Monday, July 02, 2007
In honor of the Fourth, I thought I would post some thoughts on citizenship I wrote while living overseas.
Passport Stamps
May 5, 2001
Sometimes I still feel like a small child on Christmas morning, filled with excitement at the possibility of fulfilled dreams. My excitement spills all over everyone in my path, and I just can’t control my enthusiasm. I had one of those days last Thursday. Everyone in a five mile radius knew I was giddy with excitement when our Slovene friends announced that our Friday plans included an excursion into Austria. (Ok. Ok. Maybe not a five mile radius, but everyone in the house.) You might be wondering, “So,what’s the big deal?” Well, to this country, Mississippi girl who has memorized most of the songs from The Sound of Music, going to Austria was big stuff. My expectations weren’t even great. I didn’t have to go to Salzburg and take the Sound of Music tour. (Even though I’d love to some day.) I didn’t have to enjoy authentic Austrian food. (We ate at McDonalds.) I didn’t even have to “shop ‘til I dropped”. (I bought some shaving cream and a few postcards. ) Learning German and living like an Austrian weren’t even part of the plan. I didn’t want to live there, I just wanted my passport stamped. I wanted proof to show that I’ve been to Austria. It was a tense moment when the border guard tried to wave us through with just a count of passports and passengers, but our driver kindly asked if the Jeffcoat’s passports could be stamped. (Which he did!) I was thrilled and satisfied.
Even though my excitement nearly drove Raymond and the kids crazy, I don’t think it was a bad thing to simply want my passport stamped with the Austrian insignia. (I’ll be glad to show it to you sometimeJ) But I did get to wondering…Do I/we ever approach the kingdom of God the same way? Sure, we all want to enjoy the Kingdom of Heaven in the next life. But do we really want to be a part of it in this one?
If I go to church on Sunday and live like I want to Monday through Saturday;
if I give begrudgingly to the church or special offerings;
if I join the church and am baptized, but my life hasn’t changed;
if I do things for God out of a sense of duty and not out of my love for Him;
even if I live as a “missionary” in a foreign country, but have a heart full of self-pity;
then I’m only having my spiritual passport stamped for show and am not really living the Kingdom life.
I don’t think God wants tourists to His Kingdom on earth, He wants committed citizens. He wants people to live the Kingdom life here and now every minute of every hour of every day. If I were a citizen of Austria, I wouldn’t be merely passing through, I would plant my life there. I would have to leave my American comfort zone, give up my American ways, language, and life style, and abide totally by Austrian rules and culture. It wouldn’t be easy.
If I want to be a genuine citizen of Christ’s kingdom, I have to give up my worldly ways, language, life-style, and totally abide in Christ. Often that means reaching beyond my comfort zone to touch the lives of others. It isn’t always easy. But it is always worth it, because even though His Kingdom is one of self-sacrifice and self-denial, it is a kingdom of love. There’s no place like it on earth.
“But your hearts must be fully committed to the Lord our God, to live by his decrees and obey his commands…” (1 Kings 8:61) “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” (Colossians 1:23)
Dear Lord,
Help me to make the necessary changes in my life in order to be a committee citizen of Your Kingdom. When it comes to Your Kingdom, I don’t just want my “passport” stamped, I want to live, breathe, and experience You every minute of every hour of every day. Amen.
Striving to be a good Kingdom Citizen with you,
Drewe Llyn
Labels: Devotions, Living Overseas
Posted by Drewe Llyn, Girlfriend's Mentor at 7:00 AM
Saturday, May 26, 2007
"Bloom where you are planted" was my first thought when I noticed this petunia growing by my grill. But the more I've thought about it, the more I think this photo should be labeled "With God, all things are possible."
This petunia wasn't "planted". Obviously a very, very tiny seed (Have you ever seen a petunia seed?) fell from my window box last summer and got washed into this crack in our patio. Then, unnoticed, unloved, and uncultivated it not only made it to maturity, it bloomed!
As followers of Jesus we often try to plant "seeds" of kindness, love, forgiveness, and hope in difficult places - prisons, hardened hearts, and cracked lives. Many times our efforts seem futile. Can change really happen? Can love truly bloom? Can people honestly break free from the strongholds that control them?
God just smiles; for in His kingdom there is no one unnoticed, unloved, or beyond His reach. He can take the smallest "seed" in the hardest heart and cultivate into something beautiful. See the proof for yourself.
