"In all your ways..."

consistency...possible?

2009-11-21T20:17:00.005-05:00

Consistency. Why does that seem to be so difficult. I speak specifically of this little blog thinger-ma-jig. I think I write maybe twice a year. I would like to be more consistent, and perhaps I am at a time in life when I can be!

What about consistency in the walk of following Christ. Wow, doesn't that seem like a mighty task! We are told in Romans 7 of the war that rages within us between the spirit and the flesh, and what a battle it is. Think about the daily things in life we must strive for consistency in: daily time in God's word, prayer, keeping the house cleaned, staying in touch with family and friends and so on. And that doesn't even touch on God's commands and the putting on of Christ. striving to be consistent in patience, in joy, in self-control, of kindness, of love! Whew...we sure have enough to keep us busy for a lifetime and beyond. Galatians 5 challenges us to walk by the Spirit. A walk is something that is consistent, persevering and focused.

So how are we to get this consistency...or keep this consistency? In and of ourselves we cannot. Only those bought by the blood of Jesus have been given the power of the Holy Spirit and through Christ are continually be transformed and purified. We are in a battle, we must bear up, put on the armor of God (Ephesians 6) and FIGHT! The only way to a consistent lifestyle is by trusting Jesus alone to change you. We still will fall, and when that happens, what will we do? Will we give up in hopelessness? One of the definitions of consistent is "fixed, firm." We must be fixed on our course, we must be fixed on the end goal, we must be fixed upon Jesus Christ - The perfect one who lived a perfectly consistent and righteous life to pay the penalty for your sin. I believe a key to staying, or even striving for consistency in all areas is to first and foremost set your mind upon Jesus Christ, His perfect life and what He has done in showing His amazing love for you.

"How deep the Father's love for us,

vast beyond all measure.

That He should give His only Son,

to make a wretch His treasure."

Why am I Here?

2009-09-14T23:29:00.007-04:00

Many people wonder, "why am I here", but most people do not take the necessary measures to find the answer. Or to find the correct answer.

I spent this past summer working at the Boardwalk Chapel in NJ where the staff of 16 people put on nightly programs at an open chapel on the public beach boardwalk. The programs consisted of music, skits, testimonies and preaching...all of which were saturated in the gospel. After these programs we would go out and share the gospel with those on the boardwalk. Many people I had the opportunity to speak with had this question, and sadly, many had never wondered and didn't care.

In all of life, the basic answer to this question is: "To glorify God and enjoy Him forever." We are created by God to love, serve, and obey Him with "all your heart, mind, soul, and strength." (Deut. 10:12) Because of our sinful state, this is only made possible because Christ took the curse that we deserve, giving grace to those who repent and beileve upon Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of their sins. God also commands His children to go into all the world to proclaim the gospel (Matt. 28:19-20).

Perhaps you have, at times, wondered the more specifics to this question, such as: "Why am I in this particular place in life?", "What, specifically, does God require of me in the next coming days?" I have thought and prayed much over this lately as I am now at home, and it is a joy to see how God reveals, sometimes all at once or sometimes little by little, to you how you can serve, learn, and know Him more. However, with this knowledge of His specific will for the moment comes discipline. It is a surrending of your will to be obedient to His call. I am seeing how this manifests itself in little ways such as, waking up at a decent hour, eating, exercising, doing the important things first! Oh how simple it all seems; yet, often times it is those very simple day to day things that try our faith and obedience.

Prayer. O how often our wills must be surrendered in prayer...every day! Is it any wonder why Paul says "Pray without ceasing" (1 Thess. 5:17). Pray for God's grace as you are obedient to His will, pray for His strength, pray for His guidence, pray that He would be made known in your conduct and speech and life. And never forget, as Paul goes on to say in 1 Thess. 5:18 "give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

Joy

2008-10-24T23:52:00.000-04:00

I came upon a journal entry a few minutes ago and felt it worth sharing. It is about writing about joy that comes in life. I decided to set a particular journal aside for writing particularily about instances or thoughts of joy. Well, lately it has been used for writing quotes and verses...but that brings joy as well!

