Last last Friday, I woke up to a text that had notified me to pray for a relative's situation in the hospital. I prayed. A few hours later another friend texts me and tells of this same friend deciding to change her plans of going on their mission trip due to a death of her relative. I was in shocked. We both prayed and tried to convince her to not let her emotions get to her. Little did we know that there was no turning back, her flight had been canceled earlier that morning. Throughout the day my friend who texted me of my other friend's change of plans was devastated. She didn't know if she could do it on her own, she didn't know if things would have worked out as planned, she needed encouragement and most of all, help. She was now the youngest and only girl left on the team now.
She texted me asking "Can you come?" and I called her back. I didn't know what I was thinking, but I said " I could, just that... is it possible?" In my mind I knew it wasn't... how could it be? Getting a flight last minute, not having gone through any paperwork or church interviews, and most of all what was I going to tell my manager when I just came back a little over two weeks from San Fran? And of course the parental issue hmmm. We discussed the possibilities but I was doubting and shortly we had to hang up because I was heading to work. I left my chances up to my friend. On the way to work I kept feeling I should go, I kept feeling a push to go, I didn't know how though. I arrived work and my mind wasn't even on work, I talked to my co workers about the dilemma and I asked for advice from a Christian co worker. Same faith or not, they all told me to go, they said, "Its Aruba! Who cares about work, if you got the chance, Go, I would go." I didn't know what to do.
Prior to work I had told my friend to keep me posted of updates on what would happen since our friend decided not to go to Aruba, nor her brother. That was two out of eight members gone, 75% left, and technically you needed at least 7 people to have a mission trip be able to go. But, my friend couldn't reach me, I was at work, and my phone had little to no connection at southgate. Then while I was near the cash desk,the phone was ringing. I thought it was a call from another store asking for a shoe check, but I picked it up and a familiar voice asked "Is Sarah there?" I said "Yea, this is me," and she said her name (it was my friend) and told me with excitement, "We got you a ticket! Can you come!?" I accepted, how could I not? I was overjoyed and my next move was to tackle my manager. I approached her and told her I had something urgent to talk to her about. I told her of the whole situation and how I would have to fly out that night and won't be back for a week. I could tell she was disappointed as she was lacking employees, and she already needed people to cover for those on vacation. Yet, she nodded and said okay, and that it was fine for me to go. I called my mom shortly after, called my friend back on my break, called another friend to express my craziness-all my doubts had been solved and everything was falling into place.
I was still in disbelief. I couldn't believe I was actually flying out to Aruba on a last minute decision. I was skeptical and then I started getting scared. What did I get myself into? I don't even know what I would be doing there for Heaven's sake! Right after work I went straight home to pack. I was rushing like mad and I had so many mixed emotions. There was also a chance that all my packing would go to waste and that I wouldn't be able to go if something went wrong with my ticket. Since I'm laying down my memories of that day, everything surely worked out. Even though I was so overjoyed, I didn't want to feel so happy because I didn't want to see my opportunity as a result of a death. I broke down when I got to church and saw my friend whose relative had past away earlier that morning. I really wish we were all going together.
Its ironic how I got to go. When I was asked a few months ago to go on this mission trip, I did consider it, but I turned it down. I didn't think it was the time for me to go. As well, I found out soon after that my dad had signed up to go help since they needed more people and he's been there before. This made my 'no' an even stronger 'no' because I'm not that close to my dad. We don't talk alot, were not that tight and I didn't want to go if he was going. But in the back of my head I always thought if, just if, my dad couldn't go, I could always take his place. I never would've thought I would be replacing my friend's position because her grandpa died. Never would I have wanted that to happen. As well, when I met the people from Aruba, I wanted to go even more due to what they told me their happy island was like, their lives there, how their church is growing and telling me to go visit them one day. The night before that friday, I was even writing goodbye notes to the teens from Aruba and I had written "Maybe I'll see you again some day in Aruba." Little did I know that some day would become two days later.
It made me realized that if God wants you to go somewhere, it will happen. I guess that feeling in the back of my head was always right. I should have said yes from the beginning. But I'm glad it wasn't too late either and having chosen to go last minute, it all worked out, and this mission trip has been wonderful. I got to know everyone on the team and its been a great week of struggles, challenges, sweat, ocean view, kids, and friendships. Oh funniest of all, when my friend had texted me and asked if I could come, she told me later on she was actually joking, but God definitely wasn't!
