How Could Flossing Possibly Matter?

A disciplined life requires many activities that are hard, even painful. Getting in bed early is hard. Getting up early is harder. Budgeting is hard. Paying for and cooking healthy, nutritious food is hard. Running is hard. Yoga is hard. Lifting weights is hard. Choosing to drink water in the place of sugar, caffeinated beverages is really hard. However; budgeting, sleeping enough, eating well, and exercising are very important. I believe we glorify God when we work to be good stewards with what he has entrusted us - be it time, finances, or our very bodies.

In contrast, some activities that are exceptionally easy can save us time, money, and pain. I hate to floss. For the majority of my life, I just haven't. I forget, I feel like it's an inconvenience, I run out and just can't remember to buy more, it's really not that big of a deal...my justification of not flossing could go for days.

Like a lot of important lessons, I learned the necessity of flossing the hard way. Little did I know, my teeth have always been pushed too far together- creating the perfect environment for sugar, food, acidic drinks, and bacteria to rendezvous in the warm, dark space. Several fillings, hours of pain and misery in a dentist chair, root canals, multiple crowns (which costs the same as a 1997 Toyota Camry, by the way) later, it finally hit me. Flossing matters.

And tonight, while flossing, I realized that for much of my life, I have treated spiritual discipline the same way. It's easy to overlook the importance of prayer, scripture reading, and scripture memorization. When I don't floss, my teeth feel fine. I went years without realizing there were major issues. Little tiny particles, left over time, eventually caused serious damage to my teeth. To me, the amount of soda that can fit between molars is not a big deal. It cannot be more than half a drop! But it becomes a big deal when it is ignored.

Sin is the same way. As a young adult, it's really easy for 'small' things to go unnoticed or un-rebuked....foul language, crude humor, lack of time management leading to bad stewardship of time, financial irresponsibility, watching or listening to things that really aren't beneficial for any reason except entertainment...

Without the small, (seemingly insignificant) action of setting aside time to meet with God and seek his guidance, those 'little things' can end up taking over and doing a lot of damage. There have been so many times when I look back on my week, month, at times, even my year and think, "Who is that person? That is not who I want to be! How did I get here?!" When I take a look at my habits, I realize that the lack of spiritual discipline left me blind to 'little' things that were in reality truly harmful.

I started flossing about 8 months ago and just went back to the dentist. For the first time in a LONG time, I had no cavities. My gums don't bleed anymore. My gingivitis, which had been bad, is gone. I got a clean bill of health from my dentist. WHAT. It is crazy how something that isn't even hard can make such a difference.

That could not be more true of spiritual discipline either. It's not hard to read the Bible. There's nothing inherently difficult about sitting still and quiet for a few minutes to quiet your heart to talk to Jesus. And it may seem, like flossing, that at first it feels the same. But one day you will look up and see the difference. It's impossible to be memorizing God's word and remain the same! It's impossible to spend your morning in prayer for your coworkers, family, friends, and not have your heart begin to soften. One day you look up and there's compassion where apathy was before. There's an extra measure of patience. An extra bit of grace for your coworker that's really hard to get along with. Extra joy when things are tough.


Spiritual discipline doesn't earn you an easy life. When that is your goal, you have missed the point. It's not about being good enough or being more disciplined than the next guy, but pursuing heart change. It's about saying to Jesus, "Here is EVERYTHING I have - my family, job, finances, hobbies, gifts, time, desires, dreams, my possessions- what do you want me to keep? What do you want me to give? Am I where you want me? Am I ignoring or missing what you are calling me to because it seems too hard? This is ALL YOURS. My desire is to use every bit of it to bring you glory every second you allow me to be on earth." When I start asking those questions, everything changes. My priority shifts from myself to others. My days are different and soon, my life looks different. When I dedicate time to pursuing what the Lord wants, I am making myself available to him to use me to do amazing things. Which is what I long for!


Never ever make my mistake. Don't underestimate the importance of spiritual discipline. It's not hard and I promise you - it will change your life.

