tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81804491477034800392024-03-14T11:56:29.284+00:00There is No Randomaka Xi Linghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16634385421298625953noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180449147703480039.post-62772047073300796682018-04-20T17:41:00.001+01:002018-04-20T17:41:29.510+01:00Enemies<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My recent season of life has been tough. Yes, of late you've seen me gallivanting around Europe before arriving back in the good ol' US of A, but the dark side of these adventures is that they came in the wake of quitting -- or more accurately <i>escaping</i> -- a very toxic work environment. It is not possible to tell the whole story here, but I would like to share what I've been working through spiritually. Perhaps now, after beginning to write this post at least two months ago, prior to even leaving Asia, I've had enough time of reflection to tie it together. It's a long one-- I thought about splitting it into two posts, but ultimately decided it's better together.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Matt-5-48" id="en-NLT-23259"><span class="woj">--------------</span></span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In the past, I never paid much attention to the complaints of the psalmist about being surrounded by enemies, having to deal with arrogant and untrustworthy people, betrayal or suffering unjust treatment. Honestly, though I'd enjoyed other aspects of the psalms, I kind of found all that a bit annoying and at times thought of David (author of much of the psalms) as a complainer, a whiner, or perhaps an exaggerator. I mean, we all deal with some difficult people at some point or get treated unfairly, but most of those experiences aren't the end of the world. And then there's the whole getting chased by an army thing-- not exactly something I could relate to. Unless you're in the military and have been sent into a war zone, I would hazard to say that you've felt the same way.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">But then I had to deal with that stuff.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Suddenly those complaints were very relevant to me. I wasn't surrounded by an army who literally wanted to kill me, but I now know what it is like to be surrounded by enemies who attack your livelihood, your integrity, and your security and not have a good immediate option of escape.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">"O God, have mercy on me,</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">for people are hounding me.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My foes attack me all day long.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I am constantly hounded by those who slander me,</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">and many are boldly attacking me...</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">They are always twisting what I say;</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">they spend their days plotting to harm me.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">They come together to spy on me--</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">watching my every step, eager to kill me.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Don't let them get away with their wickedness;</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">in your anger, O God, bring them down."</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">-- Psalm 56: 1-2; 5-7</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">"So many enemies against one man--</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">all of them trying to kill me.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">To them I'm just a broken-down wall or a tottering fence.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">They plan to topple me from my high position.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">They delight in telling lies about me.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">They praise me to my face but curse me in their hearts."</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">-- Psalm 62:3-4</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Every day was like walking on eggshells, having no idea what crazy new thing they would come up with next-- what crazy accusation they would levy, what crazy new rule would suddenly manifest, what crazy amount of money they would try to cheat me out of. I felt like a hostage-- because of the financial aspect of the situation, I couldn't just leave.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">"Declare me innocent, O God!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Defend me against these ungodly people.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Rescue me from these unjust liars.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">For you are God, my only safe haven."</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">-- Psalm 43: 1-2</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">"In my anxiety I cried out to you,</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">'These people are all liars!'"</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">-- Psalm 116:11</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">"O LORD, you know all about this.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Do not stay silent.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Do not abandon me now, O Lord.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Wake up! Rise to my defense!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Take up my case, my God and my Lord."</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">-- Psalm 35: 22-23 </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Progressively, it took over my thoughts, prayers, and seemingly every aspect of my reality. Day and night I wrestled with what to do. How long do I endure this? Is it going to get better? How long until it works out? How long until I escape? Do I just cut and run or do I hold out a bit longer to try and get what's owed me?</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">"Save me, O God,</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">for the floodwaters are up to my neck.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Deeper and deeper I sink into the mire;</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I can't find a foothold.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I am in deep water,</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">and the floods overwhelm me.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I am exhausted from crying for help;</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">my throat is parched.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My eyes are swollen with weeping,</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">waiting for my God to help me.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Those who hate me without cause outnumber the hairs on my head.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Many enemies try to destroy me with lies..."</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">-- Psalm 69:1-4</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">"[They're] expert[s] at telling lies.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">[They] love evil more than good</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">and lies more than truth."</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">-- Psalm 52:2-3</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">"I get nothing but trouble all day long;</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">every morning brings me pain." </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">-- Psalm 73:14 </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">"Rescue me from the mud;</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">don't let me sink any deeper!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Save me from those who hate me,</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">and pull me from these deep waters."</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">-- Psalm 69:14</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I started understanding the call for vengeance...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">"For my enemies are whispering against me.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">They are plotting together to kill me...</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">O God, don't stay away.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My God, please hurry to help me.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Bring disgrace and destruction on my accusers.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Humiliate and shame those who want to harm me."</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">-- Psalm 71:10-13</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">"So let sudden ruin come upon them!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Let them be caught in the trap they set for me!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Let them be destroyed in the pit they dug for me!"</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">-- Psalm 35:8 </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">"Yes!" I started cheering along, "Teach them a lesson, Lord! Make them realize they're in the wrong! Prove my innocence and make them pay for what they've done! Humiliate and embarrass them! They don't deserve success!" </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A cloud of darkness settled over my life. But then I was out for a run in the hills (running tends to be a time of deep thinking for me) and felt a nudge that seemed to say, "But have you prayed FOR them?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="first-line-none" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Matt-5-43"><span class="woj">“You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy.</span></span> <span class="text Matt-5-44" id="en-NLT-23255"><sup class="versenum"> </sup><span class="woj"> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="first-line-none" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Matt-5-44" id="en-NLT-23255"><span class="woj">But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!</span></span> <span class="text Matt-5-45" id="en-NLT-23256"><sup class="versenum"> </sup></span></span></span></div>
<div class="first-line-none" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Matt-5-45" id="en-NLT-23256"><sup class="versenum"> </sup><span class="woj">In
that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Matt-5-45" id="en-NLT-23256"><span class="woj"><span class="text Matt-5-45" id="en-NLT-23256"><span class="woj">For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Matt-5-45" id="en-NLT-23256"><span class="woj"><span class="text Matt-5-45" id="en-NLT-23256"><span class="woj">and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike.</span></span>" </span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="first-line-none" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Matt-5-48" id="en-NLT-23259"><span class="woj"><span style="color: #f1c232;">-- Matthew 5:43-45</span> </span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Truly I had done much praying ABOUT them but not FOR them. <span class="footnote-text"> My prayers had been 'me' focused-- how the situation could be improved to make MY life better. I hadn't been praying FOR my enemies, only AGAINST them and FOR MYSELF. I'd been so focused on how to safeguard my own life that I'd forgotten Jesus' command: </span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span class="footnote-text"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #f1c232;">"</span><span class="footnote-text"><span style="color: #f1c232;">Bless those who curse you"</span> (Luke 6:28).</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span class="footnote-text"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span class="footnote-text">"If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span class="footnote-text">Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span class="footnote-text">If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span class="footnote-text">Even pagans do that. </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span class="footnote-text">But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect."</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span class="footnote-text"><span style="font-size: x-small;">-- Matthew 5:46-48</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Matt-5-48" id="en-NLT-23259"><span class="woj">Right then on a sweaty subtropical "mountain" I began praying differently. The dark cloud was still there, but it seemed a ray of sunshine broke through. The heaviness was not quite so heavy. And though I am still shaking off the dust, I can testify that praying love over your enemies is much more freeing than praying hate.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Matt-5-48" id="en-NLT-23259"><span class="woj">--------------</span></span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Matt-5-48" id="en-NLT-23259"><span class="woj">I had this epiphany moment, but I began to wonder: how does this fit with David's prayers for vengeance in the psalms? What about praying against "those who hate me without cause" (Psalm 69:4), calling out for God to "pour out [his] indignation upon them, and let [his] burning anger overtake them" (Psalm 69:24)? Why does David get to pray this? Can I pray this and still love my enemies? At first glance it seems contradictory.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Matt-5-48" id="en-NLT-23259"><span class="woj">David is called by God "a man after [God's] own heart" (1 Samuel 13:14), yet his psalms, his prayers, appear to stand in contention with this command from Jesus. Can you be a man or woman after God's own heart -- obeying Jesus' command to love your enemies -- and call for vengeance at the same time?</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Matt-5-48" id="en-NLT-23259"><span class="woj"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Matt-5-48" id="en-NLT-23259"><span class="woj">The Lord tells us that revenge is his, stating:</span></span> <span class="text Matt-5-48" id="en-NLT-23259"><span class="woj">"I will take revenge; I will pay them back" (Deuteronomy 32:35a). </span></span><span class="text Matt-5-48" id="en-NLT-23259"><span class="woj">In the context of this passage he is acknowledging that Israel has enemies and has faced hard times but also that he will deal with it all at the appropriate time:</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Matt-5-48" id="en-NLT-23259"><span class="woj"><br /></span></span></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Matt-5-48" id="en-NLT-23259"><span class="woj">"The LORD says, 'Am I not storing up these things,</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Matt-5-48" id="en-NLT-23259"><span class="woj">sealing them away in my treasury?</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Matt-5-48" id="en-NLT-23259"><span class="woj">I will take revenge; I will pay them back.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Matt-5-48" id="en-NLT-23259"><span class="woj">In due time their feet will slip.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Matt-5-48" id="en-NLT-23259"><span class="woj">Their day of disaster will arrive,</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Matt-5-48" id="en-NLT-23259"><span class="woj">and their destiny will overtake them.'"</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Matt-5-48" id="en-NLT-23259"><span class="woj"><span style="font-size: x-small;">--Deuteronomy 32:34-35</span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Matt-5-48" id="en-NLT-23259"><span class="woj"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Matt-5-48" id="en-NLT-23259"><span class="woj">We mortals with our finite view of time are not very patient. We want things now. We want to see progress, results, and rewards now. We want tangible assurance -- to see with our own eyes -- that things are happening, that things are going our way, that the Lord is working it out. But the Lord is patient. In his unlimited, infinite view of time he has a long-term plan-- much longer than we can conceive. It is impossible for us to know or understand everything he is doing. He says we will receive justice; He says our enemies will reap what they've sowed, but "in due time"-- the right time. It is not our place to say when and how, or even if it is in this life or in the next. God never promises that evil people will face the consequences of their actions here on earth, but he does promise eternal ramifications in the life to come.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Matt-5-48" id="en-NLT-23259"><span class="woj">In the mean time, we are told:</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Matt-5-48" id="en-NLT-23259"><span class="woj"><br /></span></span></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Matt-5-48" id="en-NLT-23259"><span class="woj">"Never pay back evil with more evil.</span></span><span class="text Matt-5-48" id="en-NLT-23259"><span class="woj"> Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable.</span></span><span class="text Matt-5-48" id="en-NLT-23259"><span class="woj"> Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.</span></span><span class="text Matt-5-48" id="en-NLT-23259"><span class="woj"> Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God." </span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Matt-5-48" id="en-NLT-23259"><span class="woj"><span style="font-size: x-small;">-- Romans 12:17-19 </span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Matt-5-48" id="en-NLT-23259"><span class="woj">Though we see David calling for revenge in his psalms, we also see him leaving it to God in his actions. In 1 Samuel 24, David is running for his life and has the chance to kill his enemy, Saul, who is hunting him down to kill him without cause. But instead of killing Saul, David spares him, showing mercy, stating: </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Matt-5-48" id="en-NLT-23259"><span class="woj">"May the LORD judge between us. Perhaps the LORD will punish you for what you are trying to do to me, but I will never harm you. As that old proverb says, 'From evil people come evil deeds.' So you can be sure I will never harm you... May the LORD therefore judge which of us is right and punish the guilty one. He is my advocate, and he will rescue me from your power!"</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="text Matt-5-48" id="en-NLT-23259"><span class="woj">--1 Samuel 24:12-13; 15</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Matt-5-48" id="en-NLT-23259"><span class="woj">In this way, David loved his enemy: He returned kindness for evil, leaving revenge in the Lord's hands. </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Matt-5-48" id="en-NLT-23259"><span class="woj">"Instead,</span></span><span class="text Matt-5-48" id="en-NLT-23259"><span class="woj"> 'If your enemies are hungry, feed them.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Matt-5-48" id="en-NLT-23259"><span class="woj">If they are thirsty, give them something to drink.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Matt-5-48" id="en-NLT-23259"><span class="woj">In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.'</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Matt-5-48" id="en-NLT-23259"><span class="woj">Don't let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good."</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Matt-5-48" id="en-NLT-23259"><span class="woj"><span style="font-size: x-small;">-- Romans 12:20-21</span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Matt-5-48" id="en-NLT-23259"><span class="woj"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Matt-5-48" id="en-NLT-23259"><span class="woj">In Psalm 35 we see that David fasted FOR his enemies, prayed FOR them, and grieved FOR them as if they were his own family or friends. Furthermore, in 2 Samuel 1 David mourns the death of Saul, his enemy. David did everything the Lord wanted. Though he had troubles, though he thirsted for justice, he still loved.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Matt-5-48" id="en-NLT-23259"><span class="woj"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Matt-5-48" id="en-NLT-23259"><span class="woj"> </span></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Matt-5-48" id="en-NLT-23259"><span class="woj"> </span></span><span class="text Matt-5-48" id="en-NLT-23259"><span class="woj">"Don't rejoice when your enemies fall;</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Matt-5-48" id="en-NLT-23259"><span class="woj">don't be happy when they stumble.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Matt-5-48" id="en-NLT-23259"><span class="woj">For the LORD will be displeased with you</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Matt-5-48" id="en-NLT-23259"><span class="woj">and will turn his anger away from them.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Matt-5-48" id="en-NLT-23259"><span class="woj">Don't fret because of evildoers;</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Matt-5-48" id="en-NLT-23259"><span class="woj">don't envy the wicked.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Matt-5-48" id="en-NLT-23259"><span class="woj">For evil people have no future;</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Matt-5-48" id="en-NLT-23259"><span class="woj">the light of the wicked will be snuffed out."</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="text Matt-5-48" id="en-NLT-23259"><span class="woj">-- Proverbs 24:17-20 </span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Matt-5-48" id="en-NLT-23259"><span class="woj"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Matt-5-48" id="en-NLT-23259"><span class="woj">Finally, a study of David's life demonstrates how God blesses those who do right in the face of evil. God rewarded him for doing good, loving God, and loving his enemies-- even as he called on the Lord for justice. And this is not the only place we see this in the Bible-- Job was blessed after having prayed for friends who were making his life more miserable than it already was. For the sake of brevity I will not list every example here, but suffice it to end on this note:</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Matt-5-48" id="en-NLT-23259"><span class="woj"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Matt-5-48" id="en-NLT-23259"><span class="woj">"Don't be misled-- you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone..."</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Matt-5-48" id="en-NLT-23259"><span class="woj"><span style="font-size: x-small;">-- Galatians 6:7-10</span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Matt-5-48" id="en-NLT-23259"><span class="woj"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span></span><span class="text Matt-5-48" id="en-NLT-23259"><span class="woj"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Matt-5-48" id="en-NLT-23259"><span class="woj"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">God hears us. He knows. Just keep going. Keep praying. Pray for justice; Act in love. Leave revenge for the Lord. Ultimately, eternity is in God's righteous hands, and he will see us through. In the meantime, <span style="color: #f1c232;">"Bless those who curse you..."</span></span> </span></span></span></span></div>
