::Being Transformed::

New Blog!

2011-03-21T01:33:00.000+08:00

Dear "Being Transformed" readers,

My journey of writing and learning began on this little space when I graduated University in 2005. Since then God has done some amazing things, and these words from the previous 5 years testify to that. I may write on here from time to time but since I am now ENGAGED, my life path and priorities will change considerably. I will continue to blog but in a new shared space at

www.maikandkatie.com

I hope and pray you will continue to journey with us into the next season of life... excited to continue His story with Maik beside me...
Love,

Katie

Isaiah 64:4
From of old no one has heard
or perceived by the ear,
no eye has seen a God besides you,
who acts for those who wait for him.

Thanksgiving in Hong Kong

2010-12-02T23:21:00.001+08:00

Well as you can see I haven't posted in ages, but that's not because things have been slow. Blogging for me is something I like to put a lot of thought into but my thoughts have been poured out into the new work and new neighborhood and new church and new campus. Yep, a LOT of new. So I thought I'd keep it simple for me and you by just sharing about our thanksgiving.

Maik has found an awesome apartment right near the HKU campus and so of course we packed 20 people into the living room and had a feast! Some friends from church, some old friends, and some new ones all joined together for this fun holiday. In explaining it to some "first time Thanksgivingers", I told them Thanksgiving is awesome because it doesn't seem to get clouded with all the materialism and paraphernalia that sometimes gets in the way of Christmas, but it's about FOOD and FAMILY, no strings attached. We simply get together, enjoy time together and share about what we are thankful for, as we reflect on the year.

I have an oven that is approximately 13 1/2" by 13 1/2" and some how I stuffed an entire turkey in there. I hunted down some sweet potatoes at the awesome local market (ok they look a little different but taste the same) and downloaded recipes from the Pioneer Woman, Food Network, and Real Simple. Real Simple was for the turkey because, well, I was afraid of what I would do to the thing, and so I found peace with that name. I did not have the time nor the kitchen space to be "brinin' and bastin'" and the bird turned out just fine if I do say so myself. Poor guy's little tail got a little burnt from touching the top of the oven, but it's nothing that a little foil couldn't fix.

And then, since there were 3 Germans at the feast we educated our Chinese friends in the art of schnitzel making and served that as well... we weren't sure if the turkey would be enough for everyone and I guess when you date a German you need to blend some traditions too!

(Thanks to Tim Lim for the lovely food photography!) Doesn't that just look yummy. I didn't get to taste it but I'm sure it was delicious. After playing a game of "get to know you bingo" (super fun) we ate and then had people write what they were thankful for on a festive little leaf and then we read them later and guessed who they belonged to. I love hearing what people have to say and what has stuck out to them over the year. Such a sweet moment!

Here's some of the crew at the feast. I can't remember if this was before or after the rousing game of SPIN UNO. If you have never played that then, you just have to come to HK and play with these guys. They make it fun.

The next day, we had our community group and I made leftover Turkey Pot Pie :) I used my leftover "perfect pie crust" from Pioneer lady (yes I made a pecan pie and added chocolate chips, of course!) and some other leftover veggies, etc and threw it all in. I had bought a new pan that I thought would fit in "baby oven" and it of course did not, so, I wrapped foil around the cracked oven door and she cooked just fine. [just letting you see into my world for a minute. my world is often revolving around a mini-kitchen].

For our second batch of leftovers we headed over to have turkey sandwiches with the precious couple who started the HKUICF (International Christian Fellowship).

ICF meeting

They are both from other countries in Asia but chose to move here and work on campus so they could open the door to a fellowship like this, which is vastly needed since there are no English-speaking fellowships on campus and many of the students prefer English. Their labor has paid off for sure and they will return home this coming summer. Maik and I truly are blessed that they invited us to continue leading it! They have two young children and we sang some hymns with them and also shared about what we were Thankful for this year. They have adopted thanksgiving into their own family traditions and maybe even made some improvements on it!

So, we survived Thanksgiving in Hong Kong. It's interesting that the grocery stores import some more stuff for stuffing, frozen turkeys, gravy and pecans at this time of the year, but I'm thankful for that. It's the little things, right?

I'm thankful that He continues to sustain me, that I am not alone but have a companion, that my family supports me, and for all of you friends who care enough to read about my life. Wish you were here!

Coming Home!

2010-10-24T20:42:00.000+08:00

Hey everybody!

I can't believe it's actually here: I have a short visit to the US and am pretty excited about it.

I arrive in Montgomery Monday night

I will be in Birmingham on Wednesday-
So if you B'ham folks want to meet up, I am gonna hang out there for the day and would love to see you... Come by Panera between 12-4... I can't wait to see you and all those babies that have been born in the past year!

I will be in Huntsville Thursday -Saturday to be the maid of Honor in the lovely Miss Susan Dennis' wedding and join in all the festivities.

I will be in Montgomery until I fly out of Birmingham on Nov. 4... TENTATIVELY will be in AUBURN November 2...

So, all that to say I can't believe this is my first time back in 16 months and that I get to see some of your faces!!!

email or facebook me if you can meet up!! I can't wait to see everyone and share the stories of His faithfulness in Hong Kong! He is doing so much here.
LOVE,
Katie

Passion HK!

2010-06-15T17:05:00.000+08:00

We had an awesome time at Passion. It was surreal to share this with our friends, and also somewhat of a closing to a chapter of our lives as people spread out again. I will definitely miss our teammates who return to America. It definitely won't be the same without them. What a journey this has been!! Many of these students will return to Mainland to start life and jobs there. Some will try to stay in HK to find a job- pray for them as they try to obtain employment (we really want them to stay!!). I know this event was truly meaningful to us all and we really encountered the Father in a fresh way.

Continue to pray with us for the Awakening to His love and grace and glory to happen in this city!!

Purpose.

2010-06-05T14:01:00.001+08:00

“Finding one’s purpose with God can be a strange and mysterious journey. Or it can be as plain as asking God for a task and then watching your desire for that task grow within you. Problem is, most of us forget to ask God to fill us with a fervent spirit to serve Him. Then years later, we wake up and realize we had our life. We made our small choices...our safe choices. But somehow we missed the richness of following our God down an uncharted path.” – Hudson Taylor

As I type this the emails are going out to those of you who have subscribe to my updates- there is big news in those and so if you want to receive that update as well, just shoot me an email- (katie@gracecampus.net) then this post will make a little more sense.

I never would have guessed that this year would turn out this way- it's totally different, but God remains the unchanging one! The only way I know how to describe it just that uncharted, strange and mysterious journey that is walking by faith in the Holy Spirit's leading. Surprises are around every corner. God is present all along the way. I am excited to step into this new season as I join in with Watermark Church. We have had some great meetings to plan for outreach, community groups, and worship for the new church. I would truly appreciate your prayers as God works in and through us to plant among the people in the West Island District of Hong Kong. (Sheung Wan/HKU/Kennedy Town for those of you more familiar with HK geography).

I look forward to sharing more with you guys, but for now I have to get ready to meet my friends at the Passion HK World Tour Event... more to share tomorrow hopefully!

a few of my favorites...

2010-05-14T01:27:00.001+08:00

In case you were wondering, YES, I did make it back from the Philippines...

I have had to "catch up on life" as I often call it and still am just now catching my breath. The things that are happening here are more than exciting as Father carves out our next steps just in time. I feel like I am constantly holding my breath, and then I remember to exhale the temptation to doubt and ask too many questions, breath in His Spirit, and walk forward with Him.

So, for now, enjoy a little photo album of one of my favorite weeks this year: our trip to share with the Christ Gospel Fellowship Ministries crew in Philippines. What a precious group of friends!! Sadly enough, there is one brother (in Philippines, called "Kuya") who passed away the week after we left. He was the kindest servant of God, determined to be a part of His work in the city. I know he will be missed by many. It just reminded us again how precious each day is, and how we desire to live each day unto Him- recognizing the story that He is inviting us into is one not to be taken lightly, but one to be lived abundantly! We do not want to miss God in this story and we don't want to settle for a story that requires little or no faith. The life of faith brings about many unexpected turns and is challenging, but I wouldn't trade it for anything! It's a supernatural thing when we trust Christ to do what He wants in and through us: "...The life I live in the body I live by FAITH in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me." Galatians 2:20 When you are trusting that Christ is living in and through you, you experience the blessing of Christ's abundant life as your own! There's no greater adventure!

We had the privilege of being loved on by this amazing community and getting to join in their work in several places. People heard truth, children were fed, fellowship and laughter was had. What more could you ask for?!

What's next...

2010-04-12T11:58:00.000+08:00

WE ARE HEADED TO THE PHILIPPINES TOMORROW!!

Here's the team (we won't be taking our party hats- even though that does represent our craziness sometimes... this is just the only picture I could find of the four of us!) and we will be serving a community in Bulacan.

Please lift us up this week! I can't wait to share what we see and what happens!

God Speaks.

2010-02-05T23:53:00.002+08:00

In the most unexpected ways, He speaks and reveals Himself.  

There's nothing like sharing His Word with someone who is hearing for the first time, but even more amazing is that I can read it for the millionth time and it speaks into me in a fresh new way...

Sitting across the table from a dear friend, talking about Mark chapter 1, it hit me.  God spoke into my circumstances through looking at the life and work of Jesus.  Here's how it goes: John the Baptist came out of the wilderness, fulfilling an age-old prophecy, and preparing the way for the Messiah.   "God in flesh" gets baptized himself and the Spirit of God and audible voice of God affirms Jesus' identity as God's Son.  Jesus' "out front" ministry was about to begin!  

And then...

Mark 1:12-13 

The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness.  

And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan...

Just when He was about to carry out His work!?  He had people to save and a Message to share, yet the Spirit of God sent Him away, alone, into the wilderness.  The Lord DOES work in mysterious ways.  Over wontons and spring rolls He spoke clearly to me in this.  When the rest of us would think it was time to "get straight to work" and "get the job done", maybe Jesus, in His humanity was ready to do the same, yet the Spirit DROVE him out!  He obviously was obedient in that but I wonder what He thought when He knew what was to come and to what He was called.  The Spirit drove Him not to the garden, to a place of comfort, but to a place of discomfort and suffering to prepare Him for what was about to begin.  It doesn't make sense to the legalist in us, who wants to work for our worth, or to the humanist in us who tells us to do what's comfortable.  or to the independent in us who wants to do what he or she wants to do, whatever that may be... 

 6"Seek the LORD while he may be found;
   call upon him while he is near;7let the wicked forsake his way,
   and the unrighteous man his thoughts;
let him return to the LORD, that he may have compassion on him,
   and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.8For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
   neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD.
9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
   so are my ways higher than your ways
   and my thoughts than your thoughts.    

(Isaiah 55)

Looking at the life of Christ, the redeemer of the World, who walked through all  of suffering and discomfort and even appearances of failure to the foolish mind, I can fellowship with Him there.  I can appreciate a unique path to a greater goal that I could not fathom had he not taken me into the wilderness.  I praise Him today for that!

I remain humbled today and am reminded it's all about Him:  His name being made famous and His glory.  This reality orients my thoughts and life in such a way that I know I cannot find true rest and peace until I align my entire being this this truth.  I am so thankful to be His!  I do not deserve it, I did not earn it, I am nothing apart from Him, who, in His great mercy and grace, rescued me and made me new!!

 26Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. 

Not many of you were wise by human standards; 

not many were influential; 

not many were of noble birth. 

27But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; 

God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 

28He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—

and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, 

29so that no one may boast before him.
30It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, 

[WOW!!!]
who has become for us wisdom from God—that is,
our righteousness, holiness and redemption.  
31Therefore, as it is written: 

"Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."
 (1 Cor. 1)

Who am I Lord, that you are mindful of me, and that you would speak to my heart?

I am your beloved daughter, favored and treasured in your eyes and you, in your grace, speak to me.

Thank you.

pray.

2010-01-30T03:32:00.000+08:00

^{Matthew 9-}

³⁵And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. ³⁶ When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. ³⁷Then he said to his disciples,

"The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; ³⁸therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest tosend out laborers into his harvest."

__________________________

I'm longing for the gospel of the kingdom to be known-

I am overwhelmed by compassion for the precious souls around me... a bit more today than usual, and praying against any obstacle that is not of Him that keeps those ready and willing to serve from doing so.

Lord send workers and Lord bring clarity and make a way for those who long to serve you but don't know the details yet... I think of many who are ready and willing and are unsure of your next step... May any fear or accusation fall to the ground in light of who Jesus is in us and on our behalf. Raise up this generation to live in light of grace for the glory of your name!

Join me in praying that He will raise up the strongest movement yet...

for His Glory

perspective.

2010-01-30T03:12:00.000+08:00

2 Peter 3 (NLT)

 8 But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. 9 The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.  

(...puts waiting in perspective...) 

10 But the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief. Then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise, and the very elements themselves will disappear in fire, and the earth and everything on it will be found to deserve judgment.

 11 Since everything around us is going to be destroyed like this, what holy and godly lives you should live, 12 looking forward to the day of God and hurrying it along. On that day, he will set the heavens on fire, and the elements will melt away in the flames.  

(...puts eternity in perspective...)  

13 But we are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth he has promised, a world filled with God’s righteousness.

 14 And so, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in his sight.

(...puts the hope & the present in perspective...)  

 15 And remember, the Lord’s patience gives people time to be saved... 

 17 I am warning you ahead of time, dear friends. Be on guard so that you will not be carried away by the errors of these wicked people and lose your own secure footing. 18 Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of 

our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

   All glory to him, 

both now and forever! Amen.

