I guess it’s not secret, Joel and Shelly are with me on the young adult ministry (YA). We got together yesterday to prepare for the elders’ meeting later that night.
In the meeting, Joel presented for us. I was preparing in my mind to answer any questions that might come up. Joel asked if there were any questions… and praises started rolling in!
Things said by the elders and pastors included: “exciting,” “[the proposal was] coherent and lucid,” “[we are] blessed by this!”
Then all the leaders laid hands and prayed for us. That was something; I’d never had someone pray over me like that in a group. I’ve seen and participated in laid hands prayer, but never been the subject of one before last night. Pretty cool!
I was disappointed that no real questions for us came up. I am glad that a decision was made; the YA ministry has a home with Kalihi Union Church! It's official!
Now we can continue planning, and planning in accordance to this component we were hoping for but not necessarily dependent on. And OH there has been and is a lot of planning going on!
Please remember us in your prayers. If you’re around, please join us, in support, in the work, anything!
And praise God for blessing us with this opportunity, this challenge to lead.
Mahalo for reading!
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Monday, August 17, 2009
Resolve
Ahh, I can breathe a little easier. One of the anger situations has been resolved. I had let it get so bad and all because I have a difficult time saying to someone I care for, “I’m hurting” and “I’m sorry.” And I knew I would cry, something very few people have ever seen, something my parents have rarely seen.
But it was a good talk, for both sides I hope. It’s always good to know that the other person cares as much. I haven’t had a lot of experiences with that. I have more respect for the other person, not that any was lacking.
Things may need to be worked out from time to time, but if we can remember that we care and remember to keep talking and listening, I think we’ll be alright.
____________________________
Please pray that I have resolve in another situation. I have stepped into more of an upfront leadership position for ministry. So many things could threaten the ministry. Something personal that could potentially be distracting and derailing to my part in ministry came up recently. I need to resolve to keep focused on the things that God is leading me to and the things I just need to get done.
Pray that I resolve to refuse temptation.
Mahalo for reading.
But it was a good talk, for both sides I hope. It’s always good to know that the other person cares as much. I haven’t had a lot of experiences with that. I have more respect for the other person, not that any was lacking.
Things may need to be worked out from time to time, but if we can remember that we care and remember to keep talking and listening, I think we’ll be alright.
____________________________
Please pray that I have resolve in another situation. I have stepped into more of an upfront leadership position for ministry. So many things could threaten the ministry. Something personal that could potentially be distracting and derailing to my part in ministry came up recently. I need to resolve to keep focused on the things that God is leading me to and the things I just need to get done.
Pray that I resolve to refuse temptation.
Mahalo for reading.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Anger Management
The anger I had written about recently…has calmed some as I’ve gotten some other perspective. It’s difficult to sort out when I feel a lot of the blame. I still have an issue I need to resolve and I hope it goes well. Pray that it goes well. Pray that I speak out of love and not anger.
____________________________
I was going to take a step away from a certain situation. I can’t say much more. For months there had been no development in this area, absolutely none. The same night I was deciding, a small development happened. I’m back to…not knowing what to do.
I stand on the edge of a blade, not knowing on which side to step. Pray that I make the…step that is in God’s will. Pray that I move at all.
____________________________
I'm tired of feeling alone, yet I need to be careful. *sigh*
Mahalo for reading and praying.
____________________________
I was going to take a step away from a certain situation. I can’t say much more. For months there had been no development in this area, absolutely none. The same night I was deciding, a small development happened. I’m back to…not knowing what to do.
I stand on the edge of a blade, not knowing on which side to step. Pray that I make the…step that is in God’s will. Pray that I move at all.
____________________________
I'm tired of feeling alone, yet I need to be careful. *sigh*
Mahalo for reading and praying.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Moments in Church
Mom’s been volunteering at the church office. People come up to her saying good things about me, specifically about what I'm doing in the church. Momma’s so proud when she hears those compliments. I think she was a little sad when I stopped going to choir because people were glad to see a “young” person in choir and would tell her so.
Anyways, anything good that I do with church is all to the prompting of God.
____________________________
One of the youth, Romina, sings in the worship team with her mother. I like seeing that. This past Sunday, another youth, Royce, sang in the worship team along with his mother. I never knew Royce had any inclination to sing but I’m so glad to see him up there.
I sat in a little with the 7-9th class. They played Bible hangman – that sounds so wrong! ;) But it was wonderful watching them all participate and excited to learn something. They parlayed it into introducing them to using the concordance.
I do still love the youth at KUC and hope to continue helping. It is such an encouragement to see active youth in the church.
____________________________
Also this past Sunday, we were blessed with two performances by Colleen Nomura and her Moments Unforgettable dance team.
...after which we were blessed again with a message from Kendal. It came down to asking "Do you believe that God has set you apart for something great?" Someone told me after that the message was very applicable to what's in the next section...
____________________________
Be careful what you pray for, but take a risk! God is faithful! God is a provider!
So I had prayed “God, use me.” Oh. He is. I’ve gotten myself and a couple friends into trying to put a young adults ministry together, hopefully with KUC. We kept the idea under wraps for a while but once we submitted a proposal, the word SPREAD!
People stopping us to say they’re praying for us. People wanting to meet with us, to hear our hearts and to encourage us. We still have so much to do but the support coming in that we didn’t even seek out is so great!
This was also a door to officially meeting The Ada Lum. She heard about the proposal and told Mom that she wanted to meet me. After service, Mom urged me over and I met Ada Lum. She has a strong handshake! She's a great woman of prayer who told me that she is praying for us. Wonderful!
Thank God for sending these people our way as we are not exactly sure what to do, but that they are encouraging us in this direction. It would seem from all this support that we are moving with God's will. It is scary, but yes, very exciting!
____________________________
All glory to God! Please continue praying for me, praying for the youth at KUC, praying for the young adults ministry. Any other praises going on?
Mahalo for reading.
Anyways, anything good that I do with church is all to the prompting of God.
____________________________
One of the youth, Romina, sings in the worship team with her mother. I like seeing that. This past Sunday, another youth, Royce, sang in the worship team along with his mother. I never knew Royce had any inclination to sing but I’m so glad to see him up there.
I sat in a little with the 7-9th class. They played Bible hangman – that sounds so wrong! ;) But it was wonderful watching them all participate and excited to learn something. They parlayed it into introducing them to using the concordance.
I do still love the youth at KUC and hope to continue helping. It is such an encouragement to see active youth in the church.
____________________________
Also this past Sunday, we were blessed with two performances by Colleen Nomura and her Moments Unforgettable dance team.
...after which we were blessed again with a message from Kendal. It came down to asking "Do you believe that God has set you apart for something great?" Someone told me after that the message was very applicable to what's in the next section...
____________________________
Be careful what you pray for, but take a risk! God is faithful! God is a provider!
So I had prayed “God, use me.” Oh. He is. I’ve gotten myself and a couple friends into trying to put a young adults ministry together, hopefully with KUC. We kept the idea under wraps for a while but once we submitted a proposal, the word SPREAD!
People stopping us to say they’re praying for us. People wanting to meet with us, to hear our hearts and to encourage us. We still have so much to do but the support coming in that we didn’t even seek out is so great!
This was also a door to officially meeting The Ada Lum. She heard about the proposal and told Mom that she wanted to meet me. After service, Mom urged me over and I met Ada Lum. She has a strong handshake! She's a great woman of prayer who told me that she is praying for us. Wonderful!
Thank God for sending these people our way as we are not exactly sure what to do, but that they are encouraging us in this direction. It would seem from all this support that we are moving with God's will. It is scary, but yes, very exciting!
____________________________
All glory to God! Please continue praying for me, praying for the youth at KUC, praying for the young adults ministry. Any other praises going on?
Mahalo for reading.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
She’s Shy
A couple friends and I went into Waikiki last night. The only things on the agenda were to visit the Tabora Gallery and Island Vintage Coffee.Visiting the Tabora Gallery was for me. Years ago I had gotten a mini-print of Roy Tabora’s work “Napali Mist.” I looked up other works of his. I generally like his work. Something about crashing waves [often a subject in his work], especially of stormy waters, connects with me.
