In the year 2010, my pastor asked us to fast once a week. During the fourth week of each month, he requested we fast in unity on Wednesday. On non-unity fast weeks, I fasted on Monday. I am happy to say, I fasted each week in 2010. This is quite the accomplishment for me as I wasn’t sure I was going to make it. Amazing how donuts, sandwiches, candy, and other treats miraculously appeared most of my fast days.
For 2011, the once a week fast request has continued. This year he has asked for a day of consecration. So with the fast day, comes intentionally prayer and devotional.
Yesterday was my week one fast day. For my devotional, I studied 1 Peter 4:1-6.
1 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. 2 As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. 3 For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 4 They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. 5 But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.
For me, verses two and three stood out. Imagine my life if I focused on fulfilling the Will of God in my life. Verse three is so true in that I have spent enough time doing what I want to do. When do I truly give my life over to God in all things?
As I fast, pray, and have my weekly devotion, my goal is to write out what I studied and my thoughts behind it. Each week will be different as the length of scripture may be different. I might even study a body of scripture for a few weeks.
As I was praying, I was thinking about an old friend of mine who wanted to tithe 10% of her day to God. She wanted to spend 2.4 hours a day in prayer and scripture reading. I was telling God that I don’t see myself reaching that level, but I do want to make my time with Him count. I am looking for quality time with God, vs. quantity time.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
"Love covers a multitude of sins"
When you love someone, you are able to listen without judgment. What do I mean by this? I mean that despite what you learn about someone, when a person makes themselves vulnerable by sharing the not so positive parts of themselves, you are still able to look at them with rose-colored glasses. It doesn’t mean you don’t offer true and wise counsel if needed. It does mean that don’t you view the person any differently.
It was a glimpse into the way God loves me. Despite what He knows about me – things that might cause many folks to raise their eyebrows – He still loves me unconditionally. Yes, He wants me strive to be the best I can be, but He also is okay when I occasionally mess up.
Love is such an overused word. People use it too lightly. In Greek, there are four different words/types of love. They are Phileo, Storge, Eros, and Agape. Phileo is used to describe love in friendship. Storge is love between family like between parents and children. Eros describes sensual love. Agape is the love that is unconditional and sacrificial.
All these (warm and fuzzy) thoughts about love got me thinking about 1 Peter 4:8, which in the NIV reads, “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
As 2011 begins, I am going to attempt to keep this verse close to my heart. I hope the reminder will help me be a better neighbor, friend, colleague, and person.
It was a glimpse into the way God loves me. Despite what He knows about me – things that might cause many folks to raise their eyebrows – He still loves me unconditionally. Yes, He wants me strive to be the best I can be, but He also is okay when I occasionally mess up.
Love is such an overused word. People use it too lightly. In Greek, there are four different words/types of love. They are Phileo, Storge, Eros, and Agape. Phileo is used to describe love in friendship. Storge is love between family like between parents and children. Eros describes sensual love. Agape is the love that is unconditional and sacrificial.
All these (warm and fuzzy) thoughts about love got me thinking about 1 Peter 4:8, which in the NIV reads, “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
As 2011 begins, I am going to attempt to keep this verse close to my heart. I hope the reminder will help me be a better neighbor, friend, colleague, and person.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
2010 in Review
2010 in Review
2010 has been a challenging but fruitful year. I’m learning to get over myself. I believe that the valuable lessons learned will lead to 2011 being a great year! I think it will be challenging, but I think my perspective and attitude will make all the difference. Basically, I need to learn to be less selfish. In some ways, I blame being single and having no children. My world revolves around me (smile).
As you know, I have a goal to take one major trip each year. This year, I visited Greece, Belgium, and the Netherlands. For the Greece portion, I joined a tour group. My experience emphasized that Rick Steves is the best company to tour with if you are going to tour, but I am bias. The highlights of this portion of the trip were going to Patmos and seeing the cave where John is believed to have written Revelation and going to Ephesus in Turkey and seeing the Grand Theater that is mentioned in the Book of Acts. Paul preached there! I also really loved Santorini. It would be a great place to go on my honeymoon! Belgium was a great place to relax. I loved a church called Church of Our Lady. It was such a peaceful place to visit each day I was there. I totally loved Amsterdam. I think a lot of people think of the Red Light District and drugs when they think of Amsterdam. I think of a great, historic city with tons of canals and bridges. It was so magical and is right up there with Dublin as one of my favorite places I’ve been to.
I also traveled to Los Angeles in May. My dear friend Samarah got married, and I was a bridesmaid. The week following, I went to NYC for my job. It was a great trip, and I managed to catch a couple of shows (Avenue Q and Rock of Ages).