------------

We are in no hurry, yet there's urgency.
Making the most of everyday is unto the Lord and not unto man.
We can let time and timing keep us in bondage or we can surrender to the funnel, which is His hand shaping our lives, and an all-wise Sovereign God orchestrating a beautiful story. He is so much bigger than our best and worst day put together.
We can lose hope when it seems that things aren't just right (lose secure footing by formulating our own circumstantial hypothesis) or look to Christ to grow in grace (supernatural life of Christ living in us) and knowledge of our Lord to move us forward as He builds His kingdom here and now and that He is surely coming again!!!

celebrate.

2010-01-26T03:26:00.000+08:00

It's amazing what a few birthday hats, some Winnie the Pooh party horns, and some yummy Szechuan food will do to make a birthday party really special.

(See the birthday boy on the far left!)

I am more than blessed to be a part of the lives in these pictures- I am confident that none of us are the same after knowing each other, and I am praying that this year in Hong Kong will be a year we will all never forget, because it shapes who we are and where we are going... We are all being transformed one day at a time...

------------------

No two days are the same here.

Everyday just about turns out differently than planned.

Tomorrow will be no exception... I experience day to day:

Many plans are in a man's mind, 

but it is the Lord's purpose for him that will stand (Prov.19:21)

This is life in these days and this is life led by the Spirit,

who is not bound by our rules, schedules, or opinions...

He graciously meets us where we are,

and doesn't leave us unchanged.

(He actually doesn't leave, period.)

Hallelujah!

Accordingly God also, in His desire to show more convincingly and beyond doubt to those who were to inherit the promise the unchangeableness of His purpose and plan, intervened (mediated) with an oath.

This was so that, by two unchangeable things [His promise and His oath] in which it is impossible for God ever to prove false or deceive us, we who have fled [to Him] for refuge might have

mighty indwelling strength and

strong encouragement

to grasp and hold fast the hope appointed for us and set before [us].

(Hebrews 6:17-18)

HE is trustworthy. HE is our constant, in this ever-changing, fast-moving, mind-blowing, dynamic beautiful story that always points back to HIM...

GLORY.

do so!

2010-01-21T15:27:00.001+08:00

The other side of "say so" is "do so." When that pang of humanity hits, whether it be your shame, your fear, disillusionment, your big or small questions, He is INVITING you to CHOOSE LIFE. (And He IS "the way, the truth, and THE LIFE.") It's His life that is made available to us! Daily it happens: you sense a need, you must grasp onto something, and that's ok! Do not let the enemy convince you that it's bad to be in need. We ARE human and we NEED God! Living this life makes us aware, and as a child, we have a Father who meets us in our need.

So, what do you do when you are at the point of exposure?

DIE. (For I am crucified with Christ and I no longer live... Gal. 2:20a)

On the other side of the cross, (meaning after we receive Christ as our Savior) we aren't just forgiven but we are raised to new life. That means that we reckon our old self, our way of life apart from Christ, dead. When the need to protect, hide, cling to anything other than Christ, arises, we must crucify that need in order to experience THE need-meeter. In sharing his story, Steve McVey says "I tried everything I could think of to experience victory, but all to no avail. I didn't know that it was by my dying, not doing, that victory was possible." Trying to live the Christian life through your old sinful patterns is like carrying 2 ton weights around while attempting to win a race.

MISCONCEPTION:

The more I do, the more I try, the more I beat myself up or train myself to be 'better' the "more better" I become and the closer I get to Christ.

Let me say no, no, NO! Galatians 3:3 says Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected bythe flesh?

There is Good News here! Romans 8:3: For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, ⁴in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

Please don't hear this as a "good kid/bad kid" issue- hear this as a my resources or His resources issue. Which is better?! We can't. He can. He CAN- IN US- when we walk according to the Spirit, the life of Christ in us! In Colossians 1:27 Paul says, "To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles (Gentiles = us) are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." Nothing compares to this type of riches. (Galatians 2:20...Christ lives in me...)

TRUTH:

The more I reckon my own strength insufficient and RECEIVE the sufficiency of Christ's strength, HE becomes my LIFE: The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me... (Gal. 2:20b) When we receive eternal life, whose life do we receive? CHRIST'S LIFE! This is not ignoring or putting to death the unique ways that He has made us as people, but allowing Him to work in and through those qualities and illuminate them in a way that only He can do. True freedom lies in living in intimate fellowship with Christ who imparts to us all things we need for life and godliness. The specific "hows, whys and whens" come as we walk moment by moment with Him.

2 Peter 1:3-5: His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.

Read the entire chapter here.

May grace (God's favor) and peace (which is perfect well-being,

all necessary good, all spiritual prosperity, and freedom from fears

and agitating passions and moral conflicts) be multiplied to you

in [the full, personal, precise, and correct] knowledge

of God and of Jesus our Lord.

2 Peter 1:2 AMP

Say So.

2010-01-20T16:16:00.001+08:00

Psalm 107

¹Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good,
         For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
    ²Let the redeemed of the LORD say so,
         Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the adversary...

From time to time, my roommates and I have told one another to "just say so!" Implying the freedom to "be right where you are at" (no judgment here!) and the empowerment that comes from approaching life from the victorious position of being redeemed. (1 John 5:4-5) We have been bought back, brought out of death into life, and set free to live life as He intended: in fellowship with our God. When we hide in our own selves, there is no fellowship. For us to speak what is true about ourselves and God is to speak from the position of being the redeemed children of God. We stand acceptable and accepted because of Christ! Who told you to be ashamed or that you had to have it all together?! It is the "adversary" or the enemy who tempts us to believe this and he has been defeated--powerless towards the people of the Lord. We must remember the Voice that matters most. When we forget we are redeemed and forget to "attend to the steadfast love of the Lord" we feel vulnerable, exposed (experiencing the reality of our not being in control), and afraid to say anything at all. When life isn't seeming line up quite right or the circumstances are unsure, or at the slightest relational discomfort or lack thereof we are quick to forget what He has done on our behalf and who He has made us to be and how He pours out His love into our hearts by the power of His Spirit alone. This is what makes the DIFFERENCE! In these days of our sanctification/transformation into the likeness of Christ we have the choice to LIVE in that reality or to try to live this life in our own feeble resources until the day He returns and completes this beautiful work He has began in us at the moment of salvation. May the reality of our redemption and new life in Christ fall afresh on us:

1 Peter 2

²⁴He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree,

that we might die to sin and live to righteousness.

By his wounds you have been healed.

²⁵For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned

to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

FREEDOM to "say so" comes from believing and receiving for yourself that you are redeemed, first and foremost. There is no way to earn or lose the love and acceptance which God freely gives us in Christ. This experience also happens in loving community. As we work out the reality of our salvation "with fear and trembling" He moves from our head to our heart what that really means. Healing comes as we move through this process by faith, acknowledging our fears and feelings, allowing the grace of God to penetrate our faulty beliefs, often through the gracious response of others towards us. Powerful. Supernatural. True freedom comes in taking off the mask of having to have it all together or be independent of God(dying to sin) and being who He has created you to be: a dependent child on Abba, Father (living to righteousness).

I was meeting with a friend this past week and it seems she has discovered what many of us know, but few of us admit. We wear a "protector" around our lives, keeping people and even God at arm's length. She knows she needs to take it off, but it's not easy. Our souls crave to be known, our Spirits cry out to drink deep from the Living Water, yet we choose to stay in what we've been deceived into believing is "safe." The TRUTH? Our God longs to BE our protector! Our Safety! Our refuge! Our HOME, but we must die to the old way of "safe" living, which is not really living at all. Jesus Christ, God in the flesh, came to this earth with the gospel message: "I have come that you may have life and have it abundantly." When we operate out of the riches and wealth of Spirit that comes from standing on these realities our life IS different! He satisfies us (Psalm 63) in this dry and weary land of the world. The Spiritual reality becomes our reality and we live in the paradigm of the life of Christ! When we stop searching for a formula and live IN CHRIST we find what we were looking for in the beginning...

Psalm 107

⁴³ Whoever is wise, let him attend to these things;
let them consider the steadfast love of the LORD.

Colossians 2

...to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding

and the knowledge ofGod’s mystery, which is Christ,

³ in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Our direction, our step-by-step, our wisdom and knowledge, if you will comes as we seek Christ and allow His Spirit to be the Shepherd and Overseer of our souls and respond in faith to Him. When we walk as redeemed children in freedom, healing and wholeness, we WILL shine Christ brightly for the glory of His name. I pray that more and more we are a community that "says so" for the sake of His glory and that more may step into a life in Christ.

Catching up [Part 2] Wrapping up our First Semester here...

2010-01-15T02:41:00.003+08:00

new years eve:

Beth and Jason did a great job of capturing the evening. I have left my camera at home lately... but it was truly a blessing to bring in the new year worshiping our King and reflecting on what we are truly thankful for as we look back over what has happened since this time last year.

end of semester thoughts:

The question was asked... what have you seen God do this semester? It was a beautiful thing to go around the room and hear and celebrate all He has done. Matt did a great job recording the words spoken at that meeting. For me, it has been different than I thought. From the get-go I have felt 'at home' here and it's hard for me to separate the 'before' and 'after' of my life in HK. I still feel I have simply stepped into what He has called me to do and be. I am far from perfect at it but know I am growing towards fulfilling more deeply role He has called me to play in His grand story. All I can think is it's...

-His Invitation-

As I look back over this semester I am more and more happy about accepting it. There's something special about responding to that which the God of the Universe invites us into, and it starts when He invites us into His very life by our faith in Christ. As the song in the video below states: "...And this is grace: an invitation to be beautiful..." So there's not really an ending point here, but I remain on a journey- of sanctification, or, in other words, being made more holy, more like Jesus. Not just performing well or doing the right thing but growing in the GRACE of God. Trusting Him more. Trusting Him to be ALL I need. Trusting Him to illuminate my person to make Himself known in this world. HE IS all that is beautiful... and receiving His redemption for myself, for my failures, for where I feel I am lacking, and letting Him fill me is all I know to do--simply receive, and declare that message of reconciliation to those around me.

The promise is, "come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." He, as I surrender, will do this. Not my own independent effort but His own strength in and through me. This is true life. In knowing Christ we have something to INVITE others into. There's something in the human soul that God has mades us to desire and respond to this invitation. Ultimately from Him, but through vessels of love like us.

I pray we all discover what it is to live by grace, moment by moment, and respond as the Shepherd leads us one step at a time. He won''t lead us too far ahead (even when we get anxious to MOVE) from where he intends or keep us in the same place unless he feels its best. He is good. He knows us well and He lead us in His perfect timing. I pray you can trust the Shepherd and hear His invitation to simply 'follow...'

sentimental.
most of you probably won't watch this lovely 4 minute video, but that's ok.... i made it more for my own record anyway. For anyone that is interested- it's 4 minutes long and has one of my favorite songs by Sara Groves. (Lyrics below- full of my favorite words for today: invitation and grace...) It ties together all things and that which I desire strongly to see Him do in our world today. The value of the people God has made in His image- they need to know their worth, their purpose, and drink deeply of the GRACE He so freely gives...

Add To The Beauty

We come with beautiful secrets

We come with purposes written on our hearts,

written on our souls

We come to every new morning

With possibilities only we can hold,

that only we can hold

Redemption comes in strange place, small spaces

Calling out the best of who we are

And I want to add to the beauty

To tell a better story

I want to shine with the light

That's burning up inside

It comes in small inspirations

It brings redemption to life and work

To our lives and our work

It comes in loving community

It comes in helping a soul find it's worth

This is grace, an invitation to be beautiful

This is grace, an invitation

YOU are INVITED!!!!!!

...

Catching up [Part 1] Christmas in HK

2010-01-12T02:18:00.000+08:00

Thankfully the rest of my team is good about blogging regularly. I, obviously, am not, but enough about that... here's the Christmas rundown:

::Hong Kong's production of the Nutcracker ballet- so neat, yet they cut out the part with Mother Ginger. No one asked me, maybe they will next year. I thoroughly enjoyed the rest!
::Chinese Dessert post Nutcracker... nothing says yummy like red bean ice cream and a mango pancake with mango pudding...
::LOTS of shopping and trying to AVOID shopping because the whole of China comes out to be in the hustle and bustle... but for what end? You start to think about it and try not to get too depressed... the task is overwhelming but knowing that a few lives here have awakened to the fact that Christmas exists because of our Saviour redeems those moments...

::Baking party- Growing up I went to the Mancil's home each Christmas to decorate sugar cookies with colorful icing. Well no worries folks, we did that here and our girls LOVED it, but not as much as the LOVED making Christmas cards and ornaments. Especially those cards. Then, of course the guys on our team came by later to eat the leftover cookies and icing...

::ELF - What is Christmas without the movie elf? We had a "special showing" at our home... Jason even made tickets!

::Christmas day: Maik and I met some students at our church for the Christmas service. Some of them heard the entire story for the first time. It was great to alternate between the reading of the story and singing carols that go right along with it. The reality of what it means for this "GOOD NEWS OF GREAT JOY THAT SHALL BE FOR ALL PEOPLE" sunk in my heart as the scriptures were read in Sri Lankan, Indonesian, Tagalog, Hungarian, Spanish, Chinese, and English. These languages represent a minute percentage of the languages on this earth, many of which STILL have not heard about God's love for them and His reconciliation with them through Jesus who came not to condemn the world but to SAVE it. If you want to know more about this you can read here or here. There are 2200 languages without the Bible in their native tongues, totalling hundreds of millions of people. Then there are people groups who have no knowledge of Christ or are hostile towards the gospel or too remote to have access, or, for one reason or another, have never heard. PLEASE PRAY for God to raise people up to reach these people- 41% of the Earth's population fits in the category. Staggering, yet true...

::After church we went to the Deans and had delicious cinnamon rolls and a secret santa gift exchange. It was really fun to share in that time and receive our "stockings" (ok, upside down santa hats) of goodies! Thanks, Deans!!

