Malachi 2 & 3

In chapter 2, God continues speaking to the priests with a Rebuke.  Their blessings will be cursed and they will be despised and humuliated.  God reminded them of the covenants made with the tribe of Levi, how priests should teach with truth, walk in peace and uprightness, and turn many away from sin.  The people of Judah and Israel have also broken their covenant by intermarrying and worshipping foreign gods; and through divorce.

They have also wearied God by doubting His Justice, saying that God appears to be pleased with those who do evil.   They did not have the right view of God; and were not listening to His message of Rebuke.

6-Oct:  In chapter 3, God responded to the people's questioning of His Justice by first telling them that the Messiah will come first to re-establish the covenant (vs 1 is quoted in Matthew and Mark referencing John the Baptist) and then will return in His Second Coming as a Judge, refining and purifying like Fire and Soap.  God reminds them that He was, is, and always will be Good and Just.  That's why He has not destroyed them despite their sins, and offers them blessings if they would Return to Him in obedience.  God also offers encouraging promises to the faithful Remnant - the He will listen, and that they will be in a scroll of remembrance, be His treasured posession, and will be spared Judgment.  Even though this chapter was a message of Judgment to the People, yet we see the heart of God in the chapter, desiring that they return to Him to re-establish their covenant relationship; and, if they return to Him, God promises to bless them abundantly.

Psalm 121

God has been pointing me to the Psalm 121 passage so often recently that I cannot help but notice, and thought it would be good to note it.  For the longest time, I've had the verse on my computer background wallpaper.  And then, it is also the verse for my calendar this month.  And then, it was brought up in class during one of the studies.  And then, I realized it was part of the lyrics in "Praise You in the Storm" by Casting Crowns.

I don't know what God is trying to tell me, but He certainly has my attention.   I do know that my help comes form the LORD.  At the moment, that's a truth that I've been able to joyfully recognize.   I just hope that this is not preparation for something coming that will require me to lift my eyes from the depths in order to cry for help....   But, no matter what, I know that He is with me.  Amen.

Thrive

I had a chance to go to the Casting Crowns Thrive concert over the weekend.  It was one of the best concerts I've been to recently.  I enjoyed the songs from all of the artists.

Sidewalk Prophets were nice to listen to.  They have a lot of songs that I often hear on the radio and like.

Mandisa was full of energy and seems like she must get a work-out during her concert performances.  Naturally, her most popular and well-known song was Overcomer.

And Casting Crowns is of course my favorite current Christian group; so, I enjoyed their music the most.  I think one of the things that make them so good is that their songs are Scriptually-based, written from their experiences serving with their church youth group(s).  Some things that stuck out from their sharing:

• The picture of the tree for Thrive is one in which the roots go deep so that there is just as much going on below the surface as there is above.  In the same way, our internal depth should be as well established as anything externally
• The reference to the fishing showed that Christ helped the disciples catch a miraculous amount of fish in the beginning of His ministry when He called them, and they chose to follow.  However, after they went back to fishing dejected by the events leading to and following the crucifixion, Christ again helped them catch a miraculous amount of fish to remind them of their calling.  Peter responded by jumping into the water to swim to Jesus

It really was an enjoyable evening of worship at the concert.  I was blessed.

Before the concert, we had dinner at Izakaya Wasa at the Spectrum.  It may have been a little pricier, but the decor was nice and the California Rolls were really good.  The sushi pieces were fine; and it was nice that the combo had green salad, potato salad, and miso soup.  Another nice thing was that because we ate so early, we were only charged the lunch price for the combo ($14.50).

