Welcome to our first giveaway post! Exam week is tough on everybody: students, families, Waffle House employees who have to deal with sleep-deprived students . . . As you strive to finish well, we wanted you to have one less meal to consider. If you are a female and a student or an immediate family member of a student, please enter the giveaway below! Winner will be posted tomorrow.

Tips for a successful exam week:

Step 1: Study

Step 2: Enter giveaway

step 3: take a break on us!

step 4: Ace exam

          We had been waiting just under four years for the moment when we finally stepped onto foreign soil, into the place we only knew from stories, books and others’ experiences.  Our first days in the Middle East were the typical honeymoon full of new smells, new sights, new tastes, and we loved every minute.  It was only after meeting with my mentor the first time that I began to realize this journey would be a whole new experience in my walk with God.  She told me hesitantly that every person or family she has known 20 years on the field, dealt with some sort of tragedy their first term.  I took this news but stashed it away, secretly hoping she would be wrong about us. 

            We started language; begin to set up house and adjust culturally.  Our first modular class started seven weeks after arrival and we reluctantly headed to Prague.  We traveled with minimal luggage fully expecting to travel, sight-see and return home in two weeks, until we received the call that our team was being evacuated and we were to meet them in a nearby country.  We all waited, thinking we would be home soon, but the weeks turned to months, months a year, until 16 months later we made the journey back home. 

            I faced many days of uncertainty, emotional lows and moments when thoughts I never imagined were possible ran through my head.   As I walked through the fog, what began to emerge was a theme of constant provision.  When that light dawned I soon realized, that this first term was not a reward for having finally “made it”, but I was in the cauldron, being tested, refined and honed.  I found that through each new circumstance, God began to show me things I needed to learn or things that were important, not so that I could simply survive the first term, but how to thrive and be ready and willing to hop back on the plane for a second term.  I have heard the sad statistics of so many young families leaving after just one or two terms and I wanted to know why.  Surely, the emotions I felt were not new and they too struggled with the highs and lows of culture adjustment, language, company quirks etc.  My mentor kept telling me that this race was a marathon not a sprint and as I repeated this mantra, the light started to dawn.  If I wanted to succeed not just survive, I needed to open my eyes and learn.  The learning didn’t finish when we left the safe green of SEBTS; it only began. These are some of the lessons I have been learning since entering this new mission field.

            1.  A Quiet Pain – An Offering to the One who Sees and Knows

                        I had endless opportunities to gripe, whine and complain.  The downward spiral into negativity happens quickly like a flash flood.  Learning to seek God above all else, regardless of my circumstances and letting go of my own expectations, resulted in growth, but there were many nights I simply poured my tears out to the One who sees.  I had to learn to trust that He was holding the plan and my pain in his hands.  While waiting to hear from Him, I read good books such as “Calm my Anxious Heart” by Linda Dillow,  “The Art of Divine Contentment” by Thomas Watson, “The Hiding Place” by Corrie Ten Boom and “Unbroken” by Leslie Hildebrand.  I also prayed and fasted a lot and diligently read through the bible each day.  There were days it may have been a rote exercise, but I am confident that God’s word never returns void and even in the dryness, His words were healing balm to my soul.  By releasing my pain to God, He reminded me of His daily presence, provision and passion.  Even my most difficult moments became an offering lifted up. 

                        There was much temptation as well, to yell my pain from the rooftops, whether from frustration over yet another report due, irritating Internet connection or lack of real vanilla and chocolate chips.  What I discovered though was that the more I shared these burdens with others, the more I was weighing them down.  Everyone is struggling with their own weights and challenges, learning to be sensitive to their pain enabled me to love them more deeply and in return I turned to the only One who can really carry my burden and lighten my load.  My friends, my family, all have their own battles and mine may weigh them down beyond what they can bear.  Not only did I realize how to love them better but also I learned how to rely on God above all else.  Of course we need people in our lives and letting them in is a delicate balance that requires discernment and wisdom.  As you wisely share and others see you struggle, this will encourage them as well.  Learn to comfort others even if this seems unnatural.  You should be speaking truth into their lives not just complaining.  They may be struggling with the same things.  I had to learn in all circumstances how to be content, how to pour myself out to the King and how my pain could be used and shared appropriately.  “A contented heart is never out of heart. Contentment is a golden shield that beats back discouragements.”~ Thomas Watson

            2.  A Constant Adjustment – Living the Fluid Life

                        Sometimes your plans just don’t work out.  We all know this, but when it starts to happen to every plan, it leaves you wondering, scheming up new plans and even questioning if you remember correctly the first plan you had.  What I am coming to discover over time and through many mistakes is that God’s plan is the plan.  One step at a time, I am learning to become completely fluid in releasing myself to accept, revere and quit struggling against it.  His plan will be fulfilled whether you fight against it or be still and worship through it. 

