Hi friends...
I just finished packing up and moved my blog to:
www.bostern.wordpress.com.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Friday, February 1, 2008
A Way Through the Roof
Luke 5:18-20 Some men arrived carrying a paraplegic on a stretcher. They were looking for a way to get into the house and set him before Jesus. When they couldn't find a way in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof, removed some tiles and let him down in the middle of everyone, right in front of Jesus. Impressed by their bold belief, He said, "Friend, I forgive your sins."
They couldn’t get in because of the crowd.
Strong's word for crowd is “multitude” and it means “rabble” or a low class of people.
While I have often been just as paralyzed as this guy: no direction, no vision, no hope of forward motion with Jesus, my issue in reaching Him is just the opposite. It’s not the rabble pressing in on Jesus that limits my proximity…it’s the rabble pressing in on me. While I have this awesome and every-day opportunity to seek and find Him, to ask for healing from my immobility…I let the crowd hold me back. Not everything in the crowd is “rabble” ( a low class of distraction). My family, my home, my job are all certainly worthy of my attention, but lots of things are not. All of these pieces of the crowd – in varying degrees of intensity – push in to absorb my time, my day and even my desire to find a way in to seek Jesus. Actually, I think a
They don’t.
They won’t.
They devise a plan to get him in and quite a plan it is…it’s a gutsy move. He could get hurt, he could be rejected by the angry mob – or even an angry Jesus. Somewhere, it’s clear that this guy developed such a desperation for healing that the risk was worth it.
For so many years, I have stayed hidden in the crowd and suffocated by - yet secretly thankful for - their company. Finally, I decided to find a way through the roof. Though it would have seemed ridiculous and impossible a few years ago, the tile that had to be moved was the tile called: MORNING. The very small door labeled “before sunrise” was the opening through the roof that I needed to get through the crowd. In fact, I’ve discovered that the streets are pretty quiet and the ordinarily busy and bustling world is nowhere to be found at that time. The only one pressing in for time with me at that hour is the very One I’ve been desperate to talk to. And finding Him here has been the best thing in my life.
Absolutely the best thing ever.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Kenya.
Steve's brother, Jon, and his family live in Kenya, where they run Kings Kids Village - an orphanage for children who have lost their families to AIDS. Please pray for them as they are in the middle of rampant violence and unrest and are responsible for many children and workers. Here is the latest update from Jon Stern - it's long, but important in understanding the scope of the situation. Our God is GREAT and His power will prevail...but I believe that prayer is going to be the key that turns the lock. Here's the letter from Jon:
Hello everyone, and sorry we haven't written an update
lately.......we've heard from some of you that you are hearing the news
and following that way - you are probably getting as much as we are -
EXCEPT for what's on the ground here at KKV......so that's why we are
writing an update today. The unrest is getting worse and worse, and
there is talk that now things will be really bad for the rest of the
week......and it has slowly encroached on to Nairobi and anarchy
ensues. The country is shaken to it's very foundations.
It is very confusing indeed, as no one seems
to know "who is the enemy" - people are running and moving out of their
living places, but don't know where they are going? Where can someone
hide? If you are one tribe you are being killed and if you are
another, you are killed also.......it's definite ethnic cleansing, but
with a political twist - people in high places are using the political
situation to bring in their own agendas.
Needless to say, we are praying to God that the real,
evil plans that are bringing this spirit of violent murder to our
country will be EXPOSED and brought down............roads are closed so
that goods cannot be bought or sold and transported and folks are
separated from their families from one side of the country to the
other.....today, one of the Ministers of Parliament was killed ......
people's businesses destroyed, whole housing estates burned leaving
people with no where to go...
Here at KKV, like I said before, we have been in a haven of peace. But
today, the unrest comes close. Many of our workers who live in this
area are fleeing their homes with only what they can carry - threats are
coming that whole housing areas will be burned. We have taken in all
of our employees and their families from these areas........today, we
went and bought mattresses for the floor and a good stock of food to
cover the extra mouths.....hopefully, enough for a whole week.....and we
are yet to see if more will still come - as many went home early to get
their children out of the schools and to see if their area is
threatened.
