I can honestly say I have found His true, abundant life! When my focus is here:
24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
This verse from Matthew 16 came tonight as a relief and comfort after saying bye to Mom and Dad after an awesome 10 days together. It was great to share my world with them and watch them experience it all. It doesn't make it any easier, but it does anchor my soul with a hope that is indescribable. It allows me to see THROUGH any sadness and difficulty even if I don't move immediately out of it. What can else can one do in response to this but FOLLOW? It doesn't make sense to the world that we (my parents, brother, sister, and I) would live to far apart, but what if he has us apart to ultimately draw more into the family for ETERNITY?! Is it WORTH it?! YES x 100000000, YES! What if our TRUE family (TRUE meaning that which is of the Sprit, that which LASTS) looked like this:
or this:
If what we are ultimately going towards is THIS:
9 After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, 10 and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” 11 And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12 saying, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.” (Rev. 7)
Then why not live it now- this is THE bigger story that all our lives are being woven into. THIS is what He has made us for: WORSHIP!
Revelation 14:12 Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.
This is God's economy...
Matthew 19:
28 Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name's sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life. 30 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.
Thanks, Mom and Dad, Jack and Grace, for enduring and for blessing me to go and praying for me to return... it means so much to me! Thanks for promising to trust Him in the meantime- IN HIS PRESENCE IS THE FULLNESS AND WHOLENESS THAT COMES FROM HIS JOY!!!
This is Mom and Dad's first visit to the Avenue of Stars on their first night here they are jet lagged but still look great! We have also visited the most crowded place in Hong Kong (Mong Kok), the highest point in HK (Victoria Peak) and ridden every type of public transportation! We are having a great time. More to come later...
What will we do today? See the area "nearby" where I live life everyday... and possible make it downtown to go "bus carolling" with our church. IF the jet lag doesn't take over.
Not sure if this link will work... but worth a try-
Bus Caroling with ECC last year...
Happy Birthday MOM!
I am so happy you are coming here so I can tell you in person!
(Mom is being really brave, facing her fears, and flying for 14 hours to visit and I'm so excited. Dad's visiting too, but it's not his birthday nor does he have to face as many fears... Ya'll pray please! )
So here's a theme passage for that lovely trek across a bajillion timezones... it's amazing what God gives us when we trade in our fears for praise.
Psalm 34
1 I bless God every chance I get; my lungs expand with his praise.
2 I live and breathe God;
if things aren't going well, hear this and be happy:
3 Join me in spreading the news;
together let's get the word out.
4 God met me more than halfway,
he freed me from my anxious fears.
5 Look at him; give him your warmest smile.
Never hide your feelings from him.
6 When I was desperate, I called out,
and God got me out of a tight spot.
7 God's angel sets up a circle
of protection around us while we pray.
8 Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see—
how good God is.
Blessed are you who run to him.
(from the MESSAGE)
Lord give me the grace to RUN...
I have to acknowledge in these days that all I can conceive or do or dream about is so
small compared to Him and what He desires to do. I don't wanna settle for living out
of my "natural" talents or abilities for this is self-reliance that eliminates my
relationship and need for Jesus, even if I do it for the "right reasons."
small compared to Him and what He desires to do. I don't wanna settle for living out
of my "natural" talents or abilities for this is self-reliance that eliminates my
relationship and need for Jesus, even if I do it for the "right reasons."
I don't want to be deceived into living a life independent of God based on my
virtuous talents. The risk in that is that it would be meaningless or in vain-
it would be of a substance that is not Him. I want to die to myself, and
bear fruit that lasts, and the only fruit that lasts is that born of the Spirit.
virtuous talents. The risk in that is that it would be meaningless or in vain-
it would be of a substance that is not Him. I want to die to myself, and
bear fruit that lasts, and the only fruit that lasts is that born of the Spirit.
Each season I learn a new facet of this- I AM being transformed- which is what all this is about, that, from glory to glory, we would be made into the likeness of Christ- magnifying God and making Him famous. This is not self betterment, improvement, or perfecting what I already have "going for me." No, this is death and turning from my attempts to be the Lord of my life and surrendering to Him, receiving from HIm, and living IN HIM.
