tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58262034210875550602023-11-15T23:44:26.872-08:00Beginning a good work...Mikeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11296421141713261862noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5826203421087555060.post-37547199902477970302012-04-03T02:16:00.000-07:002012-04-03T02:16:46.984-07:00Failure and its cost<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What happens when your plans don't work out the way you imagined, dreamed, or hoped? Have you ever started something and not finished it? Does failure at anything frighten you? </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had a failure last week. It wasn't anything I planned, or could foresee. But, it was a definite failure. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have been having a tough time with one pre-schooler named Leo. He is 5 years old, very smart, and bigger than the rest of the kids in my class. He regularly answers the questions when asked and not asked. He likes to be first in line, first to finish and first place in general. His work is generally very good. He likes to tattle on any child that is not to his liking of the rules. Lately, he has started to say "no" a lot to me. Teacher Mike, I no like. Teacher Mike, I no want. Teacher Mike, it was not me. Well, after a long day of encounters like that and me touching his head with some papers (he was fine), and him screaming I hurt him, then came the finale. At the end of the day, he runs by me, trips and stubs his foot on my shoe and starts ranting about me hurting him. Teacher Mike, I no like you. Teacher Mike, you are mean teacher. Teacher Mike, I hate you. I hate you!! Wow, I didn't teach him that word. In one split second, I repeated his words back to him, "I hate you, too." I said it calmly, but no points for that. I had become a five year old. He continued to scream as it was time for him to catch the bus. I said calmly, but sternly "Go home". "Tell your mother." I didn't want to hear it. His foot was fine.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I don't tell you all of that to justify myself. I wasn't. I was suppose to be his teacher, protector, and champion. I relinquished that in an instant to gratify a longing to lash out. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At first, it didn't bother me. The child deserved it, I thought. He's a brat. Little did I know, a couple hours later, phone calls, administrators, parents, and grandparents would be in an uproar. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The next day the parents came in to speak to the Administrator. I was suppose to meet her also. She didn't want an apology. She wanted my head. Well, she didn't get my head, but a suspension was deemed the best recourse to satisfy all parties.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At first I was mad and indignant. I was going to pack up and go home. Who needs this aggravation? Slowly, it dawned on me that the main purpose of loving these children and setting an example for their parents was my main goal here in China. It felt like a sucker punch to the gut. I failed. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For a few hours, nothing would solace me. A friend (thanks Amber) shared a verse from Colossians 1:21 - 22 <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"> </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation—</i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Free from accusation, now that is a nice thought. Yes, I deserved censure and discipline. But, in the Spiritual realm, I was blameless in the sight of God. Thank you Jesus for your physical death, and resurrection that transforms me in your Father's sight.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do you feel like the Psalmist:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-14537" style="line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;">40:11</sup> Do not withhold your mercy from me, LORD;<br />
may your love and faithfulness always protect me.<br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-14538" style="line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;">12</sup> For troubles without number surround me;<br />
my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see.<br />
They are more than the hairs of my head,<br />
and my heart fails within me. </i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But, forget verse 13 -</span><br />
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-14539" style="line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;">13</sup> Be pleased to save me, LORD;<br />
come quickly, LORD, to help me.</i></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He will, He has, and He will again.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do you feel terrible for some sort of failure: parenting, job, relationship, addiction, etc?</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do you feel like the lyrics in DCTalk's "What if I stumble?"</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>What if I stumble, what if I fall?<br />
What if I lose my step and I make fools of us all?<br />
Will the love continue when my walk becomes a crawl?<br />
What if I stumble, and what if I fall?</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yes, I made myself a fool. But, the love will continue anyway. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>Lamentations 3:22-24</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i> Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed,<br />
for his compassions never fail.<br />
They are new every morning;<br />
great is your faithfulness.<br />
I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion;<br />
therefore I will wait for him.”</i></span><br />
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, get up, walk worthy and finish the race. He has already finished it for you anyway.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I go back Thursday to teaching. Only this time I go with renewed vigor and prayer for Leo, his parents, and for me. </span></div><div><br />
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</span>Mikeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11296421141713261862noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5826203421087555060.post-26035727924825558252012-02-24T16:54:00.000-08:002012-02-24T16:54:24.787-08:00Cultural Training 101Life in China is not crazy different, but here are a few pointers for those of you who may visit in the near future.<br />
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1. Carry a shopping bag with you, or your backpack. Bags are not free. As the cashier checks out your items shake your head twice. I just keep shaking "no" at any question, until they show me the total.<br />
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2. Find an English website for the bus routes before you come.<br />
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3. Carry tissue with you at all times, or you will have to become very creative with your hygiene, because tissue is not provided either.<br />
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4. Don't be afraid to wear your clothes multiple days. Everyone does it. When you do wash, the best places to dry, are near the radiators, at least in the winter time.<br />
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5. The drain in the middle of the bathroom is an all inclusive drain for shower, washer, and spills that goes directly to sewer.<br />
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6. I have not found anything about bus frequency on routes. So, just wait until one shows up for you.<br />
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7. There is no pedestrian right of way. Very important! If the cross walk says "green", it just means this is a better time to cross without being hit...proceed cautiously. Cars are King. They will not stop for you. They may honk, but don't expect them to stop.<br />
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8. Fireworks are more than for New Years. They are for Wedding Days, opening businesses, and in general anything. Get used to hearing them at anytime of day.<br />
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9. Your favorite American brands, if you can find them are usually twice the cost, or even more.<br />
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10. Laughs, giggles and conversations are probably not about you. But could be, just smile and relax.<br />
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11. Anything bigger than a 34 inch waist is called "Fat man's pants". They need some marketing skills here.<br />
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12. Body language is key. Become good at Charades. The local ladies at the supermarket get a kick at trying to figure out what I am trying to buy or find. Ajax, and Picnic were two recent examples that seemed lost on the locals.<br />
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13. There are employees everywhere in the stores. It seems like one for every aisle. They will restock an item as soon as you select it and put it in your cart.<br />
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14. Get used to strange sights: swimmers walking out of the ocean, beet red smiling. Small trucks carrying loads 4x as big as the vehicle. Every animal part hanging from the posts in the meat section.<br />
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15. Almost all denominations of money have Chairman Mao's face on it.<br />
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16. Get used to walking.<br />
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17. Hope you like soy sauce and oil. There are aisles of different varieties.<br />
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Well, this is usually the place I'd put a scripture. There are many that apply. Do not complain, Rejoice always, Be humble, Do not have haughty eyes, Accept weaker, or stronger brothers. You may know them. They all speak to me at one point or another.<br />
