Solvang

Spent the weekend with my family in Solvang.   It's always nice to visit since it is such a cute town.   I just regret having to miss the Bluegrass concert at my church.  However, on Sunday, we did visit TRC - The Ranch Church in Los Olivos.  It is one of the Calvary Chapels, the closest to Solvang.  The music was pretty good - the worship leader and band led well; though, it seemed like the key they sang in made it a little difficult to sing along with.  The message had good depth.  It was on "King David at his Best".  The key points were:

• What was God looking for?  A man after His own heart (1 Sam 13:14); and at David's anointing, we are reminded that the LORD looks at the heart and the Spirit came upon him in power (1 Sam 16:7 & 13).  So, God looks for those who seek Him with all their being.  Just as we cannot give ourselves a heart transplant, so too it is God who changes our hearts spiritually.   Every person no matter the culture has a "discontent" that is a constant reminder that this is not our home
• What did Samuel find?  A man who knew how to trust God (e.g. 1 Sam 17:37 against Goliath).  David knew God would never fail him and was a man who knew how to conquer his fears
• What did Goliath encounter?  A man who knew how to fight.  God equips us for spiritual battle.
• How did David respond?  He believed that God forgave and called him, and he was willing to pay any price to have both.

Over the weekend, we also had a chance to visit Old Mission Santa Barbara.  I was most impressed with the statues in the church depicting Jesus and Mary Magdalene in the post-resurrection encounter.  There were also some nice paintings.  The gardens were also nice to walk around.

On the way and back, Camarillo is a nice halfway point to stop for a rest break.   There's a mall with Target and other stores; as well as the Factory outlets.  We also stopped for dinner at Wing's in Santa Barbara.  While the flavor was okay; but, for the crispy noodles, they use Chung King, which was definitely not what was expected.  Food in Santa Barbara and Solvang is quite a bit more expensive also.  I did want to note that I had a nice fortune in my fortune cookie:  "AN ADMIRER IS CONCEALING THEIR AFFECTION FOR YOU."   If that is the case, I hope he works up the courage to reveal soon....

25-Nov:  Because I was away, I missed my Pastor's sermon on Sunday; but, I just watched it online.  Interestingly, it is very much related to what I have learned about joyful living.   Pastor was talking about thankfulness, and he preached from Philippians, the book of JOY.  This is just further confirmation that a grateful spirit is very much related to the awareness of God's presence in our lives which leads to JOY.  Even in the painful times, so we can give thanks in all things because God is greater than our deepest pain.

This is My Wish

I don't think I had even heard of Kevin Ross prior to listening to the Glade commercial where he sang "This is My Wish".  I only know that he graduated from the Berklee College of Music; but, other than that, don't know anything about him as a person.  Although, in one interview that I read the transcript of, he did mention God a few times.

Nevertheless, I was so impressed with his singing and song-writing skills, based on the commercial alone; that I thought it was worth noting.  His voice is really beautiful, and he has a strong falsetto.  With so many singers out there, it is hard to stand out, yet he does.  I really liked the song and the way he performed it.

I guess I wanted to write about this because there is something about excellence that really catches my attention.  It's something I strive for, though I personally have not reached any of those levels.   Yet, I can certainly appreciate it when I see excellence in others.

Hallways of Life

Came across an interesting and thought-provoking article on crosswalk.com "3 Lessons to Learn When You’re Stuck in the Hallways of Life". The hallways of life are analogies for our transitions when one door closes and before another one opens.  The article says:

• Embrace the Hallways - hallways can be a respite or place of rest before entering the next stage
• Your Worth is Found in Christ - since our worth is not found in whatever "room" the door has closed on, we are "whole" no matter what, even when we are in the hallway waiting for what's next
• What Happens in the Hallway Changes You Forever - the hallway may take patience as we wait for God in His Timing, but the lessons learned during the waiting period can be the life-changing 

While this analogy is interesting, when I considered how this might apply to my life, I actually found that I am not often in the "hallways" of life.  In general, I have just traveled from one room to another without much of a transition.  The article mentioned how not having hallways could result in burnout jumping from one thing to another without rest in between.  So, maybe I need to intentionally insert transitional periods into my life?  The other interesting thought is that most people might consider time in between relationships as a "hallway"; but, for me, it seems that the relationships are more like the transitions between periods of singleness.

