Today we had a group of friends who came here from the states to help us teach english this week in our neighborhood and in some areas around madrid. As many groups do they like to bring us goodies to eat and such that we may normally not get. As a family we have what is called a "5 second rule". If a piece of food or candy drops on the floor for more than 5 seconds then you must throw it away. If it only stays on the floor 5 seconds or less then you can blow it off and go ahead and eat it.
Well sometimes you need to throw away the rules. Today our good friends from Knoxville brought us some Girl Scout Cookies. We are so excited that we immediately opened the package and started eating the cookies. I believe it was the "Thin Mints" that were opened and one precious thin mint fell on the floor. It stayed there for more than 5 seconds and maybe even ten but we ignored the stupid rule and enjoyed one of the best american treats that come once a year from the Girl Scouts.
Some rules are made to be broken.
adios
Saturday, March 18, 2006
Sunday, March 12, 2006
There are a lot of conversations going on these days on blogs and with certain topics. One topic that I wish I knew more about was the topic of "speaking in tongues". It seems many people have opinions and thoughts and proper theology about it. Some people use big words in their arguments for or against. I have a hard time even saying those words or spelling them. The list could really go on and on. So perhaps now I got some attention by blogging on a "hot topic". Perhaps I may even get a comment. smile
Well... No need to dream about getting comments that is not the purpose of this blog. I hope that on the days I can remember to blog that whatever I write may help a person out in thinking about the journey of faith that they are on. We have been in Madrid for 4.5 years. When we moved to the country of Spain I could not speak but one word of spanish and I learned that from Taco Bell. "quiero" . I want. .... I want a lot of things. A taco, A cup of coffee, Some Pastries, A Volvo, etc.. Over time and a lot of hard work I have learned the language. I am not an expert. I would never get the job for the U.N. as an interpreter. I watched that movie last night with Sean Penn and Nicole Kidman.
That would not be a job that I would be offered. BUT .. over time I have learned to communicate and I was really amazed last week that I had coffee with a good friend who happens to be Spanish and guess what. I was able to communicate to him at a heart level things that really matter in life. I was able to talk to him about spiritual things. It has not been the first time. I have had other opportunities as well.
Here is my point with my un-controversial blog. THAT WAS A MIRACLE. I am not trying to minimize the various conversations going on about "speaking in toungues". Those have their place. I will leave that to the scholars that really know what they are talking about but I want to talk about the miracle of sharing Christ with another person.
That in my opinion was not something that I did through my own merit but something that God opened up and gave me the ability to do. I do not understand it. I have challenges in the English language that still kick me after 40 years. I have problems ordering coffee at spanish restaurants but somehow and in some way God gave me the words to use in talking about spiritual matters during that conversation. He did it. Sure I study Spanish. I have taken many classes but I would be foolish to think it has been something that I have done to get to that level. God helped me in a time of need. Thanks be to God.
From a human standpoint I think someone can study a language and learn it to a certain level but I think it is God who opens the door for those conversations and I think no matter what language it is in either your own heart language or a language that you have learned it is a special moment when you can share about the One who can make a difference to one of your friends. I pray that all of us will have miracles like this that will happen regularly in our lives.
I would be foolish to think that it was solely my effort or ability to effectively communicate the good news to someone.
Well... No need to dream about getting comments that is not the purpose of this blog. I hope that on the days I can remember to blog that whatever I write may help a person out in thinking about the journey of faith that they are on. We have been in Madrid for 4.5 years. When we moved to the country of Spain I could not speak but one word of spanish and I learned that from Taco Bell. "quiero" . I want. .... I want a lot of things. A taco, A cup of coffee, Some Pastries, A Volvo, etc.. Over time and a lot of hard work I have learned the language. I am not an expert. I would never get the job for the U.N. as an interpreter. I watched that movie last night with Sean Penn and Nicole Kidman.
That would not be a job that I would be offered. BUT .. over time I have learned to communicate and I was really amazed last week that I had coffee with a good friend who happens to be Spanish and guess what. I was able to communicate to him at a heart level things that really matter in life. I was able to talk to him about spiritual things. It has not been the first time. I have had other opportunities as well.
Here is my point with my un-controversial blog. THAT WAS A MIRACLE. I am not trying to minimize the various conversations going on about "speaking in toungues". Those have their place. I will leave that to the scholars that really know what they are talking about but I want to talk about the miracle of sharing Christ with another person.
That in my opinion was not something that I did through my own merit but something that God opened up and gave me the ability to do. I do not understand it. I have challenges in the English language that still kick me after 40 years. I have problems ordering coffee at spanish restaurants but somehow and in some way God gave me the words to use in talking about spiritual matters during that conversation. He did it. Sure I study Spanish. I have taken many classes but I would be foolish to think it has been something that I have done to get to that level. God helped me in a time of need. Thanks be to God.
From a human standpoint I think someone can study a language and learn it to a certain level but I think it is God who opens the door for those conversations and I think no matter what language it is in either your own heart language or a language that you have learned it is a special moment when you can share about the One who can make a difference to one of your friends. I pray that all of us will have miracles like this that will happen regularly in our lives.
I would be foolish to think that it was solely my effort or ability to effectively communicate the good news to someone.
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