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Lastly, smile and enjoy and look for God's presence while you are there. Mikeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11296421141713261862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5826203421087555060.post-69182568725353554442012-01-31T04:47:00.000-08:002012-01-31T04:47:19.744-08:00Becoming like a little child<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><sup class="versenum" id="en-NLT-24572" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">Mark 10:13</sup></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him.</span></span><br />
<div style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NLT-24573" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">14</sup> When Jesus saw what was happening, he was angry with his disciples. He said to them, <span class="woj">“Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children.</span> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NLT-24574" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">15</sup> <span class="woj">I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.”</span> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NLT-24575" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">16</sup> Then he took the children in his arms and placed his hands on their heads and blessed them.</span></div><div style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I will admit that I always thought these verses were cute, but didn't really understand them. As a single guy, I have missed out on what you parents probably have easily grasped and understood. I have only been here for about a month and about 8 of those days working. However, the last two days really stand out illuminating the reference above. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have between 5 and 12 preschoolers on any given day. Since it is still close to Chinese New Year, there have been only 6 the last couple of days. This has given me a chance to really get up close and personal and really play with each child, for at least a few minutes.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Each day these 3-5 year olds come into class and trust me to help them with their coats and clothing. They expect me to feed them, help them in the restroom, entertain them, and keep them safe. They sleep/nap in safety, and follow me outdoors and in the hallways wherever I go. They ask freely, share their emotions freely, and forgive and forget readily. They are curious, love to explore, and feel free to tug on your face, jump on your torso, pull on your cheeks, and stare into your eyes as you hold them for long moments. They are cared for lovingly and tenderly. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And I get to just watch, listen, participate in their world, and just love on them for being there. I get to tuck them in for naps and watch them sleep in comfort. I get to rub noses, comb hair, pat backs, and warm their hands. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There are moments I direct and guide, redirect, and even physically move them to safer and better situations. I get to teach, hold, and provide.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The small whispers, shrieks of joy, little giggles, and loud screams are all different but recognizable and distinguishable in the busy room of activity.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">How many times does God call us His children, His little children, and His child? Innumerable, at least without the help of some Biblical software. Let me just say - a lot!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He leads me. He guides me. He provides for me in abundance. He wants the best for me, and even disciplines me to help me grow. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He lets me explore. He wants me to enjoy His presence. He sacrifices Himself for me. He prepares a place, a banquet and a feast for me. He watches over me when I sleep. He looks forward to the next time I engage Him.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Does this sound like a Father? Yeah..it sounds like my Heavenly Father. It sounds like my Daddy. That phrase during prayers usually annoys me...but, today, I like it just a little bit more than I used to.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">PS. Meet 3 more of my little kiddos.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<div class="heading passage-class-0" style="color: #5c1101; margin-top: 10px;"><h3 style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">1 John 3:1a</span></span></h3><div class="txt-sm" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">New King James Version (NKJV)</span></span></div></div><div class="result-text-style-normal text-html " style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div class="chapter-1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="text 1John-3-1" id="en-NKJV-30581"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!</span></span></span></div><div class="chapter-1" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="text 1John-3-1" id="en-NKJV-30581"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDZCqwIOIb-DrBujPZ5RRGticPlCxfhz1e1QhnZ3YC5YlmD4eySElef_q2_rHAeyM1SKZqhLAwrhiz8aoes43nlC-TI8Rae0Qm0TxHBvuSPRbv0SBvC8i-eov6pzugcJtkdhuJQ7I0hL8/s1600/DSCF6999a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDZCqwIOIb-DrBujPZ5RRGticPlCxfhz1e1QhnZ3YC5YlmD4eySElef_q2_rHAeyM1SKZqhLAwrhiz8aoes43nlC-TI8Rae0Qm0TxHBvuSPRbv0SBvC8i-eov6pzugcJtkdhuJQ7I0hL8/s320/DSCF6999a.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div><div class="chapter-1" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="text 1John-3-1" id="en-NKJV-30581"><br />
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</div>Mikeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11296421141713261862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5826203421087555060.post-30078830724915068542012-01-25T01:31:00.000-08:002012-01-25T01:31:59.582-08:00Fireworks and Fake MoneyThere are a few traditions here in China at New Years time that stick out. Meeting with friends and family for fellowship and food, and making dumplings together, and then eating them the next day, and visiting the relatives for a short stay stand out as my favorites. Then there are fireworks...all day and all night. At first it was fun, tantalizing, mesmerizing, loud, and sometimes beautiful. Now, it seems annoying, mundane, and trite. Everyone gets together and lights their firecrackers as they meet one another. The fireworks echo through the canyons of skyscrapers. Once you are done, you leave the mess behind on the sidewalks and go about your business.<br />
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Another tradition is burning money to your dead ancestors. Well, not real money, but paper with lots of zeroes behind the numbers. So, take your fake money and burn it, so the smoke will reach either the gods or your ancestors so they can have funds to live a happy afterlife. We called it "fake money to fake gods".<br />
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At first I thought, "how silly, they are!" Then the thought occurred to me that this is what most of us do everyday, maybe not to ancestors or gods, but our own homemade idols. Don't we take the money we earn, burn it to our own habits, addictions, and obsessions - usually things that have no eternal purpose whatsoever. If it is not used for God's economy, it is really just burning it to fake gods. Then, with the things we have purchased we revel loudly and with abandon. Sure, it is fun at first, but soon these bad choices lead to a mess for us, and others.<br />
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Fortunately, there is one who has the right currency and the ability to clean up messes. The currency - a perfect and holy life - spent as a sacrifice for the messes we made. His spent blood sacrifice washes our dirty sins white as snow. The mess is sent far away, "as far as the East is from the West", and remembered no more.<br />
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Hallelujah! What a Savior!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><strong><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+1:18&version=NKJV" style="text-decoration: none;">Isaiah 1:18</a> </strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">“ Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the LORD, “ Though your <b>sins</b> are like <b>scarlet</b>, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><strong style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+7:14&version=NKJV" style="text-decoration: none;">Revelation 7:1</a>4</strong><br />
And I said to him, “Sir, you know.” So he said to me, “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the <b>blood</b> of the <b>Lamb</b>.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpUFOg1LtWBkyucVGc5qwiSAl80v0-YudtVSPJ_YETSwtG5GiK3OCB0FafBVnst1lEKUmH_NLK605Uvl71ttMM53zfSjAlvZno3vAIMtlmxXx255yZobGvBPh3Xdf2_WaDFA-t3_SH1-U/s1600/DSCF7118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpUFOg1LtWBkyucVGc5qwiSAl80v0-YudtVSPJ_YETSwtG5GiK3OCB0FafBVnst1lEKUmH_NLK605Uvl71ttMM53zfSjAlvZno3vAIMtlmxXx255yZobGvBPh3Xdf2_WaDFA-t3_SH1-U/s320/DSCF7118.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjkz1MRHHvQChQwN0eE7KfLhDuzCaD0YbXbCaLDcH0vQs-gl2lNLEDDt0L5EHy8OPeKU69luZgScLIJutOd3W-fkCQJFbytvu6KQOnI0oLMTPoGfnWy8YBQvF5CKFlwCnqBod3gUb0zfc/s1600/DSCF7109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjkz1MRHHvQChQwN0eE7KfLhDuzCaD0YbXbCaLDcH0vQs-gl2lNLEDDt0L5EHy8OPeKU69luZgScLIJutOd3W-fkCQJFbytvu6KQOnI0oLMTPoGfnWy8YBQvF5CKFlwCnqBod3gUb0zfc/s320/DSCF7109.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZvPSoKx_cwpkXt30M4Kusg-cK2QtDq6qcl9QBY9nlpeUHnD3QvWEk7PUAEcWxWruJk9sTcW07QZ1ghaYG50nFBgohqlB0nG6V3_pTBIVGTzwqZMySEeV_tTBKnGcWt95E-S4FX7gw9JA/s1600/DSCF7068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZvPSoKx_cwpkXt30M4Kusg-cK2QtDq6qcl9QBY9nlpeUHnD3QvWEk7PUAEcWxWruJk9sTcW07QZ1ghaYG50nFBgohqlB0nG6V3_pTBIVGTzwqZMySEeV_tTBKnGcWt95E-S4FX7gw9JA/s320/DSCF7068.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><strong><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+103:12&version=NKJV" style="color: #651300; text-decoration: none;">Psalm 103:12</a></strong><br />
