It amazes me that we are celebrating another new year. My last blog was dated March 2012 almost two years ago. Time sure does fly.
I think about what this year has meant to me. God's grace and mercy was evident throughout the year. I have three healthy girls. Each have their distinct talents and personality. Each have their way of making me smile. What a blessing.
A few days ago, I woke up later than usual because it was our Christmas break. But as I opened our hallway door and entered into our dining room, a pungent smell of gas permeated the air. It turns out that one of us had bumped into the knob of our gas stove and inadvertently turned it on. Gas had been leaking from 8:00pm - 6:00am. But the gas did not make it to us; it did not make it past the closed hallway door. But it wasn't the door that kept us safe throughout the night. It wasn't the door that allowed us to wake in the morning. It was the loving protection of our Heavenly Father.
It makes the celebration of the new year even more meaningful - to not take family for granted - to not take safety and life and peace and joy and air and every breath for granted. I shared with my kids that it would have been a great surprise to wake up in heaven - but what a blessing it is to be allowed to be used by God another day on Earth.
Thank you Lord for this year. Thank you for my kids, my husband, my family and friends, my job, the house you've given us, the car that continues to run. Thank you Lord for your Son, for salvation and redemption. Thank you for your provision and protection.
NEW YEAR's WISH LIST
1. Experience Disney World with my kids
2. Lose 50lbs.
3. Meet George W. Bush
4. Own my own restaurant
5. Put a new coat of paint on my house/ inside and out.
Monday, December 30, 2013
Friday, March 9, 2012
Jacqueline's Message
The 6th graders of Saint Paul Christian School ran the Middle School Chapel today. From worship to special numbers to the message, the kids did an awesome job.
Below is the transcript to Jacqueline's message.
Below is the transcript to Jacqueline's message.
Hi,
my name is Jacqueline.
I
was practically raised here at Saint Paul Christian School. My mom use to be
the principal of the school, and I was only a few months old when she brought
me to work with her everyday. Both my
parents are associate pastors of the Saint Paul Assembly of God Church. So pretty much I was born and raised in a
Christian family – and because of this, I thought I was saved, and I assumed I
knew God. I attended a school where we
had Bible everyday and Chapel every week.
I attended church every Sunday and went to Sunday school. My parents held Bible Study every week at our
house – I was with them every time they attended a church meeting, did a church
outreach, attended prayer services, revival meetings – you name it, I was there
with my parents.
My
grandma, my mom’s mom died of small-cell lung cancer when I was only three
years old. Even at that young age, I
knew how deeply this hurt my mom. I
would see her cry – and many times she would tell me how much she missed her
mom. But my mom often would say, its
okay because we will see her again.
Grandma knew Jesus so she is with him.
I understood this - but not really.
I understood it because I heard about heaven enough to know that it
existed – like some distant land somewhere – but I didn’t really
understand?
When
my younger sister was born, I would often hear my mom say longingly that she
wished grandma could have met Jamie. The
sadness in my mom’s voice made me wonder why would God take my grandma away
–she didn’t get a chance to see my sister and I never got the chance to know
her. I just couldn’t see how God fit
into the whole thing. So I continued to
go to church with my parents and I continued to give the correct answers in
Bible class. My mom would remind me to
read my bible and pray before going to bed.
But truthfully, I didn’t understand what it meant to have a relationship
with Jesus. I just went through the
motion and did whatever my mom and dad told me to do.
When
I was in first grade, I remember saying the sinners prayer and giving my heart
to God. I was told that God loved me and
that Jesus died on the cross for my sin. But I still didn’t get my mom and dad’s faith
– They always told me that I should talk to Jesus because He’s my best
friend. I’m thinking I pray – what are
they talking about? I can hear my mom at
times – when she’s driving us to school – talking to Jesus as if he’s in the
car with us – then she would remind me that he is – he’s in the car and he’s
always with us. Hmmm?
Last
year, I started to understand a little more about God – how he isn’t somewhere
in a distant land – that he is here – he is with me. I started attending the evening services
where Pastor Eva preached about the Holy Spirit – I wanted the Holy Spirit in
my life because I wanted to get closer to God.
I was prayed over, and the Holy Spirit touched my heart. I asked my mom if I could get baptized – I
wanted everyone to know that I was going to commit my life to God.
Then
my grandpa, my mom’s dad got sick with cancer too. I thought, oh no, here we go again. God, why?
I don’t understand. Why would you
take my grandpa away? Well, on October
5, 2011 my grandpa died. Around the time of his funeral, I started to feel
uneasy. I realized that our life is not guaranteed and that we can go at any
time. I also became unsure that if God
were to come again? - would I be ready? – Would I be left behind? I decided it
was time to get serious with God and completely give my life to Him. A
few weeks before my grandpa died, Mr. S.A gave us a memory verse – Jeremiah
29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to
prosper you and not to harm you. Plans
to give you hope and a future.” That
gave me peace – like I didn’t need to fully understand what was going on – but
that I just needed to trust that God loved me and that was all that mattered.
Giving
my life to God didn’t make me perfect. I
still make a lot of mistakes and make poor choices at times. But I am certain of God’s love for me – it is
never failing – it is unconditional. And
because I have placed my trust in him – I have called Him my friend – I have
made a decision to get to know him more and more each day. I am certain I will see my grandma and my
grandpa again – just like my mom said. I
understand this now. You see - the night
before my grandpa’s funeral – I shared with God how I had missed my grandpa – I
shared with God how this death and heaven thing was confusing and scary for
me. And that night, I fell asleep and
dreamt that I was here at the church. In
my dream, I was giving my eulogy and started to cry so I ran downstairs and
into the parking lot. All of a sudden, I
saw my grandpa – he was walking – he wasn’t in his wheelchair, he looked
strong, healthy, and younger – like his old pictures. He didn’t say anything – but the man standing
next to him did – he said, your grandpa is doing very well – he is okay now. My grandpa then smiled at me and touched my
shoulder. It was then that I realized
that the other man was Jesus. I woke up
and realized that God was reminding me that this world is temporary – there is
another place and my grandpa is there and he is well.
That
was a big turning point for me. Since
that day, I have come to a better understanding that I need Jesus. Our time here on earth is not certain and
there is not a good time for me to be living without him. So today, I want to encourage all of us to
realize we need Jesus. The Bible says,
“For all have sinned a fall short of the glory of God.” “For the wages of sin is death – but the gift
of God is eternal life.” But like all
gifts, it is up to us to accept it.
Accept Jesus’ gift today – and ask him into your life.
Thank
you.
Friday, February 10, 2012
Dates on a Dime
The week of February 7 - 14 is National Marriage Week. I think this is great. A successful marriage takes a lot of work, but often this much-needed-attention gets placed on the back burner. We get caught up with the daily grind - work, family, projects - and the list can get pretty lengthy with our spouse's names at the bottom.
Once upon a time, there was a generation that lived where this was okay because commitment to one another was all it took to stay together "until death". But in this generation, the likelihood of that happening is about 50%. We can see that the next generation will probably see that percentage shrink further.
