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Archives for 2010

Transformation

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This month Beverly Richardson shares what transformation has meant in her life. She has served overseas, both short and long term. Beverly earned her PhD. so she can effectively help cross cultural workers. She currently lives and works in Asia.

Today I was thumbing through old journals, some that go back as far as 16 years. I think it does one good to go back and see just how far we’ve come, or how we’ve gotten stuck in the same place for years. For me, it is confirmation of the transformation that God has brought in my life over the years.

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Bonding and Brain Chemicals

Some time ago I read a book called, The Brain that Changes Itself. It introduced me to the idea that our brains are able to change and adapt. Much of that change occurs because of chemicals that act on the brain. Recently I read an article that talked about the chemicals in the brain that make bonding with our baby, not only possible, but pleasurable. We turn from rather self-centered individuals into people who would sacrifice everything for a wrinkled, red, almost alien-looking bundle. So I’ve been doing more research. In this article, I want to share some of the major lesson I’ve learned.

The key to bonding with our baby is a mysterious process that causes us to enjoy one another. Moms and dads fall in love with their own baby and each baby falls in love with its own mom and dad. As long as we don’t interfere with the process, it will happen flawlessly and rather magically. An intricate dance begins even before birth, through the birth process, to feeding, cuddling, and playing with the baby. Touch and smell, sight and hearing all play a role, but the biggest role is played by some powerful chemicals rearranging our brains.

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Helping the Poor

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I have been so sheltered. I grew up in a middle-class family with all we needed and much of what we wanted. I’ve served, most of my adult life, the same type of people. I am seldom confronted by poverty, and even when that happens, it is by a few blind or lame begging on busy city sidewalks. I’ve often wondered how people like me can really help the profoundly poor of many third world or developing countries. For some of my PW sisters, dealing with poverty is an everyday issue; it may even be the very fabric of your service. I commend you!

In this issue of Peter’s Wife, I am sharing a newsletter from Tammy, one of our PW family of readers. She shares her experiences in helping one poor boy. As you read it, remember to ask God to help you see people as he sees them. Ask Him to make you alert to the individual, not just involved in the big projects. And maybe all of us can ask the Father to show us one life we can touch with his love, whoever it is, wherever it is. [Read more…]

Pancakes by Candlelight

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We are in the U.S. on a short home leave to visit our family, friends, and church. I am so grateful for the articles and devotionals that some of our readers sent after my appeal last month. I believe everyone will be blessed as we share insights and stories from others. Carolyn shares from life overseas with a baby and a toddler. Be blessed!

Pancakes By Candlelight

Yesterday I felt like the Proverbs 31 woman—entirely by accident.

Ben (my 4 month-old) woke up for his morning feed, and I looked at my watch and thought it said ten minutes to seven. Thinking Will (my 2 year-old) would be up soon, I decided not to go back to bed because I knew I’d feel even more tired if I went back to sleep. [Read more…]

Bicycle Built for Two

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This month, I’m including an article from my husband’s web site, Intermin.org. Agreement is the strength of any marriage. I hope you will be blessed.

Diane

“We had this bicycle,” the lady said. “It was built for two people to ride together. What problems that bicycle caused us!”

“How so?” I asked?

“Well, my husband would ride behind me, on the back seat. I always rode in the front seat and steered. But he wouldn’t peddle! He just let me do all the work. When I applied the brake, then he would start peddling!”

Now, this husband worked against his wife only to tease her, but in many marriages the husband and wife fight against each other over much more serious issues. Rather than making a joint effort towards a common goal, they end up battling for their rights. Each of them has an individual goal and tries to make their spouse go in their direction, at their pace. Marriage becomes a struggle rather than a partnership.

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