Saturday, April 28, 2007

totally random

1. Last night I was sitting in bed with the window and curtains open, realizing how many people I'm surrounded by constantly and how much light there is. And then I began to wonder.... if we ever move from here to a much less populated place.... will I be lonely and afraid of the dark?



2. Then we had another unusual night with Izzy and it was about 2:15 when I finally got to my bed. Mike is attempting to run this morning (praying really hard that he's ok) and got up very early and Isabella decided to join him (in waking up that is) but Mike brought her in to our room and she fell back asleep with me. Is it really after 10? Am I dreaming???? I guess this makes up for staying up so late! And that fact that we are listening to Veggie Tales and she's doing all the motions for the songs makes me so happy. I LOVE this girl!

Friday, April 27, 2007

Power Quotes

I was hanging out at coolrunning.com today and found this list of power quotes and I thought they were great but the one that I know will make me push myself is the very last one... yeah I don't know if that's a good thing or not but I did realize one thing... once I set my mind to something, there's really no stopping me. It's almost as if I become obsessive until completion. Again, I'm not sure if that's a good thing but as I look back on my spiritual life, I can remember telling God... I want to follow you but I'm just not ready... help me to be ready, give me that desire to serve you alone. And you know what... a few months later, I was ready, I was committed... and I've been hard core ever since. There was no looking back once I made that decision... some of the bigger issues I was dealing with at the time... gone... simply because I was committed... I became obsessive about following Christ. (not to say I didn't, nor still don't sin... I'm not perfect but you get my drift. well at least I hope you do but I know what I'm saying. lol) Anyway... some may say this 'obsessive' nature is a bad thing but in regards to my spiritual life... it's been AWESOME!!!


"Pain is nothing compared to what it feels like to quit."

I have fought the good fight,I have finished the race,I have kept the faith

Yahweh ... please give me strength ...

Pr 4:12 When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble.

Pr 18:10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.

Isa 40:31 but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

1Co 9:24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.

Heb 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

Ac 20:24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race

Ga 5:7 You were running a good race.

2Ti 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.


"Is this REALLY the best you can do?"



Okay.. I felt the need to ramble some more. Hope I didn't bore you too much. :)

Beautiful days are not an Accident

"I am convinced that beautiful days are not an accident. God made days like these specifically for us to enjoy. I decided I need to enjoy simple blessings, like a beautiful day with singing birds, much more often. Every day, in fact. I think that if I can learn to appreciate the little things God blesses me with on a daily basis, then I will come to better understand just how much He loves me. And understanding that will help me love others better." I did a little blog hopping yesterday and was so touched and challenged by these words that I had to copy and paste it here. I've found myself dealing with so many ups and downs lately that I've been missing the simple blessings from God... and her words helped me to appreciate all that happened today.

My heart is leaping with joy but overcome with reality and sadness at the same time. I had the most wonderful afternoon with my friends. We met for lunch at McDonalds (ok so that part wasn't the greatest but the kids enjoyed it) and then spent the entire afternoon at the park... chatting and watching our little ones interact. They're all within 1yr of each other so it's tons of fun for everyone. The weather couldn't have been any better and it was so nice to be outside. We had some really good and in depth conversations and Vivian had the opportunity to share God's working in her life to another friend who does not know the Lord. It was amazing! This was the first time that I really felt that we were friends. It's wierd I know because I spend a lot of time with these women but the conversation always seems to be surface level... simply because we are always chasing our children around while trying to have a conversation. We all walked away basically saying, 'why don't we do this everyday?' And I can't tell you how great that made me feel.

But in the midst of our conversation... I just asked Vivian the question (it's been talked about before but there was never a direct question or answer) ... will they move after their contract is up (which is next summer) and without even thinking she said, 'Yes.' My heart just sank. This is now the 2nd friend that is definately moving come next year with the possibility of at least one more. I know it's the reality of life here in HK and maybe in time I'll adjust to it but right now it's still very difficult for me to deal with. It takes me a lot of courage to build friendships because I'm naturally a shy person (well until you get to know me) and it's taken 2yrs to develop the friends I currently have. The thought of starting over is very scary. That's why while I'm very anxious to move, I'm not looking forward to it because I know I'll have to meet new people and start the friendship process all over again. I love that I can call at least 2 of my friends at any given moment and say, 'hey let's meet at the park' and they'd be there in a heartbeat... now I gotta do it all over again. But deep down... I know that God will help me, He'll bring people into my life wherever we move... just like He did here in Whampoa. And that's also very exciting to me because I've love meeting people from all over the world, learning new things, and building relationships and I can't wait to see what God has in store. (Can you sense the ups and downs... even within the sentences? lol)

