ceo for the kids
Just imagine, during my weekly visit to the children's home yesterday I had 3 boys waiting eagerly to learn English. Was it just luck that I had grabbed 4 English language books before leaving home, wondering if these might be useful? When I pulled the books from my bag, the boys' eyes lit up with joy and they asked, "Are these ours to keep?" I told them, "Of course, but you need to come to class." AND, just imagine that at the end of the lesson, we got to talking about church, and one of the boys, Laci, who has been coming to church, was talking excitedly with the others, and one or both of them may come visit on Sunday!!! I love just living and watching the Lord do what HE wants to do.
Friday, February 25, 2005
Saturday, February 19, 2005
Stuck behind an "old" person
ceo for the kids
I was doing my weekly run to the market near my house this morning when I got "stuck behind" an old man who was moving very slowly. Because of the large number of people making their way to and from the market, I couldn't do the "quick pass" that I normally do when confronted with such a "road-block". So, I ambled slowly behind this old man, trying not to be the stereotypical American who is always in a hurry, and just enjoy the situation. However, when a break in the crowd presented itself, I dashed, passing him on the left and picking up my pace again, heading for the vendors. While walking behind the old man, I got to thinking about our lives with the Lord.....how many of us are "stuck behind", unable to move forward? How many of us just become satisfied with the "status quo", the thought that "this is the way we always have done things" kind of mentality? How many of us get stuck when God wants to move us out into His "lane of traffic"; it's more daring, more exciting, takes more faith, but we are not stuck. We are moving, carried along by the Holy Spirit into what the Lord wants. May it be so.
I was doing my weekly run to the market near my house this morning when I got "stuck behind" an old man who was moving very slowly. Because of the large number of people making their way to and from the market, I couldn't do the "quick pass" that I normally do when confronted with such a "road-block". So, I ambled slowly behind this old man, trying not to be the stereotypical American who is always in a hurry, and just enjoy the situation. However, when a break in the crowd presented itself, I dashed, passing him on the left and picking up my pace again, heading for the vendors. While walking behind the old man, I got to thinking about our lives with the Lord.....how many of us are "stuck behind", unable to move forward? How many of us just become satisfied with the "status quo", the thought that "this is the way we always have done things" kind of mentality? How many of us get stuck when God wants to move us out into His "lane of traffic"; it's more daring, more exciting, takes more faith, but we are not stuck. We are moving, carried along by the Holy Spirit into what the Lord wants. May it be so.
"Can I come to church?"
ceo for the kids
I went to a "Farsang" celebration at the children's home this past Monday. It's their version of "Mardi Gras", and some of the kids in the home were doing performances in front of a small audience. At the end, one of the young men in the home, Csaba, whom I really don't know very well, approached me and asked if he could talk to me. I said, "Sure," and we walked to the side of the room to talk. "Could I come to church on Sunday?" he asked. I stood there, taken aback, a bit surprised, but wonderfully elated. "Of course you can come!" I've probably talked to this boy 4 times total, for about a total of 5 minutes. As we chatted about the time, and where to meet before the service, the Lord began to impress upon my heart a lesson that I think I will be learning my whole life, slowly. HE is the one doing the work. HE is what life is all about. He is working in people's hearts, drawing them to Himself. We are called to be His children, to love Him, to obey what He's called us to be and do, and He will do what HE wants to do. We receive the blessings in "little" situations like this one.
I went to a "Farsang" celebration at the children's home this past Monday. It's their version of "Mardi Gras", and some of the kids in the home were doing performances in front of a small audience. At the end, one of the young men in the home, Csaba, whom I really don't know very well, approached me and asked if he could talk to me. I said, "Sure," and we walked to the side of the room to talk. "Could I come to church on Sunday?" he asked. I stood there, taken aback, a bit surprised, but wonderfully elated. "Of course you can come!" I've probably talked to this boy 4 times total, for about a total of 5 minutes. As we chatted about the time, and where to meet before the service, the Lord began to impress upon my heart a lesson that I think I will be learning my whole life, slowly. HE is the one doing the work. HE is what life is all about. He is working in people's hearts, drawing them to Himself. We are called to be His children, to love Him, to obey what He's called us to be and do, and He will do what HE wants to do. We receive the blessings in "little" situations like this one.