As far as the <b>east</b> is <b>from</b> the <b>west</b>, So far has He removed our transgressions <b>from</b> us.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;">Lord, forgive me for burning so much of my resources to false gods. Thank you for providing a Heavenly solution to put my sin into time, and my soul into eternity with You. </span></span><br />
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<div id="gospel-com-results" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"></div>Mikeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11296421141713261862noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5826203421087555060.post-58462941748992024042012-01-17T22:39:00.001-08:002012-01-17T22:39:39.976-08:00My New buddy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh9mWSiZqwlmfFuXzkpc63uJkNLkALTXz_k0xGJp4dH5_UkeZh92yLEWdKZfJvpYmUWV3iBBw4ZFUCmdn2J_Ql-7ADowIo0hy0XzizSGFhXLwuHAJpK2sckPtGD7Bh9-rPeqz_5V5n-bE/s1600/DSCF6995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh9mWSiZqwlmfFuXzkpc63uJkNLkALTXz_k0xGJp4dH5_UkeZh92yLEWdKZfJvpYmUWV3iBBw4ZFUCmdn2J_Ql-7ADowIo0hy0XzizSGFhXLwuHAJpK2sckPtGD7Bh9-rPeqz_5V5n-bE/s320/DSCF6995.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Mikeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11296421141713261862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5826203421087555060.post-87710031430497178272012-01-17T22:34:00.000-08:002012-01-17T22:34:40.111-08:00Happy New Year!The Chinese New Year is also called the Spring Festival. It is a very festive time leading up to the bid day, which is this coming Sunday Evening here. Gift giving of usually food items is the normal tradition. Also fireworks all night and all day. Nothing super fancy about them so far, just the big fireworks that clang and bang. They are especially loud ringing through the spaces of these big condo towers. There is a small celebration, called the Small New Year a week before. The entire evening from 6 pm to 10 pm rang with fireworks. It seemed like a small war was going on outside the windows. The bursts of light and sound were fun to watch for a while. I'm told to expect even more fireworks than this for the actual night.<br />
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I met my class last week. It is a mixture of Chinese, Japanese, and a Korean child. We seemed to hit it off well. There is one child that I remember from my April visit. His name is Shunda. He has big eyes, and energy that rivals the energizer bunny. He reminds me of one of those Japanese Anime characters. He climbed up my legs to do continual back flips. He said "I like Mike". I like Shunda, too. At 4 his English is excellent, his native Japanese is superb, and he speaks Chinese. I can only imagine what is in store for this little warrior in training.<br />
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Remember my last post about having only a smile to reach out. Well, smiling and saying Hi at the bus stop, I made my first Chinese friend, Kevin. He is into World trade (Imagine that! :) ) We met and had lunch at Papa John's. Good times. He is going to treat me to Chinese food after the new year. I am reminded that in God's economy there are no coincidences.<br />
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So, New Years, New Classes, and New friends reminds me of the Ultimate One who makes all things new. <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><strong><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians+5:17&version=NKJV" style="color: #651300; text-decoration: none;">2 Corinthians 5:17</a></strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><b>new</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;">become new.</span></span><br />
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May you know every new thing that God has planned FOR YOU this new year!Mikeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11296421141713261862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5826203421087555060.post-49204304083827589862012-01-10T22:50:00.000-08:002012-01-10T22:50:13.440-08:00The likeness of a foreigner...After a quick start here, I got slammed to the ground with a bout of stomach flu for 24 hours. Picture Jesus and the lukewarm Laodiceans. The rest and sleep gave me a chance to reflect on some feelings about coming here.<br />
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I am homesick. I want to go home now, already! Familiarity of language, food, location, customs, and comrades, I have a longing. Don't get me wrong, my friends are treating me well and helping me to get acclimated. Going from a mild to cold climate, independence to dependence, meat to vegetables, is a shock to my system. <br />
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I have a nice bed, warm dwelling, plenty of food, computer, and reliable bus transportation. I am still considered the wealthiest of this planet. Why am I longing for something more? <br />
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Is it okay to feel this way? What is home? Where is home?<br />
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A little reflection led me to wonder, "did Jesus ever get homesick?"<br />
The King of Glory, to helpless babe, did He miss some perks? I am not sure if He did or not, but I recalled Philippians 2 where it mentions Christ's attitude more than anything else. <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" id="en-NKJV-29393" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">Phil 2:5</sup></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" id="en-NKJV-29394" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">6</sup></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" id="en-NKJV-29395" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">7</sup></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><i>and</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">coming in the likeness of men.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" id="en-NKJV-29396" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">8</sup></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><i>the point of</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">death, even the death of the cross.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><br />
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Wow! I then remember the words commitment, diligence, grace, humility, and perseverance. <br />
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I found myself in the likeness of a foreigner the other day. While having a shrimp/cabbage meal (not something I have ever had), I was instructed to rip the head and tail off and pull the shell off before eating. As I ripped one head off, I squirted cabbage juice into the eye of the principal of the school. She was very gracious, but I was very embarrassed. I was surprised at how long she wiped at her face. <br />
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I generate lots of looks being a tall, bald, white guy. In my own culture, this might make me angry, but here I take it as opportunity to smile. This is about the only way I can share God's love right now, not knowing any Mandarin.<br />
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As Amber replies to her Mom every morning via text, "a vapor", and her Mom, "a mist". No matter what is going on, I think I can make it a little longer remembering this life is but a vapor and a mist, and that my real home is citizenship in Heaven. Lord, help me complete my purpose and mission here in this foreign land.Mikeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11296421141713261862noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5826203421087555060.post-17024036108158590052012-01-07T04:04:00.000-08:002012-01-07T04:04:16.195-08:00Never in a million years...This is kind of like the sequel to my last post in October where I listed all of the events that happened in the last couple of years that I never would have imagined. Here are a few more...<br />
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I am in Asia for a second time in less than a year.<br />
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Friends of mine, and I are in a condo where we stayed in April as guests, but are now the occupants.<br />
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Watching Sam dazzle me with her teaching skills to Asian preschoolers, and loving it.<br />
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Eating a lunch consisting of an onion entree, rice, eggplant, tofu noodles, cabbage, and peppers. <br />
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Sitting contently on a Saturday night at 7:30 pm writing a blog.<br />
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So, I'm a few days away from observing a very skilled friend teach young children the story of the Three Little Pigs and infusing timeless principles of the Word by incorporating the parable of the two men who built upon sand and rock.<br />
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Never in a million years would I have guessed that I would be teaching here, let alone with 3 wonderful people I have met in the last 2 years.<br />
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So, as you dream of your future, don't worry about what might seem so improbable. It probably will be if it is of God. <br />
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I am trying to build my dwelling on the Rock that doesn't fail when the roaming Lion comes to devour and destroy. The Rock is the only thing that will not fail. Try it and dream of the improbable. It will always keep you on the edge of your seat.Mikeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11296421141713261862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5826203421087555060.post-56527740795468025192011-10-23T17:14:00.000-07:002011-10-23T17:14:36.819-07:00The Lord directs the path...Four and half years ago, I planned a move to San Diego. I was going to move to this cool beach community. Enjoy the weather, the So Cal lifestyle and all of it appealed to me greatly. I figured I would join a church, make some friends and enjoy life here in San Diego.<br />
