So, my favorite Design Blogger, Grace Bonney, over at Design Sponge, is now guest blogging for one of my fav. magazines- Domino! Here’s the link to her Under $20 post!
Are. You. Kidding me that that rug is only 19.99?? Ahh! Great style for cheap- my head is going to explode!
“He has shown you, O man, what is good and what the Lord requires of thee. But to do justice, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8
I’ve read this verse a hundred times, but today as I read it I am thinking about how Adam and Eve walked in perfect humility in the garden with God.
I’m trying to listen to John Piper’s current sermon series on the Gospel of John. Last week, I listened to the immensity – the weightiness of “In the beginning was the WORD and the WORD was with GOD and the WORD was GOD.” Wow. In the beginning Jesus was with God – our personal Jesus was God in the beginning.
Last night, I had a brilliant discussion with one of my roommates (who graduated with a degree in ESL) about language. How powerful that thoughts are communicated through language. And how much more amazing that our understanding of communication makes sense in light of how we were created: as a reflection of the very WORD, the essence of all language.
And how much more stunning that God invites us into communion – into conversation – with Himself.
I guess it’s coming out all philosophical tonight, but I think that’s because I’m tired. The burden I feel in my heart is not anything abstract. Maybe I’ll revisit this when I can think more clearly.
Well, amidst first quarter grades and many students’ persistent pining for extra credit, I’ve been trying to read for relaxation.
Currently, here’s what’s on my nightstand:
After a glorious first Dostoevsky experience (with the Idiot) I picked up his famed book “Brothers Karamazov” with big expectations. Somewhere in the middle, in one of the endless dialogues involving the feuding brothers, I got lost in the philosophical argument against the existence of God. I’m still very much intent on finishing, but in the meantime, I picked up a rather lighter choice from the school library.
I absolutely loved Robinson Crusoe. So much so that I would say it would easily be on a top 10 list. On a whim one weekend when I was home from college, I rummaged my mom’s old books and found Robinson Crusoe among the treasured classics. So, after that first great experience, I also had high expectations for this short novel. I’ve followed David Balfour from his home in the Lowlands of Scotland to some island off the coast of England where he is now hiding with the likes of some strange character in order to escape an army of redcoats (in pursuit because David is believed to have conspired on a murder). Interesting and light.
Well, that’s it for tonight. I just got back from a rousing game of soccer (definitely still learning!) and about to call it a night.
This is just a special bulletin to ask you to pray for the people of Northern Honduras who have been hit with almost constant rain for the past month. The country is calling it a national emergency, which (as you might expect) means something much different in the third world.
Please join me in prayer for this country – the people who are struggling to escape the rains and those who are coping over the loss of loved ones. A family at the base of this mountain (where I live) was swept away with their home yesterday and the news is getting closer to home.
Read here for more information.
Also, if you’re not up on your third-world news, the current Honduran President has made and is making some pretty poor decisions. He is moving towards a stronger relationship with Hugo Chavez, the current Venezuelan President who has long been wreaking havoc on South American affairs and anywhere else he can flaunt his oil clout.
Read here for more information.
Long story short, this country needs the prayer.
Whew! What a weekend! Do you ever fall into your pillow on Sunday and think “it must be Friday by now”?
Well, both Christina and I had very interesting and eventful weekends. Maybe you’ll hear about them this week! We’re going to opt for a more spontaneous route this week, so enjoy our randomness!
What we’re reading (and recommending)
Of course, I’m in the middle of several books right now – from Fyodor Dostoevsky to Robert L. Stevenson to Isobel Kuhn. And, I just received some new books in my packages last weekend! I promise this might even be interesting for non-readers. .. Well, maybe.
Weekend Retreat – from the other side
Christina just went on a retreat this weekend, but she was retreating… she was leading. Read about how it’s quite different from the other side.
Power of Prayer
We’ve been talking lately about how amazing it is that God invites us to be a part of his glorious work, even in the most intimate ways through prayer. Read about our joys and struggles with this thing called communion.
Grab Bag
What could this be? We actually don’t even know:) so just read up this week.
How to liven up a party
So, I don’t have a whole lot of experience, but when it comes to social gatherings, I have a few tricks that seem to always bring smiles, induce laughter, and in general make merry the crowd. We had a fall party (hoedown theme) this past weekend for the staff and I seized my 5 minutes of fame!