I've been weighing the pros and cons of a running stroller... if it would help me to be able to run whenever I want too... I'd do it in a heartbeat but I'm nervous that Izzy will get bored easily and that I'll always have to cut my runs short. My goal when I go out is a minimum of 5K (and I think Izzy could probably handle that) but if I'm serious about a 1/2 marathon in the fall, I need to run for at least an hour a day and well... not sure I could entertain her that long. So I may check some out next week... it could be a great Mother's day gift eh? LOL

I've been thinking a lot about Izzy's birthday party and I'm bummed that at least one of her little friends won't be able to come.... they'll be in India and Adelina may be having the twins but she promised to be there, even if she had to leave the hospital for a few hours. LOL I smiled when she said that because while I know it wouldn't happen... it meant a lot that she cared that much. If I can find some Elmo stuff, it's definitely going to be an Elmo party. This kid just screams when she see's anything Elmo related. But it seems that most kids do... I was looking around in some of the scrapping galleries and Elmo seems to be quite popular for a 2yr old. :) 2... wow! I can't believe my baby's turning two. We already have her gift (I bought it in the states) but I think she's going to be a bit spoiled this year. We're thinking of getting her a bike because she ALWAYS wants to climb onto the ones at the park and at the stores and Mike found a foldable one so it shouldn't be too much of a storage problem. She's also getting a new bed when we move but we don't really have an option on that one. I think we're going with an Ikea bed that's loft-like so there will be space underneath for her toys. That's what we're all about... maximizing space. :)

Well... I've rambled enough. I think I'm going to read a bit. Have a great day!

Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Elimination


I just love this picture that Hannah took of Mike and I. It's not very often that we get one of these.

I've been having some issues with my eyes... I got bitten (at least I think so) by something in Thailand and just when that started to heal, I got bitten by something here on the other eye and then the first eye had an allergic reaction to my contacts. So since returning from holiday... I haven't run at all and let me tell you, I fell just blah and I know that's why. However, I'm having a bit of motivation issues so I decided to join a Nike+ challenge. This one is an elimination challenge so I'm hoping it will motivate me to push a bit harder. It takes the average miles run by all runners and then choses an eliminating number and by doing it this way... I won 't know the eliminating miles until the day before so hopefully it'll force me to run the most I possibly could in attempts not to get eliminated. I'm also trying to figure out the best running time for myself. I'm going to attempt a late night run and an early morning ran and see what plan I could stick with better... since the heat is just around the corner, I know afternoon runs are out of the picture unless it's inside.

We've had some fun and crazy days since last Sat. Sunday we went tubing/wakeboarding and hung around Sai Kung. It was loads of fun and Isabella did great on the boat. I have a bit of fear of the ocean, especially when it's an overcast day, and since Sunday was, I didn't attempt either but rather just enjoyed the boat ride. I vowed to myself that the next time I will try but I really didn't have an desire to on Sunday. Monday, we went flat searching again, actually to one of the two we're choosing between, and looked around the area so to what was available. Yesterday we had a Dr's appt and dinner with Dan and Geeta and today we met Jill and Hunter for some warehouse shopping at Toys r Us and then Hunter came over for the evening to play. It was so cute to watch Izzy with Hunter... she was quite the big sis... giving him water, showing him how to play with certain toys, wanting whatever he decided to play with. LOL It was a fun day.

Izzy's asthma is acting up again but thankfully we got extra meds this time so it should only take a month to ward off the symptoms until the weather changes again. And she got her chicken pox shot so that she can now attend school... sigh... that makes me sad but it's reality in HK so I guess I better 'do the right thing' and start investigating different schools. :(

I know I had something else to write.. oh yeah. I feel like in a matter of just a few days, Izzy has exploded in her development! Though her vocab still is not that large, the words are coming like crazy and she's able to do all the correct motions for quite a few songs. After watching her and Hunter this evening, I realized how much of a little girl she really is... no longer my baby. But I'm so excited to teach her more and more songs and I've actually got a verse in mind that I can teach her motions to so maybe tomorrow we'll see how that goes.

Well.. it's really late and I really should get to bed. Have a great day!

Sunday, April 22, 2007

Torn

on so many levels.... ugh what an awful feeling not knowing what to do.

