"God is not done with the work of missions. He said go make disciples of all nations. And then he said, “I will be with you to the end of the age.” The promise is good till Jesus comes, because the commission is binding till Jesus comes. Therefore you and I face the question individually what our role is in obeying the great commission to reach all the unreached peoples of the world with the gospel of the riches of Christ."
Thats just enough to tempt you (I hope) to read the entire article, which I am half-way through. Piper blows my mind. He says what my heart thinks before I can put words on it.
Enjoy if you so choose to partake:
http://www.desiringgod.org/library/sermons/04/102404.html
(excerpt above taken from the above reference)
And may God's blessings overwhelm you today. Tiffani
Thursday, October 28, 2004
Life Lessons for Today
Proverbs 3:4-5 (Tiffani English Version)
Put no faith in your own insight or knowledge. Trust God alone to direct the future of your life circumstances - because he will.
Jeremiah 1:12 (TEV)
God will put his promises into effect. He has in the past, he will continue to do so.
Tiffani's commentary:
God will do the good HE pleases in HIS own good ways and at HIS good times and I need not have anxiety about short-term circumstances. Even when others act in "their" understanding of God and it affects me, it doesn't really matter - because God is sovereign over our WHOLE lives and the lives of others.
I will wait upon the Lord for HIS will to come to pass, even though at times the darkness is complete and I have no direction. I will trust in HIS goodness in all circumstances, even when the way is "fearsome" and unknown. Even when people act in ways that I believe are contrary to God's will, God's will will be done.
Weird and hard to understand. But true.
I will expect miracles that put into reality that which I have already believe to be truth about circumstances.
And on those things I will rest.
Love, Tiffani
Put no faith in your own insight or knowledge. Trust God alone to direct the future of your life circumstances - because he will.
Jeremiah 1:12 (TEV)
God will put his promises into effect. He has in the past, he will continue to do so.
Tiffani's commentary:
God will do the good HE pleases in HIS own good ways and at HIS good times and I need not have anxiety about short-term circumstances. Even when others act in "their" understanding of God and it affects me, it doesn't really matter - because God is sovereign over our WHOLE lives and the lives of others.
I will wait upon the Lord for HIS will to come to pass, even though at times the darkness is complete and I have no direction. I will trust in HIS goodness in all circumstances, even when the way is "fearsome" and unknown. Even when people act in ways that I believe are contrary to God's will, God's will will be done.
Weird and hard to understand. But true.
I will expect miracles that put into reality that which I have already believe to be truth about circumstances.
And on those things I will rest.
Love, Tiffani
Wednesday, October 27, 2004
Illinois Fact
Did you know that 95% of processed pumpkin produced in the United States is produced in Illinois?
Did you (further) know that 85% of the processed pumpkin produced in the WORLD is produced in Illinois?
Cool, huh!?
Did you (further) know that 85% of the processed pumpkin produced in the WORLD is produced in Illinois?
Cool, huh!?
Tarsus
Its been a week I think, since I've been able to write.
Work is going well. I'm constantly surprised - even after a year - at how much I enjoy the men on the team. I like helping them with their crises and hearing about their victories. Its neat seeing them grow up. Additionally, I'm blessed to have relationship with a number of women (students) on the campus.
Last Sunday night I spoke at Leah's RC meeting. It was fun to get together with her leaders and talk to them about repentance and forgiveness offered through Jesus. How to pray with the authority that we are given through Him. And how to walk in the freedom that those things bring. It was a great time for ME to be sharpened, and I hope they were challenged a little.
In BSF we are studying the Acts of the Apostles (starting with the book of Acts, and then moving on to study a bunch of the letters/epistles). A couple weeks ago we were learning about Paul (Saul) and how the Lord said to him "I will send you" but then he wasn't sent right away. He went for a time to Arabia to learn to hear the Lord's voice, and be discipled; he spent a short amount of time in Jerusalem.. and then we went back home to Tarsus for 7 years... where he waited upon the sending of the Lord.
While he was in Tarsus he worked, we can only presume - both at his trade and at evangelism. But that wasn't his calling. His calling was as the "Apostle to the Gentiles" and the Lord hadn't sent him to it yet. At the time, his "job" for Jesus was to stay and wait. It had to be enough for Paul that the Lord had said "I WILL send you."
I realized as I was studying that section, and over the week or so since.... Greenville is like my Tarsus. I have work to do here (both "tentmaking" and evangelistic in nature) and I am here waiting to be sent. Thats not to say that the Lord didn't send me here, because I think he did. But at some level, I think I'm here to learn and to teach and to wait. And the Lord needed me to wait outside of my comfort zone - - because in Seattle it was all too easy.
Here, easy isn't the word that I would use to describe my experience. Fun, memory-making, hard, sad, but not easy.
And I'm grateful most days that its not easy. And that the Lord chose and appointed me for this work. And other days I wish my waiting period were over because its hard to be here for various reasons.
But I trust that God has always taken care of me in the past. Numerous life changing and life saving occasions. And because of that I know I can trust him for each moment of my future. After all... every one of my days was written in his book before I was even born; and he takes care of the sparrows' every need... and says to me "are you not worth much more?"
Time for work. Signing off from Tarsus. :)
Love, Tiffani
Work is going well. I'm constantly surprised - even after a year - at how much I enjoy the men on the team. I like helping them with their crises and hearing about their victories. Its neat seeing them grow up. Additionally, I'm blessed to have relationship with a number of women (students) on the campus.
Last Sunday night I spoke at Leah's RC meeting. It was fun to get together with her leaders and talk to them about repentance and forgiveness offered through Jesus. How to pray with the authority that we are given through Him. And how to walk in the freedom that those things bring. It was a great time for ME to be sharpened, and I hope they were challenged a little.
In BSF we are studying the Acts of the Apostles (starting with the book of Acts, and then moving on to study a bunch of the letters/epistles). A couple weeks ago we were learning about Paul (Saul) and how the Lord said to him "I will send you" but then he wasn't sent right away. He went for a time to Arabia to learn to hear the Lord's voice, and be discipled; he spent a short amount of time in Jerusalem.. and then we went back home to Tarsus for 7 years... where he waited upon the sending of the Lord.