::Then came another really special part: Celebrating Christmas with several students for the first time and with friends who may be the only Christian in their family or away from their family. We gave gifts, sang some carols, and read Jesus' story from the book of Luke. It's so neat how when the Father is present you truly feel like a family! Oh, and just for a little culture, look at this link to see a picture of how we had dinner: RACLETTE! It's an indoor grill common in Switzerland, so of course Maik had a couple lying around where we could sit around and eat a LOT! It was a BLAST! If you ever come across one, buy it and have a party- it's like BBQ and FONDUE all together. Yeah!

::I finished the day by skyping with Mom, Dad, Jack and Grace... and even my sweet Grandad who just couldn't believe that I was still in Hong Kong if he could still see my face on the screen. Technology is amazing I tell you.

So all that to say, Christmas was awesome here. It was hard to register that it was actually December 25, yet it was nice to really focus in Him and not being caught up in the world's Christmas, but simply caught up in Christ, the burden of others to know Him in the midst of a materialistic city, and for them to see that HE is the treasure more than anything we obtain here on earth. When I grasp that truth, I find such freedom to be surrendered to Him. I pray this freedom is yours, too!

yum chai//tea house//dim sum//hong kong

2009-12-16T11:41:00.002+08:00

Here's a little clip of Mom and Dad's most cultural experience... take 2 minutes and check it out :)

FOUND it...

2009-12-13T01:41:00.002+08:00

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.

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!!!

Aren't they cute?!

2009-12-07T23:00:00.000+08:00

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...

And the adventure begins...

2009-12-04T10:33:00.001+08:00

Mom and Dad have arrived. After terrible weather that prevented them from getting to Atlanta on time, to the merciful staff that opened the gate back up for the Tokyo flight, a little Ambien and decent amount of stress they have made it with smiles on their faces. (Who would want luggage anyway...) I am kicking myself for not taking a picture of the arrival but the moment was sweet.

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...

A special day...

2009-12-02T03:02:00.001+08:00

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! )

I am sure we will have much to share about our adventures- this will be the first time we've seen each other for 5 months! Can't wait to report back on the experiences...

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...

A Prayer for Today...

2009-12-02T02:34:00.003+08:00

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."

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.

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.

(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...

Law of Diminishing Returns...

2009-11-18T01:04:00.000+08:00

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?

photo 'round up'

2009-11-14T23:26:00.005+08:00

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.

a big little side story...

2009-11-04T10:14:00.001+08:00

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.

⁷Forwe 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.

¹¹But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness.

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."

transforming love...

2009-10-29T12:14:00.003+08:00

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.

I love these people...

2009-10-27T20:38:00.002+08:00

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!

"Be to Do"

2009-10-19T15:29:00.001+08:00

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.
______________________________________

[ 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. ]

YES!

2009-10-13T01:36:00.001+08:00

He IS everything! He is worth our lives because He is THE LIFE!

"...I have come that you may have life and have it abundantly." John 10:10

Pictures telling the story...

2009-10-13T01:20:00.001+08:00

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!

this resonates.

2009-10-04T19:12:00.000+08:00

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 Views...

2009-10-01T01:00:00.000+08:00

My views have been shifting a bit for this reason:

( (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.

The only reason they put this up...

2009-09-28T18:36:00.000+08:00

Surely The only reason they put this up is because someone has done it before... saw this in the MTR (the Hong Kong subway) station...

I am trying my very best to skate-bike only in open areas. We don't anyone to lose a limb, now do we?

Priorities...

2009-09-28T18:24:00.004+08:00

I have some priorities these days... and obviously blogging hasn't been one of those. As much as I love to have an outlet to write and share and especially connect with all 2 of you that read this, I sometimes just need to hold things in my heart, not to mention that I have been so busy that I can barely think of what to write at the end of the day!

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.

9. On the search for some furniture... we are loving the air mattresses for the past few weeks, but furniture is better, and GOD HAS PROVIDED FURNITURE FOR OUR FLAT FREE OF CHARGE! (more to come on that later)
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

14. Visited several campuses, met up with the the friends we met at class plus some more along the way-
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. ¹⁵All 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.

Course of Treatment...

2009-09-04T11:58:00.000+08:00

For those of you who don't know, I was diagnosed with "mild asthma" recently and I think it's an irritation that has developed since I came to Hong Kong last summer. Maybe it was lack of rest on top of having a cold on top of stressful point in my life, but never the less, I cough and have a little more crud than I feel is "normal." I laugh at the idea of anything normal though. What even is that?!

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

More of a "regular" day...

2009-08-27T16:10:00.011+08:00

I just wanted to share a little insight into what a normal day might be around here, and what our surroundings are like. It's interesting the little things that are different...

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 andneed. ¹³I can do all thingsthrough 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...

27

2009-08-23T08:35:00.000+08:00

On Saturday I got to celebrate my birthday like never before... group pic: April, Jason, Josh, Me, Indian, Maik, Matt, Luke, Caleb, Scott and Cat-

all of their blogs are in the right hand column if you want to know more about them...

The day started with our team meeting up in the MTR (subway of Hong Kong) station in Ma On Shan- closer to where the Dean family resides, catching a bus (see Cat, April, and I in the circle picture waiting on it...) catching a delicious lunch at a great "Texas BBQ" place in Sai Kung town- (the beauty of living in an international city!) and catching a boat over to Hap Mun Bay, where sandcastles, sunbathing, swimming, and "suco" (Cantonese for ice cream) ensued...Here are more of the views from our little boat ride back and forth... so beautiful and quaint is this little area. There will still a good number of people, but it was a nice break to be all together as a little team/family and be away from the shopping malls and crowds.

And continuing on the "international city" theme...
New  Year 

My  heart  beats  like  a  drum,  flying  up  with  the  sun,  I  grab  Your  hand  again 

Renovated  with  life,  my  eyes  again  bright,  and  You  are  radiant 

Where  hope  can  hold  the  hand  of  sorrow  and  we  can  walk  into  tomorro w 
Where  peace  is  found  in  troubled  days  and  the  joy  of  Jesus  carries  pain  

This  is  a  new  year,  this  is  new  day,  to  rise  shine,  lift  up  your  eyes 
This  is  a  new  year,  this  is  a  new  day  to  rise  shine, 
and  point  the  way  to  God’s  great  life 

I’m  held  in  a  place,  a  beautiful  space  where  heaven  meets  the  earth
My  heart  opens  wide  and  the  Father  pours  life  deep  inside  my  soul

Lyrics  by  Charlie  Hall  &  Kendall  Combes

Join me in asking the Father to pour life in to my soul (Rom 5.5) in these days that I may wholeheartedly serve those around me and be a part of the work here that impacts lives. Oh that He would pour the abundant life into YOUR soul in these moments. Please contact me if you want to know more about this because He has made it available to you--right now!   I'm thankful for "landmarks" like birthdays that are reminders of how we are invited into the newness of Christ as we let the reality that we are redeemed, forgiven people fall on us again.

Our team had the chance finally to sit together tonight after church and digest a word from Exodus 4, and I was so blessed to see that once again and we share life--our sin, our victory, our true selves- and what God is doing in our lives it's like living water-not standing, stagnant, or even well water, it's flowing, moving, fresh, new, clean water- to the soul. We are living in authentic community. THIS IS WHAT WE ARE MADE TO DO! God's presence pours out when we take the time to dig deep and be our real selves. I can't get enough. It used to be intimidating, but the benefits are such a blessing.

Pray we grow in what it means to be a gospel-centered community of safety and strength by His grace alone. Redemption, healing, restoration, unity... GLORY... has to happen in our own lives--amongst our team--before we extend it to the world.

May He pour it out in these days like we've never known...

Chinese Have Rhythm...

2009-08-20T06:00:00.000+08:00

Here are a few examples-

If we have "drill team" or the "dance team" they have the lion dance team and it's so neat to me- something that has been carried on for MUCH longer than our local cheer squad. The tradition almost didn't continue at one point- it sounds like a Kung Fu movie but here's what I found from wikipedia...

During the 1950s-60's, people who joined lion dance troupes were “gangster-like” and there was a lot of fighting amongst lion dance troupes and kung fu schools. Parents were afraid to let their children join lion dance troupes because of the “gangster” association with the members... The violence got so extreme that at one point, the Hong Kong government had to put a stop to lion dance completely. Now, as with many other countries, lion dance troupes must attain a permit from the government in order to perform lion dance. Although there is still a certain degree of competitiveness, troupes are a lot less violent and aggressive. Today, lion dance is a more sport-oriented activity. Lion dance is more for recreation than a way of living.

and who would have thought there would be an African drum performance next to the Big Buddha?? Hong Kong has a wide range of things to offer as you can see... that's part of the fun. You never know what you'll see.

Peace and blessings to you today...

Today in Hong Kong...

2009-08-19T02:02:00.018+08:00

The total time I have spent in Hong Kong with the past few summers combined totals about 3 1/2 months. With that "under my belt" (by the grace of God of course) it feels "normal" to me to walk the city and engage with people or use the public transportation. I soak it all in like a sponge... the wonder of this place is still upon me, and I hope I never lose it. I don't have culture-shock moments when I walk through a wet market, or am asked to eat weird food or use chopsticks, although I don't think I'll ever really get used to the smells of some of those things. These are the daily things of these people's LIVES. They don't think twice about them and to me they are quite fascinating. I love the challenge of learning and just "being" here without having to analyze but simply to BE. I AM aware that 100 days in HK cannot allow you to know everything, and I am only touching the tip of the iceberg in discovering the breadth, height, and depth of this place. I would say now I am learning the rhythm of this place for myself. I'm not in Alabama anymore- I am living in a little area called Sha Tin- a close cousin to Alabama... ok not really, but we aren't in the "Big City" district of HK, even though over 628,000 people live in our area. It's a great mix of local Chinese and then some western conveniences not too far from our place. (Just a shuttle bus ride away...)

So what have I learned?
HE is taking care of me. He always has and always will. The things I think I am lacking in are only because He knows when and how to give me what He sees fit. When I think I "need" something to do or somewhere to be, I am reminded that God, the creator of the city, and His work, which I am a tiny part of, is a lot like the city-
*I can only see a tiny bit of what's going on at a time.
*I can walk all the streets, look at all the people, taste all the food and still not experience everything there is to experience.
*There's SO much more than meets the eye (see above quote in red) and my small mind cannot contain all that comes with 7.5 million people in this one area constantly on the move!

This forces me to be patient like never before- there's so much in front of me, yet He's asking me to wait on Him. Oh, the glorious tension! He's asking me to tap into the DEPTHS of HIM instead of rush ahead of Him because truly, there's so much more to Him- that a whole LIFETIME can't suffice to show us all of our God. In fact, it will take all of eternity to know Him- that's exciting, that's forever-- immeasurable. Mind blowing, isn't it? God builds our foundation, fills us up, prepares us so that we know our need for Him to accomplish the work HE has called us to do.

I hope there are days when you are overwhelmed by all you see of Him and other days where you are walking it out, letting it solidify in your soul. LIVING overseas is different than VISITING overseas. Not everyday is earth shattering, some days you might even get a little... bored (-gasp-) because you expect something new but what if that's the day to appreciate what you already know to be true, and dig a little deeper? What if it's the opportunity to say that Christ is enough for you and it's not an emotion you seek but Him?

Today I must delight in Him more than the adventure, the newness of this place because He IS the adventure. He has been and always will be. I pray I will never delight in the 'next thing' more than Jesus, the marvelous mystery and King of all!

Colossians 2:For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, ²that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, ³ in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. ⁴I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. ⁵ though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ. Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, ⁷ rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

There is a great treasure in knowing Jesus... this is a treasure worth seeking and savoring. May you discover these riches for the sake of your own heart today... He is not far from you! Just ask Him- He gives these riches freely!

Shout out-

2009-08-19T00:34:00.007+08:00

Sorry I have been absent for so long from this little area of the web... I, after a long process that I will save for another post, have internet access that is suitable for blogging.... yahoo! Let's all thank "Tak" for his brilliant installation skills. So here goes...

Jack, Grace, Mom and Dad:

Just wanna give a big "shout- out" to the Bartlett family: Mom, Dad, Jack and Grace- who have been supportive and encouraging in this whole journey when it hasn't been easy or pleasant sometimes. I miss you all so much! A new friend asked me over dinner tonight if I grew up in a Christian family, I said, Yes of course. Every time I tell people here that (as there are many who are first generation Christians) I am humbled to be a part of this family- God is too good too me through each of them! This picture was taken on the day that I left- we spent the morning at the perfect place- Big Blue Bagel in Auburn... oh how I miss that place, but we had a blast- laughing and visiting with some other friends that were there...John and Biscuet.

It was perfect that they were there as well. Biscuet will be back in Asia in a matter of hours from now whereas John has gotten really good at putting his best friends on planes to Asia... it's a dirty job, but someone's got to do it and he's a great one for the job. All this to say, you people are some of the most important ones in my life and I look forward to sharing life with you on this side of the world. Now here I am, a month and 18 days later, living on the other side of the world. Still it's unbelievable to me. I am still happy, and I am being stretched. More to come on that...

Apt #2...

2009-08-07T17:31:00.004+08:00

So I have moved into apartment #2... which is on the 19th floor a couple of towers away from the Littlepage home. I will be here at least for the next month and a half or so until the next wave of folks gets here and we do the fruitbasket turnover... possibly. That is one thing about this new life... learning surrender and flexibility. It is challenging, but I am up for it and gladly accept it from Father as He prepares me for what is to come. So here's the new view...
...quite different than Scott and Cat's, but I like it because you see life happening all around and then the lovely mountains behind. Pretty neat contrast, I think.

And here is a small portion of our big team... people are trickling over the next couple months... but here you see Maik, me, Catherine, Scott, and Jason. We are standing where the Doulos once was docked in the area of town called Tsim Sha Tsui (easier to say would be TST) and also the location of one of the first GCM||HK events... And there will be many more to come!

