LIVING IN THE PRESENT, A PRIZE WORTH KEEPING

Matthew 6:34

 “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will worry about its own things, sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”As I sit here in a new position, one of independence from BG, yet still a servant for the LORD and willing to accomplish the work he has for me in Africa.  (here in ZA or else where).  I’m struck by a new way of thinking and planning.  Since I’ve come to Africa, I live less for the future, and more from the past.  Why you may ask?  Because the life and dreams I made come true in the US have become dust in the wind and the only way to bring it to life again is by reminding myself of them.  My family, clients, home, comforts of food, daily conveniences, holidays, traditions and much more have quickly become things of the past and nothing could change that. While living into eh US I always lived for the Future.  Planning and dreaming of all I could become.  I wanted and created a detailed map to follow for myself so I would always go forward and make the most of EVERY moment in life.  My fear in life was regretting a ‘lost chance’ and not taking advantage of every adventure or opportunity that came my way. I aimed for an end result of, having NO regrets for the decisions and choices I made, but rather satisfaction and the ability to always tell myself that I’d do it all ‘Again’ if given the chance. Yes, there and (then) I was an extreme ‘Type A’ individual that did what I wanted and needed, to make the most of the years ahead of me.  However, here I sit among the local Zambians who live with a passion for the PRESENT, not for the past or the future.  Some of them haven’t been given any other choice but to ‘live for today’ as tomorrow isn’t as much a guarantee (like it is in the USA).  Lack of food and money or even sickness determines so much for them that they’re left with out a choice to (plan for tomorrow). Others have made a (life) for themselves with a job, which secures money, and meals secure a more promising health and ‘future’… yet THEY still are the ones choosing to live for TODAY.  They live a life of freedom (not just from war) but from not allowing the past to steal their joy, or the present haunt them of the work and effort it will take to accomplish ‘future’ goals. We as American’s could learn something form them.  They don’t try to find faith, but they live it out.  It’s who they are and what they are do.  They view their (Today) as the first day of the rest of their lives.. Not the end.So I challenge myself and each of you to enjoy the blessings God’s given you TODAY.  Can you find your blessings in the sunshine, snow, politician freedom, love, health, or much much more? “Allow the JOY of TODAY become the strength to face tomorrow!” – Keisha Garber  

DESTINATION UNKOWN

“The sun will come out tomorrow, bet ya bottom dollar till tomorrow, They’ll be sun”… I can hear Anne belting out that song, for all to hear and I must say THE SUN DID COME out after months of rain, glom, and doom in the sky itself and in BG, the sun finally made itself known. The constant cultural, personal, and organization related issues with BG have been way’g heavy on my mind for some time now.  And as much as (we) want to run and hide from problems when they come our way I knew that I must endure the (troubles) and persevere.  As I’m reminded in James 2:2-4… “My brothers, count it all joy when you fall into various trail, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.  But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” Life wasn’t miserable or even unpleasant, but a constant challenge, and the challenge only grew as time went on!  After praying, fasting, listening, waiting and attempting to do all I could with BG finally realized… it takes two.  It’s not enough for one person to put forth the effort to solve a ‘problem’ and I didn’t see that effort on the other end.  All of that just led me to more prayer, fasting, waiting and persevering… until I finally had peace to depart and go my own way.  Previously I convinced myself it wasn’t my place to (leave) voluntarily, I’d only leave if they asked me to as I thought the (troubles) were developing character with in me, and teaching me lessons and making me a stronger more patient and humble individual. Yet the day and time came on Feb 7 when I vetoed my plan and cashed in my chips.  It was time to THANK BG for the time thus far and while keeping peace among us it was still time to say my goodbye and wait as I seek the Lord for further direction… a destination unknown to me, but known to HIM. So as the (literal, mental and emotional) clouds broke and the rays of sun shone so bright I felt more peace and assurance that I’d done exactly as the Lord had planned.  I was still on track and I wasn’t running and hiding (as some may think) My time and season with BG had come to an end, sooner, much sooner than I planned. So back to the drawing board, back to square one… Fasting, praying, and seeking the future destination that the Lord has planned… Time will tell!!   

A SELFLESS SERVANT IN TRAINING

Just because I’m the baby of the family doesn’t give me permission to be soo selfish.  While indulging myself in a delightful meal in the presence of another missionary family.  I was asked one simple question.  “If you could have one wish, what would it be?” Hmmm… I took just a minute and gave my answer quickly.  I’d like to be near my parents before they die, no matter how far away it may be.  I truly believe that God has called me into the mission field LONG term.  And being so far away, in lands of the unknown it doesn’t always allow for last minute/un expected trips or get a ways. So my ‘one’ wish may not be optional or realistic… (only God knows!)After my answer Will Thomas followed with yet another question.  “If you could have 2 more wished what would they be?” Before the words even came out of his mouth, I was ready to fire back my answer.  “I wish to travel to EVERY country, world wide.”  Now the thought of ‘This’ wish becoming a reality made my eyes light up and an endless smile was plastered to my face… “Oh… IF only!!!” The third wish, took me a bit, but after the process of elimination I concluded… “I wish to have the health and energy I have now, until my dying day.” After all, if your not healthy, you’ll not have the chance to enjoy most other items you could wish for, right?So there we had it.  My time was up, my answers had been given and I felt satisfied with my answers. Now it came time for me to reverse the pressure and fire back the same question to Will Thomas, an 11 years old boy from Florida.  He’s here in ZA as a long term missionary (family) who’s focus is also with the Street Kids.  Will Thomas is one of 9 children.  His first wish was “That the hearts and desire of every human accept our Lord as their Savior.” I nearly chocked on my drink as I was ashamed and humiliated that an 11 year old was willing to be a selfless servant for the Lord even with his wishes.  What an embarrassment to know that I live for 26 years seeking my own satisfaction.  Now God has placed me in Africa where I’m able to put others first…(or so I thought)! So now it was all in perspective.  I’m a selfless servant in training, a work in progress.  And God choose to use an 11 year old boy to reveal to me that He’s not done working on me.  

