I believe Piper has become famous for one of his quotes that goes something like “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.” I have to admit, it is a short truthful statement (sts, ha!… sorry it’s a inside joke) that has lots of validity. However, at this point in my life I would probably say something more like.. “God is most glorified in us when we are completely obedient to Him.” Over the past 8 weeks in Virginia we were hammered with different challenges, methods, lessons, …etc. For me, the most powerful takeaway had to be a reminder of the importance of obedience. It was talked about often during our classes, but I would have to say it was lived out best by one of my newest friends, an 8 year old named Preston.
For the first time in my walk I was able to see on a regular basis what it meant to have a Child-like faith. Often times when Preston would be asked to do something by his parents, there would be no questions asked, simply obedience. During the evening, a group would often gather around and tell stories from the Bible, and Preston was always the first to retell the story. (Often he could retell the story by himself, whereas it would sometimes take 5 or 6 adults to retell the story) Preston is also one of the best friends anyone could ever ask for. Often times he would get picked on at school, but when others would pick on some of his friends, he stood up for them and voiced his loyalty. That in itself challenges me to take a bolder stand for Jesus when so many people disgrace His name. Finally, Preston is a compassionate prayer warrior. As we were saying our goodbyes in Virginia, Preston slipped up in my lap, asked me to bow my head and close my eyes so that he could pray for me. Wow! Never in my life have I ever had a child approach me and ask to pray for me. He didn’t do it because his friends were around, or to get anything in return. He genuinely desired to go to the Father and plead for our well being. Thank you Preston for acting out what it means to have a child-like faith, for being real about your relationship with your Lord, and for being a genuine friend!
sincerely,
kneepit
Uncategorized
Looking back on my time in Fort Worth, I see how God was using that time for so many things. One was getting used to not being around for things that happened back home in Mississippi. Over the four years I lived there, a great many things happened that I was not able to get home for, such as, my brother’s college graduation, my grandmother and my father had surgery, the birth of my niece, the accident that involved my grandparents and aunt and uncle. I am sure there are many other little things that I missed out on as well. And although I wish I could have been there for all those events, whether good or bad, I can’t helped but think that God was using those experiences to prepare me for the future. I remember feeling that maybe that’s what was happening at the time but just ignoring it. Turns out that is exactly what was happening (in my opinion that is). Over the next two years there will be lots of things I will miss: births, deaths, marriages, graduations, recitals, etc. But God has called me to something, to somebody. I know that at times I will want to be in two places at once, but I know that I cannot abandon the people God has called me to. In a way, this is my cross – to leave behind so many people and future events in order that someone in Naples may come to know Christ. This is not my struggle alone but it is the struggle for most people who go overseas. It is comforting to know that others know what I am going through and that my Father is with me, holding me and also my family that I will soon leave behind.
SNOW – BUT NOT FOR LONG
Last week, as we sat in class, it began snowing – heavy. Everyone was on pins and needles to get outside. Being from the deep South, we don’t see lots of snow so Paul wanted to take pictures. Here is me dancing in the snow. Other than the “great snow storm of 07”, our weeks have been pretty uneventful, but we are mostly ready just to get home and spend some quality time with our families. Our time here has been great, but it’s definitely time to head back to the deep south for Christmas, say some goodbye’s and begin our next chapter in life. We can’t wait to see everyone next week!
Forgiving and Breaking
Today, Dr. Tom Eliff spoke on strengthening relationships. Let me just add a quick note – if you ever have the opportunity to hear Dr. Eliff speak don’t miss it. You will be blessed. What he talked about this morning hit home with me, and it is not just useful information for missionaries, but for all believers.
First, forgiveness. Forgiveness is not the same as restitution, reconciliation, and it is not the approval of the sin that was committed against you. Forgiveness is a singular, deliberate, volitional decision in which a person is no longer indebted to you. Forgiveness is an action, something that we are told to do. Jesus tells the story of the servant who would not forgive in Matthew 18:21-35. The climax is the last verse – which you will have to read. I encourage you to go read this parable and focus on the last verse. Forgiveness is of God, not man. What does forgiving others do for you? It releases you from your debt. You may be wondering, “What in the world does that mean?” When someone does something or says something that hurts you, what is your first reaction? Probably, if you are like me, what can I do to get back at them. By forgiving that person, I no longer feel the need to “get even”. Forgiveness also means we have reliance on God and we can be restored to usefulness. We cannot be useful to the kingdom of God if we have bitterness and hatred in our hearts. It contradicts everything that Christ taught. An unforgiving heart torments us. Think about it, who suffers when you don’t forgive someone. The other person is probably at home sleeping like a baby, but you can’t sleep, have health problems, and are bitter to those around you. Forgiveness is a huge issue that we, as Christians, look past. We think we don’t have to forgive someone, whether the offense was great or small. By not forgiving, we are saying our standard of judgement is better than God’s.