These days are full of evaluation, planning, dreaming, executing those
plans and dreams, and all that comes with it. I pray that ALL that we do is
born of the Spirit- with an eternal quality that blesses the heart of God
and makes the Bride increasingly more pure and beautiful.
plans and dreams, and all that comes with it. I pray that ALL that we do is
born of the Spirit- with an eternal quality that blesses the heart of God
and makes the Bride increasingly more pure and beautiful.
(inspired by Watchman Nee's Normal Christian Life and Tozer's Knowledge of the Holy )
...and of course there's a song to go with it...
Trade our human dreams/For what we cannot see
What our hands can hold/For eternal things
Give our moments for/Endless glory
’Cause we wanna be the ones who follow where You lead
We are believing there is more that we've not seen
So lead us on, lead us on
To light and revelation
Lead us on, lead us on oh Lord
Lead us on, to Your heart
Your purpose and Your passion
Lead us on, to Your heart oh Lord
‘Cause we wanna be the ones who follow where You lead
‘Cause we wanna be the ones who hear You when You speak
We are believing there is more that we've not seen
-Kristian Stanfill
Living in the hope that only Jesus can bring...
I don't know if the title is the right term to use, but it fits in my mind, for my purposes. No offense you to Mickey D's lovers out there, but according to my appetite this is what i have found to be true:
When you first arrive in a foreign country it's a beacon of comfort, then it becomes the go-to when you are past your 'i love asian food honeymoon stage' and then...
it just makes you nauseous.
[I don't know if it's the new dose of McD's in my system or what, but I find myself chugging ginger ale like it's going out of style... ok not that bad but I do crave it to settle my stomach.] Ashamedly I hit this restaurant up about once a week, sometimes more, whereas I NEVER did in the US. The 10% satisfaction at this point is just because it's something to put in a hungry tummy. If you are thinking about bringing a DELI or a BIG BLUE BAGEL shop to the New Town Plaza (our local mall) any time soon, I think NOW is the time! Our team could probably single-handedly keep you in business. I know someone out there's dreamin' about a sandwich shop in Asia... I know I am. So there's my random post for the month. I'll have something more substantial for you later. Maybe something more akin to fruit and vegetables and not greasy fried food. That's substantial, right?
Just wanna catch you up again on some fun things that have happened the past few weeks:Here we have a roof top BBQ- quite a fun time to gather friends and be able to connect with them and they with one another. Students from different univerisities that we have met while here came and shared food together: from hamburgers and hot dogs to fish balls (like meat balls, but fish and maybe some other stuff) and some funny mushrooms, it was a real feast!
Here are a few of us at a HOT POT restaurant to celebrate Joe's birthday. These people have truly become dear friends and we really enjoy fellowship with them. If you haven't tried hot pot... well, you should! Boiling flavorful soup with meat, potatoes, noodles, and more and more. (Yep we got the 'all you can eat' deal!) They had fish balls there too- that and pigs blood - but we didn't partake in that. The pig stomach was ok...
Next, "the girls" on the peak. In case you haven't been to most of the rest of our team's blog, we took our friends to the top lookout site in Hong Kong. It's always amazing to visit there and to see others experience it for the first time. Awe inspiring to say the least...You can see Cat, Cecilia, Malorie, Claudia, Christy, Me, Vicki, and Mary Reading... I love these girls!
This is me, Vicki, and Stella after our Mong Kok shopping trip in front of a statue that i really don't understand.Then a group of us at "high tea" again... with a few new friends.... sharing an afternoon together.
Here we are acting like a starbucks advertisement- we keep this place in business- especially this one, which is by the harbor and has an amazing view. Amazing conversations followed this photo, just in case you were wondering.
Last we have a shot from a wedding Maik and I had the privilege of being a part of: His friend from Germany married a girl from Hong Kong. The wedding was a beautiful testimony to Christ in their lives. I was able to put my dozen bridesmaid experiences to use directing and structuring the ceremony and Maik used his pastoral and preaching skills officiating. I was also pretty proud I was able to hop on and off stage in heels, play guitar and sing and not fall. Success! (oh and we ate goose feet (see I'm holding it with my chopsticks) and sea moss too... traditional Chinese wedding food.. quite exciting!)
In all our goings and comings, activity and conversation, I can say that we are enjoying the privilege of being here in Hong Kong. The Lord has placed amazing people around me to work with and amazing students to share life with. I pray we can continue to grow together and that we will understand the depths of what it means to be "the branches." (John 15)5 “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. 6 Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. 7 But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! 8 When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.