While he was in Tarsus he worked, we can only presume - both at his trade and at evangelism. But that wasn't his calling. His calling was as the "Apostle to the Gentiles" and the Lord hadn't sent him to it yet. At the time, his "job" for Jesus was to stay and wait. It had to be enough for Paul that the Lord had said "I WILL send you."
I realized as I was studying that section, and over the week or so since.... Greenville is like my Tarsus. I have work to do here (both "tentmaking" and evangelistic in nature) and I am here waiting to be sent. Thats not to say that the Lord didn't send me here, because I think he did. But at some level, I think I'm here to learn and to teach and to wait. And the Lord needed me to wait outside of my comfort zone - - because in Seattle it was all too easy.
Here, easy isn't the word that I would use to describe my experience. Fun, memory-making, hard, sad, but not easy.
And I'm grateful most days that its not easy. And that the Lord chose and appointed me for this work. And other days I wish my waiting period were over because its hard to be here for various reasons.
But I trust that God has always taken care of me in the past. Numerous life changing and life saving occasions. And because of that I know I can trust him for each moment of my future. After all... every one of my days was written in his book before I was even born; and he takes care of the sparrows' every need... and says to me "are you not worth much more?"
Time for work. Signing off from Tarsus. :)
Love, Tiffani
Friday, October 22, 2004
Wednesday, October 20, 2004
Low Grade Reports, and Low Moods
I've been working on the low grade report today. And now I'm sort of discouraged. But the Lord says "do not be discouraged!" so I'm going to STOP. smile.
Had a great talk with Maura today about glorifying God in all we do. And I was convicted that I've been kind of cranky lately and moody.
And I haven't been sacrificing my time (nor my sleep, primarily) to have a devotional time. I think its affecting me. Maura and I made a deal for accountability this week. Next week we will check in on each other to see if we both had a devotional time every day.
She inspires me to know more and be more for Jesus.
Tiffani
Had a great talk with Maura today about glorifying God in all we do. And I was convicted that I've been kind of cranky lately and moody.
And I haven't been sacrificing my time (nor my sleep, primarily) to have a devotional time. I think its affecting me. Maura and I made a deal for accountability this week. Next week we will check in on each other to see if we both had a devotional time every day.
She inspires me to know more and be more for Jesus.
Tiffani
Monday, October 18, 2004
Monday, Monday
1) Its STORMY here in Mid-America. I awoke at 5am to flashbulbs going off in my room - no, wait, it was lightning attacking me from every corner.
Made me remember the Psalmist's description of the Lord's defense of us: "Out of the brightness of his presence clouds advanced, with hailstones and bolts of lightning. The Lord thundered from heaven; the voice of the Most High resounded. (Ps 18:12-13)
Whenever I see lightning and hear thunder, I remember that the Lord comes in defense of me, when I am being attacked (no matter the situation - earthly or spiritually), he is my true Defender.
2) My parents leave today to head back to (sunny!) Phoenix. WHAT A VISIT.
We had a great time together. Friday was nice - we spent time with the team and the Panther Parents at a pizza dinner, then went home and spent time together at my house. Saturday we got to walk around town between FB team breakfast and the game, and then they got the FULL Tiffani experience, as they sat with me near my statisticians for the entire game. VERY fun for me. I got to introduce them at the "Family Locker Room" after the game....
"Hey Triplets! Go Triplets! Attaway! Attaway!" - because the players couldn't get over how much I looked like both mom AND dad.
We went to a FANTASTICO mexican dinner on Saturday night at one of my favorite places - Rancho Nuevo, in Vandalia. And then we headed into town to catch a Greenville College favorite (band): SausageFest - a crazy band made up of (now) alumni, who sing goofy songs about Greenville situations and places (i.e. there is a song about Chang's Chinese Restaurant, and one about getting an MRS. degree). I think my parents enjoyed it - though you could hardly understand the words (not a great sound system in play that night).
Sunday morning I made breakfast for my folks and Heather, we all went to church and then headed to St. Louis to SIX FLAGS. It was a great day, sunny and not too cold. We enjoyed a few hours there on various rides (the NINJA was great, and my favorite - - - Scooby Doo) and then went out to dinner - RED LOBSTER. It was quite a day for all of us.
We capped off mom and dad's visit with a viewing of "The Day After Tomorrow" at my house.
Phew - what a weekend and what a great visit. I will have a picture up of the three of us (mom/dad and I) soon.
3) Mondays. Today is a rough one, started out good (though stormy) but I had a bad couple of hours. Since I've turned 30 I feel like I've fluctuated more with circumstances (mood-wise) than I used to. So I'm about to take a few minutes and rein it all back in. I'm making it a great afternoon (and evening, when I go to BSF with Leah) no matter what.
Its just going to be great day. I'm making it that way. Period.
:)
Psalm 18:32-34
It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of the deer; he enables me to stand in the heights. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
Love, Tiff
Made me remember the Psalmist's description of the Lord's defense of us: "Out of the brightness of his presence clouds advanced, with hailstones and bolts of lightning. The Lord thundered from heaven; the voice of the Most High resounded. (Ps 18:12-13)
Whenever I see lightning and hear thunder, I remember that the Lord comes in defense of me, when I am being attacked (no matter the situation - earthly or spiritually), he is my true Defender.
2) My parents leave today to head back to (sunny!) Phoenix. WHAT A VISIT.
We had a great time together. Friday was nice - we spent time with the team and the Panther Parents at a pizza dinner, then went home and spent time together at my house. Saturday we got to walk around town between FB team breakfast and the game, and then they got the FULL Tiffani experience, as they sat with me near my statisticians for the entire game. VERY fun for me. I got to introduce them at the "Family Locker Room" after the game....
"Hey Triplets! Go Triplets! Attaway! Attaway!" - because the players couldn't get over how much I looked like both mom AND dad.