Also… anyone interested in an interview sometime soon? Or, better yet – anyone interested in nominating someone else for an interview? Let us know!
Okay – hope everyone has a fantastic week!
Well, I write this after we regained power and internet access after being disconnected yesterday.
I write with such a full heart – my grandparents sent a package about a month ago and my parents sent a package probably two months ago and they both arrived the this weekend (I would give anything to see the route of said packages – I’m pretty sure at one point they are carried on the backs of sherpas across the mountain ranges)!!
Every time I open any package or mail, I am overwhelmed with a sense of being known. Have you ever received a gift or encouragement or even just a note – and only certain people in your life could know that it was just exactly what you needed? I’ve had several of those moments lately. Of course, on my birthday, my sister brought an absolute downpour of cyber-loving by way of encouraging notes on this blog. My grandma sent in her package sugar-free candies (a personal favorite and such things are still very strange here:), decaf coffee (also unheard of), and a beautiful assortment of teas. How blessed! And then my mom, who knows me all too well, sent a very personalized package that couldn’t have touched any closer to my heart. A slinky… even a slinky to remind and encourage my quirky, spontaneous side. It was just exactly the thing I didn’t know I wanted. Does that make sense?
So, needless to say, my spirits are high. Recently, I’ve been thinking so much about the season of fall. Here in Tegucigalpa there are two seasons: hot season and rainy season. Right now it rains pretty much every day and can even be chilly. Though the students protest, I LOVE the idea of layers, jackets, and (YES) galoshes! If ever anyone chances to ask about this season in the States, they are privileged to hear my endless stories of bonfires, hot dog roasts, late night adventures, football games, harvest time, and garden fresh produce. I can almost taste the apples and peaches my grandma is right now picking, peeling, and pie-making. Mmmm!
I’m not really sure how people define ‘homesickness’ or ‘culture shock,’ but I’m pretty sure mine comes and goes in waves. It’s never too much to bear, but always rocking to and fro in my mind. More than anything, a love for people swells in the empty places of my heart. Little things on top of little things – like apple pie and coffee on my grandparents deck or drinking apple cider with the fam on a lazy Sunday or going on a walk with Meg under autumn leaves or … well, there are many of these little things on top of little things that amount to my love for people who do not live near to me.
But, the Lord is teaching me more about home. Every year, it seems, my idea of family, home, and community grows a bit bigger. Last year at this time, I was writing from Austin about the distance between Texas and Iowa. And this year, I’m a few miles farther South. In any case, the Lord goes before me and remains beside me, as I remain in Him. Today, we cooked lunch and invited my favorite maintenance man, Jose, as well as the couple who live just below us. Over spaghetti, salad, and homemade bread (a surprising success made from brown rice flour, wheat flour, and a few other ingredients), we talked and laughed in broken Spanish.
Who knows where I will call ‘home’ next year or the year following? I just know that today I am content to be right here where He has called me.
First of all, I can not possibly express in blog-form the love I felt on Monday morning as I sat at my office desk reading all the special things people wrote. If you could only each know the emotional bedlam I was trudging through just days before! You are each a dear and wonderful blessing in my life. And between the blog posts, facebook messages, and emails, I feel incredibly loved. As lame as this is – consider this both a thank you card and a great big hug!
Oh – and I know most of you are already aware, but my sister is pretty great. She knew exactly what I would need to celebrate my birthday and I’m super thankful for her! Now, on to today’s post:)
—————-
I guess that kind of ties in with what’s been on my heart lately, which is a little gem of a verse I found tucked in between the apathetic frustrations of Ecclesiastes. Per the advice of Elisabeth Eliot, I’ve been reading through Scripture at a much faster pace and really enjoyed looking at the bigger picture instead of getting caught in semantics and singular words. In any case, I ended up in Ecclesiastes and found myself asking similar open-ended questions.
Then I came to Ecclesiastes 5:20,
“For he will not much remember the days of his life because God keeps him occupied with joy in his heart.”
Wow. For he will not much remember the days of his life… I tend to get so wrapped up in today’s struggles and embarrassments and frustrations and even my own victories. I’m currently deep into Isobel Kuhn’s account of a missionary couple and their daughter who were the last of China Inland Mission members to escape Communist China.