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Friday, July 22, 2011
Dushi Yiu
This past week has neither been fast or slow, its actually progressed timely and each day got better and better as we worked to improve on the flaws and mishaps of the day before. And now, we are done, MISSION POSSIBLE no?!
Last night I led devotion from 1 John 2: 15-17 and I focused on the following verse:
"The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever"
I encouraged everyone to continue on with their energy and strength despite today being the 'last day.' Though the acts and things of this world will fade, our work will be continued and we never know how we have impacted the kids at this kids camp. This week has been highly enjoyable and had a satisfying ring to it for the whole team.
Tonight we are going to fellowship with brothers and sisters from the Aruba alliance church and the remaining of us who didn't share at the prayer meeting earlier this week will be sharing our testimony. As I was writing it just now, I realized my life hasn't been all that difficult. Though I complain about challenges or things I rather not do, in shortly a month when I turn 2-0, I realize this almost two decades has been a steady life. When I look back on what I have accomplished in the years prior, everything seems to have fall in place, expecially my internship with Urban Promise. I feel God has been setting me up for this mission trip all along. I guess I did handle and entertain the kids pretty well having decided to come last minute and not knowing anything that was planned. Yes, plans were shuffled, roles were overlapped, but somehow God's plan has never changed. What my experience at UP was more than just a seven week baking teacher, it taught me how to work through my weaknesses and take up the role of leading.
And now its time to say goodbye. This goodbye is different from UP because even though its only been a week of camp, the kids will be kids and are attached to you and ask if your coming back next yr; they even ask us to bring the leaders from last year back to Aruba(they definitely don't forget you). But, its not a sad goodbye, I'm not sobbing like a baby and I'm not wishing I could stay longer. I know it was a spontaneous trip to start with, but it won't end that way for sure.
I look forward to how pieces of my life will fall together down the road. Life is a wild ride, and everywhere you go is an adventure.
Dushi Yiu means "Sweet One," we were souvenir shopping today and so many kids have shirts with this printed on it and it really made me want to get one, but I ended up with the iconic I <3 _____ tees I collect, in this case Aruba!
Lets' Fly
Last night I led devotion from 1 John 2: 15-17 and I focused on the following verse:
"The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever"
I encouraged everyone to continue on with their energy and strength despite today being the 'last day.' Though the acts and things of this world will fade, our work will be continued and we never know how we have impacted the kids at this kids camp. This week has been highly enjoyable and had a satisfying ring to it for the whole team.
Tonight we are going to fellowship with brothers and sisters from the Aruba alliance church and the remaining of us who didn't share at the prayer meeting earlier this week will be sharing our testimony. As I was writing it just now, I realized my life hasn't been all that difficult. Though I complain about challenges or things I rather not do, in shortly a month when I turn 2-0, I realize this almost two decades has been a steady life. When I look back on what I have accomplished in the years prior, everything seems to have fall in place, expecially my internship with Urban Promise. I feel God has been setting me up for this mission trip all along. I guess I did handle and entertain the kids pretty well having decided to come last minute and not knowing anything that was planned. Yes, plans were shuffled, roles were overlapped, but somehow God's plan has never changed. What my experience at UP was more than just a seven week baking teacher, it taught me how to work through my weaknesses and take up the role of leading.
And now its time to say goodbye. This goodbye is different from UP because even though its only been a week of camp, the kids will be kids and are attached to you and ask if your coming back next yr; they even ask us to bring the leaders from last year back to Aruba(they definitely don't forget you). But, its not a sad goodbye, I'm not sobbing like a baby and I'm not wishing I could stay longer. I know it was a spontaneous trip to start with, but it won't end that way for sure.
I look forward to how pieces of my life will fall together down the road. Life is a wild ride, and everywhere you go is an adventure.
Dushi Yiu means "Sweet One," we were souvenir shopping today and so many kids have shirts with this printed on it and it really made me want to get one, but I ended up with the iconic I <3 _____ tees I collect, in this case Aruba!
Lets' Fly
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Faithfulness
Yesterday was really tiring for us, there were a lot of unexpected time gaps where we had to last minute plan games or jokes or just pure entertainment for the kids-thus we were unorganized in those areas, but it was nice to have the kids be close and open up to us by the end of the day. I realized this camp feels like Urban Promise all over again for me, except twice or triple the amount of work due to less people involved and more work on our part to plan everything from scratch.
