Intercession Update (for S.)

Intercessors, please continue to pray for S. Best we know, she still was not admitted to a hospital room by midnight. They think now she may have a kidney stone, but she is all alone (until some staff go see her later this morning), she has no book, no phone, nothing. Except a lot of pain, at least before they finally gave her some meds. By the way, she may have my phone for the next few days (FYI to anyone who might try to call and find a girl answering...). Thanks for your prayers, she may be scared and/or bored, likely in pain, and most certainly lonely and uncomfortable.

I bless you in the Name of our Jesus, the Healer!

Appendicitis

You who are willing, please stop now and pray for S. She showed us some of our tasks this afternoon, and then a sudden attack of pain took her to the hospital and they think it may be appendicitis. Thanks for interceding with the Spirit's help before the throne of God, where Jesus is interceding for us at the right hand of the Father. May the Father be glorified in this situation! I bless you in the Name of Jesus!

Safe at Camp

Location: At a little camp tucked among the majestic Alps, Sunday evening the 19th of July, just after 9:30pm.

I am here safe and sound after a long day of travel, travel that included a lot of wonderful time with the LORD. Do not get so jealous of the photos that you miss the post I wrote just before this one! The picture of the balcony with the geraniums is where my bedroom is. There are a couple of shots I took from the camp. (Actually, I somehow posted the same photo twice; I will have to figure out how to fix it later--sorry!) The other two I took from the bus window on the way here. There is snow on some of the peaks, and my buddy K. in Utah would love the snowboarding; my buddy J. in Indiana would love the biking. Evidentally, except for this year, I am right about where Lance Armstrong normally shows off his prowess in the mountains...

Thinking Outside the Box!

Location: A corner of a train compartment, en route to Lyon-Part-Dieu and eventually Grenoble; it is 2:15pm on the 19th of July.

I am sandwiched between the wall and window to my left and an-ever-further-leaning lady on my right. In front of me a man does his best keep his legs pointed in a different direction to give my own long stilts a little space. Originally, it seemed like a good idea to reserve a seat in a compartment: more peaceful, fewer people, etc. And when I found my place a little while ago, I was excited; my new neighbors were responding to my jokes, and I managed to tie Alfred to the cargo rack above, giving us space. But now, a couple hours into the French countryside with five of us in this eight-person cage, I keep asking myself how it is that the longest human in this box is stuck in the smallest corner!

Matters could certainly be worse, and they have been before. For example, the temperature and noise level are just about right, and we are five instead of eight--for that I am thankful. It is funny how quickly our emotions change (you will remember that I maintain they are unreliable).

This morning, I was ecstatic! I spent time with the Lord, showered and loaded up Alfred (my man-eating backpack, for you new readers). My host mom drove me to the church early, and I arrived at the same time as my friend: perfect! We moved Alfred into his car and entered the building. As folks prepared for worship, my anticipation grew, and I even had tears come to my eyes. This was the first time in three or four weeks I was able to join the Body in worship! How I have missed it!

Do you ever just go to church (or mass or wherever you go) simply out of habit? I have been guilty of that before! But today I had such a thirst! It was more than like-minded people listening to some speech in a half-filled room. Rather, I was finally among family again, family who personally know the God who I know, who loves me, who loves you.

For many weeks, I have been surrounded by nice people. But since I left Romania, I have found very few people who display evidence of a relationship with the Lord. How I have longed for the fellowship and support of such brothers and sisters! How I have needed sharpening by others wizened by life with the LORD. After a while, not seeing them is a bit like being stranded in the desert.

So this morning, I drank deeply of the living water Jesus talked about in John 4. As I worshipped, I realized that this was "just another Sunday" for some of the folks around me, but for me, it was intense! My soul danced with the Spirit of the Lord during worship, and my mind savored a new idea from the book of Job during the message. All around me seemed a display of God's great beauty, His splendor. I was encouraged to see life in the small church I had known six years ago, encouraged by the strong men and women who grew out of it. I had only moments of conversation with my friend, yet how wonderful they seemed! What a privilege that time of worship turned out to be! I even found that one of my friends from there is now a missionary in Romania--I hope to contact him as soon as possible to find out more!