aka Xi Linghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16634385421298625953noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180449147703480039.post-26300577857898306722017-11-30T14:48:00.002+00:002017-11-30T14:48:22.389+00:00Even though... YET...My life is crazy.<br />
<br />
How many times have I stopped to wonder "Is this real life?" When catching up with friends I am constantly reminded how abnormal all my stories are. "You should write a book," they say. But I wouldn't know where to begin with a book. Maybe one day I'll see how things fit together in a story to be told, but right now I just see craziness ending in a massive question mark.<br />
<br />
I think the more I try to plan my life, the more God laughs. Not a malicious laugh, mind you, but more of a 'haha-she-has-noooo-idea-what-I've-got-up-my-sleeves' chuckle as He nudges Gabriel in the ribs saying "Just wait until she finds out about the next thing!" and the heavens echo with their amused laughter (because of course they're bros and do that sort of thing).<br />
<br />
Seriously though, I know I'm not a pawn in some cosmic game played by a big supernatural being looking for entertainment, but if you had given me a run-down of what my life would be in the nine years since college back before they happened I would not have believed you. I'm not just talking about the globe-trotting and travel stories, but I'm thinking about all of the sudden, unexpected and big changes that have come-- both good and bad.<br />
<br />
Right now there are many things I am trying to figure out. I know this is not a unique position; I'm sure many of you can relate, but I'm also sure that all of you relating to me right now also know how personal the feeling is-- how different your situation seems to feel from everyone else's lives.<br />
<br />
For me, I've found the Psalms to be the best spiritual food during these times. When I read through the psalms of David, I find a camaraderie of hope in the midst of chaos. His life could be summed up like this:<br />
<br />
EVEN THOUGH I'm surrounded by enemies who slander me...<br />
EVEN THOUGH my family has turned on me...<br />
EVEN THOUGH my friends abandon me...<br />
EVEN THOUGH I messed up...<br />
EVEN THOUGH life is crazy...<br />
EVEN THOUGH I don't understand...<br />
EVEN THOUGH I feel God is not answering me...<br />
<br />
DESPITE all these things <br />
<br />
... YET I will see the LORD's goodness.<br />
... YET I will live as I should.<br />
... YET the LORD's faithfulness endures forever. <br />
... YET I will praise the LORD.<br />
... YET the LORD is worthy.<br />
... YET the LORD is for me, so I will have no fear.<br />
... YET all the LORD's promises prove true.<br />
<br />
<br />
This past Sunday the message was fittingly about just this sort of thing, along the lines of: <br />
I don't understand what's going on, but I trust in your unfailing love.<br />
When life doesn't make sense, remember:<br />
God is all-powerful.<br />
God is all-knowing.<br />
God is ever-present.<br />
<br />
I write these things because it helps me to process life and what God is teaching me. I also hope it is useful and encouraging to you who may be going through similar things. Let's not lose sight of our confident hope. Let's fix our eyes on God's goodness, not our circumstances and the chaos of life, because His goodness is infinite and true, a source of calm in this crazy world.<br />
<br />
And as David wrote:<br />
"My suffering was good for me,<br />
for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees.<br />
Your instructions are more valuable to me than millions in gold and silver."<br />
--Psalm 119: 71-72<br />
<br />
"The LORD is my strength and my song;<br />
he has given me victory...<br />
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good!<br />
His faithful love endures forever." <br />
--Psalm 118: 14, 29<br />
<br />aka Xi Linghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16634385421298625953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180449147703480039.post-43783895278472485622017-03-19T00:39:00.000+00:002017-03-19T00:39:11.820+00:00The Desires of Our HeartMost, if not all, of us in Christian circles are very familiar with Psalm 37:4: <span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-37-4">"[God] will give you your heart’s desires." We love to quote this verse saying, "God created me with this desire, so of course I should have it!" "I have this desire for a reason, so it must come true!" Or "I really, really want this, so God is leading me in this direction because He gives us our desires." The overall consensus is typically that if you really want or enjoy something then it must be your God-given passion or destiny. We pray hard for these desires to be filled, and ask others to pray for them with us. Sometimes they comes to fruition; Sometimes they don't, and we just get frustrated or disappointed. But why?</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-37-4">I think sometimes we just want things, not because God has ordained it as our destiny but just because we want them. </span></span><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-37-4"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-37-4">I think sometimes we use this verse as an excuse to indulge our worldly or fleshly cravings. </span></span> Perhaps the motivating factor is prestige or power, wealth or fame, comfort or ease. Perhaps it is something we enjoy and are good at doing, so we figure it's what we're meant to do or others think it's what we're meant to do. Or perhaps it is seen as the practical thing to do, so it just makes sense to do it. I think we all to often latch onto this verse, claiming our desires as God-given without truly examining ourselves and our motives, without consulting God about them. We pray for our desires to be filled, but we don't pray enough about whether or not our desires are what God wants. We don't want to consider that, perhaps, God wants us to desire something else.</span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-37-4"><br /></span></span>
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-37-4">In doing so, we quote the end without the beginning. If we actually look at Psalm 37:4, we find there is more to the verse:</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="text Ps-37-4" id="en-NLT-14431">"Take delight in the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>,</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-37-4">and he will give you your heart’s desires."</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-37-4">Guess what! There's a prerequisite to this promise! The context doesn't say just because we desire something it's God's will for us; Rather, it's telling us <i>if we delight in the Lord</i>, then we will desire <i>what He wants us to desire</i>. What a huge difference!<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-37-4"> I believe we miss out on a lot of what God has for us because we don't delight in Him enough.</span></span></span></span><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-37-4"> Sometimes our desires aren't necessarily bad or evil in and of themselves, but they're not God's best for us. In our finite wisdom we latch onto the option which seems best to us (whether it be for reasons of wealth, passion, prestige, practicality, etc.) and pursue it.</span></span><br />
<br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-37-4">So the question is: Have you examined yourself and consulted with God about the desires driving your life?</span></span> A<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-37-4">re you truly open to hearing what God has to say? Are you open to the possibility that God might say "No, that's not what I have for you"? That God has a different plan in mind and you're going to have to trust Him that His way is better even if the reason is not obvious to you? The root is: <i>Are you truly willing to go <b>anywhere</b> and do <b>anything </b>God may ask of you?</i> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-37-4">I think we often ask God for guidance with a closed mind -- a mind not willing to accept any answer we don't want, a mind not willing to accept that perhaps our dream isn't God's dream. We ask God with our lips to reveal His will for us, but in our hearts we have a death grip on our desires or dreams that is unwilling to let go. We pay lip service to Him to make ourselves feel better, to be able to say we've prayed about it, or to try and convince God our way is the best way. We vie with God for Lordship of our lives. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-37-4">I think</span></span><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-37-4"> we can even struggle with this unconsciously -- we don't always realize that we're holding back. In our minds we want to follow God. The knowledge that God knows best is there; The knowledge that we should obey His leading is there. But deep inside we have reservations. Deep inside we say, "Yes, I'll go wherever you want me to go, do whatever you want me to do, but please don't tell me anything different than ______. I really want ______." But do we realize this is sin lurking in us? </span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-37-4">Recently, I heard a message in which John Piper addressed the root of all evil. He said, "Delighting in God is the root of the Commandments -- the root of obedience. Disobedience is not the ultimate essence of evil, it is <i>preferring anything over God</i>... The greatness of God is magnified when you are satisfied in Him<i> </i>more than anything." When we put those conditions (I'll do anything, but ______) on our obedience, on our desires, we are saying to God that we prefer something over Him. We are saying we know better. We are saying He is not actually our Lord. Most of us don't struggle with whether or not we should shoplift the candy bar in the checkout line, desiring the candy bar more than obeying God's commandment not to steal; But we do struggle with "You must not have any other god but me" when we try to usurp His throne, trying to bend His will to ours, by trying to control Him. He may not even want us to do that thing we don't want to do and He may even want us to do that thing we do want to do, but the key point is having the heart to delight in God and prefer His desire even if it crosses our own.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-37-4">I'll be honest: I'm working through this right now. I'm not trying to pretend that I've got it all figured out and you don't. I'm the silver in the fiery furnace getting refined as things I didn't even know were there get dredged up and filtered out. Ultimately, this post is for me to work through these questions, but I invite you to share in the journey. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-37-4">If God told you to drop everything and go spend the rest of your life proclaiming the Gospel to the headhunters and cannibals of Papua New Guinea, what would your response be? Now you might be saying to yourself "That's so far-fetched", but <i>someone</i> is called to this. Who's to say it isn't you? So think for a moment. Or if you're the 'send-me-to-the-ends-of-the-earth-I-want-to-go-now-the-crazier-the-better' type: </span></span><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-37-4"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-37-4">If God told you to
stay rather than go, what would your response be? </span></span> Or how about: If God told you to quit your high-paying job and work for a non-profit, what would your response be? If God told you to pursue a career in a field you never considered, what would your response be? If God told you to open your home to refugees or foster kids, what would your response be? If God told you to give up your Saturday mornings to serve the homeless, what would your response be? If God told you to be a friend to that person no one likes, what would your response be? Seriously, think for a moment. The possibilities are endless. </span></span><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-37-4"><i>Are you truly willing to go <b>anywhere</b> and do <b>anything </b>God may ask of you?</i></span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-37-4">Recently, in the context of <i>anything/anywhere</i> I told someone, "If God would clearly tell me what He wants me to do, I would do it." Seemingly before that statement had completely come out of my mouth, I felt that still small voice say, "But you wouldn't do<i> </i>it willingly." Hello, impurity coming up to the surface for dredging. I suddenly realized I had put conditions on my willingness to obey which would result in grudging obedience depending on what He asked of me. And this was not okay. Immediately Psalm 51 came to mind:</span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-37-4"><br /></span></span>
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-37-4">"Have mercy on me, O God,</span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-37-4">because of your unfailing love.</span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-37-4">Because of your great compassion,</span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-37-4">blot out the stain of my sins...</span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-37-4">Create in me a clean heart, O God.</span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-37-4">Renew a loyal spirit within me...</span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-37-4">and make me willing to obey you."</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-37-4"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-37-4">The bottom line is
He's not going to call all of us to go live in the jungle or give up a
career, but I think no matter what the details of our callings are we
are called to be <i>willing</i> to go anywhere or do anything <i>because we
delight in Him</i>. Because once we delight in Him, we'll desire to please Him. We'll desire what He desires above all else. We'll trust Him and His goodness that whatever we can come up with won't ultimately be as good as what He can come up with, for His thoughts are higher than our thoughts and His ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9).</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-37-4">"But doesn't God want me to be happy?" someone will say. "I'll be miserable if ______ doesn't come to pass. How can I be happy if I can't fulfill my dream?" But... where does true happiness comes from? Is it the fulfillment of our every want and whim? Is it the satisfaction of our flesh? Is it an easy life? Is it having a life everyone is jealous of? Is it success as society measures it?</span></span><br />
<br />
T<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-37-4">he Bible makes it clear that true happiness -- or joy -- comes from God and God alone. It comes from believing God and rejoicing (1 Peter 1:8); It is a fruit of the Holy Spirit for those who believe (Galatians 5:22). Solomon, the wisest man to ever live, wrote: "The hopes of the godly result in happiness, but the expectations of the wicked come to nothing" (Proverbs 10:28). <i>The hopes of the godly</i> result in happiness. And where do these hopes come from?</span></span> Paul writes: "I pray that<i> God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy</i>
and peace <i>because you trust in him</i>. Then you will overflow with
confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.<span class="p">" (Romans 15:13, emphasis added)<span style="font-size: x-small;">.</span> The hopes (which may also be called desires -- I mean if we hope for it, then we desire it, do we not?) of the righteous come from God; They come from His promises, which are "backed by the honor of [His] name" (Psalm 138:2). He's not going to fail us -- what glory would that bring Him? <i>Trusting</i> Him results in joy, in happiness. Giving up our desires for His desires isn't saying we're giving up being happy. It's trading in what we think will make us happy for what God knows will bring us joy. It's trusting his "Yes", "No", or "Not yet" is perfect because He is perfect beyond imagining; Back to my last post, it's trusting Him and His goodness.</span><br />
<span class="p"><br /></span>
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-37-4">On a final note, the verse immediately after Psalm 37:4 states: "Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you." Again, this verse is so often misused. It doesn't say we'll succeed just because we say we're doing something for the Lord. It's telling us everything we do because we're following the Lord's will come to pass with His help. God will act on our behalf when our actions are committed to His will, His desires.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I pray I'll be able to truly say I'm <i>willing</i> to go anywhere and do anything at any time. That whatever God has for me, I'll do with delight. That I'll know the difference between what God desires and what I desire and be able to let go of any desire which isn't His. That I'll fully surrender my will to His will. That I'll know His heart, and it will become my heart. That I will not be so strong-willed that I miss the things God has for me because I'm so bent on doing things my way.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I don't want a mediocre life. In this world I have to remind myself, in the light of eternity, mediocrity is not defined by how prestigious my career is, how much money I make, or how many letters come after my name. Perhaps His desires for me will make me a great success by the world's standards, or perhaps they will seem humble by those around me. Either way, God knows best, and He's interested in the eternal ramifications of my life, not just the temporal.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">May I be like David who wrote, "I take joy in doing your will, my God, for your instructions are written on my heart" (Psalm 40:8). </span><br />
