Hodgepodge of Contemplations

In the midst of the last couple of weeks, there were a variety of happenings but none significant enough to really warrant a blog entry by itself. Hence, this hodgepodge of contemplations for the past weeks. Last night, I watched "Shakespeare in Love". While not intended to be historically accurate, it was believable and very enjoyable. It was somewhat of a tragic romance with some touching moments; and Joseph Fiennes played the part of Shakespeare well. It even inspired me to watch "Twelfth Night or What You Will" as well. It is amazing that Shakespeare's story lines are so timeless; and that he wrote so many great works. For the Memorial Day weekend, I spent it in San Diego, just relaxing, catching some sun, and watching some movies. I did get to watch a couple of the NBA championship semi-final games: LA Lakers vs Denver Nuggets and Orlando Magic vs Cleveland Cavaliers. These games showed me, once again, that the best teams are those that play as a team rather than rely on one superstar. While the Lakers have Kobe and the Cavaliers have MVP Lebron James; I was most impressed by the Orlando Magic with several good players working together as a team. I also had a chance to come up with an outline for the next Bible Study series. I just have to decide what to name it: "Be Not Afraid", "Do Not Fear", "No Fear", "Fear Not"...... It will include passages in Scripture that encourage us not to fear, but instead trust in God, in various areas of life: insecurities, opposition, relationships, wars and natural disasters, hardships, etc. Last week, I was notified that I needed to take care of some overgrown trees and hedges in my backyard. While it has constantly been on my mind, how I was going to go about taking care of this, I realize that I have grown in dealing with things like these. Today, I was able to research some companies, and have scheduled an estimate. It's good to know that I've learned to deal with issues that come up, without allowing them to overwhelm me. While I still feel "alone" in having to deal with this and having to make decisions, I have gained confidence in knowing that I can do it. And, I try to keep in mind that the Lord is always with me. Last week, I also made the first steps in scheduling and going to one of the medical appointments on my "To do" list. Life is busy and throws us curves. I just need to be ready to deal with them; and to prioritize; doing what I can. I am grateful that God is by my side.

Weekend Thoughts

The highlight of my weekend was the Communion service during worship. The youth pastor gave a really good TableTalk of the confessions we make when we come to the LORD's table: 1) that we are sinful, 2) that what Christ did for us is all-sufficient, and 3) that we will share in His glory for eternity. These are the past, present, and future represented through the Lord's supper remembrance. I am truly grateful that my God loved me so much that He would die for me and give me the priceless gift of salvation. What amazing love! Praise God. On Saturday, I had a chance to help paint at COA - Christian Outreach in Action as part of Serve the City. It is always neat to be able to help out and to serve alongside others. There are a lot of needs there; and maybe my Sunday Fellowship class will be able to turn this into an ongoing service project. And yesterday afternoon, I did go to my friend's 40th Birthday Party. It was nice to be able to revisit with friends. I am grateful that the Lord is helping me make noticeable progress in getting out of the pit I feel like I've fallen into since the beginning of the year. I feel like this is an answer to prayer; and I have hope that I will be able to get back up, after having fallen down.

Aftermath

Like the aftermath of a hurricane, I keep finding more destruction left in the path of my previous renter. Just this Sunday, I found out that she had been slandering me to yet another person, who actually came up to me and said that she was glad she didn't know who I was, but did recognize that she had heard only one side of the story. What am I supposed to do? It astounds me that I could try to live my life above reproach; and then, to do all I could to try to help one person and be a friend to that person; only to have her smear my good name with her troubled perspective. Up till now, I've tried not to say negative things about her; and have not done much to try to defend myself. I kept hoping that the truth would eventually prevail; yet, I keep being faced with the pain of being viewed through a misinformed negative perspective by others who have only heard one side of the story. If I don't say anything, these people will never hear my side of the story and will never know the truth. I offer a prayer to God to grant me wisdom to know how best to deal with the destruction. However, I do praise Him that in the midst of the ruins, I am not utterly devastated; and that even if I may never fully rebuild my reputation and good name; my life, at least, will not be smothered in the rubble. I am reminded of the verse in 1 John 3:13 "Do not be surprised, brethren, if the world hates you." My comfort is that God knows my heart; and that He knows that in everything I did, I did out of love and the desire to be obedient to HIM. I trust that the LORD will cause all things to work together for good.