Studies have shown that couples who date each other have the resolve to make things work. And those who date each other regularly, have a stronger bond with one another. Here are some date ideas my husband and I came up with. It caters to those with a tighter budget. But we also tend to think these are the more romantic ones.
Date #1: Romance on a Rooftop: Climb onto your rooftop with a blanket, a radio, and some snacks. Watch the sunset, watch the sunrise, or gaze at the stars. Its a great romantic getaway. And the view is awesome.
Date #2: Driveway theater: Pop a big bowl of popcorn and grab a couple of sodas. Pull out the sofa and the tv set from the living room and on to your driveway. Pop in a video. Or if you are more into streaming videos through Netflix or Hulu - then by all means use a computer. I have an imac 21" screen so this is ideal for a great drive way theater.
Date #3: An Island Photo Tour: Take a drive around town (or in my case around the island). Make some stops along the way for photo opportunities. Yes, act like tourists on vacation in your hometown. Then download the photos and create a digital scrapbook together of your day on tour.
Date #4: A McRomance Night: Get dressed up to the nines - the fancier the better. Place a nice table cloth and a nice floral arrangement over a table at your nearest McDonalds or favorite fast food restaurant. Order from the dollar menu. Yes, you'll probably have people staring at you but you won't notice them as you stare into one anothers' eyes. Create silly Q&A index cards about one another for funny discovery discussions.
Have fun with these. If you have others you'd like to share, please feel free to add. I can't wait to see what some of you will suggest - perhaps we will run into each other in some of these great romantic get-a-ways.
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Simple Truth of Obedience over Sacrifice
Last week, a friend shared with me that a friend of hers had been unhappy with her church. They still wanted to follow God and felt that they were on a journey to a deeper walk with HIM. I listened, but I was a little bothered by what was being said. The desire to move on seemed justifiable - the way it was presented to me. They didn't feel like their church was meeting their needs and wanted to move on to some place else that would satisfy their new found hunger for the Lord. Made a lot of sense - but at the same time it didn't.
Just a week before, I was in a similar conversation about another individual who spoke about their church in a like manner. A different individual about a different church in a different state - hmmm?.?. This particular church had recently undergone some difficulties. Their previous pastor - a charismatic man whose passion for God grew programs within the church, lead numerous mission trips to Asia, and mentored many young men and women who now serve in the ministry - was caught in an adulterous relationship with a member of his congregation. When confronted, he decided to leave his wife, kids, and ministry and continued his relationship with the other woman. The church was devastated and a new pastor was sent to replace this "once so highly regarded" man - a man so "well packaged" on the outside. It was a difficult year for the now fledgling church. The new pastor, in spite of his fervor for God, did not emit the same "ump" as the previous. He is mono-tone and dry - according to this individual. As she spelled out her wish to leave, she expressed that several others had already done so - "doesn't the guy get it? Why doesn't he have a clue that people don't want to listen to his boring exhortations?" she exclaims. She continued to say, "if he's not gifted in that area - shouldn't he step down?"
My heart sank as I listened to her. I visited this church a couple of times. I've heard the current pastor speak. He really wasn't a dynamic speaker - there were no funny ad libs - there were no personal touches that would bring about the idea that he could relate to me. I could go on through a list of things that was faulty in his delivery. But this man was a man after God's own heart - and so I felt compelled to pray for him as he faced the mountain of having to bring this church through the journey of healing. I felt bad for him because I wasn't sure he had the support he needed - felt bad because I knew he loved God and was desperate to get the church back into the right track - but struggled to do so. I could see that he knew he was disconnected, he had a long ways to go, and that he also struggled with the feelings of defeat. I sensed it in him when we shook hands after service.
After my friend shared with me her issues, she asked if it was wrong for her to leave and find another church. She was surprised to hear me say, yes. It was a surprise for me too - I didn't know what was going to come out of my mouth next. I went on to say, God placed your pastor there so it is for no one else to remove him. God tells us to honor our leaders and leaving the church does not do that. I would rather follow a slow speaker who is sincere in his walk with God than a dynamic charismatic one who's selfish desire superseded his love for God to the point of destroying his family. I reminded my friend that Moses was not a great speaker - but God chose him to lead HIS people. I reminded her that God chose David instead of his stronger and more seasoned older brothers to lead Israel - that God looks at the heart and sees what we don't see. I encouraged her not to leave - but to stay and pray for her pastor, her church, and to seek God to use her where He wants to. I reminded her that it is better to obey - and God told us to honor our leader - to not forsake the assembly of the saints.
Perhaps we view church the wrong way - church is where we offer sacrifices unto God - where we go to worship Him - where we go to honor HIM and declare to all who sees that HE is our God. We have been led to believe that church is where we go to get served. Don't get me wrong - we usually feel full and served in church - but that's just the added bonus. We are created to bring glory to God - he just blesses us with added extras - but that's entirely up to HIM.
So, if you ask me if you are justified in leaving your church - you won't like my answer - so don't ask. You can create a list of "whys". But you still wont like what I have to say about it. The bottom line is this - your not happy with your church because you are not obedient. Hard words. Easy for me to say - I'm happy with my church. But I'm happy because I've seen many speakers and heard many critics - and I've continued to see the church grow not because of the speaker but because of the Holy Spirit - because of the prayers of the saints - and because of the leaders passion for God.
At the church I go to - there was one speaker who was so dry - often loses his point - and comes across as legalistic sometimes. But he's passionate about God - and several years later - many testified that it was because of him that they were able to recite scripture and have gone on to serve within the church. There is another speaker who spoke with such heavy accent that many could not understand his words, but people were compelled to come listen to him every week and they brought others - years later, many testified that they've been used to plant other churches and now serve as pastors in those churches. There is another speaker who was often told that his messages were too positive - can you imagine that?!? - I guess there are those who need the "hell fire and brimstone" kind of messages. But if I had left the church because the pastor was too dry, spoke with too heavy an accent, or was too positive - I would have missed out on what God was trying to work in my own life. I would have missed out on GOD. It's not the pastor's responsibility to save - that's God. It's not the pastor's responsibility to bring about change in my life - that's God. The pastor's responsibility is to be obedient to God. And to be obedient is better than sacrifice.
I don't think that hearing about these two separate individuals express their desire to leave two different churches within two weeks time is a coincident. I think more will be compelled to leave their churches in the days to come - it's in the Bible. But here's what we need to consider - as God is cleaning up His house to prepare for the end - do we want to be the ones left standing or the ones who had been blown by the wind. We need to pray for our pastors - they are fighting a great fight that God has already won. We need to pray for our church leaders - so they will stand on God's word and know and do what is right. We need to pray for our family - that we will stand and serve the Lord - and that is why we go to church.
