as well as get involved in ministry a bit - help equip Good Life Club (Kids club) leaders. For a gift of any amount you can help these young men and women who have a desire and passion to get involved and share Jesus with the children in their villages.

- fundraisers for specific needs or helping to raise funds for ongoing work of GLM

-come and visit on a short term mission trip...it will open their eyes and give them things to think about and open their hearts to what God wants them to do in the future.

-help with designing of different things that we may need for newsletters/cds etc.

-help with banquets, programs, etc when we come to the states or other times.

Find out more at: www.glmindia.org or contact us at glmindia@gmail.com to sign up for our newsletter or learn more about the ministry.

You can also visit Youtube and look up Sam Gunti Good Life Ministries to find videos about the ministry and work!

Our U.S. address is: Good Life Ministries: P.O. Box 382 Plain City, OH. 43064

About the Author: My name is Rebecca Gunti. I grew up in Plain City Ohio on a farm along with 5 sisters! We lived on a dairy farm and learned to live a very disciplined life of work and also some times of fun and enjoyment. I went to Shekinah Christian School...After graduating I taught first grade in Indiana for a year before heading off to India to see what Sam's country was like.

I married Sam Gunti, from Hyderabad, India in July of 1996. He had went to Rosedale Bible School and graduated with a diploma in Christian Ministries. We moved to India to start the work God called us to in Sept. of 1998 along with Sonya Gunti (our daughter). We now have 3 beautiful children (gifts from the Lord)...Sonya - 16yrs; Jason - 14 yrs; and Judson-8yrs. We have been living in India now for close to 15yrs.

My hobbies are to sit down and read a good book, play games with our children, share with people the exciting things the Lord is doing and has done! I love the Lord and am so thankful for what He has done in my life and I want to share Him with those around me in any way I can.

Our vision is to continue reaching out to the lost and hurting here in India! There is such a ripe harvest of souls searching for TRUTH! If one of us can put a thousand to flight then 2 of us can send a legion fleeing. Deuteronomy 32:30

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white spaces {learning in unexpected ways} It all started a month or two ago.

I have a fetish for food products that can be made at home. At the top of the list is yogurt; I love maintaining an abundant supply for my family. While poking around online, I came across fermented foods besides yogurt that could also be made at home. Great, I thought; yogurt’s good for you as a means of probiotics so this stuff probably is too. Kombucha, a tea based drink, most intrigued me. So I got a starter culture (a slightly frightening white disc called a mushroom, mother, or scoby) and made my first batch. It was pretty good.

Only afterward did I realize the drink is controversial.

It is touted by some natural/alternative medicine camps as the wonder elixir to cure cancer, kill toxins, and generally give a chance at a long and healthy life.

But that’s not the only controversy. Apparently, there’s concern over how much alcoholic content results from the fermentation process.

It’s generally agreed that the levels are too low to classify as an alcoholic beverage.

However, the potential for alcoholic content increases significantly if kombucha is put through a second ferment by adding

By Marlene Stoltzfus

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fruit juice and leaving at room temperature for a day or two.

Did I mention that I added fruit juice and went on a trip, leaving the brew at room temperature for four days? Yeah. Oops.

You mean that pleasant carbonation was, um, not just carbonation?

By this point, I felt thoroughly dumb that I had stumbled so unwittingly into this experiment. I mean, what kind of stay-athome mom welcomes her husband back from work with a glass of homemade bubbly? And I have questions about the natural medicine movement. Making a celebrated preventative drink made me feel like I was going hook, line, and sinker for everything connected to it.

It was a big deal to me. I felt that I had to Draw Conclusions, as though making kombucha also meant making a statement. Later, I realized it’s hard for me to let experimentation be just that: an experiment.

It’s easy for me to gaze microscopically before I leap. Instead, I want to live with an open hand in a way that invites attempts and experimentation.

But to live that way also invites the experience of failure, because sometimes attempts are flops.

Fast forward a few weeks. Now we’re on the hunt for a dining room set, of which I’ve been at the helm. I’ve been working through hundreds of listings on Craigslist in three nearby areas. After gobs of calls and emails, we drive two hours to Pittsburgh to look at a set. We buy it, bring it home….and I don’t like it. There’s a list of strikes against it in quality and preference, now that I’m away from pressured decision making in front of the owners.

