Trips over, but God is still working in Me

  So recently I have been reading 1+2 Samuel, and I have noticed some very interesting things. I thought I would take some time to share these thoughts.
     My first thought is... If the books are named after the Judge Samuel how come he dies before the end of the first book? Okay maybe not as profound as you were expecting (or maybe more profound then you were expecting), but my thoughts can be a little random. However the life and death of Samuel is not my main reason for writing. Now keep in mind I am not trying to write a commentary and explain things, I am just pointing out things that I have seen in God's Word.
     It is often said that David (second King over Israel) was a man after God's own heart. I used to think that that just meant that he loved God. But now after rereading (and I am still in the process of reading 2 Samuel) I have noticed that what made him a man after God's own heart, was so much more than that.

David in his youth was a hard worker- David, when everyone was gathered with Samuel to sacrifice before God, stayed out in the field tending to his father's flock. When Samuel was called by God to anoint the next king of Israel, Jesse said "There remains yet the smallest, but behold he is keeping the sheep" (1 Samuel 16:11).

David was with the sheep (1 Samuel 16:19)- David knew his job and he stuck with it. I like thinking of this as a metaphor, David was a natural born leader, and he was known for taking care of things. He had a caring heart. The image of a shepherd is so strong in scripture, Jesus Himself is portrayed as the Good Shepherd. Unlike a lot of herd animals sheep are a little stupid, well more so than others. Sheep tend to give into peer pressure, they would follow a leader right off a cliff. When they fall over on their backs they cannot get back up without help. David was diligent enough to stick with these animals, and that (I believe) helped him to care for his kingdom once he finally became king.

David was obedient- While David's brother's were off at war, Jesse told David to go and take provisions to them. David arose early the next day to deliver them to them (1 Samuel 17:20). David didn't hesitate to follow a command. Another thing about this verse is that David instantly found someone to take care of the sheep, even when following a command, he never abandoned his sheep (God is the same way with us, even when he is doing something else -or something we don't want, and it seems like he is abandoning us, we are still being cared for).

David had mountains of faith and powerful courage- We all know the story of David and Goliath. A young boy, comes across a battle scene and instead of turning and running away saying, "No I am to little," he says "No, my God is WAY bigger" (okay so I may have paraphrased it a little). David chews out the entire army of Israel for not believing that God had the power to stop Goliath (1 Samuel 17). David rushed into battle knowing that he could not stop the enemy, but that God alone could and would win the battle.

David was humble- When Saul offered David his eldest daughter David said, "Who am I, and who are my relatives, and my father's clan in Israel, that I should be son-in-law to the king?" (1 Samuel 18:18).

David was a good friend- We all know how strong the friendship between David and Jonathan was (1 Samuel 20). At this point I look more to Jonathan for the example though. He didn't take sides between his father and David. Jonathan worked to figure things out, he never left his father, yet even then he still helped David in some of David's hardest times. He sought truth, he wanted to be sure Saul was out to kill David before he took action.

David was ready for battle- I know this has been covered a little in the Goliath section, but I have more to say (which knowing me I usually do). David went out to fight for Israel, God's Chosen nation. He could have been seeking revenge on Saul for wanting to kill him, but he wasn't (more on that to come) he was looking at the greater enemies that perused. The song was sung "Saul has killed his hundreds, but David has killed his thousands" (1 Samuel 21:11).

David inspired loyalty and he did not turn people away- When David's father and brothers hear that he is in hiding they go to him. I love the verse that says "And everyone who was in distress, and everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was bitter in soul, gathered to him. And he became captain over them..." (1 Samuel 22:2). It wasn't just his family that followed him. It was like a reverse Joseph. By that I mean, even though he was the youngest in his family his brothers didn't scold him for his leadership abilities. There are just some people who when you hear their name you think of safety and protection, David was one of those people. He wasn't choosey on who could work with him, God is like that with us.