This year there was a close death and birth in my life. My aunt that raised me pasted away. If I could go back, I would have done a lot of things differently, but sometimes we assume we have all the time to get things right. I am grateful that I was able to wish her a Happy Mother’s Day one last time. It was a painful reminder that you don’t know how long you have with people. It’s so important to clear the air with people and be present in their lives. My good friend Desiree had a baby boy in October! Another nephew to add to the mix. I am so happy for her family.
I am still working for the Port of Seattle. October 1, 2010, marked my 14th anniversary (included my temp time). I am grateful to have a job.
Church is going well. I am putting the final touches to the first issue of year ten of our newsletter. It’s hard to believe it’s been that long. It continues to be something I enjoy. I know I was called to write, and my skills as an editor are improving. I am also an usher still. I have come a long way from my “mean usher” days. God has been good to me. God has surrounded me with wonderful people. I am truly blessed in this area. God has sent me a lot of love, and I am thankful for it.
I started a new journey as I am locking my hair. I started January 8, 2010, and it's come a long way. The hair has its own heartbeat. I love it! I so want to get a nose ring, but that will probably have to wait until I am self employed.
I have no idea of what 2011 will bring, but I am excited. God is doing amazing things and is ever patient with me.
I pray that you had a Merry Christmas and will have a Happy New Year!
2010 has been a challenging but fruitful year. I’m learning to get over myself. I believe that the valuable lessons learned will lead to 2011 being a great year! I think it will be challenging, but I think my perspective and attitude will make all the difference. Basically, I need to learn to be less selfish. In some ways, I blame being single and having no children. My world revolves around me (smile).
As you know, I have a goal to take one major trip each year. This year, I visited Greece, Belgium, and the Netherlands. For the Greece portion, I joined a tour group. My experience emphasized that Rick Steves is the best company to tour with if you are going to tour, but I am bias. The highlights of this portion of the trip were going to Patmos and seeing the cave where John is believed to have written Revelation and going to Ephesus in Turkey and seeing the Grand Theater that is mentioned in the Book of Acts. Paul preached there! I also really loved Santorini. It would be a great place to go on my honeymoon! Belgium was a great place to relax. I loved a church called Church of Our Lady. It was such a peaceful place to visit each day I was there. I totally loved Amsterdam. I think a lot of people think of the Red Light District and drugs when they think of Amsterdam. I think of a great, historic city with tons of canals and bridges. It was so magical and is right up there with Dublin as one of my favorite places I’ve been to.
I also traveled to Los Angeles in May. My dear friend Samarah got married, and I was a bridesmaid. The week following, I went to NYC for my job. It was a great trip, and I managed to catch a couple of shows (Avenue Q and Rock of Ages).
This year there was a close death and birth in my life. My aunt that raised me pasted away. If I could go back, I would have done a lot of things differently, but sometimes we assume we have all the time to get things right. I am grateful that I was able to wish her a Happy Mother’s Day one last time. It was a painful reminder that you don’t know how long you have with people. It’s so important to clear the air with people and be present in their lives. My good friend Desiree had a baby boy in October! Another nephew to add to the mix. I am so happy for her family.
I am still working for the Port of Seattle. October 1, 2010, marked my 14th anniversary (included my temp time). I am grateful to have a job.
Church is going well. I am putting the final touches to the first issue of year ten of our newsletter. It’s hard to believe it’s been that long. It continues to be something I enjoy. I know I was called to write, and my skills as an editor are improving. I am also an usher still. I have come a long way from my “mean usher” days. God has been good to me. God has surrounded me with wonderful people. I am truly blessed in this area. God has sent me a lot of love, and I am thankful for it.
I started a new journey as I am locking my hair. I started January 8, 2010, and it's come a long way. The hair has its own heartbeat. I love it! I so want to get a nose ring, but that will probably have to wait until I am self employed.
I have no idea of what 2011 will bring, but I am excited. God is doing amazing things and is ever patient with me.
I pray that you had a Merry Christmas and will have a Happy New Year!
Heart of the Matter
This was written for my church newsletter. This issue enters us into year 10!
Michael W. Smith sings a song called “Heart of Worship.” One of the lines of the song is, “You search much deeper within through the way things appear you’re looking into my heart.” But, how do we know what is really in the hearts of people?
Lately, I’ve had two reoccurring thoughts. The first thought is that things are not as they appear. The second thought is that people are not who they appear to be. I feel like there is something going on that I am missing. I feel like there is a message in the atmosphere that is ringing out. Have you ever felt like God was trying to tell you something, but every day, mundane life was drowning out the message?
