Advent Day 14

Encouragment!

Acts 15:22-31

The early church communicated by letters- it was the best way to share life across the distance. Being overseas, I understand the importance of communicating with people far away. It is so important to know what is going on in the lives of people that I care about.

The activity in this devotion is to write a letter to someone. I knew right away who I would write. There is one family here in Bamako that need to know how much we appreciate them. They are always willing to help us out and go above and beyond. For example we are going camping today and they are lending us a truck, tent, camping gear and a few little "extras" just to be a blessing.

I am going to miss them since they are leaving furlough this coming week. It will be a strange 6 months not spending time with them or with their children at the school.

Ed and I both are very appreciative and want to make sure that they know how much of a blessing they are to us!

Advent Day 13- Messiah Choir

Psalm 150

Praise the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens.

Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness.

Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, praise him with timbrel and dancing, praise him with the strings and pipe, praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals.

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.

Praise the Lord.

I had the privilege of attending the" Messiah" two times this Christmas season. Ed and many of my friends were in the English-speaking choir.  The first concert I was focused on taking pictures, and keeping track of my high school helpers as they wandered up the bell tower (tsk, tsk) so I didn't really absorb. The second concert, however, I was able to stop, to listen and reflect. There were moments where my focus was taken off the crowd, the choir and lifted to heaven. It was so fun to rejoice as an audience member and praise my God. Not only that, but the choir sounded pretty good!
What a wonderful time of year to celebrate Christ and praise his name!
 

Inside the Bamako Cathedral! Beautiful place for a concert!

Hauling in the crate for the men to stand on

Ed looks so serious

At the cultural Palace.

Our friend Rob was one of the two directors for the show

Everyone standing for the "Hallelujah Chorus"

 

Advent day 12

So yes, I am a little behind....

Revelation 2:1-5, 1 John 3:1-3

True love

God is my first love. Ok, my my first understanding of love came from my parents- and that is completely legitimate- but God is the one who drives the love in them.

This Christmas season is one of extra love for me. I have been married less than 4 months and still get to relish the "honeymoon of marriage". In this time I have had to learn more and more about love. It's thinking of the other person before my own needs- and rejoicing in that. It's being patient and not doing it my way all the time- and seeing it as a good thing. It's spending time relaxing and enjoying one another- and not growing weary from it.

But God's love is so much more than human love. It's unconditional. Even when I am grumpy or hyper or stubborn and not so fun to be around. It's gentle and caring and always there if I look. God loved ME and sent HIS son. I dont have kids yet, but I can only imagine the overflowing love that comes from parents to children. As a teacher I have pleanty of students and when they get hurt or are mean to each other, my heart breaks just a little. Imagine how God must feel.

Oh- this season to stop, reflect and rejoice! And be loved!

Advent Day 11

Genesis 1, Isaiah 1:18, Psalm 51:1-10

I had to laugh that today I am to make a snow man. I mean- I live in Mali. People here wear winter parkas when it is below 70 degrees (I am not exaggerating). So, snow is a little distant from my reality.

That being said, I love snow. The cleanliness. The fresh air. The glimmer off the trees. It is beautiful. At least for the first day or two. The the dirt starts to get mixed in. The white is a little more brown. It’s just not enough.

God describes forgiving our sin as washing us white a snow. Not dirty snow- the white, crisp fluffy snow. I am so glad that no matter how wicked my heart was and how much sin I have to deal with, God is always able to bring my heart back to the “white” as snow.

And even though we dont have snow in Mali I was able to make a snowman with freezer frost.  Check out my super cute snowman!

Advent Day 10

Matthew 1:22-23, Isaiah 7:10-15, John 1:14

Today posed the question- How is God "for" us different than God "with" us?

At first the phrase "God for us" came to my mind as a cheerleader. As in supportive and encouraging. Rah rah.

But after realizing the contrast- it is more like a purpose. When I say to my students "do this for your friend" it is meant as a act of service to make you a better person. It is also the physical action more than the heart attitude. God for us is having a need and God filling that need.

When I compare that to God with us- it's a little strange. No longer is the God for us an obligation- rather an act of surrender. He could have given us himself through a powerful king or a mighty dictator- because honestly that is what we need sometimes. Instead- he took our form and lived our life here on this earth.