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What I did not plan in those four and half years...<br />
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Getting laid off<br />
Going to a diverse church<br />
Living on the beach<br />
Signing up for Discipleship Training<br />
Hiking Catalina with heavy pack<br />
Going to Haiti (twice)<br />
Serving like never before<br />
Three great friends, one Uzbek, and one Argentine, and one over seventy<br />
A connect group that seemed so odd, but still meets up<br />
Friends that I can't imagine being without<br />
Big Bear adventures<br />
Nehemiah breakdown that helped me erect some boundaries<br />
Joshua teaching that broke paradigms<br />
Digging a pit in the Philippines<br />
Picking up sand dollars and starfish on a far away Tondol beach<br />
Awesome, unforgettable worship times<br />
Prayer walks in forgotten/unwanted areas of San Diego<br />
Singing with the "Asian" believers<br />
Mentoring Lebanese, Hispanic, White, Filipino and Chinese believers<br />
Learning more as a mentor than teaching<br />
Entering a house church through Fruit store in China<br />
Standing on the Great Wall with new Chinese friends<br />
Feeling like a brother to Chen Family in Zibo, China<br />
Easter dinner in Lille, France<br />
Royal Wedding in London<br />
Thanksgiving with an Italian soccer star<br />
Praising God during a blackout<br />
Witnessing in Hawaii<br />
Snorkeling with Fishes and seeing miracles in Honolulu<br />
Standing up with a friend for the dedication of his child in an "Asian" church<br />
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<br />
Though it was not my way or plan, it was far better than anything I could think up.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><strong><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+16:9&version=NKJV" style="color: #651300; text-decoration: none;">Proverbs 16:9</a></strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">A man’s heart plans</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><b>his</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">way, But the LORD</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><b>directs</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><b>his</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><b>steps</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">.</span>Mikeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11296421141713261862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5826203421087555060.post-91052750646019325202011-01-16T21:46:00.000-08:002011-01-16T21:46:27.853-08:00Dear Jesus Letter<!--StartFragment--> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">I'm getting lazy. I decided to share an old classic of mine I did 15 years ago, but still seems relevant today. When we ask Jesus questions of why something is happening in our lives with our focus so selfishly tuned, the answer is probably in the unselfish acts of Jesus.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">DEAR JESUS,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Dear Jesus,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Did you love me when I spilt my milk at the evening table?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal;"><i>Dear Michael,<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I loved you so much I spilt my own blood for you.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Dear Jesus,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Did you love me when I struck out at tee-ball?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal;"><i>Dear Michael,<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I loved you so much I was struck 39 times with a whip.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Dear Jesus,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Did you love me when I got beat up at school?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal;"><i>Dear Michael,<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I loved you so much I was beaten, spat upon, and insulted on your behalf.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Dear Jesus,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Did you love me when no one celebrated my birthday?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal;"><i>Dear Michael,<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I loved you so much I gave you a new birth.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Dear Jesus,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Did you love me when my parents fought?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal;"><i>Dear Michael,<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I loved you so much I fought to the gates of Hell.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Dear Jesus,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Did you love me when I did not live for you?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal;"><i>Dear Michael,<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I loved you so much I died for you.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Dear Jesus,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Did you love me when I felt hopeless?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal;"><i>Dear Michael,<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I loved you so much I rose again to give you hope.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Dear Jesus,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Do you love me when I am lonely?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal;"><i>Dear Michael,<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I love you so much I was alone on the cross.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Dear Jesus,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Do you love me when I make promises I do not keep?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal;"><i>Dear Michael,<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I love you so much I can never break a promise I have made to you.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Dear Jesus,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Do you love me when I complain of my lack of riches?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal;"><i>Dear Michael,<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I love you so much I gave you every spiritual blessing in Heaven.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Dear Jesus,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Do you love me when I break all your commands?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal;"><i>Dear Michael,<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I love you so much I became sin for you.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Dear Jesus,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When will I accept your unconditional love?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal;"><i>Dear Michael,<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Not by your might, but by my power I have called you from the beginning<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>of the Age.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My precious child, rest your weary, heavy heart in mine and I<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>will give you peace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The work for you was <u style="text-underline: double;">finished</u> on the cross.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be <o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>convinced already that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities <o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height nor depth, <o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>nor any other created thing will be able to separate you from my love.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This is the truth!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will make you free! I have, and always will, love you dearly,<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>my dear, precious, Michael.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><!--EndFragment-->Mikeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11296421141713261862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5826203421087555060.post-83657226759407934682011-01-03T18:15:00.000-08:002011-01-03T18:15:15.027-08:00Raymart's rampartsRampart is a defensive wall. Raymart is a young guy in the Philippines I met a couple of weeks ago. I was so impressed with this young man's initiative and dedication to God's Word. He decided back a few month's ago to memorize one verse a day for a year...well, he had over 100 memorized already...and he could recite them immediately with no hesitation.<br />
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I was thinking how writing God's Word on one's heart was a great shield and guard to his mind and soul. Jesus used scripture to ward off and send running the devil. He countered each temptation with scripture and truth to make all of Satan's schemes and lies null and ineffective.<br />