9 “I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. 10 When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. 11 I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!12 This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. 13 There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. 16 You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. 17 This is my command: Love each other.
Here is a progression of our living room in pictures... because of one brother in the local body of Christ who chooses to live his life unto God instead of himself, "storing up for [himself] the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that [he] may take hold of that which is life indeed" through his generosity. He is the arm of God to us by providing our furniture for our flat. Real life evidence of what the church is designed to be, and the blessing that follows. Our sacrifice to move here is not as huge as that which many others make, but I can tell you that we have experienced the abundant life that He has promised for those who trust Him. Not to mention the fact that we happily deflated the airbeds we lived on for a few weeks until our "real" furniture arrived... Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
1 Timothy 6:
6But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment.
7For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either.
8If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. 9But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. 10For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. 
12Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
13I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who testified the good confession before Pontius Pilate,
14that you keep the commandment without stain or reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15which He will bring about at the proper time--He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16who alone possesses immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen.
17Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy.
18Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 19storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed.
John 16: 23
In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. 24Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.
Here are a group of girls, putting this furniture to good use, experiencing the joy that comes from the One who thought of it in the first place... Asking for more joy and for everyone to experience that goodness for themselves! This IS "life indeed."
I got the chance to share a little bit of my story at the English class where we volunteer and have met some great friends! I thought I might let you in on what we talked about...
and... to keep it interesting... (and hopefully share life-giving words)
Yes, that's me in my "easter parade" tutu when I was five. It brought about some laughs, but I hope the image stays in our minds of this life-transforming truth: my life is worth His life because that's the price He paid to redeem us!
"Christ is the revelation of [God's] love. He is the Son of His love, the gift of His love, the power of His love. This Jesus has sought on the cross to give an overwhelming proof of His love in His death and bloodshed, so as to make it impossible for us not to believe in that love." -Andrew Murray
Lord, make it impossible, by your grace, for me to doubt your love. Make it more than possible for the world to receive it.
Here are a few of the many new friends we have made since we got here. They are truly a joy to be around. And when I say I love these people, of course my love is not limited to just the ones that you see in these pictures... but here are a few great people you should meet! We had lunch at a food court nearby Polytechnic University and below is a Tea Party at our flat! It's so exciting to be in community here! 
This really resonates with me these days... after working in full time ministry for years, still there is pressure to show results (which are so important!) but if the means deny the power of Christ for our own lives all can be lost and we will burn out. More than ever before He is forcing me to press into Him, who calls us to BE TRANSFORMED (a lifelong journey, thus the name of my blog) -so that- we would know his good, acceptable, and perfect will. Hopefully this will be a window into what life is like for me and maybe speak to your mode of living and walking with Him. Read the original article here from Dr. Scott Rodin on ChinaSource.
How do you find that balance in a job that is measured solely by doing? That is the challenge we face, and you will need to fight that battle first on a personal level. Restoring the balance between being and doing is the first and most critical responsibility of any worker in God’s kingdom. The enemy will deceive us into thinking that God desires our doing first, even at the expense of our being.
If you believe this statement, then let me ask how well that priority is reflected in your daily schedule. Does your work life reflect God’s priority of forming and shaping you to be a child of God, that you might do the work of the kingdom? How much time are you spending intimately in the Word of God, in prayer, in devotion? In what ways do you make yourself available daily for God to take you on the journey of the transformation of your heart?
Far too many pastors and ministry leaders who are called to be sowers of the Word of God enter each day with empty seed bags. We cannot sow what we do not have, and what replenishes our seed bags is not our doing but our being; our availability to the movement of the Holy Spirit to bring us to deeper faith, richer fellowship and greater understanding.
Maintaining this balance will require you to fight this battle in your place of work. In a system that expects us to be doers, you will have to battle to find and maintain the balance of the faithful leader in God’s kingdom.
When we are operating and whole and healthy people in Christ, we can then have a sustainable ministry and life bearing eternal fruit, that only He can manifest in and through us. (John 15)
Romans 7:(AMP)
4Likewise, my brethren, you have undergone death as to the Law (the high Holy standard of God that causes sin in us drive us to live in a system where we are having to "do" something in order to "be" something) through the [crucified] body of Christ, so that now you may belong to Another, to Him Who was raised from the dead in order that we may bear fruit for God.