David was self-controlled- Now I don't know about you, but if someone tries to kill me, I might not be so willing to let them live. David had the perfect opportunity to kill Saul. Twice. Neither time he took it though. David was hiding in a cave, and Saul comes and pees very close to where he was hiding. Saul didn't notice that the shapes in the cave were more than just rocks. David was so close he cut off part of Saul's robe. Afterwards he felt bad (1 Samuel 24). The second time, Saul and all of his men were fast asleep and David went into the camp. There slept Saul, with his spear right next to his head. If ever there was an opportunity to kill Saul it was then. No one would know, and David wouldn't even leave a weapon to be traced (this is pre-fingerprinting CIS days). David didn't do it though, he fled (1 Samuel 26).

David cried over one who sought his life-This is probably my favorite quality of David. When the messenger came baring news of Saul and Jonathan's death he thought David would be happy, but he wasn't. Never was the saying "Don't shoot the messenger" more applicable. Because the messenger was in fact the one who dealt the fatal blow, David had him killed.  David was Devastate. It wasn't just the life of Jonathan that was mourned, it was Saul's as well. In David's eyes Saul was, and always would be the anointed of God (2 Samuel 1). This quality is continued when one of Saul's generals, Abner, decides to work for David, and people think it is a trap and kill off Abner. It seems like it was less than a week that Abner had been working with David and yet David greatly mourned over this man (2 Samuel 3).

David feared God- I don't have much to say on this one (shocking I know). "And David was afraid of the Lord that day..." (2 Samuel 6:9a). One man accidentally touches the Ark of the Covenant and dies, I would be afraid too. It is a powerful God we serve, and David knew that. After this David was hesitant to bring the Ark into Jerusalem.

David rejoiced over blessings-  I would like to point out that after the death of Uzzah (the one who touched the Ark) David sent the Ark further away. David saw the blessings that it was bringing to the house where it was stored, and he wanted that for Jerusalem, and Israel.

David was undignified- The welcome ceremony for the Ark caused quite the commotion. Imagine Marti Gras or the Love parade. Commotion in the streets: singing, rejoicing, and King David dancing like a fool. It implies that he was wearing very little, some people think his outfit for the day was little more than a loincloth, I don't know. The most important thing thous is that David was praising God, and doing it for God alone. When his wife Michal (Saul's daughter, and his bounty for killing Goliath) saw him dancing she confronted him and accused him of being indecent his response sets me to cheering, "... And I will make marry before the Lord. I will make myself yet more contemptible than this..." (2 Samuel 6:21-22). He didn't care what man though of him he though on God.

David wanted a house- okay so this one seems a little strange, but hear me out. David wanted to build a dwelling place for the Ark, not Noah's one but the other one. This is one very clear passage that talks about the Savior to come. David may not have been able to build the temple, but the promise was given that it would be through David's offspring that the House would come (2 Samuel 7). Jesus being that house for God's Name. It is interesting that David wanted a solid place for the Ark. He didn't want it being passed around, he wanted it established ( I am not sure what to make of this thought, but it is something to consider).

David kept his promises-  Now think back to Jonathan; David made a covenant with him that God would be between them and their offspring (1 Samuel 20:42). Jonathan's son Mephibosheth (try saying that ten times fast) was crippled. When David finds out that there was someone left over from his friend's family he vows to take care of him. David restores to Mephibosheth the property of his grandfather Saul. David also promises that he will eat at the king's table all the days of his life. What a place of honor, if you think about the period they lived in-- and how harshly cripples could be treated and looked down on for not being able to go to war-- this was a pretty good place to be.

David confessed his sins- Now we all know about the major blemish on David's record. Yet I think this is another perfect example of why David was a man after God's heart. David was a little slow in catching on when the prophet Nathan came to him with his sin. David didn't see the connection between himself and the parable until Nathan told him right out, "He stupid that rich idiot is you" (okay so that is my embellishment but you get the gist). Nathan then proceeded to announce judgment from God. As soon as Nathan was done talking David said "I have sinned against the Lord" (2 Samuel 12:13) and that was it. No long pleading for forgiveness. Next thing you know God isn't killing David, He is just punishing him (2 Samuel 12).
   How often is God like that with us? We don't have to come to God with conditions to our salvation. We don't have to say to him "if you this... then I will that..." God is so ready to forgive, we just have to acknowledge that we are in the wrong. Our mistakes are not erased, we still have to deal with consequences, but we don't have to deal with the greatest consequence; Eternal separation from God. How amazing is that?

