How was your Christmas?

My tree is down. Presents are in use or safely stored somewhere. And I realize that this Christmas marks a turning point, much as most of the past year has done. I think that from now on, Christmas won't be the same. But first, a summary of Christmas 2009.

It was a white Christmas. A rarity for Dallas/Fort Worth, but it happened. It snowed a good part of Christmas Eve day, and it hung around for a bit on Christmas. It was my first Christmas engaged. Never been engaged before. And that status allowed me to gain access to my beloved's family activities.

They gathered at Mom's house Christmas Eve to exchange presents. Joe, Becky and Brennan; Aunt Judy; Sarah, Hayden and Tyler; Mom, Sandy and I all gathered around the tree. We said a prayer, and the gifts were slowly disbursed, from youngest to oldest, allowing each person to show off their gift and allow the others to admire it. We had agreed to focus on gifts for the kids, as money was tight all around. Still, there were a few presents given to the parents, too. Soon the room was filled with torn wrapping paper and opened boxes. Toys were clutched in little hands, and words of thanks were spread around the room.

Time came for dinner to be served. Turkey and the trimmings were set before us, and soon the air was filled with laughter as Christmas memories were brought to life. Memories of people no longer with us. Memories of simpler times. We all had our fill and cleared the table as toys resurfaced and the fire was stoked. People left as concern for the weather and roads prompted a hasty exodus. A 30-minute trip home turned into a several-hour ordeal as Joe, Becky and Brennan found the roads to be worse than they thought. I helped Aunt Judy get her motorized cart into her van and safely on her way for her short drive home. I learned later she would need help getting to her apartment because her van wouldn't release the scooter that was placed inside it. I had planned ahead and was prepared to spend the night, avoiding the traffic and sharing Christmas Day with my beloved, Sandy.

A night of tossing and turning gave way to a morning of happy boys, as they realized that Santa had come! More gifts and toys that had come from grandparents awaited their small hands . Oh the paper and boxes again covered the floor! Batteries were inserted or charged, and sounds of laughter arose again. It was all for them, and it was a joy to see them caught up in the avalanche of fun.

Witnessing all these gifts being opened and enjoyed led me to consider some of my Christmases past. As I thought back over my 40 years, only a few moments truly stood out. The first year we spent Christmas with my mom and step-dad and learned of his tradition to make stockings from panty hose filled with nuts, candy and presents. They were six feet long and tied to the banister! An impressive sight for a boy of 13 or so. Then I remembered the year, when I was much younger, that I hadn't bought a present for my step-mother. I had found something in a cabinet, wrapped it up, and claimed it was a new gift. This gift didn't cost me anything, and to this day I struggle to understand why I did what I did. There were other Christmases I recall being alone. Perhaps I went somewhere for dinner, and perhaps they had a simple gift for me. But I was very much alone. I know I was last year.

Ah! But as I said, I am engaged, and next Christmas, when we are husband and wife, we will still gather Christmas Eve for family Christmas. But then Christmas morning 2010, Sandy and I will awake to the start of our own Christmas, with some borrowed and some new traditions for how to spend the day. We will remember the first Gift - God's Son given to man - so that man could once again have a relationship with his Creator. And we will reflect on how much He loves us, and how much we love our family. And whether there is one gift to open or twenty, we will be grateful for His gift to us, and the gift that we are to each other.

And that is a Christmas memory I won't soon forget!

Where did the time go?

Most modern technology was created to help Americans save time. Kitchen appliances are supposed to make Mom's (or Dad's) job easier or faster. Access to the internet was to make the exchange of information faster. Cars were designed and improved to travel farther and faster. So where is all this time going? Weren't we promised more time for leisure activities or family time?

We all seem to be living increasingly crowded lives, yet we don't crowd them with relationships. We've limited human interaction so transactions go faster. Why go in the bank when you can use the ATM? Or stay in your car so you don't bump into anyone! At home, microwave ovens have sped up meal preparation, but what happened to the interaction with our moms when we were kids. Watching her make something. Asking questions. Playing a game while we waited for something to cook.

Instead of using our time to interact and invest in one another, we're working later or scheduling more activities, often spreading our family out to various venues. TV schedules force us to cut short our conversations, or we squeeze it into a 3-minute commercial break. DVR's actually add to the problem, as now you can fill all your time and watch shows in chunks as you have moments.

