i got hit with a pretty big rock today as I spent my remaining savings on some dental work.
I heard it said once that "We make plans and God laughs."
I made plans.
I made plans to go back to Saranac, spend time with family and friends, travel with my mom and just... take time be.
I made plans to return to Home Acres and Grand Rapids on August 1st. While working 25 hours each week, I would also be searching for another job.
I made plans to couchsurf my way through Grand Rapids because I'm going back extremely broke and won't be able to find housing right away, but thank goodness I have a job because I'll be able to use that money to find housing in September.
I made plans to start doing some "back to school" stuff with the kids, have leadership meetings, dig into what's been done this last year and learn from it while trying to maintain continuity.
I made plans to find a place with Ang starting the end of August and be roommates with her.
I made plans.
Today, if God is laughing, I'm not joining Him.
I need a job.
hey - I have a joke! Hey Michigan, anyone hiring?
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
Matthew 20:28
... just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Máté 20,28
Valamint az embernek Fia nem azért jött, hogy néki szolgáljanak, hanem hogy õ szolgáljon, és adja az õ életét váltságul sokakért.
...
I have been spending a lot of time in quiet, meditating on Scripture in my spare time. Tomorrow begins another leg of my service here and I'm looking forward to it, but I'm going to miss these very special "God times."
I'm beginning to make preparations for where I'll be staying in August and I am pleased to announce that I'll be couchsurfing in my home city! So excited to meet other couchsurfers and get to know new people in this time of transition. I'm also excited to crash on some of my friends' couches or in their spare rooms. I could probably do this for two months, but I think I'll stick to just one and hope for permanent housing in the beginning of September.
I have a few prayer requests for you in these final weeks:
a) moments of joy with those I'll miss so much - Silke, Silvia, Matt, Timothee, Janos, Janos, Zoltan, Evelyn, Jozsi, Emese, Aaron, Njeri, Judit... and many more.
b) peace of mind about each item I pack, ease for the process, and the ability to part with things that don't need to be brought back
c) a smooth week of camp - that it is fruitful, fun and full of God's abounding love
d) a rockin' time with the group from Ohio
e) readiness - to go, to come, to serve, to hold on, to trust, to obey, and to be
Máté 20,28
Valamint az embernek Fia nem azért jött, hogy néki szolgáljanak, hanem hogy õ szolgáljon, és adja az õ életét váltságul sokakért.
...
I have been spending a lot of time in quiet, meditating on Scripture in my spare time. Tomorrow begins another leg of my service here and I'm looking forward to it, but I'm going to miss these very special "God times."
I'm beginning to make preparations for where I'll be staying in August and I am pleased to announce that I'll be couchsurfing in my home city! So excited to meet other couchsurfers and get to know new people in this time of transition. I'm also excited to crash on some of my friends' couches or in their spare rooms. I could probably do this for two months, but I think I'll stick to just one and hope for permanent housing in the beginning of September.
I have a few prayer requests for you in these final weeks:
a) moments of joy with those I'll miss so much - Silke, Silvia, Matt, Timothee, Janos, Janos, Zoltan, Evelyn, Jozsi, Emese, Aaron, Njeri, Judit... and many more.
b) peace of mind about each item I pack, ease for the process, and the ability to part with things that don't need to be brought back
c) a smooth week of camp - that it is fruitful, fun and full of God's abounding love
d) a rockin' time with the group from Ohio
e) readiness - to go, to come, to serve, to hold on, to trust, to obey, and to be
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Let's... do this.
Jeff and I lead the morning reflection today.
A brief look at the things going on in my mind without much explanation because I haven't been given much.
-
I have a heart for:
* teenagers/young people
* un mundo sin fronteras / egy határok nélküli világ / a world without borders
* providing a place for others
* loving those in poverty/homelessness
-
Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiás 29,11 - Mert én tudom az én gondolatimat, a melyeket én felõletek gondolok, azt mondja az Úr; békességnek és nem háborúságnak gondolata, hogy kivánatos véget adjak néktek.
-
Ephesians 2:10 - For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Efézusiakhoz 2,10 - Mert az Õ alkotása vagyunk, teremtetvén [Általa] a Krisztus Jézusban jó cselekedetekre, a melyeket elõre elkészített az Isten, hogy azokban járjunk.