A few years ago I attended Urbana- a giant missions conference. They highlighted God being incarnate- in the flesh. He lived among the lowly. Identified with our pain. Struggled with our temptations. It was more than a gift from a far, rather his being here on earth is personal and intimate.

When taken in the context of missions that means living in a way that identifies who you are serving. Ed and I are serving missionary kids. We lived close to them. They come to our house. We go to their houses. We know their families and their personal lives. We can identify with them. We can serve them. We are "with" them.

Some people are harder to live with incarnationally. The poor are all around us, yet I live a more "posh" lifestyle. There are those who live with multiple generations and right now it is just Ed and I. We dont identify with them in many ways.

I am so blessed to serve a God who chose to live on my earth. I know he understands the craziness that surrounds me and I can trust that he is in control. Nothing is too out there for my God! What a great thing to remember and ponder as I anticipate the celebration of this transformation.

Advent Day 9

OR 

With yesterday not bringing much-today is packed. So find some delicious hot drink and a cozy spot to read and soak it all in!

Isaiah 9:6-7, Revelation 19:1-16, 1 Timothy 6:11-16

The passage is Isaiah is one of my favorites!

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.

What a powerful text proclaiming the Messiah! Advent is the season of expectation- and this passage is a wonderful taste of what people were looking for. A mighty conqueror. The King of Kings! I laugh at the fact that none of this leads to the idea of a baby in a manger.

Our ideas are not God's. 

But just because He was a baby doesnt mean he didnt grow up. Look at each statement and think of how Jesus personified them.

Wonderful Couselor- Listens, patience, teaches, comforts

Mighty God- Powerful, withstood temptation

Everlasting Father- knew the big picture, coming again

Prince of Peace- Oh, my favorite. The only bringer of peace in this crazy world

As we look into the passage in Revelation- there is another coming declared. This is the one we are to be waiting for in expectation. Our Savior came to earth- but He's coming again.

This week in English Fellowship, we heard a service talking at the wedding feast (Matthew 22). It's an unusual passage to look at in this time of advent- but in some ways it's perfect.

The "Sarah" paraphrase version goes like this: A rich King was holding a feast for his son's wedding and he invited guests. Lots of them. Then as the time came closer- he followed up with his guests to have them come- and they all found some excuse. So instead of call it a flop- he had his servants go out and invite everyone they saw... and with those people He celebrated.

Now on Sunday we looked at several different characters- but today I want to ponder the guests that were invited, but didnt come. I relate to that. I have been invited to the party (the Jesus party if you want to call it) and I want to come. I have chosen to live the life of a missionary to teach children, and desire to glorify God in what I do. My outside actions and my heart have accepted the invite.

However, I dont live a life ready for the party. I get into routines, I forget to do things like read my Bible, and I get grumpy. I like to think of this laziness as spiritual "PJ's". The comfy clothes that you dont expect people to see you in. Sometimes they are necessary- but God wants and deserves our best "party clothes". Prioritizing time with Him. Serving His church. Serving those not yet in His church. Having an attitude of love.

This advent has reminded me that my relationship with God takes work. Being tired is not an excuse to not spend time with Him. Sometimes I have to leave the "PJ's" at home and pull out my party dress through my energy, my actions, and my interactions with others. It takes work and is not always comfortable but it does bring out the best for God.

Advent day 8

Matthew 25:31-46

This time I have less to say. The advent is thinking of "the least of these" and being intentional about reaching out this holiday season.

I wish I had some great motivation or ancedote- but really- it didnt come.

In fact, I am almost convicted that I am not convicted. I think this is one of the points I will have to let simmer just a little bit longer.

Advent Day 7

Exodus 25

God decorated his temple. Though detailed instructions laid out in this passage, God had his servants create beautiful decorations for the place where He would meet with them.

Holidays are fun because I love to decorate. Even here in Mali, I find the boxes of stuff past residents have left in my house and put them out. It's part of preparation. It's part of the fun.

If I look at the decorations I have- most do not have serious meaning. In Mali, most are fourth-hand and have the undertones of the 1980s. But to me the style is not what is important... its the beauty of anticipation and tradition. Even far from home, I get to "feel" and "see" Christmas.