The journal entry is dated September 8th, 2007 and is as follows:

"It is a strange thing, my desire to write, yet my inability to write or think anything rational when pen and paper are in my hand. It is as if I am intimidated at the power of words-the power of words to teach, to exhort, to hurt, to encourage, to reveal, to understand, to kill, to love. The words in my head can overcome me, but when I put them on paper, they have power to overcome others. Do I want that kind of control? Or can it be used in a God glorifying way to turn hearts towards what they are created for.

"I have decided to dedicate this book soley to the writings of the occurances, experiences, lessons, feelings and anything of the like that pertain to joy. It must not be written in unless joy can be encountered and felt throughout the pages and words...ahh, there we go. Words. Words...of joy! How peasant those must be to the ear of God. For, joy is much different than mere happiness. Happiness is temporary-a fulfillment of the moment that gives one a sensation of joy. A mere taste. But joy...oh sweet joy. Joy is a complete fulfillement. It is a fulfillment that cannot be contained, seen, touched or bought. Joy is eternal. Joy is finding strength, endurance and hope no matter what the circumstances. And that can only be found in Christ. Christ is joy.

"So why am I writing now, what joy have I experienced now. The joy of contentment despite the realization of reality. Life is not always how we want or think it should be. There are dissapointments, changes, disasters. But despite these things, joy holds fast. Why? Because there is still hope. There is no point, no reason, and no life in giving up or giving in to dissapointment because things do not turn out. God is sovereign. He has planned it all and has everthing in His power and control. Moreoverly, He works all things for the good of those who love Him and have been called according to His purpose. So tonight, as I sit and contemplate and desperately wish that the thoughts and words in my head might reside but a second longer so I may capture them, I am filled with joy; because I know that wherever God leads me and whatever He calls me to it is for good, and it is for His glory-and that...that fills me with joy."

I think that I need to be reminded of this more often. And to add to it: God desires us to have joy, He tells us in His word that He will "give you the desires of your heart"(ps 37:4) and He "satisfies you with good "(ps. 103: 5) and He knows that the only true satisfying joy, all that truely is good for us is Christ.

"Indeed I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. " Philippians 3:8a

remember...

2008-10-13T20:31:00.006-04:00

So I realized the other day...well, maybe it was like a week or two. I have not done anything to this blog since I returned from Taiwan, so I decided to start back up.

I have chosen the title "In all your ways..." as a reminder to myself, and by God's grace to those who read this. A reminder to: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths." Proverbs 3: 5-6. This is a commonly known passage, but if you look at the context in the chapter, it is a charge to remember and keep God's commands, a charge to remember God's steadfast love and faithfulness, a charge to trust and seek God, for true wisdom is found only in Him. I have clung to the passage of verses 5-6 since I was young. It was some of the first verses I learned and something about it, even in my young age, jumped out at me and clung to my heart. I have experienced some different things in my life so far, some hard, some very painful, some confusing, some exciting, some hurtful, some challenging; yet through each circumstance I am reminded, at some point, of this passage. And every time it comes to mind I am taken back to the feeling, the simplicity, the confidence, of faith like a child. So the title "in all your ways..." is exactly what it says. No strings attached, no hidden meanings, not even any deep theological concept, it is what it is: Trust in the Lord and acknowledge Him...in ALL your ways.

As life the last few months has taken a bit of a new turn for me...working full time...I am drawn, yet again to this charge. What a tremendous God my Savior is that no matter what state of life He has me in, this truth can and always will apply, I must draw upon it, I must remember to trust God, acknowledge God, in ALL my ways, why? He will make straight my paths.

"By steadfast love and faithfulness, iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the Lord, one turns away from evil." Proverbs 16:4

A Phase...a Change....Life!?

2008-02-03T23:10:00.000-05:00

With so many things changing, I thought I might as well change my blog too.
I have been home for several weeks now. It has been such a joy to be home again, with the family, friends, church. Very refreshing. It is also great to spend time with my sister, Katy, before she gets married this summer! I am grateful for this time.

