Ten ways you know you haven’t been in the USA for a while
1. You are very confused at your change when someone hands you three coins for three dollars- since when did they start making gold one dollar coins?
2. You have to continually remind yourself to drive on the right side of the road.
3. People aren’t sure what to do with you when you greet them by shaking their hand.
4. You went to mail a letter and were told those stamps don’t work anymore, the prices of stamps have increased since you were gone.
5. You have to think really hard what would be the correct English word to use in a sentence.
6. People look at you funny when you respond in a broken sentence or with an Arabic word.
7. It takes you forever to go through a line for food because you are overwhelmed with the choices of food- there are three different types of meat!
8. You have forgotten the name for simple items like an iron- it is not called an ironing machine?
9. After looking for a bucket and Nomi to do your laundry you realize there is a washing machine you could use.
10. It takes you ten minutes to make one phone call and what is voicemail?
I hope you enjoyed a good laugh from this list. Yes, it has taken me a bit to get into the swing of things here in the states, but I have been so blessed and encouraged to be here. It has been an overwhelming joy to be around family and friends. I truly didn’t realize how much I missed them. My family has touched my heart and I thank God for each one of them and the love and encouragement they are so quickly willing to bestow on me. Thank you again for all your prayers and support as I have been making this transition. This has been the smoothest transition and I know your prayers have helped in so many ways. God is so faithful.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Pride and Repentance
Pride and Repentance….
Why do we complicate things so much? Today I was convicted of how much we complicate the message of the gospel. God has made it simple and to the point for a reason, but we try to tie pretty bows on it and just really confuse ourselves and others. The message is simple and to the point: it is repentance and the forgiveness of sins. John and Baptist and Jesus said it best in the book of Matthew. “Repent for the kingdom of God is near” John 3:1, 4:17. We are called to repent! But then why is repentance really so far from our minds and our society in general. Repentance requires us to humble ourselves. This means that we need to realize that we are NOT always right. We have sin in our lives and truly we are nothing without Christ. Why does it take us so long to get there? Because we have become a self-centered, independent people- we believe that we can do everything by ourselves and we don’t need anyone. That is a complete lie that Satan has fed us and we have believed it. When we strip that falsehood away we are actually absolutely NOTHING on our own. Without Christ we wouldn’t even be here. “This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in Spirit and trembles at my word” Isaiah 66:2. Are we humble and contrite in spirit? Humility -that is a hard one. We (including myself in this) are a self focused people. We want credit for what we have done and accomplished. When really it’s not us at all- God alone has given us all our talents and skills. Then why are we so slow to give him glory and credit? Because our pride is in the way. Today my prayer for all of us is that we can humble ourselves before the Savior. If you have not humbled yourself and repented today I pray that you will repent and receive the forgiveness of sins because the kingdom of God is near.
Why do we complicate things so much? Today I was convicted of how much we complicate the message of the gospel. God has made it simple and to the point for a reason, but we try to tie pretty bows on it and just really confuse ourselves and others. The message is simple and to the point: it is repentance and the forgiveness of sins. John and Baptist and Jesus said it best in the book of Matthew. “Repent for the kingdom of God is near” John 3:1, 4:17. We are called to repent! But then why is repentance really so far from our minds and our society in general. Repentance requires us to humble ourselves. This means that we need to realize that we are NOT always right. We have sin in our lives and truly we are nothing without Christ. Why does it take us so long to get there? Because we have become a self-centered, independent people- we believe that we can do everything by ourselves and we don’t need anyone. That is a complete lie that Satan has fed us and we have believed it. When we strip that falsehood away we are actually absolutely NOTHING on our own. Without Christ we wouldn’t even be here. “This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in Spirit and trembles at my word” Isaiah 66:2. Are we humble and contrite in spirit? Humility -that is a hard one. We (including myself in this) are a self focused people. We want credit for what we have done and accomplished. When really it’s not us at all- God alone has given us all our talents and skills. Then why are we so slow to give him glory and credit? Because our pride is in the way. Today my prayer for all of us is that we can humble ourselves before the Savior. If you have not humbled yourself and repented today I pray that you will repent and receive the forgiveness of sins because the kingdom of God is near.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
More fun friends and family time
Family Fun
Upcoming Dates
Hey Everyone- Here are some upcoming dates that you are invited to- hope to see you there.
