It is finished. Amen.

Since I've included you in this Master-degree journey of mine, I thought I should share that

I'M DONE!!!!

Yes, yes, we all thought this day would never come...(okay, so maybe it was only me who thought that, a rare moment or two).

I had to finish my thesis paper up while I was on vacation in Germany. A more stressful ending to school has yet to be experienced by me. OY VEY! Actually I was fairly calm and resigned that what will be, will be. But I tell you...it was aggravating. Let me just summarize it by saying time-zone differences, silence from my advisor, and then minimally hearing from him when he was in Las Vegas?!?! Whatever. It's done. It's in the past. Moving on.

Anyhow, as of May 7th, I am set to graduate from Crown College, in Minnesota, with a Master's of Arts in Intercultural Leadership. No, I will not be attending the services although I'm sure they will be lovely. Seeing as I live in Washington state and seeing how I used all my vacation time gallivanting off to Germany and Holland, I'm content to just sit here and say "yay me!"

So now, the biggest question is "what are you going to do with this degree?" Ummm...nothing??? Ummm....I don't know??? Ummm....what do you get if you cross an elephant and rhino? Eleph-ino. Sorry. Just chalk the fact that I like this joke as a result of my sinful nature.

I started this degree with the intention of becoming a career missionary, with the Christian & Missionary Alliance, for which having one year of graduate studies is required. As I've progressed along this Master's degree process, the less certain I've become that this is the path for me. So now I have this degree and am praying over a couple possible options for what is next, one of which, includes getting more education. Yes, I know it seems that I'll be in school in forever. We shall see.

Anyhow, let me wrap this up by summarizing my thesis paper for one last time. My thesis paper is on suffering. I've titled it: Understanding Suffering: Ideologies and Perspectives. The driving focus was to discover why God allows suffering and then consequently, how it can affect my relationship with God. I've shared some of the process with you already. In case you haven't read them, but would like to, here are the links:

Suffering (just getting started)
How my thesis paper is changing me
Thesis Paper--Survey
Thesis Paper--Two Interviews
Thesis Paper--Apology and Elaboration
Thesis Paper--An Interview

This has been a good project and studying suffering was a good topic. It's one I'd like to do more research and writing on as it is prevalent (perhaps increasingly so) in every individuals life. However, what I have learned is that there is so much out there. There are always more books that can be read, characters that can be analyzed, stories to be heard. It would be impossible to write an exhaustive study on this topic...not that I want to. But maybe a book of stories, of various forms of suffering, to see underlining themes and how it affected their relationship with God. Hmmm...maybe one day.

Anyhow, thanks for sharing on this journey with me thus far. Yay you!

Short snippets

Running out of time.
There once was a girl. Who had to submit a paper by a deadline. The deadline quickly became just hours away. She sat waiting for another person's input. And prayed. And tried not to stress. However this wasn't just any deadline but THEE deadline of all deadlines. Moral of the story...checking your email every 10 minutes doesn't help.

Whither thou goest.
I've been reading a few blogs lately that have talked about not necessarily waiting for neon signs or voices from God but rather moving forward in life, trusting that He desires to use the abilities and heart-tugs that He has given you. This has really spoken to me and challenged me. Moral of the story...to boldly go wherever, not allowing my insecurities or questions to stop me.

We've burned your ticket.
Dear boss, I am having fun on vacation and feel back at home. I am making cinnamon rolls, have my elbows deep in laundry, and making runs to the school for various reasons. And I'm visiting and hugging and laughing and loving it all. A lot. And they want me to stay. So it's time we must part. Amen and good bye. Moral of the story...the grass is greener...literally.

Sweetness personified.
Worship comes in many forms. It comes through singing praises to God. It comes in serving people in times of need. It comes over cups of coffee and shared stories. It comes in listening to heartache and pain. It comes in hugs and recalling memories. It comes in prayers and tears and laughing-so-much-your-stomach-aches. Moral of the story...chicken soup may be good for the soul but worship is better.

Life is a bit chaotic.

Next Friday, I leave on vacation for two weeks. (Hooray! Can't wait!!!)