We went to a FANTASTICO mexican dinner on Saturday night at one of my favorite places - Rancho Nuevo, in Vandalia. And then we headed into town to catch a Greenville College favorite (band): SausageFest - a crazy band made up of (now) alumni, who sing goofy songs about Greenville situations and places (i.e. there is a song about Chang's Chinese Restaurant, and one about getting an MRS. degree). I think my parents enjoyed it - though you could hardly understand the words (not a great sound system in play that night).
Sunday morning I made breakfast for my folks and Heather, we all went to church and then headed to St. Louis to SIX FLAGS. It was a great day, sunny and not too cold. We enjoyed a few hours there on various rides (the NINJA was great, and my favorite - - - Scooby Doo) and then went out to dinner - RED LOBSTER. It was quite a day for all of us.
We capped off mom and dad's visit with a viewing of "The Day After Tomorrow" at my house.
Phew - what a weekend and what a great visit. I will have a picture up of the three of us (mom/dad and I) soon.
3) Mondays. Today is a rough one, started out good (though stormy) but I had a bad couple of hours. Since I've turned 30 I feel like I've fluctuated more with circumstances (mood-wise) than I used to. So I'm about to take a few minutes and rein it all back in. I'm making it a great afternoon (and evening, when I go to BSF with Leah) no matter what.
Its just going to be great day. I'm making it that way. Period.
:)
Psalm 18:32-34
It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of the deer; he enables me to stand in the heights. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
Love, Tiff
Friday, October 15, 2004
An Ode to How Much Fun My Parents Are
An Ode to How Much Fun My Parents Are:
Last night my parents arrive in Greenville,
tired (running on 4 hours sleep and a long flight) but happy.
Immediately my mom and I began to cook,
dad kept us company as we chopped and grilled.
Heather was sent to pick up dressing as the party arrived.
First Kyle (always on-"time"), then Dave, then Leah.
Now Heather returns and dinner is served.
Mom and Dad say "Oh Honey, we don't think we'll stay too late."
But, Let's face it... they're Riggers - and we like a party.
Dinner (in a word): Superb, Company: Without equal.
After chowing on Caesar Salad and
Grilled Chicken Fettucini Alfredo (with fresh peppers and mushrooms),
Texas Hold'Em begins.
Barbs thown across the table from every side.
(and not friends named Barb, we're talking verbal jousts)
Friend to Friend.
Daughter to Parent.
Parent to Daughter, to Friend.
Friend to Parent.
Madness. And much laughter.
There are no punches pulled just because "mom and dad" are here.
Smile.
In the end Dad takes it all.
Not that he's a professional, but he's good.
The game goes until 10:30... but where's the EMAP?
EMAP'ers begin to arrive and my party animal parents...
remain.
They meet Mom, they meet Dad, they stay and chat and joke.
At 11:30 Dave says "we're out" and all college students
(and non-resident adults) begin to leave.
My parents are the last ones at the deal.
I don't know that there are funner parents on the earth than mine.
_______________________________
T+13 hours since my parents arrived in Greenville. Already we have memories that I cherish. I am blessed beyond imagining with the family that I have been given. Who could have been so blessed as me!? :) (Ok, you may feel the same way)
More fun ahead today. Big family pizza party with the team, and then an alumni Volleyball game in which Heather will play.
Blessings, Tiffani
Last night my parents arrive in Greenville,
tired (running on 4 hours sleep and a long flight) but happy.
Immediately my mom and I began to cook,
dad kept us company as we chopped and grilled.
Heather was sent to pick up dressing as the party arrived.
First Kyle (always on-"time"), then Dave, then Leah.
Now Heather returns and dinner is served.
Mom and Dad say "Oh Honey, we don't think we'll stay too late."
But, Let's face it... they're Riggers - and we like a party.
Dinner (in a word): Superb, Company: Without equal.
After chowing on Caesar Salad and
Grilled Chicken Fettucini Alfredo (with fresh peppers and mushrooms),
Texas Hold'Em begins.
Barbs thown across the table from every side.
(and not friends named Barb, we're talking verbal jousts)
Friend to Friend.
Daughter to Parent.
Parent to Daughter, to Friend.
Friend to Parent.
Madness. And much laughter.
There are no punches pulled just because "mom and dad" are here.
Smile.
In the end Dad takes it all.
Not that he's a professional, but he's good.
The game goes until 10:30... but where's the EMAP?
EMAP'ers begin to arrive and my party animal parents...
remain.
They meet Mom, they meet Dad, they stay and chat and joke.
At 11:30 Dave says "we're out" and all college students
(and non-resident adults) begin to leave.
My parents are the last ones at the deal.
I don't know that there are funner parents on the earth than mine.
_______________________________
T+13 hours since my parents arrived in Greenville. Already we have memories that I cherish. I am blessed beyond imagining with the family that I have been given. Who could have been so blessed as me!? :) (Ok, you may feel the same way)
More fun ahead today. Big family pizza party with the team, and then an alumni Volleyball game in which Heather will play.
Blessings, Tiffani
Thursday, October 14, 2004
Feels like Friday to us...
T-minus 30 minutes until my parents arrive in Greenville.
I'm really happy. I'm also really tired despite sleeping in an extra 30 minutes this morning.
The weather yesterday, the day before AND today.... all "Seattle" winter. Makes me miss home. Also makes me want to take a nap... Heather is here at work helping me. We both think that today feels like Friday. I'm hoping its just the "mid-season" blues and nothing that will keep me confused for the next 5 weeks. It stinks to think that tomorrow is the game and its not... bummer.
My mom is making dinner tonight for me, Leah, Heather, Dave, and Kyle. And maybe Steve Moore (Dave's roommate, not my cousin, but also from WA), too. She has a FANTASTICO menu planned of Grilled Chicken Fettucini Alfredo, Caesar Salad and Ice Cream for dessert. Afterward I'm thinking we may play some Texas Hold'em and then Dave's EMAP group is coming over to watch a movie (during which I may sleep on the floor, in a exhaustion induced coma).
I keep meaning to post some pics. Will do from this weekend, soon, I hope.