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Thank you Raymart for your example and encouragement to build ramparts of scripture around my heart and mind.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; font-family: Tahoma, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; line-height: 14px;">Psalm 119:9, 11 "How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. [11] I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you."</span>Mikeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11296421141713261862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5826203421087555060.post-63830055632739074772010-11-29T20:45:00.000-08:002010-11-29T20:45:21.093-08:00Why should God let me into Heaven?<!--StartFragment--> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt;">I ran across a document I wrote as part of an application to get into a choir. The question asked, "What would you tell God if He asked you why should He let you into Heaven?"</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt;">Dear Lord,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt;">I am a sinner, separated from you by my own rebellion and by my inherited unworthiness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have broken all of your commands at a heart level.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have made myself God in my own sight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am very sorry for this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Rom 3:11) <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt;">However, you searched for me and called me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am so thankful for that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I accepted your invitation to relationship in 1994.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I received you and made you my own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I claimed your Son’s crucified blood and body as the payment for my sins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe your Son is alive and exalted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is His worthiness and His alone that I claim as my own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your Holy Spirit’s seal has confirmed this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am a fellow heir with your own Son, and an adopted child of Yours. (John 11:25, Eph 1:7, Gal 3:26-29 and Gal 4:1-7)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt;">You have marked me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You chose me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have citizenship in Your Heaven now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Eph 1:13, Eph 2:8, Eph 1:4, Phil 4:20)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt;">You cannot condemn me because I am buried with Christ, and resurrected with Him also.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am so glad you only see your Son’s glory when you look at me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you for forgiving and forgetting my sins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Rom 8:1-2)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt;">You have made these promises and declarations and cannot go back on your own word. (Psalm 145:14)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt;">PS.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course God will not ask me why He needs to let me into His heaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My name will be already written in the book of Life, and I only long to hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt;">Thank you for the opportunity to remind myself of these wonderful, other-worldly, blessings on my life.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt;">Jesus is coming soon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, I will be ready.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;"><i>I wrote that 3 years ago in an application sense trying to show off my knowledge of eternal security. Truthfully, I think I would probably just fall on my face and ask for Mercy.</i></span></span></div><!--EndFragment-->Mikeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11296421141713261862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5826203421087555060.post-82347578666139049202010-11-15T00:21:00.000-08:002010-11-15T00:21:14.558-08:00The nightmare before Christmas!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">This time of year reminds me to be very thankful. Jump in my blog and go for a ride with me for a few minutes. I had just left a Christmas Party at my office in San Diego. I was excited for the mug, candy, and gift card to McDonald's. It was the Christmas season and I was leaving right after our lunch to head to Phoenix to spend the holidays with my family. It is about a 5 hour ride if you don't stop too long in Yuma for gas and food. I prayed that God would give me the opportunity to give like He had given so much to me. And I was off....</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">The first 2 1/2 hours went by quickly through the mountains and desert. I play my Christian music through my ipod and just sing along the whole way. The time goes by very quickly. I made my usual stop in Yuma for gas. It was a cold night, and I saw a man with a sign that read "hungry and traveling". Hmm...I thought, as I slowed down. I rolled down the window, and instead of just giving a dollar, I asked him, "Where are you going?" He replied, "Gila Bend." He then asked me where I was going. I meekly answered, "Phoenix." Gulp. I knew that I had opened a can of worms and he now knew there was no reason for me not to take him in my big, spacious, Nissan Murano. Oh well, I thought, then replied, "Come on in, I'll get you to Gila Bend."</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">As soon as he got in the car, I realized I had misjudged the situation greatly. The smell of body odor and alcohol permeated his being. Trying to think quickly, I asked if he wanted some food, hoping this might sober him up. He said yes. I stopped across the street at KFC to get a quick sandwich. He got out of the car and followed me in. He was making a scene, being loud, and everyone was looking at me. I was so embarrassed. And, fear was starting to grow inside me.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Fortunately, I thought quickly before we got into the car. I made a call to my brother and told him the situation, and said to call me back in 2 hours. If I didn't answer, he was to call the police. As I got in, I put a small knife between my legs, hidden, so that I might react to any troublesome situation. I unlocked his door and the journey commenced.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Things seemed to start out okay. We got on the road, and he starts the conversation with, "I guess this is where I tell you my story." After a pause, he grinned and told me his name was Shawn. He started telling his story, it was mostly jumbled, disconnected, and contradictory. Sometimes I think he realized the contradictions and would backtrack his story. But, being very inebriated, he couldn't follow his own story. Let me just say that t</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">he words, "on the run", "murder one", "killed a nigger", "sister's a whore", "pedophila", "child abuse" all came up during thIs introduction. Needless to say, I am very scared and wondering when I will have to draw my knife. My heart was pounding, and I think every sense in my body was on full alert. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">He then told me he had to go pee. I saw a rest area sign in another couple miles. He couldn't wait. He said he'd just go in his pants. He did smell as if that was an option, but I didn't want it on my seats. So, I saw an empty cup. He whipped his penis out and started peeing as I sped down the highway. Oh my, what was happening? How did I get into this mess. He proceeded to tell me more of his story, but he seemed to start getting angry and scarier. I tried to steer the conversation to happy topics, but his life seemed to have so many sad and tragic endings. At one point, he stopped talking to me and turned his head and just started staring at me. I was ready to stab him, but I just asked him why he was staring at me. There seemed something very sinister in his response. He sneered, "I'm deciding, if I'm going to pick on you." My heart skipped a beat. I know the next response came from the Holy Spirit because everything else in my body was screaming, "Get out of here!" But, I responded, calmly, "You are not going to do any picking. I will have to let you out if you do." I thought to myself, "How stupid was that, Mike." </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">About this time, the border stop about half way to Gila Bend appeared. There were lots of cars and Border Police. I could have this guy arrested, or turned in, or something. As my car was getting closer, "Shawn" took something out of his pocket and threw it out of the window. It looked like a small piece of paper. I asked him, "What was that?" He replied smiling, then laughing, "Drugs". It didn't look like anything, and I thought, "Doesn't this hitchhiker know any hiking etiquette?" How silly, as if I thought I knew these rules. The checkpoint appeared, and my decision was nearing, but all I could hear was a voice telling me that I promised to get him to Gila Bend. What?! God, you have to be kidding? Integrity, now? Well, I slowly pulled away from my last hope.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">As we resumed conversing, Shawn took off his hat. His thick hair was matted but the sides that were outside the hat were sticking up, giving this man the look of horns. Every time he looked at me, I thought I was looking into the face of Satan. The cars thinned out, it was about 8 pm, and I just knew that my life might end at any moment. His every movement was closely monitored by my eyes. I was ready to send the car into a roll if he tried anything. It seemed as though he was looking at my legs, and I kept wondering if he saw my knife.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">About 30 miles from Gila Bend, he said he had to pee again. This time there was no cup. He suggested going in his pants again. Nooooooo! I took the first exit, pulled to the side and said "Pee, out there." I realized that now I was stopped. He could kill me right here. I could speed away right now, and just leave him there. Why couldn't I do this? I kept hearing the voice, "Keep your word." </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">He got back into the car, and he seemed to be getting less drunk, which scared me, because his strength and coordination seemed to be returning. My heart beat faster and stronger.