As much as I am enjoying this time of 'rest' for now, I am doing much praying about plan for the future and where/how God may be leading me. With many options and opportunities, things can get confusing and even frustrating. However, God is teaching me to take it one day at a time, and wait on His timing. In the midst of this He is teaching me and giving me opportunities to serve and to learn. I believe those are the two biggest things He has for me right now.

So as changes come in what I am doing in life, they are also coming in my heart and who I am in Christ as I draw closer to His heart. I look forward as God continues to guides me in the next phase of life. Where it is headed...only He knows!

i'm coming home

2008-01-08T01:55:00.000-05:00

I have been told many times since I have been here that missionaries have to be flexible. I have experienced this several times, and am now faced with it once more. Due to visa issues and crazy travel times, I am now planning on returning, Lord willing, Jan. 11th. There definitely is a lot to do until then. Finishing up some things here, saying good-byes, packing and all those last minute things. It is going to be a very busy and somewhat hard week.

I feel as if God is continually placing me in situations and circumstances to strengthen my faith in His goodness, love, and guidance. Teaching me what it means to trust in Him, His sovereignty and His grace alone. It is difficult to leave. It has been a wonderful time here. I have formed many relationships, had opportunities to serve and help others, and have learned so much about life, myself, ministry, who God is and His amazing love. I feel a bit confused myself about why now and what next, but God, in His lovingkindness gently reminds me that I do not need to know the next steps. But that He will give the strength and faith to press on in the light that He gives me for each day.

I am so very thankful for all that God is doing to bring Himself glory. May I be faithful to follow His leading in the next days, weeks, and years to come.

Christmas in Taiwan!

2007-12-27T03:46:00.000-05:00

So I have officially experienced my first Christmas away from home, pretty cool! Taiwan somewhat celebrates Christmas. They do some decorations and maybe some cards or gifts, possibly a tree, but nothing like America. A lot of that has to do with the culture, and Christmas (even though many do not celebrate it this way) is a Christian holiday. Most regular schools do not get off for Christmas, typically it is just another work day for most Taiwanese, unless you are American or go to an American or Christian school. And of course the Churches have Christmas programs and celebrations!

Sunday, the 23rd, there was a group of kids from an orphange that came to the church that I have been attending. The kids had prepared some Christmas songs to sing for us, and after it the service was over, the church suprised the kids with presents!! They quite enjoyed it!

Christmas Eve morning I got to see the fam on the webcam and open a few things, then spent the afternoon relaxing in Starbucks! Amanda and I had a nice Christmas dinner with at the Lyles and opened up some gifts. We went with the Lyle's to their church's Christmas Eve service. It was up on Yan Mi Shang Mountain and was held inside as stone church. It was a candle light service with a lot of scripture reading and Christmas songs!

On Christmas morning a group of 8 or so teachers (including Amanda and I) left at 8am for a visit to Hualien. We are staying in Toroko gorge, surrounded by huge mountains, a river, hikes to beautiful waterfalls, etc. It has been amazing! Today, a few of us took a day trip up to Hohuan Mt. It is over 3000 meters high (around 9000 ft.). It was amazing!! We even got to see a monkey on the way back! Being up here has shown me so much more of God's beauty and splendor. He continues to show me how amazing, how huge, how wonderful, how beautiful He is. Surrounded by these amazing mountains and rocks has helped me to really grasp what it means for God to be our rock, our stronghold, our place of safety and security. Our refuge. It has been a wonderful opportunity, and amazing to think that the Creator of all this, all this splendor and majesty, could come to earth, could live amidst all the dirt, filth, and hate of the world, and take that, our sin, upon Himself to save us, so that we live forever with Him. What an amazing God we serve!!!

(view from a trail we walked)

(waterfalls)

(on the way up to Hohuan Mt., almost there!)

(on the top of Hohuan Mt. , beautiful mtns and the white is clouds!)

Christmas Party!

2007-12-17T06:41:00.000-05:00

Sunday night was our English Dorm Christmas Party! We had a blast with around 30 girls coming in and out, decorating the lobby of the English Dorm, decorating Christmas cookies, making Christmas cards and having fun! God definitely blessed it as we all just had a great time hanging out and having fun with each other! It was a much needed time of relaxation and fun!