Sunday, February 13, 2005
Squeaks and spirituality
ceo for the kids
As I was coming home from meeting some friends yesterday, I could hear that one of my Z-coil heels was squeaking badly. These are very cool, comfortable, healthy shoes that have springs for heels. I had just gotten a pair of the hiking boots for Christmas from my parents and had been wearing them almost daily through the winter here in Szeged. The squeaking was disturbing me enough to think that there was something seriously wrong and I should look into it. So, I took off my boots when I got home and unscrewed the heel to examine the problem. I tried compressing the spring with my fingers and as I did so, "POP!" a vital piece of the heel broke off!!! To my dismay, I realized that there was no way I could just "reach in" and retrieve the broken piece as this is an enclosed heel. Broken and useless. Now I cannot wear these heels (I can attach the open heeled springs and continue wearing the shoes). Broken. Needing to be repaired.
Like this heel, the Lord sometimes gives us a "squeaking" noise and wants us to heed what He is saying. But unlike this heel, He does not want us to take things into our own hands and try to fix it. Instead, He wants us to come to Him and let Him repair what is broken. When we try to fix things, they break, inevitably. When we give things to Him, He perfects them. There are many such accounts in the Bible of Jesus healing the "squeaks" in people's lives; paralytics being healed and not just healed but fully restored and in full strength! People being raised from the dead, not to a weakened state, but FULLY alive! I need to heed the "squeaks" and immediately run to Jesus and ask HIM to heal completely and perfectly.
As I was coming home from meeting some friends yesterday, I could hear that one of my Z-coil heels was squeaking badly. These are very cool, comfortable, healthy shoes that have springs for heels. I had just gotten a pair of the hiking boots for Christmas from my parents and had been wearing them almost daily through the winter here in Szeged. The squeaking was disturbing me enough to think that there was something seriously wrong and I should look into it. So, I took off my boots when I got home and unscrewed the heel to examine the problem. I tried compressing the spring with my fingers and as I did so, "POP!" a vital piece of the heel broke off!!! To my dismay, I realized that there was no way I could just "reach in" and retrieve the broken piece as this is an enclosed heel. Broken and useless. Now I cannot wear these heels (I can attach the open heeled springs and continue wearing the shoes). Broken. Needing to be repaired.
Like this heel, the Lord sometimes gives us a "squeaking" noise and wants us to heed what He is saying. But unlike this heel, He does not want us to take things into our own hands and try to fix it. Instead, He wants us to come to Him and let Him repair what is broken. When we try to fix things, they break, inevitably. When we give things to Him, He perfects them. There are many such accounts in the Bible of Jesus healing the "squeaks" in people's lives; paralytics being healed and not just healed but fully restored and in full strength! People being raised from the dead, not to a weakened state, but FULLY alive! I need to heed the "squeaks" and immediately run to Jesus and ask HIM to heal completely and perfectly.
Saturday, February 12, 2005
Sad pictures
ceo for the kids
I could hear him screaming, shouting at someone rather. I couldn't understand anything except "give me the wallet!" As I came closer, I could see them, two gypsies (a minority ethnic group here in Hungary), and the man was screaming loudly at the woman, whom I'd seen before. I began to pray as I approached them. At first, my prayers were selfish: "Lord, please protect me around them." Then the Holy Spirit convicted me immediately: "YOU are already protected! PRAY for THEM!" OUCH. So, I began praying for them, especially for her. As usual, she was completely strung out on something, drugs or alcohol or both. The man was obviously upset about something to do with money. She tried to flee, but he went after her....I prayed for her protection, that he would not hit her. As I got to my door, I looked back to see him holding her by her elbow and pulling her down the street. I felt so helpless and continued to pray for her protection, for them to somehow come to know Jesus, for them to be freed from the shackles that bind them. Many would say, "Well, this is life....there is nothing really we can do." Indeed, it is when there is no hope, when the enemy is allowed to gain a foothold, when Jesus is pushed to the wayside and the spirit of this age is allowed to run rampant. The Apostle Paul admonishes us to realize that our battle is NOT against flesh and blood, but against the powers and principalities of this present darkness. (Ephesians) I thank the Lord for the tangible, physical reminder, right before my eyes, of the need to pray, to do battle in the spiritual realm. There IS indeed something we can do and it is more powerful than any physical intervention: pray.