Shekinah Glory

When the elders and leaders were gathered during the Feast of Tabernacles, and the Ark of the Covenant was carried into the Temple prior to the Temple Dedication, 1 Kings 8 tells us that the Shekinah glory of God fills the Temple, a visible representation of God dwelling among us. We are now the temple of God, and He does indeed dwell in our hearts through the Holy Spirit. The passage has several great reminders to me, as I enter God's presence. The columns Jachin ("He establishes") and Boaz ("In HIM is strength") likely reminded all who entered the temple that it is God who establishes and provides strength. The "Sea" basin is a reminder for the need to be cleansed and holy before God; and the smaller basins are a reminder to give offering to God. As Solomon spoke, he gave Praise to God and recognized that He fulfills His promises. The Ark of the Covenant and the Ten Commandment tablets represent the covenant between God and His people, His presence and His relationship with us. Even for us, under the new covenant, we obey and follow His Laws because they reflect the character of God, that which is good and right. Without God, we have no basis for morality; and without absolutes, there are only the dangers of the slippery slope of relativism and social law. In order for the glory of God to continue to dwell among us, we must keep the covenant. I am reminded of the Problem of Divine Hiddenness, which is also alluded to in the Ravi Zacharias book that I am currently reading, Cries of the Heart. Many people have often felt that at times God is hidden or that they don't feel His presence. While we know that God is omnipresent, He may appear to be "hidden" for several reasons. Sometimes it is because we need to hide from God because of our sin, sometimes it is because when we feel that He is hidden, we may search harder for Him, or sometimes we just need to wait for the right timing for Him to reveal Himself to us. I know that God is with me always; and that He dwells within me. May HIS glory shine through my life. Amen!

Mother's Day '09

It was Mother's Day yesterday. I think it is great to set apart a day each year to honor our mom's. My mom has been a great influence in my life as I was growing up, and was the one who brought me up going to church, paving the foundations of my faith. She was also the one to introduce me to music and to the piano; and helped me to develop strength and independence as a woman. She was also the one who first taught me how to cook. Last night, I hosted our family dinner. It turned out fairly well. From Trader Joe's, the Mandarin Orange Chicken was a hit; but, the Coconut Curry Eggrolls will likely not make a repeat showing. The stir-fry vegetables (garlic spinach; and bokchoy, carrots, water chestnuts) turned out fine. The soup (seaweed, crab, and tofu) turned out surprising well. And so did the fish. I usually don't like to cook fish, since the odor stays in the house; but, I'm starting to do it more. With use of ginger and onion, the fish odor doesn't linger as long. As for the sesame chicken noodles, the noodles were really good; but, the chicken didn't turn out too well. I need to learn how to do the chicken better. And, my mom enjoyed the cherry custard tart for dessert. As for Church, I ran the projector for the worship service. One thing that was mentioned in the service; and was also discussed last week in my Sunday class, is that our bodies are the temple of the Living God. This may just be the reminder and motivation I needed to keep working on exercising and staying healthy, despite whatever emotional state I may be in. I trust the Lord to be working in all parts of my life. Holiness includes us in whole - emotionally, physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually.

Fear Not

I've been thinking about this Bible Study series since the year started; but, do not yet have a solid outline of what it should include. In doing this study, what would be the lesson to learn? One of the reasons this became my theme for the year was because I realize that FEAR is one thing that hinders us and holds us back. We saw it in the people of Israel not entering the Promised Land. We saw it in King Saul's army not being able to face Goliath. So, I would think that we could be more effective for God if we all overcome our fears. Dr Gary Smalley, in The DNA of Relationships, even applies this to relationships in that he says problems in relationships stem from core FEARS. He gives the example that going back to the beginning, when the relationship between Adam&Eve and God was broken, they hid in fear of Him. So, we could do a series on different areas of fear. Or, we could focus on all the underlying ways to overcome fear repeated in various passages. I pray that God will reveal to me what I should teach; or even whether or not this can be a study series.

Sunday Worship

Sunday worship yesterday was really uplifting. What a blessing to be part of a Church body; and to be able to worship the LORD! David Klinkenberg played the violin during worship. I've been listening to his music for the last couple of years, ever since I met him, when he opened for Mark Schultz on his concert tour. It was such a blessing to hear him playing at my church. Not only does he play beautifully; but, I truly see his love for God through his music. The sermon on Sunday also spoke to me. My pastor was talking about facing trials and sufferings in our lives through 1) support from other believers, 2) the solid foundation of Christ the rock, 3) expecting and being prepared for them, 4) the quality of our faith, 5) standing firm in the Lord, 6) praising God for victory, 7) intensified prayer, and 8) fruitful growth. God can use trials to display His splendor. It was interesting that at the end of the sermon, my pastor asked that if we were given an eraser to take away any parts of our past, what would be erase? After thinking about it, I realize that I wouldn't change anything, for everything that I've gone through, both good and bad, make up who I am. And, it is often through our most difficult times that we grow the most.