The saddest thing is the tension that is here - right here
among us......pointing of fingers and accusations and side taking. WE
told them ALL that if they are to come here to stay, they must leave all
that outside.....we are Switzerland - TOTALLY NEUTRAL, both tribally and
politically. These kids need to grow up believing they are Kenyans and
see how to work things out in a good, calm manner - not with prejudice
and violence. We will pour into them and pray and counsel the best we
know how - but we need much wisdom. We had heard about Rwanda - it was
said that it was 80% Christian in 1994 when the genocide happened. You
ask yourself, "HOW?" I never thought it could happen here in Kenya.
WE were discussing the other day that it was like someone opened up
"Pandora's Box"...... I can't even explain it, but this thing is strong
and it is deep. BUT OUR GOD IS GREATER and we are trusting Him to
rout this thing OUT of our beloved Kenya. On thing for sure - as
Christians we have our finest opportunities to minister and be a light
and blessing in these days ahead. We will take them seriously!
Otherwise, i don't know how to tell you to pray - just pray in the
Spirit and let Him guide you.....but please DO pray - we need God's
protection and KNOW we will have it AND we believe that God has the
only answers......no one else seems to get to the real bottom of the issues.
Thanks and blessings,
Jon and Molly Stern
Hello everyone, and sorry we haven't written an update
lately.......we've heard from some of you that you are hearing the news
and following that way - you are probably getting as much as we are -
EXCEPT for what's on the ground here at KKV......so that's why we are
writing an update today. The unrest is getting worse and worse, and
there is talk that now things will be really bad for the rest of the
week......and it has slowly encroached on to Nairobi and anarchy
ensues. The country is shaken to it's very foundations.
It is very confusing indeed, as no one seems
to know "who is the enemy" - people are running and moving out of their
living places, but don't know where they are going? Where can someone
hide? If you are one tribe you are being killed and if you are
another, you are killed also.......it's definite ethnic cleansing, but
with a political twist - people in high places are using the political
situation to bring in their own agendas.
Needless to say, we are praying to God that the real,
evil plans that are bringing this spirit of violent murder to our
country will be EXPOSED and brought down............roads are closed so
that goods cannot be bought or sold and transported and folks are
separated from their families from one side of the country to the
other.....today, one of the Ministers of Parliament was killed ......
people's businesses destroyed, whole housing estates burned leaving
people with no where to go...
Here at KKV, like I said before, we have been in a haven of peace. But
today, the unrest comes close. Many of our workers who live in this
area are fleeing their homes with only what they can carry - threats are
coming that whole housing areas will be burned. We have taken in all
of our employees and their families from these areas........today, we
went and bought mattresses for the floor and a good stock of food to
cover the extra mouths.....hopefully, enough for a whole week.....and we
are yet to see if more will still come - as many went home early to get
their children out of the schools and to see if their area is
threatened.
The saddest thing is the tension that is here - right here
among us......pointing of fingers and accusations and side taking. WE
told them ALL that if they are to come here to stay, they must leave all
that outside.....we are Switzerland - TOTALLY NEUTRAL, both tribally and
politically. These kids need to grow up believing they are Kenyans and
see how to work things out in a good, calm manner - not with prejudice
and violence. We will pour into them and pray and counsel the best we
know how - but we need much wisdom. We had heard about Rwanda - it was
said that it was 80% Christian in 1994 when the genocide happened. You
ask yourself, "HOW?" I never thought it could happen here in Kenya.
WE were discussing the other day that it was like someone opened up
"Pandora's Box"...... I can't even explain it, but this thing is strong
and it is deep. BUT OUR GOD IS GREATER and we are trusting Him to
rout this thing OUT of our beloved Kenya. On thing for sure - as
Christians we have our finest opportunities to minister and be a light
and blessing in these days ahead. We will take them seriously!