A portion of my feelings stem from the fact that I am beginning to comprehend that the time I long for has long since slipped away. I realize that the harsher realities of life and the darker side of the human condition have wreaked havoc on my sensitive, inner child. The age of innocence has indeed ended, if it ever were.
There is a Portuguese word, saudades, that I heard described as, “Nostalgia for a time or a place or a thing that may never have been and may never be.” Perhaps our memories of the past are rosier than the truth, which is why we keep turning back to it even though God is telling us to move forward.
I am trying to move forward, and I find comfort in the fact that God sees and understands the real me. Even when I was known as the “mean usher,” God saw me as more than that. Despite what people don’t understand, know, or comprehend, God sees our hearts. So, even though I can’t shake the feeling that things are not what they seem and people are not who they appear to be, it doesn’t matter.
God is a God who knows and sees all. My judgments of people are often based on my own (often bias) perception, with little insight of their heart, their past, and their God-given future. No matter what our past or present sins and crimes are, none of us are beyond repentance. If one of us is not, then none of us are.
The year of 2011 is going to be an interesting year. God is challenging me to become a better person. I can be a better woman, friend, colleague, neighbor, and citizen. I can do a better job of using my gifts and talents for the Kingdom. Of course, this would involve being less selfish, which is something I struggle with. It is time for me to gauge and understand the signs of the times. The Bible continually tells us to let him who has an ear to hear, hear. I want to hear.
Even when I look in the mirror and face my own internal struggles, I have to hold on to my faith that whatever is in front of me is better than what I have been. Our latter will be greater!
Michael W. Smith sings a song called “Heart of Worship.” One of the lines of the song is, “You search much deeper within through the way things appear you’re looking into my heart.” But, how do we know what is really in the hearts of people?
Lately, I’ve had two reoccurring thoughts. The first thought is that things are not as they appear. The second thought is that people are not who they appear to be. I feel like there is something going on that I am missing. I feel like there is a message in the atmosphere that is ringing out. Have you ever felt like God was trying to tell you something, but every day, mundane life was drowning out the message?
A portion of my feelings stem from the fact that I am beginning to comprehend that the time I long for has long since slipped away. I realize that the harsher realities of life and the darker side of the human condition have wreaked havoc on my sensitive, inner child. The age of innocence has indeed ended, if it ever were.
There is a Portuguese word, saudades, that I heard described as, “Nostalgia for a time or a place or a thing that may never have been and may never be.” Perhaps our memories of the past are rosier than the truth, which is why we keep turning back to it even though God is telling us to move forward.
I am trying to move forward, and I find comfort in the fact that God sees and understands the real me. Even when I was known as the “mean usher,” God saw me as more than that. Despite what people don’t understand, know, or comprehend, God sees our hearts. So, even though I can’t shake the feeling that things are not what they seem and people are not who they appear to be, it doesn’t matter.
God is a God who knows and sees all. My judgments of people are often based on my own (often bias) perception, with little insight of their heart, their past, and their God-given future. No matter what our past or present sins and crimes are, none of us are beyond repentance. If one of us is not, then none of us are.
The year of 2011 is going to be an interesting year. God is challenging me to become a better person. I can be a better woman, friend, colleague, neighbor, and citizen. I can do a better job of using my gifts and talents for the Kingdom. Of course, this would involve being less selfish, which is something I struggle with. It is time for me to gauge and understand the signs of the times. The Bible continually tells us to let him who has an ear to hear, hear. I want to hear.
Even when I look in the mirror and face my own internal struggles, I have to hold on to my faith that whatever is in front of me is better than what I have been. Our latter will be greater!
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Second post from work blog
This is another blog I did for my job’s blog. This was actually done December 28, 2009, so it’s not quite a year old. The question was posed December 23, 2009, on how employees were going to spend their “holidays” (aka Christmas and New Years’).
On a side note, I noticed this year people aren’t scared to say Christmas! I made a point of saying Christmas on this blog and not “holiday”. Holiday is better than “Xmas”, which I used when I was younger because I thought it was an abbreviation for Christmas. I was horrified when I learned this word was actually to “X” out Christ. Lord, forgive me. I had no idea!!! I see red when I see that word.
I called it, “Food, Fun, and Fellowship.”
I’m late, but here is what I did.