Just a week before, I was in a similar conversation about another individual who spoke about their church in a like manner. A different individual about a different church in a different state - hmmm?.?. This particular church had recently undergone some difficulties. Their previous pastor - a charismatic man whose passion for God grew programs within the church, lead numerous mission trips to Asia, and mentored many young men and women who now serve in the ministry - was caught in an adulterous relationship with a member of his congregation. When confronted, he decided to leave his wife, kids, and ministry and continued his relationship with the other woman. The church was devastated and a new pastor was sent to replace this "once so highly regarded" man - a man so "well packaged" on the outside. It was a difficult year for the now fledgling church. The new pastor, in spite of his fervor for God, did not emit the same "ump" as the previous. He is mono-tone and dry - according to this individual. As she spelled out her wish to leave, she expressed that several others had already done so - "doesn't the guy get it? Why doesn't he have a clue that people don't want to listen to his boring exhortations?" she exclaims. She continued to say, "if he's not gifted in that area - shouldn't he step down?"
My heart sank as I listened to her. I visited this church a couple of times. I've heard the current pastor speak. He really wasn't a dynamic speaker - there were no funny ad libs - there were no personal touches that would bring about the idea that he could relate to me. I could go on through a list of things that was faulty in his delivery. But this man was a man after God's own heart - and so I felt compelled to pray for him as he faced the mountain of having to bring this church through the journey of healing. I felt bad for him because I wasn't sure he had the support he needed - felt bad because I knew he loved God and was desperate to get the church back into the right track - but struggled to do so. I could see that he knew he was disconnected, he had a long ways to go, and that he also struggled with the feelings of defeat. I sensed it in him when we shook hands after service.
After my friend shared with me her issues, she asked if it was wrong for her to leave and find another church. She was surprised to hear me say, yes. It was a surprise for me too - I didn't know what was going to come out of my mouth next. I went on to say, God placed your pastor there so it is for no one else to remove him. God tells us to honor our leaders and leaving the church does not do that. I would rather follow a slow speaker who is sincere in his walk with God than a dynamic charismatic one who's selfish desire superseded his love for God to the point of destroying his family. I reminded my friend that Moses was not a great speaker - but God chose him to lead HIS people. I reminded her that God chose David instead of his stronger and more seasoned older brothers to lead Israel - that God looks at the heart and sees what we don't see. I encouraged her not to leave - but to stay and pray for her pastor, her church, and to seek God to use her where He wants to. I reminded her that it is better to obey - and God told us to honor our leader - to not forsake the assembly of the saints.
Perhaps we view church the wrong way - church is where we offer sacrifices unto God - where we go to worship Him - where we go to honor HIM and declare to all who sees that HE is our God. We have been led to believe that church is where we go to get served. Don't get me wrong - we usually feel full and served in church - but that's just the added bonus. We are created to bring glory to God - he just blesses us with added extras - but that's entirely up to HIM.
So, if you ask me if you are justified in leaving your church - you won't like my answer - so don't ask. You can create a list of "whys". But you still wont like what I have to say about it. The bottom line is this - your not happy with your church because you are not obedient. Hard words. Easy for me to say - I'm happy with my church. But I'm happy because I've seen many speakers and heard many critics - and I've continued to see the church grow not because of the speaker but because of the Holy Spirit - because of the prayers of the saints - and because of the leaders passion for God.
At the church I go to - there was one speaker who was so dry - often loses his point - and comes across as legalistic sometimes. But he's passionate about God - and several years later - many testified that it was because of him that they were able to recite scripture and have gone on to serve within the church. There is another speaker who spoke with such heavy accent that many could not understand his words, but people were compelled to come listen to him every week and they brought others - years later, many testified that they've been used to plant other churches and now serve as pastors in those churches. There is another speaker who was often told that his messages were too positive - can you imagine that?!? - I guess there are those who need the "hell fire and brimstone" kind of messages. But if I had left the church because the pastor was too dry, spoke with too heavy an accent, or was too positive - I would have missed out on what God was trying to work in my own life. I would have missed out on GOD. It's not the pastor's responsibility to save - that's God. It's not the pastor's responsibility to bring about change in my life - that's God. The pastor's responsibility is to be obedient to God. And to be obedient is better than sacrifice.
I don't think that hearing about these two separate individuals express their desire to leave two different churches within two weeks time is a coincident. I think more will be compelled to leave their churches in the days to come - it's in the Bible. But here's what we need to consider - as God is cleaning up His house to prepare for the end - do we want to be the ones left standing or the ones who had been blown by the wind. We need to pray for our pastors - they are fighting a great fight that God has already won. We need to pray for our church leaders - so they will stand on God's word and know and do what is right. We need to pray for our family - that we will stand and serve the Lord - and that is why we go to church.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Saying I'm Sorry
This is a poem
MOM, I'm Sorry by Jacqueline Nishihira (November 14, 2011)
Mom, I'm sorry sincerely
I love you so dearly
You're really important to me.
My bad attitude
and my sour-face mood
just got the best you see.
I really am trying
to change, I'm not lying
A good person I'll be
Just for you.
Mom, you're the best
and you know the rest
I just really really
Love you.
MOM, I'm Sorry by Jacqueline Nishihira (November 14, 2011)
Mom, I'm sorry sincerely
I love you so dearly
You're really important to me.
My bad attitude
and my sour-face mood
just got the best you see.
I really am trying
to change, I'm not lying
A good person I'll be
Just for you.
Mom, you're the best
and you know the rest
I just really really
Love you.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
LAUGHTER
Laughter has always been a part of my life so I guess I took it for granted that laughter was a given in everybody's life - its like breathing. But the past few years have caused me to ponder that perhaps the world population is not naturally jovial. I use to work in a place where everyone loved to laugh - it made the rough work week go a lot faster - and everyone enjoyed coming to work. (It should be noted that the only reason why I needed to quit my job was so that I can devote more time to my kids.) It amazed me that this kind of mentality is not normal in all work places. This is probably why its become a rarity to receive great customer service.
A few years back, a good friend of mine once told me that he liked me because I laughed a lot. I thought it was a strange compliment but a compliment is a compliment - so I simply said, "thank you". I grew up in a home that was always filled with people - I have seven brothers and sisters - so laughter was a given. We never had to put any thought into it - whether the day was good or bad - there was always something to chuckle about.
I visited a school campus once and found their main office to be immaculate and quiet - there was an absence of chatter and laughter. The obsessive compulsive nature in me enjoyed the peace for about fifteen minutes. Then the Christian educator in me started to wonder how this can be good for ministering to our youth who lead troubled lives in very disruptive homes. I spoke to the administrator at the time about the work place, trying to carefully make it sound like a compliment that his campus is quiet and tidy and mine was noisy and filled with commotion (I didn't use laughter and joy but that's what I meant when I said commotion.) He nodded but then he noted how laughter was important which was why he and his wife made it a point to purposefully laugh every morning. Hmmmm. Purposefully???? - Really???? That was pretty interesting to me because I never had to purposely laugh for anything. But I'm beginning to learn that some people do.
Someone once asked how we could laugh when a loved one dies. I simply stated, "how could we not?" If we know Jesus as our Lord and Savior, then we know He is in control - so our joy should abound. If we know Jesus is the only Way, Truth, and Life, then we know that this world is temporary and the life hereafter is the one we look forward to - and our loved one is now in a better place for all eternity.
