Tag Archives: being a witness

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Going through my jewelry bag the other day I came across a treasure.  -One silver earring from Kenya.

Back in 2008, my missionary friend sent a package to Jason and I. We were preparing to go Kenya to serve with them at an orphanage.  The package held an envelope with one silver earring. I love earrings and I love silver; and this one was made from a 1954 East African shilling. I looked for its match but couldn't find it.  I decided that my friend must have sent one earring as a sort of deposit to get me excited about the upcoming trip.

The wonderful trip to Kenya came and went.

To my disappointment, Susan hadn't meant to give me one earring.  The whereabouts of its partner remains a mystery.

I loved the earring, but without its match, what use did it have?  It was nothing more than an incomplete set, so it has set in my jewelry bag for almost four years now- amidst a ball of broken necklace chains and tangled beads.  As I rediscovered it the other day, I was consumed with memories from my time in Kenya.

This earring is a reminder of a trip that forever changed me.  It represents a place void of  earthly comforts; but a place where God's presence is strong.  My earring represents hope for those in Kenya and beyond. It reminds me that there will be a time when "my faith shall be sight".  It is a reminder that some day there will be no orphans, no hunger, no sadness....

My treasure doesn't belong in a bag tucked away on a shelf. It is beauty and holds a purpose. Yes, it serves even on its own. And though it resembles a deposit of the glory that is to come, that won't stop me from wearing it now.

This emblem I wear,  once considered to be of little use, now beats in unison with my heart.

I am His.

And He is mine.

My prayer is that I would live a life of faith and love.  And that I would be an instrument that leads others- so they can know God is "theirs" too.

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.  Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.  -Proverbs 3:3,4 

 

 

 

 

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Hayden and Hallie are getting along.  It's horrible.  Usually they antagonize each other then go back to their separate lives, watching TV or talking to friends.  When they're not getting along and need intervention I come on the scene , in control, and appropriately put them in their place.

Jason bought tools this weekend so that Hayden could do much-needed yard work.  Hayden is weeding the flower beds and getting rid of old mulch.  He talked to Hallie about being his assistant.  She gladly agreed.  They started working together yesterday.

This morning as they came in for a quick water break I made a contentious comment to Hayden.  I wasn't surprised when Hayden disagreed, but the look I got from Hallie......  She looked at me in disapproval, silently saying "Don't look at me, I'm with him".  This is the first time this has ever happened.  I am still in disbelief.  When Hayden left the room, Hallie plead his cause. They're ganging up on me.

In the midst of this turmoil, my sister texted me and asked how things were going.  I told her how terrible my morning had been and that I thought might rather have Hayden and Hallie fighting.  When they stand in unison I don't hold the same sway as when it's me and one of them. Today I felt defeated and without influence.

I wonder what influence we as Christians have in the world when we're divided. I have observed certain groups lately in our nation who have rallied together under common purpose.  Even when the purpose is wrong, they have influence. Those around them stop and take notice.  As Christians we hold a common purpose for good.  We have a mission to share the love of Jesus even to those who hold nothing but contempt for us. They might rather us fight.  We are misguided to think they will listen when they don't  see us loving each other. It just might make a difference if we come together; in work and in love. Today I encountered something new and quite astounding-

I found what can be accomplished when brother and sister work together.

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