Mom and Dad emailed me with pictures yesterday of: 1) my brother, Ben, and his SLIM self, 2) Ben's new Nissan truck, 3) the new front door and 4) the new fountain in the front courtyard. It looks nice and warm there.
Big weekend against a big team. And on Sunday we're hoping (my family) to go to Six Flags in St. Louis.
T-minus 20 minutes. I'm kind of excited.
May you have excitement in YOUR night.
Love, Tiff
I'm really happy. I'm also really tired despite sleeping in an extra 30 minutes this morning.
The weather yesterday, the day before AND today.... all "Seattle" winter. Makes me miss home. Also makes me want to take a nap... Heather is here at work helping me. We both think that today feels like Friday. I'm hoping its just the "mid-season" blues and nothing that will keep me confused for the next 5 weeks. It stinks to think that tomorrow is the game and its not... bummer.
My mom is making dinner tonight for me, Leah, Heather, Dave, and Kyle. And maybe Steve Moore (Dave's roommate, not my cousin, but also from WA), too. She has a FANTASTICO menu planned of Grilled Chicken Fettucini Alfredo, Caesar Salad and Ice Cream for dessert. Afterward I'm thinking we may play some Texas Hold'em and then Dave's EMAP group is coming over to watch a movie (during which I may sleep on the floor, in a exhaustion induced coma).
I keep meaning to post some pics. Will do from this weekend, soon, I hope.
Mom and Dad emailed me with pictures yesterday of: 1) my brother, Ben, and his SLIM self, 2) Ben's new Nissan truck, 3) the new front door and 4) the new fountain in the front courtyard. It looks nice and warm there.
Big weekend against a big team. And on Sunday we're hoping (my family) to go to Six Flags in St. Louis.
T-minus 20 minutes. I'm kind of excited.
May you have excitement in YOUR night.
Love, Tiff
Wednesday, October 13, 2004
Truth
I am reading Acts 10 today for my BSF lesson.
Thought I would share it here:
vv34,36-43
Then Peter began to speak..."You know the message God sent to the people of Israel telling the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. You know what has happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached - how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him. We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a tree, but God raised him the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen - by us who ate and drank wiht him after he rose from teh dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name."
Be blessed today.
Thought I would share it here:
vv34,36-43
Then Peter began to speak..."You know the message God sent to the people of Israel telling the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. You know what has happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached - how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him. We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a tree, but God raised him the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen - by us who ate and drank wiht him after he rose from teh dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name."
Be blessed today.
Comfortability and the Christian
I was talking with my friend, Bethany, last night about change. And about how when we are in Christ the Lord doesn't promise us "comfortable" cookie-cutter lives. In fact, he promises the opposite - that we will be persecuted, divided from the ones we love, hated even, if we decide to follow him; but that we don't need to fear, because he has overcome the world.
Bethany just moved to Tacoma, WA (shout out to my WA friends/family!) after spending 4 yrs here in Greenville. She's an Iowa native. If anyone can relate to her current situation - - Its me. Since I went through a similar transition last year.
The analogy that I used when we were talking was this (and she thought I should share with the world, so here I am writing while Heather is using the shower): Caterpillars.
See Caterpillars are enjoying their Caterpillar world. Squirming along on tree limbs, eating leaves, enjoying the sun and the other bugs. They are comfortable with their life. (OK, for a moment suspend you arguments about soul-less creatures and just go with me) Then all of a sudden they are making this cocoon and wrapping themselves in it - and that can't be comfortable after they've had all this freedom their whole life! They're in the dark, close space of the cocoon and its not what they are used to - no fresh air, no leaves to chomp, warm and humid, smelly. But after a while, they start to get used to it. Shortly after, they realize that they are too big for this little tomb, and they start to stretch and fidget and the cocoon breaks open. And now they are out in the light, so bright and cold out there! They have these wings, and they're wet - they can't squirm along the branches like they used to - everything is different and not the same. They try to figure out how to walk and fly and eat, and nothing is comfortable - AGAIN.
Well, thats how life is for us, too. We are caterpillars one day, and then everything changes.
I'm not saying its better or worse to be a butterfly than a caterpillar. For some people heights aren't a good thing - they may rather be a caterpillar than a butterfly. The point is that neither is comfortable their whole life. And neither will we be if we are truly heeding the call of our Lord to seek and save the lost.
We are called to a life of sacrifice. Some people are called to floggings, prison and persecution; others are called to live in the inner-city when they were from the suburbs; others called to give up their dream of marriage, or a certain career, or certain relationships or entertainment.
Its not comfortable. And thats how it should be.
Heather is out of the shower and my hair has a date with the hair dryer. Blessings today, Tiff
Bethany just moved to Tacoma, WA (shout out to my WA friends/family!) after spending 4 yrs here in Greenville. She's an Iowa native. If anyone can relate to her current situation - - Its me. Since I went through a similar transition last year.
The analogy that I used when we were talking was this (and she thought I should share with the world, so here I am writing while Heather is using the shower): Caterpillars.
See Caterpillars are enjoying their Caterpillar world. Squirming along on tree limbs, eating leaves, enjoying the sun and the other bugs. They are comfortable with their life. (OK, for a moment suspend you arguments about soul-less creatures and just go with me) Then all of a sudden they are making this cocoon and wrapping themselves in it - and that can't be comfortable after they've had all this freedom their whole life! They're in the dark, close space of the cocoon and its not what they are used to - no fresh air, no leaves to chomp, warm and humid, smelly. But after a while, they start to get used to it. Shortly after, they realize that they are too big for this little tomb, and they start to stretch and fidget and the cocoon breaks open. And now they are out in the light, so bright and cold out there! They have these wings, and they're wet - they can't squirm along the branches like they used to - everything is different and not the same. They try to figure out how to walk and fly and eat, and nothing is comfortable - AGAIN.
Well, thats how life is for us, too. We are caterpillars one day, and then everything changes.
I'm not saying its better or worse to be a butterfly than a caterpillar. For some people heights aren't a good thing - they may rather be a caterpillar than a butterfly. The point is that neither is comfortable their whole life. And neither will we be if we are truly heeding the call of our Lord to seek and save the lost.