5When we were living in the flesh (mere physical lives), the sinful passions that were awakened and aroused up by [what] the Law [makes sin] were constantly operating in our natural powers (in our bodily organs, in the sensitive appetites and wills of the flesh), so that we bore fruit for death.
6But now we are discharged from the Law and have terminated all intercourse with it, having died to what once restrained and held us captive. So now we serve not under [obedience to] the old code of written regulations, but [under obedience to the promptings] of the Spirit in newness [of life].
May I hear ever so clearly the promptings of the Spirit as I seek Him more than a formula or result. Jesus, be the result.
______________________________________
May I hear ever so clearly the promptings of the Spirit as I seek Him more than a formula or result. Jesus, be the result.
______________________________________
[ I know cookies are not necessarily sustainable fruit , but if it's your first time to ever work with cookie dough and bake them yourself, you come pretty close to heaven on earth, especially if it's with good friends!! Meet my friends Stella and Claudia. They're the best. Also, having an oven after being without one for 3 1/2 months is awesome too. ]
He IS everything! He is worth our lives because He is THE LIFE!
When I have these huge gaps in blogging I find it difficult to even know where to start... so I saw that I actually took some photos this week and wanted to share them (and of course they also are a great tool to show you a bit of my life here). On a random note, Malorie and I have been dreaming about these...And now that we have an oven (most HK kitchens to not come with one, so we invested in a mini one. So far i know it can at least bake cookies!) It might be a real possibility to have biscuits!! It's always fun to take the challenge on of "can we make this like we do at home". If anyone has any great biscuit recipes, send 'em our way.
That "W" word at the right side of the screen still defines our time here. I am able to be thankful for this word and what it means in my life because it has broken my own will again, brought me to surrender... again.... and opened my heart and hands to receive what the Lord has for me. Join me in praying for vision and clarity in these days. I want to see what Father is already doing around me and simply do that wholeheartedly. I like the mission statement of Oak Mountain Church in Birmingham... that they desire to be a people who "seek grace from God, share grace in community, and show grace to all." Not only in the meantime, but for all I do I pray pray pray that this emanates from my life in such a way that is transforming to myself, my community, and all that I meet. Waiting on Him for my every next step has been an amazing discipline of listening, walking by the Spirit, and choosing to love what and who He loves.
Next is a snap of [some] of our lovely staff team.... sitting at the kids table. Ready to take our spiritual gifts and personality inventories. We meet each Monday morning to plan, pray, dream, and scheme of what He has for us each week, and let me tell you, He has assembled some amazing people. It's always a beautiful thing to see how God has given people each a unique gift and passion. I am humbled and blessed to be a part of the work of art He is creating in and through our team. I don't have a picture, but you can check out the ones of my more diligent photo taker teammates. I got to spend some time waiting on a delivery from the lovely IKEA (cheap quick furniture that we are so thankful for) and praying for a friend whom I met for lunch. Think of her as I got the chance later that afternoon to share about His love and purpose for life and that He would do a work in her heart.
Here is the window in the chapel at Chinese U. Historically, it was made of some Christian colleges that originated in mainland. We were told that the curtains are pulled back at the end of the service, illuminating this cross and reminding the people that the Light is Coming! This idea that Christ WILL return stirs my heart in a way that few things do. I long for Him to do so, and may we live like it's about to happen tomorrow... Revelation 22-17The Spirit and the Bride say, "Come." And let the one who hears say, "Come." And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.Stanley Market is one of my favorite places that I got to share with these fine friends:
The weather in HK is finally at the little-to-no-sweat level for the most part. Mid to high 80's/mid to low 70's... that's 31-22 Celcius for you metric system people. (I am trying to get used to that...) You will also see the "Three Lucky Guys" in this other picture. They are part of a great group of friends we have met. We called them this because of a Chinese belief:
The symbolic Three Star Gods- Fu Lu Shou signifies the importance of Good Fortune, Prosperity and Longevity in the Taoist aspirations and traditions. With rich cultural roots, Taoist concept goes back to the age of the Ming Dynasty and the deities of Fu Lu and Shou were considered to represent these attributes and are today equally revered. Today Fu Lu Shou is considered as a single term to represent these three attributes to living a good life.
And it truly is a good life here- I wouldn't trade it for anything. I hope to share more soon, but for now, enjoy the photos!
