Anticipation...jitters...nervous...expectations...excitement. In Russia, on our way to the orphanage for the first morning with the kids it is always a wide array of emotions. It is one of my favorite moments of the trip, as those of us who have been before sit up straighter and crane our necks to see out of the front … Continue reading anticipation
Mission
aching
My arms are aching. Not because I did a major workout yesterday...yah right. It is an empty and waiting sort of ache. All because I know that I am within 36 hours if holding onto my family members that I haven't seen in a year. It is that time of year...and I am on my … Continue reading aching
warmth
They forgive you for just about anything. They acknowledge you hate talking on the phone, so choose other ways to communicate. They don't judge or explode in anger when you...ok, me...when I am late. They ask the questions that no one else would dare to ask me. Questions that challenge me. Questions that dig into … Continue reading warmth
barefoot
Ten toes. All breathing. Not constricted by socks or shoes. That's how my feet like to live. Barefoot. At work, I am known to be without shoes except when it will freak people out. At my desk, those toes are free, breathing and happy. When I have to wear shoes...I wait until the temperature dictates … Continue reading barefoot
create
I love art. Lots and lots of art. I've grown up around it since I was three. Even through the moments I hated the fact my parents owned a retail art and framing store...being surrounded by art developed a very deep love for all photography, most modern art, screen printing by Warhol and old masters … Continue reading create
fire
Fire fall down Fire fall down On us we pray As we seek Fire fall down Your fire fall down On us we pray Show me your heart Show me your way Show me your glory Several months ago I was with some students on a mission retreat. Our students love mission trips. And they … Continue reading fire
hate
Hate is such a strong word. I find myself correcting others when they use it by asking, ‘Do you hate it? Or do you just not like it?’ It really has to do with a lot of emotion and passion about whatever you are directing the hate towards. I hate the sun when it burns … Continue reading hate
tears
Jesus wept.Tears. Just to double check I looked it up in the Hebrew dictionary…yep, actual tears. *Geek alert - maybe I should have led with that.*Also, shortest verse in the Bible. Mind blown? Good.And ironically (or not) it is found in the Gospel of John, which is the Gospel that has the most sent language … Continue reading tears
reasons
It’s too expensive. It takes too long to get there. You have to use translators. The money would be better spent on helping orphans than sending you to travel there for a week. You name it, I’ve heard it regarding the reasons NOT to travel to Russia, and spend time with our kids over the … Continue reading reasons
layers
Above me is a ceiling made out of a quilted patchwork of multi-colored tarps held together by a myriad of wires, ropes and thanks to some wacky Americans…zip ties. It holds so much beauty in its own right, but then add to it a Holy purpose and all of a sudden it is transformed into … Continue reading layers
sojourner4jesus 