Last week, my brothers, sisters, and my dad's wife buried my dad. The last few weeks of my dad's life was hard - he was in a lot of pain - but he never failed to laugh and crack jokes. He wasn't perfect - during many of his painful episodes, he yelled and grumbled and got angry. But during those times, we would laugh and tease him and this helped to redirect his attention from his discomfort and he would start joking around again. This was the legacy my dad left to all his kids and grandkids - the legacy of laughter. The last few months of my dad's life - we were constantly by his side and he was always surrounded with laughter. Laughing was not a show of coldness or carelessness but rather it was a sign of strength and knowledge that only comes with having a sense of security in knowing who you are and who you belong to - and we belong to God.
I've come to realize that there are many who go through several days without laughing. I can't imagine going through a single day without laughter... Back track a little... not to go give away the identity of anyone I will be vague and not list them in any particular order in regards to the three who thought that my natural habit of laughing was an unusual pleasantry. Well one lost his job, the other went into depression, and the other is currently facing marital difficulties.
Proverbs 17:22 says, "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."
A few years back, a good friend of mine once told me that he liked me because I laughed a lot. I thought it was a strange compliment but a compliment is a compliment - so I simply said, "thank you". I grew up in a home that was always filled with people - I have seven brothers and sisters - so laughter was a given. We never had to put any thought into it - whether the day was good or bad - there was always something to chuckle about.
I visited a school campus once and found their main office to be immaculate and quiet - there was an absence of chatter and laughter. The obsessive compulsive nature in me enjoyed the peace for about fifteen minutes. Then the Christian educator in me started to wonder how this can be good for ministering to our youth who lead troubled lives in very disruptive homes. I spoke to the administrator at the time about the work place, trying to carefully make it sound like a compliment that his campus is quiet and tidy and mine was noisy and filled with commotion (I didn't use laughter and joy but that's what I meant when I said commotion.) He nodded but then he noted how laughter was important which was why he and his wife made it a point to purposefully laugh every morning. Hmmmm. Purposefully???? - Really???? That was pretty interesting to me because I never had to purposely laugh for anything. But I'm beginning to learn that some people do.
Someone once asked how we could laugh when a loved one dies. I simply stated, "how could we not?" If we know Jesus as our Lord and Savior, then we know He is in control - so our joy should abound. If we know Jesus is the only Way, Truth, and Life, then we know that this world is temporary and the life hereafter is the one we look forward to - and our loved one is now in a better place for all eternity.
Last week, my brothers, sisters, and my dad's wife buried my dad. The last few weeks of my dad's life was hard - he was in a lot of pain - but he never failed to laugh and crack jokes. He wasn't perfect - during many of his painful episodes, he yelled and grumbled and got angry. But during those times, we would laugh and tease him and this helped to redirect his attention from his discomfort and he would start joking around again. This was the legacy my dad left to all his kids and grandkids - the legacy of laughter. The last few months of my dad's life - we were constantly by his side and he was always surrounded with laughter. Laughing was not a show of coldness or carelessness but rather it was a sign of strength and knowledge that only comes with having a sense of security in knowing who you are and who you belong to - and we belong to God.
I've come to realize that there are many who go through several days without laughing. I can't imagine going through a single day without laughter... Back track a little... not to go give away the identity of anyone I will be vague and not list them in any particular order in regards to the three who thought that my natural habit of laughing was an unusual pleasantry. Well one lost his job, the other went into depression, and the other is currently facing marital difficulties.
Proverbs 17:22 says, "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."
 |
| My dad and his grandkids. |
 |
| My kids love playing with my "iphoto" on my Mac. |
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Its been awhile
The last time I blogged was in June of this year. The summer went by so quickly that I could scarcely find time to write about it. Things haven't slowed down much but I figure its time to put some thoughts into writing.
When I started blogging, I named my page two steps forward because I wanted to put a positive outlook in life. We've all gone through phases in our lives when it just seemed like every step we take we'd find ourselves taking two steps back. I've seen this in my quest to losing weight, to saving money, to spending more time seeking God. The blog was a tool - that maybe if I said it, put it in writing, and everyone's read it - then maybe I would follow through with what I set out to do.
Well, it didn't work. But hey, that's not to say I'm throwing in the towel. I'm gonna get right back up and start again. Two steps forward. So here we go again. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
When I started blogging, I named my page two steps forward because I wanted to put a positive outlook in life. We've all gone through phases in our lives when it just seemed like every step we take we'd find ourselves taking two steps back. I've seen this in my quest to losing weight, to saving money, to spending more time seeking God. The blog was a tool - that maybe if I said it, put it in writing, and everyone's read it - then maybe I would follow through with what I set out to do.
Well, it didn't work. But hey, that's not to say I'm throwing in the towel. I'm gonna get right back up and start again. Two steps forward. So here we go again. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Enoch WALKED with GOD
The past few weeks, I've been chewing on this piece of tidbit... Enoch walked with God. Our small group has been going through the old Testament - studying the lives and times of the people. But Enoch was different in that he was taken up to heaven with no record of his death. He was just taken. What made Enoch different from anyone else? God was pleased with David. God called Moses His friend. Daniel stood apart from the rest of the people in Babylon. So why was Enoch's experience different from the others. The key is in the word WALK.
Genesis 5:21-24 MSG
21-23 When Enoch was sixty-five years old, he had Methuselah. Enoch walked steadily with God. After he had Methuselah, he lived another 300 years, having more sons and daughters. Enoch lived a total of 365 years. 24 Enoch walked steadily with God. And then one day he was simply gone: God took him.
(New Living Translation) 21 When Enoch was 65 years old, he became the father of Methuselah. 22After the birth of Methuselah, Enoch lived in close fellowship with God for another 300 years, and he had other sons and daughters. 23 Enoch lived 365 years, 24 walking in close fellowship with God. Then one day he disappeared, because God took him.
I remember when I first came to know Jesus as my Lord and Savior. There was such a passion there that, sad to say, isn't present in my life today. I loved reading my Bible. I had difficulty putting my Bible down because every time I read it it was as if I could hear the sweet voice of the Holy Spirit speaking every word on the page. When I woke in the morning, I would greet God with great expectation. I would dialogue with Him about what my day would look like and at the end of the day we would talk about what had happened. While walking down the corridors of my high school, I would be conscious of Him beside me - so much so that we would often be talking to each other while on the way to the next class. While I was doing my chores at home, I would be singing praise songs to Him or asking Him questions about what I read or telling Him about a family member who needed to get "saved." That was my relationship with the Lord. There was passion - the relationship was special. He was my Savior, my Creator, my Redeemer, and Friend. I walked with HIM. Psalms 42 was real to me - "As the deer pants for the water, so my soul longs after you, oh God."
I allowed time to distance me from my Best Friend - priority changed I guess. He still stands ever so near - waiting for my meetings with Him. And don't get me wrong - I meet with Him often - in the morning, at church, just before a meal, at bible study, before bedtime, and whenever I say a prayer. Yes - I've gotten things a little mixed up the past few years. I've settled with meeting with God and allowing that to be the extent of our relationship. But... its no longer satisfactory for me. I want to once again WALK with God - just as Enoch walked with God.