(decorating the lobby)

(making cards and cookies)

(decorating cookies!)

(the group!)

Christmas Caroling!

2007-12-14T04:19:00.000-05:00

On Wednesday I got to help Judy (a teacher) take her students Christmas caroling around the campus. There was quite a large group and they had 3 songs they had practiced in English during class (God Rest ye Merry Gentlemen, What Child is This?, and Silent Night). After singing Silent Night in English they got to sing it in Chinese. It was a lot of fun to be with all the students and to be reminded of why we celebrate Christmas! Here are some pictures and a video of the caroling!

(When they sang What Child is This, the girls sang the first part, and the boys sang the second part)
(

2007-12-09T06:20:00.001-05:00

This past weekend, the singing group that I have been participating in, performed for the first time. Our group is a mix of about 12 students, teachers, and faculty from the college. One of the teachers wrote a cantata, had it translated into Chinese and has been working with us for the past couple months on this. The place that we first did it at was a sort of fair/festival thing. It was groups from different Churches and Christian organizations and schools. There were many booths and a stage where groups were performing. I had a great time watching the groups that performed, most were music groups and some were dancing and there was even a team from YWAM that did a drama. Some of the groups were even getting into the Christmas spirit and some did Christmas songs!

(A groups of kids that sang some Christmas songs!)

(Kids dressed up for the Christmas story)

(Chris and I before we sang)

(A group that performed. They are saying "Jesus loves you, Jesus loves me")

Times to Remember

2007-11-25T11:08:00.000-05:00

Wow...so much has happened lately that I cannot relate it all, but I will do my best to share highlights from the last couple weeks. Right now it is actually 12:10 on a Sunday night. I just finished making 2 batches of brownies for a movie night tomorrow. I went to 3 rooms to see if anyone wanted to help make brownies and ended up with 10 girls!! A huge improvement from past occasions!
The past few weeks have just flown by and now here we are, almost into December. Perhaps the biggest news of late would be my unexpected trip to Hong Kong! What seemed to be a somewhat crazy (and it was) situation turned out to be such a treat! My visa is a visitors visa and allows me to stay in the country for 60 days. This was to expire on the 19th of November. Before I came to Taiwan I was told that it would be no problem to renew my visa here in Taiwan (the lady working with me from Christ's College had called some office here to find out). So before the 19th we went to that office to get it renewed. Well, we found out that she had been told wrong, I could not renew it there, I needed to leave the country. One of the closest places is Honk Kong. So we were able to find cheap tickets and a cheap (but nice) hotel and Amanda (the other intern) and I went to Hong Kong for two days! We had about a day and half in which we toured as much of Hong Kong as we could. We saw many places, did shopping, and found our way around and across the water of the huge city. It truly was an amazing experience and we both had so much fun! We were praying quite a bit about the return, that they would allow me back into Taiwan and give me another 60 days, they did! The only down point (perhaps high point for some!) to this was that it causes me to have to come home a week earlier than I had anticipated. This means that I will be leaving around or on the very last day of exams. This may be a bit crazy and would not really allow me to leave in a more settled state or have a few last times with some of the students after classes are out. But God has His hand all over this and I know He has it worked just as He desires!
Here are a few pictures from Hong Kong!

(View of Hong Kong Island)

(Jackie Chan and I have the same size hands!)

(Tsing Ma Bridge - Worlds longest road-and-rail suspension bridge)

(Amanda and I overlooking Hong Kong from The Peak)

Thanksgiving this year will be one I always remember, particularly because it was like no other Thanksgiving I have ever had. Naturally, no one really does anything for Thanksgiving here. Students were having midterms, but the staff of Christ's College always has a big Thanksgiving dinner together. So during the day on Thanksgiving we began painting the English Dorm hallway. All the walls are white and plain, the halls look like a hospital. We wanted to bring some color, make it look a little more 'homey' (this was a bit difficult at first for some of the students to understand I think, they just didn't really get it!). So a few of us began painting and continued to get others to help out as they came by! It was a fun Thanksgiving day activity and a great time with the students!