-
Ecclesiastes 7:14 - When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, a man cannot discover anything about his future.
Prédikátor 7,14 - A jó szerencsének idején élj a jóval; a gonosz szerencsének idején pedig jusson eszedbe, hogy ezt is, épen úgy, mint azt, Isten szerzette, a végre, hogy az ember semmit [abból] eszébe ne vegyen, [a mi] reá következik.
-
What's next, God?
A brief look at the things going on in my mind without much explanation because I haven't been given much.
-
I have a heart for:
* teenagers/young people
* un mundo sin fronteras / egy határok nélküli világ / a world without borders
* providing a place for others
* loving those in poverty/homelessness
-
Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiás 29,11 - Mert én tudom az én gondolatimat, a melyeket én felõletek gondolok, azt mondja az Úr; békességnek és nem háborúságnak gondolata, hogy kivánatos véget adjak néktek.
-
Ephesians 2:10 - For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Efézusiakhoz 2,10 - Mert az Õ alkotása vagyunk, teremtetvén [Általa] a Krisztus Jézusban jó cselekedetekre, a melyeket elõre elkészített az Isten, hogy azokban járjunk.
-
Ecclesiastes 7:14 - When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, a man cannot discover anything about his future.
Prédikátor 7,14 - A jó szerencsének idején élj a jóval; a gonosz szerencsének idején pedig jusson eszedbe, hogy ezt is, épen úgy, mint azt, Isten szerzette, a végre, hogy az ember semmit [abból] eszébe ne vegyen, [a mi] reá következik.
-
What's next, God?
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Above All
When have I felt it was important for me to be here?
This was the opening question for our final seminar... and I had no answer, no story to tell at the time. I bided my time as much as I could until I was the last one to share a story. As Kristy urged me to share something, I shared the story of how Alen had been so interested in my work... and how the numbers of Hungarians NOT wanting to do volunteer work with gypsies had surprised me.
But, it stirred something in me. I can be so negative toward the year and can be rather quick to point out times when I was unhappy, or things that could/should/would have gone better, or even times when I disappointed even myself. But to take a moment and think of when it was important for me to be here... that's something I haven't done much of.
-English classes
Sadly, this was an endeavor that I only started to embark on later in the year. However, being one of the few native English volunteers hosted with ODE in Budapest, it wasn't just something that I felt I SHOULD do, it became the only thing that I wanted to do each week. I found myself looking forward to my lessons and the thought of ending them was something that came rather sadly to me.
-St. Columba's
I really wish that I could have given my heart and soul to this congregation as I have with my home congregation in Michigan. However, between travels and work and illness, my attendance to Sunday morning services has been sparse in the last couple months. Unfortunately, we were still unsuccessful in getting a youth group off the ground, but I did make some contacts with some teens and hopefully the few moments we spent together were still moments of great impact.
-office
Again, as one of the few native English speakers in Budapest, there was something that I was asked to do that was something that started as an "I SHOULD do" but became something I looked forward to doing. I had the unique honor of inviting all the incoming volunteers that aren't native Hungarian speakers to their placements for next year. I also got to help with some of the interviews and the processes involved in hosting and sending volunteers. It was a great chance to see the innerworkings of such an organization. It was also nice because what took me 5 minutes to write would have taken anyone else in the office 30 minutes (at least) because of the non-native translation struggle, so it helped in making me feel needed.
-flat
As much as I don't ever want to admit what I'm about to admit, I will. I enjoyed feeling needed in the flat. This was the first time Silke and Silvia had really LIVED away from home. This is the first time they were responsible for things like making sure that there's always some toilet paper or clean dishes. Also, they both had/have to take English exams before going to university and by practicing with me, they're going to totally ACE them :) w00t!
-letting go and holding on
It was important for me to be here, because it was important for me to learn how to do this. Life is a balance of doing both these things. However, even as I may have faltered in doing these things along the way, I also know that I matured in this matter.
-personal
It was important for me to grow in personal ways. For me to be here, I was further removed from people/lifestyle choices/surroundings that inhibited my previous opportunities for growth... and enabled through the circumstances of the year. This will probably even be revealed more as I get back to the states. I just pray that I don't easily fall away from the strength I've found in the last year.