The most recent turmoil comes from the book I've been reading and the awareness that I now have about Thailand's children living in poverty. for most there is absolutely no hope for them because the fiances are simply not available for them to recieve a proper education and therefore cannot get out of the poverty cycle. I don't know why this is laying so heavily on my heart. It seems a bit strange to me that while I know all over the world people are suffering... nothing has touched me as much as this has. But anyway.... The author of the book has set up an education fund (Students Education Trusts) aka charity that is dedicated to making a difference in the living situations of Thai children. This charity doesn't just give away money and hope that the children will use it for the right things... they interview, check family backgrounds so that the money that is donated is given to students who will complete their education. On one hand it seems a bit harsh to me to deny anyone education but at the same time it seems a waste of money to give a child money for education and then a few months later they quit. So I understand the reason behind the selection process. But anyway.... there is something about this particular charity that draws me to it. However, the man who started this was a former buddhist monk and I don't know if the charity is just based on education or if it helps to promote buddhism. And to be perfectly honest, I don't want to support something that promotes Buddism when I believe iin Jesus. I feel somewhat horrible in that I'm not willing to help others because I don't agree with their religious beliefs but at the same time.... welll now I'm just rambling. So anyway.. I'm trying to find some Christian organizations that do something similar or find out for sure what this particular supports.

So if any readers know of anything... please leave a comment! I'm not looking just to donate money for food. Again I'm sure that sounds awful but I think what draws me to this charity is that it teaches/provides for children so that they can better their (and their future familes) lives rather than just to survive it.

So yeah... that's my recent dilemma and I don't know why it's bothering me so...

outside of that... we've had a fabulous day! Church was great, wakeboarding/tubing was tons of fun, Isabella was awesome, it was just wonderful!

And a side note.... the mat on the floor seems to have done wonders for Izzy. She has not complained at all at bedtime for the past two nights! Crazy.

Saturday, April 21, 2007

Annoyed



Just some fun family photos from Thailand


And just a cute on of Izzy chillin on the raft

This is now at least the 3rd piece of furniture that we've had to throw away due to mold. I was pulling out our guest bed (aka futon like thingy) because Izzy has decided she no longer wants to sleep in her bed and when I opened it up... it was totally covered in mold. Talk about being grossed out and now we have a better idea of why Mike may have been waking up a bit sick over the past few weeks or probably even months (it was hiding next to his bed.) This is so absolutely frustrating to me because I try really hard to keep the dehumidifer running during the day and rotating it between rooms. But this is just one thing we'll have to deal with for as long as we are in HK.

So as I already mentioned... Isabella has decided its time for a big girl bed. You know I feel really blessed that she has made the decision on some potentially hard things for me (emotionally). It's made those transitions for me much easier. I can hardly believe she made the switch all on her own, even though it took a few days for me (and a few nights on the floor) to figure out what was going on. We had planned on moving her into a big bed when we moved but I guess that wasn't soon enough for her. LOL But since we'll most likely be moving within the next month or so I think her sleeping on her crib matress will be okay until then.


Izzy refusing to sleep in her crib.


Izzy's new bed

Today was Awana's family camp so Izzy and I tagged along. It was really fun. My friend Tracy and her son Timothy were there so we spent most of the day with them. Timothy is just as active as Izzy so they play very well together. And during one of the breaks I had the opportunity to chat with some other people and I learned a bit more of the Chinese perspective on Education. It was so interesting to hear moms of four yr olds talk about homework, highschools, etc... and to hear the lone American and Aussie view too.

I'm having some trouble uploading my pics and I'm so bummed because I finally have some Thailand pics. Oh well... I'll keep trying for a few more minutes.

So Thailand gave me a lot of time to think about a variety of things and the one thing that kept coming back to haunt me is materialism. I may be wrong in my assumption here but after all the reading I've been doing, I would venture to say that a large majority of Thailand is poverty stricken. Even where we stayed, you could see that most were not well off but rather living day to day, trying to make a living and making the most of what they have. It wasn't uncommon to see hut-like homes, people on bicycles driving down the street selling streetfood, etc. And it just made me realize how materialistic HK can be. There's not a lot to do here and I would venture to say that most people don't take advantage of the outdoor activities... rather they walk the streets and shop (I mean there are malls every 5 miles {hehe Hannah} okay more like 5 ft). I also realized that I've become more like that as well.. I wouldn't call myself materialistic but rather I tend to shop for something to do. Though I have bought way more things here than I ever would have if we were in the states and find myself even wanting more than normal. I have to be honest in that it's more fun to shop here and more realistic (if that makes any sense) because some things are so much cheaper than in the states but l digress. I found myself craving the simple lifestyle of Thai people. They seemed to be more interested in spending time together (and not even doing anything in particular) and enjoying the relationships they have. I realize that HK is a business center (and maybe that's one of the main reasons) but I never sense a general desire for relationships. It always seems that people are on a mission, hurrying to the next place or whatnot.

