Life is random, so is my blog.
This may not be my best post. It's just the most recent.
This is Why I Write.
10/9/2008
Hey friends, I suppose I should write an update in reply to all the “how are you” and “where are you” comments. 
I haven’t felt like blogging lately. I’ve been doing this for over a decade… I guess I get tired of it on occasion. Sometimes I start to write a post but then I can’t think of anything to write so I leave it for another day.
I want to write more about depression. I started a series on that a couple of months ago. I could also share some exciting stories from my internship at Central Assembly.
Today though, I’m taking the day off. I’m not feeling so well. I think I’ll make another cup of tea and read for a while. I’ve fallen a bit behind in my reading for one of my classes.
Here are a few of the books I’m reading this week:
The Forgotten Ways: Reactivating the Missional Church by Alan Hirsch.
The Universe Next Door: A Basic Worldview Catalog by James W. Sire
Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God by Francis Chan
9/23/2008
I just finished reading The Radical Wesley and Patterns for Church Renewal by Howard Snyder.
I loved this book! Not only does it tell the exciting story of John Wesley, but it gives a model of church renewal. Snyder convincingly argues that Christian fellowship or community are essential elements in renewal. He says, “A personal commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior must be tied to a covenant commitment to the body of Christ. Believers must be ready to take some agreed responsibility for their own lives and for the lives of their sisters and brothers in the faith.”
Beside the unfortunate tea stains, the pages of my book are covered in scribbled notes and underlines. In my excitement, my comments didn’t remain in written form. While reading, I actually heard myself proclaim, “Hooah! Wesley!” This book makes me want to read a Wesley biography or two, start a small group, feed the poor and live a holy life. That’s not bad for a church history reading assignment.
9/10/2008
After my earlier post, I failed to clarify that my little girl did in fact get birthday presents. Don’t worry, grandparents and uncles have it covered.
I was also able to fix my old digital camera, so she had that surprise yesterday.
Thanks so much to those who were concerned.
9/8/2008
Last Monday evening I worried about not having the money to pay for rent, tuition and groceries. Joel sat at the diningroom table looking for answers through the screen of his laptop. I called the children into my bedroom. We held hands and prayed that God would provide the money we need and give Daddy a temporary job so we could catch up.
A few minutes later a family member called and offered to send us $1,000. We hadn’t told her of our need, she just called and insisted on helping. Thank You!
Not long after that call, Joel received another. He had orders to deploy to Louisiana with the Missouri National Guard. He left that night. Within less than an hour, God had dramatically answered our prayers.
The next day I checked the mail and found 465 dollars worth of payments for our business. Later, I heard rumor that someone intended to send me some money for school…
On Wednesday afternoon, I came home with three small garden tomatoes given to me when I stopped by the church that day. Sarah saw the produce and beamed with joy. She said, “Oh mommy I’m so happy for you! You wanted tomatoes!” She was right. I had been wanting tomatoes for several days but hadn’t wanted to spend the money on them. Sarah and Jeremiah were so excited about God’s provision.
I asked them if God heard their prayers on Monday night. They assured me that he had. They stood in the living room hopping up and down telling me how he had answered. They listed things off one by one… the thousand dollars, the deployment, the checks, the tomatoes… My kids had been watching and noticing as God quickly answered their prayers. They’re excitement was worth more than any paycheck.
We cuddled early this morning. My almost six year old daughter sighed happily and whispered, “one more day.” I said, “Sarah, I’m sorry I don’t have the money to get you a birthday present… What am I going to do?” She sweetly replied, “You already got me something.” “What?” I asked. With a tight hug, she whispered her reply, “Love.”
9/4/2008
Hello friends,
No, I’ve not forgotten you, I’m just really busy. I do have some posts coming soon though.
This is what’s going on:
8/27/2008
While at CHBOLC, a Korean chaplain in my platoon would occasionally take me aside and offer some encouraging words. He would tell me that I reminded him of his sister. He spoke so very highly of her and said he hoped we would get to meet some time. I doubted that would happen, but five months later we met at a Fourth of July picnic at Fort Jackson. Another chaplain from my old platoon had returned to South Carolina to complete officer basic. He saw me at the picnic and quickly introduced me to his new classmate, Chaplain Grace Bong. I was so excited to meet my friend’s sister. Now, a year later, she showed up in my Google News page. Here’s the story.