But What Can I Do?

The events of the last few weeks (closer-to-home tragedies that mirror what's been occurring for several years in other countries) have prompted conversation, division, debate, conflict, demonstrations, and unity. Something that is hugely important has been brought up in the conversation of whether the US should allow Syrian refugees to relocate here- "but why worry about another country's people when we can't take care of our own?"

I've seen similar sentiments posted on various forums and social media outlets...and it makes me REALLY EXCITED to see people asking that question. I'm here to tell you why. 

When we look at the conflict in war-torn countries, it's overwhelming. Such a huge, terrifying problem. How are we supposed to fix them? What about the innocent civilians caught in the crossfire of trying to destroy the bad guys? Do we write them off as collateral damage? But what if people with ill intent play the part of desperate refugee just to come hurt us? Can we help them relocate closer? Do we just stay out of it? What is our best interest as a country? As Christians? 

Questions like these tend to do one of a few things. 1. They can cause us to shut down...the problem is just too overwhelming, I can't even think about it. 2. They cause us to pick a side and fiercely oppose those who disagree with what we think is best for our safety, the safety of our country and the freedom that so much has been sacrificed to protect. 3. They cause us to ask, "Okay, what can I do, right now? What is my part?" 

The world needs a whole lot of option 3's. Most Americans would agree that we have too many homeless, jobless, hungry people living in the US. It's difficult to look at helping other countries when there is so much need here. But what happens if we all step up to play our part to end all of that? 

We have all been gifted and blessed in different ways....every one of us equipped in SOME WAY to make a dent in the needs of our community. The winter season combined with the holidays provides so many ways to serve those around us. Is there need all of the time? Yes. But is this time of year particularly important due to the weather and the fact that it stinks even more for people to be alone/homeless/cold/hungry during the holidays? YES. 

Each of us has 168 hours every week to spend as we please. We have drastically different responsibilities. Some just have more free time. Each of us has some means of income...also drastically different. Some live in excess and some barely squeak by. 

Do not walk away from this holiday season saying "I was just too busy and too poor to make a difference." There are opportunities EVERYWHERE to volunteer. Shelters, soup kitchens, free thanksgiving dinner programs, the crisis intervention center and women's shelter, local international students without anyone to spend the holidays with, homeless people on the side of the road that we drive past, people we see or work with that we suspect don't have appropriate clothing for themselves or their children...most of us can give something. If it's not a few dollars, a few cans of food, a few pairs of socks, a coat, a blanket, we could give a few hours of our time to go serve and love on people. 

People committed to making a difference in THEIR OWN community changes the world. The more we meet the needs around us, the farther we reach, and then those people turn around and reach farther...the ripple effect can be so powerful. 

But above all, prayer something that costs us nothing. Putting our faith in an all-powerful God who KNOWS what's going on and KNEW it was coming...a God who knows our finances, our schedules, our needs, an our hearts...petitioning him to show us what he wants from us. Asking fervently for heart change in the ones who are doing terrible things to inspire fear and terror in the world changes things. 

If you are overwhelmed, hurt, angry, (or any combination of those) about what is going on and you believe that we have to start by taking care of America first, what are you going to do about it? Since fighting in the Middle East and feeding/clothing Syrian refugees in the countries to which they are fleeing are probably not a possibility for you, what are you doing here? 

Yes- there are problems that must be solved by the military. Yes, there are pros and cons to every side of the refugee argument. But do not let yourself off the hook saying, "It's not my problem/responsibility." Never ever believe the lie that one person can't change the world. Start with you. Start with your community. Set an example for your peers, coworkers, and your family by stepping out and giving time, financially, and praying for change. 

Changing the world starts with courageous individuals who step out to change their community. 

Here We Go Again!

It's crazy to me that 3 years have gone by since I was in Central Asia. It's also been about 3 years since I even thought about this blog. I definitely forgot it was even here.

However, since it is already here...may as well put it to good use! No promises...as anyone who has traveled overseas knows, internet can be sketchy at best. However, I'll try to post updates and pictures of what's going on.