Certainly, perspective makes a difference. There may have been some in the church building this morning who never knew they were in the presence of God. The girl in the opposite corner of the compartment may think that this is the most comfortable ride she has ever had on a train. (In fact, as I finished that sentence, both people on the opposite side of the compartment left to descend here at Dijon, and at least until someone new arrives, I can stretch my legs! Thank you, Father! Now the leaning-lady moved, too, and my right arm is free! Hallelujah!) Thus, as I head into six weeks of camp after a terrific beginning this morning, I am looking for blessings. I am watching for opportunities. I am optimistic. I am expecting friendships and edifying conversations. I know I will grow. I am anticipating joy and grace and life. These six weeks may well be a pivotal time in my summer, possibly in my life. Therefore, I am going to be ready to living them in the presence of a holy God. These six weeks are going to be six weeks of worship. May God get the glory!

The Labyrinth of Life

Location: A petite maison (house) in which I have been sleeping in Nancy, France, next door to my hosts' house. It is 7:30am on Sunday, the 19th of July.

I gaze into the morning, eager to face the day. In a couple of hours, I hope to attend church for the first time in too many weeks, as well as meet a few friends their whom I have not seen in six years. Then I intend to catch the train that will take me to the camp that will be my home for the next several weeks. In many ways, I do not know what to expect, but I know that the Spirit of the Lord goes before me.

Have you ever hurried through a dark labyrinth filling with smoke, frantically watching for movement as you crouch in a corner to keep yourself hidden? It is kill or be killed.

Unfortunately, some of you have probably had that all-to-real experience during some part of your life that you will never forget. For me, it was merely a couple of games of intense Laser Tag. As much as I enjoy the adrenaline rush in the moment, I do not enjoy war games, because my imagination is assured by my reason that for all to many people, the game will not stop after twenty minutes, and death will be something more serious than scars on a scorecard.

Friday culminated in a 24-person dinner in our living room that was a birthday celebration, having included Laser Tag as an appetizer. But the best part of my day happened during the long walk I took to the church I hope to visit today. As I neared my destination, I saw a tattered old man with a white beard digging in the trash and pulling out pizza boxes. Immediately I knew I should speak with him, but like so many other people, I tried making excuses to myself and walked by with a muffled "bonjour." Yet God often speaks to me through my conscience, and none of my excuses held water. Each step became more difficult as I fought turning around. This is what I call "drive-by obedience"--when I only obey the LORD after first driving-by and arguing with myself, only to eventually turn around and do what I should have done in the first place.

So, yes, I returned to invite the monsieur to join me for a sandwich. He politely declined, then asked me a harmless question that led to a conversation that probably lasted an half hour. J., my new friend, was at least in his mid-seventies, because he was from a family of nine children and was recounting what it was like to welcome the American forces who arrived in 1944. We had a wonderful exchange about the way things are versus how they were, and about what is important in life. Ignoring the glances I got from passersby as we conversed next to the trash cans, I could not help but think that J. looked a lot like God. It took me no reflection to honor those moments as the favorite of my day.

Long conversations also characterized my Saturday, providing bookends on another large meal, this time with 9 persons. In the morning, I spoke internationally via Skype with two friends of mine. One was from the tiny French village that had been my haven the past two weeks; I also received a note from there telling me that my young friends had cried when they received my goodbye notes. That village had quickly adopted me into their family, and I have to admit that I greatly miss them already.

Nonetheless, here in Nancy I have been adopted, too. The love is merely expressed differently. I failed to meet with a couple who wanted to see me before they left on vacation; we were unable to match schedules at the last minute. And I told you that one lady came by train so we could catch up on six-year-old memories. My host family here, too, pleads with me to return when I leave, and tries to keep me from leaving whenever possible. What a privilege it is to be cared for by so many people; people like you! Thank you!