However, I also have to submit my infamous thesis paper by March 30th, in order to graduate this May. I was hoping/planning on having it all wrapped up and submitted by March 25, next Friday, but I'm thinking that's not going to happen. Here is what remains to be done:

• I am waiting to hear back from my advisor on chapter 4
• Revise chapter four and then submit chapter 5 (plus the revised chapters 1-4) to my advisor
• Wait to hear back from my advisor on chapter 5
• Make final revisions on the entire paper
• Submit the final copy to my advisor for approval
• Wait to hear back for his approval
• Then submit the whole kit and caboodle to the class/committee.

Honestly....*big sigh*....I don't know. I keep thinking it HAS to get done. My biggest "hang-up" is waiting for my advisor to respond. I can't revise and can't submit the next thing until I hear back from him. Oh, how I am praying he returns chapter 4 to me today or tomorrow, at the latest. I'm running out of time.

Plus, seeing as I'm going on vacation, I have to tidy up my desk, trying to wrap up as many things as possible, so that I can effectively transfer everything to the lady who will be overseeing my desk while I'm gone. Work always gets more stressful right before a trip...at least in my experience.

Plus, I teach Sunday school this Sunday, which I'm 90% ready for.
Plus, my friend's last Sunday is this Sunday so there is a special commission service for them Sunday night.
Plus, I offered to make lemon bars and 7-layer bars for the food part of this service.
Plus, I have to renew my rent before leaving next week or make plans to move back into my parent's house come May, which is up for sale. (Hahaha...my parents would love that...oh dear...at least I get a chuckle from this!)
Plus, Plus, Plus

But (strangely?), I am, for the most part, at peace.
Is it because I'm making good use of my time?
Is it because I'm seeing progress on my work commitments?
Is it because I'm spending more time in prayer each day?
Is it because I recognize that there are some things outside my control...so why worry?

All I know is that God is good. He is faithful.
And despite the chaos swirling around me, He is very much in control.
I'm so thankful for that!

23 DAYS!!!

Today is March 2nd, people!
I leave March 25th for my visit to Germany!
That means I have 23 days to finish my thesis paper!
Ughhhhh!

Prayers appreciated.
And encouragement.
And laughter.
And coffee.

Thesis paper...personal application

You don't what you've got til it's gone...
Absence makes the heart grow fonder...

Wednesday morning
Sitting at work...doing my thing...minding my own business.
I stand to fax an order when my back starts having spasms.
I clutch my desk quickly, holding on for dear life
Telling myself to breathe slowly while simultaneously thinking "NOOOOO" and "OOOOWWWW"

(Two years ago, I had this happen for the first time ever.
I think I was laid up for about a week but in pain for about a month.
I started going to a chiropractor, at my sister's recommendation and have gone ever since.
He keeps me aligned. And pain-free. And moving.)

I called my chiropractor and asked demanded pleaded for a squeezed-in appointment.
It took me 15 minutes to get up from my desk and ready to move out to the parking lot.
Then next morning was worse.
It took me 40 minutes to get up from bed and moving, to get ready.

Today, I am (thankfully and mercifully) about 50% better. I can move more freely. Spasms are less frequent (thank you Jesus!) and I am padded with ice packs and prayer!

Like most times of pain and suffering, when you go through something, you become that much more grateful for the times when you don't. Having a whacked-out back makes thankful for the usual circumstances when I don't even have to think about my back, when I can move freely without wondering what will trigger the next spasm. Also, this minor (hopefully) passing incident makes me more sensitive to others who deal with back pain or any other bodily pain.

Now, I know people out there go through significantly greater times of suffering than my current back woes, so please don't think I'm trying to boast myself up. But I guess what I am learning, not only in my thesis paper studies but also in life, is that in the midst of pain, I am mostly grateful that God knows my pain, is very much present and in control, and will use it (however big or small) to bring glory to Him!

To that, I say, amen and amen!

Tidbits from Saturday to Monday

I submitted the rough draft for the first three chapters of my thesis paper, on Saturday. I hit the send button around 2pm and then spent the rest of Saturday and Sunday basking in sweet relief.

Now I'm waiting...waiting for my advisor to send me back the rough draft with his thoughts and the probable thousand markups! Then it's back to the drawing board...tweaking, re-writing, re-wording myself, adding, subtracting and then moving onto chapter four.

