It struck me as I continued to read through Philippians how much God uses us and works through us during our personal times of hardship to touch other people's lives... both for those who believe in Christ and those who don't. And that perhaps one of the most notable outcomes is an en-courag-ing (courage is in the middle!!) and strengthening of our brothers and sisters in their own relationships with the Lord (and the out-flowing that has in their relationships with others)...
Paul writes (Philippians 1:12-14, 27): Now I want you to know, brothers [and sisters], that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. Because of my chains, most of the brothers [and sisters] in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one [body] for the faith of the gospel...
Imagine if Paul fell apart?! Was consumed by despair and self-pity...?! Can you imagine what impact that would have had on the new churches??? And yet I'm reminded that Paul was INDEED a man, and that it was the work of the Holy Spirit in him - his making room and submitting to the Holy Spirit - that enabled and empowered him to believe, think, act, speak in ways that could only come from God. Then I ask myself, how much do I wallow in despair and self-pity... and how much do I make room for the Holy Spirit to do the work of the Father and the Son in me? I want the latter!!
I also got to wondering... what are my chains?? (or maybe I should be asking... what AREN'T my chains... hehe) ;)
And I'm reminded of the verses (not sure from where)... that Christ has set us free... so we are free indeed!! Do I live in the freedom of Christ, or do I grasp at the chains that Jesus has so willingly taken from me?
And last for today... I love the bit that says that we (brothers and sisters in Christ) stand firm in one spirit. It just fills me with an amazing joy and warmth. Standing firm together in one spirit... is something that cannot be weakened by absence or distance (though being closer to one another is certainly nice!!) or time. It may grow and change as we ourselves grow and change, but the Spirit remains at the center - the focus - and is unchanging... the Spirit is OUR anchor, what allows us to stand firm together. Amazing. Powerful.
Praying that Christ is your anchor today, and mine.
9.09.2010
Engaged!!
Hurrraaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!!!!
The EXCEPTIONALLY happy day was August 19th... overlooking Kingsdale and Ingleborough.
Can't wait to be married!
The EXCEPTIONALLY happy day was August 19th... overlooking Kingsdale and Ingleborough.
Can't wait to be married!
7.26.2010
Aberdeen... Scotland!
As ever, due for an update. ;)
So, in September Steve and I will be taking a big step - together! - in moving to Aberdeen. I still have yet to find full-time employment of the I'm-passionate-about-this! type, so after much consideration and prayer looking for work up in Aberdeen seemed the right thing to once Steve found out that he'd been offered an amazing position up there. Which I am as excited about as he! He'll be working as a research assistant on a European Commission Project (meaning its supported and has involvement from several universities across the UK and Europe, so a bit more secure in its direction and funding) on the social (culture/community) impact of land degradation in the Mediterranean and East Africa... with the potential for it turning into a PhD (which would then take us overseas). We're praying and would love all of your prayers as well! I'm ideally hoping, praying for a position with the Macaulay Institute, a research institute 'on the sustainable use of land and its natural resources for the benefit of people, their communities and the environment'. A working experience which I, along with Steve, would then love to take abroad in working with faith-based organisations.
In the meantime though, we're spending the summer with Steve's parents in the Yorkshire Dales. Steve doing his research work from home and me dividing my time between driving lessons (taking my UK driving test tomorrow!), cleaning house for a neighbour lady, various garden and fix-up projects around Steve's parents' and another neighbour's house, and - my favourite - working/volunteering at a local organic farm. And as July is quickly whirring away, looking forward to what August has in store. :)
Below are photos from our first trip up to Aberdeen (my first time to Scotland) in June, getting Steve set up with his job (whilst I was researching jobs and letting agencies).
First visit to Aberdeen via the Stonehaven Camp site... our very first tent. :) Small, but cozy (honestly, it looks a lot smaller in the picture that what it really was!).
Visiting old Houghton College friends... Rebekah Ramsay and I at the beach in Stonehaven (couple train stops south of Aberdeen).
Beautiful Coast. Looking north towards Aberdeen.
Unfortunately, between drizzly weather and predominantly grey granite architecture, Aberdeen was looking a bit bleak during our week up there...
...So it's a good thing the landscape outside of our new "Granite City" home is so gorgeous and lush!!
Steve and our local castle! Dunnottar!
