Crafting the call

The temperatures in Bandung this week peak at 89o (days) and swoop to 62o (nights). What's not to like?!

As we pare down clothing for a smaller closet and a new climate, I'm happy. I've experienced so many occasions in the clothes that I'm giving away. There have been birthdays, funerals, weddings, dinners, walks in the neighborhood, bike rides on the trail, and everything between. Groceries and a grandchild have leaned against them. Very few haven't been worn often: I like variety in dress.

We're looking forward to two days of instruction: our ministry network hosts a LAUNCH workshop in Snoqualmie today and tomorrow. The landscape is gorgeous nearby, but the people in the room are more precious. We're learning to gather resources for service to others.

W spoke in chapel Wednesday. Students asked how they could go to Indo: that's very cool! The missionaries have told us to recruit people, as well as our necessary finances. We believe God will use every kind of participation to bless this country. Will you be part of that effort?

Do you sense a change coming in your own life? Is God asking you to go? Is he calling your name, whispering a new job, different country, or ministry challenge into your ears? Are you willing to listen? To respond?

For us, saying "yes" means clearing away anything that doesn't belong in the new season. It's an arduous process because we've rooted ourselves deeply in our community, church, and home. It's an ambitious project because there's so much to learn and to do.

This season is also reflective and meditative. We're rethinking life, going forward without all the props we've enjoyed. God is confirming our calling. He's drawing us in through scriptures, mentors, and stories. [Our story here.]

I want to ask you again: Do you sense a change coming in your own life? Is God asking you to go? Is he calling your name, whispering a new job, different country, or ministry challenge into your ears? Are you willing to listen? To respond?

Read more:
*Be glad, O children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God, for he has given the early rain for your vindication; he has poured down for you abundant rain, the early and the latter rain, as before. Joel 2:23 ESV

*God says, "I will be like the dew to Israel; he shall blossom like the lily." Hosea 14:5 NLT

*Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. Luke 12:27 NLT

Moravian Prayer: Providing God, grant us the faith to trust in you providence. If you care for the simplest parts of creation, how much more do you care for us whom you created in your own image? May we cease to worry and put our trust in you. Amen.

The business of change

Canadian flag

Oh, the joy of good mentors!

Last weekend, we received excellent counsel on prioritizing our time and energy. We're up to date with thank-yous, and working away on informational materials, scheduling services, and calling friends.

Next week we're in Eastern Washington and the week after we're in Lacey and Everett. We're looking forward to serving. We love meeting leaders whom we've served in the past. It's a funny thing, how firmly our hearts are attached to the people and churches of the Pacific Northwest. We never thought we'd be moving to another part of the world.

American flag

Though there's a long checklist of practical things-to-do, the most important preparation for us is spiritual. We're gathering strength for the challenges ahead by praying and reading scripture alone and in community. We're drinking in the preaching and books. And we're listening to the wise voices around us

The uncommon season of preparation includes letting go of the past, relishing the present, and anticipating the future. From the past - After this morning's pickup, one Hummel angel remains from 18 boxes of Christmas ornaments, trees, garlands, lights, and decorating memories. Gone. Gone. Gone ... to a gal who does church events and is planning a pastoral thank-you event this month. She married a missionary kid and supports missions [of course!]. The second grand piano leaves the living room within the month; the desks are out of the office; the dining table is gone; our bed is sold. W's current teaching contract expires in May; I'm wrapping up projects, clearing my heart as well as my home.

Indonesian flag

In the present, each day is an adventure. Every morning, our best-laid plans start to morph; by evening, we've experienced a flow of words, worship, work, and play. I'm happily surprised by empty space and the progress we make. We still have company though the house is a mess. We visit with family and old and new friends. We follow our spiritual disciplines, keep regular commitments, and glance at our to-do lists.

In the future, who knows what God will do? I've never been bored when following Christ. My challenge is obeying completely, willingly, and with a glad heart. I don't want to be halfhearted or fainting with fear. God's love compels. So into the unknown we go.