Yeah so.... I know this is kinda a rambling post but it made me more aware of the materialism that has developed in my heart and helped me to be content with the items I have and gave me a passion to develop friendships and my spiritual life... things that will last forever.

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

Just one more reason I love my hubby..

I've been reading a book called 'Little Angels.' It's about Thai boys that become Novice Monks because of a variety of reasons but mainly poverty... where the parents can't afford to feed or educate them so they send them off to either Bangkok or to a monastary. It's an excellent book but also terribly heartbreaking. It's amazing to me how these monastaries take in these boys at no cost and provide education, food, etc... (now I know that the community helps to support the monastary) but I guess I'm just amazed at how all this works. Anyway... all I can think about is why there aren't (or if there are, i want to know about them) Christians or Christian organizations that do this very same thing. I'm sure fiances are an issue and I don't even know if they would be permitted to do such a thing but.... thousands of boys are growing up in Buddhist Monastaries, developing a passion for living as Buddha did, trying to follow the precepts and rules of Buddhism, etc... what an incredible opportunity this would be for us to share Christ's love for us to thousands and thousands of Thai children that can turn around and share that love with their families and villages.

So anyway... I was sharing my heart with Mike last night in bed and he didn't blow me off, didn't treat me like what I was sharing was dumb or unrealistic, didn't just agree and stop the conversation there... in fact he did the total opposite. He encouraged me to dream big and think about what I could do to help. It just blew my mind and made me grin from ear to ear dreaming about how God could work in a situation like this. He (MIke) has incredible faith and is so good at pushing others to dream big and challenging others to let God work in their lives.... just another reason why I'm so blessed to call him my 'spouse.'


On a totally random note (and why I referred to Mike as my spouse...)... I joined the facebook cult yesterday. for those of you who don't know what it is, it's just a way of connecting with people (you might know myspace) and Hannah has been teasing me saying I needed to join and after Mike did and had so many friends... I decided to join to (I got a special request today from Mike asking me to be his spouse so that's why I referred to him that way). It's been awesome because I've heard from people that I haven't spoken to in such a long time. Hannah is now teasing me that I'll be addicted and i'm sure I will be because it's a lot easier to write on someone's wall (kinda like posting a comment on a blog) than writing a full length email all the time. That probably sounds awful but at least I'll know the current news on all my friends.

funny stories

There were quite a few funny things that happened on our trip but I think this one took the cake. We were practicing words with Isabella... you know I say 'pool' she says 'pool' and we were going through names of family members. She was doing well and trying really hard and then we got to 'Juan' and this was how it went...

Me: Juan
Isabella: Two

We about died of laughter. I really don't think I've laughed that hard in a long time. It was just too cute. So I tried again...

Me: No Isabella... Juan. Like Uncle Juan
Isabella: two

Insert more laughter here. Another name she struggles with is Hannah. It seems that Izzy associates Hannah with cookies because every time we say Hannah... Isabella says 'cookie.' She's always good for a laugh.

In our practicing of words though... she now says thank you in Cantonese! And she's also said Jo San (aka good morning) a few times but it's not as consistent. How fun to listen to her vocabulary expand.. though I am starting to get weary of 'pool' and 'what's dis?' :)

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Little miracles

I have so much to write about our trip but my eye has been bothering me since I got bit (story to come) and I got sick on the plane so I'm not feeling the greatest BUT I have to share this story because it just amazes me and makes me smile. I always say that God is in everything, that He answers prayer, that He works miracles, etc... but it can be easy not to see Him, not to recognize what He's done or doing, or to overlook what seems like a coincidence/ or something minute. And while this story is simple, while it's about something stupid and some may say that I am over-spiritualizing... I have no doubt that God answered this simple prayer and blessed my heart.

At Christmas-time (actually the day we visited the Buddha), we bought Izzy a pair of fake crocs because we thought they were just adorable on her. I personally think they're ugly for adults but quite cute on kids but I digress.... we had a nice lime green pair but due to me getting sick on the bus to the buddha, the shoes being a bit to big and then hurrying off the bus... we lost one but she still loved playing with the one. I think because it was so easy for her to get them on. We were bummed but never ran into any other markets that sold them. Ok.. that was the background. lol

So imagine our (and Izzy's too.. she loves shoes) excitement when the Hua Hin market had stall after stall of 'apples aka crocs.' So the first night we were there, we picked up another pair of lime green crocs only they were a bit too big for her. But that was okay because we wanted them to last for awhile. We ended up going back to the market and decided to get her another pair of pink ones that fit perfectly since they were so cheap.