It's so overwhelming to actually be here, live life here, be neighbors with dear friends, and be on the edge of something that our minds and hearts cannot contain or conceive... yet here we are. I'm ready. Please join me in interceding for these days- that the main thing will remain the main thing and that His perspective will be mine.

Lord give me YOUR eyes, heart, mind, hands, feet... that I may live through you and unto you in all things.

Today...

2009-08-03T12:03:00.001+08:00

Good morning Hong Kong! This is the view from Scott and cat's
apartment... Can't wait for everyone to get here this evening!

Another SPECIAL birthday!

2009-07-27T01:59:00.003+08:00

Happy Birthday Susan!
I love you so much and am so thankful for the true friend that you are! It's been 4 years of so much fun! Looking forward to much much more of that. I am different today because you have been in my life. Wish I could celebrate with you. You are precious to me!!

____________________

On a side note... Everything is going great in HK. Please think of us as the teachers finish up their last week of English camp. The GCM team arrives in ONE week, I look at apartments on THURSDAY. It's only going to get more intense from here but this is what I've waited for... I think even for years... can't wait to report back to you!

A few more things...

2009-07-25T08:22:00.006+08:00

So something else you may want to know as you ALL plan your visit here is this -->
The summer is VERY hot...(don't be deceived that it's "only" 88-91- which brings me to the metric system issue, but that's a whole 'nother post) you get to SWEAT a ton... and you never know when it's going to rain. Since we are in a subtropical climate, and close to the ocean, we get this type of weather... All this to say unless you are into large amounts of moisture... come between September and May.

Also today i want to give a shout out to this guy:

Have a GREAT birthday- Hope Lake-apalooza is all you hoped it would be!

More things to love about HK...

2009-07-23T08:53:00.010+08:00

From the recycling bins (remember how we strive in a major way here to care for the environment), to buildings, to the silk flowers in the airplane bathroom, aesthetics are never ignored...

Another interesting point that we learned in our culture lessons is that eastern thought also incorporates relationship and images. The experiment was to show a picture and see how each group described it- the eastern thinkers, when asked to describe a picture of a fish in an ocean would tell about what he's doing, where he's going, and maybe even what he's about to do, and the westerners would say how many stripes he had and what color and what side of the picture he was on. This is very fascinating to me- I am not yet sure the implications yet, but it challenges me to look deeper into things that are seemingly simple. I just desperately want to see life through the eyes of the people here to better love them. I can't wait to make friends here and dialogue about these things! The PEOPLE are definitely a reason to love HK. They definitely get relationship and highly value it- there is just so much more to the relationship thing for us to learn... like WHOSE idea RELATIONSHIP was in the first place...

I am truly looking forward to being in real community with these amazing people, in fact, I got invited to camp with these great people: students that I met through Camp HK 3 years ago! This is a precious community of students. I hope we can grow closer as well. They will be in university not too long from now! It's very competitive so we are praying they will get "good marks" and get into a good HK university eventually.

Another thing: Hong Kong is always concerned for your safety...
When people get sick, they take it upon themselves to wear masks (you probably would too if you had been a part of an epidemic like the one that occured in 2003. ) They are very health conscious and safety conscious, for if something happens, that is very bad and you could have prevented it! That is why our teachers looked like this on our first few days of teaching...

Then there's the British English. You hear it in the accents of the voice recording for the subway, bus, and elevator, you see it on the signs and when kids go to see a "film" or visit the "w.c" Here's an example that combines both of the aforementioned topics: safety and British english. These are just a few things that make HK enjoyable. Can't wait to share more with you all!

Be encouraged that He sustains, provides, covers in more ways than we can ask or imagine. I close with this:
Psalm 145
14 The Lord upholds all who are falling
and raises up all who are bowed down.

15 The eyes of all look to you,
and you give them their food in due season.
16 You open your hand;
you satisfy the desire of every living thing.

17 The Lord is righteous in all his ways

and kind in all his works.

18 The Lord is near to all who call on him,
to all who call on him in truth.
19 He fulfills the desire of those who fear him;
he also hears their cry and saves them.
20 The Lord preserves all who love him,
but all the wicked he will destroy.

21 My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord,
and let all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever.

What's new?

2009-07-18T15:40:00.002+08:00

Hey everyone! The first bit of news is that I am healthy and happy after living 10 days in Hong Kong! I am 13 hours ahead of most of you and am having a blast with the 6 teams of English teachers from universities across from America... I have many thoughts to share, but first a light-hearted blog:

Something I have been having fun with is keeping a mental list of is what's different in HK than America...so here we go:
1. The environment is VERY important (when you have 7.5 million people you have to be careful, although we should be as well...) This is evidenced my many things, for example:
-the kid who was so distressed when asked to change his mask (worn because of the H1N1 virus- but will explain that in a bit) because it pollutes this earth. Totally distressed. Refusing to wear the mask required by the school because he is so distraught. Would you rather... have swine flu or pollute the earth? He has made his choice obviously.
-the fact that my plastic cup at this coffee shop is "made of corn" and is sustainable. I do not lie: clear plastic cup. Made of corn.
-Recycling bins galore- divided down to paper, plastic, cardboard, cd's, inkjet cartridges and more
-The stores charge 50 cents per plastic bag to encourage you to use reuseable bags. Good idea i think. And the hold more/are stronger than plastic ones. I am for this for sure.
-NO straw day at McDonalds. What better way to save the environment.

2. Looking right THEN left when you cross the street. This is because they drive on the left side like Europe. I still feel like I'm gonna get hit when I'm crossing and having to look the way I am not used to. (And you don't know you do it until you are in this other place with taxis and busses driving at breakneck speed.)

3. The supreme importance of disease control. Temperatures are taken at schools each morning, masks worn, we got a "special 7 day extended culture time" in HK before we could have contact with the kids, and many people wear masks anyway. It's not uncommon. After the SARS epidemic you can't be too careful, especially when you have 7.5 million neighbors. It's also become a way to sell a product: my clorox wipes have an ad: Protect agains h1n1. Hm. And I have also notices exponentially more antibacterial handgel dispensers, and most elevator buttons are covered in plastic that is sanitized every 2 hours at least. Wow. No one is sick yet, thankfully.

4. If you shop a lot at a place you get stickers to collect so you win a toy. I find that the Chinese LOVE toys. Some think it's because they have studied so much their young lives that they got deprived of playing toys. I can understand that. Part of me would LOVE to receive a Barbie for my birthday too. They even have turned toys into competition- I wish I had a video camera- there was definitely a RUBIX CUBE RACE in the bottom of the mall I was in today. It was an entire tournament. Young and old were clicking those things at an extreme pace. Wow again.

5. H E A T !!!! No lie I have never felt heat and humidity like this. This summer especially, I am often soaked! Hopefully it will cool off when we have our...

6. TYPHOON!! Tomorrow it's possible that we will have a level 8/10. Kinda like a Hurricane for those of you in the southeast. I am just glad it might help cool the place and wash away some pollution so my asthma will calm down. (Asthma that I think I developed here last year... oops. Don't worry Mom, it's really ok. I just say this for dramatic effect.)

I am sure there are many more things I could share, and I can't wait to tell you more!
I hope this whets your appetite to visit this fun city. Can't wait to see you here!

"Limbo" ends tomorrow...

2009-07-07T05:48:00.010+08:00

My heart in writing this blog is simply to chronicle what God's doing and maybe give a little insight into what it's like to move overseas, and hopefully encourage more people in the corner they live in or to make the leap to do the same as I, if the Lord is leading in that direction...

So I made it to the airport, got on my (first class, thanks Jesus) flight, and arrived at what I like to call "limbo." God has been generous in letting me transition slowly to life in another place. It is a blessing to be in Colorado, and meet people (mostly college students) from all over the country who love Asia until I board the plane to HK on Tuesday at MIDNIGHT!! We have been spending the week learning how to function as healthy teams, teach English to young Asian students, and live as people who love others well and walk with humility, maturity, and wisdom. This summer's camp will be incredible because of the tools we have been given, the hearts behind it, and the Source from which it all comes.

For me, it is a different experience than the last two summers I have participated. I get the joy of being the site coordinator for 6 Hong Kong ("Xiang Geng" in Mandarin!) Teams. It feels different to not have my own team, but the fun is I have one HUGE team! (about 50 folks!) While they have been learning all the above mentioned things, I have been making plans and corresponding with many people from HK to enrich our language and culture training when we arrive. This is something else I am passionate about: you can't really love people well until you really seek to understand their culture and where they are coming from. Eastern culture is fascinating to me- it's a communal culture which means it highly values relationship above all things-- a challenge for us task-oriented and time-oriented Americans, but I love every minute of it because I know it's causing me to know the Lord as I am stretched in unique ways.

crazy hk team leaders!

What God is doing...

A couple of months ago I was anticipating what it might be like to leave home, family, and friends for the first time. I didn't know how I would respond but I asked the Lord to get the most mileage possible out of it. I told Him I wanted Him to take me deeper in our relationship. Moving away from the country I've known all my life is the hardest thing I have ever done in my life, but He has been gracious to get many many miles out of this move. Not to mention that this time in my life has also been one of the MOST exciting!

I have had the privilege of rooming with a woman who has served in Japan for the past 30 years, and you can imagine that I have picked the poor woman's brain so very much. The reality of this move hits in waves, and when she asked me how I was doing this morning another wave of emotion hit- I miss my family. I have never been one to "miss" people but I can be sentimental. I cannot tell you how strange it was to step away, not sure when I would hug them next. In talking to her, I think she put a word on it: separation. As we talked we connected the dots- she said she came to know God. She had a hint of how Jesus might have felt when God had to turn His head as Jesus hung on the cross. Jesus felt the separation, I feel it too, but the cross is good news for me today for these reasons:

1. He knows how I feel being separated from those I love to an incredibly high degree (so I find intimacy and fellowship & intimacy with Him in that).
2. He achieved victory over these "griefs and sorrows" in the resurrection.
3. This is an experience of hope I have to share with the world, were my faith is my VICTORY! (1 John 5:21)

There's a depth of fellowship found in that point of suffering. I realized for about the tenth time this week that He is swiftly answering my prayer to know Him deeply by stripping me of the comforts I rest in. I want JESUS to be my Savior and the one I rest in. I KNOW that is His best for me and He is giving me the privilege to walk it out. I have found that in the suffering (Click the link to read an incredible article that resonates with me personally.) and sacrifice that the Word says we will do, He extends grace all the more and He moves His kingdom through it. This is how LOVE is demonstrated! We magnify Christ when we endure such things unto Him. May you endure today and shine brightly with His life and light!

It's Really Happening...

2009-06-30T12:43:00.004+08:00

When I think about leaving tomorrow I feel like I will come back to good ol' Auburn like I always do in a month. It's weird to think this is my last night in Alabama, but here I sit, in my room since I was in 5th grade, trying to wrap my mind about what's about to take place but I cannot. Yet again, I take deep comfort in the Sovereignty of God, how He sees all and He gives generous glimpses of what's to come so that I will move forward. I am humbled to take this step and that He has made a way for me when anyone could be in this place. What an honor!

Please pray for this transition and for all that will ensue as I leave this place. Please lift up my family as well. My heart in this is to know Him and for those who are affected by my leaving (humbling, very much so) to know Him in a fresh way as well. My heart craves to be wooed by the Savior and He does just that as we share in this journey, just the 2 of us, on an adventure for the sake of His glorious name.

by HIS grace; for HIS glory...

Why did God send Jesus?

2009-06-23T02:34:00.004+08:00

In Daniel 7, the vision of the prophet shows and explains who Christ is, and what it's all about. Christ the crowning GLORY of creation, the greatest, the highest, and the Holiest one and only God. He has not come just to wipe our slates clean but to reign perfectly and righteously (the kindest, most fair, most beneficial way for all), that ALL should serve Him, thus serving one another and living life as He has designed it to be! (1 John ²This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. ³This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, ⁴for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.)

I love imagining today what it would be like to witness the Ancient of Days bestow the Glory of Creation on His Son, who laid down His life that we may know the greatness of God.

¹³"I saw in the night visions,
and behold, with the clouds of heaven
there came one like a son of man,
and he came to the Ancient of Days
and was presented before him.
¹⁴ And to him was given dominion
and glory and a kingdom,
that all peoples, nations, and languages
should serve him;
his dominion is an everlasting dominion,
which shall not pass away,
and his kingdom one
that shall not be destroyed.

God sent Jesus for His glory because He is the greatest that was and is and is to come!
What does that have to do with me? EVERYTHING! You'll know what I mean when you surrender your everyday live to our good righteous loving King.

P.S. I'm a week out from leaving the States. I am full of adrenaline/butterflies/whatever you want to call them. I'm more excited than anything, and am glad to be swept into the reality of living in His kingdom- His EVERLASTING DOMINION! I'm thankful to be in the people of God and pray many more will come into the family. Please join me in praying the same!

Ten Days left in Alabama...

2009-06-21T01:11:00.003+08:00

So these last few days I am blessed to be at the beach with my family, but I dream of the day they could possibly hang out with me on another beach on the other side of the world, hopefully with new brothers and sisters, and experience His creation like I do in that place. My prayer these days is just that He'll give me vision for this next place. Since I am journeying to Hong Kong, to me it's like walking towards the promise land, trusting that the Lord will reign there as we walk faithfully.

If we are sons and daughters of God, and our families (blood or spiritual) are one of the many ways that He expands His kingdom, (therefore bringing blessing to people) can we claim these words as a promise to us? Sometimes He asks us to do hard things, yet He knows the outcome . I PRAY we will be a blessing to this place.

tai long wan beach in new territories, HK

Now the Lord said to Abram, "Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed."
Genesis 12:1-3

We'll never know the impact that we have on the world, and the ripples of the Spirit's work in and through our lives are incalculable. Walking in faith, knowing the journey to the promised land is not always easy, He imparts a taste of the promise to us along the way. This is our reality as believers: His Kingdom come here on earth as it is in heaven.

