Many have heard the story of the Samaritan woman at the well.  The neighborhood bicycle giving rides to half the city…  home girl’s got a pimp.  Well, I haven’t quite splurged into this part of the story, but I’ve been halted in my tracks on the first part that I’ve always overlooked:

¹Now when Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John ²(although Jesus himself did not baptize, but only his disciples), ³he left Judea and departed again for Galilee. ⁴ And he had to pass through Samaria. ⁵So he came to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near the field that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. ⁶Jacob’s well was there; so Jesus, wearied as he was from his journey, was sitting beside the well. It was about the sixth hour.

John 4:1-6 (ESV)

Samaria

Samaria was perceived as a defiled city and was avoided by the Jews of the time; the Samaritans were considered the muts of Judaic society.  Whenever Jews would travel along the same route as told in this story, they would literally go around Samaria, cross the Jordan River, and arrive in Galilee having completely avoided the city.

Jesus went straight into it, the dead center, with all intention to travel through it.

In fact, He rested at the central watering hole while His disciples ran off to grab some grub.  This was certainly unusual; hence the shock from the woman at the well whenever He asked her for a drink.  A Jew asking for the service of a Samaritan was not avoided and considered demeaning.

The ESV translation states that “he had to pass through Samaria” (v. 4).  Hmm…  Desperately thirsty?  Restroom stop?  Asking for directions?  I think not.  Divine appointment?  Wouldn’t doubt it :)

I began to ask myself a personal question from this cultural perspective:  What is my Samaria?

What are the areas of my life that I blatantly avoid because of my own pride, legalism, bias, and false judgment?  Looking at Christ’s approach, He went straight into the core of it and declared salvation in its midst.

Wearied

I keep looking back at it.  That line: “Jesus, wearied as he was from his journey” (v. 6).

Jesus was tired, hungry, thirsty, sleepy.  Probably skinned His knees, potentially carved a table with the wrong wood, most likely ran around with the other kids with his sandal laces untied…  And, you know, I don’t realize that often enough.  While I seek Him as a mighty, huge, large-and-in-charge God, I don’t grasp how personable He really is as a Father.

Jesus came into this world with the life of an average  man so that we could identify our own selves within Him.  Christ’s natural human qualities are things that we can daily relate with.    While the Jews were so distracted by the longing for a literal king who would reign in wealth and worldly majesty, they failed to recognize that the true King would come to seek and to save the lost in a lowly and humble state, despised and mocked by many, and crucified for our brokenness.  Last time I checked I had nothing in common with the prince of What’s-His-Face far off in the land of What-Ya-Ma-Call-It :)

Tie that Together

Jesus was called to a specific destination that contradicted the normality of His culture.  He arrived, exhausted from the journey, and rocked that city with the gospel.  Sometimes God calls us to go or do things that are utterly ridiculous or completely abnormal from our expectations, wearing us down to the bone in the process- vulnerable, yet so strong in Him-, and through it His glory is revealed far greater than we could have ever envisioned, planned, hoped, or expected.

Who ever said that the town tramp couldn’t pave the way for a revolution? :)

Joyfully,

Joan Marie :)

Ouch.

Oh how I fall so short from the fulfillment of this discipline.

And it always sucks when you realize your failure in this area whenever you screw up (sometimes big time)… :/

“With it [the tongue] we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God.  From the same mouth come blessing and cursing.” James 3:9-10

There are numerous scriptural references that bring forth the true and deep effects of this little piece of oral meat “set on fire by hell” (James 3:6), but the tongue is seriously dirty and full of degradation!

…Yet it is so beautiful.  The gospel is brought, the Word of God is read, relationships are formed and strengthened, encouragement flows forth, truth is spoken in love,  and *ahem* kisses are more passionate with it…?  Not that I would know or anything! :P

Have you ever heard of a speech fast (refraining from speaking for an extended amount of time for a spiritual purpose)?  I knew a few people who did this last semester for a whole week, and while it was kinda annoying at times to not be able to verbally communicate with them, there was an immense amount of discipline and restraint they obtained through the process.  I slightly don’t see how reasonable this challenge is with a job, classes, and leadership positions to fulfill, but I respect the concept and would consider revising it to suit the environment in which I am in.  Not to say that I am justifying the challenge, it could just potentially be more harmful than intentional in certain contexts if I called it quits with all my words.  Weeding out the useless ones is more so where I’m focused.