I think, in some ways, I've added too much of my own voice into this academic paper. But we'll see what the advisor says. I'm not sure what will come from this simple paper on suffering but I would really love to try my hand at a devotional, a book, or a Bible Study. However, then part of me wonders what do I possibly have to offer when I have so minimally suffered myself...
______________

Today, my parents have been married for 35 years!
I love that! And I love them.
They got married in 1976, the bi-centennial year of our country's independence. So their wedding colors were red, white and blue. hahaha! Needless to say, my mom was the white-dressed member of her party! And so was my dad, come to think of it.

I am mildly jealous that they are jetting off to warm, sunny Hawaii while I remain in cool, wet Washington. But I won't complain as I already have my fun trip planned for the end of March.
______________

I've shared before that a verse that my mentor gave to me was Habakkuk 2:3:

For the vision is yet for the appointed time;
It hastens toward the goal and it will not fail
Though it tarries, wait for it;
For it will certainly come, it will not delay.

The missionary who spoke at my church yesterday, preached on this verse. Her theme was:
"Delays does not mean denials. Victories are always wrapped up in struggles."

I think she was preaching only to me. :)

Thesis Paper...an interview

My mentor asked me to take this quiz, to find out what about my strengths creates energy and excitement and what drains me. One thing that stood out was that I love to hear people's stories. If I could have a one-on-one with you, I'd love to hear your story...to hear the things that made you who you are today...to share in your highs and lows...and to hear your heart for what's next.

I received the privilege to "hear" someone's story today: a lady whose family (husband and two children) were supported, by my church, during 22 year of overseas missionary ministry.

You know that type of family that seems very close, very funny, very close to God...the family that you love to be around and to hear all their stories...the family that you put on a pedestal because you so desire to be like them? This was one of those families for me. Every time they came home from the mission field, our church embraced them and I personally got excited to hear about the things they had experienced and to hear how God had used them. Let me introduce to the Smith's.

I've promised to keep the details anonymous but here's a synopsis of their ministry. For 22 years, the Smith's served in the same country...a country of relative peace, I believe, but surrounded by countries in the midst of turmoil and upheaval. Because of this, this family had numerous times of living with the knowledge that at any time, they might have to evacuate. They were watched, they were threatened, they've had people chanting for their death. Needless to say, this a country where sharing about God and passing out Bibles is illegal. Despite the almost constant threats, they were able to have a productive ministry, becoming highly involved in their neighbors' lives and were able to lead many to a relationship with God.

In 2002, Mr. Smith hit a pedestrian when driving. From what I remember hearing, the man jumped out into the street, not seeing Mr. Smith's car, and Mr. Smith didn't have time to stop. The man ended up in a coma, hanging onto life, for 2.5 months. It was uncertain whether or not he'd make it. The law in that country is that if a pedestrian is hit, the driver is to blame, even if it was an accident. Moreover, if this man died, then Mr. Smith would then be guilty of murder. While this man was in a coma, Mr. Smith was sent to prison and like the victim, his fate was unknown. I remember praying and praying; grief-stricken for Mr. Smith and his family and praying for the pedestrian's recovery. Every day, Mrs. Smith went to visit the pedestrian where she prayed over him continually and tried to minister to his family, all while the family was suing the Smiths for $500,000. After 2.5 months, the man woke up and knew instantly that his life had been saved for a purpose. He gave his life to Christ, dropped all the family's charges against the Smiths and requested that Mr. Smith be released from jail. Amazing, isn't it?

However, during the time in prison, Mr. Smith changed. He had suffered abuse, hunger and sickness while in the jail and he became angry towards God and the nationals. He began to pull away from his family and didn't seek immediate counseling. He jumped back into his work as if nothing had happened. Mid 2002, the family came home to the States for the counseling and time to reconnect but Mr. Smith sadly decided he wanted no part of this. He divorced Mrs. Smith and left her and the children. I was away at college when my mom told me this news. Our pastor had announced their divorce at the end of one service, shocking everyone. I cried over this news and felt utterly heartbroken for them all (and still do). Mr. Smith has since re-married and I do not know any more details of how he's doing spiritually.  Needless to say, this divorce turned Mrs. Smith's life upside down. Her husband was gone, her kids were off to college, her home was half a world away, and her career was over.