Rather than walk or take public transportation, we climb into our private carriages and navigate the streets. We forget there are other people in those boxes, and we consider it normal to react in ways that we would never act to another person. We've isolated ourselves so much we don't know how to interact when face to face with a stranger.

So what is our response? What can we do to take back or redeem our time? How do we renew social contact with our fellow man? It was a gradual slide, so we need a gradual rise back to connection.

Smile. Our fast-paced lives don't allow for much, so we should simply smile more. Show those around you that you recognize their humanity. You can add a wave, too, if you can manage it.

Ask someone about their day. Then listen to their response. I've used this as I work at Chick-fil-A. Many people's countenance changes when someone expresses interest in them. When someone asks you, move beyond "Fine." Be vulnerable. Explain why your day is fine. Or share where you're struggling. Who knows; you might make a friend!

Use your conveniences to build relationships, not do more "stuff." Many time-saving devices can be used to help build relationships instead of allowing us to cram our schedules full. Save time in one area so you can spend it meaningfully with someone else.

If we all take small steps, we can go a long way toward drawing closer together.

When were you going to tell me?

It's been awhile since I wrote anything on this. I started part-time work last week at Chick-fil-A, and Sandy and I have set a wedding date: March 21, 2010, at the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens. While that's all good information to send your way, I was presented with a twist this morning, and I needed to share it with others.

I received an email this morning from my mother. She was forwarding a message my dad had sent to her. They've been divorced for years, so they don't communicate very often. He was telling her that one of my cousins was killed in an accident recently. The part that bothers me is that this was the first I'd heard of it. That's right. My dad chose not to notify me directly.

We've never been a very close family, but I thought that I would rate higher and be told more directly. So now I'm sitting here trying to overcome my feelings of grief and frustration over the message and means. Am I being unreasonable? Am I getting upset over nothing? I honestly don't know! Please leave comments to help me process this.

I'm still building the emotional strength to contact my father about this. I appreciate your prayers.

When is the Wedding?

I think that rates as the most frequently asked question since announcing our engagement just over a week ago. Take a moment to read my previous post if you haven't. It will help with this one.

I always thought that what my future bride wanted would be what my wedding would be like. I expected her to have detailed plans for the day, and I would just ask her what to wear, where to stand when, and when to say or do something. But I'm finding that Sandy wants it to reflect me as much as her. And I'm feeling overwhelmed by the cost.

Sandy is awesome, and I love her a great deal. But I find that talking about wedding options and preferences stresses me out. I want it to be what she wants, but rather than enjoy the excitement and just brainstorm, my mind can only think in numbers, especially money. I try my best to not ask, "How much will that cost?" with every idea. I know that we'll find ways to keep costs down and have an awesome wedding day, but I still feel unprepared for what's coming.

I suppose the biggest issue I have is that we both work for non-profits, and my current situation has me drawing a very minimal salary. I can mange basic expenses, but I certainly can't start saving for a wedding. And I want to. I really want to be socking away cash for that day so I can be sure that our day is everything we both want it to be. I can handle living on the cheap when it's just me, but I really want to provide for our needs. I know we have a God who loves us and cares about our deepest needs. But sometimes that's little comfort when you can't afford flowers for your beloved.

Before you start (or continue?) feeling sorry for me, let me stop and say that I chose to be in this situation, and I know that Sandy doesn't expect to me give her every little thing. I know she's just as content as I am doing what she loves. But a switch was thrown the day I realized I truly love her. From that day, I've wanted to give her flowers and other presents. I wanted to take her to nice restaurants or go out on the town. The fact that she doesn't expect those things makes me want to do it even more. And it makes me want to give her the wedding she wants.

I have to remind myself that I don't have to have all the money today. And I have time to find creative (read "free" or minimal expense) ways to make the day wonderful. And I'm prepared to sacrifice some things right now for other things in the future. That's what love does, and that's what I'll do. Because I love Sandy Baker. No matter what!

Oh, and we're thinking sometime in the spring, maybe March or early April.

Will You Marry Me?

Will you marry me?