Where are you headed? Is God calling YOU somewhere you didn't expect? In which ways are you living out the Good News?

Read more:
*At that time I will change the speech of the peoples to a pure speech, that all of them may call on the name of the Lord and serve him with one accord. Zephaniah 3:9 ESV

*Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. Ephesians 5:1 NIV

*Since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us give thanks, by which we offer to God an acceptable worship with reverence and awe. Hebrews 12:28 ESV

Moravian Prayer; Our unwavering Foundation, we thank you for being our refuge and for your leadership and might! In our divided world, we pray we will serve you and change our speech to reflect your will for our unity. Amen.

CS Lewis, letter to Mrs. Ray Garrett, 12 September 1960:

"The whole lesson of my life has been that no ‘methods of stimulation’ are of any lasting use. They are indeed like drugs—a stronger dose is needed each time and soon no possible dose is effective. We must not bother about thrills at all. Do the present duty—bear the present pain—enjoy the present pleasure—and leave emotions and ‘experiences’ to look after themselves.

"That’s the programme, isn’t it?"

My head is pounding. I wonder why.

The fish tanks are gone. I won't miss them like I miss my dogs.

Late last night, a couple moved out the live rock and sand, the fish and corals, the tanks and their stands, the filtered water and the gear.

It's a relief. The spring sun has been shining in the windows at an angle that promotes algae. The tanks were being overgrown! Our house sitter hasn't had saltwater aquariums, so we didn't want to leave them here over the summer.

Last night, our house sitter also came over for a home introduction, and I had a final coaching session with a client. I read a book (assigned for class: Other People's Words by Victoria Purcell-Gates.) Then I fell asleep as though dead.

It's 5am and I have a pounding headache. I kept waking, thinking of what needs doing. Bedding needs washing today or tomorrow. Cover the grand piano so if someone plays pool beside it, jumped balls can't dent the top. Pack. Clean up. Make sure the kitchen is in order. Clear the fridge. Vacuum. Dust. Tonight's our last night at home. Lord have mercy!

W's been grading courses and painting the basement. Tonight our electrician and plumber friends come to advise him on next steps. Meanwhile, I'm finishing up my class and cramming in all the homework time I can. Three project are due this weekend. Friday is our final exam.

We're not packed for Missouri (pre-field orientation) yet. W hauled up my summer clothes that were stored in the basement: there are four heaps of short-sleeved tops, sweaters, and trousers: 1) take along to Missouri, 2) take along to Singapore, 3) give away, and 4) maybe keep through this summer. We'll have one night at home between flights from Missouri and Singapore (teaching).

I promised to be honest about the process of going into missions. This part isn't fun nor very exciting.

I'm good at shedding tasks that don't belong on my checklist ... but these are unavoidable. We don't have time to put everything away: my office looks as though a hurricane has struck it. Not only is the paperwork for my Spore class on research methodology on the desk, but things have migrated from the guest room next door so Neeley has a bedroom. (W is sorting things in the usual guestroom.) Our bedroom is stacked with clothes and other things to pack. The laundry room (hardly touched in 4 weeks) is a ruin. My heart is happy to follow Jesus, but my body and mind protest the process. Christ have mercy!

Somehow things always fall into place, even if the journey is not as orderly or beautiful as we hope. The fish are gone. The dogs are gone. The dining table is gone. The rugs are being rolled up. And much more needs to go. The slow drift of "gone gone gone" continues.

Soon WE'll be gone for the summer.

How messy. Prayers appreciated. Lord have mercy!

Read more:
*Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen carefully to me, and eat what is good. Isaiah 55:2 (NLT)

*When Jesus was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. Luke 24:30-31 (NLT)

Moravian Prayer: O Bread of life, too often we forget that you provide all the answers! When we search for truth, help us turn to you and your Holy Word. Amen.