If you're reading this, it means you're probably pretty special to me. Thanks for the love and support!! I feel so incredibly blessed to be heading back to do aid work in a country so dear to my heart. LOVES!! 

Liz 

Capital

Night on the town

Livin large

All packed up!

At the end of June, we packed up for a short trip to the capital. Taylor was flying out that Thursday, as her 6 weeks were up. Being in the capital was a fun experience. It's much bigger than our town and has a lot more foreigners. We got to enjoy many things for the first time in six weeks: wearing jeans and tennis shoes, not being stared at all the time, great ice cream, and an American coffee shop! (it wasn't Mama Carmen's, but I'll take what I can get) The boys loved getting to hang out and play at the house we stayed at. It was a nice change of scenery for them. We also got to visit the botanical gardens which were beautiful and do a little shopping. It was nice to get away for a week and take a little vacation...I was sad to see my roomie leave though! We had so much fun and learned so much in the time she was here. I'm so glad we got the chance to get to know each other! We spent the week just hanging out and enjoying the city. Thursday morning at 3 she left for the airport the looooong trip back to Arkansas.

Botanical Gardens

Are we there yet?

Reppin Fayettechill

They have exercise equipment in the park! Terrible equipment though. Probably why they don't exercise.

Fun in the park

The clouds were awesome. It's a long drive, but so beautiful!

Taking a break from playing at the botanical gardens

Nathan

7 Lakes

 The weekend of June 16 we all went to 7 lakes. It was SO unbelievably beautiful. Taylor got some amazing pictures...but even the pictures don't do it justice! Oh and all of the pictures on here are Taylor's...she did a great job of documenting her time here. Mac, Sarah, Nathan, Duncan, Jenny, Austin and their 4, Taylor, and I, as well as three college guys that were here for 6 weeks all drove down there for a fun day. We stopped at the third lake, which was a great spot. We had a picnic and just enjoyed being together. There weren't any locals there, so we (the girls) had a little bit more freedom to splash around and play in the water. It was COLD. They are glacier lakes, fresh melted from the gorgeous mountains that surround them. But it was definitely hot enough to at least get your feet wet. Of course I couldn't resist taking a polar dip and getting all the way in, or pass up an opportunity to race one of the guys. Who I totally smoked by the way! Just sayin:) It was definitely a new experience wearing central asian swimwear...I'm used to swimming in a bathing suit, not a knee-length dress and cotton pants. It was somewhat uncomfortable, but I was so pumped that we got an opportunity to swim. I'm a pool rat in the summer, so it's weird to not be able to go swimming every other day. Needless to say, I really enjoyed our time there.

The guys relaxing in the shade

Ethan making a bad choice...

Ethan paying for bad choice

...

Such a breathtaking view

My shoe floated away...I had to cross the FRIGID second lake for it

Victorious!

Vanessa and I

I still can't get over how beautiful it is

Sarah and sweet Elli

The guys

Nathan

Two Months Already?

What a crazy couple of weeks! The last month and a half has been full of lots of friends, fun, and new experiences. I've wanted to update several time, and though I have lots of free time, there's always something that needs to be done so I never make it to actually posting. Here's a few of the highlights from the last several weeks.

The weekend of June 9th there was a huge culture festival in our valley. I say huge...huge for here at least. Our town is pretty small and really doesn't see much tourism, so even having a few tourists here to learn about our town's history is a big deal. There were several events put on to showcase culture. Thursday night there was a big production at the stadium where girls all wearing the national print (a beautiful pattern called 'atlas') sang and danced traditional dances. It was packed, so Mac played the guest card to get us in. Sometimes being American goes a long way. Saturday morning down at the lake there were tons of booths set up selling handmade products. There were so many sweet ladies we met and beautiful crafts to buy. They dressed Taylor and I up like new brides and got a kick out of doing the 'thumbs up' for pictures.

Taylor was right at home with the musicians. Note: they ask you to take their picture yet refuse to smile.