Labels: Devotions
Posted by Drewe Llyn, Girlfriend's Mentor at 5:25 PM
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
The sign hanging from a pink polka-dotted ribbon boldly declared, “DO NOT DISTURB.” What better invitation did a twelve-year-old need to barge into her older sister’s room?
“Get out!” the eldest yelled, “And I mean now!” Rather than leave quietly, the younger began a volley of less than loving words. The older was more than up to the challenge. After several rounds, the younger finally ended it with a slam dunk and a slammed door. With determination she set off to find a sympathetic ear (a.k.a. me, her mom.)
In an effort to justify herself, my younger daughter let fly a string of examples to prove she is always mistreated by my older one. I listened patiently, finally counseling her to “just be nice to your sister.” (This seemed the motherly thing to say)
“Why?” She demanded, “Why should I be nice to her?” (With an emphasis on “her” as if uttering “her” real name might cause regurgitation.) Without waiting for a reply she proceeded to list all the reasons her older sister did not deserve kindness. And while there was some truth to her words, I knew her sister could compile a similar list. Exasperated by this time, I once again admonished the younger to treat her sister with kindness. She looked at me with her own frustration and demanded once more, “Why should I?”
All the good things her sister had done for her were on the tip of my tongue waiting to fly off like messengers of grace to bridge this valley in my daughters’ relationship. I realized, however, that the younger was not in the Land of Reason, so I decided to put it bluntly, “Because I said to.”
She gave me a bewildered look and left deciding, I suppose, the cat appeared to be more sympathetic than I.
I began to think.
How often do we, God’s children, exchange cross words with one another justifying each one? Do we explain to God why we can’t be nice to So & So, detailing all the reasons they don’t deserve kindness?
Perhaps the reason we are to treat our “brothers” and “sisters” with love is not because they deserve it, but because Dad said to.
That’s something to think about.
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” ~ Ephesians 4:32
Sisters who usually get along.
Labels: Devotions
Posted by Drewe Llyn, Girlfriend's Mentor at 4:28 PM
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Word came that four-year-old Anna Claire’s three-week-old cousin had stopped breathing during the night. While paramedics worked feverishly on Baby Matthew, family members called everyone they knew requesting prayer. Precious time passed, and as fear and panic set in more and more calls were made. What a scary time for anyone, especially Anna Claire. What could she do? How could she help? Finally, in desperation, she shouted out the only thing she knew to do, “Call Jesus, Momma! Call Jesus!”
My Dear Anna Claire,
Oh, that it were that simple. To just pick up the phone and call Jesus would be a wonderful thing, wouldn’t it? People who are sad, lonely, or hurting would be able to call Jesus when they need Him most. You have the right idea about Who to call when in trouble, but the problem with telephones is you often get a busy signal or an answering machine. Sometimes, like during Katrina, the phone lines and cell towers are down and you can’t get through.
Don’t worry, though, Anna Claire, you can call Jesus any time of the day or night, and He’ll never be too busy to listen. You don’t even need a phone. Just close your eyes, think about Him, and say, “Dear Jesus.” And He’ll be right beside you, listening to your every word.
I don’t know why Jesus didn’t let Baby Matthew stay longer with you. I know it makes you very sad. Can you picture something? Can you picture Jesus stretching out both arms? He is so big that one hand reaches all the way to heaven and the other one is right here on earth. Standing in His hand here on earth is you and your family. And in heaven, safely in His other hand, is baby Matthew. Jesus has you both, and He won’t let go.
It’s ok to be sad; when you are sad and need to talk to someone, pick up your heart and just call Jesus.
“Call to Me and I will answer you…” ~ Jeremiah 33:3
"See, I have engraved you on the palms of My hands." ~ Isaiah 49:16
© Drewe Llyn Jeffcoat 2007
Labels: Devotions
Posted by Drewe Llyn, Girlfriend's Mentor at 5:14 AM
Thursday, December 07, 2006
The Undeserving
“Organized chaos” – that sums it up. Well over a thousand large cardboard boxes had been neatly arranged in rows separated by narrow aisles on the floor of this old department store. Each open box contained a varied selection of games, puzzles, toys, and clothing. Amongst these boxes, dozens of people scurried like ants whose bed had been disturbed. Outside, scores of people waited in line for their turn to enter and claim free Christmas gifts for their children, gifts donated by generous folks all across the area. The day was December 22, 2004: distribution day for the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree and Toys for Tots annual Christmas charity.