My first trip to Scotland and I was already in love... so looking forward to our move and all the joys and challenges that God has in store for us there!
So, in September Steve and I will be taking a big step - together! - in moving to Aberdeen. I still have yet to find full-time employment of the I'm-passionate-about-this! type, so after much consideration and prayer looking for work up in Aberdeen seemed the right thing to once Steve found out that he'd been offered an amazing position up there. Which I am as excited about as he! He'll be working as a research assistant on a European Commission Project (meaning its supported and has involvement from several universities across the UK and Europe, so a bit more secure in its direction and funding) on the social (culture/community) impact of land degradation in the Mediterranean and East Africa... with the potential for it turning into a PhD (which would then take us overseas). We're praying and would love all of your prayers as well! I'm ideally hoping, praying for a position with the Macaulay Institute, a research institute 'on the sustainable use of land and its natural resources for the benefit of people, their communities and the environment'. A working experience which I, along with Steve, would then love to take abroad in working with faith-based organisations.
In the meantime though, we're spending the summer with Steve's parents in the Yorkshire Dales. Steve doing his research work from home and me dividing my time between driving lessons (taking my UK driving test tomorrow!), cleaning house for a neighbour lady, various garden and fix-up projects around Steve's parents' and another neighbour's house, and - my favourite - working/volunteering at a local organic farm. And as July is quickly whirring away, looking forward to what August has in store. :)
Below are photos from our first trip up to Aberdeen (my first time to Scotland) in June, getting Steve set up with his job (whilst I was researching jobs and letting agencies).
First visit to Aberdeen via the Stonehaven Camp site... our very first tent. :) Small, but cozy (honestly, it looks a lot smaller in the picture that what it really was!).
Visiting old Houghton College friends... Rebekah Ramsay and I at the beach in Stonehaven (couple train stops south of Aberdeen).
Beautiful Coast. Looking north towards Aberdeen.
Unfortunately, between drizzly weather and predominantly grey granite architecture, Aberdeen was looking a bit bleak during our week up there...
...So it's a good thing the landscape outside of our new "Granite City" home is so gorgeous and lush!!
Steve and our local castle! Dunnottar!
My first trip to Scotland and I was already in love... so looking forward to our move and all the joys and challenges that God has in store for us there!
1.29.2010
1.19.2010
Visa Chaos
Praise God that he is Lord over visas too. Struggling with these 'barriers to access' (gotta love it when Dev terms resurface!)... but I know that the Lord is in control and that his way is above my own... and most importantly that he LOVES me and that in him, through him, is my FUTURE and my HOPE. That he is there for me to call on - in joy, frustration, sadness and just to talk out things with. That his hand has mine even now.
9.18.2009
An UPDATE!!! ...unbelievable! ;)
Yes, it's true, an update. Lots to talk about... not a lot of time. So I'll let pictures talk for me as well.
To make things a bit easier reading, I've decided to break it down a bit. As you all know WHO I am, we'll skip answering that question and get right into the WHAT.
WHAT (am I doing)?
I'm visiting mom and dad - for 3 more weeks now - before heading back to England. And in between there I'm becoming an AUNT!!! woohooo! Little Caleb Daniel will be arriving any day now, so tomorrow morning mom and I are making the 17+ hr trek to Florida to be with Laura and Phil for the happy (and oh-so-painful... yikes) occasion. I'm so excited to be able to be there for his birth. A new little person who I get to have as a part of my life for the rest of my life and his. What an amazing thing. God is full of all sorts of blessings for us...
However, as I am jobless at the moment, I'm also applying for jobs. Loathsome task that it is. Lord willing, I would love to enter into the field of agriculture and conservation, and still have my sights set on the developing world (once I get my loans under foot).
I am also still dating a certain Steve Whitfield. This past week we past our 8 month mark. grins (sappy enough for you?!) I love him and am currently missing him terribly. Please continue to pray for him (the Lord is doing such amazing things in his heart).
WHERE?
Kind of already answered this, but to elaborate a bit more, I'll be staying with Steve's parents in NW England (they live in the Yorkshire Dales National Park) until I get a job. I didn't even ask them - they just "expected" me to stay!! They're wonderful, and I'm really really enjoying getting to know Steve's family. After I get a job... my 'where' could change to anywhere in the UK really. We shall see. Steve and I are hoping to end up in the same vicinity... and hopefully that would mean that we could both attend the same church, which would be a huge blessing (we found an amazing one in Norwich!).
