Thursday, November 3, 2011
Be Inspired.
Thursday Quote
"We must be willing to let go of the life we have planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us"
~Joseph Campbell
This quote popped out at me because I have been thinking a lot about the life that God has given me lately. About the twists and turns that I wasn't expecting and the road blocks that I have come up against as well as the abundant blessings. I was reading a blog the other day and the author was talking about what the Bible says in Hebrews 12:1-
And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
The blog author pointed out the phrase "for us". I never looked at it that way before. My race has been marked out for only ME to run. I can't and shouldn't run another's race for them even if it looks more appealing than my own. Whenever I get discouraged or envious of my friends who are living the life I had planned for myself, I need to remember this verse. God has equipped me for the life he has marked out for me and me alone. How great that our God cares for us on such an individual basis?
Can I get an Amen??
~Joseph Campbell
This quote popped out at me because I have been thinking a lot about the life that God has given me lately. About the twists and turns that I wasn't expecting and the road blocks that I have come up against as well as the abundant blessings. I was reading a blog the other day and the author was talking about what the Bible says in Hebrews 12:1-
And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
The blog author pointed out the phrase "for us". I never looked at it that way before. My race has been marked out for only ME to run. I can't and shouldn't run another's race for them even if it looks more appealing than my own. Whenever I get discouraged or envious of my friends who are living the life I had planned for myself, I need to remember this verse. God has equipped me for the life he has marked out for me and me alone. How great that our God cares for us on such an individual basis?
Can I get an Amen??
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Halloween 2011
I have to say, one of the times that I absolutely love this base is on Halloween. The small town atmosphere is on full display. It seems like everyone gets into the spirit of fun and making it a special evening for little ones. We met several of our friends and their kids for pizza at one of the parks and then we trick-or-treated as a group. W enjoyed being with his friends and we did too. A great time was had by all!!
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| Our little Tiger wanted nothing to do with picture taking. |
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| Trick or Treat!! |
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| One tired Tiger!! |
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
About A Boy
I remember it like it yesterday. Laying on the cold table in the ultrasound room and staring at the monitors. It was time for the big reveal. "See that?", the nursed asked. I knew what that was. I was going to have a boy. Ryan grinned. I stared blankly at the that and thought about what mothering a son would be like. I was scared.
Being a girl, I always wanted a girl. I know girls. I grew up with a sister only. She was the mother of a baby girl at the time. This boy thing blew my mind.
Fast forward 3 years. I am a total boy's mama. I love building train sets and racing cars. I have learned the names of various construction trucks and their jobs. We like to find frogs at night on our walks and jump in mud puddles after it rains. He is just such fun.
This post may seem random, and it probably is. It might look like it has absolutely nothing to do with life in Turkey. It is, however, an example of how God gives us what we need, not necessarily what we want. I am so glad he gave me my little boy. And I am beginning to be so glad that he has also given me Turkey, even though it was not what I wanted. I am starting to see it may have been just the thing I needed.
Being a girl, I always wanted a girl. I know girls. I grew up with a sister only. She was the mother of a baby girl at the time. This boy thing blew my mind.
Fast forward 3 years. I am a total boy's mama. I love building train sets and racing cars. I have learned the names of various construction trucks and their jobs. We like to find frogs at night on our walks and jump in mud puddles after it rains. He is just such fun.
This post may seem random, and it probably is. It might look like it has absolutely nothing to do with life in Turkey. It is, however, an example of how God gives us what we need, not necessarily what we want. I am so glad he gave me my little boy. And I am beginning to be so glad that he has also given me Turkey, even though it was not what I wanted. I am starting to see it may have been just the thing I needed.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Islam 101
Before moving to Turkey, my only real contact with the Islamic religion was through my TV. Like most other Americans, I watched the planes hit the Trade Centers and burned with anger. Osama Bin Laden became the poster child for Muslims-all of which, I thought, were evil terrorists who hated America.
Then I moved to Turkey, a nation that is 99% Muslim. I became the minority, religiously speaking.