As volunteers for this event we Jeffcoats were among the multitude of “scurrying ants”, better known as “runners”. We waited as one by one each recipient was registered and directed to one of many tables where their assigned number was given to us runners who then searched to find the corresponding box. Once located, all items found there were scooped up and brought back to the table to be double checked, making sure each child in that family had been provided for. From there, runner and recipient picked up a food box and, going assembly line style, received potatoes, bread, and finally a hen to go with the items it already contained. Then the food box and gifts were taken to that person’s vehicle for unloading before the process began again.
Dozens of bustling volunteers, scores of waiting recipients, and hundreds of loaded boxes flooded the building at any given time…but everyone knew where to go and what to do (usuallyJ) hence: Organized chaos.
While walking among the mass of boxes hunting correct numbers, I was utterly overwhelmed by the generosity of the community. Actually, “generosity” is really a rather weak word in this case as it does not begin to describe the vast number of items people had bought to make Christmas happy for strangers. This was the Christmas spirit come to life. It looked as if every department store in the area had been relieved of its toys. I couldn’t even begin to guess the monetary value of such bigheartedness, and the thought of all the love and kindness represented in that room would have moved me to tears, if I hadn’t been so busy.
Recipients came in all shapes, sizes, and ages: Mothers, grandmothers, fathers, all waiting patiently in line for their turn. Some wore smiles. Some looked stressed. Some were obviously very poor. Most were extremely grateful. But some of my “warm fuzzy” feelings were cooled by that first lady then 13 year old Cassie and I helped. She didn’t say one word to us as we struggled with her generous load. There was no offer to help, and not so much as a “Thank you” when we finished and wished her a Merry Christmas. If only she could have read my mind, she’d have received more than food and toys; she’d have gotten an ear full. Something like, “You sure do have an attitude, woman. Your children will have a wonderful Christmas because someone you don’t even know spent their valuable time, money, and energy buying things you could not afford yourself. I’d think the very least you could do would to be grateful and say, ‘Thank you.’ You act like you’re owed this, but in reality, you don’t deserve such gracious generosity!” (It’s probably a good thing she couldn’t read my mind.)
I tried to put this encounter behind me as we rushed to help other, more grateful, more “deserving” people, with their packages, but I couldn’t. You see, though the woman couldn’t read my mind, God could, and He had something to say. Something like, “You sure do have a self-righteous attitude girl. I’ve given you an abundance of gifts that will last forever. Even when you didn’t know Me, I paid a tremendous price you could never afford. Are you truly grateful?”
Am I truly grateful or do I act as if somehow God owes me something?
In reality, I deserved hell; He gave me heaven.
I deserved punishment; He gave me forgiveness.
I deserved death; He gave me life.
I deserved abandonment; He gave me Himself.
I was spiritually bankrupt; He paid my account in full.
I was unworthy; even so, He loved me.
I was trapped; He set me free.
I didn’t receive what I deserved; I received what I didn’t: Grace.
These are the true gifts of Christmas, given to me extravagantly; all wrapped up in Jesus Christ, the Spirit of Christmas come to life. The least I can do is show my gratitude by freely passing His grace along.
© Drewe Llyn Jeffcoat 2004
Labels: Devotions
Posted by Drewe Llyn, Girlfriend's Mentor at 10:48 AM
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Many of you know that our family spent nearly two years as missionaries in a Muslim part of Europe. Though their civil war had ended several years earlier, there was still much poverty and need among the people. Our family was there to help in the recovery not only physically, but spiritually as well. Because "missionaries" weren't allowed in the country, we were there as humanitarians which in this case means everyone who needed anything came to us. Helping people with their physical needs often opened the door to share Jesus. But somedays....well, here's what I wrote to our prayer partners about the situation. I thought it appropriate for the Thanksgiving weekend:
What Can I Do for You?
Questions. I'm weary of them.
Questions. Always the same.
"Can you fix my roof?"
"Can you help with our rent?"
"Can you get me to America?"
"I need money for….."
Honestly, sometimes I think the only reason people want to get to know us is so they can get something from us. And I'm tired of it.
We had another such encounter today. I have had to fight the tears and the desire to cry out loud, "DOESN'T ANYONE HERE LIKE US JUST BECAUSE THEY LIKE US?" I'm tired of relationships based on my ability to do something for someone. Can I be honest here? Sometimes when people are extra friendly to us I have to fight the urge to question their motives. I've been asked for stuff so many times.