It was with my host parents that I discussed last night. I had planned to go to the park, but God had other plans. The house emptied and suddenly I was alone with my host parents--a perfect recipe for nearly four hours of discussion about life and God and how those relate. Entering the dialogue, I sat meekly uncomfortable, knowing that we shared a similar religious culture and background, but very aware of the differences in our faith. The conversation was wonderful; it helps that we all know and care about one another--thus otherwise offensive direct comments do not become inflammatory.

Much more science-minded than I am, I think they became frustrated with my more artistic, philosophical perspective. I was impressed with their big-picture thinking of the Bible, faith, and life. Discussions such as these are good reminders that people cannot be put into boxes with labels based on nationality or denomination or age or career.

That said, my heart cries for the people of Europe! I am "zooming out" if you will from a private discussion last night to two month's worth of listening to and watching people's lifestyles of faith. I want to sob as I meet and re-meet person after person in nation after nation that has a good understanding of who God is, who lives a life of benevolence toward the people around him, but who cannot begin to imagine that the Almighty God who transcends all human understanding has revealed Himself in a way that is comprehensible to us, in order that we be in relationship with Him.

As much as J. looked like God on Friday, God is not some white-bearded man governing the heavens from a marble throne, ready to reward our goodness and punish our sins! He is not an impersonal idea of universal love or mysterious truth! He is not an icon or a statue or an idea that we worship once a week through stale rituals! He is not a catalyst of frenzied emotion! He is a Father! He is a Friend! He is a Savior! He is a King! He is a Bridegroom! He is a Shepherd! He is a Comforter! He is a Person--One God in Three Persons, in fact!

All of these names and terms fall far short of defining our indescribable God. But if you never listen to any other thing I say, listen to this: God vehemently desires to lavish His love upon each of us, to be in personal relationship with you, specifically! Do you see? Yes, He is the Creator of the heavens and the earth! Yes, He is the just Judge of humankind! But none of that matters if you do not know Him. He is knowable like a spouse, like a family member, like a buddy! No, I dare not belittle His majesty by inadequate metaphors, but this is the most important Truth in the whole world, in all of life!

This is why Jesus is important... Jesus came to embody the "who God is" in human flesh, in a way that we could understand. He came to serve as a bridge between our Father's perfection and our corruption. He came to translate the Word of God to a species who babbled confusing languages. He came to show us not how to love God (although He did that!) but how to be loved by our Father!

God does not care if I serve Him if I do not know Him personally!
Our Creator does not care if I believe in Him if I do not know Him intimately!
Our Father does not care if I understand Him if I do not let Him love me!

Friend, I am out of time, and you may be out of patience after a long soap-box like this. But I plead with you, no matter where you are in whatever faith or religion you have, ponder and pray about these things! There are Christian churches of every kind filled with people who know everything about God but do not know Him at all! Do you know that there exists an all-powerful, undefinable God? Do you know Him? Do you let Him love you? Do you see why the world kills and heals because of a Jew named Jesus who walked in Israel for thirty-some-odd years?

Do not let your life of faith or religion be like a pretty cemetery whose insides rot while the tombstones boast flowers and decorations!

Light at the End of the Tunnel

Location: On my way to bed; Nancy, France; after 11:00pm on July 18.

It has been a long couple of days since I last posted, and I hope to post the details before I catch a train tomorrow, but no promises. The short version is that I returned to Nancy for a few days and found myself caught up in the swing of parties and social activities, one after another! This afternoon rolled to a stop as the sun peeked out, and I ended up having some great conversations with my hosts.

For now though, I am headed to bed, because I have a long day of packing, worship, and traveling tomorrow. I am supposed to have Internet access at the camp where I am headed, but I do not know how regular it will be. Assume you will not hear from me, and when you do, it will be a (hopefully pleasant!) surprise! Thanks for your prayers! These couple of days have seemed to be a rapid chute that will fling me into the next six weeks in central France, but assuming I get some sleep and catch my train, I think I see light at the end of the tunnel!

