Finding Her Place

Did you know that the last time we see Mary, the mother of Jesus is in the book of Acts? They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. ~Acts 1:14

"With this brief reference to Mary we realize that neither the sword that threatened her nor her own inability to understand Jesus prevented her from being one of those gathered in the upper room. These are the faithful ones, continuing to hold on to the promises of God. Obedient to the word of Christ. Mary, who began in Luke's gospel as a servant, appears here also as a disciple. This is the last we see or hear of Mary in the history of the church, but she is the only person who is present both at the prologue of the gospel and the prologue of the church."

Scars

These last few weeks, we have been looking at the birth and life of Jesus through the eyes of his mother Mary. In the Gospels, the last place we find Mary in the life of her son Jesus was at his cross. I can only imagine her heartache at that moment.

Treasuring the Wonders of God (part 2)

I began these Advent reflections as a way to witness the birth of Christ from a unique perspective. Divinely called and uniquely gifted, Mary gives us a front row seat to the most spectacular birth on record. Indeed, she was the only person who witnessed the life of God's only Son from the cradle to the cross. And therefore, as a mother, I appreciate her point of view like no other.

Treasuring the Wonders of God

Mary's pregnancy and birth were different in many respects. Like any other expectant woman, I'm sure Mary prepared and planned for the day she would give birth. Maybe Joseph saw to the furnishing of the home, while Mary asked a female relative to help her when the time came. But whatever plans they made, they were rudely interrupted by a decree from Caesar Augustus.

Carrying the Promise to Full Term

Mary was a very young woman, possibly no older than 15, when the angel Gabriel gave her a life changing message: Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. ~Luke 1:30-31 

Although surprised by the news, Mary wholeheartedly submitted to the will of God. However, when Mary submitted to God's will, she was also submitting to the possible shame a premarital pregnancy would bring her. Nevertheless, despite the potential gossip, despite the possible rejection of friends, despite how Joseph might react to the news, Mary submitted herself to God. By her own confession in verse 38, she was first and foremost a servant of the Lord. Without complete understanding, yet with complete trust, Mary prepared herself to carry the promise of God to full term.

Through a Mother's Eyes

So, last Sunday I preached the longest sermon of my life. Apparently, I have no concept of time when I preach in Spanish :) Fortunately, though, we also have a very gracious church and an equally gracious pastor.
Another fortunate happenstance is that I have enough material to share with you these next few weeks of Advent.

When I was a child, I remember attending church on the first Sunday of Advent and bringing home the Advent wreath to celebrate the season. It is a tradition we continue with our family today. If you are not familiar with this tradition, every night we light a candle that represents a part of the Christmas story. Each week, we light one more candle until Christmas day when we celebrate the light of the world Jesus.

I loved this tradition as a child. Although it was fun to talk about Santa and sing about Rudolph, I always knew that Christmas was really about Jesus. And the Advent season helped our family to prepare for this wondrous celebration. Therefore, as I considered my message for Sunday, I had Christmas on my mind. I read the Christmas story in Gospel of Luke and studied the early life of Jesus once again, and I wondered . . .  what was it like for Jesus to grow up in his home? Did he get along with his siblings? Was he popular as a child; did he have a lot of friends? Was he a good student; did he complete his homework on time?

When I read the stories of the Bible, I like to place myself into the text, to view life and events through the eyes of those who experienced it first hand. And I realized through reading again the life of Christ there was only one person who was there from the cradle to the cross. And it is through her eyes these next few weeks, that I wish to tell the story of Christ.

Although, I have no desire to exaggerate the importance of Mary, neither do I wish to ignore her. She is, in fact a part of the Christmas story and the life of Christ. But as the story of Christ progresses, we see that she, like John the Baptist, must decrease, and Jesus must increase. As we watch Jesus grow up, leave home, begin his ministry, fulfill his purpose, and reveal his true identity, we also watch Mary slowly lose her influence and prominence in the life of her son, yet eventually find her true identity in the family of God.