<br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-37-4">"Taste and see that the LORD is good. </span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-37-4">Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!</span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-37-4"><span style="font-size: small;">... tho</span>se who trust in the LORD will lack no good thing." </span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Ps-37-4">Psalm 34:8-10</span></span><br />
aka Xi Linghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16634385421298625953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180449147703480039.post-20835955408935620362017-03-03T01:29:00.001+00:002017-03-03T01:36:10.541+00:00Wait ExpectantlyCurrently, I'm in a season of waiting. I know my time here expires in July, but I don't know what comes after. Of course, I've been asking God. I feel like a broken record continuously praying: "Hey God, where do I go from here?" "Hey God, what's the plan?" "Hi, it's me again. Just wondering how these pieces fit together. Looking forward to your reply." "Hey God, I've got an idea. Would love your input. Call me."<br />
<br />
And then God just says,<br />
"Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act." (Psalm 37:7)<br />
<br />
It's one of those non-answers that can drive you crazy, isn't it? We come from a culture that <i>loves</i> to plan and have five, ten, or even lifetime plans all mapped out with every jot and tittle neatly in place. I never realized how much of a cultural thing that is until living in China. For example, I can surf the web right now and find academic calendars for schools in the US years ahead of time, but here there are rumors of when and how long holidays are -- sometimes even right up to within days of them. For people new to working in China, this can be maddening. For those of us who are China veterans, it's not ideal but we're used to it.<br />
<br />
I've come to expect last minute (and often not thought through) decisions in the Chinese workplace. Therefore, I can take my job here one day at a time, knowing that plans are written in pencil and accept that there's nothing I can do about it. In fact, I am hesitant to plan anything more than a week out. But for some reason, I have been oscillating between peace in trusting God with an unknown future (months in advance) and having to force myself to relax when I realize I've been clenching my jaw for an unknown period of time. Why is it so difficult to <u>fully and completely</u> surrender saying, "God I trust you. My future is in your hands"? No matter how many times He has come through for me and clearly ordered my footsteps in the past, I still have a nagging deep inside which wonders if He will do it again this time.<br />
<br />
As I've pondered this, I've begun to have a bit more compassion for the Israelites throughout Scripture. How many times after God performed a great miracle did they turn back to self-pity and self-reliance for the next problem instead of giving it to God, trusting him to come through just as He always had before? Sometimes it had been a long time between miracles or prophets, so the Israelites in question hadn't personally experienced the testimonies handed down to them. But other times, the very people who had been in the midst of great miracles doubted God would come through for them the next time around.<br />
<br />
The generation of Israelites Moses led out of Egypt is an example. They witnessed the plagues God sent against Egypt, walked on dry land through the Red Sea, watched God destroy the Egyptian army in the very same sea and then they accused God of leading them into the wilderness to die when the only water they found was bitter. God, of course, miraculously came through and made the water good to drink (Exodus 15:22-27). Then (Exodus 16) He provided manna and quail from Heaven to feed them. Each day they ate the manna God faithfully provided. Each day the Israelites experienced a miraculous provision of their daily needs; however, one chapter later, they are thirsty again and can't find water. Do they trust God to provide (and maybe even ask politely?) as he not only provided water two chapters before but also met so many other needs throughout the journey (including the food they had eaten that very day)? Nope. They complain to and blame Moses for trying to kill them by bringing them out of Egypt!<br />
<br />
Another example which comes to mind is from the New Testament. In Matthew 14 Jesus has been preaching to a huge crowd of 5,000 men and their families when the topic of what's for dinner comes up. The disciples want him to send people away to find food, but Jesus says, "That isn't necessary -- you feed them." Now I must say, if I had been one of those disciples I would have thought he was off his rocker at that moment as well. Of course they point out to him that they only have five loaves of bread and two fish. But Jesus responds by doing the impossible, providing enough for everyone to eat all that they wanted <i>and</i> leftovers for later.<br />
<br />
Could you imagine being there watching him tear enough pieces off of one loaf of bread to feed more than 1,000 people? Or make a fish stretch to feed more than 2,500 people?? The people sitting in the front of the crowd must have seen it happening. Just imagine the whispers and rumors slowly making their way to the back of the crowd. I imagine those in the back thought the message had gotten garbled through a massive game of telephone! The disciples, on the other hand, definitely understood a miracle was happening as they had the task of distributing the insane amount of food and knew how much they had started with. They certainly got their 10,000 steps in that day as they went back and forth, back and forth with a seemingly never ending supply of bread and fish coming from Jesus going out to a sea of people stretching into the distance. It would have been memorable to say the least!!<br />
<br />
That being said, one chapter later we find ourselves in <span class="st" data-hveid="65" data-ved="0ahUKEwiViLXY87PSAhVJ5oMKHX_7AG8Q4EUIQTAF"><i>déjà vu</i>: Jesus has been preaching to a (mere) crowd of 4,000 men and their families. He calls together his disciples and says, "Hey guys, these people must be hungry. Let's feed them." It's the perfect opportunity for the disciples to apply what they learned from the first lesson, right? I mean, don't you expect a disciple to be like, "Awesome! I've got a loaf of bread. Here Jesus, take it. Do that thing you did last time -- that was so cool!!! Who else has something??" But instead they reply, "Where would we get enough food here in the wilderness for such a huge crowd?" It makes you want to facepalm, doesn't it? Jesus, however, patiently responds by asking how much bread they have and miraculously providing again. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="st" data-hveid="65" data-ved="0ahUKEwiViLXY87PSAhVJ5oMKHX_7AG8Q4EUIQTAF">So the disciples finally learned, right? Nope. Just a chapter later, they are traveling when they realize no one had brought any bread and begin to argue with each other about it. You can hear the exasperation in Jesus' reply: "You have so little faith! Why are you arguing with each other about having no bread? Don't you understand even yet? Don't you remember the 5,000 I fed with five loaves, and the baskets of leftovers you picked up? Or the 4,000 I fed with seven loaves and the large basket of leftovers you picked up?" Ouch. Burn. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="st" data-hveid="65" data-ved="0ahUKEwiViLXY87PSAhVJ5oMKHX_7AG8Q4EUIQTAF">Meanwhile, we (I assume I'm not the only one to do this) sit here shaking our head at them and the Israelites in Exodus as we read, saying to ourselves that we would have learned by then. But would we have? I can't help but wonder how many times I've made God want to facepalm and say, "Don't you understand even yet??" And then my response would start off something like, "But this is different..." But is it really? All of this boils down to do I/we trust in the goodness of God our Creator. Not do I believe in God or do I believe he has the power to do these things but <i>will</i> <i>he</i> continue to provide. <i>Will he</i> continue to faithfully work out his plan for <i>my</i> life -- not just the lives of others -- and in a good way? The Israelites He rescued out of Egypt needed to trust in God's goodness to lead them to the Promised Land safely and not abandon them in the desert. The disciples needed to trust in God's goodness to provide exactly what was needed when it was needed at all times, not just that He would do it as an one-off event and abandon them the next time. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="st" data-hveid="65" data-ved="0ahUKEwiViLXY87PSAhVJ5oMKHX_7AG8Q4EUIQTAF">God has provided for me in every transition I've had in life. Every time He has come through at exactly the right time with what I've needed. Why would he not do it this time? I want to know the answers now, but if God hasn't revealed them yet, I don't need to know yet. Notice, he led me to Psalm 37:7 (</span>"Be still in the presence of the LORD, <i>and wait patiently for him to act.</i>" -- emphasis added), not Psalm 46:10 ("Be still and know that I am God!"). He knows me. I like action. But He also knows that waiting periods are learning periods. Thankfully, God is patient because sometimes I'm not the best student. I am learning to be still. I am learning to be patient. I am learning to trust more. And I am learning to dwell on the goodness of God.<br />
<br />
This began at my last transition in late September/ early October when I didn't know what to do. There is a song titled "King of my Heart" which repeatedly declares to God "You are good." There's just something about declaring that simple statement that is so powerful. This mantra got me through that transition, and it is still relevant now. He is the Good Father who gives good gifts to His children. I think the key to joy in every situation is to dwell on the goodness of God. No situation can change His goodness. It is eternal and unchangeable -- a constant is a chaotic world which brings hope in all things. <br />
<br />
In Psalm 5:3 David wrote: "Listen to my voice in the morning, LORD. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly."<span class="p"> <i>Wait expectantly </i>-- not just wait. Wait expectantly for God in his goodness to respond and provide at exactly the right time and in the right way. His decisions are not half-baked last minute ideas of human thought. They are perfectly planned in every way, and the parade of testimonies coming from his people and Scripture attests to this. Therefore, this is where I am right now: I am waiting expectantly for the wonderful things ahead, dwelling in the presence of my Good Father, trusting Him with my future, and looking forward to being able to share another testimony of his provision, leading, and divine wisdom -- a testimony declaring the goodness of God.</span>aka Xi Linghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16634385421298625953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180449147703480039.post-24814024783123233002016-01-14T04:26:00.002+00:002016-01-14T04:26:04.389+00:00Thanksgiving<span style="color: white;">
</span><style type="text/css">P { margin-bottom: 0.08in; }</style><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">Two
years ago was the only time I was in the States during my three years
in China, and it was because I got an email saying Grandmother had
likely had a stroke and wouldn't survive the week. It was a
Sunday afternoon a few months before China's Great Firewall fully
blocked the Gmail app on phones (everything Google is blocked over
there, but at that point I could still read messages on my phone couldn't reply to them until I got on my computer's VPN).
I was on a crowded city bus in crazy weekend traffic heading home
from a time of fellowship when I saw the news. Next commenced a
frenzied effort to book a last minute ticket that wasn't some
crazy-insane-demand-your-first-born dollar amount, edit the rest of
my students' rough drafts, holiday-ready the apartment (though
somehow I left a piece of fruit on the bed in the morning... always a
nice welcome home - surprise this fruit has been sitting in the
tropical humidity for a month and it's happy to see you!), arrange
for my students to email me their final projects, and find volunteers
to mark their exams for me as the next day began final exam week.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">
</span><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">Less
than 24 hours later I began a two day journey home, with a carry on
bag full of papers to grade, and finally landed in DC where my nephew
Nick treated me to my first pumpkin spice latte in three years in the
Dulles arrivals hall before we whisked away straight to Grandmother's
bedside. This was also the winter of Snowpocalypse, so stepping
out of the terminal Mother Nature immediately reminded me what cold
is. Grandmother wasn't communicative at that point in time, but
there were indications that she could hear us. We played her
favorite Gospel CDs and read to her from the Bible. Only once
did I hear her say anything -- Mom asked her if she remembered eating
the Belgian chocolate Aunt Peggy had brought her in the past.
She grabbed Mom's hand, looked at her very intently, and declared
"Yes, I remember! You should bring me some!" A
few days later -- two years ago today -- Grandmother, my Dad's mom
and my last living grandparent, passed into Heaven's gates and
finally met her Savior at the age of 95.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">
</span><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">But
you know what? She was born dead. You see, she was born
in 1918 during the influenza epidemic which killed 50 million people
-- more than the total who had just died in World War I. Her
mom had the flu when she gave birth, and my Grandmother came out
"black". The doctor pronounced her dead and discarded
her, intent on concentrating his efforts on saving her mom (which he
did). Meanwhile, her aunt took her into another room, cried out
to God in prayer, and life breathed into her... for 95 years.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">
</span><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">At
her funeral, on a cold snowy day, her testimony was read. It
recounted this story and urged all of her descendants to live their
lives with an attitude of thanksgiving for the miracle of life God
had given her and thus given each of us. She lived the humble
life of a servant we are all meant to -- always giving and taking
care of others. She didn't do this because she was rich or
because she didn't have problems -- she was widowed three times; she
did it because she was thankful.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;">
</span><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">I
hope I can learn to live in a perpetual state of thankfulness and to
serve her legacy, Christ's legacy, better. And I hope we can
all remember to pray in faith impossible prayers as her aunt did
because God enjoys the impossible.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg74HRNEHipmZokHe4YrSD3XfZpp7APcwbYrO_3zPb_sl3NyH2Wkfz5gKJM-81n-2RkQcP54xZBEwoE4rk-6pKkAQ7FIV5lG_EmEgCPIi98BQSMRqZCBsJ6HL38O44lA6JIz_sh-_lgHrfn/s1600/1518280_983509212872_481854163_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg74HRNEHipmZokHe4YrSD3XfZpp7APcwbYrO_3zPb_sl3NyH2Wkfz5gKJM-81n-2RkQcP54xZBEwoE4rk-6pKkAQ7FIV5lG_EmEgCPIi98BQSMRqZCBsJ6HL38O44lA6JIz_sh-_lgHrfn/s400/1518280_983509212872_481854163_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">Mary Lee Seeber</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">26 November 1918 -- 13 January 2014 </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background: transparent;">Fittingly, her birthday sometimes fell on Thanksgiving.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: white;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="color: white;">
</span>aka Xi Linghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16634385421298625953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180449147703480039.post-8870487772721857802015-09-08T15:03:00.000+01:002017-03-14T12:47:49.487+00:00Best<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Wait patiently for the LORD.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Be brave and courageous.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yes, wait patiently for the LORD.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">-- Psalm 27:14</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The LORD gives his people strength.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">-- Psalm 28:8</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I am trusting you, O LORD, saying, "You are my God!"</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My future is in your hands...</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Let your favor shine on your servant.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">-- Psalm 31:14-16</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The LORD says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life."</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">-- Psalm 32:8</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Lord, help me know your leading. Help me walk the <u>best</u> pathway -- not just a good one but the <u>best</u> -- no matter what that is.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Give me the strength and patience to know it and do it according to your plan -- not my own.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Make your desires my desires that I may stand before your holy hill.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Let your favor shine on me, shaping your best in me.</span>aka Xi Linghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16634385421298625953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180449147703480039.post-6578006807444020322015-06-18T16:17:00.000+01:002015-06-18T16:18:04.410+01:00China Stories 2After naming a lot of things I'm looking forward to in the States in
my previous post it is probably appropriate to make a list of the top
five things I'm going to miss about China (in no particular order except
the first one).<br />
<br />
<span style="color: yellow;"><b>1. People</b></span><br />
I've met a lot
of people during my time here and will have to say goodbye to many good
friends, both Chinese and fellow expats. I think this is always the
most difficult part of moving. After living many places (including
several continents), now it is impossible to be in the same place as
everyone I love.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: yellow;"><b>2. Cheap fresh fruits and vegetables of a large variety</b></span><br />
This
is particularly because I live in southern China, which is
sub-tropical. I can literally eat the papaya off the tree next door,
which is of course picked exactly when it is ripe not early and then
shipped around the world. Right now I live in a papaya, mango, passion
fruit, banana, dragon fruit, mangosteen, lichee, melon, pineapple, and
jack fruit paradise. Pretty soon mango season will be upon us and you
literally have to watch out for mangoes falling from the trees. There
are also so many different kinds of vegetables that I don't even know
the English names of half of them.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: yellow;"><b>3. The challenge of living in a foreign language environment </b></span><br />
Of
course this can be frustrating at times but there is a certain
triumphant feeling you get each time you overcome a new situation in
that language. It's fun and rewarding to be able to prevail over
obstacles in a foreign language, whether it be arguing successfully that
yes your shipment did already arrive at the train station and you know
this because somebody phoned you about it or finally being able to
understand that old 'auntie' who speaks with an incredibly strong
country accent.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: yellow;"><b>4. Cheap and efficient rail networks</b></span><br />
Ok
so this is one area that the US is majorly behind in. Our rail system
is so outdated that it's embarrassing. Why can't I travel across my
country on high speed rail?<br />
<br />
<span style="color: yellow;"><b>5. Real Chinese food</b></span><br />
Seriously,
American Chinese food is not Chinese food (just like the "Western" food
here is really... well, um... not Western food. Even if you go to P.F.
