Your Glorious Majesty
The pain and the glory
Of one precious moment
Never say you're sorry
Nor show your sad lament
In one glorious instant
Suspended forever in time
I saw the unending constant
Of a love so heavenly divine
Bearing with pain and passion
The full weight of my sin
My life filled with abandon
You gave back to me clean
And so with undying worship
With bowed head and bended knee
I proclaim Your complete Lordship
And Your glorious majesty.
- caarnold '06
Friday, October 27, 2006
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Eight Glorious Years of Wedded Bliss
Today, October 24, 2006 marks eight glorious years of marriage to the only man I've ever loved on this earth.
As a tribute to Keith, I am re-posting a paragraph from one of my posts about a month ago. It was true then, it is true now and it will hold true for always.
My beloved husband, Keith, you are my gift from God. You have, with God's love, erased all the pain and sorrow of my first 30 years here on earth. You have replaced rejection with acceptance, you eased a broken heart, mended a battered body and nurtured a shattered spirit. You have loved beyond doubt, forgiven without hesitation and I will carry those sentiments, and more, with me through the rest of my days. I love you from the depths of my heart and soul. My beloved, my mentor, my discipler, and my best friend, thank you for the best years of my life. My only hope is that I can honestly claim that my greatest accomplishment in this life is that I make you happy. That would make my life worthwhile.
And to all of that let me add this:
Keith, my love, Happy 8th Anniversary. Sixty years or less never has been or never will be an option. I look forward with joy and love to spending eternity with you. You offered to me, when I was lost, the gift of everlasting life from our heavenly Father and I thank you for loving me enough to want to share that gift. As we've grown together, in the last eight years, I've seen the man that you are and the man that God is molding you to be and if it's at all possible, I love you more now than I did back when we first started this love affair. Thank you for being my husband, my lover and my best friend now and for always.
As a tribute to Keith, I am re-posting a paragraph from one of my posts about a month ago. It was true then, it is true now and it will hold true for always.
My beloved husband, Keith, you are my gift from God. You have, with God's love, erased all the pain and sorrow of my first 30 years here on earth. You have replaced rejection with acceptance, you eased a broken heart, mended a battered body and nurtured a shattered spirit. You have loved beyond doubt, forgiven without hesitation and I will carry those sentiments, and more, with me through the rest of my days. I love you from the depths of my heart and soul. My beloved, my mentor, my discipler, and my best friend, thank you for the best years of my life. My only hope is that I can honestly claim that my greatest accomplishment in this life is that I make you happy. That would make my life worthwhile.
And to all of that let me add this:
Keith, my love, Happy 8th Anniversary. Sixty years or less never has been or never will be an option. I look forward with joy and love to spending eternity with you. You offered to me, when I was lost, the gift of everlasting life from our heavenly Father and I thank you for loving me enough to want to share that gift. As we've grown together, in the last eight years, I've seen the man that you are and the man that God is molding you to be and if it's at all possible, I love you more now than I did back when we first started this love affair. Thank you for being my husband, my lover and my best friend now and for always.
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Go And Make Disciples Of All Nations
My next couple of posts will most likely be about my trip to “Montebello”. I learned and experienced so much on this trip and there is no way I can put it all in one posts so as I remember and “process” my experiences, I will commit them to words in my corner.
"Montebello" is a striking place. It’s a distant land, forgotten by time, and steeped in a patriarchal society so domineering of women and children. My first views of the place were marred by darkness but as soon as daylight came, I was transported to a time and place I've only read about. There is never-ending dust as far as the eye can see. At times, it lingers in the air like a fog. The dust is everywhere and there is no escaping it. In that place, I learned to appreciate things and relationships I normally took for granted in my everyday life. In that place, I threw myself at the mercy and grace of a loving God and His people.