We are called to a life of sacrifice. Some people are called to floggings, prison and persecution; others are called to live in the inner-city when they were from the suburbs; others called to give up their dream of marriage, or a certain career, or certain relationships or entertainment.
Its not comfortable. And thats how it should be.
Heather is out of the shower and my hair has a date with the hair dryer. Blessings today, Tiff
Tuesday, October 12, 2004
George Muller
One of my favorite Christian authors and "mentors" is George Muller, who lived in the late 1800's. He ran orphanages in England and his ministry was marked by his desire to NOT ask for support from anyone but God. He didn't speak of his needs to people specifically, but told them what the ministry was doing. He found that his heavenly Father provided everything he needed - usually exactly when it was needed and exactly how much was needed. Pretty amazing.
We played against Wheaton College recently (home of the Billy Graham Center) and they sent us a couple copies of "Faith in Action" - which is excerpts from George's autobiography (really, journal entries that he made over a course of years). I paged through it and one of the parts that is my favorite from the autobiography is included and caught my eye. I've reproduced it here. These excerpts are from: Faith In Action, George Muller, pp 23-25; The Institute of Evangelism (Billy Graham Center).
ENJOY!
"From my inmost soul I do ascribe it to God that he alone has enabled me to trust in Him, and that he has not suffered my confidence in Him to fail...By the grace of God I desire that my faith in God should extend towards EVERY thing, the smallest of my own temporal and spiritual concerns, and the smallest of the temporal and spiritual concerns of my family...And lastly, once more, let not Satan deceive you in making you think that you could not have the same faith, but that it is only for persons who are situated as I am. When I lose such a thing as a key, I ask the Lord to direct me to it, and I look for an answer to my prayer; when a person with whom I have made an appointment does not come at the fixed time, and I begin to be inconvenienced by it, I ask the Lord to be pleased to hasten him to me, and I look for an answer; when I do not understand a passage from the Word of God, I lift up my heart to the Lord that He would be pleased by His Holy Spirit, to instruct me, and I expect to be taught, though I do not fix the time when, and the manner in how it should be.... And thus in other of my temporal or spiritual concerns I pray to the Lord, and expect an answer to my requests; and may not you do the same, dear believing reader?"
And on that same note (trusting God) I have a quote from Elisabeth Elliot:
"Our prayers for guidance (or anything else) really begin here: I trust him.... "I trust him. Let him give me or withhold from me what he chooses"
May you trust more in God today in both the large and small things. And may I trust him more as well, in the large and small.
Its pretty incredible that the GOD of creation, who breathed the universe into being would care for us individually, each. And yet the bible not only SAYS that he does, but it illustrates it in the lives of countless individuals about whom is tells us. And the same God who caused the first blade of grass to grow and who numbers the stars, still counts the hairs on our head today and knows every day of our lives (in advance!) and has them written in his book.
It does my heart good to remember His loving care. May your heart be done well, too.
Love, Tiff
We played against Wheaton College recently (home of the Billy Graham Center) and they sent us a couple copies of "Faith in Action" - which is excerpts from George's autobiography (really, journal entries that he made over a course of years). I paged through it and one of the parts that is my favorite from the autobiography is included and caught my eye. I've reproduced it here. These excerpts are from: Faith In Action, George Muller, pp 23-25; The Institute of Evangelism (Billy Graham Center).
ENJOY!
"From my inmost soul I do ascribe it to God that he alone has enabled me to trust in Him, and that he has not suffered my confidence in Him to fail...By the grace of God I desire that my faith in God should extend towards EVERY thing, the smallest of my own temporal and spiritual concerns, and the smallest of the temporal and spiritual concerns of my family...And lastly, once more, let not Satan deceive you in making you think that you could not have the same faith, but that it is only for persons who are situated as I am. When I lose such a thing as a key, I ask the Lord to direct me to it, and I look for an answer to my prayer; when a person with whom I have made an appointment does not come at the fixed time, and I begin to be inconvenienced by it, I ask the Lord to be pleased to hasten him to me, and I look for an answer; when I do not understand a passage from the Word of God, I lift up my heart to the Lord that He would be pleased by His Holy Spirit, to instruct me, and I expect to be taught, though I do not fix the time when, and the manner in how it should be.... And thus in other of my temporal or spiritual concerns I pray to the Lord, and expect an answer to my requests; and may not you do the same, dear believing reader?"
And on that same note (trusting God) I have a quote from Elisabeth Elliot:
"Our prayers for guidance (or anything else) really begin here: I trust him.... "I trust him. Let him give me or withhold from me what he chooses"
May you trust more in God today in both the large and small things. And may I trust him more as well, in the large and small.
Its pretty incredible that the GOD of creation, who breathed the universe into being would care for us individually, each. And yet the bible not only SAYS that he does, but it illustrates it in the lives of countless individuals about whom is tells us. And the same God who caused the first blade of grass to grow and who numbers the stars, still counts the hairs on our head today and knows every day of our lives (in advance!) and has them written in his book.
It does my heart good to remember His loving care. May your heart be done well, too.
Love, Tiff
Monday, October 11, 2004
Variety Show
1) Victory - week 2. So now we have a two game win-streak. That may sound funny... except that it's the first two-game streak we've had in the two seasons I've been here. Which is exciting! This week's game was PHENOMENAL. We beat a superior (in reality) opponent, barely, but we did. Maybe the most exciting part for me was the enthusiasm and energy of our players on the sidelines and our fans. We had about 100 fans attend the game and that was SUPER. Afterwards we went to the Stuber Family farm to enjoy a dinner that they planned for the players and fans. It was really fun and a great time for us to be "family."
2) Oswald Chambers. I am constanly encouraged as I read through "my utmost for his highest" - and I find that as I go through the daily readings each year different ones are applicable at different times. What a neat example of God's grace. This one applied recently: "We are apt to think that everything that happens to us is to be turned into useful teaching, it is to be turned into something better than teaching... into character. The mount is not meant to teach us anything, it is meant to make us something."