A Wild Boar? Or Just a Wild Blur?

Starting Location: Computer room in my hostess' house with seven-year-old L, 10:00am on my last day in the little French village, 16 July.
Ending Location: Living room of my former host-family in Nancy, France, at little after 12:00pm on the 17th of July. (I got interrupted and never made it back yesterday!)

It is sad to pack my things up this morning, but I have to say that I am not sad. Several of you have suggested that my recent posts "sound" worried or homesick or unhappy. I am guessing that is because I have spent much time thinking and praying these past days, but au contraire, I am quite happy. As I metaphorically turn my face into to salty ocean wind and set sail, I am eager to see what lies ahead. I carry with me fond memories of recent correspondence with many of you who have encouraged and blessed me while keeping me in prayer--thank you!

That said, yesterday was another day filled with thoughts and musings and prayer. I spent an hour on a bench by the small river yesterday morning, just enjoying the Lord's love. I spent quite a bit of time with my American neighbors, too, talking about life, looking at photos, and laughing over some old British comedy re-runs.

The bulk of my day, though, consisted of a three-hour hike in the woods. I was never really lost, but I was glad you were not with me--I often did not really know where I was! I though of my friend, V., from Romania, knowing that she was glad she was not on this adventure with me.

You see, I wanted to see some of the wild pigs that live around here, but from a distance, because especially the boars can be dangerous. So the adventure began when I finally found a place I could leap the creek, but then I found myself having to ford my way through stinging nettles with the help of a stick I picked up and name "Pork Skewer." I do not know if you are familiar with stinging nettles, but "fun" is nowhere in their definition!

Having passed the first test, I traveled and eventually began my ascent into the woods. The trail I was on merged abruptly with another. I crossed another small creek and some mud bogs, then wound my way across grassy paths and through old forest. When I found myself waist-deep in a clearing of ferns, I began to despise their beauty as I imagined them shaking wildly above a charging beast--but I made it through with out mishap, trusty Pork Skewer by my side.

My hike continued uphill, as I always prefer to ascend when I am fresh and to descend when I am tired. After climbing forever, I was startled to find myself on a road at the top of the ridge! But when I followed it to a sign, it seemed to point in the wrong direction, so I retraced my steps. I tried a couple of side trails to take me back down, but they were dead-ends, to my frustration. Several threw me into raspberry patches, which might seem like a good thing until you imagine wading through the tangle of thorns. As I was beseiged by the innocent-looking plants, I debated with myself whether it was better to find oneself amid wild raspberries or stinging nettles--in the end, I decided that neither were a very good option, especially with my ankle-high "single" socks!

Once, when I escaped a raspberry patch, it dropped my onto a steep descent that Pork Skewer helped me follow safely. However, it dumped me into a basin with lots of mud bogs where hogs had wallowed, and the forest somehow seemed darker, the underbrush making visibility lower. I had followed some pig trails earlier, and I am here to tell you that they are not as tall as I am. Nevertheless, when I heard an angry pig shouting not too far from me, I decided to quickly grow some more courage. So I put Pork Skewer in my other hand and picked up a fist-sized rock that would be my first line of defense, should the need arise. Moments later, I kicked up a deer that had waited until I was quite close to burst out of the undergrowth. I was glad Alfred the backpack was not with me; he would have been very scared!

Faster now, and singing, I pushed my way in the direction I was sure was right, through thorns and weeds and mud, over hills and around turns and down banks, twisting and turning and ducking and leaping, finally breathing more easily when I found myself in a cow pasture I recognized! Back on track, I snuck up on a muskrat that was sitting in the middle of the lane, and enjoyed watching a blue heron and a large hawk wing through the air. I hustled home, and I made it back before E. the American called the police. We had practiced orienteering a little bit before I left, and I assured him that I always knew where North was, but that it had not always helped me!