As a woman, as a mother, and as a believer I find her perspective unique and interesting. As I read the story of God's son once again through the eyes of Mary, I was reminded of some personal events in my life as a mom that I would to share with you as well. It is a great responsibility to be a parent. We have no idea what it means to be a mom or dad, until we are one. Children are a joy and a privilege, but they come with a few surprises as well.

Many years ago, our son needed surgery when he was an infant. Stuart and I still remember the moment we had to place our son in the care of someone else. We had to trust that the doctors and nurses would take care of him, that they would protect him, and that they would bring him back to us when the surgery was completed.

Much in the same way, many years ago, God placed his son in the hands of a young couple. He trusted them to care for him, to raise him in a faithful Jewish home, and to guide him until he was ready to depart and then be placed back into the hands of the Father.

Next time: Carrying the Promise to Full Term

Made for Another World

"If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world." -C.S. Lewis

El Día de los Muertos

Although, it looks and sounds like Halloween here in Mexico City, Mexicans actually celebrate the Day of the Dead. However, that is a bit of a misnomer as well as the celebration can last two or three days.

What can be more festive than a trio of happy ceramic squash.

We did have trick or treaters on October 31 (no these are not them) and many came to the home singing Queremos Halloween or Queremos Calaveritas. Calaveritas refer to the skulls that are a popular decoration this time of the year.

Although, some of the decorations in the neighborhood were scary and gory, most were like these. The holiday seems to poke fun at death. In their own way, I believe the Mexican culture is teaching us that death is not something to be feared. 

Notice the marigolds lining the path. Marigolds are the traditional flower of El Dia de los Muertos. Supposedly their strong fragrance attracts and guides their departed loved ones as they visit earth for the day.

The Spanish word for Marigolds is Zempasuchitl (good luck pronouncing that).

Families build altars to offer food and drink to their ancestors. 

Many are adorned with pictures and other objects that they loved.

Some families visit cemeteries, decorate the grave sites, and share happy memories.

Pan de Muerto is the traditional bread. It's actually quite good with the essence of orange. 

We traditionally have chili on Halloween :) It was quite good as well.

It seems as though, I learn something new almost everyday here in Mexico City. El Dia de los Muertos is not just a holiday. It's a statement. 

I may not understand or agree with all the traditions of Mexico, but I think can understand this one. I understand that death is not something to be feared; that loved ones need not be forgotten; and even in the midst of sorrow, there can be joy.

O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? ~1 Corinthians 15:55

Exceptional Help

God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. ~Acts 17:27

My Pentateuch class at Anna Sanders Bible Institute in Mexico City, just started studying Exodus and I am intrigued by the exceptional part that women played in the history of Israel.

As we remember from Sunday School, there is a new Pharoah in town; one that does not know Joseph nor how he blessed the nation of Egypt. Intimidated by the numerous Israelites, this Pharaoh initiates a three-fold plan to thwart their growth. First he oppresses them with forced labor, then he recruits midwives to kill the newborn Hebrew boys, next he orders the Hebrew boys to be thrown into the Nile.

However, his plan is consistantly thwarted by the women in the story: The life affirming midwives refuse to kill the newborns, loving mom Jochebed hides her son, wise sister Miriam offers timely advice for the newfound infant, and finally the merciful Pharoah's daughter receives Moses as her own. Where would the nation of Israel be without the integrity, creativeness, wisdom and compassion of the women in this story!

When God created Eve he endowed her with a worthy title: helper. Lest we think that this moniker somehow means weaker or less capable let's remember that Israel called upon the Lord by the same name: But joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper . . . ~Psalm 146:5.

An appropriate helper is not inferior to the one they help but rather one who is capable and suitable for the task at hand. The Exodus story highlights many helpers who are responsible for advancing God's divine plan of redemption.

Our lives here in Mexico are filled with numerous helpers as well; fellow missionaries, neighbors, and friends who day by day help us acclimate to the culture, learn the language, and partner with us in ministry.

Of course, Stuart and I enjoy helping too. In the last year, we have helped a local church get a new start, taught Bible at our kids' school, preached at church, and taught at the Anna Sanders Bible Institute. And this year we look forward to helping even more.