WHEN?
Also touched on this a bit too... I'll be leaving the US again on Oct 7 (arriving in London on the 8th at early o'clock). I'll not be back for Christmas, as tickets are expensive and I don't have a job yet and it's very possible that the UK government will have my passport, as I'll be applying for a Post Study Work Visa at that point. PLEASE PRAY for that as well. It's expensive, so I don't want to mess around with it. I WILL, however, be back again here in March... FOR MY BROTHER'S WEDDING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! eek!! :D He's marrying an awesome girl - Laura Bruckman. (haha Another Laura!) And I'm so so excited for them. Steve's hoping to come along as well, and it would be wonderful to have him meet everyone and vise versa.
WHY?
Why England? Well, several reasons. I accidentally fell in love with it. There are a fantastic amount of opportunities in the field that I want to pursue there that aren't equaled here. If you're looking for work in conservation here and hope to work with agricultural communities, you kind of end up taking on this attitude and role of policeforce, regulation/fine slapper. It kills any attempts at fostering good relations between the two entities. In England, however, the attitude toward both agriculture and conservation is completely different. Community development enters into the picture, along with a stronger perspective towards solidarity and preserving natural heritage - both in nature and in the farmers. Oh, and yes... also met this certain Yorkshire guy... and kinda like him a lot. :) That sort of helped me decide in earnest what I'd been toying with (and praying about) for a few months.
HOW?
By the grace of God. The incredible support of friends and family, here and abroad. Absolutely budgeting every finance. Fervently hunting jobs. Securing a visa. Prayer. Prayer. Prayer. Prayer. So please... pray with me.
And now, the yummy part. PICTURES!
Michelle came!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Us in Trafalgar Square. :)
And Tegan!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hurray for 15 hr layovers and picnics in Hyde Park! And Steve got to meet both Michelle and Tegan!
Two of Steve's Cambridge friends (a really sweet Christian couple, Tom and Emma) were married in August. So Steve and I stayed with another two of his friends, Lauren and Paul (in the picture) over the weekend. A fantastic time. :)
Our last girly get together at Frank's. *sniff* Hannah, Chieko, me, Miriam, Vicky and Laura (another British friend).
Possibly one of my favorite pictures ever. :) Steve and I went for an afternoon walk after church our last Sunday in Norwich and found the Norwich Botanical Gardens. SUCH a gorgeous day!!
Super fun girls night out with Emma and her girlfriends!! (Rich and Emma live 10 min from Norwich, so Steve and I were able to see them quite a bit!)
Rich, Emma, and me (with Steve taking the picture) at the Norwich City (The Canaries) Football (soccer) match. Rich is Steve's older brother (he also has a twin sister) and Emma is Rich's wife. Love them! (the Canaries tied 0-0)
Me and Hannah, one of my closest friends from UEA (and also a sister in Christ), at the Dev Ball.
Me and my 3 housemates in front of our house (65 B Connaught Road) :) , ready to go to the Dev Ball. Chieko from Japan, Miriam from India, and Vicky from Taiwan.
One of my favorite hikes. :) Steve took me up Ingleborough over Easter break. I took this picture when we went on the Ingleton Waterfalls Walk the week before coming back to the States.
Me and Steve in front of Thornton Falls - his favorite.
Next I'll post pictures of my new nephew! :) So much love, and thanks everyone for all your prayers!!! (I wouldn't be where I am without them!)
To make things a bit easier reading, I've decided to break it down a bit. As you all know WHO I am, we'll skip answering that question and get right into the WHAT.
WHAT (am I doing)?
I'm visiting mom and dad - for 3 more weeks now - before heading back to England. And in between there I'm becoming an AUNT!!! woohooo! Little Caleb Daniel will be arriving any day now, so tomorrow morning mom and I are making the 17+ hr trek to Florida to be with Laura and Phil for the happy (and oh-so-painful... yikes) occasion. I'm so excited to be able to be there for his birth. A new little person who I get to have as a part of my life for the rest of my life and his. What an amazing thing. God is full of all sorts of blessings for us...