Its tiring. After lunch I was slowly losing energy and I couldn't even tell the kids to stop running around by the time they were waiting to leave. The heat and constant "go-Go-GO" must have got to me and the team. Yet, God has been great and it was nice to befriend the kids, get to know each other and work to make this camp progress each day.
Also, there is a HUGE language barrier. In Aruba, the kids pick up Papamento (Aruba's lingo) as they grow up, canto/mando speaking with their families, learn Dutch in school, and by around gr.6, they tackle English. Spanish may also be learned in school or picked up from certain areas of Aruba. So what do we do? Thank God for two teens who are wonderful helpers and help us translate almost everything to Papamento, its a pretty sweet language and I'm bewildered at how many lanugages these kids know! Some kids don't talk at all and were still trying to figure out what they do speak haha.
Today was a better day, debriefing and conversing about the goods and bads of camp as a group helped and we were also more organized and perfect on the schedule and timing. Yet, there is a big gap between the ages; there's about 20 ish kids under 10 and 6-7 12-17yr olds, so we really have to do things differently to make it applicable for them, and sometimes be creative and think of things to do that are not too childish or too mature. And some kids, just don't want to be part of anything regardless.
It really hit home when I was playing charades with the kids and I had wanted this one little boy to act out "Jesus", "Do you know who he is?" I asked and he said "no" and told me he wanted to act out something else.
Otherwise, camp has been fun and its not that hot here as everyone had told me, yes you have beads of sweat on your nose and if your outside you just keep sweating but its manageable. Yesterday we also had the priviledge for one of the church members to take us on a tour of Aruba to do some sightseeing! We climbed a mountain!!! 561 steps =D what a work out! It was a challenge to make it to the top, but rewarding to "finish the race".
I hope we will do the same for this camp as well.
Also, I learned to FLOAT today in super salty sea water but in return...
my camera dropped into the water =(.
Its tiring. After lunch I was slowly losing energy and I couldn't even tell the kids to stop running around by the time they were waiting to leave. The heat and constant "go-Go-GO" must have got to me and the team. Yet, God has been great and it was nice to befriend the kids, get to know each other and work to make this camp progress each day.
Also, there is a HUGE language barrier. In Aruba, the kids pick up Papamento (Aruba's lingo) as they grow up, canto/mando speaking with their families, learn Dutch in school, and by around gr.6, they tackle English. Spanish may also be learned in school or picked up from certain areas of Aruba. So what do we do? Thank God for two teens who are wonderful helpers and help us translate almost everything to Papamento, its a pretty sweet language and I'm bewildered at how many lanugages these kids know! Some kids don't talk at all and were still trying to figure out what they do speak haha.
Today was a better day, debriefing and conversing about the goods and bads of camp as a group helped and we were also more organized and perfect on the schedule and timing. Yet, there is a big gap between the ages; there's about 20 ish kids under 10 and 6-7 12-17yr olds, so we really have to do things differently to make it applicable for them, and sometimes be creative and think of things to do that are not too childish or too mature. And some kids, just don't want to be part of anything regardless.
It really hit home when I was playing charades with the kids and I had wanted this one little boy to act out "Jesus", "Do you know who he is?" I asked and he said "no" and told me he wanted to act out something else.
Otherwise, camp has been fun and its not that hot here as everyone had told me, yes you have beads of sweat on your nose and if your outside you just keep sweating but its manageable. Yesterday we also had the priviledge for one of the church members to take us on a tour of Aruba to do some sightseeing! We climbed a mountain!!! 561 steps =D what a work out! It was a challenge to make it to the top, but rewarding to "finish the race".
I hope we will do the same for this camp as well.
Also, I learned to FLOAT today in super salty sea water but in return...
my camera dropped into the water =(.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Bon Dia!
Hello from Aruba. So our team has arrived safe and sound to this little wee island that is neither part of North or South America, as I've googled, this island is the property of Holland, or am I actually in Europe? The source also says its part of the Carribeans, which is technically North America, so I guess I didn't step foot on a new continent as I had wished, BUT we are so so CLOSE to South America on the map, I wish I could just hop over, some day, probably spontaneously again.
