Christmas 2011 - Packing up 

It’s so close! It doesn’t seem like time has passed at all since Patti and I put our prayers and commitment out to make a journey to Israel. And now everything is in place except for one last detail – packing.  What do we bring along, what do we leave behind? What will we need when we get there, what will be provided for us?

And that got me to thinking about the 400 year period between the last of the prophetic writings of the Old Testament and the New.  People were hungry for an answer to their prayers regarding the revealing of a Savior. Then, like now (for Patti and me), we try to anticipate the future of God’s plan instead of just living as He desires us to, for the moment – in awe and obedience.

Hmmm, it would be easier if it was just about stuffing a few clothes and conveniences into a suitcase, but how do I pack awe, how do I fit obedience into my “carry on?” Then it came to me. We’re not being asked to bring anything to wear or put on (Not to worry, we’ll definitely travel with a wardrobe – don’t want to make those kind of headlines!). But I perceive the need to bring along a different kind of luggage packed with some things most of us would rather leave behind, safely stowed away in our darkest closets.  It’s the kind of baggage we use in which to hide our faults and the imperfections of our humanity.

Man’s wisdom – God’s foolishness. He would have me port along all of my proverbial dirty laundry and wear it willingly on our venture. The intent is not to brag about my shortcomings, as some sort of faulty creature (though that I certainly am), but to allow the opportunity to show God’s grace in action.  Revealing this part of my wardrobe to a foreign land will also require me to bring a few other necessities along – humility, confession, repentance – things I’m tempted to leave at home on most days, things He’s now asking me to boldly share with others.

And what could possibly be gained by such an embarrassing display? Maybe, just maybe, when we arrive in The Promised Land of Israel, some people there will look past my supposed American arrogance and see something amazing underneath – the Love of my Savior, Jesus. Maybe, just maybe enough of my Master will be revealed in me that it might inspire others to share their baggage with me and ultimately with Him. Maybe.

And that brings up the subject of Christmas. “What?” You say, “What in the world does this have to do with Christmas?” Instead of just a typical Christmas letter, Patti and I would like to share a different gift . We would like to take a part of you to Israel with us. What better way to share with the world than for us to carry your specific prayers and well wishes with us? Maybe, just maybe, your prayers, yours concerns…hmmm, maybe even your confessions need to be heard and witnessed just as Peter suggested in his letters to early New Testament believers.

So, simple as that, help us share Christmas this year by emailing us back a message that you would like carried personally to the Holy Land. Whatever it may be, pray about it and send it with love – we’ll do the rest. But do it soon – we still have a lot of packing to do and we want to save plenty of room for your contributions.

In the meantime, we also want to share our gratefulness for the blessings God has bestowed on us this year. Shay is thriving in her last year at collage at UT Martin. Nate graduated from the Web Design program he was attending and immediately got a fabulous job in his preferred career.   Ash got a raise at work and now Nate and she are able to spend more time together (Yay!). Erik is coming at the end of December to visit and continues to do amazing work in Korea in his chosen field of digital public relations. We made a trip to see Patti’s folks in South Dakota and we continue to be provided for with good jobs, health and great friends.

What challenges present themselves are never above the capabilities of our God to provide solutions, including putting in our lives, all of you who have supported us in our dream to go to Israel. We give thanks to Him for our family and for you. What an amazing life He has provided for us.

May your Christmas and the New Year to come be filled with hope and good will for your family and for all who seek a greater understanding of creation and its Creator.

Shalom,

Mark & Patti

             Alpha and Omega

I realize that I’m such a tiny speck in the scheme time. Especially looking at all the great accomplishments of You, my God, through the ages…Creation; the calling of Abraham and his descendants, the plan for redemption, the offer of salvation for all of mankind, the triumph of Jesus over death on our behalf…It would take me a lifetime to list out the rest. But You get the point Lord, I am in awe of You and Your LONG term, LONG Suffering love for us. No wonder I feel small, You are so infinite. 

Yet as insignificant as I am, I sense that You are placing a moment of significance in my path.  Somewhere after the Alpha, and – as far as I can predict – before the Omega; my wife and I will be jetting to Israel. I’ve asked it before and I’ll puzzle it until answered – how can I possibly serve / submit to You in the land where the acts of service and submission were first and most beautifully portrayed?

I feel a bit like a first grader being elected to stand before a graduating High School class. What can I offer?

                …The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. Psalm 19:7

And as Martin Luther once said before (supposedly) greater minds than his,”…here I stand, I can do no other.”

                Oh no, Lord, I know this is not a trial, but a privilege, don’t get me wrong – yet You’ve wired me in such a way that I am always looking for purpose.  I know. I have to trust that it is Your purpose, not mine to be defined. That’s why I come back to the wonder and comfort of Your son, The Alpha and Omega, the Beginning of it all and The End of it all – the complete perfection of Your plan.

                Which means that my purpose is already defined by my testimony – I am saved and completed by The Alpha and The Omega – Jesus my Messiah: If all I’m to do is to mouth these words, confident that they come from a place buried deeply and permanently in my heart, then… Tetelestai – my purpose is completed.

                Yes, Lord, that’s the part of the puzzle You’ve not revealed – I can mouth those words and submit in that way, right here in Franklin, Tennessee – so why does my heart burn for Israel? You know and You will reveal.  I’m not the purpose of the plan, just a tool – works for me.  Patti and I travel willingly and hopefully to this place we have dreamed of for so long – not to experience it but to become a part of the experience – Your bigger picture for Your bride, the Church. Within Your Alpha and Your Omega, we will at some point know fully our purpose, just as we are fully known.  Until then: Faith, hope and Love…and Israel!

Shalom.