I had decided that I was content with being single. But six months ago, God brought Miss Sandy Lynn Baker into my life, and it changed forever. We were certain that we would eventually marry. We took turns being cautious and aggressive as things developed. The first weekend of September 2009, things came to a turning point.

My parents were passing through on their move from Washington to Florida. Friday night they came over to my place, and we started talking. At one point I showed them the ring that Sandy and I had had made. We used materials from her mother's rings and my mother's rings to craft her engagement ring and my wedding band. Both my parents thought it was beautiful, and so pleased that the diamonds worked well together. Randy asked why she wasn't wearing it yet. I came up with a line about how we were in no hurry, and I was trying to find the right words. He said, "will you marry me? Seems easy." It was at that moment that I began to wonder just what I was waiting for.

Sandy came over Saturday, and we spent the afternoon getting to know each other. I spent most of the day basking in the love of my mother and Sandy as the concerns and fears evaporated. We had a great time, and I was certain that I wanted to propose much sooner than I initially intended. After my parents went back to their hotel, Sandy and I discussed the day and reflected on some of the things my mom had said.

Sunday morning I decided to put the ring in my bag before leaving for church. I'd been going to Sandy's house after church to eat and just relax, eagerly waiting for football season to arrive. I knew that she would want me to propose in a more private setting, so I didn't bother to bring the ring inside. During the service, the pastor asked if I would be willing to share my story, how God redeemed me and my mission service. Being a missionary, I was prepared to do that, and gave an account of my conversion and a brief synopsis of my mission career. I'm glad that I got to do that on the day of our engagement, and I credit it to God that it even happened.

We went home after the service and were trying to decide what to do. I suggested we do some more questions, and maybe arrange to go see the sunset if possible. We've been working through the book "101 Questions to Ask Before Getting Engaged". Sandy had recently assured me we didn't have to finish it before I asked, but I had hoped we would. We had to stop in the 90's to make dinner if we were going to make sunset.

Before leaving the house, I had taken the ring out of its box and put it in my pocket. Driving to the lake, the sky was gorgeous. I knew we would have an awesome sunset. As we pulled into a parking place overlooking the lake, the sun was just touching the horizon. We watched one of the best sunsets we've seen together, then sat there enjoying the moment. Sandy noticed my heart rate was up and asked if I was ok. I was doing my best to take deep calming breaths, but I figured she suspected. I started talking about how I had wanted to come up with the perfect words to say to her before I proposed, but I had decided that simpler was better. I told her I loved her no matter what, and asked if she would marry me. She said yes, and I slid the ring out of my pocket and onto her finger. She said Yes, yes, yes, yes, and tried her best to hug me. She said she couldn't hug me that well, so we climbed out of the car, and I held her, kissed her, and looked into her beautiful eyes. At one point in one of our embraces, she prayed and I prayed, committing our relationship to God. I committed to being there for her, to love her, and provide for her. We laughed, we cried, and we were engaged.

One of her nephews had told me, secretly, that I should marry Sandy. So we decided we wanted to go share the moment with him if he was still up. We called his mom, and yes he was up, so after a stop at Sonic, we headed over. We were met with three energetic but sick little boys. We called Hayden over and showed him the ring. He went crazy, saying he was gonna have another uncle, and pleased that he had kept his secret from his mom so well. We talked for a short time, then went home to show Sandy's mom. Since then we've had the joy of telling friends and family of our engagement, and watching eyes light up with the news.

I am grateful that God brought me someone as wonderful as Sandy, and I know we will have a wonderful engagement and marriage.

How's My Attitude?

So here I am. You've read how I got to where I am. At least I hope you've read it. ;) And I am faced with a new chapter about to open. I anticipate getting engaged to Sandy soon, with a wedding in the spring. I anticipate moving to Arlington so we can drive less and see each other more often. And I intend to get involved more with her church (my church) in Burleson. Lots of transition. Lots of stress. But God is on His throne, He is just, and He is fair.


I've been listening and watching lots of Joyce Meyer lately. She's been convicting me of having negative attitudes, and I am working on building a more positive attitude. Her teaching on a responsible attitude really hit me, as I've been struggling at work to maintain a good attitude in the face of frustrations. I complain I don't have enough work. I complain that I have too much work. I complain that I have too much oversight. I complain that I don't have enough direction. See a theme? It seems everything I'm faced with leads me to complain. I know that no job is perfect. But God calls us to do good in the face of persecution and frustration. While I don't feel persecuted from without, I do sense some persecution from within.