Lord may we be a blessing to all we encounter- for your name and your renown or the desire of our souls! (Is 26:8)

A little about our home-to-be...

2009-06-17T05:21:00.003+08:00

Where will I live? A little history lesson...

Sha Tin was originally known as "Lek Yuen" or "the source of clear water"** – a reference to the Shing Mun River. During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), many farmers settled in the area, taking advantage of the excellent water supply. More than 50 villages were located here, the most famous was Sha Tin Village. When the New Territories were leased to Britain in 1898, a British Commissioner surveyed Lek Yuen and asked the name of the area. A villager told him it was called Sha Tin and since then the name has been used to describe the entire area. In 1970, the Government began building satellite towns in the New Territories to provide housing for the growing population. Sha Tin was the first new town to be developed and was built on land reclaimed from the sea.

**May this place be true to the meaning of its original name and be the source of clear water, symbolizing TRUTH and LIFE from THE LIVING WATER...

Other info:
Hong Kong (“Fragrant Harbor”), a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People's Republic of China (PRC) since July 1, 1997, enjoys a high degree of autonomy, except in the areas of defense and foreign policy, and retains its own currency, laws, and border controls. Lying at the southeastern tip of China, Hong Kong adjoins the province of Guangdong (Canton), and is just south of the tropic of Cancer. The total land area of Hong Kong is 1,078 square kilometers, comprising Hong Kong Island (77.5 square kilometers); Kowloon (45.5 square kilometer); and the New Territories, including 235 outlying islands (955 square kilometers). Today Hong Kong has become a great international trading post, a powerful manufacturing base and one of the world's largest financial centers.

The climate is tropical with hot and humid conditions. The temperature may rise to 33°C (92 °F) with humidity up to around 90%. Average temperature: 28°C (82°F), humidity 80%, sea temperature 28°C (82°F).

the Power of the TRUTH

2009-06-12T22:19:00.004+08:00

Not that I'm really wrestling with doubt today, but I am standing in a place (18 days from moving away from this place I've always known) where the TRUTH MATTERS. His word is everything to me, and literally the bread of LIFE- It's what empowers me to walk forward and when I ponder the hugeness of the truth I grow my roots deep into the confidence that comes only for Someone bigger than myself. It's good to be the recipient of the revealed Word specifically to me, His precious daughter, for each moment if I will simply LISTEN.

Tom Skinner, who was chaplain of the Washington Redskins said this,

“I spent a long time trying to come to grips with my doubts, when suddenly I realized, I had better come to grips with what I believe. I have since moved from the agony of questions that I can’t answer, to the reality of answers that I cannot escape. And it’s a great relief.”

This really connects with me as I am passionate about answering the hard questions, but there comes a point where you MUST exercise faith! You WON'T experience the benefits of our faith if you don't genuinely exercise it! Regardless of how you feel or what your circumstances appear to be, we must cast ourself in faith on the reality of God's unfailing love and character. Doubt happens, but thank goodness God gives us His WORD to rely on! I like what Tim Keller says in his book The Reason for God: "A person's faith can collapse almost overnight if she has failed over the years to listen patiently to her own doubts, which should only be discarded after long reflections." The enemy would have us stuff the doubts, be shamed by them, or ignore them but then we're at risk for collapse. It's important to examine our doubts, to be open and wrestle together as a community with the tough questions, that we will reap the benefits of faith. It may not always say what we want it to say, but it's amazing when we rely on it, the supernatural change in heart attitude that comes about thanks to the power of His word. This is NOT mind over matter. This is of God- something that we can consistently have is we just place our faith in Him, and it's the TRUTH that will set us free, and that's found in His word!

I heard the above quote on our local radio station and it is an amazing story of a man walking through suffering. This is a man who had extensive training and was a pastor with a terrible disease which took him to the point of not wanting to even pray, yet it was the TEXT that lifted Him up: the living powerful Word of God. It's alive, and it counsels us into truth and godly perspective.

Last night my mom and I were given a special gift: women, young and old, showed up to encourage and bless us both and send me out to Hong Kong. We were given cards from them all with blessings and verses on them, we were prayed over, and we left as different people, encouraged and blessed beyond what we could ever ask or imagine. And when it gets hard, mom or I can take that ring of cards and read the verses written on them to be infused with strength and endurance once again. What a beautiful picture of the body, emboldened with prayer and God's loving words to us through His loving people: stronger than steel! I pray His word is life for you today and if you do doubt that you will turn to His infallible word to life you up. Do not despair- He has provided a way for you today!

Here's the bread--the sustenance-- for the day:
1 Thessalonians 2:
¹³And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers.

If you've receive Him, bank on it, it's at work, changing and shaping you for His glory.

How I feel sometimes...

2009-06-10T23:59:00.004+08:00

We (Grace Campus Ministries) don't want to be a program but a MOVEMENT. Having a program is not sustainable, but the ripples from a movement cannot be contained. (Think about waves, dropping a rock in the middle of a pond, etc...) That is why I can truly relate to the video on the blog link below... this little article really spurs me on. I like Sivers' first statement about a movement...

The leader has to be doing it for his own sake - not trying to start anything.

It has never been our desire to "copy" something or just do what we were "supposed" to do. We want to be genuine and authentic. We want what we do to come straight from the heart of God for His people. If God is creator and we are made in His image, then we must do just that: CREATE! What we do must come from our gaze on God as opposed to our gaze on what's going on around us. First we have to know His heart for ourselves- we WORSHIP Him for our "own sake" (because that's what we are humans are made to do) and it's not to get people to jump on the band wagon but beause He's worth worshipping... and it IS so amazing that we hope people see that and join the "party". If you read the article and watch the video you'll see what I mean...

http://sivers.org/dance-lessons

(thanks to taylor brooks for posting this article)

Little things...

2009-06-10T13:14:00.004+08:00

I'm thankful to Jesus for the little things lately:

-Extra time at home with the family- dinners together, an upcoming vacation together.
-Extra chances to pray, be prayed over, and share hearts when the days here are dwindling.
-Extra energy to make these days count.
-Extra special time at the beach with old roommates. There's just something about them that does the heart good. It's good to be known and good to just be together.

He has truly orchestrated intentional time with so many of the important people in my life, which makes leaving a little easier and harder, all at the same time. Babies are being born just in time, get-togethers are happening, and boxes are being packed... just in time. Not too early, not too late. I have learned to wait on the pace and step of the Father since HE is orchestrating my life and to that I surrender.

We decided to move to Hong Kong this past fall, and since then we have stayed busy, but at the heart of it we are WAITING-- eagerly anticipating the unfolding of a work of God that has intersected our lives. It's easy to get ahead of ourselves, yet I am FREE from manufacturing "what's next" when I am simply following Him (not just that "plan" I have in mind). Experiencing this freedom also hinges on what we want most, what our ultimate goal in life is, and if you're walking with Him maybe you've seen shadows, or a foggy mirror-view of what's to come, but this** is what we're ushering in. (**HIS KINGDOM!) The work-in-the-meantime comes with following Him unquestioningly. There are tasks He's asking me to do along the way and it happens as abiding happens, otherwise I am lost (having no purpose or direction).

No, it's not easy, but there are definitely no regrets to "forsaking all and following Him" and I am able to live free as I walk in His will, one step at a time, the best I know how, as His daughter. I don't know it all, I DEFINITELY don't have it all together, but I know He's good and He sees the whole big picture at once. My life and your life are woven into that picture for the glory of our magnificent God. He sees all of time at once, with Christ as the center of it all and says this is good.

That's enough for me today. My portion for this moment. Not yesterday, not tomorrow, but here in the present. With Him.

^{Luke 12:28}"But if God so clothes the grass in the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, how much more will He clothe you? You men of little faith!²⁹"And do not seek what you will eat and what you will drink, and do not keep worrying.³⁰"For all these things the nations of the world eagerly seek; but your Father knows that you need these things.³¹"But seek **His kingdom, and these things will be added to you.
³²"Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you **the kingdom.³³"Sell your possessions and give to charity; make yourselves money belts which do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near nor moth destroys.³⁴"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

There's a plan in motion where God wins and all is made right. It's the plan of God for redemption and restoration that we may truly know what love is and partake in the feast- the best days upon days that we could ever ever begin to imagine... And it starts now when we treasure Him most... It's the little things that truly point us to the big, significant MAIN thing...

What does it look like for YOU to simply follow Jesus today? As children of God who are unique it's going to look unique for ALL of us, Hallelujah!

I don't know whether to laugh or cry...

2009-06-02T12:55:00.002+08:00

Here's a question on our visa application... funny how there are different connotations in different places but I love it...
SPINSTER.

Well, I'm off to buy some prune juice and wrinkle cream...

30 days...

2009-06-02T11:20:00.002+08:00

I woke up with an excitement but also about every emotion you can feel when I saw "June 1" on my phone.

What does one do when she has 30 days before she leaves to move her life to another country?
1. Feels like the wind was knocked out of her
2. Recovers somewhat by the grace of God, but the soreness is still there to reminder her of her need for God. (The thorn if her flesh? I think so... for today at least!)
3. Stands on the promise of one of my lift verses in 2 Peter:

³His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, ⁴by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.

That sinful desire being my flesh begging me to be in control, to be "as God" as the enemy first deceived Adam and Eve, and in my humanity, my believing that it's all on my shoulders. Sooo... next step...
4. REPENT REPENT! (She tells herself- CHANGE YOUR MIND! Don't believe this subtle lie!) GOD is in control. Of course this isn't the first time she's tried to take things into her own hands (search "control" on this blog and I'm sure you'll find many examples!)
5. Believe this: 1 Timothy 6:

¹¹But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. ¹² Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. ¹³ I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, ¹⁴to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, ¹⁵which he will display at the proper time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, ¹⁶ who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.

6. Fight the good fight by doing that which He has called me to do... I was asked on a mission application what the role of the gospel is in my life and i'll just paste that here:
In these days I am believing the gospel to walk through sadness in moving away (Lord, give me the grace to walk through this valley with you) and the diligence to prepare by raising support, packing, planning, and praying for what's to come (Lord, I repent of my laziness, the temptation to bow down to overwhelming tasks, and say that no weapon that is fashioned against me will succeed. I joyfully receive the grace to accomplish that which you've called me to and trust you to empower me to do it in a manner which glorifies you). This is what the gospel looks like in my present life as He uses it to make me more like Jesus.
7. She prays.
8. She "be's."
9. She thinks. A lot. About all the possibilities of everything and then does #4-6 again.
10. She waits. In eager expectation for what God's going to do in HK and around the world.

Hope today finds you a little sore, aware of your humanity, but making room for Him to work in and through you. That's what it looks like for me today and whether you are moving or not, whether you're going or staying HE IS WORKING ALL AROUND AND IN YOU AND ME!

Rejoicing-

Praying for this reality...

2009-05-19T11:47:00.002+08:00

In my own strength, I am a solution-finder and a "fixer" if you will. I am going to figure it out (I think that's why I love Algebra or Chemistry- there's always a definite answer). At the same time, and as much comfort and satisfaction the "sure thing" brings, it's nothing compared to utterly and totally trusting Him. My fear is that in my own striving and trusting myself, I'll miss the chance to truly rely, depend, and abide on the One to gives real Life. I have to rightly view myself as the one in need and Him as the need-meeter and I'll let the article that encouraged me to this point say the rest of this thought:

“Because,” as Schaeffer explains, “the world is hard, and confronting it without God’s power is an overwhelming prospect.”

...It is shocking to see how far the world is willing to go today — to throw over every moral restraint and to embrace every form of perversion. It was an example of the kind of thing that would often move Schaeffer to tears, in his compassion for the tragic “lostness” of man apart from the Christ.
But there is another related tragedy, as Schaeffer pointed out, that is perhaps even greater — that is, the tendency of Christians to fail to understand the utter lostness of the world and instead to embrace the world’s methods for doing the work of the Lord. Thus Schaeffer wrote, “The real problem is this: the church of the Lord Jesus Christ, individually or corporately, tending to do the Lord’s work in the power of the flesh rather than the Spirit. The central problem is always in the midst of the people of God, not in the circumstances surrounding them.” “If we do not want to waste our lives,” Schaeffer continued, “then we must understand the importance of having a humble, quiet heart and the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Schaeffer’s following summary paragraph has been especially important (and convicting) to me — and something that I pray will always be foundational to the work we do at Crossway. “Is it not amazing,” Schaeffer writes, “though we know the power of the Holy Spirit can be ours, we still ape the world’s wisdom, trust its form of publicity, its noise, and imitate its ways in manipulating men! If we try to influence the world by using its methods, we are doing the Lord’s work in the flesh. . . . The key question is this: as we work for God in this fallen world, what are we trusting in? To trust in particular methods is to copy the world and to remove ourselves from the tremendous promise that we have something different — the power of the Holy Spirit rather than the power of human technique.”

THAT'S MY PRAYER TODAY!

Lord, will you by your grace come upon me so that even the smallest things in my life will be evidence of your Spirit at work in and through me? I want to rely solely on YOU. I want to look different than the world and as I trust you I want your fruit to be so clearly evident in my life! Empower me by your Word speaking over and into my life. Holy Spirit I desperately need your supernatural power- your transforming grace- to carry out your kingdom work in all that I do and say. Be present Lord and Be glorified in my life. May I never turn to my flesh, but place my faith in you- the One who is able.

full text of Schaeffer's article here.

Pressing In to Him...

2009-05-05T03:48:00.003+08:00

It's amazing how beholding God and His Word releases grace into my life to stand whole and complete in Him... and it's definitely an active choice I must make. It seems there is a dying process going on as I release what I know everyday life to be so that He may start a new life for me when I move to Hong Kong. Death is sad, it's experiencing a loss, it is painful, but I am encouraged by these words that I shared with the girls in the Romans Bible study. Thankful for His grace enabling me to walk through this...