-hospitality
I have discovered a new spiritual gift. As I actually said in the Tuesday morning chat which brought up the question, "I had a really hard time finding a place this year, so I set out to make sure that others could find a place." I LOVED opening my apartment, my life, my time, my expertise and anything else I could offer to those who were stopping in Budapest for a night or a week. Other volunteers or Couchsurfers or friends of friends... it didn't matter. The joy of re-experiencing Budapest through them renewed my love of the city each time. I don't think I could ever grow tired of washing sheets or making sack lunches for travelers and I have realized that this enjoyment can sooo be used to further the Kingdom.
-tea lady
Sometimes if things aren't currently affecting me, I tend to forget until someone brings them up. This was the case on Tuesday morning, until a fellow volunteer helped me to remember this moment in the year. I want to preface this with a statement: I am a coffee drinker, NOT a tea drinker. I never drank much tea before coming here. However, one cold winter day at the Tanoda, the boys asked me if I could make a tea. I start to go get one of the other teachers and realize quickly that it would be silly for me to do that when I could just make it myself. So Krisztian, one of the boys, follows me into the kitchen and tells me to boil water, take 2 tea bags, a LOT of sugar and a little lemon and put it into the pitcher. I do all this and make the tea. When it's finished, I bring it to the boys who exclaim with sincere smiles that it's the BEST TEA they've ever had and that from now on, I need to make the tea for the Tanoda. This is how I became known as the "Tea Lady."
-
I'm leaving one blank because you never know what might come up later as somewhere I found importance in retrospect... but I'm already amazed at how long the list is now. Looking back with a quick glance, I don't see these things at all. It was so good to reflect on them :)
This was the opening question for our final seminar... and I had no answer, no story to tell at the time. I bided my time as much as I could until I was the last one to share a story. As Kristy urged me to share something, I shared the story of how Alen had been so interested in my work... and how the numbers of Hungarians NOT wanting to do volunteer work with gypsies had surprised me.
But, it stirred something in me. I can be so negative toward the year and can be rather quick to point out times when I was unhappy, or things that could/should/would have gone better, or even times when I disappointed even myself. But to take a moment and think of when it was important for me to be here... that's something I haven't done much of.
-English classes
Sadly, this was an endeavor that I only started to embark on later in the year. However, being one of the few native English volunteers hosted with ODE in Budapest, it wasn't just something that I felt I SHOULD do, it became the only thing that I wanted to do each week. I found myself looking forward to my lessons and the thought of ending them was something that came rather sadly to me.
-St. Columba's
I really wish that I could have given my heart and soul to this congregation as I have with my home congregation in Michigan. However, between travels and work and illness, my attendance to Sunday morning services has been sparse in the last couple months. Unfortunately, we were still unsuccessful in getting a youth group off the ground, but I did make some contacts with some teens and hopefully the few moments we spent together were still moments of great impact.
-office
Again, as one of the few native English speakers in Budapest, there was something that I was asked to do that was something that started as an "I SHOULD do" but became something I looked forward to doing. I had the unique honor of inviting all the incoming volunteers that aren't native Hungarian speakers to their placements for next year. I also got to help with some of the interviews and the processes involved in hosting and sending volunteers. It was a great chance to see the innerworkings of such an organization. It was also nice because what took me 5 minutes to write would have taken anyone else in the office 30 minutes (at least) because of the non-native translation struggle, so it helped in making me feel needed.
-flat
As much as I don't ever want to admit what I'm about to admit, I will. I enjoyed feeling needed in the flat. This was the first time Silke and Silvia had really LIVED away from home. This is the first time they were responsible for things like making sure that there's always some toilet paper or clean dishes. Also, they both had/have to take English exams before going to university and by practicing with me, they're going to totally ACE them :) w00t!
-letting go and holding on
It was important for me to be here, because it was important for me to learn how to do this. Life is a balance of doing both these things. However, even as I may have faltered in doing these things along the way, I also know that I matured in this matter.
-personal
It was important for me to grow in personal ways. For me to be here, I was further removed from people/lifestyle choices/surroundings that inhibited my previous opportunities for growth... and enabled through the circumstances of the year. This will probably even be revealed more as I get back to the states. I just pray that I don't easily fall away from the strength I've found in the last year.
