FINDING A DOCTOR

Cultural Differences (Part 1)

For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. (Romans 12:3)

You can mark it down, there will be cultural differences when moving to a new culture. But it doesn’t mean anyone’s ways are right or wrong just opposite than you are familiar with, in most cases. Learning to appreciate those variances is important but may take time. Such rich varieties of cultures is God’s idea. It expresses His creativity and allows us to convey our God-given gifts as His image-bearers. We are not to think of ourselves more highly than we should but extend grace where we can when moving to another culture.

For example, one of the first things I was always told when moving to a new place in the US, besides looking for the best school for your child (if you have kids), was to make sure you find a good doctor in the area. However, pursuing medical professionals in another culture can be most challenging. Why?

First, there may not be wi-fi or google to search out quality doctors. 

Second, if one’s teammates haven’t paved the way, then strangers from your host culture may be called upon for advice. 

What questions do I ask? Who do I ask? I know so few people here. How would they know my values as to what I like in a doctor?  

Third, what if they don’t speak English? Talk about being vulnerable and feeling insecure!

By the time Jim and I arrived in the Philippines we had been married for a year and a half. We were ready to start a family. In hindsight, since we had the choice, we should have pursued language study before we even considered children. (Take note new field workers!!) But, six months after arriving in the Philippines, I found myself pregnant.  (more…)

Summer 2016

Living with a Thankful Heart

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Psalm 27:4-5 says “One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple. For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock.”

There are Seasons of Life where it seems when it rains it pours. Is the same God on the throne during those times as He is when all is good? Is God good? Often when going through hard times we question God. Nothing wrong with that but use it as an opportunity to lean into God rather than run from Him knowing that He is God! He can handle it.

Find things to be thankful for in the midst of these hard times is crucial.  

This summer 2016 was one of those seasons for me. It isn’t the first and I am sure it will not be the last. However, this one was hard in the midst of so much grieving. But I can say as I look back on it, it was one of the most rewarding.     (more…)

CAN GOD USE EVEN ME?

God uses ordinary people

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Job 23:10, “But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold”

Do you ever get discouraged when you keep making the same mistakes over and over and you just can’t, “ahh” ,be perfect”? Do you ever wonder if something is wrong with you?  

When I was in college I thought: “Why am I having all these insecurities still? Why don’t I have it all together? Why am I having all these silly emotions and why aren’t I able to control all my emotions faster than I am?   I am saved. I love Jesus. Maybe I don’t love Jesus as much as I think I do. Shouldn’t I be moving towards being able to fight these emotions off? 

Maybe I have sinned and I need to make it right, or maybe something isn’t just right with me. Maybe God can’t love me as much as He can love someone else.  Maybe I need to do more, or learn more, then I’ll be good enough.”

Do you ever have these kinds of conversations with yourself? I did. I still talk to myself with questions and emotions I often don’t understand.  I still haven’t arrived but I am a lot further along than I was in college.  God’s Word gives me God’s Truth about who I truly am and gives me guidance on which directions to take in the midst of my turbulence.   (more…)

What is your Story?

God, our Heavenly Father's providential hand is guiding your story

February is the month of “Happy Valentines“!   This blog is one of God’s love stories to me.   Maybe you can relate in some way.

Psalm 27:10 “Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me.” (NIV)    

Maybe when you think of your life you may feel, it is one big waste or perhaps you feel unsettled, dissatisfied, or  living in pain. Are you experiencing another transition? Are you looking for that day when life will feel normal again? You scream, “Will I ever feel settled again?” or  “Will this pain ever go away?” Maybe not, but there is one place you can go.

MEMORIES: 

I have this early memory as a little girl of one of my safest, most secure and restful moments with my earthly father. I would climb up into my parent’s bed, dragging my favorite book with me (at the time it was Black Beauty) and plopping myself next to my dad. (more…)