Land That I Love

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Merry Christmas dear friends!!!

New Name

"You shall be called by a new name, 

Which the mouth of the LORD will name."

(Isaiah 62:2b)

Many things have changed in my life recently.  Our beautiful daughter was born last week and she is a joy to our lives.

I started a journal for her.  I don't want to write in it every day but I do want to capture some of the most important moments and let her know how we felt.  I want her to be able to see her life through our eyes.  And as she gets older, when we may not even be around any more, I want her to always have proof of how loved she was.

While at the hospital I started writing the very first entry in that journal... welcoming my daughter into the world, letting her know how loved and wanted she is and how long we've waited and how blessed we feel. At the end of my entry I signed with a new word - MAMA.

I have a new name now.  I have a new calling.  I am a mother now.  

That changes my life drastically - but I am ok with that :)

Lately...

Lately... we have been quite busy.  A lot of preparations are in order for our little baby girl to come next month.  And that is on top of all the work and ministry responsibilities we already have.  Because of that I am realizing that we have not been super faithful updating this blog on a regular basis... sorry.  Here's a quick snapshot into our lives in the past 2 months.

Of course our main news revolves around me carrying our child.  I have been so grateful to God for the easy pregnancy that allows me to still be actively involved in our Sidewalk Sunday School ministry.  With only a few weeks to go we are getting anxious to meet our little wonder (prayers for easy delivery are always appreciated).

In the beginning of October we traveled to Oregon to be part of our brother's wedding.  It was exciting for me to meet a lot of Bryan's family members whom I hadn't met before.  As I look back at those few days - I am blown away by God's faithfulness and His provision for us (just 2 short weeks before we had no finances to travel - but by the time we had to go - everything was lined up and taken care of)... 

Some of my newly-met family-friends were so kind as to throw us a little family baby shower where we got a lot of beautiful things.

And of course the official Dr. Seuss themed baby shower was thrown last month in the honor of our little girl.  We are grateful for the friends that made it a point to come (even though it ended up happening at a quite inconvenient time for many of our friends).  

Bryan & I with our Canadian intern Rachel
(after we showed her our ministry area for
the first time)

 And of course I can't forget to let you know of all the great things that are happening with our Sidewalk Sunday School ministry. This semester (because of my pregnancy) we have been blessed with a help of an intern from Canada.  She has been helping us on visitation and with Sunday School and she will take over once I have the baby until Christmas.  It is a blessing to know that our Sunday School kids will be taken care of.

The Sunday School itself has been doing great!  Our site's attendance has been quite high (332 people attended this past Friday).  We are excited to have an opportunity to share about God with all these people.

Memory verse from this past week's lesson

all kids were excited to be blessed with a pumpkin and a bag of chocolate

 Another praise report for us would be that my mom got her US visa and she will be traveling to visit us in December.  I really hoped she would come but didn't want to put my hopes up too much.  A week before her interview I posted on facebook a request to pray for favor for her.  As many friends prayed, God has given me peace about her interview and I knew in my heart that whatever the outcome would be - it would be the will of God manifested.  I was excited to know that she did get her visa. 

Prayer Requests:

* for easy delivery of our daughter

* for my mom's salvation

* for easy transition for our intern Rachel from a follower to a leader in our Sunday School site

"My Heart Has Been Replaced With A Face"

When you look down, it is easy to walk by.  In my previous post I have written about feeling sorry for myself and being caught up in the "woe is me" mentality.  The more I think about it the more frustrated I become... angry at myself and many others around me who are so caught up in our little problems that we don't even notice the pain of those who need our help.

Part of the problem is that often the needs around us are impersonal.  The homeless, the prostitutes, the child molesters, the drug addicts, the poor, the sick - those are all collective nouns, words meant to drive our attention away from these people as individuals.

I stumbled upon this song today on youtube and I would love to share it with you (lyrics typed out below).

I've stood alone a million times

That's not the same as being alone

I've felt ignored, and left behind before

But that's not the same as being disowned

Open my eyes, and help me see that there's a world outside of me

I'm no different, I want to make a difference tonight

The words don't always come out right

And I don't normally cry

But you didn't see the look in her eyes

I've been shaken

From my head, on down to my toes

Lord use me, take me where you want me to go

I can't help it, my heart has been replaced with a face

I'm ready, these hands are dedicated to change

I've hurt before, but held inside

I've seen their tears, 'cause pain is something they can't hide

What makes us different?

We have a chance to listen tonight

There are many ways for you to get involved in a life of an individual who needs hope today.  