Otherwise, i don't know how to tell you to pray - just pray in the
Spirit and let Him guide you.....but please DO pray - we need God's
protection and KNOW we will have it AND we believe that God has the
only answers......no one else seems to get to the real bottom of the issues.
Thanks and blessings,
Jon and Molly Stern
Thursday, January 24, 2008
My Friend, Janna
This is my friend, Janna Meyen, who's life is a clear picture of the strong & beautiful grace of Jesus. She's totally famous and was in TWO newspapers this week - here's the link to the one that quotes ME! :) http://www.bendbulletin.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080124/SPORTS05/801240427/1013/SPORTS&nav_category=SPORTS
I'm so proud of you, Janna.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Politics and the Passionate Woman
I get frustrated with women who don't know anything about politics...seriously, friends, you live in the greatest country in the entire world, take a little time to get to know it! I actually LOVE the political process and have been continually surprised to run into women who know nothing about what's going on in the nation they call home. Many have asked me to write a political blog, but every time I try it just sucks the fun out of it for me. SO, instead of a blog, I give you this post!
A few things that will help you in this pursuit:
1) West Wing -Tori and I watch it on DVD and have converted Whitney and Corey and many others. Whether or not you agree with the political bent of the series (I don't), you will definitely be captivated by the clever dialogue and suck-you-into-the-story plot lines. You can pick up a whole season (22 hours of episodes!) for about $15 at Costco or you can find it on www.half.com for a little more than that. Great stuff to kill a rainy Saturday, especially as we head into a full-blown election year. If you like An American President or A Few Good Men, you'll love West Wing. If you don't know either of those movies, you gotta get out more!
2) www.polichicksonline.com. It's a relatively unbiased site for women who want to know some - but not ALL - about the political process. Also, it took some time of weeping in my office to get over the fact that I didn't think of that clever domain name first!
3) www.realclearpolitics.com TONS of information - most of it slanted one way or the other. Still, if you read a couple of commentaries each morning, you'll get a fairly good idea of what people are thinking and saying about the elections.
One thing I've found: women who know even a little about politics are given an automatic 20 point bump on their AIQ (Assumed IQ). Go for it - you may be surprised to find that you like it and then you'll be running for president instead of Hillary someday.
And hey - if you find any great sites for the lowdown on politics, let me know!
AND...here is my favorite political moment this week:
A few things that will help you in this pursuit:
1) West Wing -Tori and I watch it on DVD and have converted Whitney and Corey and many others. Whether or not you agree with the political bent of the series (I don't), you will definitely be captivated by the clever dialogue and suck-you-into-the-story plot lines. You can pick up a whole season (22 hours of episodes!) for about $15 at Costco or you can find it on www.half.com for a little more than that. Great stuff to kill a rainy Saturday, especially as we head into a full-blown election year. If you like An American President or A Few Good Men, you'll love West Wing. If you don't know either of those movies, you gotta get out more!
2) www.polichicksonline.com. It's a relatively unbiased site for women who want to know some - but not ALL - about the political process. Also, it took some time of weeping in my office to get over the fact that I didn't think of that clever domain name first!
3) www.realclearpolitics.com TONS of information - most of it slanted one way or the other. Still, if you read a couple of commentaries each morning, you'll get a fairly good idea of what people are thinking and saying about the elections.
One thing I've found: women who know even a little about politics are given an automatic 20 point bump on their AIQ (Assumed IQ). Go for it - you may be surprised to find that you like it and then you'll be running for president instead of Hillary someday.
And hey - if you find any great sites for the lowdown on politics, let me know!
