How did I get here?

It seems like a lifetime ago when I finished university studies bright-eyed and bushy-tailed and heading for a career in media and communications. My first job out of college was at The Tennessean – a twice-daily newspaper in Nashville, Tennessee. I soaked up everything I could at that job from watching the massive presses run to sitting in planning meetings with people whom I considered to be shaping the narrative of the city where I lived. I remember being allowed to sit in the conference room with all the reporters when the verdict of the OJ Simpson trial came out. I loved seeing how the minds of those writers were processing the information and questioning certain points and how they would frame their coverage. It was an inspiring and life-shaping experience for me. 

The man I loved, CJ, was in seminary in New Orleans, so I moved there to start my life with him after we were married. I immediately took a job at a cable broadcasting company where I learned all about television marketing and broadcasting. I was used to the fast-paced deadlines of the newspaper industry so the move to TV was fairly seamless. I got to do all the behind-the-scenes work and learned about the technology and science used in broadcasting. Still, my heart was in print, so I accepted a job at an advertising agency where I got to oversee all the print marketing for businesses including their billboards, mass mailers and newspaper strategies. I loved that job and the people I worked with. 

When CJ finished seminary and the Lord called us to a sweet community in South Mississippi, I never dreamed that God was planning a place for me in the newspaper there. But because our God is a good God who grants the desires of our hearts, that’s just what He did. I started out as a rookie in the advertising department, but more doors opened up for me to move into management. Because it’s a community newspaper, the staff there actually have to fulfill roles in other departments periodically. I got to cover sporting events, write opinion articles and sometimes, even, deliver the newspaper. It was awesome and I loved it! Then after a few years, the owner of the paper took a chance on me and offered me the job of publisher/editor. I definitely felt in a little over my head from time to time, but I had the best staff that were like family and great friends from other newspapers and the Mississippi Press Association who were always willing to share advice and wisdom. Some of my favorite memories of those days were praying with the police chief before going into what would be a heated city board meeting. I got to hold the hands of people going through really hard times as they shared their stories, and I was there to celebrate the victories of sports championships and local businesses’ successes. I was privileged to represent our lovely city at meetings with state government leaders and other community board meetings. It was hard, but it was thrilling. It was so challenging, and sometimes I felt devastated by things that happened. But more than anything it was pure bliss to ride that roller coaster with those that I got to work with, and when that ride came to an end, I felt nothing but gratitude for the amazing experience. 

Now as I sit in our remote area of Southeast Asia….. those days seem like a lifetime ago and my view of the world looks so much different. There are no deadlines, yet there is a great sense of urgency. My high-power meetings are not in boardrooms but in living rooms, tea shops and in rice fields. I hardly ever do any writing, but I spend countless hours reading and studying and learning. I no longer get to represent a beloved city, but instead I get to represent the Light amidst great darkness. 

As I reflect back on all of this, I’m reminded of a favorite Bible verse. Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” This small passage relays a pretty big idea. It’s so much easier to look back over one’s life and experiences to see the way the Lord has led; it’s much more difficult to look forward and see the future. But I think that’s by God’s design. If we could see all that happens in our lifetime, it would probably immobilize us completely. Instead, like the passage says, God leads us down the path that He has for us step by step, and He lights just the area that we need to see for today. It’s a reminder to keep our eyes fixed on Him and to have faith in His sovereignty. 

As my baby girl is now about to embark on her high school senior year and with it college applications and career choices and so many future plans, I know that, just like God has led me through some twists and turns in life, He will surely lead her in the same way. 
I don’t have to worry. I don’t have to have everything all figured out. 
There will be hardships and sadness, for sure. There will also be mountain-top experiences and moments of joy. And all of it is held in the Father’s hands. 
What a wild ride!

Who do you know?

I recently had a conversation with an old friend. This friend grew up in the Bible belt going to church regularly and is a God-fearing, active and outgoing individual. This friend told me a story of something great that God had recently done in her life. I challenged this friend to try to share this story of what God had with another person who did not already have a relationship with Him. Someone whom we would call "lost" (because they have not yet found amazing grace.) I asked her who she could share this story with. She pondered for a moment and then with all honesty said, "I just don't know anyone who isn't already a Christian."

This was actually true of my life for a long time. I remember thinking something very similar when I first heard a female evangelist in a big auditorium in New Orleans cast vision for what it looks like to do everyday evangelism. At that point in my life, I had surrounded myself with like-minded people who, even though they may have had different personalities and characteristics, had similar values, beliefs and way of life. As I sat in that auditorium so many years ago, I remember feeling convicted about the need to share the Good News that I had been bestowed with to those who had not yet heard and I remember praying and asking the Father what to do. It was in the midst of loud worship music and thousands of voices singing praise that I heard God whisper quietly in my heart, "You have to go seek the lost."