Breaking refers to breaking the curse of words (see James 3:1-12 as a reference). James 3 will explain better than I can what this means, but I’ll try. With our words we paint pictures on the walls of people’s hearts. We can build up or destroy. Is there something that you do or don’t do because of what someone said or how they made you feel. For example, (this is a little thing) my mom made all my clothes when I was little. When I was in the fifth grade, I told her I didn’t want her to make me any more clothes, which I am sure hurt her feelings. Why did I tell her that? Because none of the other kids had homemade clothes and I felt different. My mom didn’t make me anything else until I was in college. There is power in words.
So how do we overcome or break the curse of words? It begins by believing in the awesome power of words in your life. Yours words can influence the course of people’s lives, negatively or positively. Beware of the awful problem with words in your life. You cannot domesticate your tongue, in other words, you must always be mindful of what you say and how you say it. There is inconsistency in our words. In one breath we praise God, and in the next we tear someone down. I have realized over the years that there are things that I do or don’t do because of something that was said to me as a child. God help me to not think they are true and not to be defined by a hurtful word from man but instead be defined by God, who is conforming me to the image of Christ. – MacKenzie
Thanks and Praise
I was in conversation with a co-worker earlier this week about how we western Christians talk a big talk, and rarely walk a big walk. After a week of studying about the persecuted church its easy to see why there is no real physical persecution in the American church. I heard one person say this week ” One measure of church growth for churches overseas is the amount of persecution they face. If there isn’t much persection, there probably isn’t a whole lot going on in the church.” Well, no wonder we don’t have any persecution here. In most churches (not all) there IS very LITTLE going on and the only church growth we see is through church splits, rather than intentional church planting. With that being said, I’ve really had to get on my face before God this week and ask for a doing heart and not just a mouth that talks about it. That’s where the next segment comes in…
Thanks and Praise… two words that the Bible talks about consistently throughout its text, yet such little amount of our time is actually spent doing it. Well, if you would, join me in thanking our Father in Heaven for all He’s done, and Praise Him for who He is!
Father… Thank you for sending your only Son, to pay the price for me, my family, my friends and the nations. Thank you for the Christmas story. Not the one with Santa Clause, but the one where your only Son was the only baby under 2 years old to survive under Herrod’s rule. Thank you for carrying out your plan, doing what you had to do in order for your Son to fulfill the prophecies of the Messiah. Thank you for loving the world, and not just a nation named Israel. Thank you for making your love unconditional, so that even when I mess up, you still love me. Thank you for pouring out your grace, a gift that I don’t deserve, and can certainly never earn. Thank you for giving us divine appointments on our trip to D.C. Thank you for the catholic security guard who got to hear more of your truth. Thank you for our Italian waitress who was able to pray with us and thank You as being our sole provider. Thank you for allowing us to pray for the homeless man and his wife that are trying to get off the streets and hopefully get a job next week. Thank you for letting me share the truth from Your word to a homeless arab man. Thank you for letting us tell a Tunisian lady about you for the first time!
I praise You for you are the beginning and the end, you never rest, you never sleep, you are the Rock of the Ages, our Help in time of need, a mighty fortress, our provider, our shield from the enemy, our hope… our salvation. God you are good, in fact, your nature only allows you to be good, there is nothing bad in you. Praise be to YOU and YOU alone.
If this is how we are to enter into your courts on a daily basis…then I can’t wait to wake up tomorrow!
The Bonds of Sisterhood
My older sister, Julie, celebrated her 31st birthday on Nov. 15. Today, I was reminiscencing about “the good ole days” and thought I would make a list of all the things that I think are great about having an older sister.
1. your wardrobe is twice as large
2. you get to learn the do’s and don’ts of dating and why boys are horrible, nasty creatures.