I intend to rest well and be on time and accept all assignments joyfully. But I have a rough night, sleep in, and complain about the simplest of projects. Where's that enjoyment of life? Where's the contentment? Humility?


Pray for me as I seek to make some attitude changes. I've found myself looking down a lot. It's time to pull back on the stick and enjoy where God has me.


I am grateful for friends that have helped me process this in my life, and I'm grateful for Joyce Meyer and Christian tv stations. Together we can make a difference in our lives and the lives of others.


How's your attitude?

How Do You Turn a Meteorologist into a Missionary, Conclusion

In the Spring of 1995, I was finishing my last semester of Greek and continuing to explore various ministry opportunities. A friend of mine was preparing to go on an internship with Pioneer Bible Translators to Papua New Guinea. I had no idea how radically my life was about to change. He encouraged me to attend their training program, called Pioneer Mission Institute, being held that year at Dallas Christian College. I took time off from work and traveled to Dallas in a rental car.

The first couple days, I was overwhelmed with linguistics, as new terms and concepts bombarded my brain. I was used to picking things up quickly, but I felt out of place as others in the classes clearly knew far more than I. By Tuesday I was ready to give up. At lunch break I got in my car and started driving around, talking to God and searching my heart to see if I was truly where He wanted me. After much driving and processing, I promised God that I would stay the whole week and give myself time to decide what to do with these new experiences. This would be a pivotal moment in my life.

That evening, the West Africa Branch made its presentation about their work and needs. God cut through all my fear and doubts and gave me a clear sign that I was to work on this team. I was in tears as I sought prayer from others for how best to proceed. The remainder of the week went much better, and I left with a profound sense of peace and direction.

They announced that there would be an internship to West Africa the following year, and I committed to being on that team. I was confident that I could receive training and do whatever role God called me to. But I was concerned that I would be unable to survive and thrive in Africa. I had to experience it to see for myself just what I was getting into.

God provided for me to go on that trip with just enough support. It would prove to be a theme for later years. I spent two months in a small African country, learning language, meeting missionaries, and getting an accurate picture of the life that was unfolding before me. I knew by the end that I would never survive on my own in a remote village. I would need to work alongside a family if I had any hope of being effective. I left with a vision of what I had to do, and I trusted that God would provide when I was ready.

I finished another year of Bible college, then moved to Dallas to begin linguistic training. In those years I began to shift focus from translation to literacy, as many translation teams needed dedicated literacy specialists to assist them. When I was wrapping things up in 1999, I was asked to lead the intern team to West Africa. I accepted this responsibility and made preparations. This summer proved to be a defining moment in my life.

It was good to visit some of the same villages again and reconnect with the missionaries. I excelled at language learning, having recently taken the linguistic classes. I admit at times I functioned less like a leader or coach and more like an intern as I felt more prepared and able to handle things better than on my first internship. Things came into focus for me while we were in a small town, staying with a missionary family. He was the current Branch Director. He and I sat down one afternoon to discuss how I could best be used to help the Branch. As we discussed my abilities and the Branch's needs, we found a position in the capital, where I would be able to interact with several missionaries. I would manage the print shop, helping to prepare and publish Scripture and literacy portions in local languages, freeing up translators and literacy specialists to do more of what they had been trained and called to do. I returned home with a new focus and vision for my life.

I spent the next three years raising support, learning French and making final preparations to return to Africa. I was struggling to raise enough support to start full-time ministry, but I was able to go for a short-term trip in early 2002. I spent four months learning how the work was done and finding ways to improve upon it. Not only did I demonstrate to the Branch that I was the right man for the job, but I also returned that summer to find the additional support I needed to return in September full-time. When I set foot in Africa in September of 2002, I was a missionary! God had redeemed me, and I continue to walk in obedience to Him.

How Do You Turn a Meteorologist into a Missionary Part 3

I found myself at Florida Christian College the Fall of 1992. I was five years older than the average freshman, and I had no idea where to start. Costs were high, so I only took a few hours each semester. I still remember that first quarter (we changed to semesters later) taking Life of Christ, Planned Preaching, and Prayer Lab, courses that were very different and demonstrated my search for who I was. Several professors and the Academic Dean suggested I go to a seminary, but I was content where I was. After a final wave of exasperation, I was allowed to register for what I wanted.