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Finally, I start doing most of the talking. I ask him if he knows Jesus. He says a little. He says he tried to be a Christian once, but it didn't work. I explained that the great thing about Jesus, is that He gives us more than just one chance. And, even if it didn't work on his merit, Jesus still paid the penalty for him if he wanted to accept him as his Savior. He seemed confused, and seemed sorrowful. I asked him if I could pray for him. He declined. I kept talking about Jesus, because it seemed to soothe him and me. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">He did say something very sad, that he had no friends, no family. He said, "I guess you are my family." Although, that sounded very creepy to me, the said thing was, I was probably the closest thing to a family he had seen in a long time.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">I was speeding down Interstate 8 at about 95 mph. I didn't care if I got stopped, at least this guy would get picked up. No such luck. However, the lights of Gila Bend came into view. Wow! I was never so happier to see Gila Bend. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">I was growing stronger, and bolder with my declarations about Jesus. He seemed defeated. It was strange, my heart still felt compassion on him even after being the most scared I had been in my life at his hands. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">I asked him where I could drop him, and he said, "McDonald's". It was cold out and I wished him luck. I pulled into McDonald's and parked. But, he seemed to not to want to move. He slowly opened the door, then turned and lunged toward my leg. I visibly flinched. He took ahold of my leg, and said, "You promised to pray for me!" Relieved, I said, "Yes, I did." I said a short, sincere prayer for him for traveling mercies and for God to stay near to him. He said, "Thank You." and started to leave. I said, "Wait". Here is a gift card. I think it was meant for you. He took it and left. SIGH.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">I drove a half mile to Burger King, got out and went to the rest room, washed my hands, said a prayer of thanks to God, and got a few paper towels to wipe down my car seat. It smelled of urine and body odor all the rest of the way to Phoenix.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> God had answered my prayers. I was a different person, and hopefully, Shawn was too.</span></span></span><br />
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</span></span>Mikeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11296421141713261862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5826203421087555060.post-38706278411958818632010-10-10T22:52:00.000-07:002010-10-10T22:52:05.922-07:00Mr. Love's Testimony<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last year I signed up for Lifeline Ministries at the Rock. It is a ministry that visits those in Nursing homes needing consistent care. Some are there only for short visits and others are there for the rest of their lives.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The reason for the visits are just to share God's love for those trapped in a bed, lonely, or just needing conversation. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There were some very advanced patients that could not move or talk. Those broke my heart. The nurses said they could hear and understand, so I just prayed for them and encouraged them to talk to God in their minds. I would stroke their face or hands to let them know that someone cared. Sometimes it was very difficult, but most of the time I'd let go of any inhibition or fear and let God's love work through me.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of the patients mostly encouraged me. I'd walk into his room, and he'd look over, he couldn't recognize me because his vision was blurring because of the MS. He could barely move one hand still and was able to talk and move his head. I'd say Hello, his smile would light up, and his eyebrows would raise from recognition.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He had been a gang banger, and had some pretty serious tattoos. He had dark curly hair. He always talked about his two boys whom he was so proud. He was tall about 6'4", and talked of his basketball days. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While taking drugs he overdosed and fell into a coma for 6 months. He loved telling me of his first visit to the afterlife. He saw his Grandmother there and his wife's Father who both had just recently passed away. His Grandmother slugged him in the arm, and told him he wasn't supposed to be there. That is when he came back into consciousness, and was revived. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">His Grandmother used to read him the Bible and teach him songs like "Jesus loves me", and "This little light of me". He could recite the 23rd Psalm, and John 3:16. I would always make him recite his verses and we'd sing both those songs together. He would always laugh. He always wanted me to pray for his boys and his family. He so wanted to be with them and watch over them.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He said he was lonely and we'd pray for visitors. He was always excited to tell me when the prayers were answered and his boys would come visit. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Later, I asked him if he wanted to learn another Love verse. See, his name was Robert Love, and I'd always refer to him as MR. Love. I told him there was a chapter in the Bible written about him. The love chapter in 1st Corinthians 13. </span><br />
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<div style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28654" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4</span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. </span><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28655" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5</span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. </span><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28656" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6</span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. </span><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28657" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">7</span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.</span></div><div style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28658" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8</span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Love never fails.</span></div><div style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I changed it a bit, and would say Robert Love is patient, Robert Love is kind, Robert Love does not envy...and so on.</span></span></div><div style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He would always get the biggest smile. </span></span></div><div style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since his hearing was his best sense, I got him an Ipod shuffle and put some of his favorites rap artists on it. I also snuck the audio book of John on it. He laughed the next week after he listened to his rap interspersed with a narrator reading John. He said he loved it, and it helped him sleep.</span></span></div><div style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One week I got to the nursing home and he wasn't in his room. The nurses told me he was at the hospital because he had the flu. I got the name of the hospital and went. The nurse there told me he was discharged. I asked where? She said back to the home. I had hoped I had just missed him in the transfer. I learned the next week after visiting his room that he had been discharged. He had been discharged of his duties on this earth, and the Lord took him home. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">I cried hard. I missed Mr. Love. I can still hear his voice repeating the verses in his special accent, and singing those children's song.</span></div><div style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yes, Mr. Love and I will sing those songs to Jesus together one day, and I can hardly wait.</span></span></div><div style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Don't let your circumstances rob you of joy. Reach out and Love somebody.</span></span></div><div style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 John 4:16 </span></div><div style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-30605" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">17</sup>In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-30606" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">18</sup>There is no fear in love.</span></div>Mikeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11296421141713261862noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5826203421087555060.post-62332990562987712192010-10-07T17:58:00.000-07:002010-10-07T17:58:36.809-07:00Unfinished Ending...After returning from my first trip to Haiti, there seemed to be an air of unfinished business to what we had experienced. Ali Kaun shared a story from Luke 8:26 about the demon possessed man who wanted to stay at Jesus feet, but Jesus sent him to proclaim what had happened. Does that seem weird? Jesus sending someone away, that wanted to follow him. What happened after that? She gave an assignment to share 14 "verses" of unfinished business from Haiti.<br />