                        After reading a book titled, “Crucial Conversations” my husband likes to constantly remind me to check the “story” I am telling myself.  Basically that means that in my flesh, I am a master at manipulating and changing plans.  When things turn sour, my first instinct is to tell myself a story of what, why and how we got to this place and then work diligently to readjust the plan.  But living the fluid life means riding the waves and thinking critically about how to do that, not insisting that there is a shark chasing you and then paddling like crazy for the shore.  If I want to see clearly, I have to use the logic God gave me and sometimes that means stuffing those emotions aside and taking a critical look at the story or lie I am believing in that moment.  There were many things in my plan that God changed or moved to direct me on to a new path but there were also emotions that came along with those movements.  Many times, my emotions blinded me to the truth until I removed the blinders and focused on the logic of where God was taking me.  He has always been more interested in my relationship with him, purging me to make me more like Christ than my desire to be comfortable. 

Here is a look at the other lessons I am learning that I will be sharing in future blog posts.
Hope to see you there!

            3.  A Tight Lip – Look, Listen and Feel, Leading by Example

            4.  A New View – Never Assume

            5.  A New Worship – The One on the Pedestal

            6.  A Better Plan – His!

            7.  A Tight Rope Life – How to do it all and survive

            8.  A Second Honeymoon – Living with your Spouse Cross-Culturally

            9.  A Surer Foundation – Rock vs Sand

            10.  A Living Hope – Filling your Jar

 Amy Lynn* has been married to her husband for 15 years.  He graduated last May from SEBTS with an MDIV in International Church Planting.  They are currently serving in the Middle East.  They have 4 children, ages 13, 11, 5 and 2.  Amy Lynn enjoys reading, writing and working out when she is not studying Arabic or visiting friends. 
*Name has been changed to ensure protection for our contributor.

 

It is officially SPRING and I’m so excited! It’s time for trips to the beach, picnics in the park and being able to wear skirts without getting goose bumps on my legs. It’s DEFINITELY time to go driving with the windows down and the music up. I have a few “go-to” songs that I enjoy during this time. One of them is by the band Vega4. It’s called, “Life is beautiful.” Here are some of the lyrics:

Life is beautiful. But it’s complicated, we barely make it. We don’t need to understand, there are miracles, miracles. Yeah, life is beautiful. Our hearts, they beat and break.

I wouldn’t exactly “wrap my biblical doctrine or theology” around these verses, but I think there are some interesting truths here. They are right; life is both beautiful and complicated. Sometimes it is beautiful, sometimes it is messy and SOMETIMES it’s beautifully messy. And just like the author of Ecclesiastes points out, there is a season for everything. (Read Ecclesiastes 3:1-18, it’s amazing!) 

Life is full of diverse moments. There are moments of birth and moments of death. Some moments are for weeping and some are for laughing. Some are for mourning and some are for dancing. Life is also not just about the “big moments” (wedding, babies, new jobs, moves, graduation, etc). It is full of little moments of responsibility and routine that impact our day-to-day life. How can we honor God in these moments? I’ve been thinking lately about how difficult those little moments can be in the wake of the bigger ones. In the midst of stress or strife, sometimes as we plan something really good (exciting new adventures, marriage, children, etc.), those little daily routines can feel extremely daunting.  These are tasks that otherwise seem easy and routine. Things like  paying bills, putting gas in your car, taking kids/loved ones to appointments, making dinner, etc.  

I’m not sure what your moments are currently full of. Perhaps a stressful boss, wedding planning, pregnancy, a big upcoming move, job applications, soccer practices … you fill in the blank! One passage that has been extremely helpful has been Matthew 6:33-34 (emphasis on 34 has been added by me). 

"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:33-34)

I love that last part in verse 34, “Each day has enough trouble of its own.” It’s so simple and sensible. It’s such a sweet reminder that God has only given me enough grace to get through today. When tomorrow comes, He’ll be there waiting for me with what I need. That certainly gives me the strength to wake up and go about my day, no matter what is lying ahead or hanging above me.