Were settled into an amazing house that was rented to us by a pastor who lives in Canada for half the year I believe. There's a mini pool, a hut, a view by the Atlandtic Ocean? and IQUANAS IN THE MORNING! It was hard to imagine that we were all here for a mission trip as it feels like we're coming for vacation, living in a resort and enjoying the beach (which has minimal sand...). I always thought a mission trip wasn't all that dressed up, more bare, and work to it, but were very thankful for such a nice villa to stay at and I guess as everything is provided we can focus on our work to be done here.
Today we visited the church we will be hosting a camp at and drove around to get use to the area as well as made our own map to and from the church. There are barely any traffic lights, speed limit signs, or pedestrian signs. Mainly just stop and yield ones, safe eh?! but the streets are usually quiet and not much cars during the day (fun fact: you can drive around Aruba in less than two hours!).
We also hosted a service for the church today and though they're congregation is SUPER SMALL, like 15 people? and we were another 7, it was encouraging to see the Chinese community of Aruba come together to worship and learn about our God. We were also incharge of hosting a kids service for the kids, but there was technically only three kids so we didn't get into the bible story or lesson planned, but they enjoyed playing the "name" game and "BANG!" with us!
I'm starting to understand more about Pastor Gabriel and his wife's work here and what they have done these past four years (yea.. I don't really understand just from reading the bulletin or what missionaries do in general). Though the attendance is small, tomorrow we are expecting about 30 kids and I pray that we can reach out to them with the gospel and get to know their lives. Its feels like this is just another kids camp that can be done anywhere, by anyone right? Why Aruba? But these past two days, I realize the church wouldn't be able to make this happen without us as I once again emphasize the size of their church and the lack of full time staff they have. The parents work a lot and their kids also help them out, its like a part time job, thus planning could not been done without outsiders.
Even though this "happy" island is beautiful and full of sunshine, please continue to pray that we stay focus on our tasks at hand and grow spiritually as we venture to mission to the kids.
Ayo!
Were settled into an amazing house that was rented to us by a pastor who lives in Canada for half the year I believe. There's a mini pool, a hut, a view by the Atlandtic Ocean? and IQUANAS IN THE MORNING! It was hard to imagine that we were all here for a mission trip as it feels like we're coming for vacation, living in a resort and enjoying the beach (which has minimal sand...). I always thought a mission trip wasn't all that dressed up, more bare, and work to it, but were very thankful for such a nice villa to stay at and I guess as everything is provided we can focus on our work to be done here.
Today we visited the church we will be hosting a camp at and drove around to get use to the area as well as made our own map to and from the church. There are barely any traffic lights, speed limit signs, or pedestrian signs. Mainly just stop and yield ones, safe eh?! but the streets are usually quiet and not much cars during the day (fun fact: you can drive around Aruba in less than two hours!).
We also hosted a service for the church today and though they're congregation is SUPER SMALL, like 15 people? and we were another 7, it was encouraging to see the Chinese community of Aruba come together to worship and learn about our God. We were also incharge of hosting a kids service for the kids, but there was technically only three kids so we didn't get into the bible story or lesson planned, but they enjoyed playing the "name" game and "BANG!" with us!
I'm starting to understand more about Pastor Gabriel and his wife's work here and what they have done these past four years (yea.. I don't really understand just from reading the bulletin or what missionaries do in general). Though the attendance is small, tomorrow we are expecting about 30 kids and I pray that we can reach out to them with the gospel and get to know their lives. Its feels like this is just another kids camp that can be done anywhere, by anyone right? Why Aruba? But these past two days, I realize the church wouldn't be able to make this happen without us as I once again emphasize the size of their church and the lack of full time staff they have. The parents work a lot and their kids also help them out, its like a part time job, thus planning could not been done without outsiders.
Even though this "happy" island is beautiful and full of sunshine, please continue to pray that we stay focus on our tasks at hand and grow spiritually as we venture to mission to the kids.
Ayo!
Friday, July 15, 2011
Life is a Whirlwind
I can't believe this is all happening. I am speechless and in disbelief. I don't even know where to start and I have no clue what to expect.
All I can say is, God, you do the impossible and you have shown yourself to be in BELIEVABLE WAYS. I can't doubt You ever again. Man, I don't even have time to lay down the details, these past 8 or 10 hours has been surreal. All through work today, so many things were spinning through my mind and I couldn't even focus.