In my classroom we are doing advent by creating a special ornament each day to represent the names of Jesus. Five days in, our "tree" (butcher paper) is covered and it is only going to keep on filling. I hope that my students get a taste of the miracle that is Jesus this Christmas season- by the symbolic reminders of who his is.

Advent Day 6

Act 20:35, 1 John 4:10

This is the time of giving and receiving. Shopping is in full swing. Gift lists are being compiled. Crafts are being created. Baked goods are in the oven. And that's just the beginning.

I have to be honest that I am so glad I am not in the USA right now. The pressure to spend money, find the perfect gift and be "overwhelmingly" busy doesnt exist in my Mali world. It could- I could choose it- but instead it's not. I have been learning over the past year how important down time is. I love to stop. Relax. Read. Do a craft. Space out. Bake. Anything that makes my life not busy. And this holiday time is no different.

Today the readings lead us to the concept of "giving". Do we spend more time giving or recieving?

This one is hard for me- because I am not very good at gifts. Some people have that amazing ability to find gifts and their joy is in giving it to others. I love those people. But I am not one of them.

Instead, I give by spending time with people. I love to host dinners for friends, or invite people over to watch a movie. When I am home in the States my time is filled with coffee dates, overnights and just spending time with people. That is how I give.

When I think of the ultimate gift- the "Jesus" gift- I realize that I take it for granted. It is hard for me to be in constant realization of what God did by sending his son. I am grateful for this time to year to stop and have it thrown in my face: Jesus is a gift. I have received it. Now I choose to live a worshipful lifestyle reflecting this gift. Wow. That's a big deal. I think I just have to sit on this for a while.

Advent Day 5

Even in Mali we can have a Christmas tree! And Lights!

Matthew 4:12-17, Isaiah 9:1-3, Matthew 5:14-16

Today is LIGHT! Jesus is the light of the world. We are to be lights. Lights, lights, lights.

Never before have I stopped to ponder why we use lights at Christmas. I mean the Christian theme is clear- Jesus coming into the dark world to bring salvation. But I have never pondered it.

Light is magical. Bright light allows us to see everything. Gentle light brings a relaxed, calming mood. Sparkling lights bring energy and excitement. It's amazing how much LIGHT affects our lives.

In Bible class this year we talked about the "I am's" of Jesus with one being light. We discussed how light illuminates, gives direction, expels darkness, and attracts (espeically mosquitos). Its so much part of our lives, yet I hardly stop to think about it.

We as followers of Jesus are to be light. We are to illuminate the truth. We are to give direction. We are to expel darkness. And our light attracts those to want to know Jesus more.

What a fun picture this time of year!

PS: I got all my Christmas decorations out yesterday. My house is a delightful lighted palace!

Advent Day 4

In my classroom we are celebrating advent by making Christmas tree ornaments representing the names of Christ. We make a new one each day and put it on our tree!

Today we made the Lion of Judah (Rev. 5:5)

Mark 9:33-37

This is the passage where Jesus reprimands his disciples for arguing over who is the best. He then takes a little child into his arms and say " Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me"  (v. 37)

I thought this was a random passage for a Christmas advent- but the more I ponder the more I think "yes, this fits". Advent is a time of welcoming Christ into the world. How perfectly fitting.

As a teacher, I am working with children all the time. Some days I welcome them- their stories, their excitment (man, mention Christmas and they cant stop talking) and their joy. Other days- however- welcoming them is not so easy. They are grumpy, I am grumpy, they complain, I complain... you get the picture.

Jesus tells us and modeled for us- living is not about us. We are to serve. On earth we have the privilege of serving one another- and untimely God. When we start focusing on us- we are no serving.

I count myself lucky to be a teacher. I get to be with children every day and show them God's love. If I were to re-write this verse into the context of my world- I think it would say "Whoever welcomes one of their students into their classrooms, welcomes Christ. And whoever welcomes Christ does not welcome him, rather the one who sent Him." What a challenge! And a joy!

advent day 3

Luke 2:1-20

Good news! When the angels appeared before the shepherds, there was a moment of terror, then the act of complete obedience. Cleary- this was not a typical night for the men gathered on the hillside. And cleary this was enough to freak anyone out.