The good old Abe (Lincoln) once said that God gave us two ears and one mouth so that we could listen twice as much as we speak.  And isn’t that so true?!  Listening is one of the tools to fight off a rabid tongue.  And not just the kind of listening that gives pause in between the next argumentative point about to be lashed out in self-righteousness.

“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17

This filthy weapon needs to be controlled and used as an effective tool for God’s glory.  Bottom line.  While I struggle immensely with this area of my life, there is so much growth that God has allowed me to experience through my brokenness.  How gracious He is through Christ’s redemption to consider me worthy of salvation when I do not deserve it.  No, I may not wrestle with drug addiction, alcohol abuse, sexual immorality, or murder, but my grotesque pride and wretched selfishness runs just as deep and can most definitely be seen from my heart’s expression through the tongue.  Our words, just as much as our actions, carry weight as both derive from the heart.  “But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken.  For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matthew 12:36-37).

Mhm, kinda a big deal I’m thinkin :)  I just thought I’d share!  While I didn’t present the full onslaught of wisdom that scripture brings about the topic, this was just enough to confirm conviction within myself.  I hope you’re also able to recognize God’s greatness through your own personal weaknesses.  You may be the most eloquent of speakers with some deep baggage that never shows, or have the poorest of etiquette with struggles that everyone and their dog knows about. No matter what it is or to what extent, you know exactly what it is that makes your heart churn and pains your spirit.  Its those things that we are to identify, expose as to give it power no longer, and flourish in the true redemption that Christ brings upon growing through that trial or struggle.

Simple to say, but not so easy to do.  Welcome to the world we live in (for now).  But there still is hope in our battles.  We’re talking about the Savior here!  You know, the sinless, perfect, selfless, glorified, miracle-working, Satan-fighting, sacrificial lamb of God!  He demands that we pass off this torch of worldly torture.  That’s why He came in the first place; “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10).  And oh how utterly lost I am without this promise of salvation.

To to point: God is good, my tongue is not.  End of story, no competition there, but this will definitely be a life-long process of breaking and building what is potentially one of my greatest strengths and greatest weaknesses.  I love you all and I hope you have such a wonderful day!  Until next blog entry, America! :D

Joyfully,

Joanie :)

One of my favorite movie lines is found in Willie Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971) where Violet Beauregarde eats the three-course dinner gum and becomes an actual blueberry.  Sam Beauregarde, her father, quotes, “Violet, you’re turning violet, Violet!”  Hehe :)

Mi hermana y yo went blueberry picking this past weekend!  Oh how delicious they are and fresh.  Next year during the summer season go check out Blueberry Hill Farms in Edom,TX  (www.blueberryhillfarms.com).  It’s a lovely little road trip from any major city, and it’s a very enjoyable experience that I’ve been a part of twice thus far.

Because I’m getting into this whole Betty Crocker mindset at the moment, I attempted to make some food out of the blueberries we picked.  Well, since I’m not currently consuming sugar at the moment, our baking experience was quite unique.  How is baking possible without sugar?!  So we busted out with some sweet Whole Grain Blueberry Walnut Pancakes with Blueberry syrup (aka- squished up blueberries)!  While they wouldn’t win a cooking competition, a diabetic would be allll over them goodin’s :)

The sis and I failed miserably when we tried to be legit chefs and flip a pancake in the skillet…  And will you still look at me the same when I tell you we still ate it after it fell on the floor?… twice :P  Haha, gross!!!  And I’m not talking about the 5 second rule when you drop a cracker.  No.  I’m talking juicy pancake exploding into smithereens on the kitchen floor, 45 seconds worth of rolling on the gound laughing hysterically, and 20 seconds of cleaning up the mess just to place it back in the skillet to try flipping it all over again!  Whoever said girls were gentle and polite?  We’re just straight up crude…  and slightly proud of it, with a hint of conviction :)