Then couple years ago I went to Waikiki to take photos. Walking around I found the Tabora Gallery at the Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach Hotel. I didn’t know he had a gallery. The art associate there started talking to me. He said that Tabora comes to the gallery on Friday nights to work on a piece and talk with people. So I’ve been wanting to watch Tabora work, but never got to it; I didn’t know if anyone would want to go with me and I wasn’t going into Waikiki by myself at night.
So last night we got into Waikiki later than planned. By the time we got to the gallery, Tabora was still there, talking to visitors, but had finished working on the piece for the night. He seems to be a very lively and friendly person. I dunno what it was, maybe that he was talking to visitors to Hawai‘i and I live here, or just plain shyness on my part, but I didn’t get myself up to saying “Hi.” I feel like such a dork, I dunno what to say to an artist!
Well, maybe I’ll brave it next time. And I didn’t see the art associate I had talked to before.
Island Vintage was for Chemist. They make this drink, Tropical Sensation which is a berry tea. I had one, it was good! They put real strawberry and lots of blueberries in the drink too.
A lot of street attraction things were going on. Shops were starting to close but we went to a small shop past Lewers that’s kind of interesting, went to Midoriya, saw some interesting things at 88 tees, and Coldstone!
I had fun! Good times with friends, who can complain?
Is there an artist or artwork that you enjoy?
Mahalo for reading.
[We also visited the public restrooms at the Marriot. Nice restrooms.]
Friday, August 7, 2009
More Thoughts On The Past
In further thought of the last entry, I just had this thought: that the church and the Christian are losing their meaning. This saddens me.
Among my “friends” on facebook is someone I knew casually during my years at Woodbury [WU]. He is currently serving in the military, I’m not sure in what capacity but in our few FB chats he’s mentioned being out in the desert and such things.
I am not skilled in small talk or in conversation in general and it’s even worse over the internet. It’s a real problem for me when I can’t hear and see the person I’m talking to and vice versa. Even in person, at times I am at a loss for what that reaction in their countenance meant or in understanding the affect in their voice. All that said, I will try to participate in uncomfortable conversation.
Back to this old friend, he’s asked what have I been up to and my response, to him and others, has been that I’m working on my graduate degree and volunteering at church. He’s not the only one to do this, but he moves on to other subjects. Totally ignoring that I said I’m volunteering at church, he quickly works in some inappropriate jokes and/or to…placing my character in question. I’m not sure if I’m describing this correctly but I think you can get my meaning.
____________________________
It used to be, most pronounced in high school, that people knew and understood that I am a Christian. So much so that friends, even Christian friends…kept me at arm’s length. I wasn’t invited to the parties. People didn’t have fun at the expense of my character. In many ways I wasn’t questioned much.
To emphasize this, two good friends, one of them a fellow Christian, wanted to trade stories of their experiences with relationships. They noticed I was sitting next to them and moved off, commenting that I was “too pure” to hear such talk. It hurt, but I could somewhat understand their meaning.
I’ve never been able to adequately describe what the difference was between me and my Christian friends, but apparently there was a difference. My Christian and non-Christian friends did a lot to keep my character good and in some ways I appreciate that.
____________________________
To the friend from WU, I’ve stopped being open to chatting with him online, at least for now. I couldn’t turn the conversation back to who I am now. He’s always known me as a Christian, but I am a better Christian today than I was back then. He seemed to refuse to recognize or come to the understanding that I'm not going to engage in the conversation he wanted to have.
I don’t mean that I want to convert my friend right there in the conversation or that I only talk about God. I wasn’t going to talk about God right then. I’m not saying it’s necessarily wrong or an insult to question my character. However, I’m not going to diminish or insult the work God has already done in me up to this point and indulge in worldly chatter with my old friend. I couldn't get him to engage in a...clean conversation with me. Keep in mind also that I never really knew him well at all.
I think it also says something about the state of the character of the church and the Christian today. To say that I am a Christian doesn’t get much respect, isn’t given much thought, doesn’t mean much to the non-Christian acquaintance.
This is a reminder to me, that if I am to call myself a Christian, I need to BE a Christian. I can’t just say it and have my word taken for it. I need to live it, I need to show it. It needs to become intentional. What I mean is that I am a Christian in every aspect of my life: in my speech, in my actions, in my choice of clothing, in how I spend my time, etc. Not perfectly, I will make mistakes and poor choices, but am I allowing God to do this earthly refining process He is doing in me, or do I want my own way? Am I participating [helping] in that process or am I hindering the process? Am I focused on what God is doing or buying into what the world is doing?
I’m praying about this. I’m also praying that my friend will come to know God in a personal way. [By the way, it does bother me to not want to talk to someone or have them talk to me].
Mahalo for reading and as always, you are welcome to leave a comment.
Among my “friends” on facebook is someone I knew casually during my years at Woodbury [WU]. He is currently serving in the military, I’m not sure in what capacity but in our few FB chats he’s mentioned being out in the desert and such things.
I am not skilled in small talk or in conversation in general and it’s even worse over the internet. It’s a real problem for me when I can’t hear and see the person I’m talking to and vice versa. Even in person, at times I am at a loss for what that reaction in their countenance meant or in understanding the affect in their voice. All that said, I will try to participate in uncomfortable conversation.
Back to this old friend, he’s asked what have I been up to and my response, to him and others, has been that I’m working on my graduate degree and volunteering at church. He’s not the only one to do this, but he moves on to other subjects. Totally ignoring that I said I’m volunteering at church, he quickly works in some inappropriate jokes and/or to…placing my character in question. I’m not sure if I’m describing this correctly but I think you can get my meaning.
____________________________
It used to be, most pronounced in high school, that people knew and understood that I am a Christian. So much so that friends, even Christian friends…kept me at arm’s length. I wasn’t invited to the parties. People didn’t have fun at the expense of my character. In many ways I wasn’t questioned much.
To emphasize this, two good friends, one of them a fellow Christian, wanted to trade stories of their experiences with relationships. They noticed I was sitting next to them and moved off, commenting that I was “too pure” to hear such talk. It hurt, but I could somewhat understand their meaning.
I’ve never been able to adequately describe what the difference was between me and my Christian friends, but apparently there was a difference. My Christian and non-Christian friends did a lot to keep my character good and in some ways I appreciate that.
____________________________
To the friend from WU, I’ve stopped being open to chatting with him online, at least for now. I couldn’t turn the conversation back to who I am now. He’s always known me as a Christian, but I am a better Christian today than I was back then. He seemed to refuse to recognize or come to the understanding that I'm not going to engage in the conversation he wanted to have.
I don’t mean that I want to convert my friend right there in the conversation or that I only talk about God. I wasn’t going to talk about God right then. I’m not saying it’s necessarily wrong or an insult to question my character. However, I’m not going to diminish or insult the work God has already done in me up to this point and indulge in worldly chatter with my old friend. I couldn't get him to engage in a...clean conversation with me. Keep in mind also that I never really knew him well at all.
I think it also says something about the state of the character of the church and the Christian today. To say that I am a Christian doesn’t get much respect, isn’t given much thought, doesn’t mean much to the non-Christian acquaintance.
This is a reminder to me, that if I am to call myself a Christian, I need to BE a Christian. I can’t just say it and have my word taken for it. I need to live it, I need to show it. It needs to become intentional. What I mean is that I am a Christian in every aspect of my life: in my speech, in my actions, in my choice of clothing, in how I spend my time, etc. Not perfectly, I will make mistakes and poor choices, but am I allowing God to do this earthly refining process He is doing in me, or do I want my own way? Am I participating [helping] in that process or am I hindering the process? Am I focused on what God is doing or buying into what the world is doing?
I’m praying about this. I’m also praying that my friend will come to know God in a personal way. [By the way, it does bother me to not want to talk to someone or have them talk to me].
Mahalo for reading and as always, you are welcome to leave a comment.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Living It UP
Philippians 3: 12-16~ Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. [13] Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, [14] I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
[15] All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. [16] Only let us live up to what we have already attained.
It seems that a lot of people would emphasize verse 14. We need encouragement to continue on. We need reminders of the ultimate goal so we aren’t distracted by what isn’t important.
I would expand to at least the passage I have here. Very quickly, here are some of my thoughts on this; I’m still thinking things through.
