About Me
- Mikey
- Discipling Ministry called Impact 195 has transformed my thinking about service to God, dying to self, and the implications of a life lived for God's will and not my own.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Happy 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.
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.
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.
So, New Years, New Classes, and New friends reminds me of the Ultimate One who makes all things new.
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
May you know every new thing that God has planned FOR YOU this new year!
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.
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.
So, New Years, New Classes, and New friends reminds me of the Ultimate One who makes all things new.
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
May you know every new thing that God has planned FOR YOU this new year!
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
The 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.
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.
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?
Is it okay to feel this way? What is home? Where is home?
A little reflection led me to wonder, "did Jesus ever get homesick?"
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.
Phil 2:5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.
Wow! I then remember the words commitment, diligence, grace, humility, and perseverance.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
Is it okay to feel this way? What is home? Where is home?
A little reflection led me to wonder, "did Jesus ever get homesick?"
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.
Phil 2:5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.
Wow! I then remember the words commitment, diligence, grace, humility, and perseverance.
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.
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.
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.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Never 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...
I am in Asia for a second time in less than a year.
Friends of mine, and I are in a condo where we stayed in April as guests, but are now the occupants.
Watching Sam dazzle me with her teaching skills to Asian preschoolers, and loving it.
Eating a lunch consisting of an onion entree, rice, eggplant, tofu noodles, cabbage, and peppers.
Sitting contently on a Saturday night at 7:30 pm writing a blog.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I am in Asia for a second time in less than a year.
Friends of mine, and I are in a condo where we stayed in April as guests, but are now the occupants.
Watching Sam dazzle me with her teaching skills to Asian preschoolers, and loving it.
Eating a lunch consisting of an onion entree, rice, eggplant, tofu noodles, cabbage, and peppers.
Sitting contently on a Saturday night at 7:30 pm writing a blog.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
The 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.
What I did not plan in those four and half years...
Getting laid off
Going to a diverse church
Living on the beach
Signing up for Discipleship Training
Hiking Catalina with heavy pack
Going to Haiti (twice)
Serving like never before
Three great friends, one Uzbek, and one Argentine, and one over seventy
A connect group that seemed so odd, but still meets up
Friends that I can't imagine being without
Big Bear adventures
Nehemiah breakdown that helped me erect some boundaries
Joshua teaching that broke paradigms
Digging a pit in the Philippines
Picking up sand dollars and starfish on a far away Tondol beach
Awesome, unforgettable worship times
Prayer walks in forgotten/unwanted areas of San Diego
Singing with the "Asian" believers
Mentoring Lebanese, Hispanic, White, Filipino and Chinese believers
Learning more as a mentor than teaching
Entering a house church through Fruit store in China
Standing on the Great Wall with new Chinese friends
Feeling like a brother to Chen Family in Zibo, China
Easter dinner in Lille, France
Royal Wedding in London
Thanksgiving with an Italian soccer star
Praising God during a blackout
Witnessing in Hawaii
Snorkeling with Fishes and seeing miracles in Honolulu
Standing up with a friend for the dedication of his child in an "Asian" church
Though it was not my way or plan, it was far better than anything I could think up.
Proverbs 16:9
A man’s heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.
What I did not plan in those four and half years...
Getting laid off
Going to a diverse church
Living on the beach
Signing up for Discipleship Training
Hiking Catalina with heavy pack
Going to Haiti (twice)
Serving like never before
Three great friends, one Uzbek, and one Argentine, and one over seventy
A connect group that seemed so odd, but still meets up
Friends that I can't imagine being without
Big Bear adventures
Nehemiah breakdown that helped me erect some boundaries
Joshua teaching that broke paradigms
Digging a pit in the Philippines
Picking up sand dollars and starfish on a far away Tondol beach
Awesome, unforgettable worship times
Prayer walks in forgotten/unwanted areas of San Diego
Singing with the "Asian" believers
Mentoring Lebanese, Hispanic, White, Filipino and Chinese believers
Learning more as a mentor than teaching
Entering a house church through Fruit store in China
Standing on the Great Wall with new Chinese friends
Feeling like a brother to Chen Family in Zibo, China
Easter dinner in Lille, France
Royal Wedding in London
Thanksgiving with an Italian soccer star
Praising God during a blackout
Witnessing in Hawaii
Snorkeling with Fishes and seeing miracles in Honolulu
Standing up with a friend for the dedication of his child in an "Asian" church
Though it was not my way or plan, it was far better than anything I could think up.
Proverbs 16:9
A man’s heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Dear Jesus Letter
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.
DEAR JESUS,
Dear Jesus,
Did you love me when I spilt my milk at the evening table?
Dear Michael,
I loved you so much I spilt my own blood for you.
Dear Jesus,
Did you love me when I struck out at tee-ball?
Dear Michael,
I loved you so much I was struck 39 times with a whip.
Dear Jesus,
Did you love me when I got beat up at school?
Dear Michael,
I loved you so much I was beaten, spat upon, and insulted on your behalf.
Dear Jesus,
Did you love me when no one celebrated my birthday?
Dear Michael,
I loved you so much I gave you a new birth.
Dear Jesus,
Did you love me when my parents fought?
Dear Michael,
I loved you so much I fought to the gates of Hell.
Dear Jesus,
Did you love me when I did not live for you?
Dear Michael,
I loved you so much I died for you.
Dear Jesus,
Did you love me when I felt hopeless?
Dear Michael,
I loved you so much I rose again to give you hope.
Dear Jesus,
Do you love me when I am lonely?
Dear Michael,
I love you so much I was alone on the cross.
Dear Jesus,
Do you love me when I make promises I do not keep?
Dear Michael,
I love you so much I can never break a promise I have made to you.
Dear Jesus,
Do you love me when I complain of my lack of riches?
Dear Michael,
I love you so much I gave you every spiritual blessing in Heaven.
Dear Jesus,
Do you love me when I break all your commands?
Dear Michael,
I love you so much I became sin for you.
Dear Jesus,
When will I accept your unconditional love?
Dear Michael,
Not by your might, but by my power I have called you from the beginning
of the Age. My precious child, rest your weary, heavy heart in mine and I
will give you peace. The work for you was finished on the cross. Be
convinced already that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities
nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height nor depth,
nor any other created thing will be able to separate you from my love.
This is the truth! It will make you free! I have, and always will, love you dearly,
my dear, precious, Michael.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Raymart's ramparts
Rampart 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.
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.
Thank you Raymart for your example and encouragement to build ramparts of scripture around my heart and mind.
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."
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.
Thank you Raymart for your example and encouragement to build ramparts of scripture around my heart and mind.
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."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)