More Life Principles

In April, my small group continued with a few more videos on the "Life Principles" from Charles Stanley:

3-Apr:  #3 "God’s Word is an immovable anchor in times of storm" - Isaiah 40:8 says that His Word stands forever.   The storms in our lives are originated from ourselves, others, Satan, or even ignited by God for a definite purpose.  We can remember that nothing can touch us except thru His permissive Will.   As for why God uses storms?  To get our attention or to get to the sin in our lives.  Storms can either destroy or strengthen us, depending upon how we respond determined by how we view God.  Because His Word is our anchor, when we stop being in His Word, we will DRIFT.  Storms are inevitable, our anchor is immovable.   The Bible is an anchor b/c it is the written record of the revelation of God to us.  God can quiet the storms in our lives like He calmed the storm in the Gospels.  Whatever storm we are going thru, God is at work and we just need to trust.  Without an anchor, the ship will one day shipwreck for one cannot just drift with the current.


8-May:  #25 "God blesses us so that we might bless others" - Eph 4:25-28 and 1 Tim 6:17 were used as reference.  Asking God to bless someone is for God to intervene in their lives for something on their behalf.  When you ask God to bless you, you're asking Him to intervene in a need in your life.  And, unbelief does not changd the eternal truths of God.

29-May:  #29 "We learn more in our valley experiences than on our mountaintops" - Adversity can either be a weighty Burden or a Bridge to a deeper relationship with God.  2 Corinth 12:7-10 (thorn), Psalm 103:19 (He is in control), and Rom 8:28 (all things work together for good) were used as references.  Through our trials we can learn:

• Contentment in midst of adversity (Phil 4:10-11 and 2 Corinth 12:10)

• To experience God's strength in our weakness during adversity (the Lord is my strength)

• That He is the source for all our needs (sufficiency in Christ)

• To trust in the Faithfulness of God  (God can't be anything other than Faithful b/c that is Who He is) 1 Corinth 10:13

• That God values our service more than our desires.  So, rather than take away the adversity for Paul (e.g. shipwreck, beatings, stonings, etc), the Lord chose to equip Paul for service

NOTE:  Jesus knows how I feel as a single for He went thru it HimselfIf I choose the bridge route, I will come out better; but if I choose to soak in self pity, I will miss out.  God strengthens our message (Phil 1:13-15).  See everything as coming from God.  Learn the ways of God (when I think I can't, He gives me the strength and is at work).  He uses adversity to grow us; for you really learn how good God is when the bottom drops out and He shows up.  When others reject us, that's when intimacy w/God is strongest b/c He is always there for us.  Adversity makes us better comforters.  God has a specific purpose for our adversity, so when we go thru it, ask God to reveal His Purpose.  Remember that all God's purposes are good.  God seeks intimacy with use to get to our insides and to allow us to know Him.  For Paul, God had to crush IT (all that he was passionate about before) so the he would love GOD.  We can rejoice in adversity (Phil 4:4).  He created us for relationship mainly with HIM.

Malachi 1

Starting a new Bible Study series in my class feels like embarking on a new journey and looking forward to what is going to be encountered.  We're starting the last book in the OT, both by order and chronologically.   I'm calling the series "Listening for God's Message", in line with strengthening our spiritual senses as we did with the last series, "Looking for God's Hand at Work".   It is important for us to listen for God's message, especially in light of what happens after Malachi... that when God's People refuse to listen, God may stop speaking until they are once again ready to hear, as evidenced by the 400 years of silence after Malachi and before the NT.

Malachi's name means "my messenger", and he was God's prophet about the time towards the end of Nehemiah.   The temple and the wall have been built, BUT the people have backslidden and fallen into disobedience a mere 15 years after the completion of the wall (~430 BC).  So, Malachi is given an "oracle" or heavy message which includes judgment.

However, Malachi 1 begins with God reminding His People that He LOVES them and chose them above Esau/Edom.  He reminds them of the covenant and how He has given them their land as their inheritance.   Yet, they do not give Him the honor and respect that He is due.  They offer defiled sacrifices with attitudes of contempt.   God said He would rather the doors of the temple be closed so that these vain sacrifices would no longer be offered, for they are unacceptable.

The People needed to listen to God's message of LOVE, for if they had recognized how much God loved them, they would in return love Him, obey Him, and want to offer Him their best.   They would honor His Name and worship Him.   In the same way, if we truly see how that God loved us so much that He sent His Son to die for our sins, we should love Him and seek to obey Him and give of our best to Him.