So here's a challenge - for me - and maybe for some of you who are reading this today... instead of meeting with God, lets walk with God. Let's see how that will change our day, our week, our family, our community. In just the few days that God has allowed me to come to this realization, I already can feel a change in me. So this is what it means to be plugged into "The Vine" - my God, my Source... I forgot but now I'm remembering it all and it is good... Two Steps Forward.
Genesis 5:21-24 MSG
21-23 When Enoch was sixty-five years old, he had Methuselah. Enoch walked steadily with God. After he had Methuselah, he lived another 300 years, having more sons and daughters. Enoch lived a total of 365 years. 24 Enoch walked steadily with God. And then one day he was simply gone: God took him.
(New Living Translation) 21 When Enoch was 65 years old, he became the father of Methuselah. 22After the birth of Methuselah, Enoch lived in close fellowship with God for another 300 years, and he had other sons and daughters. 23 Enoch lived 365 years, 24 walking in close fellowship with God. Then one day he disappeared, because God took him.
I remember when I first came to know Jesus as my Lord and Savior. There was such a passion there that, sad to say, isn't present in my life today. I loved reading my Bible. I had difficulty putting my Bible down because every time I read it it was as if I could hear the sweet voice of the Holy Spirit speaking every word on the page. When I woke in the morning, I would greet God with great expectation. I would dialogue with Him about what my day would look like and at the end of the day we would talk about what had happened. While walking down the corridors of my high school, I would be conscious of Him beside me - so much so that we would often be talking to each other while on the way to the next class. While I was doing my chores at home, I would be singing praise songs to Him or asking Him questions about what I read or telling Him about a family member who needed to get "saved." That was my relationship with the Lord. There was passion - the relationship was special. He was my Savior, my Creator, my Redeemer, and Friend. I walked with HIM. Psalms 42 was real to me - "As the deer pants for the water, so my soul longs after you, oh God."
I allowed time to distance me from my Best Friend - priority changed I guess. He still stands ever so near - waiting for my meetings with Him. And don't get me wrong - I meet with Him often - in the morning, at church, just before a meal, at bible study, before bedtime, and whenever I say a prayer. Yes - I've gotten things a little mixed up the past few years. I've settled with meeting with God and allowing that to be the extent of our relationship. But... its no longer satisfactory for me. I want to once again WALK with God - just as Enoch walked with God.
So here's a challenge - for me - and maybe for some of you who are reading this today... instead of meeting with God, lets walk with God. Let's see how that will change our day, our week, our family, our community. In just the few days that God has allowed me to come to this realization, I already can feel a change in me. So this is what it means to be plugged into "The Vine" - my God, my Source... I forgot but now I'm remembering it all and it is good... Two Steps Forward.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Perseverance: A deeper understanding
(IN THE SECRET by Mercy Me)
...I am reaching for the highest goals
That I might receive the prize
Pressing onward
Pushing every hindrance aside
Out of my way
Cause I want to know you more...
Every time I hear this song, I remember the time Guam experienced an 8.2 earthquake (1993). It was a Sunday evening, and I was at church. The worship portion of the service had ended and a young lady made her way up to the podium to sing a special number. A few seconds into her lovely song, I felt a very gentle shake - I looked at my friend and with a very calm smile I whispered, "oooh, is that an earthquake?" But my smile change to concern when the gentle shake continued for a few seconds more. I then whispered, "should we be getting up - evacuating or something?" As my friend tried to give her reply, the gently nudge became a terrifying shake that seemed to go on forever. She didn't need to give me an answer. Everybody in the church started to scream as they made their way to the door.
The goal to get to safety wasn't easy to achieve. The folding chairs we sat on became one huge entangled mess - blocking the passage to the door. With my friend was an elderly lady who we were assisting to get to safety, but she just could not get past the chairs that kept getting in the way. So like a good Christian girl that I am, I let go of my dear friend's hand (the elderly lady I was trying to help), and pretty much gave her my "see you later" look, hurdled over the chairs and darted for the door. I figure if the building were to collapse, I'd have to be outside if she wanted any hope for a rescue. I need to be outside to help with the recovery - what use would I be if I were stuck under this potential rubble. Right? Fortunately, the building did not fall, and my elderly friend lived to see 17 more years.
But going back to that song, I think about how if I set my sights on the prize, I would push every hindrances aside. In the song, that prize is knowing our Savior more. What would happen if I just focus my eyes on Jesus? What would that look like?
See, lately I've been evaluating my walk with God - it doesn't look so good. Just a few days ago, I was lecturing my kids about receiving B Honor Roll when they have the ability to obtain the A Honor Roll. Granted their B meant they had only one B amongst the many A's - but still. They weren't hungry for it - they were satisfied with what they got - because "more" would mean they would have to let go of the distractions. They didn't press onward for the prize. And I shared my displeasure for this attitude.
However, I think I have that same attitude when it comes to my walk with God. I don't think I've been doing much "pressing forward" lately. I have become complacent and satisfied with the amount of time I spend and give HIM. I have not hungered for HIM like King David did in Psalm 42:1 - "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God." Or like Moses did when he asked God to "show me your glory (Exodus 33:18)." I need to get to that place again - that place where my eyes are once again on the prize - where I will push all hindrances aside to get there.
I end with this story. Up until June 2010 I worked as an administrator at a Christian school. At the end of each year, I made sure I made it a point to speak to all the high school students to discuss their academic status - to encourage them to keep pressing on or to encourage them to do better. At the end of school year 2009, this scrawny sophomore asked me if he had a chance at first place. He didn't do so well his freshman year but wanted to make changes to turn things around. He set his eyes to making the top ten. End of sophomore year, he accomplished just that and found himself within reach of the top five. So he pushed further and decided he was gonna do everything it takes to make it to first. Every semester he would ask me if he had a chance. In my head I thought "no" but out loud I said, "it's hard but possible - anything can happen." At the end of his junior year, he made his way to second place and the gap between first and second was pretty close. He asked again if he had a chance - in my head I thought "no" but out loud I said, "it's close to impossible to displace the #1 guy this late in the ball game but it doesn't hurt to keep trying. After all we should live by the school motto; Whatsoever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Right?" Well, the end of his Senior year came and the current administrator had to run the tabulation for class ranking several times - after she did so, she called me to verify that she ran the tabulation correctly. She had to do this because the outcome came as a huge surprise to every one.
After the graduation ceremony, I sought out the student, gave him the biggest hug and told him that I was really proud of him. He proved me wrong and I was humbled by his attitude, his diligence, his determination. In spite of the impossibilities, he decided to set aside all obstacles and pressed forward for the prize. As this Valedictorian towered over me, he just smiled and said, "thank you Mrs. Nish" as if I had anything to do with it.
If I could strive for my God the way he strived for that top honor, what would my walk with God look like. If I don't look to the left or the right; if I desperately press towards the prize; if I pushed all hindrances aside; if if if...
...I want to know you
I want to hear your voice
I want to know you more
I want to touch you
I want to see your face
I want to know you more...
Lord, this is a new day. Forgive me for my complacency - I want to know you more. Help me to strive to win this race because I know you are waiting for me at the finish line. I would so love to hear you say, "well done my faithful one."
...I am reaching for the highest goals
That I might receive the prize
Pressing onward
Pushing every hindrance aside
Out of my way
Cause I want to know you more...