AND...here is my favorite political moment this week:
Monday, January 21, 2008
The Shack
I'm right in the middle of reading The Shack by William Young. This book is just unlike anything I've ever read. The unpublished author, William Young, was unable to sell the manuscript and had to self-publish - the book is now in the TOP 100 at Amazon. It's absolutely exploding through the book world and I tell you: you gotta read it! It's very difficult to describe, which makes it all the more miraculous that it's soared to the top. The reason for it's great popularity, I believe, is that it deals with going to the dark and painful places of your history, and meeting God there. While it's official genre is "religious fiction", it's very prophetic in addressing the stuff we keep hidden in the back rooms of our lives that are secretly shaping and distorting our picture of who God is.
Pick it up at Barnes and Noble and let me know what you think. I promise it'll challenge you and mess with your thinking...don't give up on it, though. I think it's a really important book for everyone who's ever been hurt or felt abandoned.
Pick it up at Barnes and Noble and let me know what you think. I promise it'll challenge you and mess with your thinking...don't give up on it, though. I think it's a really important book for everyone who's ever been hurt or felt abandoned.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Are We Still Talking About the Apple? Seriously?
I recently read one theologian's viewpoint on why women should not teach, preach or pastor. Turns out, it all goes back to that crazy apple (I Tim. 2:8-15). Eve was deceived and ate the apple and disqualified every other woman from ever having significant insight to impart to a man, henceforth and forever. Amen. So be it. Selah.
It's interesting to note how many other scriptures have to be eliminated or re-invented in order to build a whole philosophy on I Timothy 2:14. These include Galatians 3:28, Ephesians 4:12 ("the" and "saint" are gender-inclusive words so Paul is saying, "Equip men and women for the work of the ministry"), as well as all the Biblical accounts of women who did amazing things like Deborah, Jael, Miriam, Huldah, Esther, Phoebe &Priscilla. (He mentions these women, but says they're too rare to establish a pattern. Sigh. Don't even get me started, Mr. Theologian.)
Anyway, I'm not here to duke this one out...just interested in how we arrive at our opinions. Most people I know who have disqualified women from leadership would not really be able to tell you why. They usually have picked a comfortable viewpoint without applying much muscle to analysis and you'll generally discover a wide load philosophy teetering on the tiny shoulders of I Timothy 2. (If you wonder how I know this, you're welcome to stand next to me on a Sunday after I speak and listen to the conversations that ensue.)
It's taken a long time for me to build a philosophy as well. I'm blessed to be married to a man who loves what God is doing in my life as much as he loves it in his own. I'm also grateful to have a pastor who frees me to speak without fear of reprisal or rebuke. If these human men in a fallen world want that much for me...wouldn't my Father in heaven want even more? Or am I - 2000 years after the greatest act of redemption and release in all of history - still silenced by an apple?
It's interesting to note how many other scriptures have to be eliminated or re-invented in order to build a whole philosophy on I Timothy 2:14. These include Galatians 3:28, Ephesians 4:12 ("the" and "saint" are gender-inclusive words so Paul is saying, "Equip men and women for the work of the ministry"), as well as all the Biblical accounts of women who did amazing things like Deborah, Jael, Miriam, Huldah, Esther, Phoebe &Priscilla. (He mentions these women, but says they're too rare to establish a pattern. Sigh. Don't even get me started, Mr. Theologian.)
Anyway, I'm not here to duke this one out...just interested in how we arrive at our opinions. Most people I know who have disqualified women from leadership would not really be able to tell you why. They usually have picked a comfortable viewpoint without applying much muscle to analysis and you'll generally discover a wide load philosophy teetering on the tiny shoulders of I Timothy 2. (If you wonder how I know this, you're welcome to stand next to me on a Sunday after I speak and listen to the conversations that ensue.)
It's taken a long time for me to build a philosophy as well. I'm blessed to be married to a man who loves what God is doing in my life as much as he loves it in his own. I'm also grateful to have a pastor who frees me to speak without fear of reprisal or rebuke. If these human men in a fallen world want that much for me...wouldn't my Father in heaven want even more? Or am I - 2000 years after the greatest act of redemption and release in all of history - still silenced by an apple?
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