22-Sept:  There was a very important insight that came out of my class study.   The offering of the blemished (blind, lame, sick) sacrifice is no sacrifice at all; because the sacrifice is to symbolize the real sacrifice which is Christ Jesus who died on the cross for our sins.  He was sinless and perfect, so likewise the sacrifice offerings, as stated in the Law, also needed to be unblemished.  This helps show why God took such a strong stand against the defiled offerings.

Hallmark and Other Movies

I've always liked Hallmark movies and others like them, and recently I had a chance to watch quite a few:

• Chance at Romance - This was a sweet romantic movie where the two main characters developed their relationship despite initially unknowingly being set up by the photographer's son.  I liked that the photographer was able to notice Samantha's good qualities.
• Fixing Pete - It was nice to see Pete's transformation and the ensuing relationship that developed with Ashley who was also able to learn to "loosen up" and have fun.
• Christmas Magic - Lindy Booth is a likeable actress, and it was a nice story of how she was able to help a single dad and his daughter.  It just seems like the casting of characters for the dad may have been more effective if they had found someone who would've been a better match for Lindy's character Carrie.
• Lucky in Love - It was nice that the main character was able to find what truly brings happiness and to learn from her mistakes
• June in January - The main character was not very likeable as she turned into bridezilla.  The groom-to-be was very supportive, understanding, and kind but he seemed a bit "stiff". Wes Brown seemed to fit better with Love's Everlasting Courage and Love Begins.
• The Good Witch - I had a chance to watch three of the movies from the series (i.e. the first one, Family, and Destiny); and I really liked them.  I like the main characters; and Chris Potter really comes across as a loving caring person.  It's nice that the family sticks together, even through the challenges.
• Shadow on the Mesa - This was a bit slow moving but Wes Brown is nice to watch in this one.  The Western genre seems to suit him.

3-Oct:

•  Perfect on Paper was such a cute story, it got me wishing I could meet someone like the Coop character.  He had "made it" but gave it all up because he wanted more depth in his life.  He contributed to the life of a local young boy, helped out the community, etc.   And, it did not hurt that this movie had a pretty good looking cast also
• Santa Suit - This was like a revised Christmas Carol where the main character changes his perspective and his company after his learning experience as "Santa".   It was a nice feel-good movie with a happy ending

12-Nov:

• Recipe for Love was a sweetly romantic movie.  It held some extra interest for me, since it also involved some cooking.   I liked how the female lead was able to look beyond the "character" the male lead played and learned the real person underneath; and it was neat how they developed mutual interest for one another.   It was nice to see everything work out at the end for them both.
• My Boyfriend's Dogs - The main character in this movie seemed to just be able to attract guys everywhere she went - work cafeteria, art show, pet store, yoga class....   That's not something I can relate to; but, what I found interesting was to see the interactions.   It was also the age-old tale of the right one just being right in front of her but she never noticed till the end.   It was an enjoyable movie.

12-Dec:  

• A Royal Christmas had a very familiar and predictable plot; but, it was still a very romantic and feel-good movie.  Jane Seymour fits the role of the Queen well, since she does have a very regal air.  The Prince and his "Princess" were a cute couple - they convincingly played characters who truly loved it eachother
• Christmas Under Wraps was also very sweetly romantic.  It made the small town friendly atmosphere very appealing.  Sometimes I do wonder if I would enjoy quaint and simple more than fast-paced and complex.

15-Dec:

• The Christmas Shepherd was a cute story of two people who get together based on a turn of events related to their German Shepherd.  There were touching moments and it was nice how things worked out for them at the end
• The Nine Lives of Christmas - The casting of the main character Zachary worked well, and was convincing.  He was good looking, likeable, and the transition from confirmed bachelor to his being in a relationship was believeable.   I liked how he transitioned from dating vapous model types to a more substantial kind unassuming person.

16-Dec:

• The Best Christmas Party Ever - The casting was good and the main characters were likeable and attractive.  It highlighted caring about people over corporate pressures.