It was certainly a revelation moment for me. Looking back now, it doesn't seem that profound but yet somehow in my life up to that time I had just never been challenged to go to the hard places. I know as a parent I have tried to raise my children to seek wise decisions and to know how to live safely. We would never tell people that we love to intentionally go look for hardship and danger. But maybe we should....

That's what Jesus did. He went to the hurting, to the sick and the weary. He also went to the prostitutes and the demon-possessed and the outcasts. And as his followers, I think maybe we are supposed to follow his example. 

If you've not been challenged like this before, let me ask you now - Who do you know that does not have a relationship with Jesus? If you can't think of someone, can I suggest that you might need to go to the places where you might find them? 

For me, it began by becoming involved in a prison ministry, but it doesn't have to be as radical as that. You can find people at sporting events and parks and in restaurants - anywhere that people gather. Plant yourself there and talk to people. Ask people about their lives and listen for needs that knowing the Lord would fulfill. Be willing to share about how God has changed your life and how He can change theirs. 

Doesn't the Gospel feel more urgent in these days? Doesn't it feel like God is moving and doing something big? If the Lord returns today, may we be found faithfully sharing His truth and His salvation with those who need Him. 

#untilallhaveheard

Choosing love

In these recent months, it seems as if day after day brings news of someone passing that has been dear to us. All of them have gone too soon, at an age in life where they should have had decades to look forward to. Yet sickness and disease have robbed their families of those years spent together on earth.

We don’t want to ask the question, “Why?” because we really don’t want to hear the answer.

Why do the good die young? Why does cancer and illnesses exist? Why is there evil and nastiness in the world? Why is there pain and heartache?

The truth is, this was not God’s plan for us. God created this world and the human race for perfection – for unmeasurable joy, contentment and lacking nothing. But in His great love for us, God gives us a choice. He doesn’t force us to follow Him or to believe in Him. What kind of relationship would that be? Rather, He wants us to choose to love Him back of our own free will.

Unfortunately, from the very beginning, people have chosen wrongly, and the world is suffering the consequences.

Doesn’t that make you feel better?

Probably not.

It’s not the answer we want to hear.

But, honestly, is there anything that can be said that will subdue the suffering?

There is nothing to be said that will take the pain of loss away, but there is encouragement to be found for hope and strength and renewal.

Time and time again in God’s word, he reminds us that he comforts those who are hurting. He restores the spirit. He eases the burden. He soothes the soul.

Jesus himself bears the scars of that pain and has endured immeasurable agony on our behalf.

His greatest desire for us is that we would realize the hope of Heaven and the restoration that awaits us there.

His Good Book tells us that heaven is a place where there is no sorrow, no suffering, no sickness and no death. Instead it is a place of eternal fulfillment and everlasting exultation. That’s some big words to basically say, you don’t want to miss it! (The alternative = not so good.)

So for me, in times of great loss, I try to focus on the memories and the love that was shared. I pursue thankfulness for the time spent together and choose hope for the coming reunion in Glory. Most of all, I revel in His word and take comfort in the healing that only our Loving Father can provide.

Psalm 23 –

The Lord is my shepherd;

I lack nothing.

He makes me lie down in green pastures,

he leads me beside quiet waters,

he refreshes my soul.

He guides me along the right paths

for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk

through the darkest valley,

I will fear no evil,

for you are with me;

your rod and your staff,

they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me

in the presence of my enemies.

You anoint my head with oil;

my cup overflows.

Surely your goodness and love will follow me

all the days of my life,

and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Who doesn't love a little chaos?

Even after all these years of living in Myanmar, I still find this country and this city fascinating. Maybe it’s the rawness of the landscape – rough and bare – contrasted with the vibrancy of people who laugh without hesitation and manage to sparkle whatever their surroundings or resources that draws you in.

There is almost nothing I love more than exploring different streets and sections of this mesmerizing city. You never know what you might find around any corner….

This morning I went out to exercise, although I’m still getting accustomed to the streets in the new neighborhood we recently moved to, and I wasn’t exactly sure where I was going or where I would end up. That’s nothing to worry about here where the only danger to be found is if you get too close to a street dog that has found scraps for food.

I left our apartment building, jogging on foot. I ran a few blocks, turned a few corners and found myself in the middle of a bustling market.