I soon began to see the foolishness in my strategy that year as I took a wide variety of classes and helped in the area of youth ministry in local churches. I was still trying to find my fit, but so far I was just managing to find all the things I wasn't good at. The obvious lack of a plan was demonstrated when I was encouraged to take Greek my second year by several friends. I had no idea what that would put in motion.

I loved Greek. It was ordered, it made sense, and I excelled at it. It helped that I was only taking one or two other classes with it, so I had lots of time for study and review. Some of my classmates were a bit upset with me, as they were taking full course loads. I went on to take two years of Greek with the same core of guys. Our professor made it clear to us not only how to use Greek to improve preaching, but challenged us to consider how it works with Bible translation, helping to spell out the meanings that are so crucial in communicating to another language and culture. He inspired several of us to pursue Bible translation ministry, and it ultimately led to my decision to become a missionary. I owe a lot to Mike Chambers and those classmates from 15 years ago.

Is My Life a Movie? Part 2

Last year, my teammates traveled to two of our fields to take pictures and capture video. I stayed behind to look after things in Dallas. What follows is an essay I wrote detailing how I coped with this time in my life.

My team has left the building. While I stay in Dallas to wrap up projects and troubleshoot problems that arise, my teammates are traversing West Africa, taking pictures and recording video to help us better tell the story of what God is doing through His people there. When I was told, "Yes, the team is going, but you are staying," I was devastated. I had lived and worked in Africa for four years, and I wanted to go back and tie up some loose ends from my hasty departure. For a time I was upset, but God helped me to see that my staying was just as important as their going.
I tend to want to help people, especially close friends. I knew that my experiences would be a benefit to them on their journey. I was struggling with how I could help from afar when Adam shared a recent realization he'd had. He realized that life in America was like the Shire from J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings", and that the trip to Africa would be like going into Mordor. I readily related to this analogy, but at first I was struck even harder. I had always resonated with Samwise Gamgee, the hobbit gardener who became Frodo's companion. Sam's goal was to help Frodo, and I felt my goal was to help my team by going with them.
A few days before my team was to leave, God gave me another application of the analogy. I could not be Sam for my team, so I realized I had to be Aragorn. Aragorn was just as committed to aiding Frodo in his quest, but after the attack of the Uruk-hai and the temptation of Boromir by the Ring, Aragorn knew that he could not go with Frodo to Mordor. Instead, he and the others in the broken Fellowship fought battles and rallied allies so that Frodo could complete his mission.
Realizing I was Aragorn freed me to accept my role of the one who stayed behind. I wasn't worthless to the team. If anything I was even more valuable to my team in making certain that our department was well-represented in their absence. As Aragorn's heroic assault on the Black Gate allowed Frodo to further penetrate Mordor, my work in Dallas allows my team to focus on their mission and not worry about problems here.
I still resonate with Samwise when possible, helping my team. That time will come when they return home. But for now, I am Aragorn, and though I am not with them, we are working together toward the same goal. Sharing God's love, and motivating others to do the same. I am proud to be a part of that mission, whether here in Dallas or traveling across the world.

Is My Life a Movie? Part 1

When the Lord of the Rings movies were released, I was in Africa. When I had the opportunity to sit and watch them all, I was mesmerized. I loved the story, and I resonated with the characters. What follows is an essay I wrote describing how I relate to one character in particular.

I enjoy movies. I especially enjoy them when I resonate with one or more of the characters. From the first time I watched Star Wars, I was Luke Skywalker. I haven’t resonated at that level until the recent Lord of the Rings trilogy was released. Watching all three while serving as a missionary has helped me to resonate with Samwise Gamgee. In the evolution and development of Sam’s character I saw a model of how I was changing and developing as a support worker.

I saw first that it takes a team. Frodo is given a task, and slowly a team develops around him to help accomplish this task. The team starts with Sam. If there is no reason for Frodo to go, Sam stays in Hobbiton. He even marks the furthest distance from home he has traveled, and Frodo helps him cross that line. When Sam momentarily loses Frodo in the cornfield, he loses his purpose. When the fellowship is broken, Sam manages to stick with Frodo. Though the others indirectly help Frodo reach his goal, only Sam is there by his side, encouraging him to take another step. Translating the Bible takes a team. God assembles the team; I choose to serve the team with the abilities God gives me.