We finally got them to smile! Dressed up like a new bride.

The next week, Vanessa's sister came for a visit. We threw her a party and invited some local friends to come meet her. The goal of setting the table is having little to no empty space...I think we did a pretty good job. For once we got to be the ones saying, "take, take!" to the guests:)

Our party spread...for 12 people

Vanessa and her sister

Elli and I loving a sweet baby

Tahmina (Taylor) and I finally got an excuse to wear our fancy dresses

Three Weeks In

Crazy that I am already three weeks into my stay in central asia! The time has flown by in a blur of the crazy culture shock and getting adjusted to life here. Now that we are falling into a routine, (kind of), it has started to feel more normal. I am still constantly running into new things. Some of it cool, some of it weird. Though I have been to the food bazaar several times, it still freaks me out to see huge hunks of bloody meat just hanging in the open air with flies buzzing all around it. It's still hard to see little kids playing in the street or in the jueys (I'm sure that's not spelled right. Just picture a ditch full of trash, dirty water, and animal waste running down the street). It still cracks me up when the neighbor's rooster crows any time but when it's supposed to. It's still amazing how different the pace of life is. I don't set an alarm clock, I just wake up whenever. Since I don't have a formal job, every day is different. I wake up usually between 6 and 8 am and throw on my corta in case we have guests. For me it's weird just wearing so much clothing as warm as it is; I'm used to wearing tshirts and athletic shorts every day. So it's still an adjustment to wear a cotton or velour garment that goes past my knees, paired with pants that go all the way to my feet. I can't complain though, they are super comfortable. And the awesome thing is that (unlike the cruel Arkansas humidity) the heat is dry. So if you stand in the shade, you can stay cool. Which is awesome. And on days when we have little to no water pressure so there's no way my hair is going to get all the way clean, I can just throw on a head scarf. However, the culture doesn't require that I wear one. It's a win-win. I had my first bout with giardia last weekend. I'm sure you don't need any detail about what an intestinal parasite does to you. We drink filtered water and try to be really careful, but it's just one of the perks of life here. Thankfully, we identified it really quickly and the couple I live with (referred to as Mac and Sarah from here on out) had the medicine I needed on-hand. It was a rough weekend, but by Monday I was feeling much better. So thankful for medicine! And great friends here to take care of me. Oh and a toilet. Most homes here just have a squatty, aka a hole in the ground in a shed which smells awful, but we are SO blessed to have a western style toilet. It's the little things. This week was awesome. We got to do a little vbs for the five "older" (older than 2) American kids here. It was a huge blessing to us, and also to them. Obviously, it's not hard to find something like that for your kids in the states. But believe it or not, that type of thing isn't all that common here. The kids are AWESOME and they loved it. We had stories, played games, sang songs, ate lots of yummy snacks, and just enjoyed hanging out together. That was from 9-12 everyday this week. Sunday the kids sang a few of the songs that we taught them for their parents, who loved it. Overall, I am so glad we got to do it! It was a great opportunity to encourage the kids and get to know them better. It was really fun to tell them stories and teach them fun songs. For the older two, I think it can be frustrating living in a world where very few people understand English and not having many other kids their age to play with. So I think that made it that much more special for them. Monday we had our first official language lesson. It was so fun! We have a super sweet teacher. We have already gotten a great start toward conversation. We are learning a lot of vocabulary, as well as basic conversational phrases. We also have begun to learn some grammar and basic conjugation. Hopefully, this will allow us to actually say something next time we go to a party, instead of just sitting and smiling. For three hours. One thing we learned is that the technique of smiling and nodding isn't a good idea. Apparently, Taylor and I are the perfect age for being married off to someone's 25-30 year old son, and it wouldn't be all that strange for someone to ask us to marry their kid. So you see why smiling and nodding is not the way to go. haha I live with one of the best cooks I've ever met. Sarah is seriously ridiculous. Lunch and dinner every day is something different and really delicious. Which is saying something, because everything takes so much longer and more work to do here, especially cooking. Buying fruits, veggies, and meat takes you all over the bazaar. Then