Every time I hear this song, I remember the time Guam experienced an 8.2 earthquake (1993). It was a Sunday evening, and I was at church. The worship portion of the service had ended and a young lady made her way up to the podium to sing a special number. A few seconds into her lovely song, I felt a very gentle shake - I looked at my friend and with a very calm smile I whispered, "oooh, is that an earthquake?" But my smile change to concern when the gentle shake continued for a few seconds more. I then whispered, "should we be getting up - evacuating or something?" As my friend tried to give her reply, the gently nudge became a terrifying shake that seemed to go on forever. She didn't need to give me an answer. Everybody in the church started to scream as they made their way to the door.
The goal to get to safety wasn't easy to achieve. The folding chairs we sat on became one huge entangled mess - blocking the passage to the door. With my friend was an elderly lady who we were assisting to get to safety, but she just could not get past the chairs that kept getting in the way. So like a good Christian girl that I am, I let go of my dear friend's hand (the elderly lady I was trying to help), and pretty much gave her my "see you later" look, hurdled over the chairs and darted for the door. I figure if the building were to collapse, I'd have to be outside if she wanted any hope for a rescue. I need to be outside to help with the recovery - what use would I be if I were stuck under this potential rubble. Right? Fortunately, the building did not fall, and my elderly friend lived to see 17 more years.
But going back to that song, I think about how if I set my sights on the prize, I would push every hindrances aside. In the song, that prize is knowing our Savior more. What would happen if I just focus my eyes on Jesus? What would that look like?
See, lately I've been evaluating my walk with God - it doesn't look so good. Just a few days ago, I was lecturing my kids about receiving B Honor Roll when they have the ability to obtain the A Honor Roll. Granted their B meant they had only one B amongst the many A's - but still. They weren't hungry for it - they were satisfied with what they got - because "more" would mean they would have to let go of the distractions. They didn't press onward for the prize. And I shared my displeasure for this attitude.
However, I think I have that same attitude when it comes to my walk with God. I don't think I've been doing much "pressing forward" lately. I have become complacent and satisfied with the amount of time I spend and give HIM. I have not hungered for HIM like King David did in Psalm 42:1 - "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God." Or like Moses did when he asked God to "show me your glory (Exodus 33:18)." I need to get to that place again - that place where my eyes are once again on the prize - where I will push all hindrances aside to get there.
I end with this story. Up until June 2010 I worked as an administrator at a Christian school. At the end of each year, I made sure I made it a point to speak to all the high school students to discuss their academic status - to encourage them to keep pressing on or to encourage them to do better. At the end of school year 2009, this scrawny sophomore asked me if he had a chance at first place. He didn't do so well his freshman year but wanted to make changes to turn things around. He set his eyes to making the top ten. End of sophomore year, he accomplished just that and found himself within reach of the top five. So he pushed further and decided he was gonna do everything it takes to make it to first. Every semester he would ask me if he had a chance. In my head I thought "no" but out loud I said, "it's hard but possible - anything can happen." At the end of his junior year, he made his way to second place and the gap between first and second was pretty close. He asked again if he had a chance - in my head I thought "no" but out loud I said, "it's close to impossible to displace the #1 guy this late in the ball game but it doesn't hurt to keep trying. After all we should live by the school motto; Whatsoever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Right?" Well, the end of his Senior year came and the current administrator had to run the tabulation for class ranking several times - after she did so, she called me to verify that she ran the tabulation correctly. She had to do this because the outcome came as a huge surprise to every one.
After the graduation ceremony, I sought out the student, gave him the biggest hug and told him that I was really proud of him. He proved me wrong and I was humbled by his attitude, his diligence, his determination. In spite of the impossibilities, he decided to set aside all obstacles and pressed forward for the prize. As this Valedictorian towered over me, he just smiled and said, "thank you Mrs. Nish" as if I had anything to do with it.
If I could strive for my God the way he strived for that top honor, what would my walk with God look like. If I don't look to the left or the right; if I desperately press towards the prize; if I pushed all hindrances aside; if if if...
...I want to know you
I want to hear your voice
I want to know you more
I want to touch you
I want to see your face
I want to know you more...
Lord, this is a new day. Forgive me for my complacency - I want to know you more. Help me to strive to win this race because I know you are waiting for me at the finish line. I would so love to hear you say, "well done my faithful one."
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Jacs' 5th grade speech
Jacqueline was awarded the best Writer in her 5th grade class. She had prepared a speech but was unable to read it during the 5th grade promotion - instead she attempted to do an impromptu speech - not bad for an 11 year old. But here was the one she wrote:
Good morning Rev. Dr. Jon and Eva Pineda, Rev. Dr. Paul Pineda, Mrs. Debbie Pineda, parents, fellow classmates, teachers, and other distinguished guests.
My name is Jacqueline Nishihira and I am the Vice President of the fifth grade class. I can still remember running up and down the elementary hallways like it was yesterday – oh wait that was yesterday. Well, I can remember the first time we ran up and down the hallways – for some of us - as little kindergarteners. Today we sit in this gym, as we have for many awesome elementary chapels given by Pastor Eva – but not as the little 5 year olds but as fifth graders.
Through the years we have drawn closer to each other. We have had to say good-bye to some of our friends as we welcomed some new faces. But we have been able to stay close – building great memories that we will take with us forever. We are not just wonderful friends – we’ve become a family. As we move on to the next chapter of our lives, entering into middle school, we will never forget these memories that we have shared.
A few days ago, someone asked me to describe my class in one word. I didn’t have to think hard because I knew what it was and that word was “LOVING.” I chose ‘LOVING” because all of you are kind, compassionate, loyal, and what better word to describe all of those characteristics.
While we drew closer to each other, we also drew closer to God. The funny thing is when I was in K5 I didn't know about God the way I do now. As a K5, I had a very simple, child-like understanding – God loved me and we are to read our bibles and pray everyday. Then I remember 1st grade, Mrs. Snively’s class, where she explained that Jesus died for me and that He is the only way, the truth, and the Life and no one goes to the father except through HIM – she explained to me how important HE was in my life and where I might be without HIM. It was the start of my grown up thinking of my Christian walk and has continued expand each school year through each teacher and it has continued to mold and shape my life and probably for several of us sitting here today.
I would like to thank all our parents for bringing us here to Saint Paul Christian School and for always believing in us. I would like to thank our teachers for never giving up on us no matter how difficult it was for you at times. And most especially, I would like to thank the LORD, because all we had to do was our best and HE did the rest – because all things are possible in JESUS – and because HE paid the price for us. We really appreciate you all. Thank you.
Friday, April 22, 2011
It was Indeed a GOOD FRIDAY
In the past two weeks it seemed like all I was receiving was one bad news after the other. A dear friend from college had requested prayer because her father was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer. A brother-in-Christ was struggling with major health issues and was admitted into the hospital. We received a call from my brother-in-law informing us that doctors could not find the heart beat of their baby girl (my sister-in-law was 8 months pregnant) and that they were in the process of inducing labor. While we were still making sense of the news of our niece, I received yet another email of a sister-in-Christ who had just been told she has non-hodgkin lymphoma.
