Yes House Thanksgiving

I entrust the Yes House Thanksgiving outreach into God's Hands, and trust that He has used it for His Plans, even if we may not be able to see all the ways.

It was nice being able to spend Thanksgiving cooking with a couple of my friends from the class; and it was wonderful to see how the outreach was a whole class event, with people praying and making financial contributions, and also dropping by throughout the day to provide food for the pantry.

For Thanksgiving Dinner, we made:

• Roast Turkey (used BBQ sauce marinade with onion and garlic; roasted breast-side down in a bag the first half; flipped and then opened up the bag the last half) - turned out fairly moist and tasty
• Glazed Ham - sliced and dressed with pineapple and glaze - turned out okay (may be better to have left the thicker glaze; since the ham juices really diluted the glaze)
• Stuffing - one of the other ladies made this in the crock pot; it was good, but, utilized a lot of work and ingredients
• Sweet Potato Casserole - boiled, peeled, and mashed; then seasoned (used brown sugar instead of honey) - this is like a "staple" now; but what made it nicer was that the ladies arranged the marshmallows beautifully, which enhanced the presentation
• Mashed Potatoes - peeled, cubed, boiled, mashed, then mixed with milk and garlic.   It turned out really well, creamy and fluffy
• Green Beans - just simply pan fried with olive oil, onion, salt and pepper; for some reason, the green beans wouldn't soften, but was fine
• Corn - canned corn seasoned with butter, paprika, cayenne pepper, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper - this is a simple but tasty dish
• Gravy - used turkey drippings and added flour and corn starch - went well with the mashed potatoes
• Cranberry Sauce - boiled cranberries and added brown sugar - the brown sugar gave it a nice taste that wasn't there with honey
• Hawaiian Rolls, pumpkin, and apple pie

All the food turned out really well.  I hope that it was a blessing to those whom it was cooked for.  One of the things that was neat, was that I could see some of the kids wanting to spend time with us in the kitchen.   A couple of the older boys expressed their appreciation for the food and were fun to interact with.   Also, my mom was able to share with the nurses at the hospital that I would come pick her up after I finished, and many of them commented about how good it is to be able to give back and to help the community.

However, there were also a lot of lessons learned.    It was quite disappointing that only less than half of the women who lived in the house were there.   There was so much food.    If we do this again, here are some things that I would do differently:

• Would only have turkey (didn't need the ham, which was also 3x the cost)
• Would cut the food in half   (even with 5 women and 7 children; plus about 5 workers; next time, I would just plan for 10 people rather than 20 - it seems that 1/2 lb turkey per person would be good enough - and we can just count the adults, since the children wouldn't eat that much)
• If I kept two vegetables, would cut the portions in half; so, if planning for 10 people, with two vegetables, can do 5 servings of each (b/c people would put 1/2 the amount on their plates if they take both)
• I'd go with a simpler stuffing recipe, with less prep work
• Would not make hot apple cider.   The residents seemed only to be happy with the Martinelli's; I hope the kids were able to get the juice boxes.
• We ended up having ham sandwiches for lunch; though I forgot the cheese and vegetables that were in the fridge.    Next time, I could figure out something similar based on what is cooked at the time.

Well, it was a learning experience.   And while there were some disappointments and it was a LOT of work put into what seemed like too much for the circumstance; I just trust that God will use it, for our hearts and motives were right, serving him and loving the needy in the community.

Straw that Breaks the Camel's Back

Sometimes I feel like that camel in the picture, and now is one of those times....

My mom is back in the hospital, which indicates that the doctors did not fix the true source of the bleeding last time.  I place her into God's Hands for there is no better place for her to be.  However, it is still disheartening to have gone through everything the last time, thinking she was on the road to recovery; only to find that we have to go through it all again.   And this time, there are some additional things to deal with as well. I just continue to trust God to work all things together for good.

I also have had all the normal things to take care of as well - class, AV, search committee, work, home, etc.   And on top of that, I committed to organizing the Thanksgiving Dinner for the Yes House as well, which has required a lot of planning, shopping, administering, etc.   For awhile, I had already felt on the verge of being overwhelmed, and in some ways, my mom's hospitalization and illness almost feels like the last straw.

However, I know that God is faithful.    There are many people who are praying; and I do feel strengthened by that.    God also blessed me affirming that what I was doing to help my mom last week was useful, that I am providing valuable support for AV (God enabled me to help resolve an issue yesterday in the middle of worship) and that people in class have gained from the study through Acts and enjoyed the video (they even clapped afterwards).   God is all I need.

Book of Acts - Conclusion

 "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."  (Acts 1:8)

It's been an interesting and informative year-long journey through the Book of Acts.  As we conclude the series and look back on all that we have studied, we can see that not only does Acts 1:8 serve as a structural outline for the Book, but, it also shows that the Church today really is just a continuation of the story of the Early Church.   We still have the same Mission and Message, and the Power is still from the Holy Spirit.

