I am writing today from a cafe (its Wednesday am here) because our new apartment does not yet have internet hooked up. We are hoping for curtains today and internet tomorrow. Oh, and hot water in our master bedroom ensuite soon. For a while we thought we might have running hot water in our kitchen too, but not so. Our kettle will continue to be a crucial appliance.
I remember seeing a sermon series title "Know Fear". I think the preacher was emphasizing that in order to live with "no fear" it helps to recognize and understand, that is to "know our fear".
While I have always enjoyed change and new challenges, it would be easy to live with at least a little fear as we move into Hanoi which we did on Monday. This city is a little smaller than Ho Chi Minh - only 5 to 7 million depending on who is estimating. But all new streets to learn. There are less "western style" restaurants and stores, and less English spoken by folks here. Life will be different and we will be meeting all kinds of new people - again.
I am so thankful for Jan and her flexibility and resilience. At times facing this new challenge she has felt overwhelmed. However her spiritual maturity, knowledge of Scripture and trust in God always "clicks in" to take her through "the feat".
I mentioned to her last week that my morning Scripture reading was in II Timothy 1:7 and how encouraging those words were as we faced this new life chapter. She quietly responded "I have thought about that verse several times recently". The most recent NIV translation of this verse reads "For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self discipline." Other translations use the word "fear".
We choose to live in God's "power, love and self-discipline."It is much more peaceful as we trust Him, affirm His strength and move ahead. How wonderful that we get to love another congregation and share His love with believers and with those who are 'not yet'.
I remember seeing a sermon series title "Know Fear". I think the preacher was emphasizing that in order to live with "no fear" it helps to recognize and understand, that is to "know our fear".
While I have always enjoyed change and new challenges, it would be easy to live with at least a little fear as we move into Hanoi which we did on Monday. This city is a little smaller than Ho Chi Minh - only 5 to 7 million depending on who is estimating. But all new streets to learn. There are less "western style" restaurants and stores, and less English spoken by folks here. Life will be different and we will be meeting all kinds of new people - again.
I am so thankful for Jan and her flexibility and resilience. At times facing this new challenge she has felt overwhelmed. However her spiritual maturity, knowledge of Scripture and trust in God always "clicks in" to take her through "the feat".
I mentioned to her last week that my morning Scripture reading was in II Timothy 1:7 and how encouraging those words were as we faced this new life chapter. She quietly responded "I have thought about that verse several times recently". The most recent NIV translation of this verse reads "For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self discipline." Other translations use the word "fear".
We choose to live in God's "power, love and self-discipline."It is much more peaceful as we trust Him, affirm His strength and move ahead. How wonderful that we get to love another congregation and share His love with believers and with those who are 'not yet'.
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