The chain that linked the prayer warriors was definitely hot all week - a text here and a text there as news spread to step up prayers for one another. Throughout the week, as many of the saints bowed their hearts to pray, their heads remained lifted with eyes stayed on the One who gives us the victory. And as we entered the end of the Holy Week, we dusted ourselves off and went to the Good Friday service to worship the One who brings us the victory. In our respective churches, each heard the Good News that our tired spirit so longed to hear - Jesus loves us - He is the One who gives us the victory.
It may seem that the term Good Friday is an oxymoron because it seems like there was nothing good about that day over two thousand years ago. There is good in it. You see - the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23) - and because of our sinful state, our destiny was eternal death - but it no longer has to be - Jesus stood in our place and all who accepts this gift of LIFE will not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). As we are reminded of all that Jesus had suffered - we are also reminded of the warning that Jesus gave to his disciples in the wee hours before He faced his bogus trial that lead Him down the road to Calvary. The warning was to watch and pray so that we wont be tempted - so that we will be able to stand strong in the face of the enemy, in the trials of these last days for we are indeed in the last days.
The chain that linked the prayer warriors was definitely hot all week - a text here and a text there as news spread to step up prayers for one another. Throughout the week, as many of the saints bowed their hearts to pray, their heads remained lifted with eyes stayed on the One who gives us the victory. And as we entered the end of the Holy Week, we dusted ourselves off and went to the Good Friday service to worship the One who brings us the victory. In our respective churches, each heard the Good News that our tired spirit so longed to hear - Jesus loves us - He is the One who gives us the victory.
It may seem that the term Good Friday is an oxymoron because it seems like there was nothing good about that day over two thousand years ago. There is good in it. You see - the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23) - and because of our sinful state, our destiny was eternal death - but it no longer has to be - Jesus stood in our place and all who accepts this gift of LIFE will not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). As we are reminded of all that Jesus had suffered - we are also reminded of the warning that Jesus gave to his disciples in the wee hours before He faced his bogus trial that lead Him down the road to Calvary. The warning was to watch and pray so that we wont be tempted - so that we will be able to stand strong in the face of the enemy, in the trials of these last days for we are indeed in the last days.
So be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might
Put on all His armor and fight the good fight
In all of our weakness, He becomes so strong
And He gives us the power and the strength to carry onMore power to ya when you're standing on His Word
When you're trusting with your whole heart in the message you have heard
More power to ya when we're all in one accord
They that wait upon the Lord, they shall renew
They shall renew their strength (MORE POWER TO YA by PETRA)
That GOOD FRIDAY over two thousand years ago was bleak and dreary. The disciples who stood by and watched at ground zero felt the devastation to the very core of their being - they were confused, lost, scared, sad (if the word sad could ever satisfy what they must have felt). But what they didn't know then - we know now - that Sunday came - He rose from the dead.
He came, He saw, He conquered Death and HellHe came, He saw, He is alive and wellHe was, He is, And only He forgivesHe died, He rose, He livesHe came, He saw, He conquered (He Came He Saw He Conquered by PETRA)
The road is still long and hard (not comparable to the Via Dolorosa but hard none the less) - and it may seem that no message will take away the heartache of missing a love one or take away the despair one feels when your love one has just been diagnosed of a scary illness - But we hang on to the good news that He loves us and He lives. That is our hope, our comfort - that this place is all temporary - although we our living our GOOD FRIDAY - SUNDAY IS COMING and in a little while we'll be home with Jesus (the One who gives us the victory.)
This blog is dedicated to my mom - We will see each other again.
Have a blessed Easter
Friday, April 15, 2011
Count Down to the Royal Wedding
About thirty years ago (yikes... I didn't realize it was that long ago), there was this great buzz about the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer. I was only twelve and had been waiting for the Love Boat special (okay those of you who are not from the 80s - this was a pretty popular show) - so I was irritated when it didn't come on - and that all three networks were covering the same thing - the Royal Wedding. I didn't get it until the carriage brought the beautiful princess-to-be - she gracefully disembarked the glass carriage drawn by white horses. She had a smile, a glow, and aura about her - and even this twelve year old could not take her eyes of the set. I was riveted and I watched until she kissed her prince on the balcony. Sigh... my imagination ran wild - it was like a fairy tale come true - so romantic.
I read every story, every article written on magazines. When she gave birth to the young Prince William, I cut up all the pictures and articles. My best friend and I even purchased stamps - we were fans. And then the fairy tale turned sour - and I lost interest - sort of. I still read the articles... hoping for that happy ending still.
I confess - I'm one of those who is looking forward to the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. I have it marked on my calendar... hehehe... I still enjoy a good romantic tale from time to time. I think young and old alike still like the feel of a good fairy tale - when the princess meets her prince and they live happily ever after.
With Good Friday just a week away, its hard to imagine mentioning the Royal Wedding as the two events don't seem to go together. After all the final days of Jesus Christ here on Earth was far from being beautiful - He was betrayed by one of his close friend (Judas), He was condemned by the leaders of the church, One of his closest friend (Peter) denied he even knew Him, and the one who could of brought Him justice - didn't (Pilate) - no, nothing about it was glamorous. The throngs of people who lined the streets did not long for the prince to glance their way - they jeered Him and cursed Him. But all this had to happen so that the most incredible story ever in the history of man can unfold.... See it didn't end at the cross. That was just the setting for a grander stage. The grandest Royal Wedding Ever
- 6 Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting:“Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. 7 Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. 8 Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.”(Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints.) 9 Then the angel said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!’” And he added, “These are the true words of God.”(Revelation 19:6-9).
Exciting isn't it - when you put things into a different perspective. When we celebrate Good Friday, we celebrate the preparation of THE Royal Wedding... the one we are invited to - invited by someone greater than the Queen of England - invited by the KING of KINGS. Sigh - I'm definitely looking forward to counting down the days to that.
I read every story, every article written on magazines. When she gave birth to the young Prince William, I cut up all the pictures and articles. My best friend and I even purchased stamps - we were fans. And then the fairy tale turned sour - and I lost interest - sort of. I still read the articles... hoping for that happy ending still.
I confess - I'm one of those who is looking forward to the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. I have it marked on my calendar... hehehe... I still enjoy a good romantic tale from time to time. I think young and old alike still like the feel of a good fairy tale - when the princess meets her prince and they live happily ever after.
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| from the SPCS Elementary School Hallway |
- 6 Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting:“Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. 7 Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. 8 Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.”(Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints.) 9 Then the angel said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!’” And he added, “These are the true words of God.”(Revelation 19:6-9).
Exciting isn't it - when you put things into a different perspective. When we celebrate Good Friday, we celebrate the preparation of THE Royal Wedding... the one we are invited to - invited by someone greater than the Queen of England - invited by the KING of KINGS. Sigh - I'm definitely looking forward to counting down the days to that.