Personally, this reminder has been especially helpful as graduation approaches in May. I’m excited about the possibility of going to East Asia, but there have been moments where I have been so full of anxiety that I have not been able to enjoy what God has done. I allowed my mind to be full of doubts and “what-if” worries. However, these are all things that I cannot control. I must embrace what I know to be true about God and what I have seen Him do. I cannot control tomorrow. To be honest, I can’t control today. But what I can control are my reactions and my responses. I can also trust that, while life can sometimes be overwhelming and difficult, with Him life is abundant and full of hope.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10)

Elizabeth Elliot is an amazing author. She once quoted a poem that has stuck with me for a long time. The title is “Do the next thing.”

“Many a questioning, many a fear,
many a doubt hath its quieting here.
Moment by moment, let down from heaven,
time, opportunity, guidance are given.
Fear not tomorrow, child of the King,
trust that with Jesus, do the next thing. 

Do it immediately, do it with prayer,
do it reliantly, casting all care.
Do it with reverence, tracing His hand,
who placed it before thee with earnest command.
Stayed on omnipotence, safe 'neath His wing,
leave all resultings, do the next thing. 

Looking to Jesus, ever serener,
working or suffering be thy demeanor,
in His dear presence, the rest of His calm,
the light of His countenance, be thy psalm.
Do the next thing." 

Naturally, I would like to wish you moments of laughing, dancing and healing. But, as the author of Ecclesiastes pointed out, there are all kinds of moments in this life. However, I can always wish you moments full of hope from Christ. Praise the Lord that those moments will never end and that hope will never run dry.

Know that the LORD, He Is God!  It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.  Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with Praise!  Give thanks to Him; bless His name!  For the LORD is good; His steadfast love endures forever, and His faithfulness to all generations.  Ps. 100:3-5

 

 April Smith is from Charleston, South Carolina and will be graduating in May with her MA in Intercultural Studies. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, Clemson football, gardening, crafts and anything that has to do with the beach! Her undergraduate degree is in Special Education and she hopes to one day combine her love for the world with her love for special needs. She is currently making plans to move to East Asia with her roommate for a year and is so excited about what her Father is up to. You can check out her blog at aprilmariesmith.blogspot.com!

Every day I am reminded to be joyful, reminded by Scripture, my husband, the people around me, and my precious (I’m a little biased) baby girl. Life has drastically changed since adding HG to our family.  I worry a lot.  I get stressed out about things that I would have never even thought to stress out about a few months ago.  My days are full of changing diapers, feeding, and cleaning. At times it’s hard to find joy with my monotonous routine. 

The Lord is gently reminding me that joy is not something I produce, but comes from Him. It is the joy that I have through Christ that overflows into my own life. Looking back at the first month of HG’s life, I see how the Lord has provided a joyful heart for me even when I didn’t realize it. You see, when a baby is crying wailing throughout the night and you have done everything in your power to comfort her, you do not have joy. There is no way you can produce any kind of joy at 2 a.m. after a week of sleepless nights. It is at those breaking points that I have to ask the Lord to provide me with a joyful heart. I want to be patient and love my newborn well, but my selfish heart fights being joyful in those times.

I can distinctly remember one night where I was up with HG, and we were both crying and having trouble with feeding. I remember holding her to my chest and telling her the story of Jesus. I started from Genesis and went through the promise of Jesus returning one day. There was stillness. No crying (from her or me), just a peace. In that moment I was greatly reminded of the joy that Jesus brings us, and of the hope that He gives to me, a lowly sinner, every day. A rush of emotions hit me, possibly some from post-pregnancy wacked up hormones, but the emotion of thankfulness of the Gospel hit me so hard that tears began to fall down my face. 

In Jerry Bridges book, The Discipline of Grace, he talks about how we must preach the Gospel to ourselves daily, not just on Sundays and at small group, but daily. When we wake up in the morning, change diapers, study for a test, cook dinner, and finally lay our heads down at night, we should mediate on the Gospel. Preaching the gospel to ourselves daily reminds us of the joy that we have in Christ. I pray that I would preach the Gospel to myself daily, because goodness gracious I need it! 

Joyful reminders hit me from all over; from a little smiling face, to my wonderful husband, to our supportive family and friends, but most importantly, from the Gospel.  

Laura and her husband L moved to Wake Forest in May 2010.  Once they arrived at SEBTS, God directed their hearts to overseas missions.  L and Laura are in the 2+2 program and will be deploying in 2013.  This past September they welcomed HG to their family.  Laura is a member of The Summit and works part-time in the Women’s Life Office.

