First, let me say that I'm grateful for Rana. (some of you know her) She speaks truth to me. Last night she in particular spoke truth and it was the beginning of the revelations I had at BSF last night. Grateful for that woman!
Second, BSF continues to be incredible for me. I missed last year a ton. Not that I didn't grow last year (!) but I am glad at how the lessons continue to meet me where I'm at every week.
Here are my two revelations:
1) The question was "How do you squander your time in the wilderness of mediocrity by not believing what God has promised because of your unbelief?"
To me (once I figured out the question) I realized that if I truly (truly) believed God's promises I could "stop". Stop working, stop striving, stop trying to make things work the way I think they should work. That I live in the "wilderness of mediocrity" - instead of being GREAT - because I don't believe.
2) Follow that up with the Sabbath-rest for the people of God. Which made me think. God promises a spiritual rest (salvation), a physical rest (heavenly) - but ALSO we can have God's REST even now. As we believe (see #1), and we ACT in belief, we have REST for our soul.
Peace like a river.
Even in the midst of the twists, turns, falls, a river continues on its way... because it knows it's destination - and its destination doesn't change. Despite rapids, droughts, pouring into lakes, draining out... it continues steadfastly.
I realized that I don't always have peace like a river. Nor do I always believe I can have it. But I can, and Lord willing... I will "work" to keep it.
Love, Tiffani
Tuesday, November 23, 2004
Sunday, November 21, 2004
Late on a Saturday Night
Quick Tiffani Update:
Spiritually - feeling OK. had regular bible study time this week, regular prayer, good talks about lots of topics.
Physically - the season has caught up with me. I feel (whisper) fat. But I worked out three times this week, hope to do at least as much next week. And I feel super rested today after sleeping over nine hours last night. but now i'm up at 12:30... so that might not be good for tomorrow.
Emotionally - pretty fair. probably a 6.75 on a 10, which is slightly low, but not bad.
Financially - much better now that my checkbook is up to date after three months... yikes. it only took 2.5 hours, with maybe 30 minutes more tomorrow for current stuff. but that's a load off my mind.
Technologically - out of control, in a good way. been taking my work computer home with me to do some transcription work on the side for the AD, today figured out how to hook up my phone line so I could log on to the internet from my living room (instead of on my main computer in my bed room).
Weird Fact: and frankly.. i don't know how this can be. but i'm watching NBC and they are showing CSI (old one) which is normally on CBS. Funny.
Last night I recieved the quarterly "World Vision" magazine. I confess that often I don't have a minute to devote to it, but last night I did and I read it almost cover to cover before going to bed. I've sponsored a WV child (Stephen Pole, from Uganda) for a number of years now and I enjoyed reading last night about the various World Vision ministries and workers.
I was inspired by the cover story on the beatitudes and the profiles of WV workers for each beatitude. And excited to learn that I could communicate with Stephen now via email (the letters you send on email are transcribed into the appropriate language and given to the child)!!
Here follows some "excerpts" from the magazine written by Rev. Tim Dearborn, PhD (world vision; pp 12-23, world vision press):
* for more information on world vision and child sponsorship, check out www.worldvision.org.
Blessed are the Poor in Spirit:
Our experience of life in Christ begins as we recognize our need. We cannot turn to our material successes, our personal accomplishments, or our spiritual piety. The Gospel proclaims that this recognition can lead us through the doorway to blessedness, where joy and suffering can exist simultaneously.
Blessed are the Meek:
Meekness is one of the most misunderstood moral qualities. In our society, a meek person is a spineless weakling. Actually, Jesus uses a word that expresses the relinquishment of all illusion and control. Those who know their utter dependance on God, and are trained to trust God in all things, know that they have nothing to lose.
Blessed are those who Hunger:
Life in the kingdom is described as a banquet, a perpetual feast to which all are welcome but to which only those who know their hunger come. The Gospel promises that God feeds those who hunger for righteousness - the holiness and justice that will cure the suffering of our world.
Blessed are the Pure in Heart:
Only when we live with nothing to hide can we experience blessedness. We need no longer linger in the darkness, for we have come completely into the light. We are set free to stand joyously before God when we know that in mercy, he has cleansed our shameful sin with the goodness of Christ.
______
"We are set free to stand joyously before God when we know that in mercy, he has cleansed our shameful sin with the goodness of Christ."
"he has cleansed our shameful sin with the goodness of Christ"
what blessed words. the beatitudes show us that we must first recognize our need (become poor in spirit) and that through the process of Christ cleansing our shameful sin we are transformed into the "pure in heart" - who rejoice so joyfully in our cleansing that we overflow into gratitude and praise of Christ and in doing so bring others along for the journey.
Christ has cleansed my shameful sin.
Do you have shameful secrets? embarassing truths? sin? I can relate. I did, and sometimes do still.