Isabella just loved them and we thought she just looked so cute. As I was packing last night, I realized that one of the pink shoes was missing. I was totally bummed but there was no time to search the resort for one shoe. I went to bed saying a quick little prayer asking for a miracle... that this shoe would just show up when I got up in the morning (knowing I wouldn't have time to look anywhere since we were leaving so early and that I had already searched our room.) We packed the car at about four am and I did one more search in our room for this shoe... nothing. I was so bummed but there was nothing I could do so we got in the van to head back to Bangkok. We drove the four+ hrs to Bangkok and as we opened the van door to get out Hannah said, 'Was it a pink croc you were looking for?' 'Yeah why?' 'There's one right here.' I couldn't believe it! It was Izzy's shoe. I know this sounds like a corny story but I just know that God answered this little prayer. The resort has numerous vehicles that are used for transporting people... some would say that it was just a coincidence that we ended up in this particular van but in my heart, I knew it was God answering prayer... giving me a little sunshine... reminding me that He cares about the little things too.

Wow.... it was a fabulous holiday!!! I read some incredible books, was challenged in my faith, and enjoyed every second with my family. I can't wait to recollect it by writing and sharing pictures!

Blessings!

Monday, April 09, 2007

Chinese Sayings

One of the ladies that we had dinner with last night made this comment.... 'You know if I didn't know that Isabella was a girl, I would assume she was a he.' At first I was stunned with this comment... not because I haven't heard it before but I've never had anyone I know be so blunt about it. But then she continued to say, 'The Chinese have a saying that if your child is a girl but could pass for a boy then your next child will be a boy.' (She explained this much better but that's the gist of the saying.) Mike and I both thought this was cool. I had to ask her though what made Izzy look like a boy... mainly if it was her lack of hair... but she said there wasn't one thing... that she just overall could pass for a boy. Interesting.........

Well... better get to bed early this evening. We head out to Thailand tomorrow and between the flight and 3+hr car ride to the resort... it could be a long day. :)

Easter Sunday Part deux

We had a fabulous day today and even though I was unable to participate in the adult service... I was able to rejoice in Christ's resurrection with the children. I debated on what to do with them but since I wasn't expecting any help.. I chose to watch the Veggie Tales Easter Carol. We ended up having someone come and lead us in some worship which was great and so I adjusted the video to basically tell the true meaning of Easter which made the video just awesome. There were even some adults with us in this service who (in my opinion) just don't understand the need for Jesus (nothing against God/church/etc) and I loved how the video explained the "HOPE" of Easter. That it didn't just simply say... 'Jesus died on the cross for our sins... we must repent' because I don't always think people understand what that means or it can sometimes be said in a tone that comes across unlike how we intend it to. But anyway... it described Easter as giving us Hope that this world isn't it, that there's something afterward worth living for and that we can attain that 'eternal life' with a personal relationship with Jesus. I prayed during our service that even the little ones would understand the hope that Jesus' death and resurrection and that two people very special to me would be touched by the services today so much so that it's all they can think about until they not only make a decision to follow Christ but they desire to understand what that means.

We had our fun egg hunt after the service and though there were a few mishaps (of which I learned from and already made notes on... lol) it turned out great. The youth group was a tremendous help and all children walked away with a bag of goodies.

We had plans to have an Easter dinner with one family and then celebrate a birthday with another but Isabella refused to nap and unfortunately, the birthday party had to be ruled out. I felt awful because I know Isabella would have really enjoyed herself but then again she probably wouldn't have being as tired as she ways. We ended up having a wonderful dinner with the Taylor's and several other families from church (of which I didn't really know any of them so it was a great way to meet some new people). We were given a ride home and almost instantly, Isabella fell asleep in the car.

The most disappointing event of the day was my poor hubby falling. :( His ankle is pretty swollen and most likely a major sprain (though i guess we'll find out tomorrow if it's broken). My heart just breaks for him because I can only imagine how discouraging this must be, especially since we leave on Tues for Thailand. I just pray that in the morning it's much, much better... join me in praying that too please.

Tomorrow will find me cleaning our flat (I hate coming home to a messy place) and oh yeah.... hunting for that Easter basket. As long as Mike's a pastor (and living away from family), I'm sure we'll be busy on Easter Sunday... so I think I've decided that I'd like to hunt for the basket either on Saturday or the following Monday. for two reasons... 1. I want Mike to be there and Izzy to enjoy it so morning is out and if it's a late day... evenings will most likely be out too. 2. I really want Isabella to understand that while eggs and baskets and candy are nice... Easter is not about that and allowing us to have Easter Sunday free of those things I hope will help us as a family to focus on what Christ did for us. Maybe things won't always go as I plan and maybe doing this doesn't change a thing but it's what we're doing this year and I like it. hehe She's got quite the basketfull thanks to some wonderful grandparents and I'm so thankful to God for allowing me to find a beautiful basket. When you're living overseas/among a different culture... I think it's easier to be grateful for the littlest things or at least things that are easy to take for granted because they're so readily available. Who new a basket (or a lunch box... story to come later) could bring a tear to your eye.