Hey Precious girls!
Just want you to know I am thinking about you as you have your finals. You all are my heart and I hope you know how much I treasure each of you. Today I am walking through a "testing" time as well, just in a different way :) What I know today is that He gives us grace -supernatural power- to transform our minds, thus transforming our attitudes and our emotions as we walk through tests. Don't miss Him in your studies. Draw from HIS life today!

The temptation will often be to live from your own strength, but here's what the Word says:
2 Cor 15:56The sting of death is sin,(remember Rom 14-anything not from faith is sin?) and the power of sin is the law. 57But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

2 Cor 6:1 Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain. 2For he says, "In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you." Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

He is working out your salvation through testing! Will you trust His unfailing abundant resources (daughter) or your own? (orphan)

He wants to rescue you THROUGH the week (as opposed to snatching you out of it or removing the obstacle). You are going to find victory walking right through it, empowered by HIs spirit!

He's faithful... I am thanking Him, for this is how we enter His gates (Ps 100:4).

Psalm 100 (The Message)

A Thanksgiving Psalm

^1-2 On your feet now—applaud God! Bring a gift of laughter,
sing yourselves into his presence.

³ Know this: God is God, and God, God.
He made us; we didn't make him.
We're his people, his well-tended sheep.

⁴ Enter with the password: "Thank you!"
Make yourselves at home, talking praise.
Thank him. Worship him.

⁵ For God is sheer beauty,
all-generous in love,
loyal always and ever.

Psalm 100 (Amplified Bible)

A Psalm of thanksgiving and for the thank offering.

¹MAKE A joyful noise to the Lord, all you lands!

²Serve the Lord with gladness! Come before His presence with singing!

³Know (perceive, recognize, and understand with approval) that the Lord is God! It is He Who has made us, not we ourselves [and we are His]! We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.^A)">(A)

⁴Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and a thank offering and into His courts with praise! Be thankful and say so to Him, bless and affectionately praise His name!

⁵For the Lord is good; His mercy and loving-kindness are everlasting, His faithfulness and truth endure to all generations.

Jesus, you are everything.

Staying connected...

2009-05-03T13:24:00.006+08:00

I was encouraged by a friend of mind to think about expectations of what it will be like when I get to Hong Kong. Do I expect people to keep up with me? What will I do if it doesn't happen like I envision? How I will deal with the distance and maintaining the relationships I have now?

All are important questions to think about, but I am encouraged that maybe the technology we have these days frees more people up to go. We studied the history the Church as a staff team and needless to say, we have come a long way. No longer do we have to write letters to make plans and wait for responses a few weeks later. Neither do we have to ride on a boat for 4-6 months to cross the ocean! (Thank you Lord!) The means are readily available and for this I am thankful.

I hope to be more consistent on this blog- knowing that we may not be able to communicate all the time in "real time" but still know each others lives thanks to the technology we have to share life through satellites, wires, and screens.

Here's a fun video of how we have already been using this technology and I hope it will encourage you to keep up with me! This is a team meeting we had a while back where Mary Reading was in Dallas and Maik was in Hong Kong and we still shared and prayed together... (if you want to know more about these team members check out our website.)

All this to say, everyone needs to download skype and become bloggers too... I look forward to journeying with you all in this way. I can't wait to share about His faithfulness in the days to come. I have much to share as my time here is flying by! I cannot belive it's almost time to go!

A reason to listen to His gentle whisper...

2009-05-02T03:41:00.004+08:00

Praying for these opportunities... to be an "Isaiah"...
(thanks to North American Mission Board for the Video)

check it out!

2009-03-29T14:43:00.002+08:00

...our new website...
you get to see some great pictures and learn a little more about our venture to Hong Kong...

http://www.gracecampus.net/

(make sure you have flash on your computer!)

I'm excited about...

2009-03-23T12:44:00.002+08:00

Here are some excerpts from some articles I've read recently (thanks to the Desiring God blog).
I am so excited to be a part of what God is doing in China and cannot wait to see what doors He opens for us to serve Him. I am overjoyed in anticipating what we're stepping into: a forward moving Kingdom, of which we are a part becuase of Christ! Praying for more to know the Life that comes from Him alone...

¹ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ²He was in the beginning with God. ³ All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. ⁴ In him was life, and the life was the light of men. ⁵The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1

Jesus in China

"We [had been] taught not to learn from God, that God is a fake," said Wang Qingying, a 37-year-old member of Jin's church who grew up the daughter of a Communist Party member. "After I started to believe, I realized that everything that happens is a part of God's design.

Great Leap Forward

In April 2007, 70 leaders of the urban house-church movement gathered in Wenzhou to discuss their common identity and challenges.

The Hong Kong–based missions agency Asian Outreach, and particularly its former president David Wang, have taught many of these new urban leaders. At their conference last year, the leaders identified seven core values:

• Practice "kingdom first." They acknowledge and work with other churches in each city and across China. Urban Christians, like most Chinese believers, are intentionally nondenominational.

• Be "Bible based." Theologically, they are conservative and evangelical.

• Believe in the "five-fold ministries." They acknowledge the roles of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers as spelled out in Ephesians 4:11.

• Equip the saints. Rather than relying on the emergence of charismatic leaders, they follow a mentoring model to disciple people.

• Receive the "abundant life." While rejecting the prosperity gospel, they believe God can bless Christians materially, and that blessing can be used to influence others to build the kingdom.

• Desire to "establish the church." They are missionary, including a strong desire to take the gospel "back to Jerusalem."

• Seek "to bless the society." They are newly engaged in social ministry.

DesiringGod Blog

While many challenges still exist for Christians in China, God is growing his church and bringing about a major missionary movement through it. The Chinese church is poised to play a significant role in future missionary endeavors. Some of China’s Christian leaders have a vision to carry the gospel “Back to Jerusalem” through some of the most gospel-resistant lands which lie between China and Israel.

Despite this increasing interest in spreading the gospel, the one consistent thing that we have learned from our partners working in China is that there is a significant need for God-centered, Christ-exalting resources and teaching.

Please pray that God would provide all the teachers and material that the Chinese church needs to continue growing. And pray that Christ would be the fuel and sustainer of this amazing missionary calling he has given to the Chinese church as he seeks to gather worshipers from all the peoples of the earth.

Finally, a Fresh Word...

2009-03-16T14:06:00.002+08:00

I haven't blogged as I intended for many reasons, but know that the Lord is doing much and has much to say to us all. Below is a note I sent to my Romans Bible study girls group. Every Monday night I never cease to be amazed and how the Lord meets us there and transforms our little community of women by His powerful Word... His grace is unfathomable and I am a humbled recipient. The fact that He rescued me continues to floor me. These days of "heart journey" towards a huge physical journey could possibly more difficult than getting on that plane, yet I wouldn't trade them for anything. There are roughly 6 weeks lefts to GraceCampus Auburn as we know it, but confidence rises up in knowing that there's a remnant staying in Auburn committed to living by grace for the glory of God... He truly is not finished in Auburn...

Lord may these days be consecrated to you for this purpose: to know you and to draw all men to yourself...

As this Spring Break is upon us, my thoughts turn to you all often. I hope and pray that this week you will find delight in the things all around you-the GIFTS that He places in people, environments, situations to stir your heart- for the purpose of knowing God intimately and bringing glory to Him.

Today I made the choice to not be critical or even analytical, but to intentionally seek out qualities to delight in, to be thankful for, and to worship God about. This lifts my spirit in a way that only God can do. I want to cultivate worship in every corner of my life and be a blessing to others. I want Him to fill the places that need His presence where I have been idle minded. I want to step out and expect Him to be there (He promises He will! Isaiah 43) and in the places that are lacking or even rebellious towards the presence of God to feel His heart beat for those places. I want temporal things in which I find delight to increase my affections for Him all the more, because every good and perfect gift comes from Him. (James 1:16-18) That which brings pleasure and sense-invigoration is HIS IDEA. He CREATED pleasure and He fashioned our physical senses and felt emotions, for His glory.

The question is, do I stop at finding pleasure in the "thing" or do I let it stir my heart towards worshiping HIM?

I find that life is lacking if I don't take that latter step. Thankfully there are many, many things to delight in, which reveals His pursuit of us even more. If I see life as anything less, I miss the relationship in it. It's not the delicious meal, a long awaited message or the deep conversation in and of itself that the soul craves (this will NEVER satisfy), but it's Him who made those things. Those are simply the open doors to encountering the Living God- the Person of all Joy, excitement, adventure, and infinitely more.

Unfathomable, unsearchable, uncontained, intentional.

He is capable of stirring in the tiniest things. He is not in the earthquake, or the fire, but the gentle whisper (1 Kings 19), but where we least expect it. Tune your eyes and ears to the Spirit around you. I pray you discover more than enough of these gifts in your week. He's calling you to Himself through the reflections of His true character in our daily lives in unexpected places. I hope that through you the hopeless and hurting world sees a God who loves them and who strategically places moments and people in their lives to show them that they are valuable to Him, ultimately pointing to the ONE moment in time where He gave HIS life for us. Like we talked about in our Romans 8 time- WHAT MORE COULD HE DO TO DEMONSTRATE HIS LOVE FOR US??!! You all are messengers of reconciliation- good news that CHRIST, in His death and resurrection, HAS MADE EVERYTHING RIGHT between GOD and MAN!

I hope you find time in this week to be still with Him. I acknowledge a holy fear of the One who has set this universe into motion and could stop it at any second. He is real and He LOVES you!

When I think of you, my heart grows and grows... and it causes me to worship Him as I consider the fact that He allows me to be a part of your lives... I am humbled, thankful, and blessed beyond words.

What the GraceCampus girls are up to...

2009-02-07T06:26:00.002+08:00

What we're about:
OUR GOALS:
TO GLORIFY CHRIST BY:
-To grow more in love with Him by being intentional to receive His love.
-To meditate on Scripture in such a way that life change happens by the impact of the GOSPEL in our lives.
-To facilitate community that expands the kingdom because it is a movement rooted in living out the GOSPEL. Rom 1:11-12
-To carry out these things by the GRACE of God through a dependent relationship on Him.

I want to be so serioius about the gospel- a radical follower of Jesus! We will never have it perfect until Jesus returns and we are free from the presence of sin, but I hope our Monday nights together and the ripples that come from it will push us towards Christ- the One and only One we can center our lives around. May He be glorified more today than yesterday.

what are you about?

Only You God...

2009-01-26T15:30:00.005+08:00

This is another Hudson Taylor quote that reminds me how it's all about Him. Forever. In everything.

Nothing brings me greater purpose that this truth.

Lord make this my reality:
Jeremiah 9:

23Thus says the Lord: Let not the wise and skillful person glory and boast in his wisdom and skill; let not the mighty and powerful person glory and boast in his strength and power; let not the person who is rich [in physical gratification and earthly wealth] glory and boast in his [temporal satisfactions and earthly] riches;
24But let him who glories glory in this: that he understands and knows Me [personally and practically, directly discerning and recognizing My character], that I am the Lord, Who practices loving-kindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth, for in these things I delight, says the Lord.

Randy Pope says that a simple definition of glory is satisfaction... I will stretch that to completeness. Wholeness. This "glory" leads to our living as He designed us to be. We were made to be found in Him- only then can we rest.

He has recently peeled away my anxious doubting heart by piercing it with His Word, and for that I am thankful. I am thankful for His calling me by name (Isaiah 43) and pursuing my heart even when I think I want nothing to do with it... When I am faithless, He's faithful (2 Timothy 2).

"Found" Hillsong
Amazing love,
now what else shall I need
Your name brings life,
it's more than the air I breathe

Verse 2:
My world has changed,
when Your life You gave for me
My purpose found
and all that You want for me

PreChorus 1:

And I've found myself in You, Lord
And I've found myself in You

PreChorus 2:

And I've found myself in You, Jesus
And I've found myself in You, Lord

Chorus:

So take me to a place
where I can see You face to face
and all I wanna do, all I wanna do
is worship You
So take me to a place
where I can see You face to face
and all I wanna do, all I wanna do
is worship You

The Voice that Matters...

2009-01-03T06:10:00.010+08:00

Hudson Taylor said this quote when telling about how he felt after a difficult decision he made. It really resonated with me in my decision making process. I know that God is our Father who is perfect and good. He has our best interests at heart. He is faithful to lead us where we need to be. He does not withold His direction from us but it always on time. His voice is the ONE voice that brings peace. The minute that I listen and yield to what others are telling me, I begin to doubt and worry. The most important voice in these days when the journey I'm on doesn't make sense is HIS. Hearing His acceptance of me, just as I am, frees me up. When people look at me as if its the last time they'll see me or that I am crazy to move across the world, I sense in my heart His voice reminding me that He is in control and HE is the one calling me, not those around me. God's voice is better than any. He is speaking and we hear Him better than we think but we have also become experts at talking ourselves out of doing what He speaks to our hearts to do: I too am guilty. "Spend more time with me." "Ask that lady how she's doing- I know you don't know her but just ask." "Give that person some money, who are you to say he won't use it for food." There are so many things we hear the voice of God telling us. His voice matters most-- even more than our own. All we need to do is say "yes" and He does the rest.

My ability to walk forward (as opposed to sitting still, stagnant, afraid to move) with the Yes of faith comes from the pleasure and the strength and joy found in the presence of Christ. Just because I'm walking forward doesn't mean I've reached the destination (I'm on a journey, remember?)- but it does mean that I am free. Free to live life, and free because I walk in the life of Christ. His life in me is real life. His life enables me to do things I didn't think possible. His "Yes" becomes mine, and looking into His loving face in faith released the power of His Spirit in me to

just.
walk.

When it comes time to take another turn, I am confident that my Father will take my hand and guide me there.

John 15:9"Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you;

abide in My love.

10"If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love. 11"These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.