I have been given the opportunity to learn about the Muslim faith from a new perspective, and to erase some erroneous ideas and prejudices I never knew I had. Before I share, let me be clear. I am a Christian. That will never change. In fact, my own faith has deepened during my time here. Learning about another faith shouldn't threaten your own.
I have learned that Turkey is pretty progressive in the Islamic world. It seems to me that the faith is more of a cultural thing and not so much of a personal belief thing. The same, I think, can be said about America. Many people calling themselves "Christians" don't practice the faith necessarily. But they grew up going to church and hunting Easter eggs and celebrating Christmas. So culturally, they are Christians. Get my drift?
When the Call to Prayer sounds 5 times daily, no one stops what they are doing. Things continue as normal. Most women here do not wear a burka or even a head covering. When I have had conversations with some Turks about their faith, they all take a very universalist approach to it. They believe what they believe, but don't make any effort to evangelize anyone. They think that many roads lead to God, and think that what works for them doesn't necessarily work for you. Again, Turkey is progressive, this is not always the case in the Middle East.
I have also learned that the events of 9/11 sicken most Muslims. Some of my friends here on base have actually been given apologies by Turks for what happened. I think I know how these Turks feel. Exactly how I would feel if people viewed me in the same light as radical so-called Christians who bomb abortion clinics or picket military funerals.
So when I return home and see a news story about Muslims, I won't think of Osama Bin Laden anymore. I will think of Seyhun, Hatice, Cigdem, and the many more friends I have made here. I will also think about how learning about anothers faith has the curious effect of strengthening your own. And for that I am really grateful.
Then I moved to Turkey, a nation that is 99% Muslim. I became the minority, religiously speaking.
I have been given the opportunity to learn about the Muslim faith from a new perspective, and to erase some erroneous ideas and prejudices I never knew I had. Before I share, let me be clear. I am a Christian. That will never change. In fact, my own faith has deepened during my time here. Learning about another faith shouldn't threaten your own.
I have learned that Turkey is pretty progressive in the Islamic world. It seems to me that the faith is more of a cultural thing and not so much of a personal belief thing. The same, I think, can be said about America. Many people calling themselves "Christians" don't practice the faith necessarily. But they grew up going to church and hunting Easter eggs and celebrating Christmas. So culturally, they are Christians. Get my drift?
When the Call to Prayer sounds 5 times daily, no one stops what they are doing. Things continue as normal. Most women here do not wear a burka or even a head covering. When I have had conversations with some Turks about their faith, they all take a very universalist approach to it. They believe what they believe, but don't make any effort to evangelize anyone. They think that many roads lead to God, and think that what works for them doesn't necessarily work for you. Again, Turkey is progressive, this is not always the case in the Middle East.
I have also learned that the events of 9/11 sicken most Muslims. Some of my friends here on base have actually been given apologies by Turks for what happened. I think I know how these Turks feel. Exactly how I would feel if people viewed me in the same light as radical so-called Christians who bomb abortion clinics or picket military funerals.
So when I return home and see a news story about Muslims, I won't think of Osama Bin Laden anymore. I will think of Seyhun, Hatice, Cigdem, and the many more friends I have made here. I will also think about how learning about anothers faith has the curious effect of strengthening your own. And for that I am really grateful.
Friday, October 14, 2011
W Lately
**This post comes with the warning that it will probably only interest grandparents.
I am trying to remember to blog about our little boy's likes, dislikes, interests, and milestones from time to time. It has been awhile, but here you go:
Favorites:
I am trying to remember to blog about our little boy's likes, dislikes, interests, and milestones from time to time. It has been awhile, but here you go:
Favorites:
- TV Show: Thomas the Train, Ni Hao Kai-Lan, Seasame Street
- Song: ABC's, Down by the Station (Lately, he has also started singing "Baby" by Justin Bieber. Long story there.)
- Toy: Thomas, Thomas, and more Thomas. He is OBSESSED.
- Can peddle his tricycle well.
- LOVES going to preschool on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
- Is fully potty trained and usually doesn't need any help anymore in the bathroom.
- Knows his first, middle, and last name
- Continues to be very social and loves playing with his friends.
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