Christmas Eve, the family gathered for food, fun, and fellowship. We had an assortment of foods ranging from chili dogs to fried chicken to Chinese food. We also had a few healthier choices like veggie and fruit trays. Of course, one can’t forget the desserts of pies, cakes, and cupcakes. We also had games like Candy Land and Operation for the kids. At some point in the evening, we found a Christmas Story and watched part of the marathon. (On a side note: When I was growing up, my sisters and I used to stay up all night watching the movie over and over again so it brings back good memories).
Christmas day the family regrouped and we had our State of the Union address, which the kids call the “speeches.” We talked about the year, the importance of family unity, and what the days means to our family.
The kids went wild for the presents and then we had dinner. It was great: turkey, dressing, yams, macaroni and cheese, gravy, homemade rolls, greens, prime rib, and I think I’m forgetting something. Plus desserts like pecan pie and pound cake.
So, now on to the New Year’s Day, where I pledge to eat better so I can do it all again next year!
On a side note, I noticed this year people aren’t scared to say Christmas! I made a point of saying Christmas on this blog and not “holiday”. Holiday is better than “Xmas”, which I used when I was younger because I thought it was an abbreviation for Christmas. I was horrified when I learned this word was actually to “X” out Christ. Lord, forgive me. I had no idea!!! I see red when I see that word.
I called it, “Food, Fun, and Fellowship.”
I’m late, but here is what I did.
Christmas Eve, the family gathered for food, fun, and fellowship. We had an assortment of foods ranging from chili dogs to fried chicken to Chinese food. We also had a few healthier choices like veggie and fruit trays. Of course, one can’t forget the desserts of pies, cakes, and cupcakes. We also had games like Candy Land and Operation for the kids. At some point in the evening, we found a Christmas Story and watched part of the marathon. (On a side note: When I was growing up, my sisters and I used to stay up all night watching the movie over and over again so it brings back good memories).
Christmas day the family regrouped and we had our State of the Union address, which the kids call the “speeches.” We talked about the year, the importance of family unity, and what the days means to our family.
The kids went wild for the presents and then we had dinner. It was great: turkey, dressing, yams, macaroni and cheese, gravy, homemade rolls, greens, prime rib, and I think I’m forgetting something. Plus desserts like pecan pie and pound cake.
So, now on to the New Year’s Day, where I pledge to eat better so I can do it all again next year!
Questions's From Yam's Blog Three
Questions's From Yam's Blog Three
Okay, so there is another 29 days left in 2010. For some reason, I just want to get this out!
What did you do in 2010 that you'd never done before?
Normally when I travel internationally, I travel with someone for all or part of the trip. This year, it was just me.
Did you keep your New Years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
My goals for 2010 were:
Travel, write, work on health
I traveled, and I wrote. My health, I need to get better at.
Goals for 2011: Same as last year ;)
Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yes, my friend/sister Desiree had a baby boy.
Did anyone close to you die?
Yes, my aunt who raised me. I was sadder than I ever thought I could be.
What countries did you visit?
Greece, Belgium, and Netherlands. Technically also Turkey but that was on a cruise call.
What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010?
I would actually like to meet my future husband!
What date from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory?
October 17 – 30 (my trip days)
What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Being honest to myself about some of my behavior. Actually a goal in 2011 would be to really work on changing it.
What was your biggest failure?
Knowingly and willingly partaking in behavior that isn’t healthy
Did you suffer illness or injury?
No
What was the best thing you bought?
My trip
Whose behavior merited celebration
????
Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
It’s in the vault – again
Where did most of your money go?
The trip
What did you get really, really, really excited about?
My trip (common theme)
What song/album will always remind you of 2010?
Nothing stands out
Compared to this time last year, are you:
happier or sadder? About the same
thinner or fatter? Fatter
richer or poorer? Richer
What do you wish you'd done more of?
Correcting my own behavior. Easy to focus on others, harder to turn the spotlight to myself.
What do you wish you'd done less of?
Brooding over dumb people and events (same as last year). Also putting energy and thought into people who could care less about me, when it comes down to it.
How will you be spending New Year's?
Watch Night service at church then home where I will have sparkling cider.
Who did you spend the most time on the phone with?
Sophia?
Did you fall in love in 2010?
No
How many one night stands in this last year?
Not my style
What was your favourite TV programme?
Seinfeld (syndicated/DVDs) and the Office.
Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
No. Takes too much energy!
What was the best book(s) you read?
I keep rereading the same books
What was your greatest musical discovery?
Same bands from last year
What did you want and get?
Travel
What did you want and not get?
Winning the mega millions
What were your favorite films of this year?
Still loving the oldies
What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 36, and I can’t remember
What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Winning the mega millions
How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2010?