How am I using the experiences God is giving me? Am I applying them to my life, or pocketing them away for a teachable moment.
3) I am blessed by the women I meet with. One struggles constantly with spiritual matters in a practical day-to-day life way and we battle together. One other is a philosophical struggler and we have great talks. Both affect me in different ways. And I hope that I am being changed through my time with them more than I am changing them.
Thats it for now - off to BSF. So much in my heart to say today and I don't have "words" nor time to get it done. Perhaps tomorrow will be a tiffani-philosophy lesson.
Visit Countdown:
Parents - 3 days
Friends - 18 days
HOORAY!
Love, Tiffani
2) Oswald Chambers. I am constanly encouraged as I read through "my utmost for his highest" - and I find that as I go through the daily readings each year different ones are applicable at different times. What a neat example of God's grace. This one applied recently: "We are apt to think that everything that happens to us is to be turned into useful teaching, it is to be turned into something better than teaching... into character. The mount is not meant to teach us anything, it is meant to make us something."
How am I using the experiences God is giving me? Am I applying them to my life, or pocketing them away for a teachable moment.
3) I am blessed by the women I meet with. One struggles constantly with spiritual matters in a practical day-to-day life way and we battle together. One other is a philosophical struggler and we have great talks. Both affect me in different ways. And I hope that I am being changed through my time with them more than I am changing them.
Thats it for now - off to BSF. So much in my heart to say today and I don't have "words" nor time to get it done. Perhaps tomorrow will be a tiffani-philosophy lesson.
Visit Countdown:
Parents - 3 days
Friends - 18 days
HOORAY!
Love, Tiffani
Friday, October 08, 2004
Rainy Day Friday
Yesterday I wrote a few notes to some of the players. I have two "full-time" servant warriors* who work M-S helping us "run" every area of football related work. Technically, I oversee their work and their assignments, along with our office assistant.
So I wrote notes to Zac and Jared (the S-dubs) and another player. I put two of them up in their lockers, and the other in Jared's bag.
I've learned so much from being here. I know that I've always been a "words encourager" - it was evident in my last job, too. Sometimes, even, people feel like I encourage too much, to the point that it sounds insincere (that was a complaint from one of my employees at my last job). So I've worked to make more of my comments "value-added" - related to projects they are working on, attitudes, etc.
But the fact is that I'm a happy, grateful person (most days) and so I "talk" a lot in encouragement.
So back to the point. I feel like I've learned how to better listen to the Holy Spirit when it comes to words of encouragement. To heed his voice when I feel like I need to give someone a note or a card, or speak to them face to face and tell them truth. Its been hard, because sometimes its scary to go to someone randomly and say "Its going to be OK, God is happy with you" or whatever. But I've been rewarded so frequently with the reaction to the notes/words - especially here - that I'm working to do it more often.
Here is the response of Jared today when he got his note:
"Thanks for the note you placed in my clothing bag. You had excellent timing as usual. It is a true pleasure to be able to come to so called "Work" and be around you everyday. I find myself being blessed daily by being around you. Thanks for everything you do for me and the team."
How could you NOT want to give a note to someone when the response is like that.
And so even though its raining, and I'm tired and its already Friday, and only week 5 of the season.... I am blessed beyond imagining by the grace of my Lord.
Here is my top 10 today:
10. My roommate, Heather
9. Going to Vespers with Leah last night and seeing my girls
8. Seattle Weather (i love it and miss it - weird)
7. Its almost week 6
6. Cold enough weather to wear my beanie
5. The apparel from Sportex came in (most of it)
4. I love my job, and the men I work with (coaches)
3. The players make me laugh every day
2. The heat is working in our house
1. Jesus loves me unconditionally and I get to see him work in my heart and life
Be blessed today!
Love, Tiffani
So I wrote notes to Zac and Jared (the S-dubs) and another player. I put two of them up in their lockers, and the other in Jared's bag.
I've learned so much from being here. I know that I've always been a "words encourager" - it was evident in my last job, too. Sometimes, even, people feel like I encourage too much, to the point that it sounds insincere (that was a complaint from one of my employees at my last job). So I've worked to make more of my comments "value-added" - related to projects they are working on, attitudes, etc.
But the fact is that I'm a happy, grateful person (most days) and so I "talk" a lot in encouragement.
So back to the point. I feel like I've learned how to better listen to the Holy Spirit when it comes to words of encouragement. To heed his voice when I feel like I need to give someone a note or a card, or speak to them face to face and tell them truth. Its been hard, because sometimes its scary to go to someone randomly and say "Its going to be OK, God is happy with you" or whatever. But I've been rewarded so frequently with the reaction to the notes/words - especially here - that I'm working to do it more often.
Here is the response of Jared today when he got his note:
"Thanks for the note you placed in my clothing bag. You had excellent timing as usual. It is a true pleasure to be able to come to so called "Work" and be around you everyday. I find myself being blessed daily by being around you. Thanks for everything you do for me and the team."
How could you NOT want to give a note to someone when the response is like that.
And so even though its raining, and I'm tired and its already Friday, and only week 5 of the season.... I am blessed beyond imagining by the grace of my Lord.
Here is my top 10 today:
10. My roommate, Heather
9. Going to Vespers with Leah last night and seeing my girls
8. Seattle Weather (i love it and miss it - weird)
7. Its almost week 6
6. Cold enough weather to wear my beanie
5. The apparel from Sportex came in (most of it)
4. I love my job, and the men I work with (coaches)
3. The players make me laugh every day
2. The heat is working in our house
1. Jesus loves me unconditionally and I get to see him work in my heart and life
Be blessed today!
Love, Tiffani
Thursday, October 07, 2004
Thursday Night Live
Leah and I are hanging out tonight. She's working on her BSF (I should be, too). I caught up on some bills and am reading to her out loud from Bethany's latest update (first day of work). We are about to head to Vespers.
(www.greenville.edu) is that a shameless plug for Greenville? Or for visiting me? cleverly, I think i've managed to do BOTH!