3. you later learn about the joys of marriage and motherhood
4. you have someone who plays with you – literally you are the “babydoll”
5. you have someone to talk to who has gone before you and can share how things are or are not done
6. you get great exercise because you are always “it” when playing games
7. phone calls about anything and everything, and she understands and won’t think bad of you
8. a person who always forgives you, even when you don’t deserve it
9. an encourager
10. an example of a good mom
11. a friend
This list could go on and on and on. I wish I had a picture so you could know just how beautiful Julie is on the outside and if you know her, you know that she is incredibly beautiful on the inside. I am so glad to have her as my sister – how different life would be without her.
Another Child of God
Last night Paul and I and another couple went out to eat. We went to this great Italian/Greek place. Our waitress, Kim, was so great. After about the second time she came to our table she says that we exude joy. (Just wait, it gets better) We ask her how we can pray for her and she and a Christian co-worker join us in prayer. Everytime she comes to the table we talk about God or where she is in her life or what she wants out of life. She tells us that she is unhappy and she knows she needs Christ. She feels the need to be in a church and she has felt God working on her the last few weeks. (by this time we are all extremely excited about what God is doing) So we share our testimonies, explain what joy is and where it comes from. Her response is “How do I get that?” OH MY GOODNESS!!! So we share how you become a Christian, she pulls up a chair and we pray with her as she accepts Christ as her Savior and became another child of GOD!!! YEAH!!!!! She didn’t have a Bible so we ran next door to the book store and bought her a Bible. It was one of the greatest things I have had the privilege to be a part of. How awesome that God allowed us to be a part of that. Praise God. I have been doing Jesus dances ever since. You know – when you are just too excited and filled that you just can’t help but jump and dance and sing praises. WOW – GOD IS GOOD!!!
You ‘re only as old as other people make you feel
So, Paul and I both turned 26 this year. Now most of you reading this would say, “Ah, to be 26 again,”or “26 ….I’m 26, that’s not old, what’s up with this title?” Since being in VA, I have realized that apparently if you are 26 and MARRIED, you are considered old or older. Why am I rambling on and on about this you might ask? Paul has had at least one person say “Sir” to him and I don’t know how many people have called me “Maám”. We baked some cookies for a girl in our quad for her birthday and she wrote a very nice thank you note to Mr. and Mrs. Davidson. She turned 22. 4 years difference and I am Mrs. Davidson. OH MY!! Now, I know that it is a sign of respect that we good Southerners use. But really, come on. I expect children and maybe even teenagers to call me maám, but twenty-somethings?? So now, though I am not old, I am officially receiving the sign of respect that I have shown to others who are “older” my entire life. At least they are not saying “Huh”, which we all know would get you a whippin’ from anyone above a certain age that you said it to.
Road trip to Virginia
Our trip to Virginia started in Ruston, Louisiana with a sad goodbye to Paul’s parents on Sunday, October 22. We made the long haul to Clinton, Mississippi where we introduced my family (yes, Mr. Mike, this includes you) to P.F. Changs. If you have not experienced this wonderful Asian resturant put it at the top of your list of things to do – you won’t regret it. We spent the night with Jennifer and Chris Smith and had a great time catching up (thanks for the cereal). Monday we traveled to Georgia. We experienced Moe’s for the first time with our friend David and out ran the meter police to avoid a ticket. We spend Monday night with Elissa and David Anderson in their lovely home that I would love to have. Then, we got up at 3:00 A.M. on Tuesday morning to make the 8 1/2 hour drive to Rockville, Virginia. We were going to posts pictures of the trip, but a) it was dark or rainy or both the entire way, or b) I was alseep. So, Paul remembers more of the trip than I do, but what I saw was pretty. We actually got to see leaves turning colors. Our training is starting off with a bang – lots of information and lots of things to do. Thanks for the prayers for safety and to the friends who either drove to meet us somewhere or let us stay a night.
Down on da bayou
Well, what can i say? I take my wife fishing and she catches more and bigger fish than I do. I always knew she was the better half, but I figured she would let me win at least once! This past week we traveled down to Hackberry, La where my dad and grandfather have a charter service (http://www.fishtalellc.com/) and caught about 25 redfish one afternoon and at least 120 trout one morning! What a weekend of fishing! 
We also traveled to Houston to work on getting our Visas for Italy. So far so good and we leave for Virginia in 2 Weeks. Holy Cow!… we’re moving to Italy!
MacKenzie M Davidson 