Some of the notable events in the Acts narrative timeline are:

• In Jerusalem (Chps 1-7)
• Peter's leadership and ministry
• Pentecost and coming of the Holy Spirit
• Persecution of the Church and Stephen martyred
• Spread of gospel to Judea and Samaria  (Chps 8-12)
• Philip's ministry
• Peter's Vision
• Paul's conversion
• To the "ends of the earth" (Chps 13-28)
• Paul's Ministry and Missionary Journeys
• Jerusalem Council (SALVATION IS BY FAITH THROUGH GRACE alone)
• Paul's Imprisonment and Defenses

Some of the things we can learn from the Book of Acts and the example of the Early Church are:

• The Church to focus on the foundational essentials - TEACHING, FELLOWSHIP, COMMUNION-WORSHIP, and PRAYER  (it was clear that the Early Church was made up of people of prayer)
• Our message should focus on the Resurrection, Salvation, and Jesus as the Messiah, using evidence from Scripture, and being more effective by keeping in mind who our audience is
• Be BOLD in declaring the Good News

What I personally gained from studying the Book were:

•  Knowing the Apostle Paul better - Not only did we see his unwavering singular focus on his calling, we also saw times when he needed encouragement.   He serves as an example of faithfulness to keep going even when encountering all kinds of trials (beatings, persecution, storms, shipwreck, etc)
• Encouragement to seize whatever opportunities to serve God and declare the message, even if we are WAITING - While Paul was imprisoned awaiting release or trial before Caesar, he still continued to be used by God despite his chains
• Reminder of the essentials of declaring the Good News - Christ, resurrection, and salvation
• Emphasis that we need to be filled with the Holy Spirit and that it is through His Power that we effectively witness; and that it is our duty and calling to be His witnesses
• Warning that the Enemy always attacks, especially when we are doing the work of God as the Church
• Reminder that God is sovereign and that His Plans will ultimately be fulfilled - He is constantly at work, even when we may not see it.  He is with us and can cause all things, even persecution, to work together for good
• Seeing that motivation comes from being sure of our calling and knowing that we are walking on His Path

Prayer

My mom continues to struggle with her health;and this week she had one of her worst episodes.   She was admitted into the hospital with excessive internal bleeding.   Fortunately, after surgery, it looks like she is on her way to recovery, albeit slowly.

At times like these, we go through so much, emotionally, physically, mentally, and socially.  In some ways, we feel helpless, because we personally can't really do all that much about the root problem.    However, I did find peace in PRAYER and placing her into God's Hands.

Wondering whether there's more I could be doing constantly runs through my mind; and this is actually a learning experience.    I haven't been through many situations like this, so having to make decisions regarding the hospital, visiting, preparations for her return home after the hospital stay, etc are new to me.   One thing that stood out, that I think is important, is to pray with the person.    I know that pastors and visitation teams do that; and I can see how that it would be one of the best things one can do for a person.

I am grateful for PRAYER - the power of it, the peace and comfort that comes from it, and how through it, God reveals to me practical ways in which I can help or what decisions to make.    I also have comfort in knowing that my Community Group will be joining in prayer as well.

10th Anniversary

My church celebrated our 10th Anniversary yesterday, and it was such a blessing to commemorate what God has done through the church these past ten years. It was neat to review the memories and to see the lives touched and the challenges overcome.  Our pastor gave us the charge, not just to be a greater church, but to be a movement for Christ; that we may make a positive impact not only on our local body and community but also to the world around us.

I am grateful to be part of this Body of Believers, who is focused on God's Vision, who loves the Lord, and who desires to be used by God.   As we spent time sharing thanksgivings, the word HOPE came to mind, as we had just studied it in Acts and it was part of the L.E.A.D. message.   How amazing that we have the HOPE of eternal life with God Who has allowed us to know HIM personally.

Acts 28 - Paul in Rome

Paul finally arrived in Rome, after all these years, thus fulfilling what God had said.  As soon as he arrived at the port, he gave thanks to God for the encouragement he received when invited to stay with some believers and when other believers come from long distances to greet him.

Despite his chains and being under house arrest, he kept his eye on his calling and jumped right into ministry.  Because he couldn't go to the synagogues, he instead assembled the Jewish leaders in his house where he was under guard; and gave his sixth and final defense recorded in Acts.  He identified with them as brothers, stated his innocence as determined in the trials thus far, and pointed to the hope of the Messiah and Resurrection.  The Jews were open to hear his perspective until they became divided when some believed and others didn't.  Paul concluded by quoting from Isaiah that their calloused hearts closed their ears and eyes to the healing that comes through salvation; and that the gospel message has now gone out to the Gentiles as well.

So, the Book of Acts concludes with Paul "[proclaiming] the kingdom of God and [teaching] about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!"

