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.
Saturday, February 4, 2012
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."
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| My dad and his grandkids. |
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| 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.
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