Chang's instead of ordering Chinese take-out you're still eating
Westernized Chinese food. For example, the "Western" food here has been
known to be things like a pizza with a sweet pastry-like crust and
without any of the Italian seasonings, a Hawaiian pizza that comes with
pine nuts and raisins but no pineapple, "Caesar" salad without garlic,
mayonnaise and salad cream on EVERYTHING, mayonnaise trying to pose as
salad cream, cakes with cherry tomatoes and peas on top that are filled
with beans, the strangest ice cream flavors ever (such as corn), or a
chocolate glazed doughnut filled with tuna. In the same way, the
Chinese food you think is Chinese food is not actually Chinese food.aka Xi Linghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16634385421298625953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180449147703480039.post-15609485069936178172015-06-12T16:06:00.000+01:002015-06-12T16:06:17.105+01:00China Stories<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Well here we are again. It's been a long time. For those of you who don't know, I'll be flying out of China on a one-way ticket this summer. I'll depart Hong Kong for London on July 15th, London for Iceland on August 3rd (because why not?), and Iceland for Washington, D.C. on August 7th. It's like a nice little backtracking of my past four years abroad (except for Iceland, but hey you've got to do new things). </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Which also leads to the craziness of realizing that it really has been four years since I lived in America, and that the latter three years spent in China have only included one trip home to America. So American friends, please deal gently with me. I've got a lot to process. And while I know things have changed at home and your lives have moved on, for me America is still the America of four years ago. I've seen the changes on Facebook and in the news, but while I know these things have happened they are not my reality.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">That may sound like a downer, but I am very excited to be coming home! I'm super excited to see all of you, reconnect, and do American things (like please please please someone let's go to an O's game!!). Another thing to make clear: as of now I have no idea what I'll be doing at home. I don't have a job lined up or any sort of plan really. I just know I'm going to Mom's house and I will finally be home for Christmas after missing three! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I'm going to drive my car and eat sandwiches, fresh salads, and salty popcorn. I'm going to raid the ice cream aisle at the supermarket for mint chocolate chip ice cream. I'm going to rejoice just at the fact that the supermarket has literally everything I need/want/desire. And I'm going to eat Mexican (that's American right??). Oh and I will bask in central air-conditioning systems, people who know how to queue (hmmm got some British there), sports like baseball/softball and field hockey, chai tea lattes, blue skies, clean air, the smell of freshly cut grass, wide open spaces, anonymity (as in nobody cares what the foreigner is putting into her shopping cart), toilet paper in public restrooms, quality building construction, people who plan ahead, walls that don't sweat, gyms that use air-conditioning, sidewalks people don't drive on, drivers who check their blind spot, not needing a VPN to access all of the internet, being given cakes that don't include beans and tomatoes, sushi without mayonnaise on it (seriously -- whyyyy??), whole grain toast, clothes made for someone who isn't size 0 and 5 feet tall, not having to visit Western Union, using my drivers' license as an ID, having a drivers' license, not receiving weird looks when trying to split the bill for dinner, ice in drinks, and the list could go on.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Basically, coming home will be great, but please try to remember that just as you are not the same as four years ago, I am not the same as four years ago and am now in the process of figuring out exactly what that means (and probably will be for some time). </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So let's reconnect! Please do invite me to do things. Please don't wait for me to contact you. Please do listen to my stories. Please don't hesitate to ask. Please do tell me your stories. Please don't assume that my silence means I'm uninterested.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I think I'll be producing a series of "China Stories". This is a very different blog post than the one I sat down to write, but perhaps it is the most appropriate first story as I look at China through the lens of impending re-entry.</span>aka Xi Linghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16634385421298625953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180449147703480039.post-35687816056580632382014-09-04T17:23:00.001+01:002014-09-05T01:58:43.500+01:00Bullet Points: Sep 2012-2014<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">What do you do when you haven't updated a blog in two years? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Bullet points of randomness!! But my blog title doesn't allow that... bullet points of unmethodological order or topic!!!!!!!</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="color: cyan;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I graduated from UCL! The arduous thesis journey ended!! </span></span></li>
</ul>
<img alt="" class="spotlight" height="320" src="https://scontent-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/p417x417/1234827_924013682392_1596340212_n.jpg?oh=d5d6bcb81853ebc9f952c2ef588c36db&oe=546543EF" style="height: 549px; width: 549px;" width="320" /><img alt="" class="spotlight" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/v/t1.0-9/556831_916287610502_1642749161_n.jpg?oh=dc3a5553c76055ff2aa33eae0b046f3e&oe=545CCD82&__gda__=1416429117_2442ddcf1165b4919bd6ee5f9d40fbac" style="height: 549px; width: 732px;" /><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="color: lime;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I'm beginning my third year of teaching at Guangxi University. My first year I taught freshman English reading and writing. My second year I taught sophomore English writing and the History and Archaeology of the Silk Road. This year I will continue teaching the Silk Road as well as a World History survey course. I'll also serve as the sophomore writing course coordinator again.</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><img alt="" class="spotlight" height="150" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/p417x417/31461_848827246612_949038727_n.jpg?oh=cfdc641b4d2943ba4c2a7dd2eac64d5c&oe=547D0C2E&__gda__=1415775245_a5284b0bf31fde5d5c7e3c4224907f1e" style="height: 549px; width: 732px;" width="200" /> </span></li>
<li><span style="color: cyan;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I've moved into what was Kira's apartment, which is awesome because it's better than the ones I've had, but I wish she were still here this year! (All teachers are given apartments on campus as part of their contract.)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: lime;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I have a much clearer understanding of what distinguishes Canadians vs. Americans.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: cyan;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I've traveled places I had never been before: Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Mongolia as well as various parts of China and Hong Kong.</span></span><img alt="" class="spotlight" src="https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/p417x417/531623_848038227812_158940906_n.jpg?oh=d1d2e5bf52b57c982351e6a330d228d2&oe=547D20A1" style="height: 549px; width: 732px;" /></li>
<li><span style="color: lime;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I've discovered that Etihad and Air Seychelles are truly superb.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: cyan;">I've gained cycling as a hobby and have become a fan of long-distance cycling trips. Francesca, the one who introduced me to cycling in London, has also been working in China, so we've been able to meet up and do some exploring. Last summer we cycled from Xi'an to Lanzhou (part of the Silk Road) in central to northwestern China, approximately 700km. I've also done some cycling in SE Asia and other parts of China and have participated in a few mountain bike races.</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji6H4KiCSV_x2qvFme2Sqdgr2C9BHKg4U2lMJ51XevgChdej1KUiEdv3BEn9cxkVBrswZaJa2u7lBfeEG8PgdPKwymvQ9K1juyULCg76QXNBa1NjTnlKKiqdIuhnR0JdwFVP1rqbT-GRNP/s1600/20130718_175027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji6H4KiCSV_x2qvFme2Sqdgr2C9BHKg4U2lMJ51XevgChdej1KUiEdv3BEn9cxkVBrswZaJa2u7lBfeEG8PgdPKwymvQ9K1juyULCg76QXNBa1NjTnlKKiqdIuhnR0JdwFVP1rqbT-GRNP/s1600/20130718_175027.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
</span></li>
<li><span style="color: lime;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My Chinese is way better than it used to be.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: cyan;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I ran the Singapore Sundown Marathon last year. Since Singapore is pretty much on the equator it began at 11pm to avoid the heat. The goal was to "beat the sun", which I and my running buddy Anete from Estonia did.</span></span><img alt="" class="spotlight" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/v/t1.0-9/p417x417/601031_876412565412_1094001773_n.jpg?oh=125bfce82ecd0a8670b32e0c463127ad&oe=545CDC64&__gda__=1417559665_7cc9486cee36c3271b75e10e9b7c3716" style="height: 549px; width: 549px;" /></li>
<li><span style="color: lime;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I've become a huge fan of passion fruit, dragon fruit, and papaya.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: cyan;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I presented research at the Sixth Worldwide Conference for the Society of East Asian Archaeology in Ulaan Baatar, Mongolia this past June.</span></span><img alt="" class="spotlight hidden_elem" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/p417x417/10359162_10100145343392852_8436431568165097210_n.jpg?oh=5812db8f05c0a0fadb7d1d8dfa1e7fd0&oe=54706B23&__gda__=1416442844_0be9c95303324e4b13923a3c843951d2" style="height: 549px; width: 732px;" /></li>
<li><span style="color: lime;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I really like Vietnamese coffee. And the kind that comes from cat poop is the best.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: cyan;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I've successfully baked a cheesecake in a toaster oven.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: lime;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This past January we said goodbye to Grandmother, my dad's mom, and my last living grandparent. She was 95!</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><img alt="" class="spotlight" src="https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/p417x417/1017164_986782004172_843786568_n.jpg?oh=ea9ecef57e6fbaf8db6286e58a465c6e&oe=5467B719" style="height: 549px; width: 732px;" /> </span></li>
<li><span style="color: cyan;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I've learned to drive an ebike.</span></span><img alt="" class="spotlight" src="https://scontent-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/263653_848826892322_1221832216_n.jpg?oh=2343ab6a86272699a9a415d5766c3d6b&oe=5471BF25" style="height: 549px; width: 732px;" /></li>
<li><span style="color: lime;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My weekends this year will be Sunday-Monday.</span></span></li>
</ul>
aka Xi Linghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16634385421298625953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180449147703480039.post-4496624688117623402014-09-01T15:27:00.002+01:002014-09-01T16:46:54.727+01:00Summer Adventures 2012: Recap<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: red;">I have NO idea why I didn't post this two years ago, but it has a nice crazy airport story so I'll post it now for your reading pleasure. Let me take you back to the summer of 2012..</span> </b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: cyan;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>30 May - 19 June: Virginia, USA</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I had three weeks to balance seeing people, dropping winter stuff at home, gathering English camp necessities, and progressing on the dissertation. I really enjoyed getting to see many of you again! It was really difficult to balance getting work done though. I kind of wished I had gone for a shorter amount of time and just purely focused on visiting. I couldn't do that for three weeks though. A few highlights in chronological order:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">- Seeing my cousin Sharmayne who is a missionary in Mexico for the first time in three years. Seeing family and friends in general that I hadn't seen in 6 months to a year.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">- The look on Kenny's face when I crashed WBC, getting to meet the girls that would soon come over for a UK visit, paying<span style="color: #cccccc;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: small;">£1</span> </span>f</span>or two cupcakes rather than $1.50, and being introduced as 'from England' - HA.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">- Longwood Archaeology Field School Alumni Weekend </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">- Finding out that I didn't need a new visa for English Camp
even though it would expire before I would exit the country. Apparently
you just have to enter the country before the expiry date and then you
have your 30 days max stay as usual. So since camp was earlier than
usual I was able to use the year-long multiple entry visa I got last
year.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">- Seeing the Messersmiths on Facetime from their mother/grandmother's house. Jake's comment, "Grandma, just so you know... WE WANT HER BACK!" </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">- Orioles game at Camden Yards with my sister Becky, her friend Emma, my friend Alexa and her nephew Isaiah. Isaiah is a huge baseball fan and it was his first professional game. He was super excited and it made it that much more exciting for the rest of us I think. Oh and the O's won like 7-1.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">- Hertzler Pig Roast. Enough said.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: cyan;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>19-20 June: Washington-Dulles International Airport</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This deserves its own section. It's seriously the most ridiculous airport experience ever. Instead of the usual overnight flight to Europe, I booked an early morning flight that would have me arriving in London around 11pm because I really dislike trying to get a night's sleep sitting up. This meant getting up super early to plow through the DC rush-hour traffic. When I got there I went to the self check-in and scanned my passport. A large exclamation point came up on the screen, so an airline assistant came over to look at it. She said it was because my middle name was on my passport and not my booking, so she just had to confirm that it was me. Fine. She did her thing, punched a bunch of buttons, checked my bag, and handed me my boarding pass. I head to security.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I get to security, hand the guy my passport and boarding pass. He says, "Um, this isn't your name." I say, "If it's the middle name thing we've already been through that." He says, "No, it's not your name. Look." I look and it says Alison something. While I'm staring blankly at it he's like "I can't let you through with that. You'll have to go back to checking." I go back to the check-in counter.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">At the check-in counter I hand my passport and boarding pass to the airline guy and ask for my boarding pass because this one isn't mine. He's confused as to why I have this one. I tell him one of his co-workers checked me in and I don't know what she did. He looks me up in the system, prints a new boarding pass, I check the name (it's mine), and I head back to security.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As I approach, the same security guy is there and jokingly he and the others are laughing like "We were expecting you! Did you get it sorted out?" I'm like "Yeah" as I look down and start saying "It's the correct name..." Then I notice the destination. It says Frankfurt. WHAT?? So security dude says, "I could let you through with that, but you might want to get that fixed..." Back to check-in.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Long story short: Airline people are confused because in their system my booking is for Frankfurt even though I'm adamant that I'm going to London. I explain that I go to school there and that this is the second leg of a round-trip from London Heathrow to Dulles and back. I have my confirmation e-mail. They still say I'm booked for Frankfurt. Eventually, they are finally convinced that I have no intention of getting on that plane so then they have to go rescue my checked bag from it (because even though I was given a London boarding pass with the wrong name the first time, my bag was checked under my name for Frankfurt).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">They say I was on a waiting list, so I must have gotten bumped. That was when I pulled out the confirmation e-mail... which says CONFIRMED in big letters. Then they say I was initially confirmed, then cancelled, and then tried to rebook twice and that's when I got on the waiting list. I'm like "Um no, I never tried to rebook because I was never cancelled that anyone told me about. And I certainly didn't book myself for Frankfurt. I have never booked a flight for there. I have no reason to be there."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">They play with the computer some more. They tell me that I'm booked to fly to Frankfurt that morning and then fly from Frankfurt to Paris five days after that. I'm just baffled at this point. I wasn't even routed to London through Paris on this schedule. It just ended there, so I'm like that makes absolutely no sense with the waiting-list-I-got-bumped-to-a-different-flight theory. My line at this point is, "As much as I would love to visit those cities, it just doesn't work for me right now."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">By the time they're convinced I'm supposed to be going to London, it's too late to make the flight. And that Alison girl whose boarding pass I originally had had the last seat... whatever happened to her, I have no idea. So then I'm told that I'm being put on the 6pm flight (so much for no red-eye flight). I waited all day and then that flight was delayed three hours. Facepalm. Basically I didn't get to London until lunchtime the next day. RI-DI-CU-LOUS. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: cyan;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>20-30 June: London, UK</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Dissertation. Oh, and I may or may not have assisted the visiting Marylanders in filling all four of the up-stairs bedrooms with balloons before the Messersmiths got back from Spain.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: cyan;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>1-26 July: China</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This post has gotten really long... I think I'll make a separate post for this one.</span><br />
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<span style="color: cyan;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>27 July - Present: London, UK</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I got to see the last leg of the Olympic torch relay on my first day back. It was being rowed down the Thames under Tower Bridge. Attempts to get into Olympic events failed. Had to work on the dissertation anyway. Did see Lebron James, Yohan Blake, and a variety of athletes/coaches walking around and riding the tube though.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">And... dissertation, dissertation, dissertation...</span>aka Xi Linghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16634385421298625953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180449147703480039.post-59300637680482065272014-09-01T06:47:00.002+01:002014-09-01T06:47:42.349+01:00Hello World<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Wow, I don't even know what to say. It's been two years (and remarkably Blogger hasn't changed!). How do I even begin to describe to you what life has been like? At first I didn't know what to say, so I didn't post. Then it got to be so long that it seemed like too much of an ordeal to try to update. Then I forgot about it all. And now it's rediscovered.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Have you ever rediscovered a journal that you wrote years ago? You're like WHOA and sit down to read it, unearthing things you had forgotten about, things that make you laugh, things that make you shake your head, things that make you think 'how silly I was', things you're amazed that you wrote, things that make you miss people, things that still really connect with your life today, things that make you wonder 'was that me?'...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I still don't know what to say, but I hope by posting this I can bring this blog back to life. Perhaps after this two year hiatus I'll finally find something to say.</span>aka Xi Linghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16634385421298625953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180449147703480039.post-37969085002296210882012-08-31T10:12:00.000+01:002012-08-31T10:46:50.917+01:00Devotion<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">"And Solomon, my son, learn to know the God of your ancestors intimately. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">Worship and serve him with your whole heart and a willing mind. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">For the LORD sees every heart and knows every plan and thought. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">If you seek him, you will find him. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">But if you forsake him, he will reject you forever. So take this seriously. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">The LORD has chosen you to build a Temple as his sanctuary. Be strong, and do the work."</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-small;">- 1 Chronicles 28:9-10</span></div>