 ILLEGAL OR LEGAL LILMITS

After riding and being raced in another mini bus (yet again) to town today, I reflected on the limits that each country has. For us in America, it starts with our (Rights), freedom of speech.  We want what we think we deserve.  (Cell phones while driving, ability to strike at a job site, or remodeling our home with out a permit, driving the speed we need, just to be there on time, driving drunk because (we) think we’re okay, lying to save ourselves and others… on and on… and on… ) Even in ZA we have our own personal demands, limits, legal or illegal.  (We can cut in line for anything, if we find an inch of space to squeeze into [no taking a #, and waiting your turn here], If you mention the words “appreciation or encouragement” to someone in authority, you can pay them off to get whatever you need/want, if you want to hang your underwear on the clothesline to dry… you’d better think twice (it’s taboo), if you want to practice or partake in polygamy, you have the green light [more wives mean more kids, and more kids mean more workers ,and more crops mean more food and money], if you want to drink at a beer hall at the age of 10, be ‘their’ guest, if you want to invite yourself to someone else’s home and choose to stay for months on end… again, it’s more than acceptable… on and on…)So who sets these limits for us?  Why do they have the power and authority to enforce the limits and laws for us?  Are they more angelic beings? Who says they know what’s best for all of us? Why is it if one person is found guilty or innocent, it can affect the rest of us….?Who sets your legal or illegal limits (personally)? What makes up your morals, standards, or values? Who molded and made your character or demeanor? I wish that Jesus was was at the for front for all of us. 1 Peter 2:21 … Christ also suffered for us learning us an example that you should follow His steps…   

Prayer:

1. Confirmation with a new and local NGO to work for…
2. Self Discipline to study and apply my Bemba language skills DAILY
3. New Street Boys home to be funded and completed ASAP
4. Safety in my new home (theft)
5. Preparations to come together for bible study in my compound I hope to start in March with the ladies there…
6. Continued health… so far… EXCELLENT!!

  MY TOP FOUR…SURVEY

A) FOUR PLACES I GO OVER AND OVER

1.    RESTROOM, 2.    SUPER MARKET, 3.    TO KITWE ON MINI BUSES, 4.    TO BUY CASAVA AND GROUND NUTS

B) FOUR PEOPLE WHO E-MAIL ME (Regularly): 

1.    RON DODSON2.    CLAIRE3.    PENNY4.    MY SISTER

C) FOUR OF MY FAVORITE FOODS:

1.    CHIPS AND SALSA2.    SALADS WITH AGED CHEESE 3.    BEANS (of any kind) 4.    COLE SLAW

D) FOUR PLACES I WOULD RATHER BE RIGHT NOW:  

1.    AT MY PARENTS FARM, MY OLD OFFICE IN CALI, 2.    TO DO MASSAGE, 3.    LIVING WITH SISTER LAST SUMMER 4.    ON THE MOUND PITCHING ANOTHER GAME OF HIGH SCHOOL FASTPITCH

E) FOUR CD’S I WOULD LISTEN TO OVER AND OVER: 

1.    MICHAEL W. SMITH CHRISTMAS, 2.    MARIAH CAREY CHRISTMAS, 3.    NORA JONES (any), 4.    ENYA (any)

F)MY FOUR FAVORITE RESTUANTS

.    1.CHEVY’S2.    PANERA, 3.    FAZOLI’S, 4.    TURLOCK BISTRO

G) FOUR PLACES I WISH TO VISIT

1.    MOROCO, 2.    CHILE, 3.    INDIA, 4.    PERU

H) FOUR MOST COMMON PHRASES

1.    CISUMA!,(OKAY) 2.    SORRY SORRY, SORRY! (ZA), 3.    MULI SHAWNI (how are you?), 4.    NASHA ICHI ISHI BEMBA SAUNA (i don’t know much bemba)

I) FOUR ITEMS I CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT:

1.    FINGER NAIL CLIPPERS 2.    WORSHIP MUSIC 3.    TOOTHBRUTH 4.    BAKING SODA

J) FOUR CARRIER WISHES

1.    PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER OR JOURNALIST FOR NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC 2.    PROFESSIONAL SPORTS TRAINER INTERNATIONAL 3.    TRAVELING MASSAGE THERAPIST 4.    COMMERCIAL AIRLINE PILOT

K) FOUR GREATEST FEARS

1.    UN COMPATABLE HUSBAND (LONGTERM) 2.    LOSSING MY ABILITY TO RUN, JUMP OR BE ACTIVE..3.    REGRETTING A LOST/PAST OPPORTUNITY OR ADVENTURE4.    REGRETTING BEING MARRIED (SOMEDAY), INSTEAD OF STAYING SINGLEL) FOUR

PLACES I’D LIKE TO RETIRE

1.    GREEK ISLES, 2.    CAIRNS AUSTRAILA 3.    LAKE TAHOE 4.    PORT ELIZABETH SOUTH AFRICA