In living out my area of focus so far this year, I've found that I started with my family, which is appropriate since it makes sense. We've spent quite a bit of time together recently; and yesterday, we had a nice time at dinner. I also had a chance to watch the second movie in the Hobbit Trilogy at the Bella Terra move theater with the nice stadium seating. The movie was well-made; and I liked the characters and acting. I especially liked the Tauriel she-elf character - she was a really good fighter and captain of the guard; but, she also showed a kind and caring side. Of course, I liked the Thorin character, though, there was a time in the mountain when he was about to hurt Bilbo that made us wonder whether he really did have the greed that his ancestors reportedly exhibited. The ending however left us hanging a little too much. We knew there would be one more movie in the trilogy; and we can guess that the dragon Smaug will likely be killed by Bard, descendant of the Lord of Dale, with the last black arrow. However, it would be nice if the movie had a little better closure.
It was also nice that I had a chance to take some items to the Salvation Army donation center. It not only helps to clear some clutter but also gives me a good feeling that I am making a contribution to that organization.
At church, we celebrated and gave God glory for the provision of our now completed building. With the addition of the new Multi-Purpose rooms, additional classrooms for children's ministry, riser extension area in the sanctuary, the building is not only beautiful but also functionally useful. In my Pastor's message on "Enlarging the Tent" from Isaiah 54:1-3, he gave five applications:
- God can do miracles even when we face implausible circumstances (e.g. barren women giving birth); and we just just hold it up to God whenever we encounter "surprises"
- God calls us to be thankful and joyful even in times of "desolation"
- God causes His work to flourish in unexpected ways to unexpected levels - the growth is up to God, we just need to trust
- God counsels us to be ready for growth through Enlarging (i.e. stretch), Embarking (i.e. don't hold back), Embracing (i.e. look to new methods to "lengthen our cord"), and Entrenching (i.e. ensure our stakes go deep into the Word to withstand the "winds")
- God empowers His kingdom to spread, so be ready to be stretched
In the OT, they often built altars to sacrifice to God and give thanks. We don't build altars of stone, but we can give offerings on the "altar" of our hearts.
In class, we concluded the Christmas Past, Present, and Future series. We were encouraged to live out our faith by taking up our cross (i.e. dying to ourselves and living for Christ). One passage that stood out was 1 Timothy 6 related to stewardship and keeping the proper perspective on "riches".
There were some things that some people said which encouraged me. My Pastor said he was proud of me for leading a study in Zechariah, because it is not commonly done and because it has some challenges, like its references to end times. Another person said he had a special place in his heart for me and looked forward to getting to know me better.
There were some things that some people said which encouraged me. My Pastor said he was proud of me for leading a study in Zechariah, because it is not commonly done and because it has some challenges, like its references to end times. Another person said he had a special place in his heart for me and looked forward to getting to know me better.
I also had a chance to do shopping over the holiday weekend. I thank God for His provisions and allowing me to see His Hand in "divine intervention". I was able to find what I was looking for on sale. Then, I got a few pieces on clearance that are fun to wear - I already wore the boots and button down. I also wore the Vera Wang blouse I had gotten previously, and it fit well and looked nice. She really does know how to design well.
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