<br />
What has the Lord chosen you to do? I can think of many things, both 'small' and 'large.' Yet, while we seem to classify these things as 'small' and 'large,' they are all just as important. Anything God charges us to do in life is for a reason and disobedience is disobedience, whether it was over a so-called 'small' or 'large' thing. What if Solomon refused to build the temple? He would be rejecting God. He would not be loving him.<br />
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What if you or I reject God by refusing to love our neighbor? By telling a "white" lie? By lusting after someone in our flesh, in our heart, or with our eyes? By being selfish with our time or money? They are all equal in that they go against what God has charged us to do, just as equal as the 'large' thing Solomon was chosen to do. Just as equal as being chosen to bring the Gospel to an unreached people and refusing to. Just as equal as murder. Just as equal as hate. Just as equal as theft. Just as equal as cursing. Just as equal as being unkind. We would be rejecting God. We would not be loving him.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">"Then David continued, 'Be strong and courageous, and do the work. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">Don't be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">He will not fail you or forsake you. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">He will see to it that all the work related to the Temple of the LORD is finished correctly."</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-small;">- 1 Chronicles 28:10</span></div>
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If God chooses you to do something, he has a reason and he will provide a way to do it. If he chooses you to lead a Bible study, be a missionary, take care of children, coach a team, teach a class, study a subject, encourage believers, give to a ministry, etc. etc. etc., he will walk with you and lead the way. And not just see that it is done but see that it is done CORRECTLY. Not doing something correctly, when you know what and how correctly is, is disobedience. And disobedience is sin. And sin separates us from God.<br />
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What are some things we are ALL 'chosen' to do? Love God. Love people. Tell the truth. Be pure in thought, speech, and action. Spread the Gospel. Gather together in fellowship to worship. Serve one another. Give our lives and everything in it to the Lord. Folks, how many times have we failed in one or all of these regards? Too many times. But that is not an excuse to continue to do so. Like David said, "Take this seriously. The Lord has chosen you... BE STRONG, AND DO THE WORK." Or else one would have to ask, do you even really know God?<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">"And now, because of my devotion to the Temple of my God, </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">I am giving all of my own private treasures of gold and silver to help in the construction... </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">Now then, who will follow my example and give offerings to the LORD today?"</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-small;">- 1 Chronicles 29:3, 5</span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;"><br /></span>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">"Everything we have has come from you, and we give you only what you first gave us!"</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-small;">- 1 Chronicles 29:14</span></div>
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There is nothing on this earth that is truly ours. It all belongs to God and he has allocated it to us for his purposes. Doing what God asks requires giving to God what is his: our money, our time, our lives.</div>
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I love how David specifies not just to know God but to know him INTIMATELY. Don't just have him as an acquaintance; know him better than you know anybody else. With "your whole heart and a willing mind" get to know him. Everyday. Lead by example like David and give yourself fully to whatever he asks you to do. Allocate your resources to follow his lead. God will help you complete whatever he asks you to do. All you have to do is obey.<br />
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Devotion: "love, loyalty, or enthusiasm for a person, activity, or cause" (from the dictionary app on my Mac).<br />
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Would others describe you as being devoted to God? Or are you devoted to something else? Based on your speech and actions people will identify you. How about a self-evaluation: What preoccupies your thoughts? What preoccupies your heart? <br />
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Are you just toting God around in the backseat? Give him the wheel. It's where he belongs. Trust him to take you the right way, in the right time, to the right place and don't try to do it yourself. Because his activities are the best activities. And his cause is the best cause. And because he first loved us.</div>
aka Xi Linghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16634385421298625953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180449147703480039.post-77109820319500471162012-08-20T10:09:00.000+01:002012-08-31T10:15:28.364+01:00Go<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">"When you make a promise to God, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">don't delay in following through, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">for God takes no pleasure in fools. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">Keep all the promises you make to him. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">It is better to say nothing than to make a promise and not keep it."</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-small;">-Ecclesiastes 5:4-5</span></div>
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Six years ago, over the 2005-06 New Year, at the first World Missions Summit in Louisville, KY, I and hundreds of other college students were challenged to 'give a year and pray about a lifetime' in missions. The premise being, what's a year in the grand scheme of your whole life? Can't we all take a year and give it to God and allow him to work through us and in us? Can't we all take a year to leave our comfort zone, get over ourselves, and go to those who have not yet heard? Because, as the slogan went that year, "It's not about me." </div>
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Three years ago I intended to give that year but ended up coming home after six months due to a medical issue (which has since been resolved... after an unnecessary appendectomy... yeah ask me about that another time if you don't know). Ever since then I have struggled with whether or not I still had a promise to fulfill. I intended to stay a year. It wasn't my fault I had to go back early. Does that count? Do I only owe half a year? Can the year be cumulative? If I add all the English camps and stuff to that half a year does that count? These questions have swum around in my brain for the past three years, along with an aversion to thinking about going again for more than short-term work because it is hard.</div>
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Fast forward to 2012. I'm in London, about to finish my masters degree, needing a job. I go to English camp for the month of July as usual (It really has become a habit). The first night there, a missionary I've known now for 5 years corners me about a job she has for me. She says the local university needs English teachers and she's trying to build the local missionary 'cluster.' So essentially, a job fell into my lap. And not just any job. This job would give me teaching experience, a chance to continue language study, and a salary to enable me to make payments on my student loan. And I would be serving on the field. (Seriously, how many missionaries get a salary??) It's everything I wanted/needed and I got that tingly 'this-is-it' feeling, yet, part of my heart held me back. My heart had been looking forward to coming home. I'm not really sure how to articulate it, but part of me was/is grieved and I can't really say it all here.</div>
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I said I wasn't ready to say yes and needed some time. Then day after day, in my early morning quiet time by the light of a phone, while my roomie was still asleep, until the first rays of dawn crept into the room, before running down the dusty streets early enough to beat the craze of Oriental traffic and see the sunrise over some of those funky-shaped karst mountains, God showed me over and over again why I needed to go. </div>
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He first reminded me of the promise. I found myself convicted by Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 (as you see above). But he also reminded me why. It's not simply a matter of a promise. It's not simply being there for a year to say I was there. It's about God's heart for the lost. It's about his redemptive plan for the world. It's about his glory.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">"Then, calling the crowd to join his disciples, [Jesus] said,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">'If any of you wants to be my follower, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">Is anything worth more than your soul?'"</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-small;">-Mark 8:34-37 </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">"If you love your father or mother more than you love me, you are not worthy of being mine; </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">or if you love your son or daughter more than me, you are not worthy of being mine. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it."</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-small;">-Matthew 10:37-39</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">"The harvest is great, but the workers are few. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">ask him to send more workers into his fields."</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-small;">-Luke 10:2</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;"> "Wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">The harvesters are paid good wages, </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">and the fruit they harvest is people brought to eternal life. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">What joy awaits both the planter and the harvester alike!"</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-small;">-John 4:35-36</span></div>
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Jesus calls all of his followers to be missional wherever we are. Each and every one of us is called to be salt and light to everyone we find around us. Wherever God puts us, we are meant to be sharing the Gospel. Some places have more workers than others, so God shuffles us around to get the job done. How are 'all nations' supposed to hear if we all stay in one place? If God asks you to do something, then you better do it. I was very bluntly asked to go and I didn't really have a good reason to say no. "Turn from your selfish ways..." Could I trust God to take care of it? Yes.</div>
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To those I saw in the States back in June, I'm glad I got to see you. To those I didn't get to see, I'll see you next year. To those who looked forward to me coming home, I'm sorry. God had other plans for 2012-13. Apparently they involve a subtropical, Asian city.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">"Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">They have the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on him. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">For 'Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.'</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">That is why the Scriptures say,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">'How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!'"</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-small;">-Romans 10:12-15</span><br />
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------------------------------<br />
And it's really funny that my last post two months ago was titled "Come"
based off of the quote "Jesus cannot say 'Go' without first saying
'Come.'" And now this one is titled "Go." I promise I just now
realized this after I wrote it! hahaha</div>
</div>
aka Xi Linghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16634385421298625953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180449147703480039.post-7751546876454157392012-06-08T17:26:00.000+01:002012-06-08T17:28:30.649+01:00Come<div style="color: #ffd966; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
O Lord, I give my life to you.</div>
<div style="color: #ffd966; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
I trust in you, my God!</div>
<div style="color: #ffd966; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
Do not let me be disgraced...</div>
<div style="color: #ffd966; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
No one who trusts in you will ever be disgraced...</div>
<div style="color: #ffd966; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
Show me the right path, O Lord;</div>
<div style="color: #ffd966; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
point out the road for me to follow.</div>
<div style="color: #ffd966; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
Lead me by your truth and teach me,</div>
<div style="color: #ffd966; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
for you are the God who saves me.</div>
<div style="color: #ffd966; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
All day long I put my hope in you...</div>
<div style="color: #ffd966; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
He leads the humble in doing right,</div>
<div style="color: #ffd966; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
teaching them his way...</div>
<div style="color: #ffd966; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
Do not let me be disgraced, for in you I take refuge.</div>
<div style="color: #ffd966; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
May integrity and honesty protect me,</div>
<div style="color: #ffd966; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
for I put my hope in you...</div>
<div style="color: #ffd966; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">-Psalm 25:1-5, 9, 20-21</span></div>
<div style="color: #ffd966; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #ffd966; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
I love your sanctuary, Lord,</div>
<div style="color: #ffd966; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
the place where your glorious presence dwells... </div>
<div style="color: #ffd966; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
Now I stand on solid ground,</div>
<div style="color: #ffd966; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
and I will publicly praise the Lord.</div>
<div style="color: #ffd966; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">-Psalm 26:8, 12</span></div>
<div style="color: #ffd966; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #ffd966; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
The Lord is my light and my salvation -</div>
<div style="color: #ffd966; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
so why should I be afraid?</div>
<div style="color: #ffd966; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger,</div>
<div style="color: #ffd966; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
so why should I tremble?...</div>
<div style="color: #ffd966; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
The one thing I ask of the Lord -</div>
<div style="color: #ffd966; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
the thing I seek most -</div>
<div style="color: #ffd966; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life...</div>
<div style="color: #ffd966; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
My heart has heard you say, "Come and talk with me."</div>
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And my heart responds, "Lord, I am coming."...</div>
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the Lord will hold me close.</div>
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Teach me how to live, O Lord.</div>
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Lead me along the right path...</div>
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Yet I am confident I will see the Lord's goodness</div>
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while I am here in the land of the living.</div>
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Wait patiently for the Lord.</div>
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Be brave and courageous.</div>
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Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">-Psalm 27:1, 4, 8, 10-11, 13-14</span></div>
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I pray to you, O Lord, my rock.</div>
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Do not turn a deaf ear to me...</div>
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as I lift my hands toward your holy sanctuary."</div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-small;"> -Psalm 28:1-2</span></div>
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I've been on that page in my Bible over and over again recently. These words are David crying out to God for guidance, protection, and favor. He wants to know what to do next; he wants to know how to proceed. He knows God is there and that God has the answers, that God is in control, that God looks favorably on those who are humble before him. He's seeking and praising the Lord in the same breath. He's saying, "I don't know what to do here, but I know you do and I know you'll guide me. And even though I'm not getting an answer yet, I am trusting you. I am praising you. I am waiting on you because you are the Lord and you care more about me going the right way even more than I do. So surely I can be brave and courageous, walking in integrity and honesty, obeying you, as I hope in you and trust you with my life and reputation."</div>
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I once heard someone say, "Jesus cannot say 'Go' without first saying 'Come.'" I like Psalm 27:8: <span style="color: #ffd966;">My heart has heard you say, "Come and talk with me." And my heart responds, "Lord, I am coming."</span> Really, how else do we expect to hear from God and know his will for our lives if we don't spend time with him, talking with him, and learning from him? How else can I expect to know what to do next? Sure, talking to wise friends helps. It can help flush some things out. Sometimes God does speak to us through other people, or confirms things through them, but ultimately he is the source. It's like doing research for school. How much more credible is a primary document rather than a secondary one that makes reference to it? Or, even worse, a tertiary source which quotes the secondary which quotes the primary? Very much so. Anyone who's done academic research will tell you that. It's the same with God.</div>
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In order to say like David: </div>
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But I am trusting you, O Lord,</div>
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saying, "You are my God!"</div>
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My future is in your hands.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">-Psalm 31:14-15</span> </div>
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There has to be a conscious decision to wait on God and listen to him. There has to be deliberate time spent with him, allowing him to teach.</div>
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The Lord says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.</div>
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I will advise you and watch over you."</div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-small;">-Psalm 32:8</span></div>
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That is a promise we can live in if we seek the Lord. If we come to him. Just like a parent, boss or professor, you don't know what job to do or how they want it done until you ask them and listen to what they have to say. That is why the Lord says, "Come." He says, <span style="color: #ffd966;">"For I know the plans I have for you... They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you"</span> (Jeremiah 29:11-13). He's not hiding. We are the ones who like to go our own way and ignore his calls so to speak. Yet he says, <span style="color: #ffd966;">"Ask me and I will tell you remarkable secrets you do not know about things to come"</span> (Jeremiah 33:3).</div>
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There are a lot of questions in my life right now. I'm confused about a lot of things. Some of these things I want to be angry about, yet I know there is a bigger picture that I don't understand. It seems that most things don't turn out as I expect. I've stopped making plans. They're just me fooling myself. One step at a time, one moment at a time, is better. One decision at a time asking, "Is this glorifying to God?" Responding to God's call, "Come," with <span style="color: #ffd966;">"Speak, your servant is listening"</span> (1 Samuel 3:10), <span style="color: #ffd966;">"confident I will see the Lord's goodness while I am here in the land of the living"</span> (Psalm 27:13) and not be disgraced as I wait in his presence.</div>aka Xi Linghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16634385421298625953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180449147703480039.post-25875082985274248452012-06-02T21:16:00.002+01:002012-06-03T13:47:49.704+01:00April/May Adventures!<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
Right. So let's play catch up!</div>
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I posted the Scotland trip I took at the beginning of April. It was awesome. Check it out.</div>
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Spent Easter in London and even received an Easter basket! I haven't had one of those in years! And apparently the UK does chocolate Easter eggs rather than chocolate bunnies.</div>