First and foremost, I have a newfound respect and sense of awe for God's laborers. These people are living the essence of “The Great Commission". Matthew 28:19 explicitly commands ALL of Christ's followers to “Therefore go and make DISCIPLES of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son of the Holy Spirit.” (NIV)
The “lifers” I met in “Montebello” gives substance to Christ's words. They breathe the dust day in and day out. They walk the streets, they reach out to the people and they fellowship in simple ways with one another. In this desolate land with its history of wars, death and destruction, they live side by side with its people, they subject themselves to its culture, they allow themselves to be governed by its laws and at the same time they unconditionally submit to the will of our God.
Much like the apostles of old, under threat of constant persecution, they work in the different communities to personify God's love for the lost. They offer medical assistance to the sick, teach English to teens and young adults, nurture orphaned children and with full knowledge of the consequences, they boldly, albeit in discreet ways, bring the good news of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to the people.
They immerse themselves in the culture as well. They respect the written laws of the land, they study the language, they go about living their daily lives amongst the locals. Yes, they stand out in the crowd because of the color of their skin and their unusual demeanor, but they are not seen or treated as pariahs nor are they considered outcasts in a society they have little understanding of.
Their ministry is tenuous at best and yet in the spirit of love and obedience to our God they forged on with His work, unminding of personal harm, ever vigilant in the discipling of new believers in Christ our Lord. Their lives are lived in constant prayer. They constantly seek the Lord's will, and ask the Lord for guidance and protection and true to His promise, these laborers are guided, emboldened, protected and provided for by our Lord.
To all of you, know that you will forever be in my prayers. I admire your spirit, your heart, your service, your devotion and your obedience. You have truly forsaken all the earthly treasures this world has to offer for the treasures God has waiting for you in His kingdom. The lives which you've dedicated yourselves to, though full of strife and difficulty, are rich, fulfilling and rewarding. Thank you all for taking up the yoke. God bless you and keep you safe and may you also be blessed with witnessing the fruits of your labor. In His Most Holy Name I lift you all to our Almighty Father.
"Montebello" is a striking place. It’s a distant land, forgotten by time, and steeped in a patriarchal society so domineering of women and children. My first views of the place were marred by darkness but as soon as daylight came, I was transported to a time and place I've only read about. There is never-ending dust as far as the eye can see. At times, it lingers in the air like a fog. The dust is everywhere and there is no escaping it. In that place, I learned to appreciate things and relationships I normally took for granted in my everyday life. In that place, I threw myself at the mercy and grace of a loving God and His people.
First and foremost, I have a newfound respect and sense of awe for God's laborers. These people are living the essence of “The Great Commission". Matthew 28:19 explicitly commands ALL of Christ's followers to “Therefore go and make DISCIPLES of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son of the Holy Spirit.” (NIV)
The “lifers” I met in “Montebello” gives substance to Christ's words. They breathe the dust day in and day out. They walk the streets, they reach out to the people and they fellowship in simple ways with one another. In this desolate land with its history of wars, death and destruction, they live side by side with its people, they subject themselves to its culture, they allow themselves to be governed by its laws and at the same time they unconditionally submit to the will of our God.
Much like the apostles of old, under threat of constant persecution, they work in the different communities to personify God's love for the lost. They offer medical assistance to the sick, teach English to teens and young adults, nurture orphaned children and with full knowledge of the consequences, they boldly, albeit in discreet ways, bring the good news of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to the people.
They immerse themselves in the culture as well. They respect the written laws of the land, they study the language, they go about living their daily lives amongst the locals. Yes, they stand out in the crowd because of the color of their skin and their unusual demeanor, but they are not seen or treated as pariahs nor are they considered outcasts in a society they have little understanding of.
Their ministry is tenuous at best and yet in the spirit of love and obedience to our God they forged on with His work, unminding of personal harm, ever vigilant in the discipling of new believers in Christ our Lord. Their lives are lived in constant prayer. They constantly seek the Lord's will, and ask the Lord for guidance and protection and true to His promise, these laborers are guided, emboldened, protected and provided for by our Lord.