Reblogged from Alison Lawson's Blog, Footprints
November 18, 2011

The world today appears to be moving at a faster, more hectic pace than ever before, and in the midst of so many obligations, gratitude seems like a vanishing trait, destined for an untimely death.

Perhaps we formally give thanks for a present out of an implicit obligation or because a parent trained us in that habit, but what about other kind gestures and intangible gifts offered to us for which we never consider giving thanks?

I recently spoke on this topic to a group of Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS). In preparing for the talk, I discovered many reasons for the general lack of gratitude that exists today. I even proposed ideas for overcoming our negligence in this area and becoming more intentional with our thanksgiving.

However, it occurred to me that, in this very busy world, numerous suggestions for being a more grateful person will have no effect if one does not understand WHY it is important to adopt a permanent attitude of thankfulness.

While gratitude may seem “optional,” perhaps we should consider making it a personal “requirement” and discipline in our lives that eventually evolves into a characteristic of who we are rather than an action carried out only once a year on a designated day or out of habit for a specific occasion.

Why? Because gratitude is important and makes a difference!

A thankful person is a more joyful and content person, recognizing and appreciating life’s many blessings rather than coveting what she lacks.

A habit of thanksgiving also improves relationships, including marriages. Showing and telling your spouse how thankful you are for him is certain to make him feel loved and respected, a key aspect to a flourishing marriage.

Additionally, studies have found that grateful families who express their appreciation for one another are also stronger, healthier families. Children tend to be less materialistic, better students, and overall happier. An attitude of gratitude is a legacy parents can pass down to their offspring, potentially influencing many generations!

A grateful heart encourages others. People like being recognized, their talents being noticed, and their gifts being appreciated. A simple “thank you” has potential to brighten another’s day, perhaps arriving when most needed, and be a blessing for all involved.

Most importantly, choosing to have an attitude of gratitude every day honors the Lord. Ultimately, all gifts and blessings are from Him. Complaining and coveting reflects poorly on the God who created us, sustains our lives, and blesses us in ways we may never fully identify or comprehend.

Furthermore, God has given us the best Gift possible, His Son Jesus. A relationship with God through Jesus grants us not only eternal life, but also an enduring peace that sustains us in times of trials and frustrations and enables us to always be thankful.

When we set aside disappointments and instead choose to be grateful every day in every situation, looking for the blessings in life, we positively reflect our faith in God to those around us, drawing others not only to ourselves, but also to Him.

Gratitude makes a difference in our own lives as well as the lives of those around us, while also honoring God who has given us so much for which to be thankful. Giving thanks should not be reserved for one day, or even one month of the year, but should instead be an attitude we adopt and share every day.

“Rejoice always…in everything give thanks…” 1 Thessalonians 5:16, 18a

Alison Lawson is married to  Mike Lawson who is the the Director of Campus Security at Southeastern. They have three wonderful boys and thank the Lord for them. Alison says, "We experience both joys and trials, good times and hard times. Our lives are far from perfect, but they are filled with God's goodness and grace. To God be the glory." You can check out more from Alison on her family blog, Footprints.

K.J. Nally's blog, Answers of Truth
Oct. 6, 2011

When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered, I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you. Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. 

Every month was a physical reminder of what happened. Every month my emotions warred against my heart of what I knew to be Truth. Why wasn’t this easier? And why did each month seem to force me on an emotional roller coaster? I felt God’s presence in midst of the storm…why did He seem so far off now? Yet, I know He is beside me, guiding me, holding me up by my right arm. His Word promises He will never leave. He always seeks His glory and the good of those who love Him. Yes, I know that is Truth…help me Lord to believe it.

 These words from Psalm 73 are salve to the broken soul. Honestly, it’s been a tough year. My flesh failed me and then my heart was broken in a million pieces. 

On Sunday, October 2^nd it would have been our little baby's due date. Lil’ Bean we called him. I was 9 weeks pregnant when I had a miscarriage—my flesh failed. 

The Story of Lil’ Bean

Nine weeks went by and I was feeling so good. We joked that maybe there wasn’t a baby in my “belly” because I didn’t feel pregnant. Sure, I was tired and ate everything in sight, but I felt great. Excitedly, we arrived at the doctor…it would be Lil’ Bean’s First Picture (ultrasound). As we sat in the room waiting for the doctor, we gave each other a high five and then pumped the air three times toward Heaven, giving God three high fives because this was His perfect work, not ours. We had determined from the first day God blessed us with our baby to have “open hands.” This was God’s little one, entrusted to us to raise Him to be a worshiper of God. The doctor came in and talked for awhile about what to expect and hospital protocol—then it was time for “Baby’s First Picture.”