Being denied food, access to bank accounts, correspondence, and even human interaction are not things easily forgotten. Yet, Arthur and Wilda Matthews spent hours in prayer, “When, Lord, will you provide a way for us? We trust you for our rescue. We trust that you will be our escape and we will wait for you to come.” But, as their time grew longer and the restrictions greater, the couple struggled much in understanding why the Lord had not yet come. Finally, in the midst of their turmoil, a light illumines,
“…it came to Arthur like a flash: the Son had left heaven, not submitting to the will of God, but delighting in it. Up to now they had been submitting; rather feverishly submitting because they felt they should press His promises “Lord, why dost thou delay? We could be out spear-heading advance into new mission fields! Open the door now, Lord!”
They had been acting like servants who don’t want to do it but have to, because they can’t get out of it. What a different attitude was the Son’s! There came a day … when Arthur and Wilda knelt before the Lord and abandoned themselves to live on in that stinted little kitchen as long as He wished them to. And the peace of God poured in like a flood bringing such joy as they had not known before.
And, though I cannot relate to the harrowing circumstances of Arthur and Wilda (and little Lilah), I can understand that when delighting in the presence of God, the days of our lives fall away and we are left with an all-consuming joy.
It is only when we aren’t looking for God to act as we insist, to perform or orchestrate, to ‘show up’ and change or improve our situation … when we are instead fully prepared to live exactly where He has us … it is then when He keeps us occupied with joy.
I’ll leave it up to you – but I’m sure I’ll take that occupation absolutely any day!
My uncle, after seeing the line-up, sent me this great application to “Date my Daughter.” As a youth leader, my application would be a little different, but kind of the same gist. I wouldn’t as much threaten bodily harm as threatening me as a chaperone at their next dance, butting in and creating space for the “Holy Spirit” between them and the lady. Anyway, this is the dad version- enjoy!
Application For Permission To Date My Daughter
Note: This application will be incomplete and rejected unless
accompanied by a complete financial statement, job history,
lineage, and current medical report from your physician.
Name:________________________ Date of Birth:_________________
Height:_________ Weight:__________ IQ:_________ GPA:__________
Social Security #:___________ Driver’s License #: Number:_______
Boy Scout Rank:_________________ Telephone:___________________
Home Address:______________________________________________
City:__________________________ State:__________ Zip:___________
1. Do you have one male and one female parent? ____
If “No”, explain:
2. Number of years your parents have been married: ____
Any brothers or sisters? ____
Are they normal? ____
3. Do you own or have access to a van? ____
A truck with oversize tires? ____
A waterbed? ____
4. Do you have an earring, nose ring, or belly button ring? ____
5. Do you have a tattoo? ____
If you have answered YES to #3, #4 or #5, discontinue
application and leave immediately.
(I actually disagree with #4 and #5, I think an explanation would be in order though )
6. In fifty words or less, what does Late mean to you?
7. Who did you learn your dancing styles from?
a) Rap videos
b) The movie “Dirty Dancing”
c) The Puritans
8. In fifty words or less, what does Abstinence mean to you?
9. In fifty words or less, what does Real Pain mean to you?
10. Church you attend: ____________________________
How often do you attend: ____________________________
11. When would be the best time to interview your mother, father
and youth pastor?__________________________
12. Please fill in the blanks:
a. If I were shot, the last place on my body I would want
wounded would be my ____________________________
b. If I were beaten, the last bone I would want broken would
be my_____________________________
c. A woman’s place is in the ____________________________
d. The one thing I hope this application doesn’t ask is
______________________________
e. When I meet a girl, the one thing I always notice about her
first is______________________________
Note: If answer begins with “T” or “A”, discontinue and leave premises–keeping your head low and running in a serpentine fashion is advised.
13. What do you want to be if you grow up?
I swear that all the above information is correct to the best of
my knowledge under penalty of death, bodily harm, dismemberment,
torture or mental abuse.
Signature of applicant _________________________________
Signature of father _____________________________________
Signature of mother ____________________________________
Signature of pastor ___________________________________
Signature of State Representative _________________________
Thank you for your interest, and it had better be genuine and non-sexual.
Please allow 4-6 years for processing. You will be contacted in writing if approved. If denied, please never apply again. Don’t call me, I’ll call you.