One of the many ways to do so is to sponsor a child through one of the many international ministries.  We are involved with Metro Ministries and through them you can sponsor a child in the United States, Romania, South Africa, and the Philippines.  If you would like to get involved - click here for more info.  And guess what - if you choose to sponsor a child here in US - you can request one of the kids from our Sunday School site and you can be sure we will keep you updated on how they are doing.

Whatever you choose to do (or not to do) - may it be your prayer today that your heart also will be replaced with a face... that you will no longer be immune to the suffering of others.




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Down with Pity

How easy it is to whine!  To feel sorry for myself... feeling as if everyone in the whole world has got a better deal... just because one someone has...

How easy it is to throw yourself a pity party!  Filled with 'if only's and 'but's and wishful thinking...

Do you ever get caught up in that?

Sometimes I do.

And when I do... somehow... I am even more miserable than I was a second ago...

In talking to some of my young ladies I often feel like they use their past choices and things that have been done to them as an excuse.  They often feel like they are not in control of what's happening to them and that there's no way out of the mess they had created.  It is easy for me to look straight into their situation and say, "Ok, here's what happened.  It's bad, very bad.  Now, what will you do about it?  Your 2 choices are to feel sorry for yourself and do nothing or to start from here and change your life for the better."  Easy for me to say ;)

So when I catch myself being unsatisfied, discontent, downcast and discouraged I have to tell myself those same words, "Now, what will you do about it?"

I start off with counting my blessings: *the train that arrived just as I set my foot on the platform, *the word of encouragement from a fellow co-laborer, *little skype convos where I get to give my input and feel like it was needed and helpful, *the yummy food that my friends made for me this week just because (I got 2 of my favorite meals this week cooked for me plus this brownie sundae cheesecake beauty on the left), *my hubby's amazing creativity and problem solving skills, *the little kicks and flutters inside of me, *a good night's sleep... just to name a few.

And then I put my hand to the proverbial plow... and try to do something (anything) to make this situation better.  And even if I fail at what I try to accomplish - I've done away with pity... and then I try again.

Because I know that with Him all things are possible... because I know that with Him on my side nothing shall harm me... because I know that He will never leave me... and that I'll never fall so hard that I won't be able to get up... I try again.

"Father, all things are possible for You"

Mark 14:36

I do not know what you're facing today... but I know that you can try again.

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linking here today:

Joys of Decision Making

One of the toughest things to do as a family is to make a decision.  From the very beginning of their existence every family is bombarded with many many decisions they have to make.

Some of those decisions are easy to make.  Others - not so easy at all.  The worst among that difficult kind would be the infamous "life-changing" or "life-altering" decisions... the ones that send you packing... the ones that change your habits... the ones that make you build or break relationships... the ones that go against everyone's wishes... and possibly even against your own culture.

With expecting our first child in just a few months hubby & I are forced into making many decisions that will soon be changing the course of our life and ministry as we know it.  This season is not the easiest for the two of us.

Maybe you are finding yourself in the season of change and decision making too.  Then you know exactly how I feel.  Wanting God to just magically send me down all the correct answers, wishing it were just a bit easier.

In our decision-making struggle I believe I have learned why God leaves us searching for the answers.  I realized that the very pain and struggle of decision making are given to us to help us mature.  

As we are sitting... talking... praying... discussing... thinking...waiting... hoping... during our decision making, we are forced to evaluate our lives, to ask some hard questions, to agree on what is truly important.

Decision making:

- helps you refocus and prioritize

- weeds out those things out of your life that are no longer important to you and your family

- moves you to seek God and His direction (if you're a Christian)

- helps you get to know your family and what's important to them

- teaches you to trust (God, yourself, family)

If you're finding yourself being forced to make a big decision - don't wish you could skip the process - for in that process is where true growth happens.

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Our New Button

Hey y'all - we have a button now!!!  It is very simple but I feel like it is such an accomplishment as I made it by my own little (ok maybe not so little) self.

Feel free to grab the code and share it on your blogs, pages, etc.

<a href="http://metrobelarus.blogspot.com/" ><img border="0" src=" http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NgH-qZYJvLw/Tk49RnNis2I/AAAAAAAABGM/wDBtEM309U8/s1600/button-2.jpg" /></a>

Photo courtesy of "A Life To Serve"

Overcoming Fear

I wonder what are you afraid of?  You know, it's not always the obvious things like mice and spiders. 

Real fears hide deep inside, carefully masked by layers of learned behaviors and social expectations.  Real fears are very hard to admit to anyone, even ourselves.

