God's Provision

It's a quiet night here in the Been apartment. Jody is up at Englewood teaching the youth, and I decided to stay home tonight. It is Hump Day, after all, and I'm ever mindful of the need my body has for rest and that if I can't keep my eyes open by 5pm, I might want to be low-key that evening! When I look at others who are able to go and go, and be involved in a million different activities at the same time, I try not to give in to feelings of envy, as I have learned the physical limitations I need to place on my body in order to stay healthy. And I am encouraged; I have not had laryngitis since August 2008. It's been a year and a half!

March of 2010 finds me in a much more encouraged place than a few months ago. In fact, I am more encouraged than I have been in a long time. God has indeed been faithful. The most noticeable place that Jody and I see evidence of God's kindness towards us has been in our church, Englewood Assembly. I recall to mind the place we were in a year ago.

We had arrived in Denver in January 2009, and Jody had begun classes at Denver Seminary. Every weekend we would check out a new church.... for three or four months. It was an exhausting process trying to find a home church, and we often shook our heads as we left a service. Is it possible to miss newcomers when your church is 40 people? And not so much as a smile? A glance? A handshake? A welcome? It was such a discouraging experience trying to get plugged in. And then we went to Englewood one Sunday. I think 20 people must have come up to us, shaken our hand, hugged us and welcomed us above and beyond what I have ever experienced before. And I've been to a lot of different churches. The music was joyful and a great mix of old hymns, new worship and all done with great enthusiasm. Perfection was less important than heart there, we could tell. And the congregation was an odd mix of old (as in... 90 years ago these cats were going to Sunday School in this same building), Hispanic, blue-collar, loud and misfits..... and then us. But we kept going back, because there was such LOVE! After checking out a bazillion churches, Jody and I decided to stay at Englewood, not because it promised a dashing preaching career and big fat retirement checks for Jody, but because of the love in the place. So much LOVE and so much GRACE for sinful wretches like...... well, everybody.

Life last year continued to be stressful as Jody finished one semester of seminary, and then we had to move, and then another semester came and we desperately needed another car... and Jody began to get more involved at Englewood. He started going to the Men's Breakfast on Tuesdays and gradually I could tell he was getting sucked in to the wonderful things God was doing in and through this small body of mostly new believers. And he was wanting to stay longer, go deeper and serve more. God was changing Jody's heart.

I, however, was plugging away at work in another church, and I struggled a bit with feeling like my heart was divided. I wanted to get more involved at Englewood, but I was so busy working at Southeast. I signed up in the summer to start teaching the 3 and 4 year olds on a once-a-month basis, and I was paired up with a young mother named Crystal. At first the teaching process was a bit awkward, but somehow along the line, it wasn't anymore. Gradually, I believe God was changing my heart, too, and I began to feel more comfortable with the women at Englewood. And I began to want to hang out with them - however old they were and no matter how different the stages of life we were in. I think God was giving me a new heart, too, full of love and acceptance!

Another tie developed as Jody was required by Denver Seminary to find two mentors. Jody requested our pastor TJ and a younger man in the congregation named Matt to be his mentors, and they both agreed. Though the mentoring process through Denver Seminary is a bit cumbersome, Jody and I are in the agreement that it has proven to be a good thing. It has allowed Jody to show himself consistent and serious about learning the work that goes behind ministry in a church, and it has required of him discipline in spending time with these men. As Jody has spent time with them, I have seen him grow in his love for this particular body and in his wisdom in how to help grow this body in a healthy way.

And so, after doing our best to show ourselves faithful in committing to serve and love this particular body, in February the Lord showed Himself merciful and wonderfully creative towards us. The elder board offered Jody and me the church parsonage, a small duplex next to the church building, as a place for us to live in as compensation for the greater level of responsibility that Jody will be assuming in the church, especially in the grow part of the church's mission statement love, grow, share. Jody and I are thrilled! We have chosen to accept this amazing gift from the Lord, and we will be moving in the end of April. This offer is so wonderful, because it is going to be a blessing to us and to the church, and it will definitely make church involvement that much easier.

Jody and I have no idea what the future holds for us, but we can definitely see the hand of God guiding us, and though sometimes it feels like we are aimless, at times like this we are so encouraged to know that indeed, God is faithful and He is gently holding our hands and leading us by His Spirit. We praise Him for His kindness and faithfulness!

Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth.

Serve the LORD with gladness;

Come before Him with joyful singing.

Know that the LORD Himself is God;

It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;

We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.

Enter His gates with thanksgiving

And His courts with praise

Give thanks to Him, bless His name.

For the LORD is good;

His lovingkindness is everlasting

And His faithfulness to all generations.

Psalm 100

i thought i would post a video of a great worship singer. her name is kim walker, and she is based out of california. anyway, if you enjoy this song, look her up on youtube and listen to some more of her worship songs. i love unbridled praise and worship. it's hard to find these days....

random thoughts

1. steve, my boss, heads to burma on saturday and will be gone for a week. i am curious to hear what his thoughts are about the country when he gets back.
   
2. my friend stefanie is booking her ticket to come visit us in april. i miss stefanie. i'm excited to see her.
3. eu-mi was spastic last night, when sam and britt brought rustie over. i think being cooped up inside made her go crazy. intense dislike for her lack of restraint.
4. i'm fighting a cold. tired. eyes hurt. draining. must not lose my voice.
5. have decided that maybe colorado is not good for me. or maybe it's just winter weather. hard to fight discouragement and depression when it's always grey, gloomy and cold outside.
6. i have this dashboard jesus sitting on my desk... won it in a white elephant gift exchange. it's slightly sacreligious but OH so funny. haven't gotten the courage to put it anywhere, though. what would you recommend?? :)
   
7. i am not a good event coordinator. i hate major planning and volunteer/detail coordination. it stresses me so much my stomach shakes and gets sick. *sigh*
8. jody made the most wonderful stew dinner last night. i am continually amazed by his brilliant and creative cooking skills. i praise God for him.
9. it snowed last night, but i decided to wear my black flats to work anyway. that meant i was running around my car scraping and sweeping snow off my car... all the while the freezing cold snow was getting in my shoes and freezing my toes (thankfully it was only a couple of inches deep). i just didn't care. lol.
10. been meditating on this verse from lamentations: "I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope; Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." lamentations 3, 19-24
    

.training.

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
1 Corinthians 9:24-27

This was the theme for the past month's sermon series at church. As everyone sets New Year's resolutions and goals for the next year, our pastor TJ encouraged our church to be focused, to set eternal goals and to run the race of life with our eyes fixed on Jesus. It is also interesting, because this passage can now also be applied to the physical conditioning in my life. At my job, there is a financial incentive at the end of the calendar year if an individual tracks his/her exercise throughout the year.

The details are basically: varying amounts of exercise qualify for 1 point, 3 points or 5 points. For example, walking for 15+ minutes a day counts for 1 point. Running on the treadmill for 30 minutes a day counts for 3 points and running a half-marathon counts for 5 points. Any kind of exercise could count towards it, though - helping a friend move, riding horses, hiking, or swimming laps; really, the goal is just to get the staff members to get their heart rates up and their bodies in shape. There's a little disparity between the points, I feel, but I am willing to do the exercise to qualify for the 1 or 3 points, so I figure I won't quibble over details. And besides, I pretty much exercise on a semi-regular basis anyway. So this incentive is enough for me to just track my efforts and to work out more consistently, which has been my desire for a long time. In short, I must exercise enough to earn more at least 30 points each month for 12 months in order to earn the bonus at the end of the year.

As of today (February 2nd), I have turned in my Exercise tracker for the month of January, and yesterday I ran... so 3 points for me! Woohoo! Jody is teasing me that I sound like I'm in Weight Watchers, but I don't care. It feels good to hold myself accountable, and I am enjoying the challenge to stay in shape.

As I run, bike, use the elliptical, lift weights or just take a walk with Eu-mi, I am reminded that exercise takes focus, discipline, perseverance and lots of prayer. I am also reminded that things in the physical realm always mirror what is happening in the spiritual. The same principles apply in my walk with the Lord. May He give me (and you!) the strength, self-discipline and grace to run the race that is set before me.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race that is marked out for us.