To take up where I left off typing, yesterday was a blur. I spent a couple of hours babysitting (see photo), and then another hour de-stemming red currents for a tarte for lunch. In the afternoon I packed up and said my goodbyes, and N.'s husband drove me to Nancy. (Alfred was very sad!) I arrived in Nancy in time to grill out for 8 people or so, including a lady that caught a train into town just because she heard I was here, and after helping to clean up around 11:30 last night, I enjoyed a Skype call with a good friend in Indiana.

I slept in this morning, and I plan to dodge wind and raindrops to head into town a little later. This evening a lasar-tag game awaits me with some of the young people. I have been catching up on emails, photos, blog posts, and other computer stuff this morning, and I enjoyed another good Skype conversation with a friend in the UK. If you enjoy old European church architecture or the pavement where the Tour de France passed several years ago, check out the newest Picasa albums (the link is to the right).

Thanks for traveling with me! I know it gets hectic, but I assure you, it is worth it! God is at work here, among the family with whom I am staying, friends and neighbors, and in the Church. Take a deep breath and praise Him while we rest in His presence a couple of days--soon we will be headed toward Grenoble!

I am praying for you; let me know if you have any specific needs. I bless you in the Name of Jesus, and I thank you for your prayers and company!

To Be Like Daniel

Location: The tiny French village; midday on the 15 July.

Early this morning, I woke up with the strong desire to immerse myself in God's Word. I also had the name "Nebuchadnezzar" in my head; thus, I turned to a familiar text in the Book of Daniel and read about the Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar in the first two chapters.

I have been thinking and praying about some choices, decisions, and opportunities in the coming months, and I found this text to be helpful in that area. Maybe you will, too.

You will recall that Daniel and his friends are devout Jews brought to Babylon as prisoners when their homeland was conquered. Carefully groomed to be government officials, they are known for their wisdom and their faithfulness to God. Their lives are threatened, however, when the king makes a seemingly impossible request: describe to him a dream that he alone had, and then interpret it. All such officials and wisemen are then sentenced to death when the kings advisors politely tell him that his request is not only absurd, but unheard of and impossible.

Here is where I learned some wisdom from Daniel. This is not a formula to have prayer answered, but rather guidelines to respond prudently to difficult situations.

(Before we begin, it is important to note that Daniel had used his integrity to cultivate relationships and his reputation before the crisis situation.)

First, Daniel sought the facts (Chapter 2, verse 15).

Second, Daniel asked for more time (verse 16), taking time to respond rather than to react.

Third, Daniel sought prayerful intercession from wise men he knew and trusted (verses 17 and 18).

Fourth, God answered the prayer, and revealed the dream (verse 19) during the night, which means Daniel had waited for a time.

Fifth, Daniel blessed, praised, and thanked the Lord (verses 19 through 23).

Sixth, Daniel explained everything to the king, giving God all the glory (verses 27 and 28).

So you see, these seem prudent steps to take when we face difficult situations or decisions. Simple enough, right? But here is what struck me: Daniel did not assume he knew the dream, he asked the Lord to reveal it to him.

If you are like me, often when you come before the Lord, you think you know what to ask for, and you begin straining your ears for an answer almost before you finish asking. Yet what if when we come before the Lord, we ask Him to first reveal to us the right question, the best petition, the most appropriate topic of prayer before we ever begin seeking answers?

To be transparent, in my life there seem to be several different paths I could take during the next months, and I am inclined to be praying about them. A wise friend of mine reminded me of a more foundational decision that needs to be made first, and it seemed wise that perhaps I begin my prayers there. But after the Lord taught me through Daniel this morning, I realize that I need to first ask the Lord what I need to be praying about: is it in fact one of these decisions I have been considering, or is it something altogether different? In fact, when I spent some time in prayer later this morning, He showed me that I should first pray about some other things, and those would greatly influence the decisions later.

I want to be like Daniel; I want to be humble and wise among men, I want to be used by the Lord to glorify His Name.

How about you?