Next Chapter...

2008-12-23T07:19:00.004+08:00

Well... It has been quite a while since I have blogged but after some attempts at changing the look and trying to think and evaluate what has just happened this semester, I think this will be a great way to do just that.

This is the first time I have actually changed the look of the blog since I got it in 2005... Yes my very first blog, which I started right after I graduated from Auburn and moved to Charlotte, NC for the summer. I participated in a life-changing internship at Grace Life International, a pastoral counseling ministry. This time was incredible. Nothing compares to you being away for 9 weeks to be mentored and just focus on Jesus and have no other distractions. This was such a tool of Father to shape me for what was to come. It was life changing and prepared me for the next chapter: "The Real World" in Birmingham, AL.

I am blessed to be a part of the body there, be fed the gospel of grace which only reinforced what I had spend studying in the summer, find great friends and live life as a young single. (haha) I still consider those such rich days where the Lord took what I had learned that summer and asked me to live them out in this great community. I also worked at a Bone Marrow Transplant unit at UAB hospital. This challenging job shaped me, payed the bills AND allowed me 4 days a week (I worked 3 12 hour shifts) outside of that to enjoy and love people. I wouldn't trade those days for anything. God used that year to prepare me for where I am now- working with Auburn college students- and where he is preparing to move me out of (I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!)

When you look back over your life do you see how He has orchestrated what has happened in the past to prepare and shape you for what's next? The more I look back the more I find guidance for what's next. Look at Esther's life- Chapter 4:14- when Mordecai told her that her position she was in could be "for a time such as this." Our times are not too different- there are overwhelming numbers of people in our families, communities, and this world in bondage. They don't know or understand the gospel and they need Christ to intervene, so that they can be all He created them to be: worshippers of Him. This is our highest destiny--what we were made for! Anything less is empty and leaves us searching. I even find myself in this place: Lord what is my purpose? What am I doing here? It is then that I come back to worshipping and delighting in Him more than anything. THEN He shows me the next step and THEN He brings clarity. He has done this time and time again. When I begin to love the plan and focus on the agenda more than fixing my eyes on Jesus, I have missed it. Waiting for the next page to turn, I see what's ahead to prepare for Hong Kong and at the same time have NO idea. I can't wait to see how God writes this chapter. Until that page turns, this chapter is still in proces, but I am dreaming of what's to come.

My prayer is that the world knows the enduring greatness of God in the person of Christ and that it glorifies Him- He is TRULY the answer to every questions. There is NO ONE like Him!

Lord awaken hearts to your love. Use us to testify to it that they may have "eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent."

Highly Recommended....

2008-12-20T08:34:00.003+08:00

Here's a great blog to check out and overlaps with my life: the blog of my boss and friend Matt Dean. I encourage you to read and hear what the Lord might say to you through him. He is very transparent as He shares about the journey for His family to Hong Kong and more. I hope to post on here very soon as well- with my thoughts from this journey as well. Just when I think things will slow down I'm blown away by how fast the days fly by. Just know that things are good. God is best. More to come...

Check out http://www.mattdean.blogspot.com

Exciting news!

2008-10-25T13:35:00.003+08:00

My Dear Friends-

I have something very important to share with you all, and I hate that it's through an email. Please know if I could be sitting with each of you, face to face, and sharing with you, that's the way I would have it. However, as much as we tried to protect that so you could hear on a personal level we ended up sharing this with our ministry as a whole last night and some of you know already.

First of all, thank you so much for investing in this ministry and my life through your words, finances, and encouragement. I have been a part of Grace Campus over the past, well, almost 9 years-- first as a student and then as staff. I am humbled to see all that God has done in me and through this ministry to change and influence lives for the kingdom. We have seen many come to Christ, grow as leaders, and answer the call on their lives for full time ministry, but more than that we have seen the glory of God in our midst. I stand in awe of HIM more today than when I first started.

After praying about this for more than a year, my boss, Matt Dean, and his wife April sensed a clear calling to move their family to Hong Kong, China. They shared this burden with me this summer, when I returned from Uganda, and immediately I sensed a peace and excitement about what God had for this ministry in Hong Kong and began to pray about what my part would be. (read more on their blog) I knew that this was something so much bigger than us that God would have to orchestrate it all- the details of what, why, how, when, and where. I began to pray and seek Him on these specifics for my life.

After sharing this burden and vision for ministry to university students in Hong Kong with the Grace Campus board of directors, church pastors, family, and staff team, we have made the decision to re-plant this ministry and our lives in Hong Kong. Our board of directors has given their approval and blessing, and we will establish Grace Campus Hong Kong in the summer of 2009.

Right now in Auburn, we are in conversation with several local church leaders regarding how we can be unified in this process as we continue to love and serve Auburn students by connecting them to the church. There is still a great sense of momentum on Auburn's campus. We are humbled to be a part of what He is doing here. I will maintain the relationships in ministry I have formed here until time to go to Hong Kong.

October 10-20, our staff team went to Hong Kong where we established multiple ministry partnerships, visited college campuses, made connections with several local churches, and volunteered with Passion's World Tour by the grace of God. What a humbling experience every conversation, connection and experience was! I left this vision trip anxious to be back in the place and the ministry that I feel He has been shaping in me to do. I know I am not the same because of what God has done in me over the last few months.

Here are the facts that motivate us to go: Hong Kong is uniquely positioned as a gateway city to mainland China. In Hong Kong, more than 100,000 university students across multiple campuses in live and study; about 20% of those students are from mainland China. Less than 5% of the 7.3 million people living in Hong Kong profess faith in Jesus.

For the most part, collegiate ministry is overlooked by the local Church in HK, but we believe this is one of the most strategic times to influence men and women as they determine their values and future direction. With great joy, we want to serve the Church by influencing the next generation to know and love Jesus Christ.

On November 20th, we will share the story at Encounter of how God has worked in our lives, and our process of walking into this next season of life together. This will be the next-to-last Encounter ever and I would LOVE to see you there hear the story He is writing before our very eyes- it's a story of Himself and His heart for His people. Knowing that His "light will shine when all else fades, never ending [His] glory goes beyond all fame." Jesus is the goal. He is worth everything. I am fully compelled and convinced that this is what He would have me to do, and this is what it looks like in my life to wholeheartedly follow my Jesus. I want to be a small part of what God's doing is Asia!

I covet your prayers and continued support, and I pray He gives you more of Himself in these days!

Held together by Him,
Katie

I would be blessed to hear your thoughts (you can respond to this email) and for you to pray towards these things:
-Comforting and challenging our students
-Preparing for this new Ministry and all that entails: learning the language, training, raising finances
-Praying against the fears that come along with it
-My personal commitment to go, that God would continue to burden me for the sake of vision- what it looks like to minister to college women in Hong Kong
-Richness in the Word, that He would shape me to look more like Himself- Some key scriptures: Romans 10, Luke 14:25-35 -

Overwhelmed...

2008-10-17T15:02:00.000+08:00

I am sad i havent been more consistent on here, but we have hardly
stopped the whole time here and our apt doesn't have Internet. I'm
actually writing this thru my iphone on email so bear with me!!

I can't explain all that has been happening these past few days. Our
time here will soon be done but I don't think I'll be able to get over
this growing burden for the students here that don't know the grace
God gives us that is life-changing. I can't believe my ears when I
hear the stories of how He is moving His people to accomplish
something bigger than us. I hope you will join us in lifting up the
students here. For those of you that have been to a passion event
recently you maybe familiar with their opening video that proclaims
the greatness of Jesus. I get chills and want to shout each time I see
it because I become overwhelmed by His greatness. (I think you can
check it out on Passion's myspace page.) I know the jist of the
message and how it proclaims Jesus is ALIVE and then to see it on the
screen in Chinese characters to proclaim His kingdom reality over His
people here brought me to tears. The spirit of desperation as we cried
out to God singing "remember your people, your children, your promise,
O God" and declaring His grace is enough broke my heart even more as I
too pleaded with the remnant of believers here to God to fulfill His
promise to redeem His people. Indescribable. I hope you will go to the
268blog.com and check it out. I can truly say the harvest is plenty
here and the workers are few. Let's ask the Lord of the harvest to
move us to where He could use each of us the best. God is moving and I
do not want to miss it.

Sent from my iPhone

On the edge of something amazing...

2008-10-13T10:52:00.002+08:00

After a LONG 24-30 hours of travelling we finally arrived in Hong Kong about 1000 at night. We took the train into the city and arrived at the Grand Blossom house where we have a little apartment to stay in. It's in the Hung Hom area of the city. The rooms are tiny but cozy. There are 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms... but enough boring details.

We got up the next morning and visited IECC where we heard a great message on Song of Solomon, ran into some old friends (a guy from Auburn and a lady who works w/ the staff of the english teaching trips that I've been on the past 2 summers) and are just trusting that He is placing people around us to be a part of our little story in God's amazing one. I am so humbled to be here and walking around in this city. I am typing this from a very familiar coffee shop, Pacific Coffee, in Festival Walk. (a ri-dic-a-lous-ly large mall). This is where we hung out often the past 2 summers. It feels strangely comfortable, even home-ish, to be here. I really love this place and all that is here. My heart is longing to see this place have more worshippers of Him. I know a few, but relative to the huge population, it's still only a few. Still He is moving and I am desperate to be a part of it.

Passion is this thursday. Please think of us as we seek to serve the people here. Pray that He would bring people to Himself and that they would see the hugeness of God. What we do know is that those who are in the church are often shallow and wavering in their faith. Pray people would show up and experience the reality of Him. Pray that I would also experience the reality of Him. I see my need for Him every moment. Even though I am glad to be here I know a place or a person will never do for me what my God does for me. I hope we all will see that HE is the adventure. Yes, I am on one right now. It is still overwhelming/surreal that we are here in HK, right in the middle of the semester, but even more so, HE REMAINS THE ADVENTURE. HE is what's exciting and seeing His hand all over this place is what keeps me going.

Can't wait to see what He has next... He is a good father who gives good gifts... ultimately Himself. Praise be to Him who sits on the throne and reigns over all and is in all.

HK Review...

2008-10-05T07:17:00.002+08:00

These are pictures of the team, the entire camp, the covenant, the beauty, and the old friends... this was an amazing trip. It deepened my love for Asia, it caused me to grow as a leader in more ways than one. I can't believe what I have gotten to see and be a part of. Reconnecting with students from camp Hong Kong last year was incredible to continue to build on that foundation and go deeper with those girls. Now, I am so humbled to return to this place this next week for Passion Hong Kong and seeking out more opportunities to serve there... Please pray for our entire staff team that the Lord will reveal what our part in His big picture is... we'll be gone October 10-20!!

A Faithful Blogger....

2008-07-02T15:23:00.000+08:00

http://jaredandmer.wordpress.com/

i make a few appearances on this one, and it's so fun to do this trip to Hong Kong w/ some of my long time friends who know me best! What a blessing!

Please think of us as we go to Hong Kong and serve the kids at Pui Ying middle school...
More to come-

A few Thursdays ago...

2008-06-21T05:01:00.000+08:00

A few Thursdays ago we were in Uganda just getting started on our time in Bethany Village. I thought that the 3 of you who read this might enjoy a little peek into what our devotionals were like and you can help critique as well... Praying this blesses you-
ktb

thursday. may 22 camp bethany day 1 Enter into personal worship this morning by reading Psalm 145. Enjoy His presence by remaining in Him, abiding in His boundless unconditional love (John 15). Hopefully you are beginning to sense Him in a new fresh way. As the eyes of your heart behold Him and are filled with the beauty of Him let it affect your entire being. Delight in Him as your mind, will, and emotions change to reflect the glory of God. Meditate on His character in the last part of the chapter and let it change you- this is the power of Christ’s life, the Word, living and active in you. Sit a moment with your Jesus- the Great High Priest who holds all things together. Drop your worries and concerns and soak Him in- He’s working in you from the inside out…eager to pour out love on those around you our of the overflow of your love relationship with Him. Just be. And hear the challenge of Psalm 145:10-13 All your works shall give thanks to you, O LORD, and all your saints (that’s you- you ARE a saint!) shall bless you! They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom (our hope of heaven!) and tell of your power, (HE IS I AM… through Him ALL things are possible) to make known to the children of man your mighty deeds, and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations. Proclaim the greatness of God to yourself. Proclaim His greatness to your team. Proclaim His greatness, His power, His kingdom that is everlasting, to the children, and they will proclaim His greatness to the next generation. Let your passion for Him be on display that they will want what you have. You are part of something bigger than yourself! Go out engulfed in the life-giving Spirit of God.

Here's our whole team packed into the Nkumwa House... Nkumwa means Sanctuary, or literally, Protected...

I pray that I am a part of something bigger, simply through putting His word on this blog, trusting that it never returns void. His word is eternal, and we must invest in eternal things: souls, prayer, and the Word. He is forever. I pray that we own our purpose to glorify God or we will never be satisfied with where we are at and remain lost as far as purpose if it doesn't begin and end with our Jesus.

More to come... Hope you will walk this journey with me!

Sights of Uganda....

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coming in on the dock at Bethany Village to the Nile river to exploring the fishing village where refugees have settled into safety and a simple life - it's amazingly refreshing to be in God's creation where it's untouched by machines or business- unchanged beauty... sunsets... the big open space known as the "prayer place" and the water of Lake Victoria as far as you can see with a few fishermen casting out nets for the evening's supper...

Psalm 50:1 The Lord, the Mighty One, is God,
and he has spoken;
he has summoned all humanity
from where the sun rises to where it sets.
2 From Mount Zion, the perfection of beauty,
God shines in glorious radiance.

Isaiah 55:12-13"So you'll go out in joy,
you'll be led into a whole and complete life.
The mountains and hills will lead the parade,
bursting with song.
All the trees of the forest will join the procession,
exuberant with applause.
No more thistles, but giant sequoias,
no more thornbushes, but stately pines—
Monuments to me, to God,
living and lasting evidence of God." (the Message)

Snapshots from Uganda...

