From John Piper's Blog "Desiring God" by Jonathan Parnell:

In 2 Samuel 10 the Ammonites and Syrians are closing in on Israel. Joab divides up the men of Israel between himself and his brother, Abishai. He tells his strategy in v. 11, paraphrased, “You take those guys, I’ll take these guys, and let’s help one another if we need it.” That sounds simple enough. It’s the next line in v. 12 that is astounding. Joab declares:

Be of good courage, and let us be courageous for our people, and for the cities of our God, and may the LORD do what seems good to him.

Now we can read this and just chalk it up as another indication of Joab's super-manliness. We can picture him on the battlefield arrayed in armor and emanating more fierceness than Gerard Butler and Russell Crowe combined. But that would severely miss it.

Joab can say what he says because I think he knows what it is that “seems good to the LORD.” Remember the LORD’s promise to David in 2 Samuel 7? He told David, “Your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever” (7:16).

"What seems good to the LORD" is not “que sera, sera.” "What seems good to the LORD" is rooted in his unfailing faithfulness to fulfill his promises, whether Israel wins every single battle or not. "What seems good to the LORD" is that the house of David will be made sure forever and there will one day be a king on the throne of Israel whose reign will know no boundaries and have no end—King Jesus, the Christ.

I think that Joab knew this promise and that it was the real source of his courage. This is the kind of courage we need: not a blind fearlessness that comes from self-confidence, but a boldness that flows from being overcome by the reality of the gospel and the faithfulness of our God.

What doubts do you have concerning action for the sake of Christ’s Kingdom? What promise can you stand on and declare “may the LORD do what seems good to him”?

Angkor Wat Complex

Monday morning, June 7, around 6am, we watched the sun rise over Angkor Wat... this shot is from between the entrance of the front complex looking at the back complex (I always thought this shot was the outside of the entire complex).


Again, inside of the back complex...


Walking away from the inside of the complex...

What I didn't realize about these temples is that Angkor Wat is the largest of the temples but there are 7 or more different large temple locations... just a taste for you!

My favorite temple because everything was falling over!

We climbed to the top of this one - it was a straight up climb. The steps were insanely scary!

I made it to the top... going down was even harder...

...Our descent

Coolest trees ever! They have grown over this temple everywhere.

What a truly amazing experience to see these structures and to imagine that they were over a thousand years old... I can't even fathom how they were built, especially how they stacked all these huge stones. I really did feel like Indiana Jones!

"Food" For Thought

So today was our last day of VBS in a village called Takam. On our very bumpy and rough drive there, I almost found myself in tears when I was thinking about the way these people live. I felt sorry for them and I was questioning as to why I grew up where I did and with the seemingly luxurious things my family had in comparison to the people here. And I sat there in confusion for a while trying to understand why it is this way. And, why I was feeling guilty for the way of life I have lived... but I think that I was able to come to some sort of conclusion as to why life is this way.

When we look back at America's history to one hundred, even maybe two hundred years ago, I cannot imagine that life was much different from the people that live here in these remote villages. The more I thought about it... It's really just a way of life here. It's not that these people are "lesser" people or "lesser off," because in their world, this is what they know and how they live. I am not trying to say that our worlds are the same, but we all live in a way that is natural in the environment we are in; and that's just what we know. And when I thought about it more, I thought about our concept of time verses God's concept of time. We only look at life from a linear point of view, but God looks at this world from an all-knowing and all-powerful point of view. He can see people from all times, all environments and all ways of life... All we can see is how life has changed and evolved and progressed and as people that are "ahead" in society; but what are we really ahead of? We may understand science more and technology and all that, but that doesn't make the people that live in these remote areas any less human.

All I can really say is that the Lord gave me some sense of peace in accepting the fact that my life is different from these people and I shouldn't feel sorry for them and the way they live, but I can be thankful that I can love them and encounter them and that the Lord loves them so much more than I could ever humanly offer. There is so much we can do to help these people to gain awareness to water-borne diseases and many other things that society has learned over time. There is so much we can help with, but we don't have to change these people. They are beautiful and they do what they can in this life that they know, and maybe over time... they will come to learn more about farming, and science, and technology like we know... but until then, we should not look at these people as less off or ourselves as better off for that matter.