I hope that those of you who read this blog have also received my monthly update in your inbox recently. (If you did not and would like to, just email me so I can add you to the list.) If you read that you will know the background for this. A word that our team has talked about over and over again is "wait". We have been exhorted to do this so much and have been forced to do this because of our unique circumstances that I almost hate to even hear the sound of the word wait. I tend to get antsy, rarely like to linger, and am often ready just to "get the job done." Listening to this song this morning had new meaning to me today after sifting through what it really means to wait through our experience this month. When all my flesh wants to just run after something, and He asks me to sit, I have no choice but to do that. My will is broken, and I surrender to Him because He knows best. Brooke Fraser says it better than I, but I love how she articulates this process.
You'll Come
I have decided I have resolved to wait upon you Lord
My rock and redeemer shall not be moved- I'll wait upon you Lord
As surely as the sun will rise
You'll come to us as certain as the dawn appears
You'll come let your glory fall- As you respond to us
Spirit reign flood our hearts with holy fire again
We are not shaken we are not moved. We wait upon you Lord
Our Mighty deliverer my triumph and truth- I'll wait upon you Lord
Chains be broken, Lives be healed
Eyes be opened, Christ is revealed
My prayer is that the last two lines will be the results of our waiting on the guidance of our loving Father and our resolve to not be shaken because we are not moved by things looking differently than we anticipated. There is a bigger goal in mind and there is much in store for our hearts and those that we engage with. We are not hanging on to a ministry or definition of that, we are clinging to Him. He is FAITHFUL to COME TO US (Hosea 6), FILL us (Romans 15) and FLOOD our HEARTS (Romans 5)! Join me in asking for MORE.
(
(new glasses, so cheap!) You are not truly stylish here until you have a pair, right?
(new glasses, so cheap!) You are not truly stylish here until you have a pair, right? and this one: (new view out my window... view number 4 since I arrived to be exact)
...not to mention the ways that I see things through the eyes of my heart these days... my views are always changing and expanding. I can hardly keep up. I am growing and changing I feel like and sometimes it kind of leaves me feeling bent out of shape. The roles and jobs I have found myself in, the relationships I am a part of are all tools that press and shape me to be who He has created me to be. Having and savoring my experiences here with Jesus distinctly mark me each and everytime. Some marks are more painful than others. Some I do not notice and some I focus too much on. What can I say? I am still growing, still learning, even after almost 20 years of being a Christian, the good news is we never "arrive" but there is always a deeper path to take with Him.God intends our deeper, truer self, which he created, to blossom freely as we follow him. God has endowed each of us with certain essential qualities that reflect and express him in a unique way. Part of the sanctification process of the Holy Spirit is to strip away the false constructs we have accumulated and enable our true selves to emerge.
-Peter Scazerro in Emotionally Healthy Spirituality
If there is not the stripping away of the worldly ideals and ways of life then I miss out on expressing Christ, and here of all places I cannot afford to do that- I deeply desire for Him to show forth all His beauty that He may be made to look great. I am amazed at how comfortable I was in my life before these days in Hong Kong, but I know He is not. He knew all along that this would be a challenge and refining process for me and I accept it with gratitude (although it's not easy!)
If it is true that we belong to an UNSHAKEABLE KINGDOM then it's necessary that He remove all that's not of Him (as much as it makes me kick and scream) for the sake of what's best for us. It is also an invitation... "The reason we need to stop and be with God is so we might creat a continual and easy familiarity with God's presence at all times-- while working, playing, cooking, taking out the garbage, driving, visiting friends, as well as during worship, prayer, and Bible study. This requires that we slow down to pay attention. Our goal is to love God with our whole being, to be consistently conscious of God through our daily life..."-Scazzero
Whatever state you are in, I hope to can take a deep breath and remind yourself about His presence in this very moment, let His love seep in, and move forward into the glory He has for you to know in Him today. That is the reality I long for and the only way I can truly live.
I am trying my very best to skate-bike only in open areas. We don't anyone to lose a limb, now do we?
It is a joy and privilege to be in this city with my Jesus as He leads me one step at a time. So... obviously a lot has happened since Sept 4 when I last wrote. (Sorry, Mom...) I am a very thorough person, so it drives me crazy to just throw things up on here, but I think i have come to find that to be what blogging is... and I digress. To humor myself, I feel I need to catch you up... (I know hold on tight, some of it's pretty exciting!)