Somehow I don't think Raymond and I are the first to have this problem. Check out these comments and requests:
"Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean." ~ Matthew 8:2b
When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help... ~ Matthew 8:5
"Lord, save us! We're going to drown!" ~ Matthew 8:25
Some men brought to him a paralytic, lying on a mat ~ Matthew 9:2
And how about this one:
While he was saying this, a ruler came and knelt before him and said, "My daughter has just died. But come and put your hand on her, and she will live." ~ Matthew 9:18
(This is just a sampling; I could list dozens of others.) As I read through the Gospels I find that almost everyone that came to Jesus wanted something from Him. I wonder if He ever got tired of all the help-me cries. You be the judge…right after He fed the five thousand Matthew 14:23 says, "After he had dismissed them (the crowd), he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray."
I can't help but wonder….
Does God ever get tired of our help-me cries today? Don't take that question the wrong way. I know the Scriptures say, "Ask and it shall be given to you…" (Matthew 7:7) "You may ask me for anything in my name…" (John 14:14) And "You do not have, because you do not ask God." (James 4:4b) I claim these promises often, and I present many petitions to God. I know that He delights in giving good gifts to His children and that He wants us to make our requests known to Him (Philippians 4:6) I'm certainly not saying that we shouldn't ask for God's help. After all, only He can truly help us as we depend on Him for everything. But after today I wonder if occasionally God just wants to be loved because of Who He is and not because of what He can and does do for us. Does He want us to just spend time with Him because we want to spend time with Him and not because we want something? Do we praise Him as often as we request things? Does He ever say, "No" to our requests because He is testing our motives in coming to Him? What is our devotion to Him based on anyway?
I think I'll take a few extra moments today to just bask in His glory and be thankful that He is the great I AM. (See Exodus 3:14)
"Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." ~ Psalm 46:10.
Enjoying the Lord with you,
Drewe Llyn
Labels: Devotions
Posted by Drewe Llyn, Girlfriend's Mentor at 5:11 AM
Thursday, November 09, 2006
The Christmas season is quickly approaching which means soon I will settle down and watch my all time holiday favorite It's a Wonderful Life. To some it is an outdated, even cheesy movie (a phrase my teenagers use...whatever that means) which is probably why I often find myself watching it alone. Yet it has been on my Christmas "to do" list every year for about fifteen years now, still giving me warm-fuzzies and hope.
In this classic tale, George Bailey has dreams, big dreams. He wants to leave small town USA and travel the world to accomplish great and exciting things. He seems to be well on his way when a series of unfortunate events (not to be confused with another movie by that title) keeps George in Bedford Falls working at the old Savings and Loan, his worst nightmare come true.
One Christmas Eve, when life looks bleakest for George, his efforts to commit suicide are thwarted by an unlikely angel who gives him a glimpse of what life would be like if he had never been born. As Clarence the Angel takes Goerge to familiar people and places, he discovers that his life actually made a tremendous difference in his town, neighbors, and friends. The world was a better place with him in it.
Changing the world would seem to be the role of political leaders, powerful CEO's, brilliant scientists, or rich investors. Yet George made a profound difference by simply living a life of love and integrity. That's the part that gives me both the warm fuzzies and the hope - simple people making a world of difference.
But, It's a Wonderful Life is merely a movie, isn't it? We all know movies have "happily-ever-after" endings, when real life seldom does. Is it too much to hope that ordinary, real people can have such an impact?
Recently I came across this verse in Jeremiah:
"Roam through the streets of Jerusalem. Look and take note; search in her squares. If you find a single person, anyone who acts justly, who seeks to be faithful, then I will forgive her." (Jeremiah 5:1)
Ancient Jerusalem was wicked, so much so that God decided to destroy her. Jeremiah the Prophet was sent to warn the city about her impending doom. There was one hope for the city, however; God told Jeremiah He would spare the city if even one just and faithful person (meaning someone sold out to God) could be found. That's worth repeating: God would spare the entire city if only one godly person lived there! Unfortunately, there wasn't one found, not even one, who still pleased God. So God eventually allowed the city to be destroyed by her enemies. Many died, many were taking captive, and many were left homeless all because there wasn't one person who was faithful. God summed it up when He said to the prophet, Ezekiel, "I looked for a man among them who would ...stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found none." (Ezekiel 22:30)
Clarence once said to George, "Strange, isn't it? Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?"
Yes, indeed, each life touches each other in ways we can't even imagine. One person sold out to God has the power of life; the lack of one the power of death.
Will we be that one person in our family, our community, our city?
Labels: Devotions
Posted by Drewe Llyn, Girlfriend's Mentor at 11:48 AM