I hope to someday make Mrs. Crocker a proud woman :)

And did you know you can “make” your own tortilla chips?  Bah, where have I been?!  I think one of my life goals now is to make Juanita’s Ridiculously Buena Salsa :D

…and maybe I’ll put blueberries in it :)

School has accounted for much of my enjoyable writing opportunities, but now it’s out once again!  And this lack of updated communication always seems to be followed by a lame excuse for my faulty blog inabilities.  …Sorry I haven’t written in a while!  Not that anyone’s reading any way, but that’s okay!

There’s always been this desire to be the kind of  blogger who sips on a hot cup of coffee late at night with her nerdy glasses pressed on her nose pouring out her deepest discoveries on the internet.  People read her stuff and are compelled at such heart and exposure are emitted through her words… but I’m afraid I can’t offer that, shame.  I can try real hard to conjure up something fascinating or incredible, but I think I’m stuck at the basics.  While there are many things going on deep within, I don’t think it’d be appropriate to publish some of them.  And that’s what probably prevents me from being that blogger girl of my dreams!  I really would love to vomit life to you, but some aspects have been too detailed to account for and a wee-bit personal to share in case it would effect another person.  Ugh, if only I was bolder and meaner! :)

Well, at this moment I’m on RA duty.  I get off in about 20 minutes (1 am) and I just decided to waste some time!  Pity party: I’ve been sitting at the dorm front desk for the past three nights (from 6:00-12:00/1:00)and I have one more duty night tomorrow, oy!  But it’s been really good getting to know more of the girls here and catching up on some movies!  I’m currently reading a really good book but I haven’t sat down and devoted time specifically to finish it!  It’s a bad habit, I know, but I’ve learned SO much from it thus far!  It was recommended by a wise woman I know and I’ve been moved in many ways through its messages :)

…and now I’m sleepy!  Just… a… few… more… minutes!!!  I’m going to end it here so that I can write up the duty report for the evening, but it was nice getting acquainted again!  Have a wonderful day and I’ll be back soon enough!

Joyfully,

Joanie :)

A few years back I was on an unscripted TV show and have been asked recently to write a blog entry for them to post on their website. I thought I’d share it on my own blog as well, so here it is!

It has been quite a few years since the show aired, yet people keep recognizing me anywhere (malls, restaurants, banks…) and everywhere (Austria, China, Mexico…)! What in the world?! …they tell me it’s my voice :P I love it and find it hilarious every time someone curiously looks at me and asks if we went to high school together… no, I’m sorry that I have never lived in Montana, Washington, or Idaho… :) Either way, it’s always great to meet different individuals from all over the nation and world and to get to know them to the best of my ability in that moment!

The sum of how life has been since the show cannot merely be summed up in simple sentences, but I’m going to try my best in giving you the juicy details that might challenge, give hope, or just inform you. There’s honestly nothing too different about me, but people tend to get all awkward and “star struck” (I am not a “star” by any means, but thought the phrase suited the reactions I receive) whenever they find out I was on MADE. All I ask of you is to completely imagine me as your sister or daughter (preferably not your mother or wife) so that you can get the full and unbiased perspective. Cool? :)

I think the one word that would sum up my life since MADE would be “intentional”. I’m going to be very blunt and honest as to why, so hear me out if you’d like. If you are closed-minded or stubborn, turn back now because I’m only going to challenge your thinking. It was merely a few months after the show aired that my life transformed in a very dramatic way; I began to passionately and intentionally follow Jesus Christ. I know, I know… that line might have completely turned you off or maybe even perked your ears a little, but my life has literally been implanted and secured in the hope and salvation of Christ. There’s no other way of telling you about who I am without professing that I let go of my own life and followed a true way of living in pursuit of the Lord. Simply, this can be broken down into two categories: Love God and love His people. Aren’t you glad that everywhere I go I try to have the mindset of seeking the best for you? Shoot, you’re pretty lucky! Call me a holy roller if you so desire, but this has been the climax in all of my existence and I in turn have so much more purpose, direction, and hope through it.