-hospitality
I have discovered a new spiritual gift. As I actually said in the Tuesday morning chat which brought up the question, "I had a really hard time finding a place this year, so I set out to make sure that others could find a place." I LOVED opening my apartment, my life, my time, my expertise and anything else I could offer to those who were stopping in Budapest for a night or a week. Other volunteers or Couchsurfers or friends of friends... it didn't matter. The joy of re-experiencing Budapest through them renewed my love of the city each time. I don't think I could ever grow tired of washing sheets or making sack lunches for travelers and I have realized that this enjoyment can sooo be used to further the Kingdom.
-tea lady
Sometimes if things aren't currently affecting me, I tend to forget until someone brings them up. This was the case on Tuesday morning, until a fellow volunteer helped me to remember this moment in the year. I want to preface this with a statement: I am a coffee drinker, NOT a tea drinker. I never drank much tea before coming here. However, one cold winter day at the Tanoda, the boys asked me if I could make a tea. I start to go get one of the other teachers and realize quickly that it would be silly for me to do that when I could just make it myself. So Krisztian, one of the boys, follows me into the kitchen and tells me to boil water, take 2 tea bags, a LOT of sugar and a little lemon and put it into the pitcher. I do all this and make the tea. When it's finished, I bring it to the boys who exclaim with sincere smiles that it's the BEST TEA they've ever had and that from now on, I need to make the tea for the Tanoda. This is how I became known as the "Tea Lady."
-
I'm leaving one blank because you never know what might come up later as somewhere I found importance in retrospect... but I'm already amazed at how long the list is now. Looking back with a quick glance, I don't see these things at all. It was so good to reflect on them :)
Monday, June 21, 2010
Also, another note:
You have until Thursday (June 24) to send anything else that you want to send.
Please don't send any mail after this date - keep it until you see me again.
You have until Thursday (June 24) to send anything else that you want to send.
Please don't send any mail after this date - keep it until you see me again.
Packing
I don't know how many of you remember the last month before I left for Hungary, but in case you missed it, it was filled with things like:
Goodwill trips, Freecycle giveaways, Craigslist sales, trips of stuff to my parents' house, and the slow process of weeding out stuff that I needed and stuff I didn't need... and packing into boxes for storage and suitcases for the year.
Well, friends, I am happy to announce that the process has begun again.
This last week, I set my boots outside, office supplies and some other random things down by the trash cans. Basically, it's acceptable here to put things you don't want by the trash. Anyone in the building picks through it (Kristy and I even went dumpster diving when someone was getting rid of a bunch of vintage clothing in May!). Then, when the trash is pulled out to the street, it's pulled too and the night routes (homeless or really poor people) pick through it before the trucks dispose of it. There aren't any Goodwills here and I just haven't the time and energy to go to the shelters and explain that there are some donations. It's easier to just put it out and let someone pick it up.
Also, I set down there a bunch of money that I've picked up throughout the year. Polish zlotys and British pounds (idk how I got these actually) that don't add up to any grand amount, but the change places don't accept coins... so, what am I going to do with them. With any luck, by the time I would ever go back to those places, they will be on the Euro or, to be honest, I probably won't go back to Poland... and it's silly to transport money. So, maybe somebody in the building is going to one of these places and could use it. Both of my roommates even got 10 Euro cents because Germany and Italy are both on the Euro (€).
I have also started packing. My GIANT suitcase is almost full. Throw in a few more clothes and it'll be ready to weigh. I'm hoping that the group from Ohio is bringing some suitcases that they won't want to take back and I'll be able to gank one of them to get the rest of my stuff home. I'm still faced with the issue about the saxophone, but I decided that I'm just going to wait and see.
What does this mean? Well it means that I'm starting to also pack myself. Starting to figure out my life when I get back (where to live, where to work, school?, other commitments?). Starting to think about presentations at churches. Starting to figure out where the next path leads. Slowly but surely, I'm starting to transition back to my home. Not transitioning back to my "old life" because that would defeat the purpose of the entire year, but back to a place that will always be HOME home. Plus, so much has changed, I don't think life CAN go back to the way it was.