We appreciate your valuable help as well. You have prayed for us, supported us financially, sent encouraging letters, and remembered us on our birthdays. We can't do this without you.

Thanks for your help. 

When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. ~Romans 12:13

God only Wise

In his First Letter to Timothy, Paul writes and encourages his son in the faith. Between instructions on how to refute the false teaching that had infiltrated the young church in Ephesus and instructions on worship, Paul interjects a short testimony.


12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. 13 Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. 14 The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. ~1 Timothy 1:12-17


So it is here, in Paul's assessment of his former self and Paul's realization of who God is, do we find the inspiration behind this majestic hymn. When the undeserving, ignorant, and the worst of sinners collides with the all-gracious, most merciful, and all-powerful Redeemer an explosion of praise results. 


Whenever I hear this hymn I want to explode in praise! Because when the realization of who I really am confronts the majesty of who God truly is then I can rejoice knowing that his compassion exceeds my deepest longings, his generosity surpasses my greatest needs, and his radiance shines brighter than my richest imaginations.

Immortal, invisible, God only wise,

In light inaccessible hid from our eyes,
Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
Almighty, victorious, Thy great name we praise.

Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,
Not wanting, not wasting, Thou rulest in might;
Thy justice like mountains high soaring above,
Thy clouds which are fountains of goodness and love.

To all life Thou givest—to both great and small;
In all life Thou livest, the true life of all;
We blossom and flourish like leaves on the tree,
Then wither and perish, but naught changeth Thee.

Thou reignest in glory, Thou rulest in Light.
Thine angels adore Thee all veiling their sight.
All praise we would render: O help us to see
'Tis only the splendor of Light hiddeth Thee.

Great Father of glory, pure Father of light,
Thine angels adore Thee, all veiling their sight;
But of all Thy rich graces this grace, Lord, impart
Take the veil from our faces, the vile from our heart.

All laud we would render; O help us to see
’Tis only the splendor of light hideth Thee,
And so let Thy glory, Almighty, impart,
Through Christ in His story, Thy Christ to the heart.

Fiesta de Independencia

A student of mine at the Anna Sander's Bible Institute invited our family to an Independence Day celebration at her father's church.

The church was not too far from our home, but in a part of the city we were not familiar with. 

The mountains were beautiful that night.

What's a fiesta without a mariachi band? 

They played and sang beautifully.

My student Keila (on the left) worshiping the Lord in dance.

After the service the members of the band gave our family a CD of their music. 

What a pleasant surprise!

Stuart and I with Keila. 

In the United States we grill hamburgers and hot dogs on the 4th.

In Mexico we feast on pozole, a traditional soup made with hominy.

It was quite good :)

Let Freedom Ring

Today is an interesting day here in Mexico. It is 9/11, so as a US citizen I recall the events of 10 years ago with a heavy heart. The images on TV and on the web prod my emotions once again and bring tears to my eyes. I distinctly remember where I was and what I was doing on this day in 2001. I had no idea that the next 10 years of my life would bring so much diversity. I had no idea that I would live in three other countries and now be serving as a missionary in Mexico.

Which brings me to the events of today. During prayer requests, I asked my church (in my broken Spanish) to remember the US and to pray for our enemies as the Bible says. Graciously, our church here in Mexico City prayed for the United States, for those who lost loved ones, and for our allies and enemies alike. My former professor at Southeastern University of the Assemblies of God posted a note on Facebook concerning a Christian's response to our enemies - namely to love them. His post consisted of numerous Biblical texts in regard to our attitudes towards those who hate us (including 1 Peter 3:10-12 and Luke 6:27-36). However, the response of some toward his post took me aback.

As a missionary, I love my country of service. But I have a unique and desperate love for my birth country, my country of citizenship. I deeply appreciate the sacrifices made and the freedoms we enjoy. Nevertheless, may I never forget I am also a citizen of a greater country. The truth is, I am an alien and a stranger in a very different land, one that is not my own and my heart aches for a better one - a heavenly one; one that God has prepared for me*.