Since my last entry I have:
1. Moved to another flat
2. Painted 3 bedrooms a "moonlight sand" color (a welcomed change from rose, lavender, and mint green)
3. Welcomed our final 3 U.S. team members to Hong Kong
4. Attended a Beth Moore conference at a local church (only by video)
5. Biscuet , one of my long time friends came to visit for the week on a work trip
6. Survived a typhoon (but really it's not that big of a deal)
7. Cooked spaghetti for the team
8. Revisited the Chinese medicine doctor lady... tweaking the medicine... giving it one last chance, but it still tastes like dirt.
10. Led worship for a local youth group at ECC
11. Helped with an English class for students that are new to Hong Kong- made some fun friends
12. Relish in the puffy cinnamon roll that I discovered that we can buy at a bakery called "Das Gute" (shout out to my favorite German...)
13. Had our first staff meeting with the whole US team together in HK
15. Saw God work miracles among our teammates as He draws us together in unity and His love
16. Grew and gained a little more perspective about what's before us and praying and trusting He will bring clarity for what's next... He is so good to do that. He brings just what we need, right when we need it, from furniture to reassurance in our hearts...
I leave you with this, as this is what I want to reflect in my life... I trust the process I am walking through in this season- one of redefining all things, laying down the knowledge and comfort of familiarity and skills I had honed to say I don't really have anything but you Jesus, so I'm free of those things (even though I had no idea they were holding me back) and I get to walk forward, starting anew as His grace shapes me to bring Him glory here... I want to love well. BOTTOM LINE.
1 John 4: 9 God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. 10 This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. 12 No one has ever seen God.
But
if we love each other,
God lives in us,
and his love is brought to
full expression in us. [my thought: and as one born of God, my new nature is to express, reveal, and manifest HIM thus bringing HIM glory! Lord, give me the grace anew to live this out!] 13 And God has given us his Spirit as proof that we live in him and he in us. 14 Furthermore, we have seen with our own eyes and now testify that the Father sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15 All who confess that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God. 16 We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. All who confess that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God.
God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. 17 And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because...
we live like Jesus here in this world.May we go and live and be expressions of the life and love of our sacrificial Jesus because we are people who treasure Him above all things, abiding in the only one who has something to truly offer. Therefore, we have something to offer the world.
Since I am in China, and have a medical background in nursing, I am very curious about their traditional medicine. I have a friend at ELIC / Hong Kong named Anita who has had some success with this type of treatment, so I figured what's the harm in trying some of these natural remedies instead of always taking an inhaler and a few pills each day.
What's my diagnosis you may ask? Well the thing I appreciate is that the FIRST thing the Chinese doctor will think about is your environment. What's wrong w/ my environment? Dust mites. Possibly. The first step is to wrap my mattress in saran wrap- the mattress i have here has to be very old and yucky so I can see how that might help. I feel "gunkier" when I wake up, so that would logically point to something in my bedroom, in the states and here, and we all have dust mites (eewwww!!) So maybe that's my allergy? So allergy/mild asthma remains my diagnosis... one that probably will never go away (but can pray for the miracle of that) and the challenge is to manage the environment so that there is the least amount irritant possible.
The best part of the visit was this conversation we had as she was writing my prescription so that my "chi" will no longer be blocked- that's my other diagnosis. (Explanation of that is a whole 'nother blog for a whole 'nother day.)
DR: "Are you a vegetarian?"
ME: "NO..."
ANITA: "What does that mean that you are putting in her medicine?"
DR: "Some insect!"
Above you see the packet of powder that I mix with hot water and drink twice a day. Tastes like dirt. I will go for follow up on Monday and we'll see what's next. It takes some time to tweak it but I am quite fascinated by how this could possibly help me feel better. I'm sure I will have more to share on this topic after Monday. Also, as with any relationship, please think of Anita and I as there have already been some light/life-giving conversations with this doctor, and for that purpose, trying a little insect and whatever-else-mixture is worth it.
...I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings. 1 Cor 9:22-23
First of all, in the kitchen, hidden behind our cabinet door, on the left is where we do laundry.
See our tiny washer, that also "dries" with puffs of steam? I like the steam/hang up combo myself. I also like my mattress which is very very very firm- probably because it's good for my health. (See below).