Experimentation, huh? This was a pretty expensive experiment. It feels like a failure on a number of levels.

There’s also a growing list of gardening disappointments. I planned on broccoli for a fall crop. Apparently, nobody has heard of such a thing, so there are no plants available and now it’s too late to plant seeds. The tomatoes, which I grew from seed and babied against the local blight, went from loaded green lushness to skeletal deadness by late blight within 48 hours. We planted winter squash too late to get a crop before frost, and we’re barely going to get summer squash for the same reason.

So there they are, my steady visitors lately: experimentation, failure, and disappointment. I’ve been frustrated by the lack of fresh energy that new discoveries give. Make that pleasant new discoveries; there have been discoveries, but I haven’t exactly been in love with them.

I’ve spun my wheels, getting nowhere or even backward.

So I realized that my idea of learning has needed to enlarge. I expect learning to happen in predictable ways. I expect it to be exciting new ventures, to feel good, and make my life better almost immediately. I’ve forgotten that learning happens sometimes in unexpected ways. I have forgotten the hard work of learning when it isn’t pleasant and the payback comes in a gradual, long-term way. After all, success is about being changed in the image of Christ, not the list which we have perfectly achieved.

I’d say it was worth brewing a cup of kombucha to find that perspective. | 67

the team /time in the secret place/

Carmie Recommends…

I have found that being intentional is a must when it comes to my time with God. While it’s easy to have good intentions, it’s another thing to carry out those intentions. There are many other things that happen during our day that we do intentionally…spending time in the Word should be one of them as well. When I intentionally take the time to read and meditate on God’s word, my days feels more complete and I feel more ready to face the different tasks ahead of me. Being married and having a household to run, it can be a challenge to not let thoughts of all I have to do that day or that week take away from the quiet time that gives me so much needed strength for each day. If it helps you to be more intentional, add “quiet time” to your daily tolist list. While spending time with God is not something to be viewed as just another task to check off our list, writing it down and making it a part of your daily routine may help you actually carry out your good intentions.

Having a specific study plan can also help keep your intentions on track. I have found that reading through a specific devotional book along with my Bible helps me stay more focused. Keeping a notebook and pen on hand to job down thoughts that come to mind as you study solidifies the truths that you are reading.

Rae Recommends…

Marlene

I am a night-owl and concentrate better at night, so I like to spend my quiet times with God in the evening. Lately my life has been extra busy and it seems like I never have enough time to get everything done. Times like these, I value my alone time with God extra-much—it is sweet and calming to pull away from the daily demands and steep my heart in the promises of Scripture and one-onone time with God. I have also learned to relieve myself of the feeling of “duty” when it comes to my devotions. Rather than just putting in time, I strive to come to Jesus with a heart of love rather than guilt. Quality time with God isn’t just something to check off the to-do list; when it starts feeling that way, I look for creative ways to refresh my intimate times with Him: journaling prayers; long walks enjoying the beauty of creation; playing worship songs on the guitar or piano.

Sometimes, just escaping to a quiet room for 10 minutes is a spiritual oasis. When I come to Him in quietness, with an open heart, eager to meet Him, I find comfort and strength for the other tasks ahead of me.

Recommends…

Brittany

Having a steady devotional time has always been difficult for me. About a year ago, I realized that I put a lot of pressure on myself to have some kind of emotional experience or breakthrough during my devotional times. If I approached, say, my husband with the same intensity of expectation, I would also avoid spending time with him. So I’ve learned to be OK with the normal times and even off times with God, just like normal ebb and flow of a human relationship.

Recommends…

I’ve also found it’s good to try different things in different seasons of life. Right now, I can focus best at night, reading Scripture while I put my little girl to sleep, enjoying the inner order I feel from almost everything in its rightful place. Sometimes you have to revamp your routine to find something that works better.

I have to admit, my devotional time is not always what it should be. However, I am trying to be more disciplined in setting aside time in my day to spend with Jesus. Something that I have started doing more often is making use of the Strong’s concordance on my phone.

At times as I read through Scripture, I’ll find a word that doesn’t always make sense to me.

Taking the time to look up various words has been a huge blessing, one that I didn’t realize I was missing out on. Some verses that I’ve always known have taken on new meaning for me because I have a better understanding of what the author was trying to say.

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close w x [klohz]

vb. - to bring the parts or edges together.

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