David was a man of prayer- The punishment for David's sin with Bathsheba was the death of their ill-begotten son. While David's son was still living, yet on his death bed, David prayed fervently for him. We don't know what he prayed, but I can imagine it was something like, "Oh God, save my son! I didn't mean to sin, I am sorry!" He was in that state for a week, he didn't eat, he stayed awake asking God for something (2 Samuel 12:15-20)

David was realistic- He didn't get what he prayed for. That child died. You would think that that would make David even more upset: at least that is what his council thought. David accepted what happened as God's will. He got up and ate as soon as he heard the news. He knew that no amount of begging would bring the child back, he just knew that begging might save the child that still lived. What a blessing for David though that his very next child (or so I think) was to be the next King, and a great king at that (2 Samuel 12:21-25).

This is as far as I have read in Samuel, or at least as I can find of the qualities in David. If I find more I might ad them, but I hope this gives you something to think about. If you disagree with me on anything that is okay, I just felt like I needed to share this.

Closing blog for Jim

July 31^st

                Today we went to the Faira market so that I could experience a true authentic African market experience. Becky was our fearless leader, translator, and bargainer. It was interesting to see all of the cool stuff that was being sold. Some things seemed legit and authentic while others were obviously cheap rip offs. We had a lot of people trying to sell us stuff. We stuck out like a sore thumb. We got some cool stuff for our family and friends and I can’t wait to give them when we get back to the states.

August 3^rd-August 10^th

                From Wednesday the 3^rd to the August 10^th, Becky and I ran the child care for SIL conference week. Becky was in charge of planning crafts and Bible lessons and I planned games. A lot things did not go exactly how we planned though. The games I planned were for both big and little kids but most the big kids didn’t play the games with us so Becky and I ended up just thinking on our feet most of the time. Becky knew a lot more games for those kids so she kind of took over that but I was there to help.

                The kids were great most of the time. When they were out of control and didn’t listen, Becky would set things straight very quickly. There were a few kids that would be difficult and a little grumpy at times but they were the youngest ones and we figured out how to work with them.

All week we had fun things like paper airplane contests, group projects that the group would make a 3d model representation of a selected Psalm and other great things that Becky came up with and a few things that I suggested as well.

Every weekday we would sing songs in the morning then hear Becky’s message and then do coloring and puzzles. After tea we would have other activities then after lunch we would play games until 4:00 pm where we would let the kids have free time as they were now in the hands of their parents

During the weekend in between conference, we had a picnic at the site of their under construction primary school. That was a lot of fun and I enjoyed the site where they were building the school. On the way there I got to ride in the back of a truck, an experience that Becky and Leah said I had to have. Unfortunately one of the kids got car sick and threw up. I rode in my usual seat of Dave’s vehicle on the way back.

The rest of the week was a little tiring but Becky and I made it. Now we are getting ready to leave as soon as possible for Johannesburg. Becky and I are leaving the 15^th on plane to head back to the States! It is kind of a little bittersweet, I am excited to go home but Africa has grown on me and I like being around Becky’s parents.  

Preperation

So there are 48 hours left of this particular event in my life and them we drive back down to South Africa. This week has been very good, there have been many ups and downs but the great thing is that God has been in control. I am amazed with the work God has done. Thanks to the last few years working at a camp I have the experience that has prepared me for this.

One of the hardest parts of this week is trying to make it fun for all. The teenagers have been the hardest to please. I must admit I remember when I was one of them so it is understandable that they are not enthusiastic about helping out. Everyone has been very encouraging. The most helpful person has been my mother, I am so thankful to her for everything.

Chocas (Jim)

July 22-24^th

                This weekend we went to the beach at Chocas a place that Becky had been to before. I got to swim in the Indian Ocean which was very warm and I was more boyant in this water than I’ve ever been. The only downside was the water was salty and tasted nasty. Oh well. I got to meet more of Becky’s friends which was pretty cool. We played Settlers of Catan and I got to learn how to play Cities and Knights which I won btw. On Sunday, we went to an island called Ilha de Mozambique where we ate lunch (yummy, a whole grilled chicken!) and checked out a really cool Old Portuguese fort from the 1600’s. It was nice to see a little more history on this trip. Overall this weekend was really fun and enjoyed myself. 