Yet, the story of the Church continues to this day; and we are to carry on the calling to be His witnesses to the ends of the earth.  We should follow Paul's example, and never lose sight of our calling and ministry; and to be ready to be used by God no matter the circumstance.

Hole Perspective

My perspective on the relationship "hole" has shifted.    Since God created us for relationships, I held to the view that we feel the emptiness of the "hole" when it is missing in our lives.   While it is true that God created us for relationships, yet, relationship with Him is sufficient.   It can be found in Scripture that there is no marriage in heaven (e.g. Luke 20:34-35); so, I take that to mean this paticular relationship would not be considered essential.   The primary relationship is the one with God; and the secondary is the one with others.

With no reservations, I say that God's love for me far outweighs any human love I could ever receive.    And, there is nothing on earth I would desire more than HIM. 

So, why do we feel a "hole" when we are not in the kind of relationship that leads to marriage?  That relationship should not be categorized as a "hole" when it is missing; but, rather as an added blessing when it is present.  It is like the other things in life that we want or desire.   Though, it would be nice to have; we are not incomplete without it.

However, the part of feeling the "hole" may be related to the need that we all have to feel loved.   We know that God loves us; but, it's all HIM.  He loves us and was willing to die for us even when we were unlovable.  I have done nothing to deserve that love.

So, we desire to have someone love us and to have that special relationship.   Yet, I think the correct perspective is that God's Love is sufficient; and we can also be loved through our relationships with others. That one special relationship is desirable but it is not essential; and thus should not be viewed as an empty hole that needs to be filled in order to be whole.

HIS Presence

There are some very precious times when I totally sense God's Presence; and today is one of those days.  Lately, I often felt like I was on that ship that the apostle Paul sailed on going to Rome - hitting winds, storms, delays, dangers, and ultimately shipwreck.  Yet, Paul had peace in the midst of that storm because of his faith in God; and I know that in the midst of my storms and even when feeling that I'm being blown off course and things are falling apart, I just need to keep my eyes on HIM.

At about lunch time today, after I had been faced with several challenges and decisions; I just felt so drawn to spend some time in prayer and sitting quietly before HIM.  It was a blessing to enter HIS throne room, and to lay my burdens at His feet.   God started answering almost right away, and I've been able to address some of the things that have been hanging over my head like storm clouds ready to pour down on me.

And then, I received an email from one of our church missionaries to Mexico.   She shared about how she was encouraged to receive the card and worship CD; and how it was perfect timing, for she had a tough day.  That's like a hug from God  (for both of us :-) ), to be encouraged by and to be the encourager to one another.  Isn't God wonderful!

Yes House

My Sunday Fellowship class will have the opportunity to prepare and serve Thanksgiving Dinner at Yes House, a non-profit transitional housing organization for women and children.  God worked out the timing so that I would be able to do it this year, since my family will be away.  May God bless the evening and be blessed by gratefulness to HIM.

I also had a chance to make some asparagus last night that turned out quite well.   I probably wouldn't be using it for the Thanksgiving dinner, since it would fit better in an Asian meal; but, I will file it away for some other time.    I heat up some vegetable oil and added apple cider vinegar.  Then sauteed the asparagus with onions and garlic; added some golden mountain seasoning sauce and sesame oil.  It had a nice light flavor that suited the asparagus quite well.

Comic Book Superhero Movies

I recently watched a run of comic book superhero movies, mainly from Marvel Comics:   Green Lantern, Captain America, Fantastic Four (2), Hulk (2), Batman (2), the X-men series, and Thor.   And in the past, I've seen Iron Man, Spiderman,  Daredevil, and Superman.

In general, what I like about this "genre" is that usually good prevails over evil when the superheros defeat the villains.   Also, typically the superhero(s) have admirable qualities, good character, and integrity.

Of all the ones I've seen, I like the first Fantastic Four the best.   In thinking about it, I'm not absolutely sure why; because many of the movies were quite enjoyable.    I guess, I liked the team working together; and each of the team members were also likeable and relateable.  Also, the relationship between Reed Richards and Sue Storm was sweet and genuine; plus, I really like Ioan Gruffudd as an actor.

I did like the X-men series; and again, it's that appeal of a team working together.   Interestingly, I actually liked Xmen: First Class the best; though Patrick Stewart is an excellent Professor Xavier, in the other ones.

Of the individual superhero movies, Captain America one of the most "feel good" patriotic ones, and Iron Man was very interesting and well-acted from beginning to end.   Dark Knight was the most philosophical and thought-provoking, with some challenges to the typical characteristics of the genre.   For some, like Green Lantern, Thor, and Hulk, the endings were somewhat unsatisfactory.   Some had memorable moments like when Michael Keaton says to a criminal, "I'm Batman"; or touching moments, like when Betty is able to get Hulk to return to his human Bruce Banner side.

Overall, I generally like comic book superhero movies.   Culturally, it's good to have superheros with worthwhile qualities to look up to; and reminders that ultimately good will prevail over evil.