In the years since, she had found healing and has learned to lean on God daily. She has found Him faithful the entire time...during her miscarriages, threats, wars, imprisonment, and divorce. While life may not have gone as she had once dreamed or hoped, she is still able to serve the Lord with joy and purpose, trusting that He holds her in His hands.

While I'm doing this thesis paper on suffering and have my own opinions on why God allows it, I must say that it amazes me continually that people can go through the fire and come out still worshipping God. If the end of Mrs. Smith's story was that she was struggling and questioning God, nobody would probably think any less of her. It would be understandable. But to go through that experience and still say that "God is good" or "God is faithful" or "to God be the glory," is nothing short of inspiring.

I still want to be like Mrs. Smith when I grow up! :)

Thesis Paper...apology and elaboration

Back on 09/24, I wrote:

I'm sure I'll elaborate on this a bit more later on but I do find it amusing that about 8 of people included the statement that "God does not give us more than we can bear." This statement isn't Biblical and why wouldn't God give us more than we can bear...it is in those moments we will turn to Him and rely on Him for help. It is in those moments where His strength works through our weaknesses and ALL glory goes to Him. (I feel a soapbox coming on so I'll quit...like I said, I'll probably tackle this thought later on.)

It occurred to me last night that the way I wrote this sounds too confident and very likely condescending and judgmental. Let me apologize. I spoke out of line or at least should have followed up with my reasoning instead of just leaving it hanging. If I have offended, forgive me please! A friend of mine, who is very sweet and gracious, read that post and asked for more of my reasonings/thoughts behind what I wrote. She did so in a very open way but through her email, I was convicted.

I will quickly and honestly admit that I have not done enough research on I Corinthians 10:13..."No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." I haven't researched Greek words, read commentaries or anything of the sort.

The most common way I hear this verse quoted (as was quoted in my survey) is that "God does not give you more than you can bear"...however the verse above does not exactly say that. Instead it says that "God will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear." Does tempted mean the same thing as suffer/pain/endure? I don't know.

If you read verse 13 in context, verses 1-12 have to do with the Israelites sinning. They were God's chosen people and yet willingly chose to disobey and walk away from God. Because of this, God dealt with their sin. So how I read verse 13 is that when I am tempted to sin, it won't be a temptation that I just can't resist...it won't be a temptation that has such power over me that my only option is to sin. Instead I think it means that no matter what temptation is facing me, because of God I have ability to resist it, to be free from it, to turn away.

In regards to suffering, I believe more along the lines of this Corinthian passage: "To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong" (II Corinthians 12:7-10). Paul pleaded for relief from this thorn. But through his weaknesses and through his times of great pain, God's power was made known!

As I mentioned back on 09/24, why wouldn't God take us to end of our limits...perhaps even to death...just to bring glory to His name! In my weaknesses, He is made strong! In my shortcomings, His faithfulness shines brighter. If I am crippled and broken in the process and still manage to look to God and trust in Him, how much more glory would that bring him than if I could endure the whole thing in my own strength!

I do believe that God walks with us through hardships. In both of the interviews I shared about on 09/29, they both reach the point where they begged for death or thought they would die and cried out to God. He carried them through that experience although physical relief still didn't come right away.

Anyhow, these are some of my thoughts. I am very open and willing to hear any of your thoughts/reasonings/agreements/disagreements. I have much to learn still.

Thesis Paper Update...two interviews

As part of my research, I am interviewing certain missionaries and (international) national Christians about their experience with suffering.

On Sept 18th, I interview an Ethiopian Christian who is now living in West Virginia. Ethiopia is considered a hostile nation and Christians are severely persecuted there. This man's story was heartbreaking and shocking but all along he gave glory to God. Would you like to hear a snippet of his story?

• During one time of not being in jail, this brother was baptizing some new believers that he had just led to the Lord when some Muslim rebels surrounded them having been led there by a deacon in this brother's church. When refusing to denounce Christ, some of the new believers were gunned down immediately. However the Muslims took this brother to a jail and proceeded to torture them. They tied him upside down and began to pour hot oil over him and slash him, all the while demanding that he too denounce Christ as Lord and Savior. At one point, this brother cried out to God asking for death but God assured him that He has a plan for him. So he then asked for God to fill him with love for his captors. The love that immediately entered him so filled him with joy that he started laughing. At this point, his captors thought he was crazy...that he had lost it. So they let him down and asked him why he won't deny Christ. So this brother told them the Gospel and in the process, saw them come to know and believe in the Lord. Isn't that amazing???