Hebrews 12:1

Christmas 2009

at the Beens' home in Pampa, TX

(click to enlarge)

jody and eu-mi fighting....

this is what we do with our dog when it's too cold to go outside, but we have to use up her energy somehow. haha.

settling in to 2010

with some warm peppermint tea nearby, i wanted to settle in a bit and write a blog. it's been a while. how are you, friend? i feel like it's been a long time since i have been able to catch up with those i love, and i just wanted to say, 'i miss you.' we should catch up sometime. call me! or i'll call you.... probably around 4:15 MST during the week, because that's when i'm driving home from work and i have some time to say hello. :)

january 2010 is here... and i am realizing the month is well over half-way done. how can that be? it was just the new year! so now i am stopping to write before another day passes and we're already into 2011. to those i love, happy new year. i pray it is a good year for you and that God reveals His great love for you in a new and deeper way this year.

as i take stock of what this year holds, i confess my greatest joy is that 2010 is NOT 2009. is that bad? should i feel guilty for being so glad a season is OVER?! when i look back on last year, there are so many wonderful things that happened. jody and i settled in colorado, we got a puppy that we love dearly, (and want to strangle occasionally) and jody was able to successfully complete half of his master's degree at denver seminary. we found a wonderful church, where we are getting involved in and jody has developed great friendships with his mentors. at various points in the past year we were able to spend several days exploring the mountains and seeing how amazing our God is in beautiful creation.

and then there is the big 'HOWEVER'. i will also not lie. it has been a trying year. a year of laying foundations. and laying foundations is always hard, because there is no shortcut. there is no way to speed up the process. getting settled and acclimated to the workload that seminary requires takes time. finding the right church to settle into, join and start serving in takes time and much prayer. finding a job in this economy takes much prayer, faith and time. and making lasting friends (and discerning who best to invest time in) takes prayer, time and great faith! so when i look back on 2009, it was a year that took great faith and time.

this morning as i was reading in ecclesiastes, i was meditating on the fact that there is a time and season for everything. and thankfully, seasons come and go. as much as change is hard for me, and i dread sitting in a season that seems to be in flux, i take comfort that 'this too shall pass'. God is on the throne, and this season will not last forever. i especially felt that when jody completed this past semester. when that last exam was taken and final grades started coming in, i felt a release in my heart. i felt like a major milestone had been accomplished. last year was tough and required a lot of putting out without a lot of receiving. but that's what a foundation is. and it is laid with the expectation that in due season it will reap a harvest.

i don't know what 2010 holds, but i am full of hope and praying that God brings joy. i need joy in this season. so that is my prayer. God, give me joy in the midst of this season in my life, and help me to be faithful in laying the foundation You are calling me to. I do pray that, in due season, Jody and I will reap a harvest that brings You glory. Amen.

There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven--
A time to give birth and a time to die;
A time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted.
A time to kill and a time to heal;
A time to tear down and a time to build up.
A time to weep and a time to laugh;
A time to mourn and a time to dance.
A time to throw stones and a time to gather stones;
A time to embrace and a time to shun embracing.
A time to search and a time to give up as lost;
A time to keep and a time to throw away.
A time to tear apart and a time to sew together;
A time to be silent and a time to speak.
A time to love and a time to hate;
A time for war and a time for peace.
Ecclesiastes 3, 1-8

Dear wonderful friends and family,

Amidst the busyness of this season, I would love to wish you a Merry Christmas and to update you on the world that Jody and I have been living in this past year. I pray that windows of time will open up in the near future when we can catch up on your lives as well.

As you probably know, Jody and I returned from Korea in September 2008 for him to attend Denver Seminary. Our heart has been for him to be equipped to love and serve people in whatever ministry God directs us, and after much prayer, we left our jobs and world in Korea to embark on a new adventure! Last fall he applied to Denver Seminary and was accepted for the Spring semester, and in January of this year we moved to Littleton, Colorado. This move was especially meaningful to me, as I was born in Colorado and grew up an avid Broncos fan. I have loved getting reacquainted with Colorado as an adult. Simple discoveries I have made in this past year of living here:

1. I love the mountains just as much as I thought I did.
2. Coloradans are extremely proud of being natives…as few can claim that status. It’s hilarious, actually.
3. King Soopers, the Kroger’s branch here in CO, is straight out of the 1980s, and I love it!

When we moved in January, Jody and I settled in a basement of a family’s home, where we lived for six months. When I got a job, we moved into an apartment within walking and biking distance from the seminary. Daily I praise God for having a roof over our heads and a place to call our own! We also began to explore the area, biking in the foothills, and driving into the mountains to hike and camp. The picture above is from the mountains near Leadville, where we camped this summer. Breathtaking!

