Different Worlds

I only traveled 20 hours, but it would seem that I'm in a different world:)

• people leave their houses unlocked--we arrived at my sister's house to find she and Abigail were out shopping but we managed to make our way into the house
• it's quiet--while driving, while sleeping, at any time...it seems so quiet
• people generally obey traffic laws--whether it's the number of lanes or stop signs it all seems so orderly
• I don't feel strange about leaving my purse in my car as I carry groceries into the house
• air conditioning--it's cold
• everyone has a car
• fridges are huge
• church services are shorter and kept within a certain time limit
• hugs--it is fun to be around people that give hugs
• family--most of my family lives in this world so I love to be around them

It's fun to be a part of this world and I'm looking forward to discovering more differences between the two worlds I live in :)

Treasure Chest

Luke 2:19
But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.

I was thinking the other day about this verse...what Mary pondered and treasured. Was it the fact that others were coming to worship her son? Did she ponder how long the shepherds must have traveled in order to arrive in Bethlehem as her son was born? Was she in awe of the new life before her? Did it surprise her that so many people knew of her son? Was she suddenly aware of the ways God was working? Did the realization that the little baby in front of her was the Son of God cause her to pause and be still?

That got me thinking about the things the I've stored in my own 'mental treasure chest'...things that I ponder in the quiet moments.

Some of the things in my treasure chest are not things I'm proud of or would like to have there. Discouraging words or situations often stay in my mind or pop up in the stillness more than I would like. I sometimes wish the good moments of life or the successes would be the ones that came to mind first. I'm working at allowing God to renew my mind so I hear above all the other voices his voice of love.

Ephesians 3:18-19
...may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

There's another treasure chest I cherish. Both electronically and 'physically' I have notes and cards that many people have given me throughout many years. These are words of affirmation and encouragement that I turn to when I'm finding it hard to combat the discouraging thoughts. I'm amazed that God chooses to allow us to so greatly impact the lives of those around us. I hope that I've contributed to the encouragement of many--that my words can be life and hope-giving instead of discouraging. Perhaps they can be words that they can treasure.

Hebrews 10: 24, 25b
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds...but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Wonders of Modern Medicine

I've always known that medical things are generally cheaper here in Romania than in the United States. Today, it was confirmed. I had xrays taken--for $18 (which I have to keep) and purchased an 'orthopedic shoe' for another $24. Can't imagine what that might have cost in the US. Little joys in life:)

Voice of Truth

The more I think about it, the more I realize that I need to be listening to His voice alone--to truth instead of all the other voices competing for my attention. Sometimes I get so overwhelmed by the sheer number of other voices I hear. Many of them seem right and good-worthwhile to listen to. Some that shouldn't be given any attention or credibility seem to sound the loudest. It's so easy to allow His voice to be drowned out. But that isn't what I want.

Voice of Truth

Casting Crowns

Oh, what I would do to have
the kind of faith it takes
To climb out of this boat I'm in
Onto the crashing waves
To step out of my comfort zone
Into the realm of the unknown
Where Jesus is,
And he's holding out his hand

But the waves are calling out my name
and they laugh at me
Reminding me of all the times
I've tried before and failed
The waves they keep on telling me
time and time again
"Boy, you'll never win,
you'll never win."

But the voice of truth tells me a different story
the voice of truth says "do not be afraid!"
and the voice of truth says "this is for my glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth

Oh, what I would do
to have the kind of strength it takes
To stand before a giant
with just a sling and a stone
Surrounded by the sound
of a thousand warriors
shaking in their armor
Wishing they'd have had the strength to stand

But the giant's calling out
my name and he laughs at me
Reminding me of all the times
I've tried before and failed
The giant keeps on telling me
time and time again
"Boy you'll never win,
you'll never win."

But the voice of truth tells me a different story
the voice of truth says "do not be afraid!"
and the voice of truth says "this is for my glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth

But the stone was just the right size
to put the giant on the ground
and the waves they don't seem so high
from on top of them looking down
I will soar with the wings of eagles
when I stop and listen to the sound of Jesus
singing over me