From Meagan and Myla in Western MI:
CARE BEAR (turtle).. happ
y belated birthday from meg and myla! myla is a little bit like her mommy in that she likes to be fashionably late (well.. 4 days overdue and she still didn’t want to come out..).. so it is only natural that we are late to wish you a HAPPY 24th.. but we LOVE auntie caroline SO much! Myla can’t wait to meet you. she loves her little turtle with your voice message in it and will definitely know you when she meets you in person because of it 🙂 she also wants to teach you a little bit about fashion.. specifically high heels. she may be a shorty like us so she already has heels. i told her about you not brining any heels to honduras with you and how i was trying to convince you that you should have at least ONE pair. maybe you have shopped by now though and gotten some. 🙂 although they probably won’t do you much good when you are doing crazy things like getting lost in the mountains. here is a pic of my in her “Heeliarious” high heels for babies. altough.. (yawn) she doesn’t seems too interested in them. maybe she is more like you than her mama 🙂 just thought you would get a laugh out of this.. a friend ordered them online after seeing them on the Today show and deciding that they were ridiculous but funny. Anyways.. sending love from our little west michigan corner of the world. we miss you around here and can’t wait to spend time at Christmas! lots of LOVE!!!
Meg and Myla xoxoxoxox
Jacqui from Columbus, OH:
So forgive me…I’m a day behind…but not because I wasn’t thinking of you yesterday. Amazing how whole days completely slip away from you!
I hope you had a fantastic birthday. And I remember you painting a “It’s Your Special Day” plate for my bachelorette party. So if you don’t have a special plate, you should get a paper plate and a marker and make yourself one. And remember, every day should be celebrated! And I know you do that so well.
Love Jacqui from Ohio!
Happy Birthday, Dear Caroline!
This is your present from your dear sister, sending you happy birthdays from up North. From Iowa, to Kentucky, to Canada, people all over the world love you, sister, and we wish you the best of days today. You are so special, and we love and miss you!
From your cousin Heidi and honorary niece, Amaya in Lincoln, NE:
Caroline! I have so many memories with you! You have been such an encourgement in my life! I can remember layng in the hospital, being somewhat drugged, and seeing your beautiful face. I could NOT believe that you traveled two hours just to support me. Even though I was just laying there, Amay inside me still. You are so loyal and so caring for others. Today, you need to be selfish and take a “Caroline” day. It’s your Birthday! Have an AMAZING day Care! Know that Amaya an I love you and are praying for you! Happy Birthday!
From your cousin Anna at Truman State College in MO:
I love Caroline because she is hard-core! We have kayaked all the way
across clear lake and back because she is tough and likes to take on
challenges! Every time we kayak we have the best conversations because
Caroline is so personable, easy to talk to, and full of encouragement
and wisdom! I love her passion for missions and for serving others.
Anna and Jaime in Kentucky:
Caroline, remember the time we were at Impact in Des Moines. You, Me, Margee, and Crystal stayed in the same room. You woke up really early one morning and started singing “Naked Parade, Naked Parade!” at the top of your lungs. Margee thought it was funny and Crystal and I were so annoyed because you woke us up early! That was a really fun time! I miss you and hope you have a beautiful birthday.
Anna
Happy Birthday Caroline!! We love you!!
From Mitch and Karen in Canada:
Happy Birthday Caroline! We wish we could be with you to eat……whatever it is they eat in Honduras on birthdays! Well the Lord has you (and us) outside the good ‘ol US of A for His purpose and His glory. Our birthday prayer for you is that you continue to hunger and thirst after righteousness, and seek His will for your life day by day as you serve Him. Remember Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you hope and a future.” We love you as a daughter, and know that you are blessing others and being blessed as you serve the Lord in a foreign land. We look forward to a day when we can give you a big hug and talk about our adventures. Have a Groovy Birthday.
We Love You!! Mitch and Karen
From Jared, Tina, and Titus in Indianapolis:
Caroline…
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! We miss you and think about/pray for you often! So… we would love to think of a hilarious story to send your way, but instead we are going to be sentimental… thank goodness you aren’t Christina and can handle a little mushy stuff… haha. I hope you know by now that we absolutely adore you… you are honestly one of the most thoughtful, caring, loving, and selfless persons we know!!! You are always smiling and Jesus’ love is reflected so amazingly in you! You are like a little sister to us and we love you SO very much! We are planning on sending you something soon…. until then, have a marvelous birthday…
Love, Jared, Tina, and Titus
Crystal Becker in Des Moines, IA:
Happy Birthday Caroline!
I’ve been putting off writing a birthday note to you because I wanted to come up with some smart, memorable thing to say. But then I realized that you are the one who does that. You always have such insightful things to say. So I gave up trying to come up with something original… and I’m just going to speak from the heart.