So with that....

Mark's account of the resurrection

The next evening, when the Sabbath ended, Mary Magdalene, Salome and Mary the mother of James went out and purchased burial spices to put on Jesus' body. Very early on Sunday morning, just at sunrise, they came to the tomb. On the way they were discussing who would roll the stone away from the entrance to the tomb. But when they arrived, they looked up and saw that the stone - a very large one - had already been rolled aside. So they entered the tomb, and there on the right sat a young man clothed in a white robe. The women were startled, but the angel said, "Do not be so surprised. You are looking for Jesus, the Nazarene, who was crucified. He isn't here! He has been raised from the dead! Look, this is where they laid His body. Now go and give this message to His disciples, including Peter: Jesus is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see Him there, just as He told you before He died!" The women fled from the tomb, trembling and bewildered, saying nothing to anyone because they were too frightened to talk.

It was early on Sunday morning when Jesus rose from the dead, and the first person who saw Him was Mary Magdalene, the woman from whom He had cast out seven demons. She went and found the disciples, who were grieving and weeping. But when she told them that Jesus was alive and she had seen Him, they didn't believe her.

Afterward He appeared to two who were walking from Jerusalem into the country, but they didn't recognize Him at first because He had changed His appearance. When they realized who He was, they rushed back to tell the others, but no one believed them.
Still later He appeared to the eleven disciples as they were eating together. He rebuked them for their unbelief - their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen Him after He had risen.

And then He told them,

"Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone, everywhere. Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned. These signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in My name, and they will speak new languages. They will be able to handle snakes with safety, and if they drink anything poisonous, it won't hurt them. They will be able to place their hands on the sick and heal them."

When the Lord Jesus had finished talking with them, He was taken up into heaven and sat down in the place of honor at God's right hand. And the disciples went everywhere and preached, and the Lord worked with them, confirming what they said by many miraculous signs.

God loves you so much that He send His son Jesus Christ to die for your sins. After His resurrection and ascension into heaven, He sent His Spirit to live in our lives and empower us to live the abundant life. But we must personally ask Him into our lives to be our Lord and Savior.

Sunday, April 08, 2007

HAPPY EASTEr--yes my r's are still not woking



Happy Easter!!!


Collecting Eggs


And giving them away. Gotta love her ability to share!


Daddy and Izzy muchin on her prizes


Isabella and buddy Timothy


They really love each other. :)



And one more cheezy smile... hehe

Happy Easter!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

He IS rISEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Saturday, April 07, 2007

Coloring Eggs



250+ eggs later and we're all ready for the egg hunt tomorrow after church! It was quite the adventure as we were dying brown eggs and were limited in our food color choices but in the end... everything worked out and we had fun in the process. Grace, Jason and Hannah came over to help and then Hannah hung around for a bit. I'm glad she did... it's been awhile and I enjoy her company. I'm really excited about the hunt.. don't really know why but I enjoy doing things for other people and giving gifts and it was so much fun picking out prizes for the children. I just hope we have a good turn out and that the children enjoy it. fun pics to come tomorrow. :)

I thought I had more to share this evening but my mind is escaping me. We have a busy day planned for tomorrow... dinner with one family and a birthday party with another but it will be great to be with friends. Only 2 more days until we leave for Thailand and I just can't wait. I officially won the competition between Mike and I so Monday I get to do some shopping. I'm really excited and trying to decide on what I want to get. I know I want to get a few things from Esprit but I'm also looking at a Nike+ workout and some running shorts.

So I'm totally rambling to take up space... maybe it'll come to me later. Hope this Saturday finds you rejoicing in how much God loves you!

Thursday, April 05, 2007

Invisible

{this is the beginning of last nights post}

It's really easy to feel invisible with the millions and millions of people walking around but today I'm convinced I actually was. LOL It's been a tiring week for me emotionally. So many little things have gone wrong that are adding up causing me to be discouraged... I feel like our flat is falling apart from the lights to a bad drain, broken vacuum, possible mold, etc... Isabella has been sick all week and the meds I'm giving her don't seem to be helping, my arms are sore at the moment (beginning to think I really do have carpul tunnel.. so I probably shouldn't be typing but alas). So today's invisibility just hit me hard. I literally was about 1 foot away from getting hit by a bus and a tour bus at that, while trying to pick up a few groceries everyone cut in front of me or just stopped in front, etc.. and as I was walking out of the mall... the electronic door would not open. (That's why I was convinced I was invisible! lol) So anyway...