1 week until my parents are here visiting. CAN'T wait. They get to see a game, experience my friends, maybe even hear Sausage Fest (a local "GC" band) live.. and then we're going to SIX FLAGS. crazy.
3 weeks until Kristen and Brian visit. I ALSO can't wait for that one. I think I'm hyper excited about these things, but I just like having my "worlds collide".
OK - I'm closing my eyes for 10 minutes before Vespers.
Love, T
(www.greenville.edu) is that a shameless plug for Greenville? Or for visiting me? cleverly, I think i've managed to do BOTH!
1 week until my parents are here visiting. CAN'T wait. They get to see a game, experience my friends, maybe even hear Sausage Fest (a local "GC" band) live.. and then we're going to SIX FLAGS. crazy.
3 weeks until Kristen and Brian visit. I ALSO can't wait for that one. I think I'm hyper excited about these things, but I just like having my "worlds collide".
OK - I'm closing my eyes for 10 minutes before Vespers.
Love, T
Musicals, Meetings and Me
Some of my favorite things to do are: watch musicals and sing music.
Every Thursday morning we have a team meeting on campus (also every Tuesday morning and night...). The Thursday meetings are different, though. Kess speaks to any general team business and then they break up into offense/defense to watch film. At 8:40 we gather back up (any who want to) and have a time of singing worship music and praying.
WHAT IS THAT?!?!
Isn't that cool?!?
Our resident guitar volunteer is a defensive back/punter, who brings a song sheet and his guitar each week. This week we have 4 coaches, 3 offensive linemen and 2 linebackers in addition to the guitar guy. What a neat deal.
I am blessed in abundance by being a part of this program.
Last night Heather, Kyle and I invited Kyle's EMAP group (small group of players) to my house to watch JONAH - the veggie tales movie. Well, none showed up, but the three of us enjoyed it.
"If you haven't seen it.. .you're missing out." Kyle Krober
Here are some of my favorite lines:
"The only thing left is for me to be thrown into the sea!" Jonah (archibald asparagus)
"Do you want poking... or non-poking?" French Pea Maitre'D
In response to the owner of a snack stand who the pirates are fighting with when the owner says "Oh yeah? What'll you do to me?":
"What WILL we do to him?" (Mr. Lunt to Larry)
"We won't do anything. We're the Pirates Who Don't Do Anything." (Larry replies)
"Oh yeah. (to larry) Ya got off easy that time, matey!" (Mr. Lunt to the owner)
We laughed out loud a LOT. And I got to sing my two favorite songs from that movie:
1) God of Second Chances (a rousing gospel number sung by angels to Jonah in the belly of the whale) - sample: 'you ran from God this morning and ... you're...whale...chow...tonight!'
2) Message From the Lord (Jonah's message to the people of Israel) - sample: 'Do not fight, do not cheat, wash your hands before you eat... there is nothing quite as sweet, a message from the Lord'
So that was enough to entertain me last night AND this morning.
Blessings, TR
p.s. you can check it out at www.jonahmovie.com :)
Every Thursday morning we have a team meeting on campus (also every Tuesday morning and night...). The Thursday meetings are different, though. Kess speaks to any general team business and then they break up into offense/defense to watch film. At 8:40 we gather back up (any who want to) and have a time of singing worship music and praying.
WHAT IS THAT?!?!
Isn't that cool?!?
Our resident guitar volunteer is a defensive back/punter, who brings a song sheet and his guitar each week. This week we have 4 coaches, 3 offensive linemen and 2 linebackers in addition to the guitar guy. What a neat deal.
I am blessed in abundance by being a part of this program.
Last night Heather, Kyle and I invited Kyle's EMAP group (small group of players) to my house to watch JONAH - the veggie tales movie. Well, none showed up, but the three of us enjoyed it.
"If you haven't seen it.. .you're missing out." Kyle Krober
Here are some of my favorite lines:
"The only thing left is for me to be thrown into the sea!" Jonah (archibald asparagus)
"Do you want poking... or non-poking?" French Pea Maitre'D
In response to the owner of a snack stand who the pirates are fighting with when the owner says "Oh yeah? What'll you do to me?":
"What WILL we do to him?" (Mr. Lunt to Larry)
"We won't do anything. We're the Pirates Who Don't Do Anything." (Larry replies)
"Oh yeah. (to larry) Ya got off easy that time, matey!" (Mr. Lunt to the owner)
We laughed out loud a LOT. And I got to sing my two favorite songs from that movie:
1) God of Second Chances (a rousing gospel number sung by angels to Jonah in the belly of the whale) - sample: 'you ran from God this morning and ... you're...whale...chow...tonight!'
2) Message From the Lord (Jonah's message to the people of Israel) - sample: 'Do not fight, do not cheat, wash your hands before you eat... there is nothing quite as sweet, a message from the Lord'
So that was enough to entertain me last night AND this morning.
Blessings, TR
p.s. you can check it out at www.jonahmovie.com :)
Monday, October 04, 2004
VICTORY! and rest
Great trip this weekend - NOT necessarily because we WON (24-12), but just overall a good time.
The hotel (Naperville Fairfield Inn) was nice, and they were great to us. The trip home was long, but Coach Banks (who often drives the van, which we call the "Party Bus") is gracious, and so when I (the navigator) realized that I had taken us WEST instead of EAST for about 15 miles too far... he simply said "well, I think we should do this then...." and didn't freak out.
That was good, because I was mad at myself a little. I got over it, but we didn't get to Greenville until almost 11:30pm (45 minutes after the bus) and so that was a bummer.
I was able to have a quiet time outside on the hotel porch (they have a covered porch with rocking chairs) in the morning on Saturday and it was lovely. The weather was sunny and cold (though it poured rain the night before) and refreshing. I took some time reading Acts 6 for BSF and sitting quietly.
Sunday. I slept until 9am - praise Jesus! I was pretty tired when I went to bed the night before - Heather and I stayed up talking until 1am. I went to Smith Grove for church and Tony preached on Psalm 139 and the three "Omni's" of God. It was a GREAT sermon.