17-Dec:  

• The Christmas Secret revealed itself so beautifully.  It was a great story tying together a really special group of people into a very happy outcome.  The characters were well cast, and I thought the little girl Haley was especially adorable.

23-Dec:

• Northpole - I didn't know I would enjoy this movie so much.  It had all the normal elements of happy ending, growth, sweet romance; but, it also had some witty humor also.  A nice Christmas movie.
• Christmas Comes Home to Canaan was another pleasant surprise.   It really was a feel-good movie; and was even really touching at the end when Bob was able to walk without his crutches.  I liked how the movie showed the benefits of helping others.  And there was even a bit of romance thrown in.  A nice family-oriented movie where they weren't even afraid to show a scene of saying grace before a meal.

30-Dec:

• Angels and Ornaments - I really liked this movie.  It was neat that the "angel" turned out to be the main character's grandfather whose love story with her grandmother was woven throughout the movie.  I liked how the main character's best friend decided to step up and "fight for her"; and how well suited they were with one another.   It really was a nice story.
• The Christmas Ornament - This was another surprise.  The cast of characters were likeable enough; but, what caught me are some really touching lines in the movie, like when Tim says to Cathy about the Christmas tree - to water it, because "even though it's cut down it's still alive" and she says "I can relate to that".   Or, when he says to her that love is not like a bus or a train that comes on a schedule; sometimes you wait all your life for it, and when it comes around, you grab hold of it.

Metro Trip to Union Station

My class took a Metro Trip to Union Station from the Buena Park Station.  It was a good time of fellowship.  We had a group of 18 people and weekend passes were only $10 good for the whole day.

The Union Station architecture is beautiful, reminiscent of that time period.  At the old firehouse we joined a tour around Olvera Street.  It was interesting to hear the history; and it was especially funny to hear the story of the first governor de Neve.  No one knows what he looked like, but when it came time to put up a statue of him, the women romanticized what he looked like, and the statue ended up looking pretty much like one of the Disney princes :-)  We also had a chance to visit the museums around the area.  There was an artist with an exhibit on wood rail art.  The artist really stood out as being extremely joyful and friendly.  We had a chance to eat taquitos; and then ate at Phillipe's.   I had the lamb french dip with the cole slaw.  Then we shared dessert slices of chocolate cream pie, banana cream pie, and peach pie.  It also happened to be the celebration of Mexican independence, so there were a lot of booths, some music and dances, and a parade.

Esther 10 and Conclusion

The last chapter at the end of the Book of Esther starts with an account of King Xerxes's "acts of power and might".   This may be because it shows the contrast between how King Xerxes was in the beginning of the book, wasting away his riches through feasting being surrounded by unwise counsel to now at the end of the book, carrying out his responsibilities building the treasury of his empire now with Mordecai as his second in command.   This contrast brings to mind how Mordecai's life has also changed.   The emphasis that he is a Jew reminds us of how unusual it is for a Jew to rise in power in a Gentile kingdom, but also brings to mind Joseph and Daniel which points to God being behind all this.  Al so, it demonstrates the truth of Psalm 1:1 where King Xerxes is no longer relying on the counsel of astrologers and wicked people like Haman, but now has a trustworthy person like Mordecai.

As we read this passage to see what makes Mordecai "great", it is that he "worked for the good of his people and spoke up for the welfare of all the Jews"  This is a reflection of what God does for His People and shows that he continues to stand up for his people despite being in power in a Gentile land.   Mordecai is described as held in high esteem for his humility and character; which is different from what the world in general looks for in those they consider "great".

So, we conclude this series in the Book of Esther; and it has truly stood out that though God is never directly mentioned, it is clear that His Hand was at Work in all the seeming "coincidences" that culminated in the deliverance and protection of His People.   God's promises are fulfilled, His Timing is Perfect, and He is Just.
The key verse is still Esther 4:14, to essentially answer God's Call when we are placed in positions "for such a time as this".