Yesterday, I interviewed a friend who was in my youth group. She and her family are missionaries with Wycliffe in Tanzania although they are presently in Colorado. They spent their last term, 3 years, in language study and in seminary in Kenya. Every time I hear her story, it takes my breath away...but they too give constant glory to God, even in spite of what they experienced. Would you like to hear a snippet of their story?

• Jamie and Jeremy moved to Kenya in 2006, when their then youngest, Annabelle was only 15 months old.  Shortly after arriving, Annabelle starting having allergic reactions to everything. There were sores all over her body, raging fevers, constant crying and pain. For several months, they visited numerous doctors, trying antibiotics, medicines, diets, etc only to find that she is severely allergic to chemicals. This enabled them to help Annabelle, who is now doing just fine! From there, Jeremy started seminary and other experiences followed. In 2007, the Kenyan elections happened which provoked mobs and killings between two tribes. The seminary went into lock down but all around the school lives were being taken, affecting their friends. During this time, Jamie became pregnant. She's one of those ladies whose body struggles with pregnancies. This pregnancy was filled with gestational diabetes, low blood pressure, an intestinal parasite, a broken foot, severe weight loss, and hemorrhagic shock upon delivering...one thing after another. Needless to say, this was not what Jamie's picture of what it means to serve the Lord. But through this, she learned of God's presence and love. Jeremy, who kept up his studies in the midst of taking care of his wife and kiddos, spoke to me of God's faithfulness and how real that became to him, during this time. Despite this and more, they are anxious to go back and continue to serve God. They know that suffering will continue to accompany them but they also know God is in control of it all.

These interviews, along with the other research, are convicting me, challenging me, encouraging me, enriching me, and changing me. To God be the glory!

Thesis Paper update

I administered a online survey for my thesis paper, through my facebook contacts. I know by doing so I'm excluding a number of non-facebook people but I figured that's okay.

I've been going through the results over the last couple days. I sent it out to about 140 people and I received 74 responses, which is about what I was hoping for.

I asked questions like:

• Should Christians expect to suffer because of being a Christian?
• Why do you think God allows suffering?
• What has helped or not helped during times of suffering?
• What kinds of suffering have you experienced?

Needless to say, it's been very interesting reading the responses. As I've mentioned before, in doing the research for this paper, I feel that my view of suffering has changed or developed in the process. Reading the answers, I see a lot of my former thinking and understand where they are coming from. What I think will be difficult is in how I choose to interpret the answers. I do think that some of the people have an incomplete view of suffering but just because I am studying this topic makes my view no more complete than they. Because the answers are all from people I know and love, I want to treat the results with care and respect.

Wisdom, wisdom, wisdom...boy, do I need it.

I'm sure I'll elaborate on this a bit more later one but I do find it amusing that about 8 of people included the statement that "God does not give us more than we can bear." This statement isn't Biblical and why wouldn't God give us more than we can bear...it is in those moments we will turn to Him and rely on Him for help. It is in those moments where His strength works through our weaknesses and ALL glory goes to Him. (I feel a soapbox coming on so I'll quit...like I said, I'll probably tackle this thought later on.)

At times throughout my research, I have felt that this topic is too big and too great for me. How does one study, understand, and present suffering? How can I endure story after story of unimaginable pain and persecution and who am I to be witness to their testimonies? But trod on I must, not just because the paper is required but because I want to know, I want to hear, and I want to understand.

How my thesis paper is changing me...

I've shared before that I am working on my Master's degree (and almost done, thank you very much!) and part of my degree requires me to write a thesis paper.

My chosen topic is on Suffering: What does the Bible say, how does it impact missions and the Church? (that's not the exact title...still working on that...any suggestions???)

In studying the Bible and in reading books for research, I'm finding my mind and understanding of sin and suffering is being changed, which has great implications!

I've always said that suffering and pain and sin were not part of God's plan...He did not create us that way and that it was merely a consequence of our choice and because of that choice, God had to provide a Savior. What is wrong with this thought is that it makes Christ a "plan B" or after-thought.