Anyway, in the midst of all this, I'm realizing that I still have a month HERE. I am still expected to work and there's the group from Ohio and the day camp at the church. It's been a little crazy planning these things, so it'll be nice once they start... but I also know that once the day camp starts, I will have NO time to myself. NONE. But I'm totally looking forward to it :)
PS - Seminar/retreat until the 27th (I'll be back on Sunday afternoon)
Goodwill trips, Freecycle giveaways, Craigslist sales, trips of stuff to my parents' house, and the slow process of weeding out stuff that I needed and stuff I didn't need... and packing into boxes for storage and suitcases for the year.
Well, friends, I am happy to announce that the process has begun again.
This last week, I set my boots outside, office supplies and some other random things down by the trash cans. Basically, it's acceptable here to put things you don't want by the trash. Anyone in the building picks through it (Kristy and I even went dumpster diving when someone was getting rid of a bunch of vintage clothing in May!). Then, when the trash is pulled out to the street, it's pulled too and the night routes (homeless or really poor people) pick through it before the trucks dispose of it. There aren't any Goodwills here and I just haven't the time and energy to go to the shelters and explain that there are some donations. It's easier to just put it out and let someone pick it up.
Also, I set down there a bunch of money that I've picked up throughout the year. Polish zlotys and British pounds (idk how I got these actually) that don't add up to any grand amount, but the change places don't accept coins... so, what am I going to do with them. With any luck, by the time I would ever go back to those places, they will be on the Euro or, to be honest, I probably won't go back to Poland... and it's silly to transport money. So, maybe somebody in the building is going to one of these places and could use it. Both of my roommates even got 10 Euro cents because Germany and Italy are both on the Euro (€).
I have also started packing. My GIANT suitcase is almost full. Throw in a few more clothes and it'll be ready to weigh. I'm hoping that the group from Ohio is bringing some suitcases that they won't want to take back and I'll be able to gank one of them to get the rest of my stuff home. I'm still faced with the issue about the saxophone, but I decided that I'm just going to wait and see.
What does this mean? Well it means that I'm starting to also pack myself. Starting to figure out my life when I get back (where to live, where to work, school?, other commitments?). Starting to think about presentations at churches. Starting to figure out where the next path leads. Slowly but surely, I'm starting to transition back to my home. Not transitioning back to my "old life" because that would defeat the purpose of the entire year, but back to a place that will always be HOME home. Plus, so much has changed, I don't think life CAN go back to the way it was.
Anyway, in the midst of all this, I'm realizing that I still have a month HERE. I am still expected to work and there's the group from Ohio and the day camp at the church. It's been a little crazy planning these things, so it'll be nice once they start... but I also know that once the day camp starts, I will have NO time to myself. NONE. But I'm totally looking forward to it :)
PS - Seminar/retreat until the 27th (I'll be back on Sunday afternoon)
Saturday, June 19, 2010
János 1,14
És az Íge testté lett és lakozék mi közöttünk (és láttuk az õ dicsõségét, mint az Atya egyszülöttjének dicsõségét), a ki teljes vala kegyelemmel és igazsággal.
John 1:14
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
The WORD became FLESH -
I've been working my way through the Bible chapter by chapter. I'll be honest, I haven't gotten as far as I'd like for 2 reasons. One is that sometimes I'm lazy. The second is that sometimes it takes 2 or 3 readings to really grasp what the chapter is trying to tell me. Even with a devotional Bible, it's hard to discern what God is teaching me through His words. What would it mean if each of those verses became flesh - became REAL, tangible things. I can look in a store once to know what I can buy and can't buy (even now in Hungary) because I can see, touch and smell what they are. If I could see, touch, smell, taste or hear the words of Bible, how much more could I learn from it! But it DID become flesh. it DID and it became something i can grasp. it DID and now my job is to carry out that flesh to those who cannot grasp it.