My mind is still trying to process my thoughts... but please, feel free to add your thoughts.

22 min 30 sec

Our professor Dr. Moodley is here for a visit and a time of debriefing during our time here in Cambodia. We gave him our journals yesterday and I felt both relieved and naked without it. We are required to journal daily (about 3-4 pages) as a part of our class requirements. Although it is very difficult to keep up with, I have learned a lot of things about the significance of journaling and spending a significant amount of time with God intimately and daily.

So anyways, without having our journals... I felt like I had so much free time last night and this morning so I started to read Through Painted Deserts by Donald Miller. Mind you, I've had this book for a few years and I have not just had time to sit down and enjoy a book without school stress or something over my head and last night and this morning I finally had time. I'm already almost halfway through and I'd liked to finish it before we get our journals back (which will probably be at some point tomorrow). Anyways, it's basically a descriptive journal log of Don and his friend Paul traveling to Oregon from Houston in a VW van and a few hundred dollars. It's a fantastic perspective and I've just had true and utter joy as I dream adventurously and feel so relaxed to finally just read stress-free.

Well anyways... this book is reminding me the significance of really making every moment of life count and being light-hearted and just seeking joy and adventure in every possibility. So in the midst of this, we were going to the Children's home today to participate in a welcome celebration that the kids presented for us (which was awesome by the way). Matt, the director of the Children's Home could not pick us up with the van so he suggested we get a Tuk Tuk.

First of all, I didn't feel like spending money on a Tuk Tuk and secondly I reminded myself... I have a bike and two feet and hands and a water bottle. So I was able to talk Kristin, my teammate into riding to the Children's Home with me. It really only took me the question to ask her and she was up for the challenge. It's on one of the main roads here where traffic seems much scarier in a car than on a bike (surprisingly). I don't know how far it is, but I timed it on our way back and it took us 22 min, 30 sec. I loved every second of it. I loved the sweat pouring out of my body and the dust blowing in my face and the grit in my teeth. I loved every rattle and clang on my bike and the bumpy dirt road before the Children's Home. I loved feeling the hot sun on my skin and I loved just living the life and being a part of the Khmer culture. So many different smells, so many different people going and coming from so many different places. It was an awesome experience. Now I want to start riding my bike to the Children's Home as often as I can.

I will need to take a picture of my rickety bike! [Insert photo here]It's a beach cruiser-ish road bike with a basket on it. The first few days after I bought it (for $38 with a lock), I had a flat tire and my handlebars got so loose I almost crashed... but I kept riding it for a few days before I got it fixed. We ride our bikes every day and even took an hour bike ride around town on Sunday. I thoroughly enjoy riding my bike. I've always been so afraid or more so nervous to ride on the road in treaffic, but here with the traffic you just have to jump in and go with the flow and ring your bell and hope people hear it. There's always some close calls with a moto cutting you off or someone riding directly at you and you both awkwardly try to figure out which side the other is going to choose... but I love it. I love the freedom and adventure of it. I just want to ride my bike everywhere!!!

But I think so many things lately, while being here, have been teaching me the importance of enjoying life, enjoying opportunities and accepting circumstances and most of all just finding joy in these situations. I had an amazing talk with John Mark this morning about how our relationship has changed and grown in the 5 years we've known each other. The amazing memories, events, places and time we've spent together. In reading this book, I am reminded to ask myself... if my life was a book, would someone want to read it and would they enjoy it? I hope so. What an amazing gift God has given us to experience life. I hope I will live a life that tells a story and most of all, has God alongside each and every part of my adventure called life!

Nearing the end of week 3...