Nevertheless, whether or not I have spent much time in the "hallways of life", I have already learned the lessons pointed out in the article - I do intentionally find times of respite or rest, I know my worth is in Christ, and I have certainly grown through times of waiting.

John 3

The John 3 passage with the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus contains what may be the most well-known verse in all of Scripture - John 3:16.    Right after Nicodemus's greeting, Jesus directly started to talk about being "born again", demonstrating that He knew what was in his heart as stated at the end of the last chapter.   This is what Nicodemus, coming to Jesus secretly at night, needed to hear - his need for regeneration and eternal life.  To summarize the conversation would be to give the message of salvation - the barrier to seeing, hearing, and understanding the evidence and testimony is UNBELIEF; eternal life is through BELIEF or faith in Christ only; those who BELIEVE will be regenerated (born again) spiritually, will walk in the light, and have salvation and eternal life.  Amen.

It's interesting and apropo that I will have three weeks to prepare and meditate on this passage.  While it is familiar, there is much theological truth in it, which will be good to take time to ponder and understand.

8-Dec:  This really was such an important passage to study on the doctrine of Salvation.  It helps answer questions like what it means to be "born again" (regeneration, new birth, Spiritual birth and cleansing apart from the physical and sinful nature of the Flesh, something that is fully the work of God); what it means to believe (entrust, have conviction => actions follow knowing); or what it means that Jesus is the Only Begotten Son ("monogenes" => one and only or unique, same essence and nature as God, and beloved or with intimate relationship with the Father).   This passage clearly demonstrates God's LOVE.  It also shows the barriers to salvation - unbelief, sin, etc  (for Nicodemus, salvation by faith alone went against the incorrect notion he was brought up with as a Pharisee of "works")

11-Dec:  After recording the conversation between Nicodemus and Jesus, John the author calls John the Baptist back on the "witness stand" one last time in his Gospel.  Once again, we see that the person whom Jesus said that of those born of women there was no one greater is full of humility, faithfully fulfilled his calling, knew his role, and not only does not bear any jealousy over Jesus's growing ministry but even rejoices in that.  John the Baptist likened his role to the "best man" to the Bridegroom who is Jesus.  He summarized his perspective with "He must increase, but I must decrease"  Wow!  This is because John knew that Jesus was God and testified to the same truth highlighted in the conversation with Nicodemus, that whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; and those who don't has God's wrath remain on them.

We should all have the same attitude in our ministries, that Christ is to be exalted and glorified; but we are to humbly serve, rejoicing in HIM.  And we as believers are witnesses to the Truth, for those who reject the testimony are believing the lies of the Enemy.

Psalm 51

This week, an experience I went through helped me to understand more of what David was saying in Psalm 51 as he asked God to restore the joy of His salvation.   When we sin, it affects our fellowship with HIM.  This year, I have walked closely with the LORD; but, I slipped a little this week related to my thorn, and the resulting disruption to my intimate fellowship with my LORD is not something I want to go through again. It is certainly motivation to stay on the Path and walk in His Ways.  Fortunately, I have been tuned in enough to the Spirit that when I wandered, I clearly knew that I needed to turn back; and I'm grateful for time at communion today to remember the pain and suffering Christ went through in order to save me from my sins, further motivation to seek to be holy as He is Holy.  Amen.

John 2

In this chapter, John presents evidence of signs & miracles and the fulfillment of prophecy.   The first miracle is Jesus turning water into wine.  Mary, out of concern for the wedding hosts, knew Jesus could help but left it to Him.  Jesus displayed his divine creative power by not only creating wine but really good wine.   This brings to mind in Genesis how "God saw all that he had made, and it was very good".  And it also demonstrated His power over time, not requiring the usual amount of time to age wine.  After Cana, Jesus takes time out to spend with family and friends in Capernaum, giving the example of experiencing the joy in living.  Then, in Jerusalem, Jesus cleanses the Temple, fulfilling Psalm 69:9, and when asked for a sign of His authority, cited His coming death and resurrection.  There were people who believed because of the signs; but, Jesus knows our hearts and desires true faith in HIM.

This passage mentions a couple of times how the disciples realized after the fact in hindsight what they did not fully understand at the time it was happening.  This reminds us that there are times we may not understand what we are going through; but, we can trust that God has a Plan.  It may help to be looking out for "signs through which He revealed His glory".

And in the cleansing of the Temple, we are reminded to keep the Temple of the our bodies Holy.  Otherwise, we may need to go through cleansing, such as through fire.

