Sveta's growing like crazy...I'll just list crazy things she's said or done recently to show you how much she's learning!!
1. I got off the phone after apologizing to the lady on the other end for forgetting to do something. Sveta said, "Who's that?" I answered. "What she says?" I again answered. "Mama forgot?" Yes, yes, I forgot. "It's ok, mama, I'll help you."
2. Today, she took her own shoes off in the house, after I asked her to leave them on. Now, she didn't really understand that we were leaving really soon again...but she WANTED to be barefoot. This from the girl who says the grass hurts her feet to walk on it.
3. We went to a National Day of Prayer service today on the square downtown, and all of these pastors were praying for different things allowed (including her Papa). We got almost to the end and she whispered to me, "Sveta's turn. I pray now."
4. She reads her little "a" book to us each night...and LOVES to point out letters. She still is convinced that "STAPLES" says "SVETA", but whatever. :)
5. She's adjusting really well to having people over, going different places, and not needing a nap everyday. She's a joy and it's so so exciting to see her grow and learn. I'd post more pictures, but the computer I have doesn't really work well, and Barry's won't use our internet card anymore. We're working on it.
On a different note: Romans 12:1-2 says, "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is —his good, pleasing and perfect will."
I have been thinking about how I conform to the pattern of the world. I want the American dream some days...and I'm not convinced that's what I need to be living for. Why do I strive to make more money, to have a bigger house, with prettier things, to have 2.5 kids and a dog, to drive the nicest cars (ok, this one isn't big for me...I drive a honda that currently has a muffler that's hanging on my a thread), to go on big vacations, to be comfortable?
I am so consumed with myself, my wants, my desires, my needs...it's truly revolting. So I care about the orphans in Russia...do I really care about my Jesus and what HE is about? Do I care that many of the products I buy come to me because lives are being exploited and people are working in inhumane factories to create what I desire.
Is my need for a latte really more important than a person's life and dignity?
It's not. Even when sometimes I behave as if my latte is more important, it isn't...and I PRAY that I begin to live out that conviction. Found some websites today I'm going to check out about major corporations that operate sweatshops in other countries. And, I know, I'm back to other countries...I'm just of the belief that a human life is a life created by God...no matter what country that human life is in. So, yes, I will fight for God's children in Russia, India, Cambodia, China, and...right here in my backyard. No one should go hungry...no one should be treated inhumanely. Jesus knows all about being treated inhumanely...he was put to death on a cross, and was buried in a borrowed tomb. I need to stop worrying so much about my own dignity, and start thinking about the dignity of others.
Oh, Lord, how far I am from where I'd like to be. Teach me, show me, grow me, use me.
1. I got off the phone after apologizing to the lady on the other end for forgetting to do something. Sveta said, "Who's that?" I answered. "What she says?" I again answered. "Mama forgot?" Yes, yes, I forgot. "It's ok, mama, I'll help you."
2. Today, she took her own shoes off in the house, after I asked her to leave them on. Now, she didn't really understand that we were leaving really soon again...but she WANTED to be barefoot. This from the girl who says the grass hurts her feet to walk on it.
3. We went to a National Day of Prayer service today on the square downtown, and all of these pastors were praying for different things allowed (including her Papa). We got almost to the end and she whispered to me, "Sveta's turn. I pray now."
4. She reads her little "a" book to us each night...and LOVES to point out letters. She still is convinced that "STAPLES" says "SVETA", but whatever. :)
5. She's adjusting really well to having people over, going different places, and not needing a nap everyday. She's a joy and it's so so exciting to see her grow and learn. I'd post more pictures, but the computer I have doesn't really work well, and Barry's won't use our internet card anymore. We're working on it.
On a different note: Romans 12:1-2 says, "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is —his good, pleasing and perfect will."
I have been thinking about how I conform to the pattern of the world. I want the American dream some days...and I'm not convinced that's what I need to be living for. Why do I strive to make more money, to have a bigger house, with prettier things, to have 2.5 kids and a dog, to drive the nicest cars (ok, this one isn't big for me...I drive a honda that currently has a muffler that's hanging on my a thread), to go on big vacations, to be comfortable?
I am so consumed with myself, my wants, my desires, my needs...it's truly revolting. So I care about the orphans in Russia...do I really care about my Jesus and what HE is about? Do I care that many of the products I buy come to me because lives are being exploited and people are working in inhumane factories to create what I desire.
Is my need for a latte really more important than a person's life and dignity?
It's not. Even when sometimes I behave as if my latte is more important, it isn't...and I PRAY that I begin to live out that conviction. Found some websites today I'm going to check out about major corporations that operate sweatshops in other countries. And, I know, I'm back to other countries...I'm just of the belief that a human life is a life created by God...no matter what country that human life is in. So, yes, I will fight for God's children in Russia, India, Cambodia, China, and...right here in my backyard. No one should go hungry...no one should be treated inhumanely. Jesus knows all about being treated inhumanely...he was put to death on a cross, and was buried in a borrowed tomb. I need to stop worrying so much about my own dignity, and start thinking about the dignity of others.
Oh, Lord, how far I am from where I'd like to be. Teach me, show me, grow me, use me.
No comments:
Post a Comment