(Walls before paint)

(Girls painting the walls)

(Walls after painting!)

Yikes!!

2007-11-16T06:15:00.000-05:00

So, one day I went over to Judy's (one of the English teachers) house to get her help for a recipe to use to make a dessert with some of the students. As we were sitting there talking I saw something moving out of the corner of my eye. I looked up to see a huge spider, probably the size of a large sand dollar, emerging from behind a picture on the wall. I do believe my heart stopped for a few seconds and I was up out of my chair with my hand on the door knob. I normally am ok with spider...but this was more along the lines of a small rodent. The spider moved across the wall faster than I thought possible and kinda fell down to the floor. I was trying to stay calm by actually staying in the house, but I was ready to run at any second. During all of this Judy had not moved from her chair, but was just very calmly (as she always is) watched. I asked her what she normally does about them, since she has had them before. She said that she normally has bug spray, but that it was in the kitchen...in which the spider was now blocking the way to. So, to try to help the matter, Judy picked up a bottle of cleaning spray that was on the table and squirted the spider a few times. He scurried somewhere into the kitchen and out of sight. So we went back to our recipes and left him to find his way home. I hope he did, because I sure don't want to see him again....ugghh!
I knew those things existed...but actually seeing one in real life is quite an experience!!

news

2007-11-11T10:23:00.001-05:00

I cannot believe it is almost halfway through November and less than two weeks until Thanksgiving! The past few weeks have been busy and fun with many new experiences. I am learning many things about who God is, ministering and ministry, who I am, and what God has called me to do now and in the future. I am being stretched and strengthened, praise Jesus!
At the beginning of November the school had their annual Sports Day! The morning of the big events I had to be out at the field at a certain time and the students had a different time they had to be out there. Well, it ended up that I got locked inside the girls dorm building. Fortunately there were cleaning ladies inside that I hoped had a key, unfortunately, they speak absolutely no English. After about 10 minutes of hand motions, acting things out, going from floor to floor, they finally got the idea that I could not get out. I think they were trying to tell me to get out of the building...while I was trying to tell them I couldn't!! However, I learned that there is an advantage to not being able to speak the same language...you don't know what they are saying when they yell at you, so it doesn't upset you!!! Yeah, I think they were a bit upset at me....but I don't know why! haha...experiences to remember! ;)
These are a few pictures of Sports Day!

(Students lined up to begin Sport Day)

(Mr. Lyle, Amanda, Sam, Me, and Christie)

(Dr. Hovater getting the girls ready for tug-o-war)

(playing games!)

New Places

2007-10-30T09:22:00.000-04:00

This past weekend a few of us took a trip to San Yi. It is a place south of Taipei where the Hakka people live. It is famous for it's amazing woodcarving (which today is mostly imported from China!). It was a good time to get away and to see some green!!! Everything is mostly just buildings where we are, so to be in the mountains surrounded by green was such a treat!

Here are a few pictures of our trip!

(Amanda, Becky, and I at the broken broken bridge!)

(Shops were filled with wood carved idols)

(Me with a piggie! - It is the year of the pig)

(A cute little boy at the church we went to who recited Psalm 23)

(Wood carvings)

for your amusement

2007-10-26T11:11:00.000-04:00

I am learning many new things...but some things are just crazy! ;)

"Mary had a little lamb,
Her father shot it dead,
Now she takes her lamb to school,
Between two pieces of bread."