Essentially:
1) God is Omniscient - he knows everything about me, and cares about me personally.
2) God is Omnipresent - he is everywhere with me, I can't hide from him.
3) God is Omnipotent - he is in control of everything, and powerful to work in my life.
It was a message that was timely for me and reminded me that whatever I'm praying for, God already knows about it - he planned all of my days before I was even born, and He has a plan to work it all out (Rom. 8:28).
Later I ate breakfast at Ethan's with a few students and then I took a nap. It was delightful to sleep a bit, and then enjoy the evening making cookies and watching "Twister". Now if only my BSF were finished!
Two weeks only until my parents come to visit. I'm really excited to see them!
Love, Tiffani
The hotel (Naperville Fairfield Inn) was nice, and they were great to us. The trip home was long, but Coach Banks (who often drives the van, which we call the "Party Bus") is gracious, and so when I (the navigator) realized that I had taken us WEST instead of EAST for about 15 miles too far... he simply said "well, I think we should do this then...." and didn't freak out.
That was good, because I was mad at myself a little. I got over it, but we didn't get to Greenville until almost 11:30pm (45 minutes after the bus) and so that was a bummer.
I was able to have a quiet time outside on the hotel porch (they have a covered porch with rocking chairs) in the morning on Saturday and it was lovely. The weather was sunny and cold (though it poured rain the night before) and refreshing. I took some time reading Acts 6 for BSF and sitting quietly.
Sunday. I slept until 9am - praise Jesus! I was pretty tired when I went to bed the night before - Heather and I stayed up talking until 1am. I went to Smith Grove for church and Tony preached on Psalm 139 and the three "Omni's" of God. It was a GREAT sermon.
Essentially:
1) God is Omniscient - he knows everything about me, and cares about me personally.
2) God is Omnipresent - he is everywhere with me, I can't hide from him.
3) God is Omnipotent - he is in control of everything, and powerful to work in my life.
It was a message that was timely for me and reminded me that whatever I'm praying for, God already knows about it - he planned all of my days before I was even born, and He has a plan to work it all out (Rom. 8:28).
Later I ate breakfast at Ethan's with a few students and then I took a nap. It was delightful to sleep a bit, and then enjoy the evening making cookies and watching "Twister". Now if only my BSF were finished!
Two weeks only until my parents come to visit. I'm really excited to see them!
Love, Tiffani
Friday, October 01, 2004
Cemeteries, Starbucks and Silence
I was at Vespers last night with Heather (and about 200 students). Vespers is a student run worship service that takes place every Thurdsay. Usually pretty good.
Last night it was about silence. The discipline of silence in our walk with God. I think that many of us were convicted that we don't allow the 'still small voice of God' to penetrate the bubble of noise we surround ourselves with.
I know that I was. My quiet time has been less than what I'd like recently. And I find myself avoiding silence in my house and at work. (though at some level silence at work is an oxymoron, because the TV in the fitness center runs constantly during my work day)
At Vespers, the silent video we watched asked the question "are you able to hear God with all the noise in your life?" or something like that. Harsh.
So this morning I left to get coffee at the Union (Starbuck's Verona - happy morning to me!) and then drove to a local cemetery, beautiful at sunrise - especially in the fall, and by its very nature - quiet. And I sat for a bit, trying to still the noise in my head: planning for the day, for the trip, prayer requests for me and others, replaying conversations from the week, imagining conversations with people I need to talk to, wondering about different things.
Have you ever noticed how much noise there is just in our HEAD? Let alone the noise of "civilization" - cars, planes, tranes, talking, factories, TV, radio, etc. Once I've cut off that noise, the noise in my head is CLEARLY evident. And you have to cut that noise off in order to hear God speak.
Its a discipline that I haven't mastered yet. I sat in silence in my car for 15 minutes. OK, not really, but it felt like 15 minutes. I think it was actually 2 minutes. And it was overwhelming. Richard Foster talks about that in his book on prayer (aptly titled: Prayer).
I will try again this weekend to find some quiet place on the road - maybe in the hotel parking lot, maybe in the pool area, to be silent before God. To hear him speak to me, as I know he does.
Blessings to you this weekend, and may you be quiet in your soul as you live.
Love, Tiff
p.s. I am enjoying my "title" because it turned into some excellent form of alliteration that I hadn't planned!
Last night it was about silence. The discipline of silence in our walk with God. I think that many of us were convicted that we don't allow the 'still small voice of God' to penetrate the bubble of noise we surround ourselves with.
I know that I was. My quiet time has been less than what I'd like recently. And I find myself avoiding silence in my house and at work. (though at some level silence at work is an oxymoron, because the TV in the fitness center runs constantly during my work day)
At Vespers, the silent video we watched asked the question "are you able to hear God with all the noise in your life?" or something like that. Harsh.
So this morning I left to get coffee at the Union (Starbuck's Verona - happy morning to me!) and then drove to a local cemetery, beautiful at sunrise - especially in the fall, and by its very nature - quiet. And I sat for a bit, trying to still the noise in my head: planning for the day, for the trip, prayer requests for me and others, replaying conversations from the week, imagining conversations with people I need to talk to, wondering about different things.
Have you ever noticed how much noise there is just in our HEAD? Let alone the noise of "civilization" - cars, planes, tranes, talking, factories, TV, radio, etc. Once I've cut off that noise, the noise in my head is CLEARLY evident. And you have to cut that noise off in order to hear God speak.
Its a discipline that I haven't mastered yet. I sat in silence in my car for 15 minutes. OK, not really, but it felt like 15 minutes. I think it was actually 2 minutes. And it was overwhelming. Richard Foster talks about that in his book on prayer (aptly titled: Prayer).
I will try again this weekend to find some quiet place on the road - maybe in the hotel parking lot, maybe in the pool area, to be silent before God. To hear him speak to me, as I know he does.
Blessings to you this weekend, and may you be quiet in your soul as you live.
Love, Tiff
p.s. I am enjoying my "title" because it turned into some excellent form of alliteration that I hadn't planned!
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