This is how you know you weren't invited to the party around here/how popular you are... I haven't had any shoes left outside my door... Could you all help me with this problem? Actually our CRATE got here with all of our stuff this past Monday! I can't wait to get my tea set out and have tea with whoever will come!Growing in the discipline of practicing patience...
Starting a "BBQ" fire with coal in a pit on a rainy day with 8 teenage girls- it's quite a feat! (and not your typical BBQ- pork and fish meatball things with mushrooms or some other taste, wings, and other unidentifiable objects on a skewer as seen in the photo-Trying to explain why my credit card says "Katie" and my passport says "Katherine" - at least after 2 1/2 hours at the bank I got rewarded with this keychain:
and got to write a comment card for the teller for her "flexibility"... I pondered taking a snapshot of that as well, but decided that would not look good to the people who are handling my money. (It's called saving face, but that's another post for another day.) I had to run downstairs a couple of times to get a verification and then another signature from Matt, which they were quick to comment that at least I got my exercise today. Happy "year of the ox"!Oh, and tack "health" or "environment" on to
whatever you are doing and that makes it a good thing. Many Chinese will be concerned about these things... so to put everyone's soul at ease- you will find signs like this on any thing there many hands may touch (elevator buttons, handles, escalators...) and still the anti-bacterial hand gel everywhere... ooooh the hand gel! (It's a good thing- just like the Katie/Katherine thing- for our safety and security... so thankful. Yes. )
Last but not least... words like, happy, fun, and joy- even your water bill is more awesome because of this! Ya'll want to come pay it right now, don't you? I thought so.Speaking of Joy...
It's a joy to just be here and soak it in and have the time to be sensitive to how He is refining me through the tiniest things, preparing me and the rest of our team for the "bigger things." I know that when you and I are faithful in the small things, that there is such deep blessing there. These are the moments that no one else sees but that HE alone sees. This draws me nearer to Him, knowing that He and I have shared that moment and that His grace enabled me to walk righteously in the littlest things. I know if I am the "apple of His eye" that He delights in me. His glance is not infrequent towards me. He takes pleasure in who I am and I take pleasure in Him. There is intimacy and joy and delight in what could be a mundane day, but it's HIS day and we get to share it together! I can say I AM learning to be content whatever the circumstance. I love this quote by Jeremiah Burroughs:
Christian contentment is that sweet inward quiet, that gracious frame of spirit which freely submits to and delights in God's wise and fatherly disposal in every condition.
I definitely don't have it down, I get frustrated and exasperated sometimes, but at the core of me is Christ, and He is TOTALLY submitted to the wise and fatherly disposal of GOD! Christ IN me allows this to happen! Now THAT is FREEDOM! I have the blessed opportunity to be the recipient of GOD's wise and fatherly disposal in THIS condition, and the next, and the next... "11Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13I can do all things through him who strengthens me." Phil 4:11-13. If you are in a high or low that is ok- He is revealing Himself to you- so that you will tap into the gracious Spirit of Christ in you. Seems like Paul went through that too... Just read Philippians.
What does it mean for me and you to really RECEIVE from the King of Kings who "... longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. "
The promise for us today (as I have said before)-
Blessed are all who wait for him!
19 O people of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. How gracious he will be when you cry for help! As soon as he hears, he will answer you. (Isaiah 30:18-19)His answer for me today: Trust the process- I am doing more than your eyes can see!
Stay tuned for more "regular" day fun and joy!
Here are a few more pics for Zach and Zach to see (they will move in our 2 bedroom apartment that we're in and we will move to a three bedroom when Mary gets here. I have moved 5 times in the last year, but hey, what's one more?! (And for some reason I seem to not get any better at it...)
So our apartment came with all the furniture and trinkets we could possibly ever desire... I know you are jealous of our decor...
And here is the living/dining area... quite cozy now, especially since we have our dishes and coffee maker!
And the lovely poster in my room... I like to call them the 'patron saints' of the single staff apartment, er, flat... (again, no i did not purchase this... it's an added bonus of our flat)
And then you see our view, and if you look down, our pool where there are lots of lap swimmers, always swimming in straight lines. Not much laying out or lounging typical at our pools in America... but we may have to change that with our team of 11 living here... Be thinking of us as our team grows together and begins to build a foundation for what's to come in Christ...being transformed
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Living in Hong Kong. Longing to see His kingdom come. Being transformed moment by moment. May the Living and Active Word transform us together as we share this journey!
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