I can easily get distracted by things of my past. I would guess a lot of you know what I’m talking about. I have a strong guilt complex. Sometimes it seems like a bad dream or that I saw it a movie somewhere and it wasn’t really me that did that thing or had that attitude back there.
Someone from our past comes along and reminds us of who we were at some point. It could either be a wonderful memory of us or it could be an ugly portrait. It doesn’t need to be true either. They could have viewed us through a prejudiced lens, someone else’s opinion of us [secondhand information], or it could all be true.
____________________________
Verse 12 + me: I am not perfect. I have never been perfect. I just had a thought that this life on earth is part of the perfecting process but I’ll never attain perfection on earth.
Verse 13 + me: I need to acknowledge what was true of my past, but also lay it aside. Do not let my past distract me. This is true whether it’s guilt over things I’ve done wrong or excessive pride over things I did well.
Verse 14 + me: If one wants to get technical about things, I’m not exactly sure I could say what prize Paul was talking about. But I should not let my past distract me from who I am in Christ and what God has called me to do right now.
Verse 15 + me: Maturity is an on-going thing, in my opinion. I’m more mature in my faith than I was when I accepted Christ. I’m more mature than I was last month. I’m not sure what else to say about this verse. As I said, quick thoughts.
Verse 16 + me: what I was saying builds up to this verse. I am not perfect, but I need to continue on from where I am in the perfecting process which God is working in me. I need to live up to the honor of being a Christian, of being called a child of God.
____________________________
In one sense, I am who I am and will always be who I am. In another, I am not who I once was because God has done and is doing a work in me. If someone from my past comes along with an image of who I was, I can honestly say that I have changed. If they bring along a bad habit I used to have, I do not have to relive or restart that bad habit.
If they can’t understand that I am changed, or they insist that I reclaim that bad habit, I may just have to cut ties with that person. I need to pray for that person. I can’t save everyone and really, I can’t save anyone; that is Jesus’ right. The thing is to not let that person drag me back to who I used to be and am no more. If they don’t want to join me with who I am now, that is their choice.
I do not have to be who I used to be. In fact, I should not be who I used to be. But I do need to acknowledge what is true of my past, to resolve my past. My past was put right in my face; I couldn’t deny that the foggy notion in my mind was true. It wasn’t a movie scene or a bad dream.
Patsy Clairmont said of verse 13, “Paul did not say ‘denying what I know took place….’” [1^]
This particular thing in my past, I wasn’t denying it, but it was good to have the confirmation that it was true, it was real. It did happen. It’s far in my past and I did take years, many years, to resolve this part of my past. Coming up against the reminder of it, I think I’m okay.
To my readers, if you are a Christian, do not let the enemy get a hold of you and drag you into your past. Do not deny your past either, but live up to where you are with Christ now.
Final thought: how can we live up? We live UP to who we are in Christ by looking UP to God. Keep your focus on Him.
Mahalo for reading.
[1^] “God Uses Cracked Pots” Focus on the Family Broadcast. 1988.
[15] All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. [16] Only let us live up to what we have already attained.
It seems that a lot of people would emphasize verse 14. We need encouragement to continue on. We need reminders of the ultimate goal so we aren’t distracted by what isn’t important.
I would expand to at least the passage I have here. Very quickly, here are some of my thoughts on this; I’m still thinking things through.
I can easily get distracted by things of my past. I would guess a lot of you know what I’m talking about. I have a strong guilt complex. Sometimes it seems like a bad dream or that I saw it a movie somewhere and it wasn’t really me that did that thing or had that attitude back there.
Someone from our past comes along and reminds us of who we were at some point. It could either be a wonderful memory of us or it could be an ugly portrait. It doesn’t need to be true either. They could have viewed us through a prejudiced lens, someone else’s opinion of us [secondhand information], or it could all be true.
____________________________
Verse 12 + me: I am not perfect. I have never been perfect. I just had a thought that this life on earth is part of the perfecting process but I’ll never attain perfection on earth.
Verse 13 + me: I need to acknowledge what was true of my past, but also lay it aside. Do not let my past distract me. This is true whether it’s guilt over things I’ve done wrong or excessive pride over things I did well.
Verse 14 + me: If one wants to get technical about things, I’m not exactly sure I could say what prize Paul was talking about. But I should not let my past distract me from who I am in Christ and what God has called me to do right now.
Verse 15 + me: Maturity is an on-going thing, in my opinion. I’m more mature in my faith than I was when I accepted Christ. I’m more mature than I was last month. I’m not sure what else to say about this verse. As I said, quick thoughts.
Verse 16 + me: what I was saying builds up to this verse. I am not perfect, but I need to continue on from where I am in the perfecting process which God is working in me. I need to live up to the honor of being a Christian, of being called a child of God.
____________________________
In one sense, I am who I am and will always be who I am. In another, I am not who I once was because God has done and is doing a work in me. If someone from my past comes along with an image of who I was, I can honestly say that I have changed. If they bring along a bad habit I used to have, I do not have to relive or restart that bad habit.
If they can’t understand that I am changed, or they insist that I reclaim that bad habit, I may just have to cut ties with that person. I need to pray for that person. I can’t save everyone and really, I can’t save anyone; that is Jesus’ right. The thing is to not let that person drag me back to who I used to be and am no more. If they don’t want to join me with who I am now, that is their choice.
I do not have to be who I used to be. In fact, I should not be who I used to be. But I do need to acknowledge what is true of my past, to resolve my past. My past was put right in my face; I couldn’t deny that the foggy notion in my mind was true. It wasn’t a movie scene or a bad dream.
Patsy Clairmont said of verse 13, “Paul did not say ‘denying what I know took place….’” [1^]
This particular thing in my past, I wasn’t denying it, but it was good to have the confirmation that it was true, it was real. It did happen. It’s far in my past and I did take years, many years, to resolve this part of my past. Coming up against the reminder of it, I think I’m okay.
To my readers, if you are a Christian, do not let the enemy get a hold of you and drag you into your past. Do not deny your past either, but live up to where you are with Christ now.
Final thought: how can we live up? We live UP to who we are in Christ by looking UP to God. Keep your focus on Him.
Mahalo for reading.
[1^] “God Uses Cracked Pots” Focus on the Family Broadcast. 1988.
Monday, August 3, 2009
A Meaningful Gift
Giving you guys a break in the heaviness.The Chemist went on a trip recently and brought back gifts. I was given a pair of earrings. The earrings are beautiful so I had to try them on right away. I think you can see in the photo that they look good on me!
I love gifts that say that the giver truly had me in mind, but what really adds to the meaningfulness of this gift is that it was made in Nepal and sold as part of a nonprofit organization called Ten Thousand Villages. I’ll let you read the info off of the photos or check out their website [Ten Thousand Villages].
Last year I had bought an amber necklace whose proceeds go to a similar cause. See [Spending Splurge Sunday] for more information on the amber necklace.
Thank you to the Chemist for the wonderful gift! I’ve already worn them out in public once!
Mahalo for your continued support in reading my entries.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Untitled [July 31, 2009]
No scripture verse today. I’m not much better. I had a very tiny positive movement in one of the anger situations…and then another huge step backwards. I’m tired of crying. I hate being angry.
I apologize for not being able to…whatever with this journal at the moment. I don’t even know why I’m saying anything here.
I know God is here and I know there are no hopeless situations. What can I do? What should I do?
There are people going through tougher situations, so what am I so concerned about?
There are people going through very joyful moments, so why can I not join with them?
I don’t know what to do. I don’t know what to say right now. I feel like I'm holding my breath, drowning.
I want more hope. I want more joy. I hope tomorrow is a better day. I'm not gonna drown.
I apologize for not being able to…whatever with this journal at the moment. I don’t even know why I’m saying anything here.
I know God is here and I know there are no hopeless situations. What can I do? What should I do?
There are people going through tougher situations, so what am I so concerned about?
There are people going through very joyful moments, so why can I not join with them?
I don’t know what to do. I don’t know what to say right now. I feel like I'm holding my breath, drowning.
I want more hope. I want more joy. I hope tomorrow is a better day. I'm not gonna drown.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Untitled [July 23, 2009]
Ephesians 4:25-5:2 ~Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. [26] “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, [27] and do not give the devil a foothold. [28] He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.