Now, I'm coming to think that God created us, fully knowing and ordaining us to sin, so that He could reveal His glory through the abundance of His grace through Christ's perfect life and undeserving death. Our sinning was part of the plan so that God could show us the part of Himself that wouldn't be seen or understood against a perfect non-sinful backdrop!

One book I read said something to the effect that you can't seen the brightness of the stars unless it is against the backdrop of the darkest night. You can't see God's grace unless there is someone or something in need of grace. You can't see God's redemption unless someone or something needs to be redeemed.

This mind shift is huge! Honestly, my mind feels full and a bit boggled as I try to wrap my understanding around this and all that it means. In the multitude of years that I have attended Sunday school, heard sermons, gone to Bible school and such, I'm confident I've heard all this before. But it went in one ear and then got rewired to my original thinking, confirming what I have believed all along. Now, my heart is hearing a new tune...a much more powerful and stunning tune...

and I am in awe.

A Plan of Attack

As of yesterday, another class is done. I only have one more class (Intercultural Communication) and my thesis paper remaining!

In August, I start my thesis paper class but during these six weeks prior to the class, I want to make great segue into the paper. Feeling a little bit ambitious, my goal during these six weeks is to write my introduction and first two chapters. This means that I need to finish my research or at least get well enough into it that I can start formulating thoughts.

So, since time is of the essence, I'm going to do my best to be uber-productive and have written out a schedule of my time for the whole week. Each week I'm going to create a schedule for the upcoming week, to keep me focused and minimize procrastination.

Each week, my goal will be to read two books...which includes adding important quotes or thoughts into my computer. Each day, my goal is to read a minimum of 2-3 hours. This of course, does not apply to the weekend where I should be able to read 4-6 hours! Hopefully by the end of July I can start formulating my thoughts into some kind of structure.

Doesn't this sound well thought out?

What this nice blurb does not account for is the fact that I am overseeing a book-club which needs my devoted attention now that my class is done, a book club finale/celebration that is three weeks away and still needs to be planned, days where I won't feel like reading or doing anything homework related, spur-of-the-moment times to hang out with friends or family, or any other unforeseen event.

So come August 23rd when my thesis paper class starts, ask me then how much I've accomplished and we shall see if this post was just a product of wishful thinking or willful determination. Wish me luck!

Suffering

I am two lessons away from being done with my silly TESOL (teaching english as a second language) class. Praise the Lord Almighty! My goal is to be done this weekend. In the past weeks, I have completed one lesson on Saturday and one on Sunday. And then I shall wipe by hands clean and say good riddance.

I'm already looking ahead to the next project, my thesis paper.

My thesis paper is going to be on Suffering: What does the Bible say? What does the "average" N. American Christian think? and how does suffering impact missions/missionaries?

Huge job ahead of me and I couldn't be more excited. (Well, actually I could. I would love to take a week off work near the beginning of this so that I can spend most the week reading and researching without work contending for my time. And maybe another half a week off midway to conduct interviews and such. But as of right now, I'll have to maintain the balancing act of work and school...such is life.)

So why did I choose this topic? Well from my limited understand (prior to in-depth research), it seems that Bible pretty much guarantees that if you are following Christ, you should expect suffering. And yet, the concepts of sacrificial living or suffering seem to be things that Christians shy away from as best as they can. Now, I understand that nobody wants to suffer. But when you think of the men and women who have shaped Christian missions, it was on the back of suffering. In fact, the Christian church started and grew because of persecution. Not to mention the underground church in China.

So it seems that God uses suffering to refine his Church and to make it stronger, healthy, and more reflective of Him. According to some American church statistics*, it has been reported:

· In America, 3500 – 4000 churches close their doors each year
· Half of all churches last year did not add one new member through conversion growth
· Churches lose an estimated 2,765,000 people each year to nominalism and secularism

Is this stagnation and even church loss due to the fact that we, the Western church, has become too comfortable in our lives and resistant to living as Christ meant us to live, which includes suffering? Honestly, I don't know...these are just thoughts which I hope to flesh out a bit.

I'll probably share some of the journey with you on this blog. I look forward to whatever God wants to teach me through this.

"To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps."  I Peter 2:21


*The statistic is from the Barna Group, which I've linked. However, I found the actual quote on another website.