Daylight Saving Time began today. So, what are we saving time for? As Lent continues, I wanted to write about the relationships that are most important to me: God, my family, and church community.
Although we've had sunny, cold winter days, many families have had a rough time with colds, flus and viruses. A couple of weeks ago, I had this one night fever and then subsequent pain after eating anything. Another mom described symptoms of this nasty stomach virus that her son had. As I listened, I thought, that sounds like my symptoms. It turns out that it was likely a new norovirus. So, I immediately went on a plain diet of water, rice crackers, garlic with acidophilus tablets. I slowly worked in yogurt and some vegetables, as I continued this forced diet.
What does this have to do with Lent and God? Well, I have been struggling with my focus on eating and food, in general. I wrongly think that I've failed because I cannot fast. I don't want to be a slave to food and craving more than anything else. My willpower is not enough. Note: This is a bit of a confession.
Well, as I have been limiting my diet, and coincidentally teaching and ESL class on Culinary Arts (Ha! ha!), the Holy Spirit has begun showing me that God is sufficient. Jesus is enough. I must hunger and thirst for His living water to get me through daily. My stomach is fine and full most days. I realize that in suffering and having hunger pains (nowhere near starvation), I am still being watched over and strengthened because I believe in God's Holy power. Fasting from anything besides God's Word and prayer is not only doable, but draws me closer to the One who knows all, sees all, and can transform all.
Next, I often believe my family doesn't listen. When I ask something, they don't answer. I feel ignored. Wow, how awful that must be when God asks and calls, but I don't answer! This Lent season, I'm acutely aware of my family's needs and asking for forgiveness and help from God when I get in these "pity me" moods. It's not about me; it's about Jesus and pointing others to Him. My Bible Study Fellowship (BSF), daily e-devotionals, and teaching Iris about Jesus cause me to look for how God works in my life.
Prayer is HUGELY important! I'm part of a confidential prayer chain, tied into praying for the missionaries which my church supports, as well as praying for my small groups at BSF and through my church. It is so true that the best "cure" for depression or resentments is to care for others. When Iris says, "That's not fair!", I know that life is not fair....but God is. He is the judge. His righteous ways are beyond any court or judicial system. This comforts because I know He is merciful and loving, even though I don't deserve it. I need not earn it, because of Jesus Christ. My response is key. What do I choose daily that brings glory to Christ? That's what gives me purpose, hope, and peace. Each time I know that I've procrastinated in my lesson planning, I pray for God to give me time. Guess what? He has and continues to do that. I'm not saying that my lessons are fabulous, but I get the energy, the ideas and the focus enough to fulfill my job. After each class session, I not only consider what I happened, but that God allowed all good things to happen. God is teaching me. That's what I'd like my family to understand, notice and pay attention to.
Then, there is my church community. Well, I've been blessed to serve alongside such mighty followers for Christ. I would easily name 50 people in this blog, but I like to protect individuals from overt public sharing (and danger). A recent example of grace from my church friends (and husband, too) is my being duped in a recent phone scam involving the computer. I answered the phone and believed that this person was acting on my behalf to protect my computer from virus. I trusted this complete stranger with a thick Indian accent with the technical virus protection of my computer. I followed his instructions, acting out of fear and false urgency, rather than turning to prayer, and even my husband, whom I couldn't easily contact that day. The result was a hard lesson lesson (again!) learned about making decisions out of fear and that cost us some money ($250) and a lot of time dealing with credit card, bank, police, and computer help. Brian and I wondered, "Did he get our vital information about SSN and passwords?" It was with embarrassment, regret and shame that I asked my church family to pray for me. Pray against the enemy's attack on my self-worth and identity, which I feared could be compromised by this phone scam caller. I thanked God for a friend who alerted me to stop the scam and some early steps to protect myself. I thanked God for His protection, in which I could trust. This gave me peace. Of course, I am more cautious, but I learned that everyone is vulnerable to evil, doubt, and worry that robs us of a vibrant relationship with the living Christ. It is most appropriate that Lent points to Easter, and that Easter points us to our deepest need for a Savior and toward our greatest hope, which is our best Friend, Jesus.
If you believe in this power, I would like prayers for me and my part in the search for a new associate pastor at my church, for my involvement in children's ministry, and what God is pointing me to in the next year. I believe it's away from teaching, but towards what?
Please pray also for my father-in-law, my dad with Parkinson's, my brother's family who will relocate back to the USA, my niece and nephew as they graduate from high school, the exchange student, Sophia, who will live with us from mid-March to July.
To quote a well-known pastor and writer Tony Campolo, "It's may be Friday, but Sunday's a-coming."
~Cindy
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Lunar New Year Parade action
Here are some videos that captured the fun evening watching the parade:
(Before the parade began)
(Fan dancers were definitely an attraction for Iris)
(This was new-BART train in the parade!)
(This group below danced to a recent worldwide phenomena out of Korea. I forgot the name of the song)
Year of the Snake
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| Friends Monique and Josephine at school fundraiser. Crepes for dinner. Yum! |
January flew by with school restarting for Iris. Two changes in her activities:
1. She started ballet at a different dance studio. It's a bit challenging for Iris because almost all the girls are older and there aren't any non-caucasian girls. This teacher happens to speak French, so that's nice. There is a Spring performance in May. She'll like that.
2. She is taking swim lessons at the YMCA, semi-private or private. So, Saturday mornings are full for awhile. She is doing very well. She holds her breath in the water for a long time, and is learning real swim strokes. It's so great to watch. Here's a glimpse at what she can do.
February's highlight was the Lunar New Year celebrations; one at my parents home on Feb. 10th, one at the Bay Discovery Museum with dancers, and the big parade in the City with cousins and Aunt Ruth.Here are a couple of photos around the dinner table of relatives that do not often get together. It was a special gathering. My cousin's family is vegetarian, so there was plenty of Chinese food to choose from. It's just too bad that we usually have to eat and run because it's past Iris's bedtime. She really had a screaming fit that night, too! Whoa!
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| Iris slowly warmed up to Tiersha jie jie who drew an original pencil drawing for Iris. Tiersha's mom kindly gave Iris a big bag of lovely girls' clothes, including a blue Cinderella style dress. |
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| This was a "Mulan" dancer from SJ Chinese dance group. |
Finally, we made our annual trek by car and BART to watch the parade in the big city. God was so good because we met up at the end of the line with cousins, and found Aunt Ruth at the "usual spot" for watching the parade. We all enjoyed a packed dinner of sandwiches, chips and mint Milano cookies, thanks to Brian. The evening was cool, but it was the warmest and clearest in several years. Iris got to watch up in front with another girl about her age. She really had a great time and was very excited by the parade. A few times she would say, "Mommy, take a picture!" So, I did. Here are a few. See the next post for memorable videos.
I was not so keen when I saw the large representations of gods, especially the black-faced Matsu (or Matso), and the snake theme. However, this is the culture from which Iris (and I) came. I'm glad that Iris focuses more on the lovely costumes and dancers than the idol worship. I was struck by one passer by holding a large sign that said, "Jesus loves you". I thought how the thousands of parade watchers probably didn't know that. I pray that Iris and her most significant friends will know this truth in their hearts. New years come only by the powerful grace of God.
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