[29] Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. [30] And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. [31] Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. [32] Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
[5:1] Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children [2] and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Oh God, I know that many times have you been angry, and righteously so. You have punished justly and justly do you turn aside your anger when your people have repented.
I am still angry, and only becoming more so, it seems. Show me how to turn my anger aside. I don’t even know if I have reason to be angry. I’ve tried to be rid of it. I’ve tried to talk to those with whom I am angry, but none hear me; I can’t even get started at times.
Though I have tried to resolve things with one person, they have not heard me. In fact, they are resolved to continue with what has angered me when I have only asked that I be considered.
Why do we hurt each other? Why does it seem like people do not care? I feel so abandoned by those who were supposed to love me.
Show me how to turn aside my anger. How can this be resolved? Please hear me now.
This isn’t who I want to be.
[29] Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. [30] And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. [31] Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. [32] Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
[5:1] Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children [2] and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Oh God, I know that many times have you been angry, and righteously so. You have punished justly and justly do you turn aside your anger when your people have repented.
I am still angry, and only becoming more so, it seems. Show me how to turn my anger aside. I don’t even know if I have reason to be angry. I’ve tried to be rid of it. I’ve tried to talk to those with whom I am angry, but none hear me; I can’t even get started at times.
Though I have tried to resolve things with one person, they have not heard me. In fact, they are resolved to continue with what has angered me when I have only asked that I be considered.
Why do we hurt each other? Why does it seem like people do not care? I feel so abandoned by those who were supposed to love me.
Show me how to turn aside my anger. How can this be resolved? Please hear me now.
This isn’t who I want to be.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Untitled [July 20, 2009]
Psalm 55:1-8, 16-19~
[1] Listen to my prayer, O God,
Do not ignore my plea;
[2] hear me and answer me.
My thoughts trouble me and I am distraught
[3] at the voice of the enemy,
At the stares of the wicked;
For they bring down suffering upon me
And revile me in their anger.
[4] My heart is in anguish within me;
The terrors of death assail me.
[5] Fear and trembling have beset me;
Horror has overwhelmed me.
[6] I said, “Oh, that I had the wings of a dove!
I would fly away and be at rest---
[7] I would flee far away
And stay in the desert; Selah
[8]I would hurry to my place of shelter,
Far from the tempest and storm.”
[16] But I call to God,
And the Lord saves me.
[17] Evening, morning and noon
I cry out in distress,
And he hears my voice.
[18] He ransoms me unharmed
From the battle waged against me,
Even though many oppose me.
[19] God, who is enthroned forever,
Will hear them and afflict them--- Selah
Men who never change their ways
And have no fear of God.
If the sun is a symbol of your might and power and sovereignty, then the moon represents your gentleness, your loving kindness, your guiding counsel through the darkness.
Where I am in my room at night, there is no moon; neither are there stars. I cannot see their light. It is dark and I grow fearful. Yet of stepping out into the light, I am also fearful.
And so I lay still. In my spirit I cry out to you. I know you hear me every time. Save me!
If I am being disciplined for a wrong I have done, for which I have not repented, please let me know the error. Search my heart and find it repentant. Show me what I might do to step out into your boldness again. Guide me towards your favor once more.
[1] Listen to my prayer, O God,
Do not ignore my plea;
[2] hear me and answer me.
My thoughts trouble me and I am distraught
[3] at the voice of the enemy,
At the stares of the wicked;
For they bring down suffering upon me
And revile me in their anger.
[4] My heart is in anguish within me;
The terrors of death assail me.
[5] Fear and trembling have beset me;
Horror has overwhelmed me.
[6] I said, “Oh, that I had the wings of a dove!
I would fly away and be at rest---
[7] I would flee far away
And stay in the desert; Selah
[8]I would hurry to my place of shelter,
Far from the tempest and storm.”
[16] But I call to God,
And the Lord saves me.
[17] Evening, morning and noon
I cry out in distress,
And he hears my voice.
[18] He ransoms me unharmed
From the battle waged against me,
Even though many oppose me.
[19] God, who is enthroned forever,
Will hear them and afflict them--- Selah
Men who never change their ways
And have no fear of God.
If the sun is a symbol of your might and power and sovereignty, then the moon represents your gentleness, your loving kindness, your guiding counsel through the darkness.
Where I am in my room at night, there is no moon; neither are there stars. I cannot see their light. It is dark and I grow fearful. Yet of stepping out into the light, I am also fearful.
And so I lay still. In my spirit I cry out to you. I know you hear me every time. Save me!
If I am being disciplined for a wrong I have done, for which I have not repented, please let me know the error. Search my heart and find it repentant. Show me what I might do to step out into your boldness again. Guide me towards your favor once more.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Untitled [July 17, 2009]
Deuteronomy 1:29-30a~ Then I said to you, “Do not be terrified; do not be afraid of them. [30a] The Lord your God, who is going before you, will fight for you.”
Oh Mighty Warrior, go before me and fight for me now. I am tired. I am weak. I press on, but I am angry and bitter and sad. I am all sorts of things for which I have no words.
You have tested me in other times; I know that this is not from you. I know that this is attack from the enemy.
I need your help. I need you to carry me now.
Fight for me. Please!
Oh Mighty Warrior, go before me and fight for me now. I am tired. I am weak. I press on, but I am angry and bitter and sad. I am all sorts of things for which I have no words.
You have tested me in other times; I know that this is not from you. I know that this is attack from the enemy.
I need your help. I need you to carry me now.
Fight for me. Please!
Saturday, July 11, 2009
When Was The Last Time?
I have this friend who seems to have time-sensitive memory. I’m going to refer to him as “Dentist.” Dentist is great with relationships, relating with people, getting involved with their lives and making them feel valued. That’s a wonderful skill that I wish I had. But his memory is time-sensitive. He will get to know you as best as he can given a little time.
With me, however, I’ve showed up here and there. We have several mutual friends so one time Julie will bring me over to see Dentist and his family; a few months later I’ll show up with Shayna. Several years go by. I see his wife at a friends’ wedding and I talk with her. She always remembers me.
Another few years go by and we’re all at a high school graduation dinner. Dentist stops to talk to another friend, Joker. I’m sitting right next to Joker. Dentist doesn’t seem to see me, as I sit talking to his wife and kids.
We all go inside as the dinner begins. I sit at the end of the table across from his wife. Dentist starts talking with Joker again. Then Dentist looks at me, his eyes grow wide. He calls out, “I know you!”
I don’t mean to embarrass Dentist; he’s a good man.
____________________________
I want to ask you something: When was the last time you prayed? How long has it been since you’ve talked to God? Was there a time in your life when you weren’t sure if God remembered you?
Like my friend Dentist- actually, even better than my friend- God remembers you. Not only does he say, “I know you!” but God knows your name. It reads in Isaiah 49: 15 [NIV], the Lord says “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!”
Psalms 139: 1-4 says: “O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord.”
And Joshua 1: 5b, 9b: “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. [9b] Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you where you go.”
God remembers you. God has never left you. If you pray today, God will say, “Yes my child, tell me. I’m here.”
____________________________
I often mention how for me last year, 2008, was about prayer. I prayed constantly. Before 2008, I prayed a lot, but I didn't depend on it so much and I didn't know what it meant to pray constantly. That practice didn’t stop when 2009 began; I am still praying, constantly! When I pass on from this world, I hope my headstone reads, “She prayed.”
And today, I felt a strong urge to encourage you to pray. It doesn’t matter if you prayed yesterday or a year ago…or even never at all. God knows you and he’s waiting to hear from you. It doesn’t matter if you pray to complain, to unload a heartache, or to praise and thank God. He delights to be in conversation with you. Yes, YOU. And you, too! And me.
Mahalo for reading! Off to pray…
[Photo of friends coming together to pray over a church family who moved recently. We miss them! And...you'd better believe that wasn't the last time I prayed! :) ]
With me, however, I’ve showed up here and there. We have several mutual friends so one time Julie will bring me over to see Dentist and his family; a few months later I’ll show up with Shayna. Several years go by. I see his wife at a friends’ wedding and I talk with her. She always remembers me.
Another few years go by and we’re all at a high school graduation dinner. Dentist stops to talk to another friend, Joker. I’m sitting right next to Joker. Dentist doesn’t seem to see me, as I sit talking to his wife and kids.