Just wanted you to know that between all the normal stuff, we do have a few laughs! :D

True Joy

2007-10-17T03:17:00.001-04:00

Chapel today was hosted by the English Department, so it was all in English! We all attended and the Department Head, Scott Hovater, spoke. He spoke from John Piper's book "Desiring God". He will be touching on each chapter throughout the semester, and today he was explaining to the students how God wants us to enjoy Him. It is part of our entire purpose for being here, to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. It is a common misconception that Christians have to give up everything they like and that is fun and live boring solemn lives. Wrong.
God wants us to enjoy the things He has given us, enjoy the life we live, enjoy His creation, enjoy others, and most of all enjoy HIM! Living a life committed to Christ can and should be a life of joy, filled with joy in what Christ has done on our behalf and filled with a desire for God and who He is! We will only really find true enjoyment and be completely filled when we delight in Him!
"Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4
"As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God." Psalm 42:1
"O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water." Psalm 63:1
"They feast on the abundance of your house, and you give them drink from the river of your delights." Psalm 36:8
"Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!" Psalm 34:8
"then the Almighty will be your gold and your precious silver." Job 22:25

God has put that desire for joy and happiness in us all, don't try to deny it - seek Him!!!

Life in Taiwan

2007-10-15T04:11:00.000-04:00

-We needed to go to the store, we got prepared for the walk but...OH! I forgot to bring grocery bags. Oh well, I guess I will just have to carry it back, unless I want to buy a grocery bag.
-At the store, I cannot decide if I want red bean pudding, or milk pudding.
-Make sure you get your fruits and veggies weighed before you check out!
-We took the scooter to the city rather than the MRT.
-My lunch today only cost $100!!! Wow, what a great deal!
-How much did it cost to send that letter? Oh, just 15 dollars.
-I try to find the stall with the Western toilet and not the squat toilet.
-I need to make a trip to dump my food today, and then take my recyclables to their dump, and then the regular trash to its dump.
-It seems that people are always celebrating something with fireworks...but is probably just some other god they are worshiping and trying to scare off evil spirits with the fireworks.
-At night, the music of the garbage truck will get stuck in your head!

Those are just a few things in regular life over here!

Thank you, but no thanks

2007-10-08T09:17:00.000-04:00

So. Here's a story. Amanda (helping with English here for 1 year) and I decided to go to lunch today...yes, by ourselves. Ordering consisted of looking at the pictures and pointing to what looked best. It seemed harmless, until I saw this:

and this..........

AND.......

Yes, some sort of disgusting little squid type of things made it onto my plate.....and quickly off!
It truly looked as if they could have squirmed off my plate by themselves without me helping them! I have tried many things while I have been here, but I draw the line at things that look as if they could still move and should still be alive!!!

Rainbows!

2007-09-30T22:24:00.000-04:00

God is so good to remind us of His promises!

Deuteronomy 31:8 "The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

Since I have been here I have continued to see rainbows. Naturally, as they are supposed to do, these rainbows take me back and remind me of God's many promises to us. The promise that I continue to hear is that God is with me. I am not alone. He has brought me here, and He has a wonderful plan. I must trust Him.

A rainbow is such a beautiful and unexplainable mystery, just like God's plan for our lives. We don't know what He has planned for our lives, but when we trust His promises, it is beautiful!

Views of the Other Side of the World!

2007-09-25T03:47:00.000-04:00

Ok. So definitly a lot has happened. Getting settled in and set up has been kinda jumbled around, but things should settle down soon and hopefully be a bit more structured. On a walk to the Arts University I took a few pictures of some incredible views!

This is a view of Taipei city:

And this is a view of Danshui (Christ College is located in Danshui county, so this is closer to where I am)
Everywhere you go you can see mountains. On this particular day is was quite cloudy and the mountains on the left there was a rainbow! Very cool! Some of the views you get here are just awesome, including the crowdedness of the cities!

I am really learning to embrace the culture, enjoy the differences, and to learn as much as I can. It truly does (as many of you have told me) make the whole experience so much greater when you learn to appreciate and enjoy the differences!

One side note - I will probably be getting some great exercise because there is so much walking done here and a lot of it is huge hills! :D

A New Beginning

2007-08-26T23:57:00.000-04:00

So here it starts. Yikes!
God has done so so so much and I am so thankful. The promise of Ephesians 3:20-21 has been a tremendous source of strength for me during the preparation in this journey to Taipei, Taiwan. "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen." God truly has done so much more than I asked or imagined. I do believe that He is guiding me in this new step, this new journey, this new beginning. May He receive all the glory and honor and praise!