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| Not a very good scan but couldn't help sharing |
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
In the Garden of Gethsemane
In a little over a week, we will be celebrating the most important day in the history of Christianity. As Christians, we should make everyday a celebration of Easter – walking in the knowledge that Christ died for our sins so that all who believe in Him would have eternal life. But even so, we mark Good Friday and Easter on our calendar to memorialize what Christ has done for us – it is a great time for us to reflect, to realign our walk with God, and to renew our commitment to Him. So I decided to commemorate this time in history with a study of the last days of Jesus Christ.
The Catholic Church has marked the last days of Jesus Christ into fourteen highlighted moments and they call this the Stations of the Cross. I’m not Catholic but I figure the Stations of the Cross is Biblical so why not take a closer view. So I started my study at the first station, which is The Garden of Gethsemane. But as I read Matthew 26, I decided to back track a little further to Matthew 24-25. Here Jesus speaks of the End of the Age.
In Matthew 24:4-8, 4 Jesus says, “WATCH OUT that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. 6 You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 7 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of birth pains. ~ The rest of Matthew 24 describes what the beginning of the end is to look like – wars and rumors of war. But He reminds us To Be READY, To Be WATCHFUL, for we don’t know when the day will be. But we can recognize its nearness by the signs of the time. In verse 34, He also says that when these things start happening, that generation will not pass away until all of it has been completed.
So now I find myself once again in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26). It starts out with Jesus completing His message on the "end of days." In verse two He clearly states that He “will be handed over to be crucified.” Then in verse 36, Jesus goes to Gethsemane with His disciples. He tells them He’s going to pray but He takes Peter, John, and James further with Him and He was clearly troubled and filled with sorrow ~ His disciples knew this without a doubt. He even tells them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep WATCH with me.” After praying, Jesus returns to His disciples and found them sleeping. In Jesus’ desperate time, the ones who claim to love Him were found sleeping. But Jesus in great concern for them says, “WATCH and PRAY so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”
As we turn the corner into the Holy Week, I am reminded that the signs of the time is clear – we are near the end of days. This generation may very well be the generation that will not pass away. But the great message that Jesus gave just prior to Gethsemane and at Gethsemane is to WATCH and PRAY – our Master will be returning soon. I don’t want to be found sleeping.
Check out these sleeping positions. |
UPDATE:
Half way through week 6 into my running experience. I've been taking small steps - but the main thing is that I'm still taking the steps. I have set a goal - to be able to go on runs with my friends who have inspired me in the first place. Right now I am walk/running 45 minutes. Going average 2.58 miles. In the 45 minutes, I'm able to job 8 minutes straight without stopping and have been able to do two other 6 minute steady jogs before ending the workout. Goal for next week is to sustain a 10 minute jog. Once I get here, I will work on running the entire 45 minutes.
Weight loss - 5lbs. Not much but I am toning and so my clothes are fitting better.
Monday, April 11, 2011
TOMATOES TOMATOES
I've always loved tomatoes - and now we grow them. The farm project started out as a means to cut cooling cost - by growing plants on the rooftop, it provides shade and thus lessen the impact the sun places on the roof. But then the crop was plentiful and what we couldn't eat - we sold. Needless to say, we've been eating a lot of tomatoes.
Tomatoes have been notarized for its source of lycopene - an antioxidant that protects cells from damage, prevents several types of cancer, and reduces the risk of heart diseases. So I figure its cool that we are eating so much. But I've also grown curious to its ability to slow the hands of time.
A few weeks ago, my sister asked me to check if she had white hair and to pull it out if I see any. I was expecting to see about 7-8 white hair (she's a lot younger than me) as that has been the number I have been pulling for the past year - and she usually asks me to check every month. I found none this time around - none at all. The last time I checked her hair was in January - and although I usually check it once a month, we were unusually busy this year. But the thing is I found none. She said the only thing she could think of is that she ate tomatoes every night with her dinner. Hmmmmm.
She continued to share that she loved the tomatoes but that it was making her eat more - she would be so full at dinner time. Interesting thing though - she looks thinner now than she did in December. Her skin looked healthier. Double hmmmmm. I'm not making any claims but I figure I've been growing the fruit - and I haven't been eating it as much as my brothers and sisters have been because I tend to eat out more than they do. But after this curiosity though, I think its time to eat more of what I grow. So I started keeping a baggy of tomatoes in my purse so that I can eat it with my dinner wherever I find myself. Last night, I was at Denny's - I had fried rice, longaneesa, and eggs over easy. I popped out my bag of tomatoes. I ate only a fourth of my order - I shared my meal with my three girls - but felt like I eat three servings. I was full - no - I was satisfied.
I don't know if I will find less white hair on my head - cuz I have tons. I don't know if it will improve the health and complexion of my skin. I don't know if I will drop the weight. But studies have shown that there are many other health benefits to eating tomatoes.... and so if you see me pull out my baggy in a restaurant.... you know its just my tomatoes.
We must have eaten and sold over 100 lbs of tomatoes since we started harvesting. Now all of it turned out fit for eating. Below are pictures of me and my brothers & sisters poking fun of tomatoes - check it out.
Tomatoes have been notarized for its source of lycopene - an antioxidant that protects cells from damage, prevents several types of cancer, and reduces the risk of heart diseases. So I figure its cool that we are eating so much. But I've also grown curious to its ability to slow the hands of time.
A few weeks ago, my sister asked me to check if she had white hair and to pull it out if I see any. I was expecting to see about 7-8 white hair (she's a lot younger than me) as that has been the number I have been pulling for the past year - and she usually asks me to check every month. I found none this time around - none at all. The last time I checked her hair was in January - and although I usually check it once a month, we were unusually busy this year. But the thing is I found none. She said the only thing she could think of is that she ate tomatoes every night with her dinner. Hmmmmm.
She continued to share that she loved the tomatoes but that it was making her eat more - she would be so full at dinner time. Interesting thing though - she looks thinner now than she did in December. Her skin looked healthier. Double hmmmmm. I'm not making any claims but I figure I've been growing the fruit - and I haven't been eating it as much as my brothers and sisters have been because I tend to eat out more than they do. But after this curiosity though, I think its time to eat more of what I grow. So I started keeping a baggy of tomatoes in my purse so that I can eat it with my dinner wherever I find myself. Last night, I was at Denny's - I had fried rice, longaneesa, and eggs over easy. I popped out my bag of tomatoes. I ate only a fourth of my order - I shared my meal with my three girls - but felt like I eat three servings. I was full - no - I was satisfied.
I don't know if I will find less white hair on my head - cuz I have tons. I don't know if it will improve the health and complexion of my skin. I don't know if I will drop the weight. But studies have shown that there are many other health benefits to eating tomatoes.... and so if you see me pull out my baggy in a restaurant.... you know its just my tomatoes.
We must have eaten and sold over 100 lbs of tomatoes since we started harvesting. Now all of it turned out fit for eating. Below are pictures of me and my brothers & sisters poking fun of tomatoes - check it out.
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| Hmm - double cheek tomato |
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| Holy tomatoes!!! |
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| Earthquake tomato |
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| Wanna-be Roma - super small size. |
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| Nike swoosh Tomato |
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| Easter Egg tomatoes |
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| The Marching Band Tomatoes |
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| Chili not-hot-at-all tomatoes |
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| The ornamental tomatoes - fit for prom night |
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