14-Sept:  It was encouraging that I had a chance to briefly share with my Pastor about today's study

Weddings

Weddings invariably invoke thoughts of marriage and singleness.... But, this one over the weekend had several factors that were different from the usual wedding I've attended.

This one was for a member of the "next generation", my cousin's son.  It reminded me of how time flies.   Our extended families got together so rarely that I feel like I don't even know all that much about my relatives; and realized that I need to make a better effort in trying to connect with them.   This is especially so, in light of the need to be able to point them to the Lord.   This wedding was held lakeside in a country club (interestingly, with the address 8888 Los Coyotes in Buena Park).  The person officiating did not offer any prayers, and there was no mention of God at all.  I really felt a sense of the most important part of the wedding missing.   While their vows and stories of how they met were very personal and helped us to get to know them better; yet, it is sad to hear that when tough times come, it is not to God whom they will turn; nor will they have the benefit of their bond being held together by their faith in God.    Also, in the ceremony, there was no live music and not many observations of common wedding traditions (lighting of candles, wedding march music, etc).  They didn't even have a cake at the reception, and they requested no "boxed" gifts!

However, it was interesting that I sat next to a Christian couple.   I saw them saying grace and started a conversation with them.   The wife was a childhood friend of my cousin's wife.

Aside from my cousins and their families, we didn't really know anyone else at the wedding.  However, it was nice to see that my cousins and the sons I talked to have grown up to be very likeable, conversational, and fairly good-looking.

The "speakers" at the reception were all political or Asian association leaders.  I do consider it more special when the speakers are someone like a pastor of the bride or groom or family, for they would be able to offer better advice than just "the wife is always right, and when she is wrong, it's your fault."

At this wedding, I was maybe more content with my singleness than ever before.   It might be because of the secular nature of the wedding, that it did not inspire me to want that; because I really did not sense genuine joy and love.  I can envision conflicts down the road over normal life, family differences, financial challenges, etc; though I hope not and do wish them the best.

Growth through Stretching

It never really feels that good when we are going through the stretching process; but, once we are able to look back and see the growth, it can sometimes be like reaching the mountaintop.  We know that it was hard getting there, but, we feel a sense of accomplishment for having made it through and learned something in the process.

I have so much to learn in the areas of communication and leadership; but, I can see how far I have come even in just the years I've been teaching my class.   I've had to face responsibilities I did not feel qualified to handle and I've had to deal with challenges I never even imagined having to face.  Yet, God is good and has helped to carry me through and has taught me through it all.

Most recently, I had to deal with a situation regarding concerns over possible false teaching by someone I had never even met.  Through prayer and God's guidance, I was able to talk to the leadership of the ministry where this person is to lead a study.  The ministry leader will evaluate; and I will communicate to the person who raised the concern how this is being addressed and possibly make suggestions for her approach.  Dealing with things like this are never easy; but, it is encouraging to see progress.

Labor Day '14

The Labor Day Holiday weekend this year was pretty much spent "working", but not with work-work.  I did prep and paint; and helped install a storm door.

There is so much work involved with prep - cleaning, spackling, sanding, taping, purchasing, etc.    And the storm door installation took way more time than expected - all day Saturday and a couple hours more on Monday.  This was mainly because the door was not a custom width; and the instructions were really not easy to understand.

However, in between all that, I also did grocery shopping, went to the swap meet, ran projector for all services at church, mowed my lawn, turned in security registration at condo & got new parking decals, etc.

Also, we celebrated my parents' 50th anniversary.   They didn't want a big celebration; so, I just made reservations at a nice restaurant in Irvine Spectrum.   The decor at Capital Seafood was nice, and more importantly, the food was really good.   It was a little pricey (about $100) for dinner, include $2 per bowl of rice!  But, I think it was more special going there than to a familiar restaurant in Monterey Park.   We didn't get a chance to walk around the Spectrum; but, parking was convenient, with the structure right next to the restaurant.  My favorite dish was the Shrimp with Walnut, followed by the BBQ Pork Chow Fun, the Tofu Hot Pot, Seafood Chow Mein, Roast Duck, and Green Bean Beef.