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Here is what I wrote:<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">1 While the Do Something celebration transpired, a street kid attached himself to my side and followed me wherever I went.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He clutched my hand while we walked, and hugged my neck when I picked him up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He continually smoothed my arm airs between his fingers in a relaxing perpetual motion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>3<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This boy asked for water, and I had none, and asked for food, I had none of that either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He still followed with a big smile content for the affection and love that I willingly gave him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>4<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I carried him through the event with his head on my shoulder and my arms around his back squeezing intermittently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>5<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A young man approached me with an urgent request for food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>6<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had none to give.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told him that what he needed was food from heaven and Living Water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>7<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He repeated a familiar refrain – “Give me a Bib.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>8<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I went to the back stage where a mob-like scene had developed with many Haitians clamoring for Bibles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had run out of Creole Bibles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>9<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I came back to the young man, who looked defeated as I returned with no Bible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>10<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked deep into his eyes and told him that I loved him, and that Jesus loved him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>11<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I implored him to ask God to send his Holy Bible to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I promised that God would surely get a Bible to him someway if he prayed for one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>12 The young man’s countenance changed and he leaned in to give me a hug.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In broken Creole he told me, “Compliments to you for loving me.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pointed to the sky to the true source of Love and Life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>13<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Chaos started to ensue at the Celebration Event, and our leaders gave direction to head for the truck for a fast departure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>14<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I set the young boy down, gave him a hug, and the young man a hug and climbed into the truck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we departed with the last vision of two Haitians with outstretched arms, I wondered would they get water or food anytime soon, and would Jesus honor his plea for a Bib?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Matt 6:32b-33</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" id="en-NKJV-23312" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">33</sup></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you</span></div><!--EndFragment-->Mikeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11296421141713261862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5826203421087555060.post-49942625904552248432010-08-23T18:22:00.000-07:002010-08-23T18:22:39.138-07:00From China with Love...<span style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 12.0px;">My friend Andrew Gyure is in China visiting some orphans north of Beijing on Yalu river over the border from North Korea. Andy is such a talented writer and traveller that I thought you'd want to eavesdrop on this letter.</span></span><br />
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<!--StartFragment--><span style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 12.0px;">Ni hao everyone!<br />
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Internet access has been very limited so it's been hard to send any updates before now. This could be my only one. We are in the countryside and the living is very primitive by our standards. The internet goes on and off but mostly it's off. The electricity constantly goes on and off too. There have been torrential rain storms for the last 5 days and the lightning is always knocking out the power. But even when there is no rain, the utilities are far from dependable. A few days ago I had composed a multiple-paragraph email to you when all of a sudden ... C R A A A A C K! Lightning knocked the computer out and I lost the entire message.<br />
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Upon exiting baggage claim at the Shenyang Airport, I had expected to head for the taxi stand to catch a ride to the train station for my 3 hour journey to the children's home in Dandong. Instead, I was greeted by a gracious-looking Asian woman wearing a straw hat festooned with ribbons and a flowing scarf (picture an Asian version of Mary Poppins) surrounded by 6 precious children all screaming "Wo men wan ying ni qu Zhong Guo!" (We Welcome You to China!) It was Kay Lee, Director of the Fengcheng Children's Home. She and the kids decided to surprise me by picking me up at the airport! Before I could say "kung pao chicken" two of the older kids whisked my bags out to a waiting van and off we went on the first adventure -- a visit to the Shenyang General Hospital. One of the kids who recently had an operation for cleft pallet was getting a check up. What an experience -- if you think the ER's are overcrowded and understaffed in the U.S., you should have seen this place!<br />
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I am truly loving and savoring the interaction with the children -- it makes bearing the adverse living conditions worth it. I am staying in a small (7' x 10') quarter meant for staff. My next door "neighbor" is the gardener/maintenance man. There aren't enough descriptive words in my vocabulary to describe the horrendous bathroom I share with him. Only scalding hot water barely trickles out of the shower head. The toilet is typical Chinese -- a basin in the floor. You squat and do your business and hope to God the thing flushes when you pull the string connected to the water tank. Most of the time it does not flush and you have to use a bucket of water to force your waste down the hole. There is a small tear in the screen in my window, and with the rain storms, mosquitos have been a BIG problem as are flies. After racking up no less than 15 mosquito bites, I finally went to town and bought a mosquito net. Other than the frequent rain, weather has not been as bad as I expected. It's actually been cool enough to sleep fairly well. (Thanks for your prayers!) If only it weren't for the Chinese pillows -- they are like sleeping on a sack of rice, in fact, I'll bet that's exactly what is under the scratchy pillowcase!<br />
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I've been teaching the children American folksongs, helping them to practice English and just playing and hanging out with them. I am also teaching them how to email and use the internet. If I can find the ingredients at the local store, I want to make chocolate chip cookies one night. I also took them hiking on the far eastern terminus of the Great Wall which is only 20 miles from here. The bad weather has forced us inside much of the time, but we have been able to shoot baskets and play badminton two or three times. I also held a "movie night" with Chinese Jet Li DVD's and microwave popcorn -- they had never seen microwave popcorn before! (I brought it from home-- it's not sold in the markets here.) The older boys love to just wrestle and engage in all kinds of horseplay. Either I overestimated their ability to speak English or mine to speak Mandarin (or a combination of both), but there is more of a communication gap than I thought there would be. Most of them are "special ed" kids and far behind the other Chinese children their age who can speak English very well. It didn't take long for me to realize I have ALOT more Mandarin to learn before I can truly communicate well with the Chinese people. Just knowing the conversational "basics" doesn't really cut it. But it doesn't take knowing Mandarin to communicate the love of Christ -- I can tell that a smile, a warm hug, my undivided attention and my presence here goes a long way with these children.<br />
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The home is run entirely on biblical principles. The kids spend 6:30 - 7:15 every morning reading their bibles. We painted a mural of the story of Noah's Ark on one of the walls in the house. Some of the children grow their own vegetables on the premises; the home actually pays them for what they harvest and then incorporates the produce into the children's meals, thereby teaching them the value of money. There is a darling little place called "The King's Cafe" where guests and volunteers can relax and hang out and receive their meals. It doubles as a training ground for 3 of the children with special needs so they learn aspects of good restaurant service-- right down to presenting a check with a mint! The hope is that one day they can get jobs in the hospitality industry (which is flourishing in China) and thereby contribute to society and earn a living. One of the things I've been asked to do, given my hotel background, is to teach them some principles of good customer service. I've conducted 2 "classes" so far, also incorporating some scriptural elements of service and servanthood. The training was very well received.<br />