We are already nearing the end of our third week here. It seems like so much has happened and time has both been very fast when I think about it, yet it seems like it’s going slow as well. I have been struggling quite a bit with leaving my fiancé back home. Although we have a long distance relationship, there’s something different knowing that we are on opposite sides of the globe and that we still have 7 weeks of this adventure apart from each other globally left to go. I have to daily pray that my heart is in the right place here because I feel like I’ve left such a huge part of me back at home. But I think that personally this is a growing period for us both to learn so much more about ourselves during this time before we make our vows to spend the rest of our lives together. A lifetime together and 7 more weeks does not seem like a long time in retrospect but while we are in it, it is very difficult.

I am thankful that I can relate with my teammate Delilah and her boyfriend of 1.5 years. Delilah and I had a good chat today as we both have had a difficult time with this, but we are also thankful for what God is teaching us. I know that whenever I really feel like I’m missing John Mark, I can talk with Delilah and we can miss our men together. I’m just so anxious to be in the ministry with John Mark and it is very hard to be patient in the Lord’s timing. God has me here without John Mark for a reason and it’s my daily struggle to learn about God, learn about myself, and the people here and accept that it is the Lord’s will for me here and now.

I have been continuously reminded of Ezekiel 36:22-26 ever since I got on the plane to come here. I actually came across it on the plane, but I really believe God is trying desperately to “give me a new heart and put a new spirit in me… taking my stubborn heart and making it tender and responsive.” Boy oh boy am I stubborn. I find it so hard to rely on other people. I want to just do everything myself because I have difficultly trusting others and being confident in their work. Being a group leader has challenged me to delegate tasks and trust that they will get done. I feel like a failure so many times, but I am constantly reminded of God’s mercy even though I am so undeserving.

We have been painting the youth room at the Children’s home for the last week and a half aside from other things and it is so draining. Mind you, the youth room is the size of most fellowship halls. It’s a very large room and a very large task, but we really pray and feel like this can prompt a new stage in the youth’s relationship with God. There are probably about 40 or more students from the community and the children’s home that meet in this room for a youth service. We are planning a dedication service for the building a week from today. Please pray that this is a turning point in their lives and in their walk with God. These kids have really difficult lives yet it is so beautiful to listen to them worship and pray and I am constantly encouraged by it. They are tempted by so many things I can’t even imagine being in their shoes. But when I see them worship, their hearts are so pure. We want the encourage them to be bold in their faith outside of the walls of their youth room and to live daily in reverence to Christ. What a reminder for all of us. We put two stripes across the room that come together to make a cross and we want to explain to the students that their lives for God are not only in their relationship with him, but their relationship with this world. We’ve spent a lot of time at the children’s home including tutoring and teaching English with them, as well saying good night to them and just loving on them.

Life is so much different here, but I still feel like each and every person in the world is dealing with their own struggles and their own pain but God is so powerful and he gives us tender and responsive hearts that can find joy in all circumstances. It is so hard sometimes, but God is so capable of making this a reality for our lives. This week our professor Dr. Moodley will be here to meet with our team and check on our progress here and at the end of the week we have a two-day seminar to attend. This seminar will help teach us to better understand the psychological side of people and to better teach them accordingly. I think it will be very interesting.
God is also teaching me a lot about listening and discerning his voice. This is something I constantly struggle with - listening. I feel so childish, but God desires us to come to him like children, open to his voice and ready to soak in his every word. This time here is really challenging my relationship with God and forcing me to grow and change in my relationship with our amazing Creator. Psalm 33 has been a great passage to remind me of how awesome and beautiful our Creator is! I suggest you take the time to read it.

I think when we discipline ourselves with time with God and realize that our spirituality is in constant movement and growth, our consistency with God can influence our integrity and character in this world so that we can be used by God in the way he intended for us in this world. I have been challenged to come to God with the same anticipation and excitement that I do when I get to talk to John Mark… what a perspective.

Happy 3rd Birthday Hazyl

Oh sweet Hazyl Grace. Your big blue eyes have been mesmerizing since you were a baby!!