you have to wash it all in filtered water to ensure that you're not gonna die. haha. Just kidding, you probably wouldn't die. But you could get pretty sick. When you need milk you go to the nearest neighbor with a cow (a neighbor that actually feeds their cow food...if a cow eats garbage, the milk literally tastes like garbage. pretty gross) and let them know. They bring you a big jar, straight from the cow, which you then cook and strain yourself. But MAN is it delicious. The lady across the street must take really good care of her cow, because the milk we got the other day was sooooo good. That's saying something; I've never been a big milk fan. Naturally, there's no such thing as fat free. That combined with the fact that Sarah is such an amazing cook has led to the conclusion that we are going to have to work out while we are here. So Taylor and I have been trying to get up early and exercise or at least get a workout in sometime in the evening. The more we change from our college lifestyle of staying up way too late, the easier it is to get out of bed in the mornings. Go figure:) We have also been cooking and baking a lot. Sarah loves trying new recipes and lets Taylor and I make whatever we want, as long as we can find all of the ingredients or a good substitute. It has been hit and miss. A few things turned out great, a few not so great. Bad ingredients led to our cherry cobbler not rising at all. The oven just going out randomly (it does that all the time, SO frustrating. We often have to babysit whatever's baking) led to a not-so-great batch of baked chicken. After fighting with the oven for half an hour, we gave up and just fried it. It turned out alright. We made some incredible fondue and pound cake for a girls night, which was tons of fun. We were even able to find some good fresh strawberries and some decent bananas to dip to. I am loving learning how to bake all kinds of new things. I remembered how much I love baking...I had gotten so busy, I probably haven't baked much at all since junior high, and I didn't bake a ton back then. Our new dresses are almost ready, I am super excited to see them. The seamstress we went to is so sweet and has done them really quickly. I'll post a picture at some point when I get time. There was a huge culture festival tonight. It was at the only real stadium in our town which was PACKED. They had tons of music as well as traditional dances. There were tons of cute little girls in the national fabric swaying and dancing to the music. Our host family told us to wear American clothes since there were going to be many foreigners and it would ensure us actually getting in since we didn't have tickets. That helped us stand out even more! haha. People stare like crazy here. I know we are white, but it doesn't matter if you're white or black or asian or a native...they stare at each other, give each other once-overs, stare at foreigners, etc. It's definitely weird though to be standing somewhere and have people literally walk up to you and be a foot away and just stand there and stare without even bothering to hide it. They told us to stare back, but I can't do it without laughing. It just cracks me up! One day, Taylor and I took public transportation for the first time. It's basically an extended minivan with a few seats in it. They cram people in with sardines and go until someone yells, "dored!" or someone else wants to get on. But a lady in front of us kept pointing behind us. We turned around, and there was a middle aged woman with a camera phone that just started snapping away. We smiled and made faces and everyone laughed. I guess that's what it feels like for them when we take pictures. It's funny to be on the other end. It's started to get a lot warmer during the days. The boys have a little kiddie pool that they have started filling up. We have a lot of fun having splash wars and running through our little yard. It's a fun way to keep cool in the evenings, considering the fact that central heating and air conditioning doesn't exist. Mac did put in a window unit in the den though, which is great. Most evenings we all hang out in there after dinner until the boys go to bed. Then we have a few hours of down time to catch up on whatever needs to be done. It's a great time to relax and talk and get to know each other better. I cannot express how nice it is to not have to be anywhere most nights! Most nights we just chill at home, which is perfectly acceptable. Well, that should give you at least an idea of what our time here has looked like so far. I'm new at the whole blogging thing and still trying to figure out the layout (i.e. the lack of paragraph divisions). Please bear with me:) I will try to update when I can. Feel free to comment or send me an email, I'd love to hear from you! If you have any questions, ask them. Love you guys and I appreciate your support. Please lift my friends and the people her up daily! Sweet ladies View from Old Ruins My lovely corta Taylor, Vanessa, and I Our street