Okay, suspense has been building, WHAT HAPPENED?
So... I'm flying out of here in less than five hours. Where am I going?
ARUBA!
Yes, I know, I have tons of explaining to do later on. Right now, I just want to ask for Your prayers for this mission trip (please and thank you!) and the team. I see many circumstances where the devil has and am kicking down each of the members on this team.
Regardless, God always does the impossible if its in his plans, he works with the whirlwind of life and calms the seas.
Amen.
P.S. My heart is pumping, adrenaline is rolling, and I'm just going crazy.
All I can say is, God, you do the impossible and you have shown yourself to be in BELIEVABLE WAYS. I can't doubt You ever again. Man, I don't even have time to lay down the details, these past 8 or 10 hours has been surreal. All through work today, so many things were spinning through my mind and I couldn't even focus.
Okay, suspense has been building, WHAT HAPPENED?
So... I'm flying out of here in less than five hours. Where am I going?
ARUBA!
Yes, I know, I have tons of explaining to do later on. Right now, I just want to ask for Your prayers for this mission trip (please and thank you!) and the team. I see many circumstances where the devil has and am kicking down each of the members on this team.
Regardless, God always does the impossible if its in his plans, he works with the whirlwind of life and calms the seas.
Amen.
P.S. My heart is pumping, adrenaline is rolling, and I'm just going crazy.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
The Golden City
Its been two weeks since I'm back from San Francisco and I realized I haven't really reflected on my trip. I guess this will be the reflection and highlights of my mini summer vacation.
Prior to going I had blog about difficulties with using airmiles and finding the flights, well that was all solved and I realized that despite going a little longer than I had wanted to, there was a plan to it. One of my summer goals was to get out of the city, and as this opportunity had arised, I wouldn't have let it slip just because of a later departure. Also, when I had planned this trip, I thought it be quiet going alone or not as exciting. I didn't know if I would get bored of my auntie, or if my auntie would not be use to having another body in the house as she lives alone. One of my friends had wanted to come later and join me, but she got a full time job so timing didn't work out. I had even brought some work todo in San Fran for the days I would be on my own when my aunt would be at work, but fortunately, I didn't have the opportunity to just sit around and work on "work" during my trip of course (what was I thinking?!).
Each day I had activities to do, places to see, destinations to explore, and food to enjoy, it was itinerary-ful. I'm really thankful that my auntie catered to me and brought me out and about. She took care of me and enriched me in many areas regarding my family, history, education, life-she is a very well rounded lady and I'm happy I got to know her more as I don't see her very often. Sometimes I did find myself becoming Americanized-she is very American. We travelled to nearby cities together, all of them are so close: San Jose, San Mateo, Millbrae, etc. She lived in San Mateo which was about half an hour from San Fran but the cities are probably like the distance between Edmonton and St.Albert, or even shorter so it was very convenient. Each city had farmer markets and events going on during the weekends and lots and lots of food! There's food everywhere, the US is rich in franchises and local eateries. I was pretty much bloated by the end of my time there.
My favorite tourist attraction was Fisherman's Wharf. This was a harbour/pier along the coast of San Fran and was busy with seafood and more seafood. This city is always full of tourist, but this was where it was at. Ghiradelli Chocolate Square, The Wine Cannery, Aquarium, Lazy Sea Lions, Bakeries, Souvineir shops, a park area to enjoy the sunshine, performers and artists on the street-you name it! I was lucky to experience some of the hottest weather during my stay, the ocean breeze was nice at times, yet brutally cold when crossing the Golden Gate Bridge. Speaking of which, I highly recommend Sausalito (see the photo below), an island area that's on the other side of the bridge where a lot of the really wealthy people live. Its so warm and relaxing and the view is absolutely stunning! Enjoying my clam chowder in a bread bowl and reflecting on where I was was amazing.