HCA Picnic Day at Weaver Lake Park in Maple Grove
When: Wednesday, July 23rd at 11:00
Who:Friends of Heritage Christian Academy and anyone else who wants to come:)
Bring a bag lunch and a swimsuit and come for a time of fellowship and fun! Let me know if you have any questions.
Sunday Presentation- July 27th - 10:ooam
Where: Northwest Bible Church, St.Michael MN- we meet at the elementary school
Everyone is invited up to our lake place after the service for a picnic- bring a lunch and swim suit- please let me know if you are coming and need more details!
HCA Picnic Day at Weaver Lake Park in Maple Grove
When: Wednesday, July 23rd at 11:00
Who:Friends of Heritage Christian Academy and anyone else who wants to come:)
Bring a bag lunch and a swimsuit and come for a time of fellowship and fun! Let me know if you have any questions.
Sunday Presentation- July 27th - 10:ooam
Where: Northwest Bible Church, St.Michael MN- we meet at the elementary school
Everyone is invited up to our lake place after the service for a picnic- bring a lunch and swim suit- please let me know if you are coming and need more details!
Monday, July 7, 2008
Can you help?
So people have been asking how they can help as I start making this transition into full time missions. Well, I have some great opportunities if God lays on your heart to help out in these ways. First, I need a place to store some of my things for one more year. God provided an amazing family this last year who allowed me to use their basement, but now they need to finish it. So if you have space for about twenty boxes and two couches please let me know. I need to move my things by Wednesday, July 16th. So if you have a place, or a truck, or BIG muscles- please let me know I would love your help! Also I would love some help with getting my update letters out- stuffing envelopes, addressing them, etc… If you are able to help please let me know. Thank you again for all your prayers, help, and support! Each one of you are loved and appreciated.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Tara's July Update
Tara’s African Adventures- July 2008
“So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts.” Ephesians 4:17
Cynical and Convicted
The other day I found myself being completely convicted of my attitude and thoughts of the American culture. My first day back I felt slammed in the face with arrogance, selfishness, and impatience. I found myself being very cynical of people and just wanting to shout at them and say, “Are you serious? Get your eyes off yourself look around, people are dying, starving, and lost in the world and you are worried about having to wait five more minutes in line for food!” But then God touched my heart and said daughter they have hardened their hearts- they do not know what you know. Instead of being upset at them I was convicted that I needed to pray for these people that do not know our Lord and Savior. Yes, we have been blessed- but our blessings mean nothing if we are not willing to share what God has given us. I am not just talking about material things but I am talking about the eternal gift that God has given us. We are called to share that gift to the nations- it doesn’t matter if we are in Sudan or America- we need to share the truth! My prayer today is that we won’t become cynical of people, but instead we will take the opportunity to share the saving grace of the gospel to those around us so they can share in the inheritance God is providing for us.
AMERICA- what does that word conger up in your mind when you hear it? Land of wealth, opportunity, super size, and Starbucks? When I thought of America the last month I thought of the word FEAR. How was I going to relate and fit in? How was I going to handle the culture, changes, and things I haven’t seen or faced in a year? But then I thought how crazy Tara, I am not doing this alone. God has held my hand each and every day in Africa He is not going to let me go now. Praise the Lord! Thanks to all of you who have devoted much time to prayer regarding my transition back. God has been so faithful and so gracious. Although at times it has seemed a bit overwhelming I truly have had a heart of peace during the transition. God has not given me more than I can handle and he has provided amazing people to be an encouragement to me. Friends has been a blessing as I have struggled through trying to figure out the right words to use in a sentence, the right money to use, and laugh with me in the funny mannerism I have picked up. Thanks for putting up with all my hand shaking and head nodding.
I enjoyed such an amazing time meeting up with a missionary friend and her new husband in New York City. They were a true joy to spend time with my first few days in the states. I was also truly blessed to be able to travel back to the states with a friend I had meet heading to Africa. We were able to encourage each other as we walked through the changes together. Hagerstown and Christ Community Church welcomed me with open arms and hearts as God allowed me to share with them the many ways He has been working in Sudan. Thank you to each one of you who extended your hand of love and generosity during my stay. Please check out the blog for a list of the amazing answers to prayer during my travel the last two and a half weeks- GOD is AWESOME. Praise the LORD!