The markets here are the congregating place for people – kids run between the legs of the people in the crowded street chewing dried fruits and sugared candies; the moms discuss the outrageous prices of the vendors and brag over their latest finds; the men sit on short, plastic stools reading their newspapers and spitting betel while trying to look impatient (although in actuality they love seeing the comings and goings of the people in the market too.)

The ambience of the market is difficult to describe with its variety of sounds and smells. As you walk through you get a waft of fragrance from the flower vendor mixed with the pungent smell of raw fish being hawked in the next shop and the aroma of incense that floats through the aisles like a trickling stream through the countryside. There are the shouts of salespeople calling out their prices competing with the sound of Asian-style music with its combination of flutes and drums. There are monks chanting quietly and men on loud-speakers advertising events and promotions.

It’s chaotic and lively and colorful, and I love it!

I tried to capture it all with a short video clip captured on my mobile phone as I walked through this morning. It’s only a small glimpse into the bigger picture, but I just wanted my friends and family to have some sense of experiencing it all. Better yet, come see it for yourself!

To Bangkok and Back! (Mia's Video)

Bring it on!

Christmas in a Buddhist country is so different. I can’t help compare the experiences I had during Christmas throughout my childhood with those my own children are having. In this country, you won’t find festive decorations in each home. People here don’t have Christmas trees or stockings or snowmen on their lawn. There are no Christmas pageants or performances to attend. There are no crowded shopping malls full of holiday shoppers carting arms full of wrapped packages. There are no Christmas movies on television to watch while snuggling up with cups of hot cocoa (it’s way too hot for that here!) There are no company Christmas parties or Sunday School parties or games of “Dirty Santa” being played. There is no Santa Claus at all!

I also think that the majority of my Christmas memories involve my family all together with lots of laughter, fellowship, good food and fun. Obviously, that’s much different here too since our family are all about 9,000 miles away.

However, as this country is opening up to the rest of the world, things are starting to change. Most of the people, in the city at least, have heard of Christmas, although they largely don’t have a clue what it is or what it means. I frequently meet people though who have never even heard of Christmas.

It is one of the reasons why we are so busy during the month of December.

During this one month out of the year, the people here are interested to hear about this mysterious thing called Christmas, so we try to take advantage of every opportunity to share the story and the true meaning of the season.

This year our City Team got to be a part of 22 Christmas “parties” in various places all over the city. We were able to share with literally thousands of people where our Christmas joy comes from and how to have Christmas in your heart permanently.

In 2014, we had six of these parties before going to America for a little Stateside time.

In 2015, we had 12.

In 2016, 22.

In 2017 – how amazing would it be to do 50?!? It is actually possible. With help from volunteers and help from our local friends and with the direction and leadership of the HS, it is possible. We’ll surely be praying about that for awhile….

Because of all these activities, the month of December really flys by. It’s hard to believe another year has come and gone, and the celebrations for 2017 are already in the books.

I do love the New Year holiday though. I enjoy the time of reflection and the annual renewal of goals. There is a sense of excitement and wonder of all that the new year will hold.

For me, once again 2017 will be another year of travel. Visa runs and meetings in Thailand are always moments we look forward to as we get to visit with co-workers from other parts of the continent, not to mention getting to eat at American food establishments. I’m also hoping to get to travel with a local friend to one of the Northernmost parts of this country as she goes to visit her family at some point during this year. – I love getting out of the city every now and then to experience some of the beautiful, rural areas while exploring and learning about the vast cultural habits of the Myanmar people. – Also Zoe and I are hoping to make a short trip to the States for her to do some college visits in the Spring. I can’t believe my baby will be starting her Senior year this fall! Yikes!

I’m also excited about what all might develop with our “work” this year.

Now that our City Team has grown, I’m pysched about exploring some new areas of the city and pursuing some new adventures related to that. It’s so fun to see how Father unfolds His plan and His will as it is done.

I’ve also got another semester of working towards my Masters degree coming up. It’s starting to feel like I’ll never finish, but I’m just gonna keep chugging away at that. I definitely am in need of some encouragement here. Ugh!

We’re really hoping that lots of people might make plans to come visit us in 2017. In 2016 my parents came as well as some friends from Mississippi and North Carolina and Tennessee and Texas and Oklahoma and many other places. Because we have such a great love for this country, we get really excited to share it with friends and volunteers who come. Would you consider making a trip here this year? Think about it. Even better, pray about it! J It could be a once in a lifetime (or twice or three times or more) kind of trip.

My resolutions continue to be pretty much the same each year – I strive to live a life of thankfulness and joy. I strive to be a loving wife, mother, daughter and friend. Most of all, I strive to serve, lead, learn, grow and give according to my Father’s will.

Bring on 2017!