I missed your first birthday because I spent that summer in Brazil. But we got to celebrate your second birthday in Charleston and watch you grow up so fast and begin talking up a storm and really developing quite the personality!!



Speaking of that personality... You are so free spirited and so cool and I just think you are going to be "that" girl that the boys dream of. Oh your poor daddy... You will probably be super athletic and naturally beautiful... you already are!!! Your climbing skills and fearlessness are so incredible.. and that cool style of yours!!!



I love you so much Hazyl Grace and I love watching you and your big sister Daylia Joy grow up. I love how Daylia takes care of you and looks out for you and how much you love spending time with her. You are so sweet Hazyl! Happy 3rd Birthday!!

Love Aunt Rae Rae

To my nephew Josiah Nathaniel

Dear Josiah,
It is hard to even find the words of how your sweet little life impacted me, our family, and so many other people. Josiah, you brought our family so close and really made Charleston home for me. I lived there for 3 years before you came, but now every time I go there I think of you and your very special life.

I thought about going to San Fransisco for an internship the summer you were going to be with us, but I felt that I needed to stay in Charleston, I needed to be with my family, and I needed to spend time with you. Oh your body was so fragile when you were born May 20 2009; especially your heart and lungs, but your beautiful life that day and on answered so many of our prayers.

We spent so many days in your "living room" because you didn't like the outside (plus all those nurses were so cute, who'd want to leave them). Who can blame you? It's such a big world out there. But your door was open to so many people that had an opportunity to meet you. Sometimes I was scared to come near you because I didn't want to make you more sick. I even passed out next to you because you made me wear a plastic cape to see you. But it was worth it. Uncle John Mark and I would spend our date nights just staring at you and rubbing your sweet little forehead. Your little eyebrows would twitch and you'd fall right asleep. We watched your sisters a lot that summer and they always talked about you. We would sit with you and your mommy and daddy and just talk about life.

You gave us so many scares, but you hung on to your fragile life so tightly and we continued to cling to God. We watched your sisters grow up so much and got to know your grandma and grandpa so well. You breathed on your own for some time but your lungs were just not strong enough. Your mommy and daddy decided for you to get a tracheotomy and we got to see those huge chubby cheeks for the first time!!! You look so much like your mommy and daddy and sisters.

Little Josiah, your mommy and daddy and so many other people love you so much. Your parents did everything they could to help you and help other babies and kids with HLHS. Because of your mommy's research, you and other babies like you can have their mommy's skimmed breast milk in the MUSC PCICU. You challenged the Dr's and nurses at MUSC to do their best work and learn so much more about babies like you. Your blog and twitters have been seen all over and your papa's sign's got you an article in the Greenville news. But most of all Josiah, you taught us how to love. How to treasure each day and each moment, because we didn't know if there would be a tomorrow with you. You taught us the importance of family and community and so much about prayer and about God. You have left us with some questions.. especially as to why God would take you home, but you have helped us to trust and know that God knows best for each and every situation. It was and is so hard that you are not here with us, but the memories of you are so beautiful. Your sweet and scary and wonderful 8 months with us has probably impacted so many more people than I have in the 23 years I've been alive. You have reminded us that all people have something they are dealing with in their lives and that it is so important to treat everyone with love. Because who knows if the person next door has lost a loved one, just like we lost you.

Your memorial service was such a beautiful evening of worship. Your daddy sang songs and even made us clap our hands to God. We watched videos of you smiling and getting your chest therapy and so many handsome pictures of you. Your smile and sweet cheeks will forever be in my memories. We will never forget you Josiah and the wonderful story God created in you. You may have been born with half a heart, but that precious little heart is the biggest most pure heart I have ever known. Your story brought us to so many people and friends and family and God has taken your heart and made it whole. Happy first birthday Josiah. We miss you dearly but have the faith and hope that we will see you again, perfect and no longer broken. Love you little cowboy.



Aunt Rae Rae

Your wonderful story: www.thewilsonheart.com