The Poor

For the past have year, I have been pondering the direction of what I should write on in this blog. On one hand, I don't want to write meaningless dribble for the sake of putting something up on a blog. On the other hand, I do want to continue learning how to write and make my thoughts clear and concise by sharing the faith adventure God has put me in. I think I will continue to blog as God teaches me more about life and what it means to be a Christ-follower.

A theme that has been coming up in my life over the past year is figuring out how I can help the poor as a person and as a follower of Jesus Christ. In addition to getting into a church that has a core value to help the poor in the city, God has opened doors to help the poor overseas through a partnership at work.

As this new chapter unfolds in my life, I'm expecting to be challenged with things that will make me uncomfortable and will force me to be more emotional. I will probably be convicted to change habits and how I spend my resources. Looking forward to it...

Bible study tools

Check out these tools and also a chance to win!

Bible Study Magazine and Mars Hill are giving away 20 copies of Mark Driscoll’s new book, Vintage Church. Not only that, but they are also giving away five subscriptions to Bible Study Magazine and a copy of their Bible Study Library software! Enter to win on the Bible Study Magazine Mark Driscoll page, then take a look at all the cool tools they have to help with your Bible study!

Relationships

Relationships are a big thing because we are a relational type of people. Just take a quick look at your Facebook news feed - there is a fascination when someone proclaims that they are in a relationship or when their status changes to "single". Comments pour in of congratulations or sympathy...

But what is beyond establishing a relationship? How does one get to know another person?

I came across a nugget today while reading. When describing his relationship with a person that is suppose to be a close friend, he compared it to another one saying,

"Your father got along just fine didn't he? He did what was right and treated people fairly, and things went well with him. He stuck up for the down and out and things went well... Isn't this what it means to know me?"

Could this be the missing link to many failed relationships? They say opposites attract - that can be true. But to further a relationship and to go deeper is the key to understand the other person's character by living it out?

Our friends who share the love of food, amongst other things =D

Relaunch

I have been thinking of using this space for more than just to write my musings on any topic that comes to mind (although it is still available for that). I want to focus in on specific issues - perhaps being more intentional with my thoughts.

In the days to come, I think I will be writing more. Stay tuned...

I Love the Changing Seasons

With the first snowfall of the season out of the way, it is officially time to get ready for winter. I know other parts of the country have had snow already, but it is always an event when your part of the country receives snow.



And usually, it marks the end of Fall. I love Fall - I look forward to it next year!

Wood for the good ol' fire

Beautiful clouds on cool, crisp evenings

The heavens declare the glory of God;

the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

Day after day they pour forth speech;

night after night they display knowledge.

There is no speech or language

where their voice is not heard.

Their voice goes out into all the earth,

their words to the ends of the world.

Psalm 19

Connections

I'm at awe at the way God works. I can't really express it or explain it well, but I can confidently say I understand Romans 8:28 better in light of this past year. It started with choosing Abel's name and how it connected with his birth and weight. It was comforting to know God was giving clues to us that He cared and was with us.

After Abel's memorial service, a friend asked why we read the book of Ecclesiastes to Abel the morning he passed away. I honestly don't know why. God laid the book on Deb's heart and I read it that morning. I think we both knew the essence of the book is about practical (right or wrong) observations about life, and that at the end of the matter, we need to trust God because everything will be revealed at the end.

But just this past week, I finished reading "How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth" by Fee and Stuart. Here is what I read concerning how to read the book of Ecclesiastes:

At issue ultimately in reading Ecclesiastes is to come to trems with the frequently used - and very important - word hebel ("vanity," NRSV; "meaningless," NIV; "futility," NJB), which occurs thirty-seven times in this book (out of the seventy-three of the OT). The word itself means "vapor" or "breath/wisp of air" (cf. Ps. 39:5; Prov. 31:30; Isa 57:13).

God is good.

6 months

Today marks 6 months Abel passed away. We are grateful that we were able to speak about him at our church and share photos with new friends. Thank you for all who are praying for us and supporting us as we continue this journey.