Much of what I went through on MADE led into this change of perspective. I experienced some pretty entertaining and challenging moments while going through the filming of the show: a neck injury, a petty boy crush, a new hobby, and a new outlook on the world; but it was after the show that much of that growth had to be put into application. Once the cameras stopped rolling and the directors flew back to their big cities I was able to see the accumulation of everything that had developed and strengthened within my character. Because of the trials that were faced and the accomplishments that were made, life after MADE had a whole new meaning and purpose. It would be a lie if I said that I felt invincible after the wakeboarding experience, but there was certainly a new instilled nature of confidence after knowing that I could get through moments of complications and adversity.
So, if that’s what I gained through the show, then what am I doing with my life now? Well, I’m in college!!! Whew, I hated high school! Oy, I say… oy! I’m at a University down here in Texas (Yee-haw? And no, I do not ride a horse to school. He’s currently on vacation :P). I love this school and try to be involved and interactive in any way possible. Ever since I came as a freshmen (I’m on my fourth semester now) doors kept opening left and right in terms of opportunities in which I could serve and be intentional (there’s that word again!) with my gifts and abilities.

One area of great interest for me is my involvement with the many international students on campus. For some reason we just click and our friendships come so naturally! In order to further be involved in their cultures and their lives, I decided to take up an opportunity that the school provided where I got to teach in Asia over the summer. It was a phenomenal experience that confirmed my direction in life: I was designed to pour my heart into international missions :)
Ever since I was young I always felt odd about the prospects of remaining in the States for the rest of my life. My personality, giftings, and interests never matched up too well with this culture and I got to see my true nature ignite when I was put in the passionate furnace of missional service overseas. So… that means I’m going back out into the world! I will go anywhere and do everything that I am called to do. Of course there’s patience along the way that I must hold firm to, but there’s a striving ambition to fulfill God’s purpose for my life.
Can you do something for me really quickly? I want you to take a deep breath. Take two if my ridiculously long story has completely sucked the wind out of you…
The fact that you are still breathing means that God still has a plan for your life and is graciously using you each day. If you don’t have a personal relationship with Christ and have questions, hit me up and I’d love to chat with ya about Him :)
My past is said and done, the present has been pretty fun, and now my future is limited by no one (ha, I just made that up… and it’s kinda lame :P). The direction I am currently going in through my education and ministries lines up with my passions of sharing the gospel, missions, and languages. So, we’ll see what door opens next! I feel like I just wrote the essay to a final exam, and I’m pretty sure you didn’t appreciate being the teacher who just read it! …sorry about that… So, what’s my grade?! :P
Hit me up on facebook and I’ll try to keep in touch with ya! No stalkers please. Y’all need to pick up a new hobby because it’s kinda shady and boring… I suggest wakeboarding instead! Have a blessed year everybody and say hey if you run into me at some point in life!
Joyfully,
Joanie

It, as I often say, has been TOO LONG!  This is certainly a problematic issue that I’m pretty certain cannot be treated, but I’m in remission at this very moment… so we’ll see how this update goes!

Okay, so schools back in session and I’m lovin it!  I have got a plate full of opportunity and a plethora of open doors, so we’ll see how this Fall 2008 semester finishes up.  I’m absolutely “booked” with reading (tehehe) because of the many “educational blessings” I have, which they call classes these days.  God absolutely knows what I can and can’t handle, and He’s making it obvious as things come and go.

Some absolutely beautiful opportunities have made themselves available this semester and I cannot wait to see all of them come into completion.  I am currently at the initial hopes of going overseas again this summer.  Details later :-)

I know that this post is kind of grammatically awkward, but I just need to get back into the swing of things.  I am currently on fall break (YAY!!!)… but it’s ending tomorrow, haha!  It has been the most relaxing and wonderful week of rest and it was definitely appreciated.  I wasn’t stressed or tired at all, I just needed a moment of restoration and time where I could collect my thoughts outside of my daily rushed life at school. Sorry for the shallow update, but I’ll try to keep posting as the semester finishes off!