The unsettling start of goodbyes

Raclette - 2 grills and bowls of food!

I've spent the weekend on retreat with ministry peers. I didn't turn on my phone until I was on the way home. I have someone else's pictures.

We rested, listened for God's voice, and shared our dreams and hopes in ministry, as well as challenges.

We started the weekend with Friday supper: Raclette (photo). It's a Swiss invention, where food is grilled at the table; under the grill little dishes hold cheese melting over potatoes. We took our time meeting each other, getting settled, and relaxing.

Beth Backus maintains a home for an absentee owner. The setting is gorgeous, a modern house dropped into 7 acres of woodland and lawns. Beth has permission to use the house for ministry retreats. She dreams of drawing weary ministers away from their hectic lives for a time of refreshing.

Four of us on her ministry team helped lay out the weekend. Beth invited Karen Porter and Amy to our inaugural weekend. God met us during intentional hours in community. We also spent 3 hours of solitude without electronics! listening to God's voice.

Beth cooked breakfast crepes and her husband prepared a delicious Italian feast in the evening. Karen led in worship with her guitar. We enjoyed Kim Martinez's soup for two lunches.

This morning we celebrated communion. Vicki Judd prepared unleavened bread dough. She showed us how to roll out (crush) the dough. Then we used a fork to outline (pierce) pictures on it.

After the hot bread came out of the oven, we sat down at the table. Each woman shared the symbols on her bread, tore off pieces to share, and then led us in the memorial: "This bread is my body, broken for you. This cup is my blood, shed for you." We ate and drank together each time, relishing the beauty of what we've learned about Christ's sacrifice.

I carpooled home with my friend Kim, then walked into a full house. My husband and our kids were near the entry, wrapping up their birthday party lunch with Waldemar. Two strangers were finishing a set-up in our former dining room: they'd moved our pool table from the basement. (The big round dining table now lives in the family room.)

The new pool room

I'm okay on the outside, but my heart hurts as my house is disassembled. W's finishing out the basement after we return from summer ministry. I'm glad that the kids want to keep our commercial pool table. Plus, we need the space downstairs for our bedroom/living area.

This last week God has made very clear that this is no longer our house. The kids will move in this fall. As we sort what we are selling, giving away, and keeping, the house is in chaos. W's moving things from the basement, his office, and the attic. After class each day, I come home to great progress ... and piles and boxes in the entry and living areas.

I'm a visual person who lives and breathes in spaces. I'm excited to design and furnish the new space. It will be basic and utilitarian, a stopping place for less than a year and later for short furloughs. We don't have money to waste on fancy finishes. However, the process exhausts me, as beloved pieces drift from where they have lived out the door, into other homes. The stuff we're keeping is stuck amid the disorder until the basement is done.

The summer house-sitter comes Friday, when we leave for mission training and our summer assignment in Singapore. I'll leave the craziness behind with relief. For now, each time I walk through the house my heart feels unsettled, mourning the start of goodbyes. This is only the beginning of downsizing and moving away.

I know all the theology. "Life is temporary; this world is not our home."  As I talk to Jesus, I'm asking for a heart that matches what my head knows.

He's the center of everything, and when the cloud or the fire of his Presense moves, we are happiest when we follow. That doesn't mean it's easy.

Read more:
*The heavens will vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment, and those who live on it will die like gnats; but my salvation will be forever. Isaiah 51:6 NLT

*His greatness will reach to the ends of the earth. Micah 5:4 NIV

*Every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:11 NLT

*John wrote: And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.” Revelation 21:3 (NIV)

Moravian Prayer: Lord of all, we recognize every day that Jesus Christ, your Son, is Lord of all. You are ever-present and ever-loving. We are forever grateful.

O God, our God, how grateful we are that you are here among us, dwelling with us, abiding with us, through triumph and turmoil. This world is temporary; our salvation is forever. Thanks be to God! Amen.