When I ventured on those hop on/hop off day tours, I gained a lot of knowledge about the history of this city. The population of San Fran is only about 850 000, but each day it reaches TWO MILLION due to tourists like me. As well, the demographic is quite young, with more couples owning pets than having children, thus pet markets and commodities are huge with dog spas and dog sitters. Lots of celebrities and high socialites tend to have made some kind of impact or influence here too, either it be Marilyn Monroe taking pictures with her husband infront of a church on street 666 (ironic eh? also, they couldn't marry in the church as one of them was divorced) or this sugar tycoon who owned a sugar company and married a girl 22 years younger than him, hence the arrival of the term "Sugar Daddy." All in all it was a very insightful city and I must say, I LOVE THE VICTORIAN ARTCHITECTURES!
Well that pretty much wraps it up, yet I had forgotten grade school had ended already the week I was leaving so when I arrived to the airport 60min before my flight (yes, I could've been earlier), there were line ups and more line ups inside and outside. People were lining up outside the doors to checkin. My flight was at 8:33am and I checked in close to 8, and I still had to go through security. Luckily (and funny story) this Indian family was going to Honolulu and families were called to go to a shorter line so they said I could follow them and pretend I was traveling with them so I did. When we arrived at the free-line up line, the security guard was looking at me oddly and was like "your with them? (directing at the Indian family, obviously I'm not a child of theirs), I said no, I was just following them so he directed me to the regular line and it was 8am already and I had to board in 10minutes! However, this lady infront of me, her flight was at 9am and she was worried she wouldn't get through security on time so she talked to one of the airport workers and he let her go through the firstclass/business line (with way less people), and I was like, oh I think I should go in that line too, my flight is at 8:30, and he was like "your joking right?" I'm like, no and I showed him my ticket and he was like, "your late!, get in that line."
That's what I get for traveling alone and being late. Well, I made it back, that is what counts!
I hope You have a great trip this summer wherever life takes you to!
I would totally recommend San Francisco! I didn't even go to all the places I wanted to visit-the city itself IS a tourist attraction.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
A Blessing in Disguise
This past Sunday, I initiated church hopping with one of my friends and we "hopped" our way to Gateway Alliance Church (the one across from Leons). I really liked how it was very multicultural and that they had a countdown on the screen before the start of service while the praise team was already rocking it. The PT was kind of a YC style, very modern and loud, though a lot of the songs were unfamiliar to me. I also liked how their news of the week was made into a video format with two hosts Q&A instead of having someone read straight from a bullentin. It was more engaging and interactive that way and a few good laughs here and there.
What stuck out the most to me was the sermon. It was about money and giving our share back to God. The pastor was from Scotland and had a heavy accent, but he delivered his message very well. He told the congregation how we tend to think of giving as losing something, losing monetary value, decreasing our bank account, taking something out of our pocket and not getting anything in return. Well, we are giving to the Lord right? But, multiple times, God talks about how the weak will be the strong, the poor will be the rich, and how abundantly he will bless those that give. "Don't think of giving in terms of losing something, think of it as gaining returns!" In his words, when pastors preach about God's love, they want you to have that love, when they preach about forgiveness they want you to have that forgiveness, and when money is preached, its not about taking money from you, but giving it back to you through blessings! So we ought not to think about tithing as a negative thing, because it's not, in fact giving a 1/10 is only a start (did you know to tithe means to give a 10th?).
This message really spoked to me because earlier that morning I had decided to donate $50 to a friend going on a mission trip this summer. At first, I didn't want to give that much, but I really felt that value was from God, so that's what I decided on. But I kept feeling uncertain about this value because I was like, I'm losing money, and I'm just working part time, and I could save that amount for something else. I felt stingy and wanted that money for myself instead. But hearing this sermon relieved my uncertainities or so to speak, the devil's temptations in telling me to keep that money for my personal pleasures.
To my suprise, two days later, I did reap the benefits (God sure does work fast). I got my first cheque for this coming year's GST/HST credit and it was close to double the amount I had donated. I felt it was another reassurance from God.
But...
Today, I come home to find out I got a speeding ticket dated May 22, 2011. Way to delay my mail Canada Post. I guess the money came in time for something I hadn't expected.
A blessing? Only God would know.
Give thanks with a grateful heart
What stuck out the most to me was the sermon. It was about money and giving our share back to God. The pastor was from Scotland and had a heavy accent, but he delivered his message very well. He told the congregation how we tend to think of giving as losing something, losing monetary value, decreasing our bank account, taking something out of our pocket and not getting anything in return. Well, we are giving to the Lord right? But, multiple times, God talks about how the weak will be the strong, the poor will be the rich, and how abundantly he will bless those that give. "Don't think of giving in terms of losing something, think of it as gaining returns!" In his words, when pastors preach about God's love, they want you to have that love, when they preach about forgiveness they want you to have that forgiveness, and when money is preached, its not about taking money from you, but giving it back to you through blessings! So we ought not to think about tithing as a negative thing, because it's not, in fact giving a 1/10 is only a start (did you know to tithe means to give a 10th?).
