Rhymes with "Flower of Dabble"

It feels like every time I read the news, there's something outrageous going on that everyone else is acting like is normal.

So, I was on yahoo.com and they were talking about the Big Bang machine setting a record for smashing atoms at "three times more force than before."  Sound dangerous, much? (According to your own theory, the last time that happened....) Then, there was some talk about us (Americans) trying to blow up the moon to see if there was frozen water in the craters.  Who's bright idea was that?  {looking around the room at the scientists with my best teacher glare} 

I'm just sayin'.  Sounds a lot like us constructing our own contemporary version of the Tower of Babel to me.  And what's worse is, when the Lord punished mankind back in the day for trying to reach Heaven via the Tower, His punishment affected all of the human race.   I was always the kid who didn't want to get in trouble for some other kid's junk.  Can y'all stop playing before you get us all in trouble, please?!

What a difference a year makes

Today it's official.  My dear hubby has passed his cold on to me.  Marriage is about becoming one, right?  I was sitting here annoyed by my nasal drip thinking about how different my life has become.

Last year this time, I was teaching math to seventh graders in the Bronx.  I didn't care as much if I got sick.  I would take time off if I absolutely needed to, but other than that, I would just traipse to school/work with an extra cup of tea or lozenges.  This year, though, being sick must be kept to a minimum.  Women of Faith isn't paying me to be raspy with a limp disposition.  I have to be ready to sing at my first Women of Faith conference next weekend (including the rehearsals the days before).  The only time I had to sing last year was on "Fun Fridays" (a special singing/dancing afternoon I planned for my students-- if they behaved all week) or informally on Sunday mornings at our church.

So, here's to lots of tea, less dairy, more fruits and veggies and lots of Airborne!

I love my job...

Last week, I rehearsed with the rest of my team for the Women of Faith tour (Imagine tour).  It was tough, but it was SO much fun!  We sang until we were hoarse and moved until we were sweating.  I still can't get over the fact that I get to do this for a living now.  I mean, I literally put in hours of hard work, but doing something I kinda can't get enough of doing!

The Women of Faith organization is always incredibly prepared, but somehow, they still manage to keep God first in all they do.  I really am honored to be a part.  If you get a chance, make sure you attend one of the conferences on the east or west coast.  Either one will be AMAZING!

Never Saul, Always David

How come we as Christians never see ourselves in the stories of the Bible as the villain?  I mean, we can always relate to David, Solomon (in his wise days), Paul, and even Peter on his better side of believing.  Somehow, we rarely think of ourselves as the tormented Saul, chasing David because he was jealous of his anointing.  We don't see ourselves as the hardened-hearted-Pharaoh, leading his army to pursue God's people, attempting to enslave them.  And I don't know why, but we certainly don't see ourselves as Pharisees, cursing Jesus for breaking our tradition that we've interpreted as the Law.

If these characters existed back then, and there's "nothing new under the sun," then don't they have to exist in some form now?

I don't know.  Just a thought....

And My God Will Supply...

You might know the rest of this Scripture passage.  If not, it goes, "and my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. (English Standard Version)"  This is what Paul, the great apostle and missionary, said in his letter to the Phillipians. 

I've heard this passage quoted so many times, but reading now in my study time, I realize that I've heard it in the incorrect context probably every single time.

Aside: So, I'm not really one to memorize actual passages of Scripture.  I'm the kind of learner who learns by concept.  When I was in college at Oberlin, I majored in Economics.  Now, the econ department offered the major requirement Macroeconomics in two different ways: the very math way of learning things (via Calculus) and the very conceptual way of learning things.  I have to admit, I took the math way first, thinking, I'm pretty good in math, only to have a tragic semester resulting in failing that class. :-(  But I retook it, this time in the class that focused on the concepts.  I did pretty well and had a great time doing it.  (My professor, Professor Robert Piron, was amazing!)  Shout out!

Anyway, I say all that to say... I never understood this verse until I studied it myself and understood the concept behind it.  And now I realize many people don't understand it!

As a missionary, Paul often relied on the churches he started to help support the ministry going forward.  Well, in the letter to the Phillipians, Paul is thanking them for their tangible support and expressing how much God also appreciates their support of his ministry.  And right after that comes, "and my God will supply every need of yours [emphasis mine] according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus."  It seems to imply that God will take care of them just like they have been taking care of Paul. 

So, how are we tangibly supporting the Kingdom of God?  And are we expecting to be taken care of in the most elaborate ways without even considering sacrificing our own resources for the sake of the message of Christ?  I know I have some supporting to do....