Joyfully,

Joanie

God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, Savior, Lord, Bible, Fellowship, Blessing, Prayer, Hope, Grace, Mercy, Spiritual Warfare, Salvation, Church, Baptism, Heaven, Hell…!!!

WHEW! That goes out to all the emails, blogs, and messages that I wasn’t able to use these original words in!  Now don’t call me a holy roller, but encouragement that says, “Dog has amazing plans for you” doesn’t really have an affirmative ring to it :-P

I’m back home in the yee-haw state and it has been such a joy to have spent time with my family for about a week.  Yes, only a week :-(.  On the go and ready for the next step, college is calling my name!  This will be my second year at DBU, and it has been such a blessing in my life!  Actual classes begin on the 25th, but I have got all sorts of training prior to (which I’m absolutely looking forward to).  The car is all packed up and my joy is just as full; this is only the beginning of an indescribable year of opportunity, challenges, and growth.  Oh buddy, I can’t wait!

Of course as a recap from my teaching trip in China, the bottom line comes down to it as being absolutely AMAZING!  The whole experience wasn’t so much about a lesson being learned but more of an introduction to the potentials of God’s vast plans in life.  As said before, I’ve always desired a vocation outside of the States.  With this itch that I was born with, I really found peace and clarity that my spirit was at rest in another country (so far it’s been in China).  My personality, standards of living, interaction, and natural chemistry were equally balanced on this trip and it was remarkable to experience.  I am utterly aware of the statistics about missionaries in their “honeymoon” and year-long terms of leisure or struggle, and I do know that our stay was a mere fraction of what it took to fully be indulged in that culture.  We were practically honeymooning with coconut drinks and hula skirts.  Despite that, there was a deeper sense of spiritual peace that professed that I would be coming back to that exact location.  Whether it just be for one/two/three more summer(s), one year out of college, or a lifelong commitment, this sense of direction stood out the most of the whole trip and it has been clearly pressed on my heart.

So where to go from there, I don’t quite know!  I will pray for open doors, walk with grace and patience through them, and savor the Savior for His unspeakable freedom He has given us in this world.  Speaking of Savior, I have got a great blog topic next on the Holy Spirit!  Potentially controversial, but totally necessary and ground shaking!  Until then my wonderful friends and family

Joyfully,

Joanie

I’ll be in the States on Saturday!!!!!!!
Wow… time has (in the most cliche fashion) flown by SO fast!

5 weeks in a foreign country has really added up to being an absolutely amazing trip; a trip that I desire going on again next year! There are by far too many topics to cover within this last entry, but I just need to find a decent conclusion to all that occurred while I was over here.

Prior to ever hearing about the Asia trip offered through DBU, I had always had an instilled knowledge that I would get out of the country for a while. There just seemed to be an uneasy sense of discomfort with many things that I was noticing in the States. Completely and utterly grateful for my birthplace, America has been such a b1essing in my life. Having now been exposed to a very miniscule part of Asia, I am able to see a completely different perspective on both of these opposing cultures. Coming back to the States will give me a clarifying view on how I feel about each, but I have to say that my mind has been blown away and my breath went with it.

I don’t want to be the one planning the future, but I am almost certain that I will be back. There is just something natural and real about this place that meshes very well with my personality. He has given me such peace in hope that I will return someday to have a deeper connection with those who I have locally served and bonded with. Who knows though! He always works in the most beautiful and ironic ways, so I truly look forward to seeing what’s up his long choir robe sleeve :-P.

I just got back from a local orphanage; something I normally would never choose to do.