If you do, please allow me to introduce you to Jesus - the only one who can truly make you clean and whole, and who is only waiting for you to recognize your need to BE clean and whole to do it.
I'm off to sleep now. I've already seen the CSI. Its sad, but satisfying. I spent a GREAT day today, being productive at "work life" and also enjoying time with Leah, and then Heather and her mom - and had a great talk with MY mom on the phone today, to boot. Satisfaction.
But nothing compared to the satisfaction in my soul.
Love, Tiffani
Spiritually - feeling OK. had regular bible study time this week, regular prayer, good talks about lots of topics.
Physically - the season has caught up with me. I feel (whisper) fat. But I worked out three times this week, hope to do at least as much next week. And I feel super rested today after sleeping over nine hours last night. but now i'm up at 12:30... so that might not be good for tomorrow.
Emotionally - pretty fair. probably a 6.75 on a 10, which is slightly low, but not bad.
Financially - much better now that my checkbook is up to date after three months... yikes. it only took 2.5 hours, with maybe 30 minutes more tomorrow for current stuff. but that's a load off my mind.
Technologically - out of control, in a good way. been taking my work computer home with me to do some transcription work on the side for the AD, today figured out how to hook up my phone line so I could log on to the internet from my living room (instead of on my main computer in my bed room).
Weird Fact: and frankly.. i don't know how this can be. but i'm watching NBC and they are showing CSI (old one) which is normally on CBS. Funny.
Last night I recieved the quarterly "World Vision" magazine. I confess that often I don't have a minute to devote to it, but last night I did and I read it almost cover to cover before going to bed. I've sponsored a WV child (Stephen Pole, from Uganda) for a number of years now and I enjoyed reading last night about the various World Vision ministries and workers.
I was inspired by the cover story on the beatitudes and the profiles of WV workers for each beatitude. And excited to learn that I could communicate with Stephen now via email (the letters you send on email are transcribed into the appropriate language and given to the child)!!
Here follows some "excerpts" from the magazine written by Rev. Tim Dearborn, PhD (world vision; pp 12-23, world vision press):
* for more information on world vision and child sponsorship, check out www.worldvision.org.
Blessed are the Poor in Spirit:
Our experience of life in Christ begins as we recognize our need. We cannot turn to our material successes, our personal accomplishments, or our spiritual piety. The Gospel proclaims that this recognition can lead us through the doorway to blessedness, where joy and suffering can exist simultaneously.
Blessed are the Meek:
Meekness is one of the most misunderstood moral qualities. In our society, a meek person is a spineless weakling. Actually, Jesus uses a word that expresses the relinquishment of all illusion and control. Those who know their utter dependance on God, and are trained to trust God in all things, know that they have nothing to lose.
Blessed are those who Hunger:
Life in the kingdom is described as a banquet, a perpetual feast to which all are welcome but to which only those who know their hunger come. The Gospel promises that God feeds those who hunger for righteousness - the holiness and justice that will cure the suffering of our world.
Blessed are the Pure in Heart:
Only when we live with nothing to hide can we experience blessedness. We need no longer linger in the darkness, for we have come completely into the light. We are set free to stand joyously before God when we know that in mercy, he has cleansed our shameful sin with the goodness of Christ.
______
"We are set free to stand joyously before God when we know that in mercy, he has cleansed our shameful sin with the goodness of Christ."
"he has cleansed our shameful sin with the goodness of Christ"
what blessed words. the beatitudes show us that we must first recognize our need (become poor in spirit) and that through the process of Christ cleansing our shameful sin we are transformed into the "pure in heart" - who rejoice so joyfully in our cleansing that we overflow into gratitude and praise of Christ and in doing so bring others along for the journey.
Christ has cleansed my shameful sin.
Do you have shameful secrets? embarassing truths? sin? I can relate. I did, and sometimes do still.
If you do, please allow me to introduce you to Jesus - the only one who can truly make you clean and whole, and who is only waiting for you to recognize your need to BE clean and whole to do it.
I'm off to sleep now. I've already seen the CSI. Its sad, but satisfying. I spent a GREAT day today, being productive at "work life" and also enjoying time with Leah, and then Heather and her mom - and had a great talk with MY mom on the phone today, to boot. Satisfaction.
But nothing compared to the satisfaction in my soul.
Love, Tiffani
Tuesday, November 16, 2004
Briefly
Briefly... because I'm leaving work in 7 minutes to go work out at home with Heather, and then I think we're planning to eat "thanksgiving dinner" in the DC.
Additionally... the AMAZING RACE starts tonight. SOOOO excited. :) Its shallow, maybe, to be excited about a TV show. But its my favorite.
