After showing the hairdresser the photo of the way I wanted my hair cut; he responded, "now I can cut your hair this way or I can cut your hair to soften your face and make you look younger!" Now please tell me what a woman who is approaching middle age is supposed to do? Of course, I'm not crazy! An hour later I walked out of the beauty shop with a rather, shall I say "progressive" hair cut.
While waiting for the chair and thumbing through Hungarian magazines, I made conversation with the international student seated next to me. We chatted a few minutes and then she asked, “Are you here visiting your son or daughter at the university?" I responded, "no, we live here and we pastor the International Church."
In reality this student confirmed the inevitable. The older I get, the broader the generation gap between me and university students! Instead of looking like "a friend", I'm beginning to look like dear ole Mom!
Although I can't turn back the hands of time, perhaps I need to pay more attention to those age-defying secrets we read about in those magazines! No matter what the age is, it is my desire to stay youthful and useful! Anyway, isn't age just a number?
Psalm 92:14 - They shall still bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flourishing.
1/25/2008
1/18/2008
Celebrating My Birthday In 4 Part Harmony
Despite diets, fasting and scheduling around appointments, the Golden Arch Birthday Club was the setting for my recent birthday celebration! We gathered around the table to a plate of freshly baked pineapple cookies sporting a never before used birthday candle and some freshly purchased ginger snaps. As usual the missionary shutterbugs were in full force! The sound of all of "us" singing Happy Birthday in English in 4 part harmony drew stares, but unfortunately no applause! We sipped our $1.50 cappuccinos as I modeled my custom made John Deere apron made by a very special seamstress who happens to be a missionary from New Zealand. The unexpected gifts included not only the beautiful John Deere apron, cards and candles, but my brother surprised me with my very own John Deere tractor that will remain in its original plastic package with a note from my sister saying "Happy Birthday and we love you!" The couple hour escape from our normal routines in the Boldog Szűletésnapot (Happy Birthday in Hungarian) corner of Mickey D's was a friendly place to share my birthday with friends and family! Thanks gang for making it a memorable day! You rock!
1/15/2008
Syb Sez
As I sit here with my fingers fasten to the keyboard, tears are streaming down my face. It's one of those moments that is hard to describe; a tender moment with God.
I'm reflecting on the words spoken to me by a dear friend. Earlier in the evening she
sent an SMS that she was not well. I returned the SMS saying that we were praying as it was our weekly prayer time at the International Church and I would call her as soon as I could.
I called. As Kati talked she kept saying, "Syble, I just needed to hear your voice. I needed to hear a word. " As I began to tell Ed about the conversation, my spirit was quicken with Kati's words. I began to weep thinking of how our Heavenly Father loves to hear our voice. He loves to hear our praises and in turn how precious the times that we hear His voice speaking to us.
I'm reflecting on the words spoken to me by a dear friend. Earlier in the evening she
sent an SMS that she was not well. I returned the SMS saying that we were praying as it was our weekly prayer time at the International Church and I would call her as soon as I could.
I called. As Kati talked she kept saying, "Syble, I just needed to hear your voice. I needed to hear a word. " As I began to tell Ed about the conversation, my spirit was quicken with Kati's words. I began to weep thinking of how our Heavenly Father loves to hear our voice. He loves to hear our praises and in turn how precious the times that we hear His voice speaking to us.
1/09/2008
PRAISE REPORT
Prior to CHRISTmas, we at the International Church donated food for needy families affected by unemployment. In addition to the donated food items, we were given an additional 30,000 HUF (appx $170 USD) to spend as needed. With this money we were able to include some CHRISTmas treats such as chocolates, a stick of Hungarian salami and a block of a very tasty Hungarian smoked cheese.
One recently divorced mother of two, who is also the primary caregiver for her ex-mother-in-law said, "I've only heard of this happening on TV. I never thought it would happen to me!" We left a New Testament with each family and we also prayed a blessing over them. Even though our efforts were as a mere band-aid applied , we have continued to pray that God is their provision and that their hearts will be open to the things of God.
Today we received word from one of the households that the husband has employment after a year of unemployment. He began his new job today! We give God the glory for all he is doing in the hearts and lives of those around us!
Please join us in prayer that these families will see that nothing is impossible with God!
One recently divorced mother of two, who is also the primary caregiver for her ex-mother-in-law said, "I've only heard of this happening on TV. I never thought it would happen to me!" We left a New Testament with each family and we also prayed a blessing over them. Even though our efforts were as a mere band-aid applied , we have continued to pray that God is their provision and that their hearts will be open to the things of God.
Today we received word from one of the households that the husband has employment after a year of unemployment. He began his new job today! We give God the glory for all he is doing in the hearts and lives of those around us!
Please join us in prayer that these families will see that nothing is impossible with God!
1/01/2008
Syb Sez
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
Most everyday I receive an SMS from a dear Hungarian sister who speaks no English. Some days the SMS expresses prayer needs. Other days the message is as short as "I love you". On days like today, she sends an SMS with a scripture of encouragement. Today, January 1st her SMS read "Jeremiah 29:11, along with the simple English words "I Love You". What a neat way to began the new year knowing that God has a plan for each of our lives and a reminder that He really loves us!
Most everyday I receive an SMS from a dear Hungarian sister who speaks no English. Some days the SMS expresses prayer needs. Other days the message is as short as "I love you". On days like today, she sends an SMS with a scripture of encouragement. Today, January 1st her SMS read "Jeremiah 29:11, along with the simple English words "I Love You". What a neat way to began the new year knowing that God has a plan for each of our lives and a reminder that He really loves us!
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