We have see His GLORY, the glory of the ONE and ONLY -
IT happened. the moment I've been waiting for... the discussion in Hungarian about why I believe God exists. First question "Where is God?" There are so many textbook answers to that, it was easy to throw one out there. "God is not in Africa. He has forgotten them." I think my missionary friends in Zambia or Sudan can attest otherwise, but I heard him out. Explaining the problem that "God's heart is in Africa, but OUR hearts are not" was a little more difficult, but I think I got it. This young boy (17 years old) hasn't been to Africa and he has been taught not to care about others above himself - the ways the world has taught him. Trying to explain in my less-than-fluent Hungarian was a struggle, and I'm not sure I made much of an impression on my own beliefs. I believe that some of God's most amazing glory can be seen in some of the financially impoverished places. I have seen those with nothing raise their hands in worship. I have seen those without homes cry while receiving the elements of the Lord's Supper. I have seen the beaten and abused, persecuted, disabled, and weary teach others about the joy they hold in their hearts.
full of GRACE and TRUTH -
grace is a funny thing because it's something that doesn't exactly come naturally to humans. To freely give favor and love upon someone is extremely hard in this world. I used to think I had it down. Love everyone. Yet here, in some of my darkest struggles, I find myself unable to give love to some. If they're not going to receive it the way I think it should be received, then why bother? (Anyone else hear that alarm sounding?) NO. That's not grace. And truth - it's not so funny because we often shy away from it. I have found myself taking the "easy way out" in many instances when it was harder to express what I thought was truth. If I was the only one who believed a certain thing, shut up and tolerate. If the conversation was in Hungarian and I didn't really know how to express myself, agree and move on. (these silly alarms are driving me nuts!) NO. I kick myself again and again because they're things I notice so often in hindsight and yet, they repetually come up.
Lord, let me grasp Your words, Your flesh so that in the next instance, I can be a beacon of Your Glory and display Your grace and Your truth. Amen.
John 1:14
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
The WORD became FLESH -
I've been working my way through the Bible chapter by chapter. I'll be honest, I haven't gotten as far as I'd like for 2 reasons. One is that sometimes I'm lazy. The second is that sometimes it takes 2 or 3 readings to really grasp what the chapter is trying to tell me. Even with a devotional Bible, it's hard to discern what God is teaching me through His words. What would it mean if each of those verses became flesh - became REAL, tangible things. I can look in a store once to know what I can buy and can't buy (even now in Hungary) because I can see, touch and smell what they are. If I could see, touch, smell, taste or hear the words of Bible, how much more could I learn from it! But it DID become flesh. it DID and it became something i can grasp. it DID and now my job is to carry out that flesh to those who cannot grasp it.
We have see His GLORY, the glory of the ONE and ONLY -
IT happened. the moment I've been waiting for... the discussion in Hungarian about why I believe God exists. First question "Where is God?" There are so many textbook answers to that, it was easy to throw one out there. "God is not in Africa. He has forgotten them." I think my missionary friends in Zambia or Sudan can attest otherwise, but I heard him out. Explaining the problem that "God's heart is in Africa, but OUR hearts are not" was a little more difficult, but I think I got it. This young boy (17 years old) hasn't been to Africa and he has been taught not to care about others above himself - the ways the world has taught him. Trying to explain in my less-than-fluent Hungarian was a struggle, and I'm not sure I made much of an impression on my own beliefs. I believe that some of God's most amazing glory can be seen in some of the financially impoverished places. I have seen those with nothing raise their hands in worship. I have seen those without homes cry while receiving the elements of the Lord's Supper. I have seen the beaten and abused, persecuted, disabled, and weary teach others about the joy they hold in their hearts.
full of GRACE and TRUTH -
grace is a funny thing because it's something that doesn't exactly come naturally to humans. To freely give favor and love upon someone is extremely hard in this world. I used to think I had it down. Love everyone. Yet here, in some of my darkest struggles, I find myself unable to give love to some. If they're not going to receive it the way I think it should be received, then why bother? (Anyone else hear that alarm sounding?) NO. That's not grace. And truth - it's not so funny because we often shy away from it. I have found myself taking the "easy way out" in many instances when it was harder to express what I thought was truth. If I was the only one who believed a certain thing, shut up and tolerate. If the conversation was in Hungarian and I didn't really know how to express myself, agree and move on. (these silly alarms are driving me nuts!) NO. I kick myself again and again because they're things I notice so often in hindsight and yet, they repetually come up.
Lord, let me grasp Your words, Your flesh so that in the next instance, I can be a beacon of Your Glory and display Your grace and Your truth. Amen.
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