Bryan & I with some of the kids
who came to day camp from our site.

Starting August 8th, we have been bringing children from all over New York to our church for one day of fun that was geared to give kids an unforgettable fun experience while helping them to identify and cope with their fears.

a small group discussion

 Through discussions and Bible lessons, story time, and even water activities - every single part of the day is laced with teaching the kids that they don't have to be afraid for God is with them.

Many children are able to open up and admit their fears - some of them seemingly insignificant (yet real nonetheless) and some of them very very deep and difficult to deal with.

Bible Lesson

team spirit

games

water slide

fun times at the pool

 If you have a spare moment today - please pray for the kids that have already gone through camp - that God will seal in their hearts their decision to trust Him for help... and for those who are yet to attend - that God will move on their hearts and help them overcome their fears...

... and as you're reading this - be reminded that God is with you also... so don't be afraid!!!

Don't be afraid to do what is right.

Don't be afraid to step out in faith.

Don't be afraid to share about Jesus with a non-believer.

Don't be afraid to speak up for those who are struggling.

Don't be afraid to leave the past behind.

Don't be afraid to pursue your dream.

Don't be afraid to trust God in the most impossible of circumstances
(He specializes in those anyway).

"The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid..."  

(Psalm 118:6)

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Greatest Author

I was on the subway the other day and saw this advertisement for some new book.  The reviews that were chosen to put on this advertisement claim that "authors just don't get any better" and that the writer is "one of the greatest storytellers of ours or any time [emphasis mine]".

Really?  Are they trying to tell me that The Lion is such a work of literary art that Mr. DeMille is surpassing Leo Tolstoy, Mark Twain, C.S. Lewis, even Shakespeare for crying out loud. Am I supposed to believe that this book will become a timeless classic for many generations to enjoy?

It saddens me how literature in general becomes the McDonald's of food.  Now indeed there's time and place for McDonald's (when you're in the rush and need a quick meal) but a BigMac will never compare to a proper sit-down several course dinner at the View.  There is time and place for novels that can be enjoyed on the beach or on a plane.  But can they be compared to the timeless classics that force us to look deep within ourselves and search for answers, that move us to think and become better people, that encourage us to open up a dictionary once in a while and broaden our vocabulary?

If you are a parent - I beg you to instill in your children love for good books.  When they grow up they will read what they see you read.  Fill their bookshelves with quality time-proven authors, get them to discuss the content with you, ask them to place themselves in a hero's shoes.  Check out this list and see if you read any of those yourself (a few more lists can be found here and here).  It takes a while to develop appreciation for classic writers if you never had to force yourself to go beyond the Cliff's Notes versions of their books but I promise you that it'll be worthwhile.

Imperfect Hospitality

"When hospitality becomes an art it loses its very soul." 

(Max Beerbohm)

I read a lot... about everything... I read books, blogs, facebook feeds, signs on the streets, even cereal boxes.  Sometimes that stood in the way of my hospitality.  I am not the person who will think of little cute flags to decorate her cupcakes with, or get matching linens, or make homemade tags for the glasses.  I live in a one-bedroom apartment where I don't have a space to set up a nice buffet table (on top of that we don't even have many serving dishes so often our food ends up being served straight out of the pot).  I do not make the greatest hostess.  I often get stressed right before the guests get there as I realize my huge gap between what I wanted to happen and the reality of what will indeed happen.  That frustrated me often.  I was realizing that I am unlikely to ever be as good as some of those hospitality/decoration ideas/cooking bloggers and I was becoming more and more uncomfortable with having people over.

Yesterday we celebrated Independence Day.  Hubby & I were going to stay home, grill veggie burgers on George Foreman (our very random Independence Day tradition), and watch fireworks on TV.  Over the course of the weekend we've been talking to some people in the ministry we're involved in and some of our friends didn't know exactly what to do.  A simple invitation of "Well, we're staying home and grilling veggie burgers on George Foreman... you're welcome to join us if you'd like"  was enough to have 5 more people join us last night.

As always I was not perfect.  My dessert had an accident (praise God for a wonderful creative husband who figured out how to fix it instead of getting stressed)... and I was not ready by the time the first guests arrived. 

But despite all that we had a great time.  Conversations were started, food was eaten, a movie was watched, followed by my imperfect patriotic dessert... and all was well.  I am learning now that you don't have to be perfect to extend hospitality, to fill your home with friends and laughter.  I read this quote here the other day "Aiming for perfection will only frustrate. Aiming for grace and excellence is better."  And this is what I will strive to do.  I will strive to become a better hostess but I will not strive to be a perfect one.  I will enjoy my friends and not stress over little things (hey, even if the dinner is ruined - there's always take-out).  I will extend my hospitality and not hinder it for this is how friendships are formed and love of Christ is expressed.