To all of you, know that you will forever be in my prayers. I admire your spirit, your heart, your service, your devotion and your obedience. You have truly forsaken all the earthly treasures this world has to offer for the treasures God has waiting for you in His kingdom. The lives which you've dedicated yourselves to, though full of strife and difficulty, are rich, fulfilling and rewarding. Thank you all for taking up the yoke. God bless you and keep you safe and may you also be blessed with witnessing the fruits of your labor. In His Most Holy Name I lift you all to our Almighty Father.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
The Best Team of God Servants Ever!
I arrived from my sojourn to "Montebello" on Saturday the 14th and as much as my heart longs to serve there long term, I belong in the circle of my husband's arms wherever we may both be. That is where my home is on this earth. Let me also say that, given the opportunity, I will go to the ends of this earth and serve again with the team that God put together on this journey.
First and foremost, to our team leaders Brett and Lauren. You two are the coolest, dopest(thank Spooky Jess for the linggo), most awesome team leaders I have had the privilege of taking leadership and guidance from. Your unfailing vigilance in keeping the flock together was a sight to behold. Thank you for being on point from the minute we left Los Angeles to the border crossings and even through Kelsey's ordeal. Most of all thank you for taking on the challenge, especially in light of how exhausted you two have been during the summer. You two are really winners!
Next, Brien, you're the older brother I never had. I still can't see the 'fro tilting in the wind but hey, it got you your wife right? You are very blessed bro and I thank God I got a chance to work with the best. There's a reason the kids love you Grandpa! Stay weird bro.
Kelsey, I will remember you most for the border crossing with Olga the Uzbek rifling through your scrapbook and reading your love letters. The grace and poise by which you handled that (plus all that groping, ughh!) is unequaled. I also admire your resilience even as they were prodding and poking you at the International Clinic. You are truly beautiful inside and out and I am so glad I got the chance to know you. You are an awesome woman.
Spooky Jess, your heart for the Lord is incredible. I don't think I'll ever be able to watch "Friends" re-runs again and hear the character of Monica scream "I KNOW" without thinking about you. I admire your courage, your love of weapons, and your independent spirit. I can't wait for you to visit California. I promise to play tourist and we can tour Hollyweird together.
Liz, you're such a prayer warrior and fearless in sharing the Lord. One of these days, we'll go the distance talking about Debt policy, Foreign Policy and any other policy you want to talk about. You're a great sister in Christ and I'm truly glad our paths cross. Still trying to figure out how you got the name Lubya. PS: So will the school be offering computer classes 48 weeks a year instead of 3 or 4? Hmmm? And I promise to brush up on my Gin Rummy (and Scrabble!) skills for the next go around.
Hannah, I truly, truly admire your spirit and your determination to do God's work. You are a blessing to us and to those kids. It must truly be moving to witness a person come to the Lord and what a privilege. God be with you always and I pray that you can continue to do God's work for a long time.
Mr. Bill you truly are the embodiment of E.F. Hutton. You do not say much but when you did, we all paid attention. Who would've thought that you liked "Friends". Or that "Boston Legal" kept you away from the Weather Channel. From the first jokes you uttered to that haunting rendition of Amazing Grace and Unchained Melody to that final gesture at Incheon International Airport, you are a man of few words, but oh what sweet words. What an honor to make your acquaintance, Sir.
And last but not least, "Sheph", I hear you preach almost every Sunday, but your ministry during our time away was truly inspiring. I truly admire how you open your heart to God and have Him dictate every aspect of your life. Thank you for the opportunity you provided for discipleship even for a short time. Thank you too for the lesson on submission. I get it now. Submission really is acknowledging your weaknesses and surrendering your pride and an inborn stubborn streak to joyfully and gratefully rely on God's mercy and grace and accept wholeheartedly the service of others. I have a new level of respect for your chosen vocation and the person that you are.
And to the staff at the school in "Montebello". Ladies and Gents, your dedication, devotion and obedience to His will are admirable, awe-inspiring and unequalled. You all are the embodiment of the "eternal perspective" and I pray that God continues to keep you safe and at the same time embolden your spirit in sharing the good news and His gift of eternal life.