Silence. This isn’t what an ultrasound was supposed to look like, I thought. Where was my baby? The picture was white with only a small black circle. No heart beat. The doctor didn’t need to say anything, we knew. And our hearts broke. The doctor left the room after a short explanation of what would happen over the next few days. She told me not to blame myself. But, in that moment as my world spun out of control I couldn’t stop the thoughts. I wept in my husband’s strong arms. Slowly I met his gaze and said, “I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry.” He knew what I meant and grabbed my tear stained face. “Don’t you dare go there,” he sternly warned. “Don’t you dare take credit for what God is doing.” I knew the truth…God was in control, He was faithful, and He was good. But, could I believe that in this moment?

Yes. I could.

When we lost our baby, we cried to the point of exhaustion. It was so sweet falling in love with our first child. It gave us a small glimpse of how God loves us and how His heart must break when people die before knowing their Father; miscarried for eternity. The day after we lost our baby, I prayed to God for strength to praise Him even when I hurt so deeply. I have never felt the nearness of my Lord like I did in the midst of this pain. And even when I felt emotionally drained and spiritually broken the months that followed, He gave me the strength to praise Him even through the pain. You can read the prayer I wrote to God after the miscarriage here.

We still have moments of sadness of what could have been, but we must remind ourselves of truth; preach to ourselves. The truth is that God is good. He is in absolute control for His glory and our best.

What do we do with pain and trials…When God seems far, how do we continue holding onto our faith? 

We must TRUST.

“Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal” (Isaiah 24:6).

Trust that God is true and His Word is Truth (Ps. 53:1; Col. 1:15-23; 1 Tim. 3:16-17; Heb. 4:12).

Trust that God loves his children more than we can fathom (1 Jn 3:1; 1 Jn. 4:19; Rom. 8:38-39).

Trust that God wants the best for us, just as any parent does on earth…though He is much wiser (Rom. 8:28-30; 2 Pt. 1:2-10; Jer. 17:8).

Trust that God’s way brings Him the most glory (Ps. 19:1; Ps. 108:4-6; Lk. 2:14).

Trust that God never leaves us alone in pain, but holds our hand and walks with us (Ps. 90:10; Deut. 31:6; Heb. 13:5).
Trust that God will one day take all pain away when we are with Him in eternity (Jn. 16:33; Jn. 10:10; Rev. 21:4).

Trust that God is good…ALL the time! (Ps. 84; Ps. 73:1; Mk. 10:18).

My pain-filled emotions were good, just not trustworthy. I had to constantly go back to Truth - that these trials are making me more like Jesus for the glory of God!

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! 1 John 3:1

Know God intimately…before a trial hits. Do not blame God or turn from Him in anger, but cling to the one who died for you so that He could comfort you forever in eternity. David said in Psalm 90:10, “Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.”

Seek Him friends…Trust Him…see that He is good, even (and especially) in times of pain.

These words from J. C. Ryle have brought me much encouragement:

“Reader, if God has given you His only begotten Son, beware of doubting His kindness and love, in any painful providence of your daily life! Never allow yourself to think hard thoughts of God. Never suppose that He can give you anything which is not really for your good. Remember the words of Paul: ‘He who spared not His own Son—but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things’ (Romans 8:32).

See in every sorrow and trouble of your earthly pilgrimage the hand of Him who gave Christ to die for your sins! That hand can never smite you except in love! He who gave His only begotten Son for you, will never withhold anything from you which is really for your good. Lean back on this thought and be content. Say to yourself in the darkest hour of trial, ‘This also is ordered by Him who gave Christ to die for my sins. It cannot be wrong. It is done in love. It must be well.’"

John 16:33 says, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Amen!

K.J. Nally is a writer, teacher, and counselor. She is pursuing her master’s degree in Biblical Counseling, concentrating in women's ministry from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. K.J. and her husband, Dustin, have a passion to fight for Godly marriages, spur on teens to seek purity, and encourage men and women to live obediently to their Creator God.

K.J. and Dustin are marriage and individual counselors at Hope Counseling Center through their church, North Wake. They also work with Converting Hearts Ministries,’ a Christ-centered addictions ministry.

K.J. is also a freelance journalist. Check out more about Christian Living at K.J.’s blog, Answers of Truth.