What’s next? That is a frequently asked question I enjoy trying to answer. Hmmm- wherever God leads! He has given me peace to wait on His timing and direction regarding the future. Currently I am still praying through where God is leading regarding a new ministry assignment as I head back to Africa. God has laid on my heart without a shadow of doubt his continual calling and leading on my life regarding missions. God willing I would love to head back to Africa by October. There are still many things that need to occur for that to take place. One thing is the continual partnership of each one of you. First, and foremost I need continual prayer regarding the next steps. Second, I need continual financial partnership as I begin to raise full time monthly support to return to Africa. Be praying with me regarding this opportunity and be checking your mail boxes and my blog for more ways you can be part of this ministry with me. Thank you again for your diligence in prayer, financial support, and encouragement. I truly thank my God each and every day for each one of you.
Know that I will keep you posted as God opens doors. I would love to have the privilege to meet with each of you personally to hear how God has been working in your lives this last year. I am including my contact information state side in the end of this update. Fill free to contact me anytime- if I can be of help in anyway please let me know!
Blessings-
Tara
Please email me for my contact information!
“So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts.” Ephesians 4:17
Cynical and Convicted
The other day I found myself being completely convicted of my attitude and thoughts of the American culture. My first day back I felt slammed in the face with arrogance, selfishness, and impatience. I found myself being very cynical of people and just wanting to shout at them and say, “Are you serious? Get your eyes off yourself look around, people are dying, starving, and lost in the world and you are worried about having to wait five more minutes in line for food!” But then God touched my heart and said daughter they have hardened their hearts- they do not know what you know. Instead of being upset at them I was convicted that I needed to pray for these people that do not know our Lord and Savior. Yes, we have been blessed- but our blessings mean nothing if we are not willing to share what God has given us. I am not just talking about material things but I am talking about the eternal gift that God has given us. We are called to share that gift to the nations- it doesn’t matter if we are in Sudan or America- we need to share the truth! My prayer today is that we won’t become cynical of people, but instead we will take the opportunity to share the saving grace of the gospel to those around us so they can share in the inheritance God is providing for us.
AMERICA- what does that word conger up in your mind when you hear it? Land of wealth, opportunity, super size, and Starbucks? When I thought of America the last month I thought of the word FEAR. How was I going to relate and fit in? How was I going to handle the culture, changes, and things I haven’t seen or faced in a year? But then I thought how crazy Tara, I am not doing this alone. God has held my hand each and every day in Africa He is not going to let me go now. Praise the Lord! Thanks to all of you who have devoted much time to prayer regarding my transition back. God has been so faithful and so gracious. Although at times it has seemed a bit overwhelming I truly have had a heart of peace during the transition. God has not given me more than I can handle and he has provided amazing people to be an encouragement to me. Friends has been a blessing as I have struggled through trying to figure out the right words to use in a sentence, the right money to use, and laugh with me in the funny mannerism I have picked up. Thanks for putting up with all my hand shaking and head nodding.
I enjoyed such an amazing time meeting up with a missionary friend and her new husband in New York City. They were a true joy to spend time with my first few days in the states. I was also truly blessed to be able to travel back to the states with a friend I had meet heading to Africa. We were able to encourage each other as we walked through the changes together. Hagerstown and Christ Community Church welcomed me with open arms and hearts as God allowed me to share with them the many ways He has been working in Sudan. Thank you to each one of you who extended your hand of love and generosity during my stay. Please check out the blog for a list of the amazing answers to prayer during my travel the last two and a half weeks- GOD is AWESOME. Praise the LORD!
What’s next? That is a frequently asked question I enjoy trying to answer. Hmmm- wherever God leads! He has given me peace to wait on His timing and direction regarding the future. Currently I am still praying through where God is leading regarding a new ministry assignment as I head back to Africa. God has laid on my heart without a shadow of doubt his continual calling and leading on my life regarding missions. God willing I would love to head back to Africa by October. There are still many things that need to occur for that to take place. One thing is the continual partnership of each one of you. First, and foremost I need continual prayer regarding the next steps. Second, I need continual financial partnership as I begin to raise full time monthly support to return to Africa. Be praying with me regarding this opportunity and be checking your mail boxes and my blog for more ways you can be part of this ministry with me. Thank you again for your diligence in prayer, financial support, and encouragement. I truly thank my God each and every day for each one of you.
Know that I will keep you posted as God opens doors. I would love to have the privilege to meet with each of you personally to hear how God has been working in your lives this last year. I am including my contact information state side in the end of this update. Fill free to contact me anytime- if I can be of help in anyway please let me know!
Blessings-
Tara
Please email me for my contact information!
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