I could hear him screaming, shouting at someone rather. I couldn't understand anything except "give me the wallet!" As I came closer, I could see them, two gypsies (a minority ethnic group here in Hungary), and the man was screaming loudly at the woman, whom I'd seen before. I began to pray as I approached them. At first, my prayers were selfish: "Lord, please protect me around them." Then the Holy Spirit convicted me immediately: "YOU are already protected! PRAY for THEM!" OUCH. So, I began praying for them, especially for her. As usual, she was completely strung out on something, drugs or alcohol or both. The man was obviously upset about something to do with money. She tried to flee, but he went after her....I prayed for her protection, that he would not hit her. As I got to my door, I looked back to see him holding her by her elbow and pulling her down the street. I felt so helpless and continued to pray for her protection, for them to somehow come to know Jesus, for them to be freed from the shackles that bind them. Many would say, "Well, this is life....there is nothing really we can do." Indeed, it is when there is no hope, when the enemy is allowed to gain a foothold, when Jesus is pushed to the wayside and the spirit of this age is allowed to run rampant. The Apostle Paul admonishes us to realize that our battle is NOT against flesh and blood, but against the powers and principalities of this present darkness. (Ephesians) I thank the Lord for the tangible, physical reminder, right before my eyes, of the need to pray, to do battle in the spiritual realm. There IS indeed something we can do and it is more powerful than any physical intervention: pray.
Monday, February 07, 2005
Simon and Spirituality
ceo for the kids
I have two cats, Toby and Simon. They are American cats, but now are bilingual as my neighbor speaks only Hungarian. They also have two homes, mine and hers. Spoiled? Yes! Recently, or it seems yearly now, Simon came down with a urinary tract infection. After a round of antibiotics, I thought we had it licked. However, about 3 days ago, he started dashing to the litter box about every 2 minutes, trying to pee, but only squeaking out little droplets. Instead of returning the the anti-biotic-dispensing-vet, I opted to pump him with the build-your-immune-system-drops the vet gave me at the last meeting, and force feed him lots of water, remembering that the vet said he needs to stay hydrated. Well, it didn't take long for Simon to figure out that when mom is holding a syringe full of water in her hand, that means force feeding of water. So, he runs and hides under the bed. He has no idea that this is for his own good; that if he would just submit to the discipline of drinking water that his urinary problems would most likely resolve themselves, that if he would undergo a bit of discomfort now, that later, he would be much better off. How true of us in our walks with Jesus, isn't it? We sometimes run away from our loving Father when He comes at us with a syringe full of something we don't necessarily want, be it discipline, rebuke, or conviction. All of these are really good for us because after enduring them, we become healthier, stronger and life returns as we return to the giver of our lives. I thank God for both Simon and Toby and all the lessons they teach me about life with the Lord.
I have two cats, Toby and Simon. They are American cats, but now are bilingual as my neighbor speaks only Hungarian. They also have two homes, mine and hers. Spoiled? Yes! Recently, or it seems yearly now, Simon came down with a urinary tract infection. After a round of antibiotics, I thought we had it licked. However, about 3 days ago, he started dashing to the litter box about every 2 minutes, trying to pee, but only squeaking out little droplets. Instead of returning the the anti-biotic-dispensing-vet, I opted to pump him with the build-your-immune-system-drops the vet gave me at the last meeting, and force feed him lots of water, remembering that the vet said he needs to stay hydrated. Well, it didn't take long for Simon to figure out that when mom is holding a syringe full of water in her hand, that means force feeding of water. So, he runs and hides under the bed. He has no idea that this is for his own good; that if he would just submit to the discipline of drinking water that his urinary problems would most likely resolve themselves, that if he would undergo a bit of discomfort now, that later, he would be much better off. How true of us in our walks with Jesus, isn't it? We sometimes run away from our loving Father when He comes at us with a syringe full of something we don't necessarily want, be it discipline, rebuke, or conviction. All of these are really good for us because after enduring them, we become healthier, stronger and life returns as we return to the giver of our lives. I thank God for both Simon and Toby and all the lessons they teach me about life with the Lord.