We all go inside as the dinner begins. I sit at the end of the table across from his wife. Dentist starts talking with Joker again. Then Dentist looks at me, his eyes grow wide. He calls out, “I know you!”
I don’t mean to embarrass Dentist; he’s a good man.
____________________________
I want to ask you something: When was the last time you prayed? How long has it been since you’ve talked to God? Was there a time in your life when you weren’t sure if God remembered you?
Like my friend Dentist- actually, even better than my friend- God remembers you. Not only does he say, “I know you!” but God knows your name. It reads in Isaiah 49: 15 [NIV], the Lord says “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!”
Psalms 139: 1-4 says: “O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord.”
And Joshua 1: 5b, 9b: “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. [9b] Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you where you go.”
God remembers you. God has never left you. If you pray today, God will say, “Yes my child, tell me. I’m here.”
____________________________
I often mention how for me last year, 2008, was about prayer. I prayed constantly. Before 2008, I prayed a lot, but I didn't depend on it so much and I didn't know what it meant to pray constantly. That practice didn’t stop when 2009 began; I am still praying, constantly! When I pass on from this world, I hope my headstone reads, “She prayed.”
And today, I felt a strong urge to encourage you to pray. It doesn’t matter if you prayed yesterday or a year ago…or even never at all. God knows you and he’s waiting to hear from you. It doesn’t matter if you pray to complain, to unload a heartache, or to praise and thank God. He delights to be in conversation with you. Yes, YOU. And you, too! And me.
Mahalo for reading! Off to pray…
[Photo of friends coming together to pray over a church family who moved recently. We miss them! And...you'd better believe that wasn't the last time I prayed! :) ]
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
First and First
I’ve done it, mission accomplished! From Genesis through Revelation, read by me over 18 months. My first time, completed just yesterday. Yet it is not my glory but God’s, for I did not accomplish this alone but with his help and those he sent to encourage me along the way. I had tried so many times before but I think God saw that I was ready now to receive all of his word.
As I write to tell you of this triumph, God is speaking to me. He’s revealing to me what the real battle was and what is in the victory of having completed the reading of his word. I am overwhelmed with awe this very moment as I write these words. I’d like to share with you what he’s told me but at a later date. I need some time to soak it all in.
Reading through the Bible is one first; the second is that last night I gave my first sermon. Our BS leader is taking us through a preaching class and so we are to prepare sermons and present them in front of each other. It’s very interesting stuff. Seven people heard my first sermon! I have a lot to work on but it’s fun.
Reading through the Bible for the first time and giving a sermon brings a few things together for me. I’m sensing that they were completed in the same day for a reason.
Having read the Bible, I have a different confidence in it and in my relationship with God. I sense that I am different person than I was the day before. I think I might have just reached a new level of maturity in my faith. 2008 was about learning to trust God through constant prayer. Perhaps my plan of finishing the read-through by the end of 2008 would have been taking on too much for me. God knew I needed to learn to trust him first and take more time with the Word.
And the confidence I gained from reading his Word helped me in my confidence to give a sermon. I felt God telling me, “Go ahead, you know what it says. I’ll show you my words that you will need.” One of the criteria for a good sermon is biblical accuracy. I was most concerned about the accuracy. It is the perfect word of God. Who am I? I was amazed that I scored on the upper end for accuracy, but why should I be amazed when I had the help of God. God is faithful not only to his word that is written, but his word that he speaks to us today.
Another thing: I did not give the sermon I wanted to give. I have had several subjects on my mind for months now. I thought I would talk about one of those but God put something else on my mind for last night. I gave the sermon that God gave me.
I’d like to give another sermon! However, I shall wait to see what God has for me.
Mahalo for reading!
As I write to tell you of this triumph, God is speaking to me. He’s revealing to me what the real battle was and what is in the victory of having completed the reading of his word. I am overwhelmed with awe this very moment as I write these words. I’d like to share with you what he’s told me but at a later date. I need some time to soak it all in.
Reading through the Bible is one first; the second is that last night I gave my first sermon. Our BS leader is taking us through a preaching class and so we are to prepare sermons and present them in front of each other. It’s very interesting stuff. Seven people heard my first sermon! I have a lot to work on but it’s fun.
Reading through the Bible for the first time and giving a sermon brings a few things together for me. I’m sensing that they were completed in the same day for a reason.
Having read the Bible, I have a different confidence in it and in my relationship with God. I sense that I am different person than I was the day before. I think I might have just reached a new level of maturity in my faith. 2008 was about learning to trust God through constant prayer. Perhaps my plan of finishing the read-through by the end of 2008 would have been taking on too much for me. God knew I needed to learn to trust him first and take more time with the Word.
And the confidence I gained from reading his Word helped me in my confidence to give a sermon. I felt God telling me, “Go ahead, you know what it says. I’ll show you my words that you will need.” One of the criteria for a good sermon is biblical accuracy. I was most concerned about the accuracy. It is the perfect word of God. Who am I? I was amazed that I scored on the upper end for accuracy, but why should I be amazed when I had the help of God. God is faithful not only to his word that is written, but his word that he speaks to us today.
Another thing: I did not give the sermon I wanted to give. I have had several subjects on my mind for months now. I thought I would talk about one of those but God put something else on my mind for last night. I gave the sermon that God gave me.
I’d like to give another sermon! However, I shall wait to see what God has for me.
Mahalo for reading!
Monday, June 29, 2009
Confidence
My emotions can be all over the place in a few moments, so I try to be aware of when I am allowing them to control me and to change the situation so that they are not in charge. It has been difficult to do that lately and so I haven’t been writing much for public viewing.
What’s been on my mind the past month or so are the joys and sorrows of my friends. In all things I pray over them and entrust them to God.
I’d like to share in the joys that my friends are experiencing. The only thing I can say is that my spirit is heavy and sad. Why is it that should seem like it would ruin my friends’ joy or lessen their enjoying their joy? I wrote my friend a letter, pouring my heart out; it is still in my possession. I cannot deliver it.
Another friend is experiencing great distress at this time. I have no sense of what might comfort. I can say that I have experienced the same, but I don’t know if that would help. It was by chance that I knew anything was going on at all. Someone who has been a prayer warrior for me and I am for him. For the time being, we are both messes. I am afraid, but I want to be strong. I didn’t want to add to his concerns.
So I have been silenced. One confidante experiencing joy I would not want to decrease. Another going through pain I would not add to. One off on their own, doing their own thing. Yet another had been in another country, doing the work of the Lord. I am on the verge of tears at any given moment. I suppose I only write anything now because the one in another country returned recently and for that I am ever grateful to God.
Being silenced drives me crazy but I know I have the perfect confidante in God who is always here to listen to my cry. He wants to carry my burdens with me and I am glad that he does. I think that of what I’ve learned the past year and a half, of learning to PRAY CONSTANTLY, I’ve learned that praying to God is an act of my trust in him. My prayers are an admission of humility as I cannot do anything but he can do all things; the trust is in saying that I know HE WILL do all things in his will. I believe my good is in his will, not my desires, but my good.
Yet, God has made us to be social beings, as he enjoys fellowship with his Son and the Holy Spirit. I need your prayers constantly. The details are not important, do not feel overly concerned for me. Please pray for me.
I constantly remember you in my prayers also.
Mahalo for reading. Let us pray...
What’s been on my mind the past month or so are the joys and sorrows of my friends. In all things I pray over them and entrust them to God.
I’d like to share in the joys that my friends are experiencing. The only thing I can say is that my spirit is heavy and sad. Why is it that should seem like it would ruin my friends’ joy or lessen their enjoying their joy? I wrote my friend a letter, pouring my heart out; it is still in my possession. I cannot deliver it.
Another friend is experiencing great distress at this time. I have no sense of what might comfort. I can say that I have experienced the same, but I don’t know if that would help. It was by chance that I knew anything was going on at all. Someone who has been a prayer warrior for me and I am for him. For the time being, we are both messes. I am afraid, but I want to be strong. I didn’t want to add to his concerns.
