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08
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February
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2010
Posted in : Inspiration, Random Musings
Church, God, Jesus, Sunday school, prayer; these words have been a part of my vocabulary for as long as I can recall. I grew up in a Christian home and have stayed true to my Christian roots through the tumultuous teenage years and into adulthood. My relationship with Christ is ever evolving; I continue to mature and develop a deeper understanding of who Christ is and what it means to walk out my faith. Recently something has become glaringly obvious to me; we have white washed the gospel, watered it down and turned it into nothing more than a “feel good” message. Being a Christ follower is not all about being blessed, prosperous and happy. There are hardships involved, but few are willing acknowledge that aspect of the gospel.
Oh, you don’t believe me? That’s okay, I have proof. This year I have been journeying through the Bible via the Life Journal, it is a reading plan that takes readers though the scriptures in a year. The plan is unique in that it substitutes commentary for reflection. Quiet reflection can be a dangerous undertaking. That is, if you are seriously willing to allow the Lord to speak to you, to say what He wants to say, and not just skim over the hard things. In the last month, I’ve made some interesting discoveries, some hard truths that surprisingly, have brought me comfort.
Let’s start at the beginning: Genesis 31:12 God says to Jacob, “I have seen all that Laban has been doing to you.” That scripture suggests God allowed Jacob to endure hardship. Genesis 45:5 God permitted Joseph to be sold into slavery for His divine purpose. Psalm 10 Finds David lamenting, “Why, O Lord, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?” Why indeed when we are going through great trials do we sometimes seem to be alone? Perhaps, that is by design, so that we will pursue Him relentlessly. Exodus 3 finds a once prosperous nation of Israel undeservingly enslaved in Egypt. Just like in Genesis 31 God says, “I have watched over you and seen what has been done to you in Egypt.” God knew of their enslavement, and eventually delivered them, but not before they suffered much & many of them died. But, wait, there’s more! Acts 5:41 The apostles were flogged, but left rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for Christ. I don’t recall ever being taught to rejoice over suffering. Acts 14:22 “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.” What else can I say?
No doubt this avenue of thought will cause discomfort for some. Perhaps you may even dislike me for daring to speak such heresy, but that’s okay, the religious of the day thought the same about Jesus, so I’m in very good company.
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06
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February
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2010
Posted in : Inspiration, Random Musings
Have you ever tried to work a jigsaw puzzle, one of the big ones, with 1000 plus pieces? Ever gotten frustrated trying to make one of those pieces fit into a slot it was not intended to fit in? We’ve all done it, turned the piece left, right, upside down, but no matter, it just won’t fit. And though we know it won’t fit, we just keep trying to make it fit. Why is that? Why do we frustrate ourselves so?
Life is a lot like a jigsaw puzzle, a picturesque landscape that we are all a part of. Each of us is a unique piece, designed to fit in a specific place. Corner pieces don’t fit in the middle, they weren’t created that way. If everyone was a corner piece, the puzzle would be incomplete, its center missing. With only a center and no border, what holds the puzzle together?
Honestly, I cannot tell you where I fit in the puzzle. My life does not resemble that of others around me. I’m 42 years old and have yet to find my niche’. Nothing about me is what I would deem “the norm”. My hair is curly while much of the population’s is straight. The shape of my body differs from the average woman. I married at eighteen while most of my peers waited until their mid to late twenties. College, well, I never finished. Career, what is that? I am a grown woman who loves dolls, the evidence of which is obvious if you set one foot in my house. Social functions make me uncomfortable; I’ve no clue how to work a room. My husband and I did not purchase our first home until a year ago. Anyone sense a pattern here?
Perhaps I do know which puzzle piece I am. The one that seems to fit nowhere, the one that is oddly shaped, different from the others and yet would leave a gaping hole in the finished product were it to go missing. Many tears have been shed in frustration over not being a border piece. There seem to be a lot of pieces that make up the border, pieces that are similar in design and structure. But, I’m not a border. I was not created to be like the other puzzle pieces. I am unique, created with a purpose. There is no other piece like me. And, I am at peace with that.
No doubt, there will always be days that I feel like pimento-less olive in a jar full of stuffed olives but hey, I’m still an olive, right?
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17
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January
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2010
Posted in : China, Inspiration, Missions
Dear Family and Friends,
For much of my adult life I have been content to play a supporting role. I have lent much support to my husband & children in their numerous endeavors. Lately though, I feel a yearning in my heart to move into a different arena. No longer am I content to dwell in the shadows, I want to be at the forefront. God is calling me to make a difference outside of my four walls, to leave an indelible mark on the world. An amazing opportunity has arisen for me to do just that.
Shortly after we began attending Riverstone Community Church, plans for a China trip were announced. James signed up immediately and I was okay with that. Until the video; one Sunday morning we viewed a video clip about the disabled Chinese orphans. Tears began to roll down my cheeks. At first I thought, “What can I do? I am not a physical therapist (many going on the trip are PT students).” But then I thought, “I’m a mother. What do these children need if not the nurturing love of a mother?” At lunch that day James revealed that the Holy Spirit had told him, “You are not going to China, she is.” Really? Me? Father chose me? How incredibly humbling that our Lord would allow me to travel across the world to show his love to these seemingly forgotten children.
On May 17, 2010 approximately 18 Riverstone partners, myself included, will depart from the USA and travel to Hengyang, China. We will spend two weeks in country, returning to the USA on May 29, 2010. Cost for the trip is approximately $3500 which includes passport, immunizations, visa, airfare, accommodations, transportation, & food, et cetera.
Nothing about me fits into a cookie cutter mold, so it seems highly fitting that my first mission trip should be to a communist country. I do not serve an average God; therefore neither shall I be average in my service to him. I anticipate the China trip being the first of many for me. No longer will I be a kingdom decoration, pretty to look at but acquiring dust. I am shaking the dust off my heart of service and jumping without a safety net.
Who will go with me? Though you may not be able to join me physically, your prayerful and financial support allows you to stake claim in spreading the love of Jesus to the least of these. Donations may be mailed to Becky Miller at PO Box 1167, San Marcos, TX 78667. Make checks payable to Riverstone Community Church with my name in the memo field. For trip updates, be sure to check back or visit Owe No Man Ministries.
Humbling serving,
Becky Miller