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The next weekend I was in Paris for four days to run the Paris Marathon! It was my first full marathon (26.2 miles) and the first time I ran more than 16 miles. I had missed a good month of real training due to on and off colds/flu-like something or others during March so I was nervous, but I still managed my goal which was to be around 4 hours (finished in 4:03). I was so close to a sub-four I guess I'm going to have to run another one! Thank you to Paula who came with me to be support and for getting me a fresh French baguette to much on afterwards! It was really cool see the sites of Paris as we ran. Fortunately though Paula and I were able to spend a couple days actually going to the sites, too. These included the Effel Tower, the Louvre, and Notre Dame.</div>
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Start and finish at the Arc de Triomphe! </div>
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Then I had to hit the books again to finish my final Silk Road essay and take exams. (The UK had a month-long break from classes for Easter. That's why I was able to travel.) The week after I finished exams I had some visitors for a couple days!</div>
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It was a nice treat to see the Hertzlers!</div>
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One more place I visited was Windsor and Windsor Castle with the Messersmiths. As you can see we had fun with the camera...<br />
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Then I finalized my dissertation proposal, presented it, got approved,
and have commenced working on it ever since! I'm researching how Animal
Style art from the Northern Steppes got to Yunnan province (southwest
China), how it was adapted to their culture, and what this can tell us
about them (they left no written documents). If that meant anything to
you - bravo! It's 15,000 words due September 15th. <br />
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Last Thursday and Friday I went to York and hiked eight miles of Hadrian's Wall near Newcastle with a classmate. We got perfect weather! The UK finally got a bit of summer! (Which would only be in the 70s haha however it felt really warm to us.)</div>
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York Minster's flying buttresses!</div>
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Above: Looking back on what we had already hiked.</div>
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Below: We ran into lots of sheep and cattle along the way. </div>
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Then on Saturday (got back the night before from Hadrian's Wall) I played hockey and went to tea at Fortnum and Mason with ladies from my church. You know it was a proper tea when it's where the Queen does her grocery shopping! Yum! We got to take home a few extra scones and jams to extend the yumminess until morning.<br />
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Speaking of church, I've become part of the rotation for teaching Junior Church. Emily and I tag team it. She knows all the little kid songs. I do the lesson. And I try to learn the little kid songs. There are a bazillion of them I never knew about! Their favorite though is one I know - Father Abraham. I think it's just because they get to march around and be silly. Sometimes I make up new moves to it just to keep them on their toes! <br />
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That particular Sunday was Jake's birthday. At our church, birthdays are just excuses for the Filipinos to cook a feast! Seriously, if you've never had Filipino food, you're missing out! Here's a photo of me with the Messersmiths, my adopted American family in London.<br />
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And now I'm Stateside until June 19th. If you want to see me hit me up! I can use my American phone now! :)</div>
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Warning: I do have to finish writing my first chapter by the time I leave so it's not all fun and games! :P</div>aka Xi Linghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16634385421298625953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180449147703480039.post-34077581825892557022012-05-29T09:13:00.000+01:002012-06-03T01:27:37.255+01:00SCOTLAND Adventures! April 3-6I traveled to Scotland with two classmates: Francesca and Andrew. Francesca is from Scotland and she was kind enough to have us stay at her family home which is also a bed and breakfast. You can check it out <a href="http://www.essendy.org/Pages/default.aspx">here</a>. <br />
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Tuesday, 3 April:<br />
We all had flights out of London in the evening, but mine was the flight after the others. Their flight took off on time, but mine was delayed. It was supposed to take off at 7:25 but didn't until around 9. Francesca and Andrew had already landed in Scotland by the time I got on the plane, so they ended up chilling in a coffee shop for a while. At first we thought the delay was due to blizzard warnings that had been in Scotland for about a week at that point, but it turns out there was something going on with French air-traffic control that was messing up the whole network. Either way, we still all ended up safely in Edinburgh. When we picked up the rental car we found out we had been upgraded to a Prius which was awesome because it saved us a lot on fuel over the next few days. Driving from Edinburgh airport to Essendy House (Francesca's home) was my first experience driving on the wrong side of the road. At first it was a bit nerve wracking, but I think that I have been over here long enough now and separated enough from driving on the right side at home that it wasn't too hard to get used to it. It was super exciting to drive! When we got there, Francesca's parents greeted us with delicious lentil soup and pizza.<br />
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Wednesday, 4 April:<br />
Essendy House is old, so no central heat. The walls are three feet thick and we slept with electric blankets. For that reason it was super nice to have coffee delivered to bed where I could sip it down and have my quiet time before venturing out into the crisp morning air. We were treated to a full Scottish breakfast of sausages, bacon, eggs (mine had a double yolk) plus a French addition of a crissont. After breakfast, we had a tour of the grounds and then stopped to see an osprey nest at a wildlife sanctuary on a loch. There were red squirrels there, too.<br />
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Then we hiked up a foothill mountain (not really big enough to be a
mountain but bigger than just a hill in my opinion... not sure what to
call it). As we went up there was more and more snow and we crossed
paths with some sheep. The view from the top was beautiful and we had a
bit of a picnic lunch before descending. On the descent we came across
a spot in the path that we decided must've been where the hobbits hid
from the Black Rider in the first Lord of the Rings movie. Once we made
it back to the car, we drove back across the river to Dunkeld where we
explored a Medieval cathedral and walking around the town a bit.<br />
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We stopped in an antique shop and the lady inside asked if I had Scottish ancestry due to my red hair. I got to tell her that it's not natural but that I do have a bit of Scottish lineage and that my mom and younger sister have naturally red hair. I didn't mention that it comes from my grandma who was of the Dutch/German line... oh well, Grandad Davis was Scot-Irish and must have had some recessive gene for red hair. Then we stopped at the store on the way back to Essendy to get supplies for s'mores and American pancakes (Andrew is Canadian and therefore agrees with me that the flat English things called pancakes are totally crepes.). There aren't graham crackers here either, so we got chocolate Digestives (a kind of biscuit... yes, I know sounds weird but they're good). Somewhere on this drive we stopped to explore some church ruins along the road. The access to get inside the walls was very Secret Garden-like. It's a good thing we're all history nerds. In the words of Andrew, "<span class="hasCaption">After a short archaeological survey we think it's 17th century, damaged by fire."</span><br />
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When we got back to the house, we had tea with Tess and John (Francesca's parents). Tess had made an amazing ginger carrot cake. It also turns out that John used to be a field hockey goal keeper and they have friends who have a daughter who now plays at Wake Forest, whom I played with at the South Region training center last year! Small world! After tea, we hauled wood from all over the property so that we could build a bonfire. I drove a tractor and chopped wood for the first time. We were fed a hearty dinner along with John's ginger pudding creation and then proceeded to have our bonfire and s'mores. Overall, a great day.<br />
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Thursday, 5 April:<br />
Coffee in bed again. Francesca spoiled me. Then before breakfast I ran a 10k loop from the house that kicked my butt. It was even more mountainous than the 10k race I did with Emberli out in the Waynesboro area this past summer. It started flurrying after I finished. That will tell you how cold it was, too. But the scenery made up for the difficulty! Beautiful country roads, mountains, valleys, and lochs! Tess was glad that I thought it was hard because she routinely runs that route and thinks it's difficult, too. After the run it was pancake time! Then Andrew and I were enlisted to move some beds and mattresses around to prepare for more people coming that night. Francesca's younger sister was coming home with three friends that night. One of which was another Canadian named Andrew haha. Then we hit the road for more site seeing.<br />
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First we drove to Meigle where we saw some Pictish stones. The Picts were early occupants of the land and the later phase of their stones are the earliest evidence of Christianity in Scotland. Then we went to Glamis Castle (from MacBeth). That was my first castle ever. It's still used now, so it's been slowly renovated over the years. I'd really like to go to one that's still very medieval-like. There were highland cattle grazing on the castle's land. They're so funny looking with their big, shaggy, ginger coats.<br />
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After that, we got in the car again and headed to St. Andrew's (Yes, the
golf place.). There we saw the ruins of St. Andrew's cathedral and
castle. They were really neat. The crypt of the cathedral has a lot of
artifacts in it and some people were practicing MacBeth at the castle.
St. Andrew's is on the water, so we got a really pretty view from the
top of the cathedral tower and out on a dock. When we got back to
Francesca's we had tea and dinner. So much food! <br />
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Friday, 6 April:<br />
We drove back to Edinburgh, returned the car at the airport, and got a bus into the city. I'll definitely say that Edinburgh is a really cool city to visit. The old-style streets give it a lot of character. Among other things we saw St. Giles Cathedral, the Castle of Edinburgh, and the Scottish crown jewels. For lunch we ate haggis, neeps, and tatties. Haggis is a traditional Scottish dish made from a lot of ground up meat parts traditionally cooked in a sheep's stomach. I was surprised that I liked it, but I must say I prefered the veggie version. Neeps are mashed turnips and tatties are mashed potatoes. Francesca and I popped into the National Museum at one point while Andrew met a friend and were baffled by the sheer eclecticism of the collections and layout. Let's just say it could be done better.<br />
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At the end of the day, Francesca hopped a train home and Andrew and I flew back to London. It was a great few days! Thanks again to Francesca and family for the hospitality!<br />
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There are plenty more pictures on Facebook if you haven't seen them yet!aka Xi Linghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16634385421298625953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180449147703480039.post-27252110120699997052012-04-10T10:04:00.002+01:002012-04-10T10:04:57.783+01:00Purpose<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
YOU DON'T LET ANYTHING GET IN THE WAY OF YOU FULFILLING YOUR PURPOSE.</div>
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What is your purpose?</div>
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To glorify God's name.</div>
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Do you magnify Christ in your life? That is, do you bring Christ closer? Do you bring honor to his name? Do you live for his glory?</div>
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GOD PUT YOU SPECIFICALLY WHERE YOU ARE AND YOUR PURPOSE IS TO MAGNIFY CHRIST HERE AND NOW. </div>
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BE AN APOSTLE PAUL TO SOMEONE. That is, teach someone. Disciple someone. Lead by example. Yes, you should be getting taught, but you should be passing it on as well. Who are you passing on the faith to? Who are you encouraging?</div>
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YOU ARE HERE BECAUSE OF GOD'S SOVEREIGN HAND. HE COULD'VE PUT YOU ANYWHERE, BUT HE CHOSE HERE. BE A SHINING LIGHT IN THIS DARK WORLD.</div>
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The reason why people aren't happy and satisfied is because they're not living this way. Instead, they're trying to get joy from something other than God.</div>
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PURPOSE YOUR HEART FOR CHRIST BECAUSE THAT'S THE REASON YOU'RE HERE.</div>
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*This is based on notes I took from a sermon at CBC earlier this year, based on Philippians 1:12-26 and Colossians 1:28-2:3.</div>aka Xi Linghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16634385421298625953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180449147703480039.post-76162669628485679632012-04-09T17:07:00.001+01:002012-04-09T17:07:01.956+01:00London Adventures: Feb 27 - April 3Wow I have some catching up to do!! It's been a month... or more than a month... let's see if I can recap...<br />
<br />
Well, the first three weeks of this missing period were spent on and off with some sort of flu/flus. Not fun. And not good for productivity. Every time I thought I was better I wasn't. BUT I'm better now.<br />
<br />
School:<br />
Guess what. Two weeks ago I had my last masters classes ever. All of a sudden it seems like time has just flown by! Now it's just deadlines and exams. I turned in an essay the last week of classes and another the week after that. I'll be turning in another next week and then I have a couple exams. After that it's all dissertation! Which I think maybe just maybe I've finally decided on a topic... but I'll wait to post that until it's certain lol<br />
<br />
Work:<br />
Didn't get a whole lot of hours in during the sick weeks, but I'm back to normal and grabbing up what I can so that I can have fun later! I met another "Erin" for the first time since I've been here! Except this was a guy and he spelled his name "Arran." It was a spelling I'd never seen before. Apparently it's not a common name in the UK. I'm always having to repeat my name and being told that I'm the first Erin people have ever met. Rarely, I'm the second. And those two people who have met an Erin before have connections to Ireland. It's really strange! To top that off, a couple Sundays ago when I went to Starbucks with Lisa and Emily, they wrote my name on the cup (which they don't seem to do often here, or I think they just started really doing) and spelled it "Irin."<br />
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Hockey:<br />
Last week I had my last game. The Messersmiths were awesome enough to came out and watch. It's weird to be at that point again where I'm not sure if I'll ever get to play again. <br />
<br />
Church:<br />
Church family has continued to be awesome. Over the course of this chunk of time, I've been thrown into various group singing specials and become part of the new rotation for teaching Junior Church.<br />
<br />
Randoms:<br />
PARIS MARATHON IN ONE WEEK!! EEEEEK. Paula will be my travel buddy. I told her she should pass me a baguettes throughout the race... or maybe crepes. Being sick really took a toll on training, but two weeks ago I managed a 16 mile run and didn't die. It was the longest run I've ever done in my life (previous was 15 miles three years ago on accident). That will be the longest run I do before the marathon. This week is all about not wearing myself out and fueling up.<br />
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I've moved house. After much unofficial time spent in the spare room, I've got the remainders of my things out of the dorm and to the Messersmiths! If you want my updated address send me a message.<br />
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Oh, and did I mention? My hair is red...<br />
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Next stop: Scotland!aka Xi Linghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16634385421298625953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180449147703480039.post-14423456895108345772012-03-12T12:56:00.002+00:002017-03-12T07:55:25.483+00:00A Pleasing AromaSomething that stood out to me while reading my Bible the other day: <br />
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"And when he took the scroll, the four living beings and the twenty-four elders </div>
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fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, </div>
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and they held gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of God's people." </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">- Revelation 5:8</span></div>
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"Then another angel with a gold incense burner came and stood at the altar. And a great amount of incense was given to him to mix with the prayers of God's people as an offering on the gold altar before the throne. The smoke of the incense, mixed with the prayers of God's holy people, ascended up to God from the altar where the angel had poured them out."<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">- Revelation 8:3-4</span> </div>
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OUR PRAYERS used as incense. As an offering. As a pleasing sacrifice.<br />
<br />
Let's take a closer look. Webster defines incense as "<span class="ssens">material used to produce a fragrant odor when burned" or "</span><span class="ssens">the perfume exhaled from some spices and gums when burned; <i>broadly</i> <b>:</b> a pleasing scent." Synonyms include: aroma, attar, bouquet, fragrancy, fragrance, perfume, redolence, scent, and spice. Antonyms are fetor, malodor, reek, stench, and stink.</span> So incense is supposed to smell good.<br />
<br />
And what does Strong's say? The word incense here is translated from the Greek word <i>thumiama</i>, which means "an aromatic substance burnt, incense." So it is a strong, good smell. And this strong, good smell is found perfuming the area around God's throne. And the source of the smell? Our prayers. How awesome is that?!<br />
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But it's not just prayers - it's our LIVES. Take a look:<br />
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"Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God."<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">- 2 Corinthians 2:15</span> </div>
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The word fragrance here is the Greek word <i>euodia</i>, which, like <i>thumiama</i>, is also defined as a good smell or incense. But it's also specified as "a sweet odor, spoken of the smell of sacrifices and obligations, agreeably to the ancient notion that God smells and is pleased with the odor of sacrifices" and, as a metaphor, "a thing well pleasing to God" (Strong's).<br />
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The Old Testament is full of examples of this "ancient notion" that God takes pleasure in the smell of sacrifice. Just a few examples include Leviticus 1:9, 2:2, and 3:5 where the sacrifice burned on the altar is described: <span style="color: #ffd966;">"It is a special gift, a pleasing aroma to the Lord."</span> This word aroma is the Hebrew word <i>reyach</i> which is used throughout the Old Testament, defined by Strong's as an "odour of soothing (technical term for sacrifice to God)." <br />
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Was it that God thought burning grain or animals literally smelled good? Not really. It was the act of obedience and reverence for God. It was the heart attitude of the one offering the sacrifice. David speaks of this in one of his psalms:<br />
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"You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one.</div>
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You do not want a burnt offering.</div>
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The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit.</div>
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You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God...</div>
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you will be pleased with sacrifices offered in the right spirit..."</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">- Psalm 51:16-17, 19</span></div>
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Now we who live in the New Testament times, with the sacrifice of Jesus, the perfect sacrifice, covering us, paying the death penalty for our sins, do not need to offer a burnt offering, even in the "right spirit." We are instead told:<br />
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"And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God </div>
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because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice - </div>
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the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him."</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">- Romans 12:1</span></div>
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"And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What's more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God."</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">- 1 Peter 2:5</span></div>
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How do we do this? How do we offer ourselves as living sacrifices? What are the spiritual sacrifices that please God? How do we become <i>euodia</i>, a Christ-like fragrance, the kind of sacrifice that God finds acceptable and pleasing? The same word <i>euodia</i> is used in two other places in the New Testament:<br />