If I were to examine the reaction of the shepherds against what would have been my reaction- I am pretty sure running into town would not have been what I would have done. I tend to stop, think, question, ponder, journal, process, discuss, THEN act. So far that has served me well, and kept me out of a lot of trouble.

But does that justify me NOT listening to God the moment He tells me to do something? Probably not. There have been times that I have been prompted to do something- like talk to a new person at church or reach out to lend a helping hand- and I didnt because I didnt want to. Good thing the shepherds didnt do that- they would have missed out on the birth of the Savior.

On the other hand, there have been times that God has obviously stepped in and I have trusted his direction and gone with it. The one example that comes to mind is when Ed and I started dating. I was in my last term of college, all set to head to Mali. I wasn't looking for a boyfriend- especially because that would add a lot of complication to my life- long distance, traveling, support raising- and was at peace in that.

God had a different idea in mind when he sent Ed along. It was in the perfect timing that he could come to Mali too- he easily connected with a mission organization, there was a teaching position open at the school, and it was just enough time to support raise. God stepped in and told me "go" and this time not alone. Without the open doors, I am not sure we would have dated or been married. Oh, I am so glad that God steps in when He does!

Advent Day 2

Matthew 1

The New Testament opens with a list of the genealogy of Jesus from Abraham to Joseph. I always find the first half of the section interesting- that is until it gets to the names I have never heard of, then I skim.

Imagine what it was like to be Joseph. His fathers name was Jacob- and he probably named his son from his ancestor who saved his people from famine. I imagine he grew up hearing the stories of his ancestors and all the great people of his past. But what about him? Would he even make a difference?

Then, as he is about to be married- his whole world falls apart. The girl he is supposed to marry is prego- uh oh! That doesnt speak too highly of his actions. If I were in his shoes- there would be some serious freaking out happening.

An angel appears to set it all straight. Can you imagine what he was thinking. “uh, so she’s SUPPOSED to be pregnant? And Im supposed to act as the dad? And this will fulfill history. Right.”

But he steps up into the role. He takes the risk and has Mary as his wife. He deals with isolation and judgment. He really did know God and want to do what God has laid before him. What an amazing act of obedience.

Advent day 1

 Who says there aren't snowmen in Mali? I cleaned out my freezer and found tons of "snow". Isn't he cute?

Hi guys!

So to bring in the Christmas season I found a Bible reading plan from YouVersion.com called Advent reading plan. Right now my goal is to complete all 25 readings by Christmas. Notice I am starting early to give myself a little grace period. Each day there is a reading, then a set of open ended questions and activities related to the reading.

My plan is to take some time each day to blog through this and share a little of what God is teaching me this advent season. I would welcome anyone else who would like to read to join in with me as well. I will post as often as I see necessary, under a special "advent" tab. That way those who are interested can follow along.

Today the reading was Luke 2:21-40. It is when Jesus was taken to the temple 8 days after his birth.

There were two main characters as part of Jesus circumsicion. Simeon and Anna. As Jesus was presented at the temple, it was not just the typical ceremony- people were waiting for him. They knew who He was and were ready to meet Him.

Simeon knew right away who Jesus was and why he had come. There was rejoicing and celebration. Jesus parents marveled at his reaction- for it seems they did not fully grasp what was happening.

The account of Anna was specifically intriguing. She had been married for 7 years then dedicated the rest of her life to God. She fasted, and worshiped every day for years- it says until she was 87 years old. It seems she knew the messiah was coming and was willing to go to all lengths to be there- ready to go- at his arrival.

When I reflect on my own life, I know I couldn't have the dedication. I like to "do" things too much. I wouldnt be able to drop my life and surrender my life to wait. I hate waiting. But God blessed her waiting and her worship and she was given the privilege of seeing Jesus as a baby being dedicated before the Lord. I hope she knew the eternal significance at the time. Wow.

As the Christmas season begins- even here in Mali- do I wait for the arrival of the savior? Or is it the expectation of tradition and fun times? I know right now my heart is set on a break from school, a fun trip that's in the works and spending quality time with my husband. All of those are great things- but yikes! There is so much more important things coming up. My prayer is for focus on Christ and for an Anna-like patience and dedication. This is going to be hard.

Sarah