Last Wednesday night I was blessed to be able to speak at an event called "Do You Think I'm Beautiful?" I was first of all moved to tears by Joy Wrigglesworth's talk on wanting to be loved in all of our "naturalness" (my word) - without makeup, fancy clothes and hair, as we are on the inside without dressing up the outside. And I was challenged by Sarah Luke, who spoke after me about "little-g" gods in our lives - the things that we hold on to that stop us from following God (in this case, our self-image, etc).
I spoke on words. How they bless and curse. The bible says the "power of death and life are in the tongue." How they've blessed me in my life, and how they've cursed me.
So many of us are torn to shreds by one word from someone else, that happens to hit the exact wrong place in our heart.
More about that tomorrow.
Gotta go do Tae-Bo.
:) Love, Tiffani
Additionally... the AMAZING RACE starts tonight. SOOOO excited. :) Its shallow, maybe, to be excited about a TV show. But its my favorite.
Last Wednesday night I was blessed to be able to speak at an event called "Do You Think I'm Beautiful?" I was first of all moved to tears by Joy Wrigglesworth's talk on wanting to be loved in all of our "naturalness" (my word) - without makeup, fancy clothes and hair, as we are on the inside without dressing up the outside. And I was challenged by Sarah Luke, who spoke after me about "little-g" gods in our lives - the things that we hold on to that stop us from following God (in this case, our self-image, etc).
I spoke on words. How they bless and curse. The bible says the "power of death and life are in the tongue." How they've blessed me in my life, and how they've cursed me.
So many of us are torn to shreds by one word from someone else, that happens to hit the exact wrong place in our heart.
More about that tomorrow.
Gotta go do Tae-Bo.
:) Love, Tiffani
Saturday, November 13, 2004
Last One
Quickly I write on the day of the last game of our 2004 season to say:
I love this team.
I love these men and who they are becoming.
I am so proud to be associated with them.
There are moments from this year - sad, touching and funny that I will take with me whether I remain at this place for 15 years or 5 months.
This team is unique and special and I can't understand why God would allow me to be a part of it.
May the Lord give us grace today as we face Wash. U.
Tiffani
I love this team.
I love these men and who they are becoming.
I am so proud to be associated with them.
There are moments from this year - sad, touching and funny that I will take with me whether I remain at this place for 15 years or 5 months.
This team is unique and special and I can't understand why God would allow me to be a part of it.
May the Lord give us grace today as we face Wash. U.
Tiffani
Wednesday, November 10, 2004
thoughts
Hebrews 10:35-36
So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.
Because scripture is living and active, when you read it - - even if you've read a chapter or book multiple times, one verse or a series of them will JUMP out at you and make a difference for the day.
Thats why I like to have devotional time in the AM if possible - because then I have a verse that's with me all day.
There is a lot going on right now here in humble Greenville. This verse spoke to me in a surprising way. There is so much I am persevering through right now, and trying to live victoriously through it, and have confidence through it. I am encouraged (literally - made more courageous, infused with courage) to continue in my fight for the Lord's will to be done here and in my life.
There are many things I wish would happen, but I can see that I don't know the Lord's will yet, and I simply need to be CONFIDENT that his will WILL come to pass, and I can trust him. He will reward me (eternally, and maybe even on earth in my eyes) with gifts that are abundant.
And in the meantime he is making me a "SUPER-Conquerer" and I am grateful for the training.
Love today, Tiffani
So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.
Because scripture is living and active, when you read it - - even if you've read a chapter or book multiple times, one verse or a series of them will JUMP out at you and make a difference for the day.
Thats why I like to have devotional time in the AM if possible - because then I have a verse that's with me all day.
There is a lot going on right now here in humble Greenville. This verse spoke to me in a surprising way. There is so much I am persevering through right now, and trying to live victoriously through it, and have confidence through it. I am encouraged (literally - made more courageous, infused with courage) to continue in my fight for the Lord's will to be done here and in my life.
There are many things I wish would happen, but I can see that I don't know the Lord's will yet, and I simply need to be CONFIDENT that his will WILL come to pass, and I can trust him. He will reward me (eternally, and maybe even on earth in my eyes) with gifts that are abundant.
And in the meantime he is making me a "SUPER-Conquerer" and I am grateful for the training.
Love today, Tiffani
Tuesday, November 02, 2004
Visitors from Another Place
Nope, not aliens...
My friends Brian Burdon and Kristen Falkenberg!
Brian and Kristen came to visit this weekend as part of my "Come to Historic Greenville" campaign. (for more information email me!)
We had a GREAT time. Kristen drove in from K.C. on Friday night and we got some good "talking time" before we went to sleep. She picked up Brian in the AM from the airport, while I began working (game day, you know). They both helped me as we prepared for "Senior Day" (it was our last home game this year) AND "Jr. Comet Football Day" - which somehow all ended up occuring on the same day...
The game and day were a little more crazy than normal, but both B and K seemed to enjoy the hulabaloo of the day.