16-Nov:  It was neat how this lesson tied it so well with the sermon message on Psalm 150; that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit and that we were made to worship God.
While the use of the "purification" pots may foreshadow the wine in communion representing the blood of Christ which purifies and cleanses us from sin; the "creation" of the wine and later the bread during the feeding of the 5,000 miracle may also point to the remembrance of Christ's body and blood broken and shed for us

WNO Fall'14

Friday was The Fish's Fall Women's Night Out event.  It was a nice chance to "get out" and spend some time with a couple of friends; and also to listen to some music and hear a message from the speaker.

• Aside from being nice to look at,  David Dunn actually has some pretty good songs that he has written, particularly "Today is Beautiful".   I like the story behind the song that he told, how we can sometimes get so focused on a "problem" that we forget to lift our eyes and see the beauty around us.   His drummer actually stood out, and seemed like he was really good.   David has a nice voice; but, in concert, his voice seemed like it was a little too soft and some of the lyrics were hard to make out.  They said he was on "The Voice" but I don't remember seeing him.
• Johnny Diaz seems like a nice person and has a sense of humor.   However, he just doesn't seem to have "It".   His songs are okay and some of funny; but, they don't stand out.   And he has even said about himself, that his voice sounds like Kermit the Frog.   But, he did remind us that God often uses those who feel inadequate are able to use them for His purposes.
• I hadn't realized the Kim Meeder was the author of "Hope Rising" until I saw the book on the speaker's table.  I remember it being a book full of touching stories from the experiences on her horse ranch.   She shared her life story of her painful childhood.   It's great that she has found healing and has been able to help so many others find healing and hope as well

As for the food afterwards, the pasta was just okay, but the dessert Congo bar was quite good.  It was interesting that we kind of had like a "progressive dinner", getting the dish, dessert, and hot cocoa from three different lines.  It was an enjoyable way to spend a Friday evening.   I even talked to Reborn Cabinets and entered a drawing.   It would be nice to win a kitchen remodel.

I had actually taken all of Friday off, though I did have to check email a couple of times.  It was nice to have some time off to take care of things like going to the bank, post office, grocery shopping, etc.    That freed up my Saturday to just go jogging and then yardwork.  I was able to finish mulching.   I also worked AV this weekend, taught class, caught the Cup of China Figure Skating, and did some shopping.  It was a fairly full but blessed weekend.

Thanksgiving'14

There is much to be THANKFUL for.  Today, I received a newsletter from my missionary friend, and it reminded me to count my blessings as she talked about all that she was thankful for.

• I thank God for teaching me the keys to joyful living, part of which is related to having a grateful spirit
• I thank God for helping me to "juggle" so much in my life without too many balls falling
• I thank God for helping me to "love others" more this year
• I thank God for allowing me to start my remodeling projects this year and for the changes that have been completed

25-Nov:  In planning and shopping for Thanksgiving dinner, I've decided on the following:

• Turkey - my brother will be smoking the turkey (Yum! :-) ) and making Cranberry Relish
• Lamb Stew
• Yams with Marshmallows
• Roasted and Mashed Potatoes to be served with gravy or lamb mushroom red wine reduction
• Green Bean Casserole
• Kale and Corn
• Stuffing
• Rolls

My brothers will be bringing desserts, my parents pumpkin pie, and I have ice cream.

I thank God for His provision.

3-Dec:  Thanksgiving Dinner was good.   I, of course, planned more dishes than I was able to actually cook:

• Smoked Turkey - was good; but much of it was not quite done; so afterwards, I ended up boiling most of it for soup base and porridge
• Cranberry Relish - was okay; but, I ended up using it in a salad
• Cranberry Sauce - was good, but I thought it was a little too sweet
• Lamb Stew - took a lot of work; marinated, braised, boiled, de-boned, fat removed after solidification, pan-fried carrots, potatoes, pan-fried lamb meat with tomato sauce and other flavoring, and then put together with the broth and simmered till done.   Served over a parsley rice. (NOTE:  Actually the pan-fried lamb meat tasted best by itself, before combining with other ingredients and broth which caused it to lose some of its flavor)  
• Yams - pureed, seasoned, and broiled with topped marshmallows.  This turned out well.
• Green Bean Casserole - Just poured cream of mushroom with milk, soy sauce, cooked green beans and French's Fried Onion; baked, and then sprinkled with more French's Onion and browned.  This was fairly simple.   I just never really liked the creamy sauce as much.
• Stuffing - used a honey oat bread and baked cubes; mixed with celery cooked in butter with herbs; then baked.  It didn't seem to be "soft" enough.   I kept adding broth.   It was okay.
• Mashed Potatoes - steamed peeled and cubed pototoes; mashed; and added butter, roasted garlic, and herbs
• Gravy - heated store-bought turkey gravy, but also make a red wine reduction with some lamb broth.  Both were pretty good
• Rolls - had Hawaiian rolls and a Onion Jalapeno bread which was quite popular
• Apple Cider - made in the slow cooker; used two bottles which were almost all gone
• Dessert - family brought pumpkin pie, baklava, and finger desserts