July 2nd to July 10th Mozambique Trip

July 2^nd to July 10^th Mozambique Trip

                We left at 3 am to begin our trip up to Mozambique. As we left South Africa, we went through customs at the border which actually went a lot faster than any of us thought it would. Instead of going through Maputo we went off the beaten bath and b lined to the main route again to Xai Xai. We stayed at a friend of Dave and Leah’s. They were like them being missionary base points between travels.

                We left early in the morning again this time on route to Inchope. We had stayed at a hotel and had dinner at the restaurant in the hotel complex. From Inchope we made our way to Nicoadala which would serve as our base of operations during the mission. Mozambique had had a lot of rain recently so the ground was too wet for us to build the foundation of the Church in Qeulimane so instead we worked on what was supposed to be our side project; working on fixing up one a missionary couple’s apartment which was really run down.

                From Monday to Saturday we worked on the apartment. We started by moving furniture to paint the walls. We put down primer then coats of paint then a second coat. We painted both the rooms and living room. We retiled the floor and wall of the bathroom on top of painting it. We also did so improvements on the windows and other odds and ends in the kitchen.

                Apart from working during the week, I got to meet another one of Becky’s friends, Hannah Dina whom we went out to lunch with. I had a Half Grilled Chicken and it was really good. It was relieving too because since Rudy, our group leader was a vegetarian, I guess the whole group decided to cater only to him and the first three days of the week, the meals consisted of only fruit and vegetables and no meat substance of any form. Don’t get me wrong, I love fruits and vegetables but having no meals with any kind of meat for almost a whole week was driving me crazy. So that part of the experience was defiantly a stretch for me. 

Reunited and it feels so good

With just two more weeks here in Africa it is such a bitter sweet moment. This week is our final mission project. Leading child care for my parent's mission conference.

SIL, their mission, is part of Wycliffe Bible Translators. My parents are support missionaries, helping other missionaries get the supplies that they need, as well as important government documents. What Jim and I are doing this week is while the adults are having meetings of updating and spiritual growth, we will be watching after their children. There are about thirty children aging from one years old to seventeen. I have known a lot of these kids since I myself was a child in childcare during conferences. One girl here I used to help bathe her when she was two months old, and I was five (she is now taller than I am) another family I was there when their daughter took her first step. Still another family I was there when their youngest son was eating dirt. One family I knew the parents before they were even married, and now their youngest son is the age I was when I fist knew them. I was talking to some of the teenage girls yesterday and one of them was wise enough to say that this isn't a conference for them, it is a family reunion, and often times I feel the same.
I am not worried about how this week will go, because for this family, they are just happy to be together even if I mess things up they are home. I do pray though that God would use me this week, He has been so good and so faithful in the last few days. I had turned away from Him but he is drawing me ever closer to His side! I am thankful for the Amazing God that we know! Keep posted for updates of the family reunion.

Friends or Family

Greetings everyone,
I realize it has been a while since we posted anything. We have been doing odds and end jobs around the training compound that I spent my teen years at. Last weekend Jim and I went with friends and my parents to the beach.  I have had the amazing blessing of being able to see old friends again. Jim and I were talking, and I was telling him about the people we were hanging out with. I told him how half the people around were people I had known for over half my life. I told him stories of people I have known since I was 5 years old. I pointed out the kids that I once baby sat. The kids who thought of me as a big sister, and who I though of as a little brother. All this to say, it got me thinking about friends and family.

Beach weekend with "family"

It is amazing the family that God has put into my life. I haven't lived with my parents in 6 years, since I was 15 years old. My older siblings all left home before that, so the people I call family aren't necessarily related to me by blood. From the time I was little I have been away from extended family, and so my aunts and uncles became those who lived around me at that time. I am constantly amazed at the "family" God has given me. No matter where I am, I am surrounded by people I can call family.

God's family is so much bigger than I can ever imagine and I am so thankful for that. My friends are people I have spend and shared my life with, and I am glad to call them family, because we are all Children of God, who has called us to be his own.