So I have been silenced. One confidante experiencing joy I would not want to decrease. Another going through pain I would not add to. One off on their own, doing their own thing. Yet another had been in another country, doing the work of the Lord. I am on the verge of tears at any given moment. I suppose I only write anything now because the one in another country returned recently and for that I am ever grateful to God.
Being silenced drives me crazy but I know I have the perfect confidante in God who is always here to listen to my cry. He wants to carry my burdens with me and I am glad that he does. I think that of what I’ve learned the past year and a half, of learning to PRAY CONSTANTLY, I’ve learned that praying to God is an act of my trust in him. My prayers are an admission of humility as I cannot do anything but he can do all things; the trust is in saying that I know HE WILL do all things in his will. I believe my good is in his will, not my desires, but my good.
Yet, God has made us to be social beings, as he enjoys fellowship with his Son and the Holy Spirit. I need your prayers constantly. The details are not important, do not feel overly concerned for me. Please pray for me.
I constantly remember you in my prayers also.
Mahalo for reading. Let us pray...
Friday, June 19, 2009
Mingling Among Romans
I yet press on in my endeavor to read the entire Bible. I started reading in Romans today and right away in Chapter 1, I felt like taking note of this and taking note of that.
It amazes me that God would use someone who hadn’t known his son firsthand, hadn’t walked with Jesus, someone who was persecuting those who believed in Jesus the Christ; God used Paul greatly to bring his story to the world. Most of the New Testament is about Paul and the people he reached through the power of Christ he received from God.
Not Peter, who was to be the foundation of the church, the first disciple whom Jesus called. Not John, whom Jesus loved. No, not them but the guy who was on a mission to make sure men like them died.
Anyways, here are thoughts I had while reading the beginnings of Romans:
____________________________
Romans 1:11-12~I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong--- 12 that is, that you and I may be MUTUALLY ENCOURAGED by each other’s FAITH.
Encouraged by what? By each other’s friendship, smiling faces? No. By money? No. By kind words? By non-judgemental ways? By giving absolute approval to each other? No. By faith.
I have a difficult time processing compliments I receive from others. Someone says that I am independent; I know that I am very dependent on others. Someone says that I’m on top of things; I know that I struggle greatly to keep things together. Someone says that the kids love having me around; I’d rather hear it or experience it from the kids themselves. I want to be there for them when they have questions, when they’re having difficult times, when they get down on themselves. I don’t feel like I’ve made any difference, like I have had a good influence on them.
I am encouraged when I see people choosing to do what is right, especially when it is difficult to do so. A friend of mine has a physical desire to be with someone in particular but restrains himself from her as well as refrains from seeking physical contact with other girls. A mother on crutches sees a piece of trash on the floor gets awkwardly down to pick it up and throws it away.
I am most encouraged in my faith when encouragement returns to me, when God sees fit to use me in an amazing way and allows me to hear of the effect. One friend was having a difficult time in bitterness and a sense of being distanced from God. We spent a time of fellowship together, just her and I. A few days later, she said that after we had talked, she began to feel better about her situation, to have a renewed attitude towards life. I'm not exactly sure what about that time together helped her. All I did was listen to her and give little insight from my own experiences, to say that I know how she feels, she is not alone. Being able to help her in some way, I know was only through God. He was saying to me, “See, I will turn your sufferings into something good. You trust me.”
Romans 1:20~For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities- his eternal power and divine nature- have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.
I am a nerd. I love to learn. Whenever I hear a young person talk about school, how it’s boring or how they hate science, I think they’re missing the big picture! It’s not their fault, it’s how the system is these days. I didn’t get it when I was their age, a lot of adults don’t get it, but school and learning is an incredible opportunity to know more about God and this world that he gave us.
I think learning about the world around us tells us that things don’t just happen by chance. A leaf isn’t green because it wants to be or some unknowable spirit randomly tossed green onto it. a leaf is green because of the chlorophyll it contains. An albino person isn’t some alien dropped onto the planet but is made that way due to his unique genes. Numbers are concepts, not physical objects, yet they help us talk about quantities, to order things, to predict occurrences, etc.
The color of a leaf, the albinism in a person, mathematics, all were designed by God. I think the fact that we can know things is fascinating. That we feel emotions, have a sense of beauty, etc., fascinates me even more and tells me that subjects like art and philosophy are important as well.
Or perhaps, this verse is talking about the wonder one should feel at looking up into the night sky with all the stars, or at the power of the ocean as the waves come crashing in, or the cooling effect of the wind brushing our skin. God is in those things as well.
Romans 1:28~ Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a DEPRAVED MIND, to do WHAT OUGHT NOT to be done.
I think one could read this verse as saying that God gave up and didn’t care anymore, but rather I believe it is saying that God let the people have what they wanted. I also had the thought that even in the depraved mind, one can still change and decide to choose God. God did not CONDEMN them to a depraved mind as if they no longer had a choice but left enough to change because he still cared.
I also thought about the “what ought not” part. If they that did not care to know God did what ought not be done, then those who love God should do what ought to be done. As an example of application, is using foul language a sin? Is one sinning when they swear?
I heard a group of Christians discussing the subject of swearing. The question of what constitutes a swear word came up. Who designates which is a swear word and which is not? Are we as a society unnecessarily sensitive to certain words? I was watching a show where Whoopi Goldberg was sharing her ideas with an audience. She has no problem with the word “s—t” [apparently I do] but hates the word “stupid.” I understand where she’s coming from with the latter word.
Without pointing to another verse at the moment, I wanna say that whether swearing is a sin or not, I don’t know absolutely. My concern is that by swearing, whatever the world deems as a swear word, the Christian looks more like a representative of the world rather than like a representative of Christ. The world may think one’s cool if one uses swear words, but that same world also doesn’t think one is a Christian.
Ought a Christian to swear? I do not believe so.
____________________________
I could probably say more. That’s a good chunk of thinking for one entry, isn’t it? Any reactions/ thoughts of your own?
Mahalo for reading!
It amazes me that God would use someone who hadn’t known his son firsthand, hadn’t walked with Jesus, someone who was persecuting those who believed in Jesus the Christ; God used Paul greatly to bring his story to the world. Most of the New Testament is about Paul and the people he reached through the power of Christ he received from God.
Not Peter, who was to be the foundation of the church, the first disciple whom Jesus called. Not John, whom Jesus loved. No, not them but the guy who was on a mission to make sure men like them died.
Anyways, here are thoughts I had while reading the beginnings of Romans:
____________________________
Romans 1:11-12~I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong--- 12 that is, that you and I may be MUTUALLY ENCOURAGED by each other’s FAITH.
Encouraged by what? By each other’s friendship, smiling faces? No. By money? No. By kind words? By non-judgemental ways? By giving absolute approval to each other? No. By faith.
I have a difficult time processing compliments I receive from others. Someone says that I am independent; I know that I am very dependent on others. Someone says that I’m on top of things; I know that I struggle greatly to keep things together. Someone says that the kids love having me around; I’d rather hear it or experience it from the kids themselves. I want to be there for them when they have questions, when they’re having difficult times, when they get down on themselves. I don’t feel like I’ve made any difference, like I have had a good influence on them.
I am encouraged when I see people choosing to do what is right, especially when it is difficult to do so. A friend of mine has a physical desire to be with someone in particular but restrains himself from her as well as refrains from seeking physical contact with other girls. A mother on crutches sees a piece of trash on the floor gets awkwardly down to pick it up and throws it away.
I am most encouraged in my faith when encouragement returns to me, when God sees fit to use me in an amazing way and allows me to hear of the effect. One friend was having a difficult time in bitterness and a sense of being distanced from God. We spent a time of fellowship together, just her and I. A few days later, she said that after we had talked, she began to feel better about her situation, to have a renewed attitude towards life. I'm not exactly sure what about that time together helped her. All I did was listen to her and give little insight from my own experiences, to say that I know how she feels, she is not alone. Being able to help her in some way, I know was only through God. He was saying to me, “See, I will turn your sufferings into something good. You trust me.”
Romans 1:20~For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities- his eternal power and divine nature- have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.
I am a nerd. I love to learn. Whenever I hear a young person talk about school, how it’s boring or how they hate science, I think they’re missing the big picture! It’s not their fault, it’s how the system is these days. I didn’t get it when I was their age, a lot of adults don’t get it, but school and learning is an incredible opportunity to know more about God and this world that he gave us.