This message really spoked to me because earlier that morning I had decided to donate $50 to a friend going on a mission trip this summer. At first, I didn't want to give that much, but I really felt that value was from God, so that's what I decided on. But I kept feeling uncertain about this value because I was like, I'm losing money, and I'm just working part time, and I could save that amount for something else. I felt stingy and wanted that money for myself instead. But hearing this sermon relieved my uncertainities or so to speak, the devil's temptations in telling me to keep that money for my personal pleasures.
To my suprise, two days later, I did reap the benefits (God sure does work fast). I got my first cheque for this coming year's GST/HST credit and it was close to double the amount I had donated. I felt it was another reassurance from God.
But...
Today, I come home to find out I got a speeding ticket dated May 22, 2011. Way to delay my mail Canada Post. I guess the money came in time for something I hadn't expected.
A blessing? Only God would know.
Give thanks with a grateful heart
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Hello, My name is
Friendly.
You guys are awesome, beyond awesome. Though I am outgoing and like to talk, I can't live up to you guys. You guys approach me in such a new way, offer to shake my hand and introduce yourself with such openess. Your sincere, caring, and apologize for things that aren't even your fault (and I thought I'm the one whose Canadian). I feel like I take my first impression and being friendly or not for granted, as if it was a choice to be nice or not. But, for you guys, friendly is the way to go, smiling is automatic, and giving a helping hand is a must in your world.
These past few days, I have been thinking a lot about how I thought prior to the arrival of this friendly group. I keep mentioning friendly because, friendly pretty much sums them up. They really go out of the way to help, and they help with a such a genuine attitude- no second thoughts, no doing-it-for-something-in-return mentality, just out of a pure and humble heart, real love. They enjoy talking to everyone, they don't judge, they are the definition of welcoming.
In contrast, I feel unwelcoming even though I am the one who is suppose to welcome them. A few weeks ago, I didn't even want these people here, I didn't want to get to know people I didn't know nor met before. I can't believe I didn't want this friendliness to stay in my house! To think that I didn't even want to share my bed despite not even being home (I was in San Fran), yet, now, I don't even have words to describe how pleasurable and happy it has been with all these friendly faces and have a smile to turn to every time I see these friends from Aruba. I'm going to miss these friendly faces.
They are definitely showing their love like Jesus. Being Christ-like really shines through, and it makes me wish I had chosen to go somewhere now.
Jesus rides the subway
You guys are awesome, beyond awesome. Though I am outgoing and like to talk, I can't live up to you guys. You guys approach me in such a new way, offer to shake my hand and introduce yourself with such openess. Your sincere, caring, and apologize for things that aren't even your fault (and I thought I'm the one whose Canadian). I feel like I take my first impression and being friendly or not for granted, as if it was a choice to be nice or not. But, for you guys, friendly is the way to go, smiling is automatic, and giving a helping hand is a must in your world.
These past few days, I have been thinking a lot about how I thought prior to the arrival of this friendly group. I keep mentioning friendly because, friendly pretty much sums them up. They really go out of the way to help, and they help with a such a genuine attitude- no second thoughts, no doing-it-for-something-in-return mentality, just out of a pure and humble heart, real love. They enjoy talking to everyone, they don't judge, they are the definition of welcoming.
In contrast, I feel unwelcoming even though I am the one who is suppose to welcome them. A few weeks ago, I didn't even want these people here, I didn't want to get to know people I didn't know nor met before. I can't believe I didn't want this friendliness to stay in my house! To think that I didn't even want to share my bed despite not even being home (I was in San Fran), yet, now, I don't even have words to describe how pleasurable and happy it has been with all these friendly faces and have a smile to turn to every time I see these friends from Aruba. I'm going to miss these friendly faces.
They are definitely showing their love like Jesus. Being Christ-like really shines through, and it makes me wish I had chosen to go somewhere now.
Jesus rides the subway
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