An ultrasound did not detect the heartbeat of the baby. This is the second time this year I accompanied a mom to an ultrasound. The first one was joyous with results we hoped for. This one was not what we hoped for. We cried, yet, there’s hope. I sensed the parent’s peace. We know our […]
If I was not a Christian, I would miss out on the life of the church. The church is a big part of a Christian’s life. Church should not be the only thing in a Christian’s life, but it is a big part. Church may look different in different cultures, but the love and unity […]
Uttering a few words of prayer doesn’t seem like much. Even if it was heartfelt, passionate, deep, long – whatever “good” prayer looks like, do those words make a difference? The obvious answer from any devoted Christian is yes. But why? How do words I say translate into changes in real life? Logically speaking, prayer […]
ughhh, the floral wire I bought was cheaper at Michaels and I wouldn’t have had to wait for it to be shipped! I love both Amazon and Michaels, but now I love Michaels more. Especially because they gave me a $5 off coupon, which I used today. Went kumquat picking with Elliot and Nancy, and […]
I’m not good with details. I don’t like to plan things. I used to do ok with it, but now I get stressed out planning things. But I want to invite people to my house, I want to be hospitable because the Bible says so. It’s a way invite people in to build relationship and […]
I feel accomplished today. I made a wreath that I’ve been wanting to do for a while. Walked up the street to a corner house with a cypress bush I’ve been eyeing. In broad daylight I cut some branches. It’s a big bush, on a corner slope, I’m sure no one cares. Crafting the wreath […]
Another great Awana night. What makes it good are the volunteers. They not only get the job done, but does it with enthusiasm, joy, going the extra mile. And the true test of a dedicated volunteer is that they would do it again, and again and this team does! I am blessed to be a […]
I’ve not heard of this term of being “woke” or “wokeness” until I read this. Very well written. It makes me want to cry. I’ve been feeling “off” the last couple days. Yesterday, I couldn’t remember my routine for going to prayer meeting – something I go to every Wednesday. What time do I normally […]
From yesterday, 2/13/2019 It was my turn to share in staff devo today. I shared about what I learned in Perspectives about prayer as an act of spiritual violence. Prayer pushes back the spirit of darkness and the devil’s work on earth. I felt a bit hypocritical talking about prayer because I am not one […]
I always have high expectations that I’d get a lot of things done on Mondays. It’s my day off, I can clean the shower, clean the garage, clean the dresser, do some yard work..and I usually do none of those things… Instead we go to Costco to buy stuff instead of cleaning out stuff. When my […]
At church today: Me talking to a 2nd grade boy: I’m not punishing you, I just want to help you worship God, and i think you can focus on God better if you didn’t sit next to your friend M. Where would you like to sit so you can focus on God? Would you like […]
To celebrate my big birthday, my family surprised me with afternoon tea at the Huntington Library. It was hard to settle on a date when everyone is available. Today I had extended deacons meeting in the morning, got out at 12:30, ate In n Out and drove out to Huntington Library. We stayed till closing […]
It was a privilege to lead the caring team to visit Muiha today. I am on the “bench” and only asked to lead if none of the other pastors can go 🙂 What a joy to see God’s faithful care on this family. When I asked for one word character of God that you experience, […]
Have you had those moments when the Holy Spirit convicts you of your sin? And it’s one of those sins that you know is a sin, and have confessed it, but only on the surface. And the Holy Spirit convicts you of it again when he opens your eyes to see the gravity of it […]
My day yesterday, 2/5/2019 We try to stack all office meetings on Tuesdays so that other days will be open for us to plan for whatever we need to do. Had English team meeting in the morning, and staff meeting in the afternoon with an hour in between for lunch. By 3pm, with another hour […]
Ikea was the perfect work space today. There’s underground parking so we don’t have to get wet, I get free coffee or tea as an Ikea member, we sat next to the window in the cafe with an open view of the rain. Read my Perspectives book and felt productive. And of course we got […]
Woke up really tired, but an answered prayer that I didn’t have any weird dreams as I did the past several days. But I missed 8:30am prayer, thinking it would be wise to just rest a bit longer. When I got to church, I saw a surprise present in my office with a note – […]
This is my post for Friday, 2/1/2019. Highlights – Finished scripting, recording and sending out my annual new year update to all who serve in Children Ministry. Bought fried chicken at 168 Market to have lunch with my friend Janis. We’ve known each other since junior high, she’s my oldest friend. The chicken was good […]
It was cold, rainy, windy today. It’s not -30C like in Chicago or -50C in Minnesota, but it’s pretty bad for us in SoCal. Why would I go out there, go to church on a Saturday, and stand outside (fortunately under cover) for a few hours? Because of love, and because it’s a joy. It seemed […]