Saturday, February 05, 2005
Typical Saturday
ceo for the kids
My typical Saturday morning routine here in Szeged consists of getting up early with the cats, who want to be fed at 5:00...I usually go back to bed for a couple of more hours.....and then I head to the "PIAC", or market! It's like a farmer's market, which is open year-round, even in the cold winter months. This morning as I perused the yummy looking fresh fruits and veggies, I couldn't help but think about how cold it must be for those vendors, who don't have the luxury of "picking up a few items and heading home to a nice hot cup of tea!" I went inside this long building they have there where one can find lots of different little shops, from the meat vendor to the bakery. My first "sight" was a gypsy woman, about my age, carrying an empty beer bottle (mind you it was 9:00 in the morning) and looking a bit dazed. I walked past the people standing at the tall tables busily cutting up their sausages and dipping them in mustard and eating them up with a bite of bread followed by a slosh of coffee or beer and was a bit taken aback that these scenes no longer surprise me. This is life in this little part of Szeged Hungary. I proceeded to my "meat man" who sold me some beautiful boneless chicken breasts, while old "nenis" looked at me and ordered their chicken claws for their soups, feeling a bit guilty for being so "rich". Then I ordered my usual 20 dekagrams of turkey breast, sliced, and my favorite cheese, and made my way back out into the frigid temps to buy some bread from the bread truck. Making my way back home, I unloaded my treasures and set out again to the post office and then to the "normal" grocery store where I loaded up my rolling backpack and walked 4 blocks to the pet shop to get more kitty litter, loading that in my basket and making my way home through the brisk winter air and back into my nice warm apartment where I was warmly greeted by fuzzy cats, curious to see what I'd found on this Saturday at the markets! Shopping done by 10:30 or so, I'm able to sit down and enjoy my coffee and breakfast before embarking on the cleaning. You see, life isn't so different for me here than for you in other places around the world!
My typical Saturday morning routine here in Szeged consists of getting up early with the cats, who want to be fed at 5:00...I usually go back to bed for a couple of more hours.....and then I head to the "PIAC", or market! It's like a farmer's market, which is open year-round, even in the cold winter months. This morning as I perused the yummy looking fresh fruits and veggies, I couldn't help but think about how cold it must be for those vendors, who don't have the luxury of "picking up a few items and heading home to a nice hot cup of tea!" I went inside this long building they have there where one can find lots of different little shops, from the meat vendor to the bakery. My first "sight" was a gypsy woman, about my age, carrying an empty beer bottle (mind you it was 9:00 in the morning) and looking a bit dazed. I walked past the people standing at the tall tables busily cutting up their sausages and dipping them in mustard and eating them up with a bite of bread followed by a slosh of coffee or beer and was a bit taken aback that these scenes no longer surprise me. This is life in this little part of Szeged Hungary. I proceeded to my "meat man" who sold me some beautiful boneless chicken breasts, while old "nenis" looked at me and ordered their chicken claws for their soups, feeling a bit guilty for being so "rich". Then I ordered my usual 20 dekagrams of turkey breast, sliced, and my favorite cheese, and made my way back out into the frigid temps to buy some bread from the bread truck. Making my way back home, I unloaded my treasures and set out again to the post office and then to the "normal" grocery store where I loaded up my rolling backpack and walked 4 blocks to the pet shop to get more kitty litter, loading that in my basket and making my way home through the brisk winter air and back into my nice warm apartment where I was warmly greeted by fuzzy cats, curious to see what I'd found on this Saturday at the markets! Shopping done by 10:30 or so, I'm able to sit down and enjoy my coffee and breakfast before embarking on the cleaning. You see, life isn't so different for me here than for you in other places around the world!
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