Throughout The Two Towers, Sam is continually worn down physically by the terrain and emotionally by the taunts of Gollum. I see in that the danger of losing focus and purpose through pride. Though Frodo would be wise to heed Sam’s cautions, Frodo sees the benefit to having a guide. Sam’s desire for the best for Frodo blinds him to the temporary good Gollum is doing. Sam’s soliloquy at the end shows he’s beginning to see the bigger picture and his place in it. I, too, must put aside my pride and choose to serve my team, even when I feel under attack.

The Return of the King is Sam’s finest hour, though at first he is forced to return home through Gollum’s trickery. He loses his purpose of helping Frodo and has no idea what to do. Until he finds the evidence of Gollum’s deceit, he is defeated. Afterward, he is charged up to go help Frodo. Often, the missionary is deceived or tricked and is tempted to give up. But keeping in touch with the Truth will keep our feet on the path.

Perhaps the most moving scene for me occurs in Mordor. Frodo is steadily weakening under the weight of the ring. He makes a valiant push, but he falls to the ground. Seeing his friend’s desire and pain, Sam screws up his courage, and with renewed strength, says, “Then let’s be rid of it! Come on Mr. Frodo. I can’t carry it for you, but I can carry you!” He puts Frodo on his back and takes him to the entrance of Mount Doom. As a support worker, I can’t translate or preach in a foreign language, but I can motivate and encourage those who do. Or I can print books so the translator can spend more time translating and preaching.

Some may ask where my motivation and strength come from to encourage others. To know that I have helped my team solve their problems or have made their job easier is fuel to me, helping me to stay strong. If I find that I am not helping another through my efforts, I begin struggling to find purpose and direction. God chose to make me like that, so I strive to serve Him and my brothers in Christ with all of my abilities. That is my model of a support worker.

How Do You Turn a Meteorologist into a Missionary? Part 2

So after coming to Christ, I started considering what to do with this newfound relationship. I asked Karen what to read in the Bible. She said "Mark", and I read it in a day. I asked her what next and she said "Romans", and I read it in a day. It was at that moment that she introduced me to Chris. Chris and I would spend time each week reading through Luke, pausing to discuss or answer questions along the way. That would be my foundation of how to study the Bible and pray.

I learned the importance of Scripture memory as well. The first passage I memorized was James 1:2-4 - "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds. For the testing of your faith produces endurance, and let endurance have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." I had taken a Bible class my Freshman year for which I had bought a Bible. I marked the James passage, and over the next couple years marked more and more as I sought to discern what I should do. I eventually replaced that Bible, as the binding eventually broke.

About a year after coming to Christ, I went to the Urbana missions conference in 1990. I went there not knowing exactly what I wanted to do. I went to as many booths as I thought feasible, looking for ways to use my impending meteorology degree in God's service. I left with a better understanding of missions and a ton of books, but no clear path for how to serve. Of course, someone else might have taken that as a sign to change majors. But remember, I was stubborn.

After graduation, the jobs that I thought were perfect for me turned me down. I stayed in Tallahassee and had a series of part-time and temp jobs as I tried to discern my next move. I decided to consider some type of full time ministry, which meant a need for Bible college. I made visits to Atlanta Christian College and Florida Christian College, two of the closer schools to Tallahassee. Florida Christian College seemed to be a better fit, and I decided to go there in the Fall. It was a decision that would shape the rest of my life.

Is There Such a Thing as Being Too Connected?

We live in an age where we have access to limitless information. Gone are the days of waiting weeks or months to hear election results or major world events. Now we are so inundated we avoid news because we feel overwhelmed. Of course, the bias in today's media outlets also cause us to avoid certain web sites or tv stations. But the volume of information coming at us daily can totally overwhelm us. Rather than taking the time to understand an issue, we have to skim or read highlights or synopses of articles.