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Why I loved Uganda...
::An amazing team! (more on that to come).
::Little Francis that lives in the Nkumwa house (in means "sanctuary"/"i am protected"
::Making clothes that weigh down your suitcase so you can leave it all behind. (I am proud of my tie-front pants and skirt !)
::Kids that instantly love you, no matter what- kinda like the Lord loves us (without condition or regret) and you get to experience that...
::Red Rover game Ugandan style... It's like red rover mixed with steal the bacon and tug of war, dancing, and singing. Play it.
::Deworming time at the medical clinic... got to see every kid in the school! (don't worry it's just a pill)
::A steaming hot shower thanks to a wood burning fire.
::Houses of kids and their leaders becoming like family
::Beautiful Faces.... see the next post as well...
::The biggest "white ant" mounds you've ever seen
::Ugandan skies...
::Unapologetic curiousity of the kids from surrounding villages- If you have a question or want to know more, seek it out! Explore!! You never know what you'll miss if you don't...
:: Passion Kampala Worship like you've never seen it- Who can doubt this Jesus IS ALIVE! He REALLY is- (watch the video clips from the event if you have a second, and if you want to get excited about Jesus, PLEASE PLEASE watch the Atlanta opening video) I pray that we continue to worship like it. He is something to celebrate!
::The faithfulness of Father is evidenced in nature, people, and His word- posted everywhere... Christ is present in Uganda- no doubt about it. And still there's more to Him.

Our team tasted and saw His goodness every moment and shared it together. Sometimes I wonder if the bread they broke together in Acts meant the bread of LIFE- Christ's LIFE, that is! I am so proud of our students for extending Christ to one anotherand to Uganda- HE, this BREAD, satisfies!!

In order to be glorifiers of God (our chief purpose begins continues and ends IN HIM- ) we must be fully satisfied in Him. He is always better- it's just a matter of whether I am choosing to acknowledge and receive His "betterness". Try Him out... take Him as His word -

He IS our portion that satisfies forever and ever. And ever. And ever...

Faces of Uganda...

2008-06-10T03:33:00.000+08:00

Here are some of the beautiful faces we met over the past few weeks... The older girls are the ones the Lord used to sustain us with delicious food, then there's a few of us sitting around before we had our singing and Bible story time, the boy holding up his new backpack (really exciting to give these things away!), my face (sans makeup... that's the look there!) and more images of dancing and playing- activities that filled our time while in Bethany Village.

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"Hear Us from Heaven" is a song that we sang at my church in Birmingham that really resonates with me in these days - as we cry out to Father for Him to bring revival that starts with us.

Lord, hear our cry - Come heal our land
Breath life into these dry and thirsty souls
Lord, hear our prayer - Forgive our sin
And as we call on Your name - Would You make this a place
For Your glory to dwell

Open the blind eyes Unlock the deaf ears
Come to Your people As we draw near
Hear us from heaven Touch our generation
We are Your people Crying out in desperation

Lord hear our song Your children worship
As we sing out Your praise
Would You make this a place for Your glory to dwell

Hear Us From Heaven,
Hear Us From Heaven,
Hear Us From Heaven (4x)

I too am desperate for Him to move- He always is moving but I long for in to dwell among us in full- like He promises in Revelation 21. I want my eyes to be full of eternal perspective- of the beauty of Christ that I can't even begin to comprehend.

Psalm 102 paints a great picture of this as well...

12But you, O LORD, are enthroned forever;
you are remembered throughout all generations.
...
15Nations will fear the name of the LORD,
and all the kings of the earth will fear your glory.
16For the LORD builds up Zion;
he appears in his glory; (can't wait for this!)
17he regards the prayer of the destitute
and does not despise their prayer.

...

18Let this be recorded for a generation to come,
so that a people yet to be created may praise the LORD: (He has His people in mind!)
19that he looked down from his holy height;
from heaven the LORD looked at the earth,
20to hear the groans of the prisoners,
to set free those who were doomed to die,
21that they may declare in Zion the name of the LORD, (our purpose- to glorify Him)
and in Jerusalem his praise,
22when peoples gather together,
and kingdoms, to worship the LORD.(can't wait for this either!! how beautiful it will be-)

25 Of old you laid the foundation of the earth,
and the heavens are the work of your hands.
26 They will perish, but you will remain; (thank goodness He is the same yesterday, today, and FOREVER)
they will all wear out like a garment.
You will change them like a robe, and they will pass away,
27but you are the same, and your years have no end.
28 The children of your servants shall dwell secure;
their offspring shall be established before you.

This will always transform me- when I ponder heaven and all that is to come, I find myself praying for the Lord to come quickly- bring healing and restoration to your people, that ALL may know! It brings perspective everytime- looking to Jesus NEVER FAILS.

Sure!

2008-02-29T15:23:00.000+08:00

A word I use often is "sure"... it may be because what my dad says for "yes" but I just like it better than yes or the outrageously popular "yeah". I want to say what i mean and mean what i say. I want to do what I say I will do and be where I say I will be. I trust that this is the Lord in me, making me more like Jesus. In Christ I am trustworthy, dependable, giving, and genuine. I pray he takes this weak soul and manifests His character in my life.

"Sure" is like "yes" with emotion, conviction, and comfort in it. I want to REALLY mean it! And I do, to the best extent that I possibly can. Not joking. Not indifferent. Not wavering. Now without thought. Now without confidence.

JUST. SURE.

The Lord brought to my mind the word "guarantee" as I was wrestling with some UN-surety in my own life... which reminded me of the following verses, as I NEED, as His child, to KNOW, that HE is sure even when nothing else is. I heard it said once that moving frequently as a child can be as traumatic if not more so than the death of a parent. Children need a sure thing, a constant, if you will. I often find I am caught in the tension of living on earth with my only hope in heaven. It's not always easy... At the risk of sounding cheesy, I am going to have to mention the TV show Lost, because it really illustrated this. Desmond, in his conscious mind, was able to be in the past and the future, but this caused a great amount on confusion and disorientation. The physicist told him he must find a constant to connect the 2 worlds, thus uniting the past and the future. Wow. How much MORE, INFINITELY MORE, does Christ not only connect our two worlds, but give them PURPOSE and MEANING!? THEN we have peace in the reality of His holding ALL things together.

Eph. 1:11In him we have obtained (already!) an inheritance, having been predestined (that's definitely already!) according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, 12so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.

13In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believedsealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

That's SURE - words like promised, and guarantee... it's already done, but not yet fully in our possession, also stated, we live our new life in Christ on this earth only because we are sealed by the Holy Spirit and when that does not seem enough we are reminded that He did not leave is with nothing, He left us, at the point of salvation, WITH HIS SPIRIT, a GUARANTEE (something that assures a particular outcome or condition) of our inheritance. We have it, but it's not fully ours.

What an anchor to my soul that is so prone to search to find something stable in a quickly crumbling world. I wrestle with this balance: how to live in the "already but not yet" that this passage describes:

2 Cor 5:
1For we know (sure!) that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling, 3if indeed by putting it on we may not be found naked. 4For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened—not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed,

so that (phrase of purpose coming up here!!)

what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. (wow! It is HIS LIFE in the Spirit that conquers the flesh/mortality in us!)

(and the "how"- )

5He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a
guarantee.

6So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord,

7for we walk by faith, not by sight.

8Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 9So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. 10For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.

I pray that my groaning stops at longing to be fully with Christ and does not progress into complaining or pessimism. I don't want the enemy to steal my joy. This joy is found in delighting in the glorious supremacy of Jesus Christ. The One that is the same: yesterday, today, and forever.

2 Cor 1:18 As surely as God is faithful, our word to you has not been Yes and No. 19For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, whom we proclaimed among you, Silvanus and Timothy and I, was not Yes and No, but in him it is always Yes. 20For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory. 21And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, 22and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.

Our being established in Christ is guaranteed by the fact that we HAVE His Spirit!

16That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace (God giving, us receiving) and be guaranteed to all his offspring—not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all,... Paul in Romans...

In faith we have the Spirit of Christ, our HELPER, that He left for us to testify to our being new creations. The Spirit IS our assurance, our testifier, our helper. When we feel stuck in the middle there is a SURE, constant Person who is Christ Jesus, guaranteed for eternity by His Spirit.

Merry Christmas!

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a little christmas fun... hope the reality of God in flesh in the form of Christ is powerful and humbling to you as it is to me. Emmanuel - GOD is with us and in us!

thank goodness...

2007-11-05T11:35:00.000+08:00

there's never going to be a day in the history of days that God's kingdom doesn't go forward...there's not really anything else that does that in life. - a conversation between louie giglio and matt redman

that's it. that is my confidence in these days. it lines up with who God is: He CAN'T stop loving His people - that's who He is. and LOVE CHANGES PEOPLE. It's the power that causes change in our lives - because we realize we are valuable to Him. our worth is caught up in the cross and we cannot deny His love, which is actively pursuing us.

the kingdom redemption and rescue is all around. it's all the places and events where Christ is reconciling hearts and situations to himself. His truth and life WILL prove faithful and real if we will take it by faith. i hope and pray i am an instrument in His hands. i trust i carry His life in me to communicate the gospel to whoever He places before me, and i am so glad that His life is the force and it's not all up to me.

God, move your kingdom forward before our eyes like never before.

in an email..

2007-10-05T06:34:00.000+08:00

i have gotten this question a lot from girls so i figured it was worth posting...

Christ is ALL and in ALL...

Hey! glad you wrote- it's means so much to me that you would even ask... this is something the Lord taught me this past year a lot about... I think the phrase 'guard your heart' comes from this:

Prov. 4:23 Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life.
This is the NASB version which i like b/c it shows the word guard to mean "watch over" the AMP version says be diligent over...
This is indeed important but i agree w/ you in that it has really been thrown around to the point that no one knows what it means anymore. anytime you make a theology out of one verse you usually end up frustrated or lost! I think it's very important to watch over your heart- to take care of it by renewing it to truth and asking the Lord to search and know it and change it when it's out of line... i think, especially with women, our temptation is to live by feelings and those feelings (i.e. having a crush on a guy or thinking there is something there when he has said nothing to you about it) and feelings move to a false reality. then you are totally on this roller coaster because you were not renewing your heart and mind to truth, but to your human feelings. (see romans 12:1-2)

I think we need to pick that Proverbs 4:23 verse apart according to scripture:
if you read about what the heart is and how that word is used in scripture it's usually the seat of our desire, it is "deceitful above all" and "God is greater than our heart" It's the part of us that is often what we feel and may not ALWAYS be in line w/ truth- that's why I John 3 says 16By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. 17But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? 18Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.
19By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him; 20for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything. 21Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God; 22and whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him. 23And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. 24 Whoever keeps his commandments abides in God, and God in him. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit whom he has given us.

so you see - people in their sin(flesh/self effort) can close their hearts (that's why we much be in touch with what God is doing in us individually, praying and asking Him to reveal any sin in our lives). When their heart, the container of the wellspring of life, is closed, they miss the gospel in their lives, and their hearts can even condemn them (this is one way we are deceived into believing lies), but we must REASSURE our hearts of what it true: (Remember when David tells is own soul: "Bless the Lord, Oh my Soul"?) that HE laid His life down for us, and His love is complete, perfect, abounding -

So we may often FEEL condemned, unworthy, unacceptable, or needy but TRUTH is what GOD says, regardless of how I feel.

All of our worth, significance, and acceptability comes totally 100% from Christ - and we must often (as I am choosing to do even today) cast our entire heart, all that we are, onto the love of Christ. That's why he said in John 15, "Abide in my love, remain in my love..." We throw ourselves in total trust and abandon into the life and love of Christ that He gives freely.

To NOT guard your heart is to allow those needs for love, acceptance, worth, security, etc... that only Christ can meet... to consume you instead of letting Christ meet them. It can be so subtle and that's why Proverbs reminds us to "be diligent" over our heart. When you look to ANY other source (whether guy or girl friends or family or school, etc...) above or outside of Christ you are not guarding your heart because your "wellspring of Life" will be dry if you are drinking from THE Living water.

Specifically, in relationships, it is to live in the reality of that relationship, not an imagined fantasy. (this is where the heart can deceive you into thinking it's more, or moving further along, etc, than what it actually is, and this is where the heartbreak often happens) It is to always look to Christ first and not to a person. When they disappoint you (they will) you look to Christ. When they ask too much of you (and you know when they do this) you don't give in because you find acceptance in Christ and not what you do for them. And when your heart is broken, you can survive that because all along your have cast your hope in Christ, not making that person an idol, or one from whom you receive your primary acceptance and love from. God is your primary provide for that need!

Here's a little more on the heart for you/ How you can practically guard your heart:

Phil 4:5 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! 5Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. do not be anxious about anything,
but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Eph 1:19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

So, REJOICE, offer up your requests to Him, THANK HIM in faith for His deep love and acceptance towards you, know the Love of Christ (pursue intimacy with Him)... that you may be at peace (accepting His gift of Life to you) and full (complete, not lacking in anything) in Christ.

We, as children of God and believers in His power that lives and dwells in us, are called to live out of our fullness and Christ- the full heart, confident in Him alone, is the guarded heart.
Or at least that's the first step... when the wellspring of live isn't flowing... you'll know what to do. And it will always be a journey but it's a journey to intimacy with Christ that He is overjoyed to walk with you in.

Hope this helps,
and let me know if I could help you any further! If I can do anything at all for you (get together or whatever) let me know!
love
katie b

camp video part 3

2007-09-25T06:07:00.000+08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V78mEMTB-tY

camp video part 2

2007-09-25T04:00:00.001+08:00

This should work...

2007-08-27T05:59:00.000+08:00

part 1 of a video from our trip to hong kong!