I have not taken many trips of this nature in my life, and I have to say that this is the most difficult in terms of the physical demands, and yet, this too is the most rewarding of all. To see God work in a land in dire need of hope and salvation is incredible. I look forward to the opportunity of serving with all of you again wherever and whenever God calls for His servants.
In His Most Holy Name, I love you all!
First and foremost, to our team leaders Brett and Lauren. You two are the coolest, dopest(thank Spooky Jess for the linggo), most awesome team leaders I have had the privilege of taking leadership and guidance from. Your unfailing vigilance in keeping the flock together was a sight to behold. Thank you for being on point from the minute we left Los Angeles to the border crossings and even through Kelsey's ordeal. Most of all thank you for taking on the challenge, especially in light of how exhausted you two have been during the summer. You two are really winners!
Next, Brien, you're the older brother I never had. I still can't see the 'fro tilting in the wind but hey, it got you your wife right? You are very blessed bro and I thank God I got a chance to work with the best. There's a reason the kids love you Grandpa! Stay weird bro.
Kelsey, I will remember you most for the border crossing with Olga the Uzbek rifling through your scrapbook and reading your love letters. The grace and poise by which you handled that (plus all that groping, ughh!) is unequaled. I also admire your resilience even as they were prodding and poking you at the International Clinic. You are truly beautiful inside and out and I am so glad I got the chance to know you. You are an awesome woman.
Spooky Jess, your heart for the Lord is incredible. I don't think I'll ever be able to watch "Friends" re-runs again and hear the character of Monica scream "I KNOW" without thinking about you. I admire your courage, your love of weapons, and your independent spirit. I can't wait for you to visit California. I promise to play tourist and we can tour Hollyweird together.
Liz, you're such a prayer warrior and fearless in sharing the Lord. One of these days, we'll go the distance talking about Debt policy, Foreign Policy and any other policy you want to talk about. You're a great sister in Christ and I'm truly glad our paths cross. Still trying to figure out how you got the name Lubya. PS: So will the school be offering computer classes 48 weeks a year instead of 3 or 4? Hmmm? And I promise to brush up on my Gin Rummy (and Scrabble!) skills for the next go around.
Hannah, I truly, truly admire your spirit and your determination to do God's work. You are a blessing to us and to those kids. It must truly be moving to witness a person come to the Lord and what a privilege. God be with you always and I pray that you can continue to do God's work for a long time.
Mr. Bill you truly are the embodiment of E.F. Hutton. You do not say much but when you did, we all paid attention. Who would've thought that you liked "Friends". Or that "Boston Legal" kept you away from the Weather Channel. From the first jokes you uttered to that haunting rendition of Amazing Grace and Unchained Melody to that final gesture at Incheon International Airport, you are a man of few words, but oh what sweet words. What an honor to make your acquaintance, Sir.
And last but not least, "Sheph", I hear you preach almost every Sunday, but your ministry during our time away was truly inspiring. I truly admire how you open your heart to God and have Him dictate every aspect of your life. Thank you for the opportunity you provided for discipleship even for a short time. Thank you too for the lesson on submission. I get it now. Submission really is acknowledging your weaknesses and surrendering your pride and an inborn stubborn streak to joyfully and gratefully rely on God's mercy and grace and accept wholeheartedly the service of others. I have a new level of respect for your chosen vocation and the person that you are.
And to the staff at the school in "Montebello". Ladies and Gents, your dedication, devotion and obedience to His will are admirable, awe-inspiring and unequalled. You all are the embodiment of the "eternal perspective" and I pray that God continues to keep you safe and at the same time embolden your spirit in sharing the good news and His gift of eternal life.
I have not taken many trips of this nature in my life, and I have to say that this is the most difficult in terms of the physical demands, and yet, this too is the most rewarding of all. To see God work in a land in dire need of hope and salvation is incredible. I look forward to the opportunity of serving with all of you again wherever and whenever God calls for His servants.
In His Most Holy Name, I love you all!
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