You may not have everything you need to pull off a great "party"... but you don't need to invite people to a "party"... invite them to your "home" and share your life with them.  They will appreciate it even more.


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My Blessings Are Easy To Count Today

My blessings are easy to count today.  As I sit in my bed this morning and type this post, I am excited about the new (to me) dessert recipe I get to try out today for the Independence Day celebration.  I know my fridge is stoked with yummy things that in a few hours will be transformed into a great food for a great get-together with some great people. I went to church yesterday without fear for my life and I had a great time.  I hung out with my friends in a group outside without fear of being arrested.  I am a blessed woman indeed.

Not everyone can say that today.  And if there was one thing I could pass on to all the wonderful people who live in the United States - "Don't Ever Take Your Freedom For Granted!!"  Be thankful for the opportunities and freedoms given to you that others may not be able to enjoy.

If you allow me to share one little video with you today - here's how Independence Day celebration went down in Belarus yesterday (the country currently celebrates their Independence Day on July 3rd).

And that is why I am ever so grateful for things so often taken for granted:
* being outside with my family and friends with no fear
* speaking my mind with no fear
* knowing that in the USA people are presumed innocent until proven guilty
* my church
* freedom of religion
* uncensored Internet access
* honest day's wages to buy things I need
* abundance of choices

Project: Food Budget (Week 6)

Thursdays seem to come much faster now that I am participating in the Project: Food Budget challenge.  This week was super easy... We have not purchased much groceries and were eating up what was left in the house.  However, I feel like we've also done quite a bit of eating out too so it's probably balancing itself out.

Fun Find: Last night hubby and I were walking through the local farmers' market and... long story short... signed up for a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) share. Ours is a smaller size share and it only costs us $15/week.  Today's share consisted of a bunch of radishes, a head of lettuce, 2 herbs of choice (mine were basil and flat leaf parsley), garlic scapes... and some other green stuff I can't remember right now without looking in my fridge ;)  I am excited about learning new dishes that will help me use up all our stuff.  The big plan for this weekend is basil garlic pesto (pesto freezes well so I can keep it until I need it). The fun challenge for the week is to find recipes to use up all the radishes. 

What is your fun find of the week?

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Other Participating Blogs: 

• Emily Levenson
• Veggie Converter
• Dairy-Free Cooking
• Veggie Burgher
• The Happy Cactus
• Test Kitchen Tuesday
• Newly Vegan
• Veggie on the Cheap
• MeloMeals: Vegan For $3.33 A Day
• The Veggie Life
• Caroline Cain Holistic Health
• Going Veggie
• Under The Apple Tree
• Be the Change

My Home

"Moses took his tent and pitched it outside the camp, far from the camp, and called it the tabernacle of meeting.  And it came to pass that everyone who sought the Lord went out to the tabernacle of meeting which was outside the camp."  

(Exodus 33:7)

Moses loved the Lord so much that his own house became a place where people would come and seek God.  I want my home to be a place where God speaks.  I want my home to be a place that encourages others to worship.

What would it take from me?

SEPARATION

Moses pitched his tent far from the camp.  How often do I get so caught up in my daily life that I make no time to spend with God?  Life happens.  Our families have needs and we are there to meet them.  Our social life is also important.  We have engagements and responsibilities.  We have ministry commitments.  And as important as any of those are, they have a tendency to drag us away from the One who can give us strength to deal with them, wisdom and understanding of how to do them faster and more efficiently, from the One who can bless the work of our hands.  Separating myself would require for me to rethink my priorities, to give up convenience, to drop my to do list until I've talked to Him, to cancel out things that make me feel important, like I am doing something worthwhile, but leave me no time for anything else.  Separating myself would mean laying down the social expectations aside and rearranging my schedule to make room for the One who is the most important.

I'm in.  I will strive for it.

Will you?

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A Heart of Jonah

As I ponder on the Word of God this week, one thing comes to mind.

Jonah was a prophet of God, His servant, His messenger.

But he was human too.

When the Lord asked Jonah to go to Nineveh, he did not want to go.

How often do I refuse to step into God's plan, to follow His desires?

How often do I think I know better?

Do you ever find yourself there... on a boat to Tarshish?

Sometimes I do.

And yet...

He is merciful

... and He uses me again ...

... and again ...

... and again ...

Today I am grateful for HIS MERCY