I ran out of time, and did do the corn and kale until later in the weekend.  Boiled the corn, de-husked, and then pan-fried with butter and cayenne pepper.   Really good!  Also sauteeed kale with onion and herbs.  Used the rest of the celery and mushroom in a vermicelli which was also good.

Overall, it was quite a lot of food.   But, my main leftovers are just the soup base from the turkey bones.

I did get to share, just with my brothers, what I learned about finding joy.   Hope they will benefit from what I had learned also.

Food

Lately, I haven't really spent a lot of time cooking; and it's been awhile since I've hosted because of all the remodeling.  But, there have been a few dishes worth noting:

• A couple of weeks ago, I made a vermicelli dish with tofu, a bitter green, and an unknown Vietnamese herb.  The greens were quite bitter, and the herb had a pretty strong uncommon taste.  But, I mixed in a lot of different sauces - sweet & hot, ginger shitake soy, oyster, etc and the outcome was a dish that actually made me want more as I continued eating.  I would definitely consider making it again, and maybe with a less bitter green
• Yesterday, I made a turkey vegetable stew, which smelled great.  The turkey broth was made from turkey legs that were roasted with lemon and herbs.  After skimming the fat, used the broth for the base of the stew which consisted of red potatoes, carrots, celery, kale stems, green onion, and garlic.  It is quite satisfying and the added pieces of turkey meat make quite a difference.
• I also pan fried chipotle sausages with celery mixed with salsa.  It was flavorful, and will be served over rice or pasta

Weekend Wedding

This weekend, a couple from my class got married.  It was actually quite a contrast from the last wedding I attended.  This one was more "casual", in my church, surrounded mostly by relatives and people from church and class, but with only the bride and groom in the wedding party; as opposed to my cousin's son's wedding which was quite formal and extravagant, lakeside at a resort, surrounded by young friends of the couple I didn't know with a large wedding party with many bridesmaids and groomsmen.  

Needless to say, I enjoyed being at this one more, mainly because God was "invited".   We were in "God's House", we talked to Him in prayer, He was mentioned in the message by the pastor marrying the couple, and even the reception napkins had verses or praises/thanksgivings to God.  While this wedding most likely cost less, I thought is was more special.

If I were to find one word that best describes the wedding, it was "personal".  The bride's brother officiated, and he infused several remarks that expressed love, affection, protection, and humor.   And at the dessert reception were home-baked cookies using the bride's mom's and friend's recipes.  They also had some icees that were so good!

Since the wedding was at my church, it gave me a chance to think about some of the elements I would or wouldn't like, if I were ever to get married in my church.   This is like the fourth wedding I've attended at my church, and they were all quite different:

• I definitely would not want mine to be too casual
• I would have at least a maid of honor (especially to hold the flowers and straighten the dress) and best man (to carry the rings) in the wedding party
• Music is very important, especially to clearly indicate entrances and exits, so it would be clear to the guests; and because music can really convey emotion and make the ceremony more special
• It is nice to have other elements in the ceremony besides just the vows and ring exchange - I would like a special couple to maybe read Scripture and offer a prayer
• Communion is nice; but, seems strange to leave the guests out
• Quite a bit of decorations are needed, otherwise the platform looks quite empty
• At the reception, it is nice to introduce family members and relatives so that other guests would know
• I would probably fill the multi-purpose room, since the area by the "fireplace" is too small
• For the reception, it would be nice to offer more than just desserts, like to have other hors d'oeuvre or even enough food for a meal
• Invitations are important - at this one, many didn't even know the exact time and were unclear about RSVP
• Programs are nice, or at least some take-home momento of the occasion