{a continuation of last nights post....}

Mike had the boys over while I played piano for our Maundy Thursday service and when I got home we all had dinner and then they decided to watch a movie. I went in our room and wrote the first part of this post while my food digested and then I went out for a run. I decided not to time anything, no to set a goal my only 'goal' per say was to set a steady pace. So I got outside, turned on my worship playlist and took off. It was absolutley perfect weather... cool and breezy and fairly clear so I was able to enjoy the city. It was the most amazing run ever! I enjoyed every single minute of it... even the hills! LOL I ran to TST Star ferry and back and then about half way to the Hung Hom ferry (means nothing to most of you but I'm writing this for myself to remember) and back... totalling... 10K! Oh wow it felt great and I even beat my race time. I ran the entire time and even pushed myself to run faster for the last probably 2K. I think the biggest reason I enjoyed it so much was because I wasn't pressed for time... I had all night to run if I wanted. Which makes me realize even more the need to get up earlier because running at night is not always possible and I would prefer a consistent time. I loved listening and praising God while I ran.. it was so refreshing. So anyway....

I came home to find my sweetie wide awake and it was after 10pm. We have NO IDEA why she was awake but she was ready to party... just ask Grandma (we skyped and boy did Izzy put on a show). But thankfully after skyping she went (well we all went) to bed. Today's been a very laid back, uneventful day... well for Isabella and I anyway. Mike had revolve and I wish I could've been there because it sounded like a wonderful night remembering/reflecting on what Christ went through so that we may have eternal life.

I've also personally been reflecting on this passage and wanted to share...



Isaiah 53

1 Who has believed our message
and to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?

2 He grew up before him like a tender shoot,
and like a root out of dry ground.
He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him,
nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.

3 He was despised and rejected by men,
a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering.
Like one from whom men hide their faces
he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

4 Surely he took up our infirmities
and carried our sorrows,
yet we considered him stricken by God,
smitten by him, and afflicted.

5 But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,
and by his wounds we are healed.

6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
each of us has turned to his own way;
and the LORD has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.

7 He was oppressed and afflicted,
yet he did not open his mouth;
he was led like a lamb to the slaughter,
and as a sheep before her shearers is silent,
so he did not open his mouth.

8 By oppression [a] and judgment he was taken away.
And who can speak of his descendants?
For he was cut off from the land of the living;
for the transgression of my people he was stricken. [b]

9 He was assigned a grave with the wicked,
and with the rich in his death,
though he had done no violence,
nor was any deceit in his mouth.

10 Yet it was the LORD's will to crush him and cause him to suffer,
and though the LORD makes [c] his life a guilt offering,
he will see his offspring and prolong his days,
and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand.

11 After the suffering of his soul,
he will see the light of life [d] and be satisfied [e] ;
by his knowledge [f] my righteous servant will justify many,
and he will bear their iniquities.

12 Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, [g]
and he will divide the spoils with the strong, [h]
because he poured out his life unto death,
and was numbered with the transgressors.
For he bore the sin of many,
and made intercession for the transgressors.

Each day it speaks to me in a different way... take time to digest what this passage really prophesies. After all... He did this for us.


And for those of you who can read simplified Chinese (hehehe)

以 賽 亞 書 53

1 我 们 所 传 的 ( 或 译 : 所 传 与 我 们 的 ) 有 谁 信 呢 ? 耶 和 华 的 膀 臂 向 谁 显 露 呢 ?

2 他 在 耶 和 华 面 前 生 长 如 嫩 芽 , 像 根 出 於 乾 地 。 他 无 佳 形 美 容 ; 我 们 看 见 他 的 时 候 , 也 无 美 貌 使 我 们 羡 慕 他 。

3 他 被 藐 视 , 被 人 厌 弃 ; 多 受 痛 苦 , 常 经 忧 患 。 他 被 藐 视 , 好 像 被 人 掩 面 不 看 的 一 样 ; 我 们 也 不 尊 重 他 。

4 他 诚 然 担 当 我 们 的 忧 患 , 背 负 我 们 的 痛 苦 ; 我 们 却 以 为 他 受 责 罚 , 被   神 击 打 苦 待 了 。

5 哪 知 他 为 我 们 的 过 犯 受 害 , 为 我 们 的 罪 孽 压 伤 。 因 他 受 的 刑 罚 , 我 们 得 平 安 ; 因 他 受 的 鞭 伤 , 我 们 得 医 治 。