I think learning about the world around us tells us that things don’t just happen by chance. A leaf isn’t green because it wants to be or some unknowable spirit randomly tossed green onto it. a leaf is green because of the chlorophyll it contains. An albino person isn’t some alien dropped onto the planet but is made that way due to his unique genes. Numbers are concepts, not physical objects, yet they help us talk about quantities, to order things, to predict occurrences, etc.
The color of a leaf, the albinism in a person, mathematics, all were designed by God. I think the fact that we can know things is fascinating. That we feel emotions, have a sense of beauty, etc., fascinates me even more and tells me that subjects like art and philosophy are important as well.
Or perhaps, this verse is talking about the wonder one should feel at looking up into the night sky with all the stars, or at the power of the ocean as the waves come crashing in, or the cooling effect of the wind brushing our skin. God is in those things as well.
Romans 1:28~ Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a DEPRAVED MIND, to do WHAT OUGHT NOT to be done.
I think one could read this verse as saying that God gave up and didn’t care anymore, but rather I believe it is saying that God let the people have what they wanted. I also had the thought that even in the depraved mind, one can still change and decide to choose God. God did not CONDEMN them to a depraved mind as if they no longer had a choice but left enough to change because he still cared.
I also thought about the “what ought not” part. If they that did not care to know God did what ought not be done, then those who love God should do what ought to be done. As an example of application, is using foul language a sin? Is one sinning when they swear?
I heard a group of Christians discussing the subject of swearing. The question of what constitutes a swear word came up. Who designates which is a swear word and which is not? Are we as a society unnecessarily sensitive to certain words? I was watching a show where Whoopi Goldberg was sharing her ideas with an audience. She has no problem with the word “s—t” [apparently I do] but hates the word “stupid.” I understand where she’s coming from with the latter word.
Without pointing to another verse at the moment, I wanna say that whether swearing is a sin or not, I don’t know absolutely. My concern is that by swearing, whatever the world deems as a swear word, the Christian looks more like a representative of the world rather than like a representative of Christ. The world may think one’s cool if one uses swear words, but that same world also doesn’t think one is a Christian.
Ought a Christian to swear? I do not believe so.
____________________________
I could probably say more. That’s a good chunk of thinking for one entry, isn’t it? Any reactions/ thoughts of your own?
Mahalo for reading!
Monday, June 15, 2009
Picture This! : Battle of the Bands
Photos from the Battle of the Bands!
[Click on image for larger view]
[Click on image for larger view]
Saturday, June 13, 2009
[IMPACT] Summer Games 2009: Battle of the Bands!!
The [IMPACT] Summer Games has begun! This past Thursday (June 11) kicked the season off with a Battle of the Bands, along with a little preview of the weeks to come. David Tamaoka of FCF emceed the night, Kendal Fong hosted the previews and a very satisfying dinner was provided courtesy of Christ’s Church at Aiea (Craig Terada).
A group representing Kalihi Union Church, the Awesomeness (directed by lead singer Rachel) fired the first shot in front of the judges from JV League (Amanda, John and Stephanie). The Awesomeness sang an original song giving praise to God and finished with the ukulele styling of Chris and Adam. Christ’s Church at Aiea provided a mix of genres, beginning with a soft praise song, a prayer for the transition and ending with an energized rap.
A brother team of Scott and Dan [FCF] performed on the ukulele and drums. Mililani Community Church came out with an all-girl band singing a medley of songs including “Go Tell It on the Mountain” and “The Hand That Holds the World.” The stage was dominated by the females again as another group from FCF sang Avril Lavigne’s “My Happy Ending.”
In between band sets, Kendal ran mini versions of the big games that are scheduled for the rest of the summer. Video Game night was represented by Rockband on PSP, followed by a dash-and-grab game as a well-lit rendition of Mission Impossible night, and a volleyball/broom hockey combo as…volleyball/broom hockey night (though the actual event will not be a combo challenge, as far as I know). The preview challenge for Messy Games night was to stick gummi bears on the partner’s face, so there’s something to look forward to! A tentative basketball night is also on the summer schedule.
JV League closed the music portion of the night with a worship set: Forever, Take It All, Inside Out and One Way. I can’t describe the good feeling that comes from seeing a crowd of young people singing to the Lord with all of their heart. Keep it coming!
The night was capped off with a message from James Kwong [FCF]. He talked to the students about the 3-story gospel. The first story is God’s story, telling of how God created us and loves us, sending his son to save us in our sin. The second story, my story. Well, not me specifically, but the story of the person sharing the gospel, of how “my” story intersected with God’s story. The last story is the story of the person in the audience, the one hearing about the gospel.
To illustrate how God moves in our lives, James told the story of his friend in CA, of how she came to her relationship with Christ, and then of how God spoke to her and used her in her friend’s story. If you’re a Christian, pray over your non-Christian friends while trusting in the fact that God is already moving in your friends’ lives. God may call you to act in your friend’s life on his behalf; when that happens, trust him and obey. The [IMPACT] summer games are a good opportunity to invite your friends to have some fun and hear the gospel.
If you’re not a Christian yet, God might be moving in your life right now. It may just be that God sent your friend to invite you out to an [IMPACT] night. If you think God may be talking to you on one of these nights, we invite you to talk to one of the staff about questions you may have or to take the step and begin your personal relationship with Christ.
Were you there at the Battle of the Bands? If not, that’s okay. More games are in the works with the next one being Volleyball/ Broom Hockey night. Make a note of the special night, time and location: Saturday, June 20th from 2:00 to 5:00 pm out in Mililani (Kaomaaiku Neighborhood Park). For more information, see the youth leader at your church or email impactministries@googlegroups.com or check out the Facebook site at [IMPACT] on Facebook. Bring your friends, there’s always room for more!
Interested in practicing your writing skills?!! Please come and see me, Jenn the (current) [IMPACT] historian. Chances are I’m the one at the event taking crazy photos, or email me at jenniferlo@loqualityproducts.com or contact me here by leaving a comment. It would be great to have other perspectives on any of the events, from students to youth leaders, from a few paragraphs to a long piece!
[And a big “HELLO” to JB and Tina from my Chosen Camp team! I should have more energy for socializing next time but I didn’t forget you! Good to have seen you! Okay, I’ll finish this up now.]
MAHALO to all who helped with setup, running the event and clean up:
[KUC] Joel, Brandon, Adam, Chris S., Scott K.
[Crosscurrent] Tad, Byron
[HBA] Shane
[FCF] Aya, David and Steph, John, Amanda, Jeff
[CCAA] Craig, Wayne
[CCAK] Melissa
[MCC] Steve, Justin, JB
[LCC] Kendall
JV League
Chaz, Kevin Siu
All the youth leaders
All the participants in the Battle of the Bands
All the names I missed mentioning
And Kendal, James and Lisa for [IMPACT] Ministries!
A group representing Kalihi Union Church, the Awesomeness (directed by lead singer Rachel) fired the first shot in front of the judges from JV League (Amanda, John and Stephanie). The Awesomeness sang an original song giving praise to God and finished with the ukulele styling of Chris and Adam. Christ’s Church at Aiea provided a mix of genres, beginning with a soft praise song, a prayer for the transition and ending with an energized rap.
A brother team of Scott and Dan [FCF] performed on the ukulele and drums. Mililani Community Church came out with an all-girl band singing a medley of songs including “Go Tell It on the Mountain” and “The Hand That Holds the World.” The stage was dominated by the females again as another group from FCF sang Avril Lavigne’s “My Happy Ending.”
In between band sets, Kendal ran mini versions of the big games that are scheduled for the rest of the summer. Video Game night was represented by Rockband on PSP, followed by a dash-and-grab game as a well-lit rendition of Mission Impossible night, and a volleyball/broom hockey combo as…volleyball/broom hockey night (though the actual event will not be a combo challenge, as far as I know). The preview challenge for Messy Games night was to stick gummi bears on the partner’s face, so there’s something to look forward to! A tentative basketball night is also on the summer schedule.
JV League closed the music portion of the night with a worship set: Forever, Take It All, Inside Out and One Way. I can’t describe the good feeling that comes from seeing a crowd of young people singing to the Lord with all of their heart. Keep it coming!