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"Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. </div>
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Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. </div>
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He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God."</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">- Ephesians 5:1-2</span></div>
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"At the moment I have
all I need - and more! I am generously supplied with the gifts you sent
me with Epaphroditus. They are a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is
acceptable and pleasing to God."</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">- Philippians 4:18</span></div>
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Following the example of Christ in love and humility. Giving generously. And how else?<br />
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"Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, </div>
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proclaiming our allegiance to his name. </div>
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And don't forget to do good and to share with those in need. </div>
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These are the sacrifices that please God."</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">- Hebrews 13:15-16 </span></div>
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"So you should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus. Do not let sin control the way you live, do not give in to sinful desires. Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. Sin is no longer your master... Don't you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living."</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">- Romans 6:11-16 </span></div>
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Praising no matter what, being faithful in our devotion to God, doing good, sharing, living in the new life Christ gave us - a life free from sin, no longer bound - <span style="color: #ffd966;">"For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:22)</span> - accepting God's gift of grace and striving to live clean, honorable lives out of thankfulness and a desire to please him:<br />
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"So think clearly and exercise self-control. Look forward to the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. So you must live as God's obedient children. Don't slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn't know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, 'You must be holy because I am holy.'"</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">- 1 Peter 1:13-16</span></div>
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By imitating God, not the world (Romans 12:2). By producing sweet-smelling fruit:<br />
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"But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: </div>
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love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. </div>
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There is no law against these things! Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there."</div>
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- Galatians 5:22-24</div>
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Such a life doesn't just please God:<br />
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"But thank God!... Now he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume. Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God..."</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">- 2 Corinthians 2:14-15</span></div>
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It adds to the Kingdom.</div>
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So how do you smell today? Are you a strong, sweet, pleasing aroma or a retched, selfish stink? If you're a stink, take the time to talk to God and give yourself over to him and allow Christ's sacrifice to cover you and make you new. If you've accepted Christ, but you're not living for his glory, still hanging on to your old ways, let go. Those old ways aren't worth it. If you truly believe that Jesus died to give you eternal life, live the life of praise and sacrifice, the fruit producing life, that freshens the air of Heaven and Earth because of your thankfulness. Because you know God deserves all honor and praise. Replace that old air freshener and turn up its strength! It seems like a lot, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. It's one decision at a time. Then God will delight in you and seeds of faith will be planted among the lost.</div>
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"For the Lord your God is living among you.</div>
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He is a mighty savior.</div>
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He will take delight in you with gladness.</div>
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With his love, he will calm all your fears.</div>
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He will rejoice over you with joyful songs."</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">- Zephaniah 3:17</span></div>
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Let's live to bring a smile to God's face. Let's spread Christ's life-giving aroma.</div>
aka Xi Linghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16634385421298625953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180449147703480039.post-78336058877381293092012-03-03T13:53:00.001+00:002012-03-03T13:53:05.159+00:00All These Other ThingsSeek God, not the answers.<br />
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Do you ever find yourself so adamant about figuring out something specific that you get hung up on it to the point that you're focusing on that problem or situation or answer more than you're focusing on God himself? Even though you're talking to him about it, it's all about that thing you want to know instead of being about him. The whole point of your prayer or quiet time is about seeking an answer rather than drawing near to God. It's all about 'tell me, tell me, tell me, why aren't you telling me, I can't have peace without knowing this right now, tell me and then I'll rest in you' rather than 'God I trust you, you're awesome, help me draw closer to you because in you is all wisdom and knowledge and I know you'll lead me as long as I draw near to you, I can have peace because I know you're in control.'<br />
<br />
Focusing on what we don't know leads to anxiousness, worry, stress, wasted time and energy, jealously of those who seem to have it all figured out, and bitterness with God for not doing things in the way we selfishly think he should. But God calls things such as these "earthly, unspiritual, and demonic" (James 3:15). Whether you believe in God or not, I believe everyone would agree that these things are undesirable. With these things in your heart, there is no way you can live joyously.<br />
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"Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, </div>
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and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need." </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">- Matthew 6:33</span></div>
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Seek God, not just the answers. Yes, the text before this verse is speaking of our basic needs of food, shelter, and clothing, but it has a deeper meaning than that as well. It's about priorities. It's about trust. It's about living in God's presence and valuing that above all else. It's about how even seeking 'good' things can become a stumbling block if not done properly. Seeking God about your career path, about the next step in life, about who you should marry, about why he has you in a certain place, about why you're having a trial, or other such things is not bad, but it can become a hindrance to your relationship with God if receiving that answer is all that you're seeking. If you're placing your condition for joy on receiving that knowledge rather than taking joy in God himself, then you're not walking in the presence of God and you're going to drive yourself nuts.<br />
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"You will show me the way of life,</div>
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granting me the joy of your presence</div>
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and the pleasures of living with you forever."</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">- Psalm 16:11</span></div>
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"All who seek the LORD will praise him.</div>
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Their hearts will rejoice with everlasting joy."</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">- Psalm 22:26</span></div>
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True joy is in the presence of God. Fullness of joy is in him. Does this mean we'll never feel sad? No! Joy is more than an emotion. Happiness is an emotion; it's temporal and fleeting. Fullness of joy, God's joy, is deeper than that. It is what reigns in your heart and gives you peace even when things seem like they are crashing down around you. It becomes part of who you are. It defines who you are. It is ever present. It is the Holy Spirit living within you. It is the Comforter at work saying, 'You're Mine'. It is the presence of God. It isn't knowledge or understanding about everthing. It's knowing one thing:</div>
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<br /></div>
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"See, God has come to save me.</div>
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I will trust in him and not be afraid.</div>
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The LORD GOD is my strength and my song;</div>
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he has given me victory.</div>
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With joy you will drink deeply from the fountain of salvation!"</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">- Isaiah 12:2-3</span></div>
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God has come to save us. Christ made a way. He bridged the gap. He gave us all access to the Holy of Holies - the presence of God. And he came at "just the right time" (Romans 5:6). If he came at just the right time to save us, why then should he slack on other things? Why would he not take care of the smaller things in life at just the right time? He saved our souls at just the right time. Everything else should be a piece of cake!</div>
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<br /></div>
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Let's look a little more at the context of Matthew 6:33:</div>
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"Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. </div>
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Why do you have so little faith? So don't worry about these things, saying, 'What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?' These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today."</div>
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<span style="color: #ffe599; font-size: x-small;">- Matthew 6:27-34 </span></div>
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Jesus is saying here that as a believer there is no reason we should worry. And what is worry other than a lack of trust in God? Since God says he'll take care of our needs and he does things at just the right time, why then should we worry? Why then should we get caught up on needing to know answers? He will tell us at just the right time if we need to know. Sometimes it just isn't time yet. And sometimes we just don't need to know. Like Paul said:</div>
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<br /></div>
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"I pray that God, the source of hope,</div>
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will fill you completely with joy and peace</div>
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because you trust in him.</div>
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Then you will overflow with confident hope </div>
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through the power of the Holy Spirit."</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">- Romans 15:13</span></div>
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Because you trust in him. Because you seek him above all else. Joy and peace are yours. Confident hope is yours.</div>
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<br /></div>
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"The LORD directs our steps,</div>
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so why try to understand everything along the way?"</div>
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<span style="color: #ffe599; font-size: x-small;">- Proverbs 20:24</span></div>
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The only thing we need to understand is that God is God. This doesn't mean don't ask questions. We are told to ask him for wisdom and understanding (James 1:5). It just means trust the Lord to take care of it by giving it to him instead of dwelling on uncertainties. Dwell on the certainty of God. Dwell in his presence. Feed off of his joy. Seek God above all else. Seek the Kingdom. And all these things shall be added unto you. At just the right time.aka Xi Linghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16634385421298625953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180449147703480039.post-17477499571014573502012-02-28T11:23:00.001+00:002012-02-28T11:25:50.710+00:00London Adventures: Feb 13-26<b>School:</b><br />
Manic couple of weeks. Turned in an essay, gave a presentation, and came up with three possible dissertation topics. I'm exhausted. Seriously just weary. That's the only way I can describe it. Just weary. So ready for the term to end so I can just focus on the dissertation and nothing else. Hard to believe the first of the two weeks covered in this post was Reading Week aka Half Term! I'm now more than halfway through my last semester of my masters! Four weeks left. The end of April after Easter break will involve turning in an essay and taking two exams for the start of 'third term' but that's all.<br />
<br />
Been super tired, but I'm very glad I have some classmate buddies to do work with this term, namely Francesca and Andrew. Francesca and I have been tag-teaming the research for our Silk Road essays. Since our topics are related, we have to look at a lot of the same sources, which means we can each take half and tell each other if we find anything! So far so good. We had to present on our essay topics last week and we were the only ones who didn't get negative comments from the professor so far. That was a huge load off. At least I know I'm on the right track for this essay.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Work:</b><br />
I've gotten my full 20 hours in these past few weeks. It's probably contributing to the tiredness, but I'll be glad to get that paycheck! I've been really glad to get more opening and closing shifts rather than ones in the middle of the day.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Hockey:</b><br />
We've had our games cancelled the past three weeks. The first two were due to so called frozen pitch. This past Saturday the opposition cancelled for a reason unknown to me. Training this past Thursday was fun though because the guys' team needed another keeper, so I got to play with them. Love the faster pace!<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Church:</b><br />
Last week, for the Sunday evening service we watched the movie Courageous as a church. If you haven't seen it, you really should.<br />
<br />
Last week was also the breaking of the fast. Like NLAG, CBC also did a 21 day fast. It's funny how things I thought I would get answers about are not what I got answers about, but instead I got answers and reminders I wasn't even looking for or didn't realize I needed.<br />
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"My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts," says the LORD. "And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts" (Isaiah 55:8-9).<br />
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"The LORD directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way?" (Proverbs 20:24). Do I need to understand everything? No, I can still do what is required of me without that. "No, O people, the LORD has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God" (Micah 6:8).<br />
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We had a visiting pastor come in from Minnesota on Wednesday. He preached to us Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday nights as well as Sunday morning and evening. The theme was overcoming demonic strongholds in our lives. Something to think about - "Addictions come when you choose the wrong master. When you don't choose God as your master, you get Satan by default." What have you chosen or not chosen? If you've chosen God, are you allowing him full access to the entirety of your life? Is he your master on more than just Sunday morning? Do you give everyday, every action, and every thought to God?<br />
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"Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God's place in your hearts" (1 John 5:21).<br />
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<b><br /></b><br />
<b>Randoms:</b><br />
Thank you for praying for my cousin Stephen. He is back in the States. :)<br />
<br />
Ran my fastest half-marathon of my life on Friday! Guess I should run scared of being late for work more often lol... however, I then just wanted to nap for the duration of my shift...<br />
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The weekend was beautiful and sunny. Loved it. After a recovery run on Saturday, Paula and I sat in the hot tub at her and Bobby's place and chatted about life. I stayed with them Friday and Saturday nights so that I wouldn't have to tube back and forth for all of the preaching this weekend. It was really refreshing and so nice to relax a bit before heading back into school stuff.<br />
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The Friday of Reading Week I got to spend some time with Ingefleur at the National Gallery. We were amused that we both wanted to head to the Impressionist section first. She is an awesome sister in Christ and I enjoy hearing what she has to say. And then this past Sunday her mom visited from Holland and brought me stroopwafels! Guess I should keep her around! ;)<br />
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The ladies of CBC met for pizza this past Saturday before the service for pizza at an authentic Italian pizzeria. Oh boy was it different!<br />
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Introduced the Messersmiths to Chinese mooncake. I bought some at a bakery in Chinatown for one of the six children's birthdays last weekend. I'm pleased to report that everyone loves red bean!<br />
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Sang a quartet with Lisa, Emily, and Cori on Sunday. Kenny is visiting from the Messersmith's home church in Maryland and since he's a piano performance major he has given Cori a break from playing piano. Funny thing is that all four of us since the alto part in choir (Cori would if she weren't the pianist.) Lisa and I ended up with the soprano. It was one of those songs that I feel like if it were a half step higher I would not be able to sing it! Thankfully, we all hit our notes. :)<br />
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So incredibly thankful for my church family both here and abroad. People to mourn with you, rejoice with you, learn with you, and teach you.<br />
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<br /></div>
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"God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love - not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. No one has ever seen God. But if you love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us... All who confess that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God. We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love" (1 John 4:9-16).</div>
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Thinking about a flight home for part of the summer. Prices skyrocket at the end of June, so I'm thinking end of May or early June. Any leads on good deals let me know.</div>aka Xi Linghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16634385421298625953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180449147703480039.post-36962777382234967942012-02-12T22:19:00.001+00:002012-02-12T22:20:11.766+00:00London Adventures: Feb 4-12<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;">School:</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Been a bit crazy with essay and dissertation proposals. A bunch of stuff due in the next two weeks. </span><b><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></b><span style="font-size: small;">This coming week is reading week (Half term - what?? I'm halfway through my last semester of masters classes???) which means there are no classes. Need the time to get all this stuff done. It will be nice to not have to worry about being in and reading for class and instead just concentrate on the work.</span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;">Work:</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I've managed to get my regular shifts changed to closing Tuesday night and opening Wednesday morning. This is much better than having them in the middle of the day. Now I can pick and choose the others as they come up and it gives me more time to be in the library while it's open. The coming two weeks I'll be getting a full 20 hours in (the most allowed on my visa). There will be a bunch of double shifts, but I like that so much better than coming in more often for smaller increments of time. </span><b><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></b><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;">Hockey: </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> The game I spoke of in the last post actually never happened and here's what I had to say about it on Facebook in case you missed it, as well as some memories donated by teammates: </span></div>
