Don't Listen to Yourself; Talk to Yourself
 |
| Our morning walks take much longer because everyone of our Thai neighbors wants to hold Ezra! And we have to walk backward to save Ezra from sun in the eyes :) |
I remember reading somewhere that we should spend less time listening to ourselves (all those anxious fearful thoughts running through our heads) and more time talking to ourselves (reminding ourselves what is true despite how we feel at that moment). This little epistle (letter) is me trying to creatively practice that in writing. Hopefully it will give you some insight to our daily struggles and how you can pray for and encourage us.
To the brother, sister, and baby who are in Thailand,
Peace be with you.
I know it seems
like things aren't often way you might have them, but that is no cause for
sadness or frustration. Remember that Jesus' way is never through
manipulating circumstances to our own ends. Rather we do each day's duty
and entrust the result to better hands than our own. It is a sacred thing
to have power to choose, but rejoice always because greater forces than us are
at work, and the greatest force in all the universe is also the greatest Good.
Remember that
kindness is far more important than people think---so make sure you are always
kind, to everyone everywhere. Don't let impatience lead you to treat
people poorly. Would God treat you that way? Of course not!
He runs the universe, but has time to hear your words. So you too,
take time to hear the words of others. Give them your full attention
because God works far more through people and relationships than tasks and
schedules.
 |
| Shout Out to Mike and Carol Platner for helping Barnabas go to college--he is a good young man. |
 |
| George Family visiting Kingdom of God Church! |
Stop measuring your life and progress with rulers God never gave you. Those measuring sticks with make a mess
of your work and lives. The way God crafts his work is on a whole
different plane. He doesn't measure by how much or how many, only by
love. So work on loving him and loving everyone you meet, for that is
what it means to be his people. Don't measure yourself with the person
next to you. That has nothing to do with
you---unless he needs your help or love--then it has everything to do with you! Focus on becoming who God made
you to be and helping others do the same.
My beloved, don't be
afraid of anything except that you should do wrong. Don't be afraid of
not having enough money, or of making a mistake, so long as you are seeking
what is good. Your Father is a better retirement fund than you could ever
hope for. Don't put your faith in the gifts of God, but in God himself.
How would you feel if your son trusted the piggy bank you gave him, more than you? Stop worrying about what people think; it is
enough to walk with your one and only Master. Join hands with anyone who wants
to do good--for all good is from God. Refuse to join hands with anyone to
do evil.
 |
| Joy helping us do an Angel Tree for Christmas for our children at our international church |
 |
| Take a close look...Joy's twin sister Jeep got married! |
 |
| Ezra likes Thai Weddings too! |
 |
| Pii Chuum our newest house father making friends with Ezra! |
Don’t be in a hurry. Your Father isn’t, so you don’t
need to be either. Not “but’s” about
it. Do you see Jesus wringing his hands
in anxiety and stress that things weren’t happening quickly enough? Of course not. You are not merely God’s tool, you are His
son or daughter. He loves you
extravagantly! And not just you, but
every one of His children whom He knit together in their mother’s womb. Just think about how you feel about your son! Don’t let others put a false urgency in
you. We do not save people from God, but
with God. He isn’t so interested in what
He can get out of you, as who He can help you become.
Don’t be discouraged. If you
become consumed with your own circumstances, how will you help those who are
consumed in theirs? If you are feeling down, go help lift someone else up.
Stand up and dust yourself off. You are free to seek the welfare of
others---God Himself will see to yours! How
much happier are those who give than those who get! Don’t be distracted or divided by words or
politics or labels. Trees are known by
their fruit and so are people. So focus on bearing the fruit of love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and self control in your life. Don’t despise the day of small things; our
part is to worry about the kind of fruit. Jesus will see to the quantity of
fruit.
 |
| Dad and Ezra outvoting Mom for scooter riding privileges...Mom doesn't support the election results |
 |
| One cute baby, one burp cloth and walah...Captain Fuzzy! |
Now to Him who takes exceedingly great delight in restoring broken lives; may your brokenness be transformed into the healing of the nations,
for your joy, their joy, and God’s joy!
for your joy, their joy, and God’s joy!
Amen (let it be so).
 |
| Dad reading Jean Vanier and Ezra smiling for Mom |
 |
| Parenting is really hard work, but how can you not smile at this face? |
More updates on some exciting things that are happening here next time!
Thank you for your love, prayers, and support!
Matt & Audrey & Ezra
 |
| "Maybe people will think I am always this well behaved..." -Ezra |
0 comments