Today is 9/11, a date that will live in infamy for all US citizens. And in a few days is 9/16, which may mean nothing to you, but it is Mexico's independence day. So today in Mexico, I stand between two extremes. As I remember the losses of 9/11, I also anticipate with my Mexican brothers and sisters their upcoming independence day celebrations in a few days. Indeed, FREEDOM and LIBERTY are beautiful words and concepts to contemplate. To live in a country that is free is a beautiful thing. But to live with a Savior that continually sets us free from hate, racism, and bitterness is a better thing.

Let freedom ring.

If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. ~John 8:36

*Hebrews 11:13-16

Mercado de la Ciudadela

A-tisket, a-tasket, a green and yellow, blue and orange, purple and red basket . . . 

We visited Mercado de la Ciudadela recently with Olivia, before her move to Texas.

There are literally 100's of stalls filled with arts and crafts from all over Mexico.

Beautiful Huicho Indian bead art. I want the nativity set :)

Are you ready for some football!

I ♥ Rhode Island

Our road trip to Connecticut takes a happy turn to Narragansett.

Fishing boats like this one, motor in and out all day unloading their catch to the fish markets and restaurants along Narragansett Bay.

Olivia, Wesley and Sophia standing on the same pier my siblings and I played on as kids.

View from the pier.

Beautiful . . . Beautiful . . . Beautiful

Where's Waldo? 

Actually, the two in the middle are my parents walking towards us.

Quaint shops welcome visitors.

Yes, my friends, the Holy Land is closer than you ever imagined.

As the story goes, a local fisherman deemed this little fishing village, Galilee. 

When asked what was across the channel, "Must be Jerusalem" was his reply.

Or as they say in Mexico, "tranquilo".

One of the restaurants here where you can get great seafood.

Here's the other one where we ate.

And this is what we call LUNCH.

That and a half dozen clam cakes.

Time for ice cream.

You got to love the Rhode Island attitude.

My mom and dad taking a final look over the bay.

Olivia and Stuart.

Chillaxing before we go.

Although, I grew up in Connecticut, went to school in Florida, ministered in Indiana, lived in Jamaica, Costa Rica and Mexico . . . Rhode Island is my favorite place in the world :)

Road Trip 2011

Nothing says summer like driving 6000 miles and spending 10 days in our beloved Speed the Light Vehicle.

O yeah.

Actually our trip served a number of purposes. Olivia spent a month in Springfield, Missouri working the ISMK* program. So we picked her up on the way to Fort Wayne, Indiana where we had a chance to reunite with friends, gather more of our belongings, and then head out to Connecticut to surprise my parents for their 50th wedding anniversary.

On our way to Springfield we stopped in San Antonio for a couple of hours. La Villita seemed a fitting place to visit.

My parents were quite surprised that the party my sister invited them to was not her birthday party but their anniversary party. Our family's presence compounded their surprise and I was so grateful they did not suffer heart attacks as that would have defeated the whole purpose of our arrival.

The happy couple, Carol and Marshall Mitchell married on June 24, 1961.

They began their family right away and my brother Scott Francis* was born June 6, 1962.

The Mitchell family circa 1970. 

My sister Bonnie, my mom, me, and my youngest brother Todd sitting on my father's lap.

Here we are today, older, wiser, and much too big to sit on my father's lap.

A host of family and friends including my mom's cousin Georgia and her husband John celebrated the day with us.

Youngest cousin Matthew teases Sophia.

Stuart with my brother-in-law Mike watching the folks open their gifts.

Olivia and Sophia.

Golden chocolate bars for a golden anniversary.

My dad and I having a chat.

Apparently I said something quite funny.

Uncle Donald (my dad's brother) mesmerizes my niece Jessica, nephew Matthew and brother Todd.

Festive red velvet and vanilla cupcakes.

Here's to 50 more years :)

Mom-mom and Pop-pop with all their grandchildren. 

Olivia and Sophia to the left, Jessica and Elizabeth to the right and Wesley and Matthew in front.

From everlasting to everlasting the LORD's love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children's children - with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts. Psalm 103:17, 18 

Our travels have only begun. Stay tuned.

*ISMK stands for International Society of Missionary Kids

*Scotty died of Leukemia May 5, 1967