However, as I am jobless at the moment, I'm also applying for jobs. Loathsome task that it is. Lord willing, I would love to enter into the field of agriculture and conservation, and still have my sights set on the developing world (once I get my loans under foot).
I am also still dating a certain Steve Whitfield. This past week we past our 8 month mark. grins (sappy enough for you?!) I love him and am currently missing him terribly. Please continue to pray for him (the Lord is doing such amazing things in his heart).
WHERE?
Kind of already answered this, but to elaborate a bit more, I'll be staying with Steve's parents in NW England (they live in the Yorkshire Dales National Park) until I get a job. I didn't even ask them - they just "expected" me to stay!! They're wonderful, and I'm really really enjoying getting to know Steve's family. After I get a job... my 'where' could change to anywhere in the UK really. We shall see. Steve and I are hoping to end up in the same vicinity... and hopefully that would mean that we could both attend the same church, which would be a huge blessing (we found an amazing one in Norwich!).
WHEN?
Also touched on this a bit too... I'll be leaving the US again on Oct 7 (arriving in London on the 8th at early o'clock). I'll not be back for Christmas, as tickets are expensive and I don't have a job yet and it's very possible that the UK government will have my passport, as I'll be applying for a Post Study Work Visa at that point. PLEASE PRAY for that as well. It's expensive, so I don't want to mess around with it. I WILL, however, be back again here in March... FOR MY BROTHER'S WEDDING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! eek!! :D He's marrying an awesome girl - Laura Bruckman. (haha Another Laura!) And I'm so so excited for them. Steve's hoping to come along as well, and it would be wonderful to have him meet everyone and vise versa.
WHY?
Why England? Well, several reasons. I accidentally fell in love with it. There are a fantastic amount of opportunities in the field that I want to pursue there that aren't equaled here. If you're looking for work in conservation here and hope to work with agricultural communities, you kind of end up taking on this attitude and role of policeforce, regulation/fine slapper. It kills any attempts at fostering good relations between the two entities. In England, however, the attitude toward both agriculture and conservation is completely different. Community development enters into the picture, along with a stronger perspective towards solidarity and preserving natural heritage - both in nature and in the farmers. Oh, and yes... also met this certain Yorkshire guy... and kinda like him a lot. :) That sort of helped me decide in earnest what I'd been toying with (and praying about) for a few months.
HOW?
By the grace of God. The incredible support of friends and family, here and abroad. Absolutely budgeting every finance. Fervently hunting jobs. Securing a visa. Prayer. Prayer. Prayer. Prayer. So please... pray with me.
And now, the yummy part. PICTURES!
Michelle came!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Us in Trafalgar Square. :)
And Tegan!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hurray for 15 hr layovers and picnics in Hyde Park! And Steve got to meet both Michelle and Tegan!
Two of Steve's Cambridge friends (a really sweet Christian couple, Tom and Emma) were married in August. So Steve and I stayed with another two of his friends, Lauren and Paul (in the picture) over the weekend. A fantastic time. :)
Our last girly get together at Frank's. *sniff* Hannah, Chieko, me, Miriam, Vicky and Laura (another British friend).
Possibly one of my favorite pictures ever. :) Steve and I went for an afternoon walk after church our last Sunday in Norwich and found the Norwich Botanical Gardens. SUCH a gorgeous day!!
Super fun girls night out with Emma and her girlfriends!! (Rich and Emma live 10 min from Norwich, so Steve and I were able to see them quite a bit!)
Rich, Emma, and me (with Steve taking the picture) at the Norwich City (The Canaries) Football (soccer) match. Rich is Steve's older brother (he also has a twin sister) and Emma is Rich's wife. Love them! (the Canaries tied 0-0)
Me and Hannah, one of my closest friends from UEA (and also a sister in Christ), at the Dev Ball.
Me and my 3 housemates in front of our house (65 B Connaught Road) :) , ready to go to the Dev Ball. Chieko from Japan, Miriam from India, and Vicky from Taiwan.
One of my favorite hikes. :) Steve took me up Ingleborough over Easter break. I took this picture when we went on the Ingleton Waterfalls Walk the week before coming back to the States.
Me and Steve in front of Thornton Falls - his favorite.
Next I'll post pictures of my new nephew! :) So much love, and thanks everyone for all your prayers!!! (I wouldn't be where I am without them!)
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