Jody started at Denver Seminary in the Masters of Divinity program, but upon much prayer, he switched to the MA Leadership program in the middle of last semester. We are so thankful for that decision, as we feel the Leadership program is more practical, shorter (thus cheaper), and is more suited to Jody’s passions and giftings. As of this month, he has completed half of the program and, I believe, has learned a great deal from the challenge that seminary provides. We look forward to him completing his degree and having a degree flexible enough to work in churches or non-profits, however God should lead.

An exciting decision Jody and I made back in February was to get a dog. I had never grown up with one, and Jody had only grown up with outside dogs. Well, on Valentine’s Day, Jody and I drove an hour away to pick up our little puppy. We chose a female dappled miniature dachshund, and we decided to name her Eu-mi (which is pronounced ‘You-me’ and means ‘having or possessing beauty’ in Korean). Overall, she has proven to be the greatest joy and challenge, and we love her to pieces. This week she turns 1 year old! My, what proud parents we are!!

So, last spring as Jody was studying, I was busy potty-training Eu-mi, and I began the monumental task of applying for work in an area I knew nothing about and in the worst economy ever! Needless to say, this kept me on my knees. After nannying for a brief stint, the Lord sovereignly opened up the door at Southeast Christian Church, in Parker, Colorado. I applied to be the Missions Assistant and was hired in May. I have thoroughly enjoyed the job, the chance to learn from the men I serve and the blessing of being part of a wonderful community on staff. God is so good!

Some other highlights from the past year:

1. I finally got to visit Fun Valley, which is Jody's family's favorite vacation spot. It is a family resort in the mountains of South Fork, Colorado. We spent a weekend there with Jody's parents and his brother Brad and Brad's wife Lindsey. What a fun time!
2. I was able to go to Virginia to see my family for Thanksgiving. LOVED IT! Love my family! Here’s everybody now: (Top Row, L-R: Daniel, Josh, me, Rebekah, Chris, Luke; Bottom Row, L-R: Sarah, Mom, Dad, Anna).
3. We got a 2nd car! On Halloween, after Jody had done SOOO much research, we happened upon a 2002 Toyota Echo via Craigslist. We bought it from a nearby Auto dealer and drove it home that day. God has been so good to provide, and we love it!
   

To wrap up this ridiculously long letter, Jody and I want to send you our love and a huge hug. We pray that amidst all the Christmas busyness, you and your loved ones will be able to focus on Jesus. It’s cheesy, I know, but He really is the Reason for the season. Hugs from us,

Jody and Ruth Been (& Eu-mi!!!)

Prayer Request

On Thanksgiving morning Jody went to play some football with people at our church. I was away in Virginia for a few days, so I encouraged him to hang out with people as much as possible so he didn't feel lonely (at least when he had time to spare from do school assignments). Well, lo and behold, he goes all out, tackles and tries to catch crazy passes.... and somewhere along the line hurt his finger trying to catch a pass from TJ - our pastor and one of Jody's seminary mentors. Of course.

His right ring finger - at the joint closest to the finger nail - was swollen, red, bruised and refused to straighten up. I am so thankful for insurance, but sad we have to use it. He went to the doctor and got some x-rays done. From the top it looks fine. From the side, you can see that a corner edge of bone has chipped off and is floating above the rest of his finger. Today he goes to see an orthopedic. Please pray for God to heal Jody.

But my real prayer request is that God would completely heal Jody all over. In the past year since we have returned to the States, he has hurt his knee twice, his shoulder, and his foot. And now his finger. Since we didn't have insurance, we didn't get any of those injuries prior to this finger checked out, so we don't really know what happened to them. Really, I am just praying that God completely heals him and that these injuries stop!

I am thankful we serve a God who heals. Many claim that the God of the Bible no longer works miracles today, but I love being able to say that I have seen Him work miraculously in my life and in my childhood growing up. I love that His Word says , "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever" (Hebrews 13,8) and that we are called to "Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits- who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's" (Psalm 103, 1-5).

The same unchanging God, who raised Jesus from the dead is more than able to handle our fragile bodies. I am so thankful for that assurance, and my faith remains in the Lord - no matter what happens.

Please join me in praying for God to bring complete healing to Jody's body.