The game was REALLY fun (though I filmed the 2nd 1/2, so I didn't get to experience it with my pals) - and ended in a VICTORY for the Panthers (currently 3-5 on the season).
After the game we enjoyed Mario's Pizza at our house with some friends. What a treat. Church on Sunday and lunch at Farmer's (lots of good car time with my friends this weekend). A walk around Historic Greenville, and then BOBBY'S and a movie ("Ray") in Edwardsville.
side note: for those of you who visit... there is a sign advertising "Historic Greenville" at the edge of town... and it happens to be RIGHT in front of Chang's Chinese Restaurant and Buffet. Its important to note that Chang's does not necessarily comprise the entirety of historic Greenville... nor is it maybe even included in the area labeled "Historic Greenville".
I was exhausted at work on Monday morning, but not so exhausted that I didn't enjoy lunch with B and K at Chang's (see above), also accompanied by Dave and Kyle. We forgot our camera so there is no picture, sadly, of the "historic" event... :)
Kristen left shortly after and I took Brian to the airport on our way to BSF. I was sad to see them go, but SOOOO glad that they came to visit. I was COMPLETELY and TOTALLY blessed by their visit.
Last night at BSF we were studying the conclusion of Paul's first missionary journey (Acts 14). And the lesson/lecture/notes discussed how different Derbe was from the other towns that the apostles/disciples had visited. After being persecuted all across Cyprus and Turkey, they came to Derbe where they had rest from persectution.
The "principle" was that "As we work for Christ, He will give us rest and refreshing when we need it"
That principle was true in my life this weekend. Circumstances had come together to make me feel tired, overwhelmed, unsure of my future and more. And I was fighting as best as I knew how, within that context, and trying to allow the joy of the Lord to be my strength.
But the Lord knew better and gave me rest when I needed it.
Even though the visit took a lot out of me (sleep-wise), I feel emotionally refreshed and I'm grateful that "Tall Brian" and Kristen were a part of the working of the Lord to get me there.
I'll have pics up soon from their visit. :)
Love (off to the last v-ball game of the season), Tiff
My friends Brian Burdon and Kristen Falkenberg!
Brian and Kristen came to visit this weekend as part of my "Come to Historic Greenville" campaign. (for more information email me!)
We had a GREAT time. Kristen drove in from K.C. on Friday night and we got some good "talking time" before we went to sleep. She picked up Brian in the AM from the airport, while I began working (game day, you know). They both helped me as we prepared for "Senior Day" (it was our last home game this year) AND "Jr. Comet Football Day" - which somehow all ended up occuring on the same day...
The game and day were a little more crazy than normal, but both B and K seemed to enjoy the hulabaloo of the day.
The game was REALLY fun (though I filmed the 2nd 1/2, so I didn't get to experience it with my pals) - and ended in a VICTORY for the Panthers (currently 3-5 on the season).
After the game we enjoyed Mario's Pizza at our house with some friends. What a treat. Church on Sunday and lunch at Farmer's (lots of good car time with my friends this weekend). A walk around Historic Greenville, and then BOBBY'S and a movie ("Ray") in Edwardsville.
side note: for those of you who visit... there is a sign advertising "Historic Greenville" at the edge of town... and it happens to be RIGHT in front of Chang's Chinese Restaurant and Buffet. Its important to note that Chang's does not necessarily comprise the entirety of historic Greenville... nor is it maybe even included in the area labeled "Historic Greenville".
I was exhausted at work on Monday morning, but not so exhausted that I didn't enjoy lunch with B and K at Chang's (see above), also accompanied by Dave and Kyle. We forgot our camera so there is no picture, sadly, of the "historic" event... :)
Kristen left shortly after and I took Brian to the airport on our way to BSF. I was sad to see them go, but SOOOO glad that they came to visit. I was COMPLETELY and TOTALLY blessed by their visit.
Last night at BSF we were studying the conclusion of Paul's first missionary journey (Acts 14). And the lesson/lecture/notes discussed how different Derbe was from the other towns that the apostles/disciples had visited. After being persecuted all across Cyprus and Turkey, they came to Derbe where they had rest from persectution.
The "principle" was that "As we work for Christ, He will give us rest and refreshing when we need it"
That principle was true in my life this weekend. Circumstances had come together to make me feel tired, overwhelmed, unsure of my future and more. And I was fighting as best as I knew how, within that context, and trying to allow the joy of the Lord to be my strength.
But the Lord knew better and gave me rest when I needed it.
Even though the visit took a lot out of me (sleep-wise), I feel emotionally refreshed and I'm grateful that "Tall Brian" and Kristen were a part of the working of the Lord to get me there.
I'll have pics up soon from their visit. :)
Love (off to the last v-ball game of the season), Tiff
Thursday, October 28, 2004
John Piper says:
"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
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
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