You are a JOY Caroline Marie. Every time I see you that’s what I think. You bring joy to all those around you. It’s been such a joy for me to be able to know you the entire 24 years that you’ve been here at our temporary home. And I’ve seen God do such a might work in you throughout the years. You’ve always been the mature, insightful one… and I’ve been the dramatic and… well, the dramatic one. 🙂 And our bond is strong because of one little word: cousins. I’ve learned so many things from you over the years and I look forward to learning from you in the years to come. And I’m excited to share in all the joys that the Lord blesses us with.
Happy Birthday Care. I’ve included a picture of the Nichols cousins… and whenever I see it, it makes me smile. It’s my JOY to call you cousin and friend. And I take great joy praying for you daily.
I love you,
Crystal Minnie
From the Maakestad Family in Pella, IA
Dear Caroline,
How well I remember you as a toddler, with a china doll face and such a big heart. And you haven’t changed at all – you are still awesomely beautiful and so very caring that you are halfway around the world caring for kids. Please know that Aunt Sherry in Pella, Iowa, is very proud of you and I wish you a very blessed day on this your birthday. You are so precious and important, and you are loved by so many.
All our love,
Sherry, Mike, Hannah, Kirsten and Sara Jane
From Margee in Mexico:
I wish I had my pictures with me! There are so many photos and memories! One of my favorite pictures is of us lying in my bed when I had a very bad cold,drinking ice cream floats and being ridiculous. It always reminds me how much fun we had doing everything (which was usually nothing).
Happy Birthday!
Love, Margee
Aunt Jane in Atlantic, IA:
Caroline–
Sweet Caroline~! Just like the song–I hope you can sing your way through this day and remember that back in the USA there are alot of people that love you and are wishing you the VERY BEST on this your 24th birthday. Your testimony, your faith, and your ability to care and show that you care I’m sure are speaking VOLUMES as you are doing God’s work this year.
Hope you have a GREAT day and again, remember, we love you and miss you!
Aunt Jane
Mom and Dad in Lewis, IA:
Dear Caroline,
If you were here we would make a Caroline sandwich (like the picture) and hug you to death! But since you are in Honduras, you will have to get your new friends to do this for you and pretend it is from us!
We love you.
Mom and Dad
ps
If I could give you a birthday present in person, I would give you a flashlight to take on future adventures! ….and a Garmin…and some trail mix….and some hiking boots….and some Puma repellent!!!
From your friend, Amanda Hoye at Dordt College in Iowa:
Hi Caroline!
Just wanted to wish you happy birthday and say thank you for all you’ve done for me over the years. You’ve been such an amazing example for me and my sister! I am always surprised during camp to find that I get as much (or more) out of the speakers than the campers do! It was true this year, as always, and your message throughout the week reminded me how much I want to be involved in missions- even if it’s a mission to Atlantic, Iowa. Remember being my counselor, by any chance, at Bethany Camp about…oh, 5 years ago? I do, very well, because you were such an encouragement to me. All the late-night cabin talks…we were in the smaller lower room. I learned a lot that year, especially from you. You’re an incredible person, and I’ve been blessed by knowing you. I’m really excited to see where God continues to use you, because it’s going to be awesome! Happy birthday again, and I hope you enjoy your year!
In Christ,
Amanda H.
Grace from UC Davis, CA:
So when I thought of fun memories, I thought of our road-trip to “New
York.” And specifically, the “series of unfortunate events” that we
encountered when we decided to stop at Bob Evans…. dun dun dun! Between
you sliding off the road and almost hitting whatever that big thing
was, William losing his phone, and the crazy winter storm that we ventured
out into that was one of the craziest days I have ever experienced!
Happy Birthday Caroline! I love you!
Grace
Caroline,
Hope this makes you smile on your special day!
I am sure missing you on this day- wishing I could give you a big hug and an even bigger care package. But alas, I’m not on the ball enough to get a package ready a month ahead of time! So you can get excited for your gift that is to come, all these birthday greetings and more from the many people who love you, made into a hard bound book for you in Honduras. It’s called
Hugs to Honduras.
I love you, Sister!
Christina
PS- Maybe you should take a cue from when you were little and lost at the state fair- and some nice person brought you back to the fam b/c of a shirt that said your name. Might be nice for your next “lost” experience? A shirt with your name and where to return you to? 🙂
MUSINGS IN THE MIDST 