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody">Hockey
cancelled due to "frozen pitch." LOL I know plenty of people who would
remember playing in an ice storm at UVA as icicles formed on the goal
posts! Or how about 6am on the turf dodging snow mounds? It's 32
degrees, feels like 25, and it MIGHT snow 1-3 inches tonight. Yup,
Longwood hockey would still be playing!</span></span></h6>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody">Katy: </span><span class="commentBody">I still tell people about those practices! Miserable!</span></span></h6>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="commentBody">Carra: </span><span class="commentBody">OH MAN SOOOO TRUE!!! I
remember dodging the snow mounds whilst wearing TWO pairs of gloves and
Multiple layers of shirts.... 1109 ♥</span></span></h6>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="commentBody">Dani B: </span><span class="commentBody">Yeah, and what about when we couldn't put our water bottles on the turf because they would freeze.</span></span></h6>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="commentBody" style="font-weight: normal;">Murph: oh my oh my crazy times! </span></span></h6>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="commentBody" style="font-weight: normal;">Seriously. This is not an exaggeration!!! But I wouldn't trade it now. It's just so funny though to come from more serious play to recreational play.</span></span></h6>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="commentBody" style="font-weight: normal;"> On top of this, training and the game was cancelled again this weekend due to so called "frozen pitch"...</span></span></h6>
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">Church:</span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="commentBody" style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="commentBody" style="font-weight: normal;">It did end up snowing last Saturday night and it was a good thing I had come to Chiswick before it started because London can't handle snow. It was only about two inches, but you would've thought it had been a foot the way public transport shuts down or gets delayed. London Heathrow (the airport) only has ONE snow plow!!! So anyway, headed to church early and shoveled out the stairs and entrance. Only main roads get plowed here and nobody does the sidewalks which is annoying because everyone walks and when it turns into slush it's so nasty. Because there was concern over people slipping and falling going home after evening service, all afternoon and evening church activities were cancelled. A bunch of us went to the Messersmith's and hung out for the rest of the day. It was nice to have down time to chill and just hang out with other church people in a casual manner.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="commentBody" style="font-weight: normal;">This week (today) we had another interesting Sunday because the heat broke in the church building. I seriously don't think my feet have ever been so cold in my life. By the end they were just in pain. We were huddled together in the pews with blankets, coats, scarves, hats, and gloves. But at the same time it kind of brought everyone together and oh my goodness the world ended there was some clapping during the hymns! Afternoon meetings were cancelled again and we held the evening service in the creche downstairs because there were dehumidifiers with a heater of some sort in them. I loved it because it was reminiscent of cramming 18 people into one dorm room at Longwood for a few hours of praise songs and Bible study. No guitar, just a cappella out of the hymnals, but it was so soothing and joyful. I miss getting together with friends just to sing praises and pray for hours on end.</span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">Randoms:</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="commentBody" style="font-weight: normal;">Please be praying for my cousin Stephen who was on a mission trip in a country hostile to the Gospel message and has been missing now for three days.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="commentBody" style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><span class="messageBody"> </span></h6>aka Xi Linghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16634385421298625953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180449147703480039.post-88009306554348791312012-02-04T11:30:00.001+00:002012-02-04T12:03:34.499+00:00London Adventures: Jan 6- Feb 3Well I seem to have fallen of the rocker a bit here, but I'll do my best to recap. I left Dulles the night of the 5th and landed at Heathrow the morning of the 6th. Praise the Lord I managed to sleep nearly four hours on the plane! That is seriously a major rarity for me. A couple Messersmiths picked me up from the airport and the kids were in charge of keeping me up all day, which they may have enjoyed a little too much hahaha. Great seeing everyone at CBC again that weekend.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>School: </b><br />
<b> </b>Somehow I managed to turn in 9,000 words worth of essays in the first week. Seriously, homework over Christmas should just be illegal. One of my professors highly discourages people from going home because we should be working on essays. Really?? It's Christmas!<br />
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My schedule is the same this semester because all of my courses are full units, meaning they go the full year. It's nice in that I am finally getting to know these classmates. Apparently I'm not the only one who felt like no one talked last semester. A group of us has started hanging out after class a bit and of course there are always the library parties. One of them goes to the gym I work at, so I've started having a gym buddy again which to me is super exciting.<br />
<br />
Right now I'm in the middle of two essays, a presentation, and three dissertation proposals. And of course all of the weekly readings, but that is just assumed. Thankful that the SOAS library has longer hours than the UCL libraries!<br />
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<br />
<b>Work:</b><br />
I've been able to get more shifts so far which is exciting because I want to earn as much extra as possible to be able to visit some other countries while I'm here. This week was a bit insane because I worked two doubles on back to back days on top of everything else but I was glad to get the hours in.<br />
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<br />
<b>Hockey: </b><br />
<b> </b>Spring season has already started! Crazy, I know. Today will be game three already. The weather had been really mild up until last week. Now it's freezing and, speaking of which, Thursday night training was cancelled this week because it was too cold. The problem though was that it was sent via e-mail only a couple hours beforehand and since I don't get e-mail to my phone here I didn't see it. Therefore I ended up standing around a bit at the turf and then waiting an hour for the bus back to the Underground in the freezing cold. Not fun. Hopefully today's game won't be too cold. It took me well until yesterday afternoon to feel warm again!<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Church:</b><br />
Like I said, it was great to see
everyone again. One of the Sundays we visited a nursing home, the same
one we visited once in the fall. We sang hymns and gave a Gospel
message. It's really neat to see some of the really old people who
can't even really talk or anything anymore mouthing a lot of the words
to the hymns along with us. The next Sunday at church I had the
privilege of praying with someone to accept Christ! That was super
exciting!<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Randoms:</b><br />
I'm wondering why I have been calling this the "Randoms" section instead of Miscellaneous, especially in light of my blog title. Oh well.<br />
<br />
The Chinese New Year has come and gone. The New Year was on the 23rd. Rachel and I went to Chinatown that night, ate Chinese food, and took in the atmosphere. It was really cool to be there and it was nice to get out a bit. I hadn't done anything except church, school, work, and one hockey game at that point since coming back. The Chinese celebrate for a week, so this past Sunday Emily came with me between morning and evening services to Chinatown and Trafalgar Square where they had the end celebration going. There were booths with food and souvenirs, lots of lanterns, and traditional Chinese entertainment on a big stage in the middle of Trafalgar. I introduced Emily to baozi and I am happy to report that she loves the red bean one like all people should!<br />
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Yesterday I swam a mile and a bit at the gym. It felt so good I wonder why I don't do that more often. I hadn't swam since sometime last semester. I think I'm going to start incorporating it into my training more. It's a nice change especially when I don't like running in the cold or on a treadmill. Oh summer, come quickly!!! I also seem to have a new squat max! My body just appears to have some miraculous way of hanging onto strength. My lifting was so scattered last semester due to being sick a lot and I didn't have a gym over break and now after only a month of lifting regularly I already have a new all-time max?? Crazy in my opinion but I'll take it!<br />
<br />
Received a penguin beanie with ear flaps and a penguin snuggie in the mail just in time for all the cold... thanks Kris!! And it looks like some good friends are going to come visit in May! I'm excited :)<br />
<br />
Overall, I feel so much better about being here now than I did last semester. For whatever reason I finally feel like I belong. Like I walk around campus and I feel like this is my school. I'm not just some random visitor. I am so thankful for that. Makes it all so much easier.aka Xi Linghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16634385421298625953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180449147703480039.post-28428655505886615622011-12-30T19:43:00.000+00:002012-01-02T17:00:34.727+00:00Do Not Be Anxious<div style="color: #ffe599; text-align: center;">
"Do not be anxious about anything, </div>
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but in everything, by prayer and
petition, </div>
<div style="color: #ffe599; text-align: center;">
with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. </div>
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And the peace
of God, which transcends all understanding, </div>
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will guard your hearts and
your minds in Christ Jesus."</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">-Philippians 4:6-7 </span></div>
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Story of my life. Well, at least this has been the theme for a good two months now. Thanks to my good friend Laura, not only is it memorized, but it is memorized to a jingle! Check it out <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jd35-M-xLX4">here</a>. And while you're at it check out other Seeds Family Worship videos. They use kinetic typography, along with a catchy tune, to help make the memorization process all the easier. Sure, it's meant for kids, but adults needs these things, too.<br />
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So there I was singing "Do not be anxious" for a variety of reasons as I tramped around London and now I find myself back in the States still needing it. What gives? I thought part of what I was anxious for was to go home. I've found myself looking at the inevitable return to London with dread. WHY?? Everyone else seems to love it. I hear about how awesome people think being in London is all the time, but for some reason I can't share in their enthusiasm. There's a lot of cool stuff and I've met some awesome people, so WHY can't I embrace it and have the time of my life like everyone seems to think a year in London should be or says theirs was or has been??</div>
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Cause it's not where my heart is. Virginia is my home. China is my passion. So just why did the Lord lead me to London? Of course the masters degree has something to do with it, but there's always something else. Maybe it was to help me more clearly understand where my heart is. And I think I'm learning about waiting.</div>
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A few mornings ago, I opened my Bible and the first thing I saw was this:</div>
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"Until the time came to fulfill his dreams, the LORD tested Joseph's character."</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">-Psalm 105:19 </span></div>
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Then I'm like, "Ohhhhh no." The day before, a friend of mine had said, "I have a better analogy for you than London being a fiery furnace. It's more like our being refined like a Hertzler refines a pig slowly for a roast." So I asked if I would be edible by the time I get back. He said no because we're not done roasting until heaven. Short buddy has some wisdom between his ears.<br />
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I found myself praying that I wouldn't just squeak by but pass with flying colors. But that verse led me to think of this:</div>
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"Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life."</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">-Proverbs 13:12</span></div>
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So if deferring dreams makes the heart sick, why am I being told to wait, wait, wait? Because waiting on God is trusting in God. It's trusting he knows the right time, the right place, and the right people. It's trusting he's had it all figured out before time began. It's trusting that he has a very good reason to say, "Wait." It's learning the discipline of not trying to control things myself but instead depending on God to see them through in his way and in his time.</div>
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"But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. </div>
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They will soar
high on wings like eagles. </div>
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They will run and not grow weary. They will
walk and not faint."</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">-Isaiah 40:31</span></div>
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"Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your
God. </div>
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I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my
victorious right hand."</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">-Isaiah 41:10</span></div>
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I have been chewing on this post for about a week and yesterday the sermon at New Life provided a nice little capstone. "Don't ever give up on the God that's never given up on you. Life is hard. God is still God. Don't give up." Pain and suffering come to all people. God never promised that being in the middle of his will is 'safe.' It's safe in an eternal sense, but it doesn't mean pain won't happen in this life. Just ask Jesus. Or the disciples. Dying on the cross or getting martyred wasn't exactly a walk in the park. Pain came to Job even though God referred to him as a righteous man because God wanted to illustrate a point, use it to teach, and bless Job more in the latter part of his life than in the first. There is no karma in the Bible. God simply takes care of his own. Are you going to allow your circumstances to define your theology or are you going to allow your theology to define your circumstances? Maybe God has you on the insane boat that's going through the rapids while others are quietly drifting down the river. Enjoy the journey that God has you on. You're on it for a reason.</div>
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"'My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,' says the LORD.</div>
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'And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.'"</div>
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<span style="color: #ffe599; font-size: x-small;">-Isaiah 55:8</span></div>
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So in the meantime,</div>
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<span style="color: #ffe599;">"Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD.</span><span class="versiontext" style="color: #ffe599;">"</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="versiontext">-Psalm 27:14</span></span></div>
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"Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him."</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">-Psalm 62:5</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XazqArchgR8&feature=fvst">"While I'm Waiting" by John Waller</a> - <span style="color: white;">A jam for the season.</span></span></span><span style="color: white;"> </span></span></div>
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</div>aka Xi Linghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16634385421298625953noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180449147703480039.post-18563528935696309352011-12-21T02:35:00.000+00:002011-12-21T17:01:40.455+00:00He Loves MeTwo weeks ago, on December 5th, I was at the weekly Monday night Christian Union meeting on my campus. After the meeting, people were eating mince pies among other things for the CU Christmas party. I've been gluten free for nearly two years thanks to an unexplained intolerance, so I wasn't eating any of it. One of the guys in the group told me that he used to be lactose intolerant, but God healed him and now he can eat whatever he wants. He asked to pray for me. I said sure. A couple nights later, he messaged me and asked if I had eaten any gluten yet. I said no. He asked why not. I said I felt like that guy in the Bible who said 'Yes, I believe but help me with my unbelief!' I took the leap of faith and ate some. The next morning I had one brief, sharp stab of pain but nothing else. I actually felt really good. No smoldering pain. No stay in bed pain. No swollen nastiness. No super fatigue. Leaping again, I ate one more thing. Still I was fine. The next morning I had cinnamon rolls and went for a run. I was wondering if this was for real. I wondered if it was going to suddenly catch up to me. I wondered if I should say anything to people lest it prove to be untrue.<br />
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I have a lot of good God time when I run and during this run I was asking all of those questions. God's answer? Went something like this: <span style="color: #9fc5e8;">"You believe I can heal. You've seen me heal. You would believe this for another person. So why won't you believe I would do this for you?"</span><br />
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BAM. Smackdown God style. Smackdowned by love.<br />
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Why can it be hard to accept God's love? Why is it hard to just let him love me? I think somehow there is still a part of me that wants to earn God's love. That wants to earn praise and recognition as if it's a matter of sport performance or class ranking. A part of me that wants to be like, "Look, Daddy! Look what I've done! See you can be proud of me!" But it is completely unnecessary. God loves me no matter what I do, just as my earthy daddy loved me on both good days and bad. Yet it is so easy to fall into the 'I need to earn it' trap. So easy to say, "Oh well, I deserve this problem because I mess up way too much. Yes, God could heal me, but he sees my heart and knows there's still darkness there. He's saved me, but I shouldn't ask for more than that. I'm too unworthy. Let someone else who fights the battle better than me have the blessing."<br />
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But the Word of God says,<br />
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"If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won't he also give us everything else? Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one - for God himself has given us right standing with himself. Who then will condemn us? No one - for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God's right hand, pleading for us. Can anything ever separate us from Christ's love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death?... No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow - not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below - indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord."</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">-Romans 8:31-39</span></div>
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"He does this to make the riches of his glory shine even brighter..."</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">-Romans 9:23</span></div>
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God wants to lavish his love upon us not because we deserve it but because it glorifies his name. We who accept his love, accept his sacrifice upon the cross, accept reconciliation, accept his preeminence, accept his omnipresence, his omnipotence, his divine Lordship, his perfection, his wisdom, 'do' not because we need to seek approval but because we have approval and rejoice in it. We rejoice in its freedom. We rejoice because he loves us.<br />
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Today I ate gluten. Tomorrow I will eat gluten. Not because I deserve it but because my Heavenly Father wants to teach me how much he loves me. How much he loves all of us. How much he cares about even the little things. Because let's face it, a gluten intolerance, as annoying as it is, is not the worst problem a person could have. But yet, he has healed it to woo my heart another step closer to his.<br />
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"Look, I am making everything new!"</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">-Revelation 21:5</span></div>
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Don't fight him. He loves you. He wants to be mighty in your life. He invites you to be his bride. Have you said yes? Have you come to the alter? Have you said 'I do'? Have you come to the only one able to save? To wash you white as snow? To make you new?<br />
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"But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners."</div>
<span style="color: #ffe599; font-size: x-small;">-Romans 5:8</span><br />
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Oh Jesus, lover of my soul.aka Xi Linghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16634385421298625953noreply@blogger.com0