6 我 们 都 如 羊 走 迷 ; 各 人 偏 行 己 路 ; 耶 和 华 使 我 们 众 人 的 罪 孽 都 归 在 他 身 上 。

7 他 被 欺 压 , 在 受 苦 的 时 候 却 不 开 口 ( 或 译 : 他 受 欺 压 , 却 自 卑 不 开 口 ) ; 他 像 羊 羔 被 牵 到 宰 杀 之 地 , 又 像 羊 在 剪 毛 的 人 手 下 无 声 , 他 也 是 这 样 不 开 口 。

8 因 受 欺 压 和 审 判 , 他 被 夺 去 , 至 於 他 同 世 的 人 , 谁 想 他 受 鞭 打 、 从 活 人 之 地 被 剪 除 , 是 因 我 百 姓 的 罪 过 呢 ?

9 他 虽 然 未 行 强 暴 , 口 中 也 没 有 诡 诈 , 人 还 使 他 与 恶 人 同 埋 ; 谁 知 死 的 时 候 与 财 主 同 葬 。

10 耶 和 华 却 定 意 ( 或 译 : 喜 悦 ) 将 他 压 伤 , 使 他 受 痛 苦 。 耶 和 华 以 他 为 赎 罪 祭 ( 或 译 : 他 献 本 身 为 赎 罪 祭 ) 。 他 必 看 见 後 裔 , 并 且 延 长 年 日 。 耶 和 华 所 喜 悦 的 事 必 在 他 手 中 亨 通 。

11 他 必 看 见 自 己 劳 苦 的 功 效 , 便 心 满 意 足 。 有 许 多 人 因 认 识 我 的 义 仆 得 称 为 义 ; 并 且 他 要 担 当 他 们 的 罪 孽 。

12 所 以 , 我 要 使 他 与 位 大 的 同 分 , 与 强 盛 的 均 分 掳 物 。 因 为 他 将 命 倾 倒 , 以 致 於 死 ; 他 也 被 列 在 罪 犯 之 中 。 他 却 担 当 多 人 的 罪 , 又 为 罪 犯 代 求 。



And because I can...



There's a page two but it'll have to wait until another day.

Sunday, April 01, 2007

Embarrassed....



I'm so embarrassed... In my eagerness to get one thing checked off my list, Mike walked me over to where he gets his hair cut in hopes that they were available to cut and highlight mine. They were open so I asked if they could color and cut my hair, they said yes and sat me down with some books to pick out my color. I asked him for some suggestions on what would be an obvious difference and so I decided upon a blondish color. In my mind I thought highlights and if someone was really paying attention to the conversation, you probably would understand that I wanted highlights... BUT I'm in Hong Kong and this guy didn't speak a ton of English. So I sat down and two guys came over to color my hair. It took me a few minutes to realize that I wasn't getting highlights... they were dying my whole head but by then it was too late and all I could do was pray that the color would look okay. I'll be honest in that I'm not too thrilled with it but Mike likes it and it will grow out eventually and well... I learned a lesson. But these guys were great, pretty cheap, and close by so now I feel like I can get my hair cut and highlighted much easier and not have to wait until my trips to the states.

Now that I have that off my chest... we celebrated our 2nd Anniversary as a branch church today complete with the CAIS band. It was a great service but what touched me the most was a hug from Map. I think it was one of the most sincere and longest hugs I've ever experienced (outside of family members anyway). It made me feel so special and loved. It didn't feel fake or forced or even... 'that's the kind of person I am... a hugger so here's my hug for you today'. I'm not naturally a hugging type of person.. not because I don't like hugs but more so because I'm shy and I always feel awkward.... but as dumb as it may sound after today it made me realize how much a simple hug means (can mean) to someone and that I should work harder on my huggability. LOL

Today was hot topic in Sunday School and Mike did a great job getting us to focus on the meaning o Christ's death and the fact that Jesus was human when He experienced death on the cross. We watched a bit of the Passion of the Christ and I was blown away again on how someone could treat another human being (let alone God's son) that way. What caught me off guard today was that the man who lost his ear did nothing after he was healed. In my opinion, it was obvious that he realized Jesus was God (or at least that Jesus was not a bad man) but he sat there stunned that it was as if nothing happened. It made me mad but then I have to remind myself that I too have sinned against God in numerous ways and times. We also read through Isaiah 53 and I decided to use this chapter for my devotions this week and pray through it like I did in my Bible study a few weeks ago.

Only a few more days left until our holiday!!!! Wohooo!!!!