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The food has been better than I expected and very healthy. Lots of egg, vegetable and noodle dishes. And spicy pickled vegetables, an influence from neighboring Korea. Sometimes something special like meat and vegetable stuffed steamed buns and boiled dumplings. I'm trying not to offend the ladies in the kitchen by not eating white rice (my doctor has outlawed it for weight loss purposes.) They give me a baffled look when I pass the rice bowl by as it is, of course, the staple of their diet. The boys must eat 4 huge bowls with every meal. I don't know where they put it all!<br />
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One of the best aspects of being here is that believe it or not, there is a wonderful little Christian church just up the hill. The children routinely scamper up there for rehearsals, classes and services. Compared to the other buildings in this area, it is quite modern and comfortable. It is what is known as a "Three-Self" Church, or one of the government-sanctioned and approved Protestant churches in China. "Three self" refers to the three principles of self-governance, self-support (i.e., financial independence from foreigners) and self-propagation (i.e., indigenous missionary work.) Governmental influence over Three-Self churches varies widely from city to city and province to province. I am told the one here has very little regulation or interference from the government. The church is so close that, during my first 4 nights here, I was actually lulled to sleep by the sweet strains of their choir, practicing their hearts out for an annual praise and worship service that took place this past Sunday night, which I was prvileged to attend. What a joy to see a place filled to the rafters with Chinese Christians worshipping authentically and with great excitement. They have a 20-member choir, a praise band, even words to the songs projected on a screen, just like home! The lady that runs the children's home knows the pastor well and is trying to arrange with the pastor for me to sing "How Great Thou Art" in Mandarin in front of the entire church this coming Sunday! <br />
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I have spent one day playing "tourist" in the city of Dandong, walking the "broken bridge" between China and North Korea; "broken" because the American troops bombed it during the Korean War. (So you can walk halfway across only.) The contrast between the North Korean and Chinese shoreline of the river is amazing. Dandong has high rise buildings and a thriving tourist wharf buzzing with activity while North Korea has one or two ramshackle buildings. Interestingly, the North Korean side also has a ferris wheel -- most likely a facade to make it appear that people have happy lives there. Word has it no one in Dandong has ever seen the ferris wheel turning. I got talked into sharing a speedboat ride on the Yalu River with a group of tourists from Singapore -- there were 5 of them plus me. Before I knew it, to my horror and distress, the captain had us across the river and hugging the North Korean shoreline. I was shocked that he took us over the border into North Korean waters and protested vigorously. I kept ducking down to hide my caucasian face thinking that shots could ring out at any second. (There was no visible military presence at all, but you never know.) The driver kept telling me "it's OK, it's OK", but I insisted he get us out of there immediately. We were close enough to see people riding bicycles and harvesting crops! All I could keep thinking about is the whole thing blowing into an international incident and having to explain to Hillary Clinton what the hell I was doing on that boat.<br />
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I also explored a very raw and gritty country marketplace featuring meat, seafood and produce. Ducks were being beheaded right in front of me, live giant crickets were writhing in huge bowls destiined to become someone's next meal, and wrinlkly-faced women pounded out thin Chinese pancakes and sold them 20 for 25 cents. There are not many Western tourists here, if any, so a 6'3" blue-eyed caucasian draws lots of stares and curiosity. I must have posed for a dozen different pictures while looking around there.<br />
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I just heard thunder which means lightning can't be far away, so I had better hit "send" before I lose this entire message too!<br />
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Please pray for my mom while I'm away, so far she's doing fine and I'd love to keep it that way!<br />
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Love,<br />
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Andrew<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 12.0px;">God's Speed Andrew!<br />
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</span></span> <!--EndFragment-->Mikeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11296421141713261862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5826203421087555060.post-52082459666878898602010-08-18T20:07:00.000-07:002010-08-18T20:07:16.067-07:00Have it YAH-WEH at Burger King!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><i>1st Peter 3:15 Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect...</i></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;">Last week after a long morning, I had a couple of encounters with God. I was able to provide the funds for immunization shots for a student going to Haiti. It gave me great pleasure to see this process through. Seeing his face and joy was worth the money provided. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;">After that meeting I went to lunch. I started off for Chik-fil-a, and as I entered the parking lot I remembered that it was Chicken Sandwich Monday at Burger King. I turned around and drove a short distance there. I enjoyed a Chicken sandwich combo for $2.99. While staring away into space, I was thinking about our gifts of the Holy Spirit class taught by Cisco. I was just wondering if God was only going to use a gift a giving that some people saw in me. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;">Kind of startled, I looked up and saw a man standing next to my booth looking at me. I said, "hi." He looked at me intently and said, "You look like you have a lot of peace. Can you tell me how to have that?" I smiled, and gave God a little chuckle in my head thinking, "So, you are just going to throw one in my lap!" I motioned with my hand for the gentleman to have a seat. Some doubts quickly shot through my head. I asked him if he wanted a burger, his reply, "no". I asked him if he needed a bus pass or ride, his reply, "no". I responded, "Tell me your story." He had gone through a divorce, and was having some financial issues related to that surface. He was concerned about his image, since he was missing his upper dentures. He confessed his culpability in the failure of his marriage, and some current issues with drugs he was working out with a 12-step program. He was really concerned about his past sins and failures. I asked him if he knew Jesus as his Savior. He said sure, but didn't seem confident. I asked him "Why would Jesus let you in heaven?" He seemed perplexed at the question. He grimaced and said, "'Cause I try hard!?" I let him know that he could have confidence in that answer. I asked him if he wanted to know how. I shared with him the gospel, reminding him that Jesus was the only way to heaven. We can do nothing to earn our way. We have to rely on the sacrifice of Jesus, God's perfect son. I asked him if he believed that. He said "Yes." I told him that Jesus' sacrifice removed his sins as far as the east is from the west. He was happy at that thought. I am, too! I also told him that Jesus' sacrifice covers our past, present, and future sins. "Do you want that for yourself," I asked. "Do you want to receive Jesus as your Savior for your sins", I asked. "Yes." Wow. First time anyone has said that to me when asking that question. So, with a big grin and holding his hands, he prayed with me to accept Jesus as his Savior.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;">He had a big, gaping smile, but, that didn't matter any more. I bought him a hamburger and fries, and agreed to meet for a service later that week at The Rock.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;">God seemed to be saying to me, "I can use you however I wish." Just be obedient.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;">So, be ready, with the reason for your hope. You never know when you will need it.</span></span>Mikeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11296421141713261862noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5826203421087555060.post-79512341840601187742010-08-17T23:55:00.000-07:002010-08-17T23:55:59.240-07:00Beginning a good work...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;">So, this is a blog?! I'm more of a Facebook person with it's faster pace and sniper style. The title comes from my current Scripture Life verse, Philippians 1:6</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;"> </span></span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;">"</span></span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;">being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete</span></span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;"> </span></span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;">it</span></span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;"> </span></span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;">until the day of Jesus Christ;".</span></span></i><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;">God is transforming me daily to what He wants me to be. No, He's not done, and won't be for a long time. The following posts will be about this transformation. Hopefully, the work you see being done in me will spark a work in your own life. See you around....</span></span><br />
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</i></span></span></span>Mikeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11296421141713261862noreply@blogger.com0