There is also a flood of personal information coming at us. Facebook posts, tweets, even email updates bury us in the mundane details of our friends' lives. Sometimes it's fun to see the kids doing something cute, but I've found that these "fun" sites can become a burden to many. People who think to mention that they are having a bad day can (hopefully) receive encouraging posts from good friends to help them regain perspective or take a moment to evaluate their situation. Often though, well-meaning friends can use well-intentioned notes to lay a burden of guilt on their friend, making it difficult to overcome what could be a light and momentary trouble.

Another concern I have is whether these services are helping us to become a voyeuristic society. I know there have been days I've said little to my 300 facebook friends, but I've enjoyed taking a peek into their lives to see what they chose to share that day. It seems that some people actually write to an audience, coming up with really hysterical or bizarre things in the hopes of impressing(?) their friends. I am as guilty as the next person in coming up with a cute one-liner, but is this what friendship has become?

I'm sure there are people that use these tools responsibly, and they find great comfort and encouragement in keeping up with their friends' lives. I know overseas missionaries that use it to feel a connection to their home culture. I know people that find old friends and schoolmates that seemed to disappear decades before. As long as you are comfortable with the amount of information that's available out there about you and your past, it's ok to keep in touch. But I've also heard stories of jobs lost or job offers rescinded because an employer checked a facebook or myspace page.

With great power comes great responsibility. That was Ben's charge to Peter in Spiderman. None of us are superheroes in a literal sense, but we all have a degree of power with and over our friends and family. Are you using your power wisely?

Who Could Ever Love Dave?

The definition of insanity, as I've heard, is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. For many years I tried to date women with the hopes of finding a suitable mate. Ordinarily, that's a good idea. However, through much of my adult life I always reached a point in those relationships where I either pushed for intimacy and a deeper relationship too quickly, or I eased off and showed little interest. Neither of these approaches have been successful as evidenced by a lack of a ring on my finger or a bride at my side.

As I got into my 30's, I soon became comfortable with the idea of remaining single indefinitely. I stopped pursuing women, and instead became their friend. I attended single missionary retreats where I was often the only man, or one of three men. I was content to focus on ministry and my personal life and leave romance and falling in love to the 20-somethings I knew.

After about a year back in the States, I decided that I would give love another chance. I signed up for eHarmony and began interacting with single Christian women in the Dallas area. I had met one and was in communication with others when I met Sandy.

I had joined about two weeks before Valentine's Day, so I was receiving matches during one of their free weekends. She was a veteran eHarmony member who had finally stopped paying for the service. I didn't normally check for matches on the weekend, but I decided to check that Sunday afternoon, knowing that some matches would not be able to communicate with me on Monday. I found Sandy that day.

I sent my initial questions to her, and was pleasantly surprised to see that she was on, too. Over the next few hours we exchanged answers and questions until we were able to write each other and exchange email addresses. I wrote her, she wrote me. I wrote her . . . and didn't hear from her. Almost a week passed, and I feared I had scared her off. In a moment of brilliance I wrote her one more time, letting her know that I respected her decision not to respond, but also to make sure she had received my last email. When she wrote back and said, "what email?", my hope was renewed. We emailed more and met face to face a week later.

Now we see each other 2 or 3 times a week and text daily. We are in love, and I am amazed at how much I have changed. More of these posts will talk about my Sandy, and you may tire of how much love I feel for her. But she has changed my life, and I am grateful to God for bringing us together when He did.

How Do You Turn a Meteorologist into a Missionary? Part 1

So I said in my first post that I'm a Christian. I've told many friends over the years the "short version" of my coming to Christ. This post will be an effort to finally give the "long version" of this pivotal moment in my life.

I grew up with a moderate addiction to alcohol. I often drank alone, and I would bribe my friend Larry with gas money if he would come pick me up so we could get daiquiris or whatever. I hosted some parties, but most of my drinking was at night alone.

College opened the door to greater accessibility and abuse. I would type papers for people and often get paid with a 6-pack instead of cash. I had a group of friends that got together once or twice a week my freshman year to drink. My grades suffered greatly as I continued to drink and be the person I thought I was supposed to be.

I met Karen my sophomore year. I was working as a receptionist and checking in the new students. I found that there were several cute girls on one of the floors, so after my shift I went up to talk with them. I soon built a friendship with Karen. In spite of my advances, she kept me as a friend that year. Any time I talked about partying or drinking, she refused to go with me. But she was always accessible to me to talk. My junior year, she invited me to dinner to celebrate my birthday. This would be a turning point in my life.