The night was capped off with a message from James Kwong [FCF]. He talked to the students about the 3-story gospel. The first story is God’s story, telling of how God created us and loves us, sending his son to save us in our sin. The second story, my story. Well, not me specifically, but the story of the person sharing the gospel, of how “my” story intersected with God’s story. The last story is the story of the person in the audience, the one hearing about the gospel.
To illustrate how God moves in our lives, James told the story of his friend in CA, of how she came to her relationship with Christ, and then of how God spoke to her and used her in her friend’s story. If you’re a Christian, pray over your non-Christian friends while trusting in the fact that God is already moving in your friends’ lives. God may call you to act in your friend’s life on his behalf; when that happens, trust him and obey. The [IMPACT] summer games are a good opportunity to invite your friends to have some fun and hear the gospel.
If you’re not a Christian yet, God might be moving in your life right now. It may just be that God sent your friend to invite you out to an [IMPACT] night. If you think God may be talking to you on one of these nights, we invite you to talk to one of the staff about questions you may have or to take the step and begin your personal relationship with Christ.
Were you there at the Battle of the Bands? If not, that’s okay. More games are in the works with the next one being Volleyball/ Broom Hockey night. Make a note of the special night, time and location: Saturday, June 20th from 2:00 to 5:00 pm out in Mililani (Kaomaaiku Neighborhood Park). For more information, see the youth leader at your church or email impactministries@googlegroups.com or check out the Facebook site at [IMPACT] on Facebook. Bring your friends, there’s always room for more!
Interested in practicing your writing skills?!! Please come and see me, Jenn the (current) [IMPACT] historian. Chances are I’m the one at the event taking crazy photos, or email me at jenniferlo@loqualityproducts.com or contact me here by leaving a comment. It would be great to have other perspectives on any of the events, from students to youth leaders, from a few paragraphs to a long piece!
[And a big “HELLO” to JB and Tina from my Chosen Camp team! I should have more energy for socializing next time but I didn’t forget you! Good to have seen you! Okay, I’ll finish this up now.]
MAHALO to all who helped with setup, running the event and clean up:
[KUC] Joel, Brandon, Adam, Chris S., Scott K.
[Crosscurrent] Tad, Byron
[HBA] Shane
[FCF] Aya, David and Steph, John, Amanda, Jeff
[CCAA] Craig, Wayne
[CCAK] Melissa
[MCC] Steve, Justin, JB
[LCC] Kendall
JV League
Chaz, Kevin Siu
All the youth leaders
All the participants in the Battle of the Bands
All the names I missed mentioning
And Kendal, James and Lisa for [IMPACT] Ministries!
Saturday, May 30, 2009
May I Be Excused?
Wow. So I haven’t posted a thing since April and tomorrow is the last day of May already. Here goes the token May post. I apologize.
I’m just gonna ramble this one. I’m too tired to think up and use nicknames, but I don’t think it should be a problem this time.
I survived another semester of thesis. I have a new advisor and so far things are moving more than they were before; that is a relief. December is looking like a doable deadline.
Jared and Bert came down for R&R. Group dynamics changed. I’d rather not say much more than that. By extension through Krystle, I got to spend some time with Bert and get to know him a little bit more.
Rachel, Shelly and I had an impromptu girls’ night. It was fun. We looked in the M.A.C. store, it was kinda busy, so we spent some time in Sephora. Each of us actually bought something. And it was girly.
At a meeting earlier this month, I announced to the youth council at church that I will not be continuing Youth Sunday School leading next year. I’ve been thinking and praying about another ministry and I believe God is leading me in that direction. I’m excited and a little worried because it is something…I wouldn’t have thought I would get into and it is looking like a good possibility it should and will happen. I want so much good for others and can it be that I might help provide a good for them? I continue to pray and I trust God’s promise that He will equip me to do His work. Yet, it is scary. I’m gonna do it. I’ve never done anything like this but I have to try.
And so many other things are weighing on my spirit. I am not in control. I cannot emphasize enough the importance prayer has taken in my life the past 18 months but I am so glad to have it as a tool.
That’s it for now. [IMPACT]’s gonna be starting up again real soon so there should be more entries in June.
Oh, and Apple comes for a visit in July! I’M SO EXCITED I CANNOT WAIT COME NOW!
Mahalo for reading. See you next month!
I’m just gonna ramble this one. I’m too tired to think up and use nicknames, but I don’t think it should be a problem this time.
I survived another semester of thesis. I have a new advisor and so far things are moving more than they were before; that is a relief. December is looking like a doable deadline.
Jared and Bert came down for R&R. Group dynamics changed. I’d rather not say much more than that. By extension through Krystle, I got to spend some time with Bert and get to know him a little bit more.
Rachel, Shelly and I had an impromptu girls’ night. It was fun. We looked in the M.A.C. store, it was kinda busy, so we spent some time in Sephora. Each of us actually bought something. And it was girly.
At a meeting earlier this month, I announced to the youth council at church that I will not be continuing Youth Sunday School leading next year. I’ve been thinking and praying about another ministry and I believe God is leading me in that direction. I’m excited and a little worried because it is something…I wouldn’t have thought I would get into and it is looking like a good possibility it should and will happen. I want so much good for others and can it be that I might help provide a good for them? I continue to pray and I trust God’s promise that He will equip me to do His work. Yet, it is scary. I’m gonna do it. I’ve never done anything like this but I have to try.
And so many other things are weighing on my spirit. I am not in control. I cannot emphasize enough the importance prayer has taken in my life the past 18 months but I am so glad to have it as a tool.
That’s it for now. [IMPACT]’s gonna be starting up again real soon so there should be more entries in June.
Oh, and Apple comes for a visit in July! I’M SO EXCITED I CANNOT WAIT COME NOW!
Mahalo for reading. See you next month!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Such Thin Pages
As I was reading the Bible recently, I took some time to reflect on the thinness of the pages. I don’t know why. I will often finish a section [which I have designated for myself as 3 chapters every reading session] and then flip through the rest of the book to see how many more chapters are left. This used to be a tasking thing as I would think, “I have so far to go!” Now it is an encouraging thing as I think instead, “I’m halfway!” or “There’s only 5 more chapters, I can finish that right now.”
But for some reason, when I was checking ahead this particular time in the book of Ezekiel, I turned the page and thought, “Why are Bible pages so thin?”
Perhaps it serves practical reasons, as 1000+ pages printed on 20# weight paper would be bulky and heavy. Or maybe small type prints better on this kind of paper.
Beyond that, I reflected on my spiritual walk being a reading through the Bible, printed on these thin pages. Such thin pages. I finish reading a page but that one page alone is so thin that it seems like I haven’t made any progress at all.
Then I take a bottom or a top view and I see that I’ve read 730 pages so far, more than halfway through. To think that I used to get stuck around page 150 [~Deuteronomy], that is considerable progress!
And the texture, so smooth, yet rough where I’ve written on it somewhere. I write on the page when I’ve gotten an idea from, a clearer understanding of, or a huge question mark on the reading. Sometimes I’ve pressed down on the pen so much that I can feel the impression through several pages. Such thin pages.
Being somewhat of a bibliophile, even the sound of turning a page is music to me. The thin pages of the Bible rustle and sigh as I flip through. I am beginning to find comfort in its song. The sound is so much more than is the sound of any other book I may read.
____________________________
My spiritual walk has been slow, the journey of maturity long. Looking back from this point, it has been as if I’ve taken a whole year to take one step. Not always; there have been periods of tremendous growth and understanding, but few and far between have those periods been.
I cannot know what is in my future either, but God knows. God knows what progress I have made and what chapter is next, knows what page I'm on. The times that I’ve been lost or going the wrong direction in life are the times that God wrote on my page, not for His understanding but for my own. God also writes on my page at moments of revealing to me more of who He is. And believe me, He leaves an impression.
As for the sound of my spiritual walk, I think God loves listening to it. I’m sure He loves listening to yours just as much! And God loving your "song" doesn't take away from how much He loves mine, isn't that a wonder?
I know this is a loose illustration. It’s just some thoughts that were going through my mind as I reflected on the pages. *shrugs* I kinda like it.
Such thin pages, each one holding so much.
Mahalo for reading!
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