As you know from the previous posts, I’m not the kind of girl who just loves to pick up infants and speak gibberish to them as they slurp drool. But my heart was really moved the other day when I felt led to visit an orphanage while I was here. I had never been in one, and this was taking a huge step. I went with my two new friends from Asia who have previously worked in orphanages, and we set out Thursday right when school got out. He completely opened the doorways of approval, transportation, and access. For only 3 kuai (about $.40) and a 1 hour long bus ride we arrived at our much anticipated destination. The orphanage ended up being an asylum for abandoned children with dissabilities and illnesses. It was a very heart wrenching sight, especially knowing that this was one of the nicer shelters in the city. There were about 30 cribs in one room with little ones either seated in special wooden chairs or tied up in their cribs half asleep. Yes, tied up. Part of the reasoning was to keep the children form climbing out or hurting themselves, but it was a very unexpected sight to see. The workers looked tired and strained, but I saw them as being heroines of selflessness. The children’s ages ranged from a few months old to about 4 years, each with their own unique dissability (primarily down syndrome). It was so tragic to see that many of those children might die soon, and that they wouldn’t be the top pick of the market when it comes to adoption. But despite the sadness, I swear that I say Him. I saw G-d in their eyes. Their bodies may have been mutated, but His presence was pure, innocent, and striking. I continued to weep over each child as I realized that He loved each of His children. Each of them were completely abandoned and disowned by the world and its inhabitants, but Dad never let go of their precieous worth. It was beautiful, absolutely beautiful. I plan to do this again someday :-)

I would absolutely love to tell you more about this trip when I get back! Feel free to chat in person, email (JoanUyvari@yahoo.com), or facebook if you have any questions, comments, words of encouragement, or just spam mail (spam mail is better than no mail!). I cannot wait to see many of you when I get back home from the 2nd to the 10th! I want to also say thank you to the many people in Arkansas, Texas, and California (and any other states) who have been “thinking” to Him about this trip. There is absolutely no doubt that many lives were completely and utterly changed within our group and in this city. He is so good :-) See you all so soon!!!!

Good night Asia and good morning America!
Joanie :-D

This past week has been a very moving week for me.  Not so much to extremes as you may be imagining considering where I’m at, but I have been getting insight into my human nature when it comes to working with children.  I would describe it as a wind that comes and goes on an East Texas farm.  Sounds depressing if you figuratively imagine that, but just work with me on this one.  It is more so an idea that derives from a previously known characteristic about myself; I’ve never been too fond of the whole kid raising/child rearing thing.  I’m hoping that He will fully change my heart along this road of life, but it is something that I’m consistently seeking to find joy in. 

But I have got an update!  In contrast to my struggles with children, He really has been giving me a heart to love my kids since I’ve been here!  11 boys and 4 girls have been slowly capturing my heart and teaching me to love them for each of their personalities.  He has breathed life into each of them, and I need to embrace and love each of His little masterpieces.  Now, whether or not I decided to have my own kids one day is another story :-P.

Much of why I had been struggling a little bit was that we were preparing for our class plays (there are 2 that we do throughout the summer, and this was just the initial one).  We performed a story that my 1^st TA wrote about a big tree trying to find himself outside of who he was made to be.  It went pretty swell and I’m so proud of my kids.  My initial reaction in contrast to the other classes’ performances was that I failed in challenging my kids.  If I’m looking at the things that others are doing around me and I am not proud of the accomplishments of my kiddos, then of course it is going to seem that I wasn’t as good as everyone elses!  But my kids did great, and I am satisfied with that… and also satisfied that it’s over, haha!  I’m hoping to do the Wizard of Oz for the big performance.  That’d be a trip!

TODAY IS FRIDAY!!!!  That means… well, the week is over!  As a group we are going to a smaller town outside of the city to do some sight-seeing of older and antiqued areas.  I’m looking forward to that time off (it’s a nice little vacation that the school company has given us :-).  We’ll be gone the whole weekend, so woot woot! 

We have about 10 days left of teaching in our classrooms and about 15 of living here!  Time has flown by so quickly (sooo cliché), and I am now starting to understand that it will be difficult to leave my kids and this country.  I don’t say that with sadness or regret, it just is what it is!  I really do look forward to going back to the States and to school!  He’s got SO many amazing opportunities going on here and there.

I’ll be sure to take some photos from this weekend, and I still need to finish uploading this week’s photos as well!  I’m sorry about that; I’ve been having internet problems over here.  Only a few more days and I’ll be back in the States!  Until then, thank you so much for your pr@yer$ and support.  I know that He’s been doing amazing things over here :-)