Dinner with Karen was an enjoyable experience. I don't remember everything we talked about, but by the end of the evening she had invited me to spend some time with her friends the following weekend. We went bowling at the campus lanes, as I had mentioned how much I liked to go bowling with my friends. We made a quick stop at the campus ministry where she attended services and Bible studies. I learned later that she went in and mentioned to people there to be praying for me.

Our next stop was my place to make cookies. I had mentioned to Karen in one of our many talks how I liked to make chocolate chip cookies. So we had fun mixing and baking and sampling our work. At the end of the evening, they suggested I go to church with them the next day. It was about a 15-minute walk from my apartment, so it was doable. I said that as long as I got up on time, I would consider it. I wouldn't promise anything more than that. I sent them on their way and ended a long day.

The next morning I did get up and go. The regular minister was out of town, so one of the members spoke. I enjoyed the message greatly. At the end of the service, I actually got up and recounted what had led me to that point. I even added that I wasn't sure what the next step was, but that they might see me again soon. When the service ended, Karen wouldn't let me leave. First, she had me go upstairs and hang with some of the guys, then I went out on the back deck with her while she did her homework. My mind was going over a lot of what I had been through lately, and I tried to make sense of it. Then she handed me a tract.

"The Four Spiritual Laws" opened my eyes to my sin condition. I realized that my efforts to manage and control my life weren't working. It talked about the importance of allowing Christ to reign in your life and how things would get better with Him in control. The image showing the contrast of you in control and Christ in control shook me. I always thought I was in complete control. Maybe that explains why my life was crumbling at that moment. By the time I finished it, I had realized what I'd been looking for. I calmly asked Karen for a piece of paper and a pen. I wrote her a note, saying that I had made an important decision and would need her help in following through. I gave it to her, and she smiled, hugged me, and started to cry. I began crying, and she took me in to meet with the minister who had come back from his morning trip. I still vividly remember sitting there, weeping and trying to explain what I felt. When that day was over, I knew I had made a critical decision.

This November will mark the 20th anniversary of that decision. I look back on it as a pivotal time in my life when I finally submitted to Someone greater than myself. Choosing to put Him first and follow him has made me who I am, and it has made all the difference in my life. If you haven't found Christ yet, I encourage you strongly to humble yourself and seek Him. I'll be happy to help you find Him.

What was I Thinking?

Welcome to my world. This blog is my effort to practice writing and maybe entertain, enlighten, and encourage people out there in cyberspace.
Perhaps I should back up and introduce myself. My name is Dave Parker, and for the past 14 years I have pursued a career as a missionary with a Bible translation ministry. For 7 years I have worked in West Africa and Dallas, TX, as a print shop manager and graphic designer/editor. And I never would have done these things without God's calling and equipping in my life.
It might also be helpful to know that I have a degree from Florida State University in Meteorology. My best explanation of that is that I was very stubborn in college, so much so that I got a degree in a field that would prove to be of little value to my longer-term efforts. I value my time at FSU, for coming to Christ and developing strong friendships that continue to today. But I will always wonder "what if", and I am annoyed at my closed-mindedness. So God took a meteorologist, gave him a passion for the ministry of Bible translation, and sent him to West Africa.


When my feet hit the ground in Africa in 2002, I had never printed a book. I had never operated the equipment that would soon consume my life and define me for 4 years. But I learned to run a Risograph and staple, fold, and trim booklets. I published Scripture and literacy materials in 10 languages. I was at the top of my game. But as happens in Africa, things fall apart.


I found myself one morning restricted to my apartment, as sounds of marching feet and shouting voices told me that the people had reached their limit with the government. They demanded change, and as a result I couldn't work as the streets became unsafe. A month later I was preparing to evacuate, never realizing that my feet wouldn't return to this hard, red ground.


But God used the civil unrest of an African nation to send me home and start another chapter. Now, two and a half years later, I find myself with new skills and abilities in the areas of design and printing, aiding my organization to look better in print and on the web. And God equipped me at every step to do it.


These articles will (I hope) share stories of the past and give you a window into my present. I will strive to stay away from predicting the future, as I know the futility of guessing what God will do next. Thank you for joining me in the journey.