Cute and comfortable but starting to branch out
What kept you sane?
My pastor (I was on the ledge a few times)
Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
I still like Clive Owen a lot. I also like Mark Wahlberg.
What political issue stirred you the most?
The immigration debate. I can clearly see both sides of it and there seem to be no easy solutions.
Who did you miss?
My friends who live out of the state/country
Who was the best new person you met?
Did I meet any new people?
Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010.
Work while it is still day!
Quote a song lyric that sums up your year?
I’m Ready for Love
Okay, so there is another 29 days left in 2010. For some reason, I just want to get this out!
What did you do in 2010 that you'd never done before?
Normally when I travel internationally, I travel with someone for all or part of the trip. This year, it was just me.
Did you keep your New Years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
My goals for 2010 were:
Travel, write, work on health
I traveled, and I wrote. My health, I need to get better at.
Goals for 2011: Same as last year ;)
Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yes, my friend/sister Desiree had a baby boy.
Did anyone close to you die?
Yes, my aunt who raised me. I was sadder than I ever thought I could be.
What countries did you visit?
Greece, Belgium, and Netherlands. Technically also Turkey but that was on a cruise call.
What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010?
I would actually like to meet my future husband!
What date from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory?
October 17 – 30 (my trip days)
What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Being honest to myself about some of my behavior. Actually a goal in 2011 would be to really work on changing it.
What was your biggest failure?
Knowingly and willingly partaking in behavior that isn’t healthy
Did you suffer illness or injury?
No
What was the best thing you bought?
My trip
Whose behavior merited celebration
????
Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
It’s in the vault – again
Where did most of your money go?
The trip
What did you get really, really, really excited about?
My trip (common theme)
What song/album will always remind you of 2010?
Nothing stands out
Compared to this time last year, are you:
happier or sadder? About the same
thinner or fatter? Fatter
richer or poorer? Richer
What do you wish you'd done more of?
Correcting my own behavior. Easy to focus on others, harder to turn the spotlight to myself.
What do you wish you'd done less of?
Brooding over dumb people and events (same as last year). Also putting energy and thought into people who could care less about me, when it comes down to it.
How will you be spending New Year's?
Watch Night service at church then home where I will have sparkling cider.
Who did you spend the most time on the phone with?
Sophia?
Did you fall in love in 2010?
No
How many one night stands in this last year?
Not my style
What was your favourite TV programme?
Seinfeld (syndicated/DVDs) and the Office.
Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
No. Takes too much energy!
What was the best book(s) you read?
I keep rereading the same books
What was your greatest musical discovery?
Same bands from last year
What did you want and get?
Travel
What did you want and not get?
Winning the mega millions
What were your favorite films of this year?
Still loving the oldies
What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 36, and I can’t remember
What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Winning the mega millions
How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2010?
Cute and comfortable but starting to branch out
What kept you sane?
My pastor (I was on the ledge a few times)
Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
I still like Clive Owen a lot. I also like Mark Wahlberg.
What political issue stirred you the most?
The immigration debate. I can clearly see both sides of it and there seem to be no easy solutions.
Who did you miss?
My friends who live out of the state/country
Who was the best new person you met?
Did I meet any new people?
Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010.
Work while it is still day!
Quote a song lyric that sums up your year?
I’m Ready for Love
Post from work blog
My job has a blog for employees. I have posted twice.
I posted this today in response to a question from a coworker regarding my November 22, 2010, commute! For those who don’t live in Seattle, it snowed that day. Seattle is not equipped to handle snow on roads. Too many hills and too many people who aren’t used to driving in the snow.
It was titled, “Turns out it wasn't so bad!”
I SHOULD have left work early, but alas, I left at my regular time (4:30) with my Port laptop. The new snow made walking the fifteen to twenty minutes to my bus stop easier. A 20-minute bus ride, turned into an hour and fifteen minutes. The bus was fine, but traffic was backed up from the abandoned cars along the way. I went back and forth between pity for the drivers who had to abandon their cars to rage at them from leaving their cars in the middle of busy streets. Once I made it to my destination bus stop, I made a quick detour to Safeway and prepared to hunker down. The entire time, I was whispering, Thank You! I was happy and grateful to have made it home safe. The new snow also made walking down two hills easier. I thought my commute was LONG, until I watched the ten o’clock news and learned that some people were still stuck on I-5. I also began reading Facebook comments from friends whose commutes ranged from 3 hours to 5 hours, and I realized how lucky I was! I ended up working from home on Tuesday and Wednesday, and I have to say I loved it.
I posted this today in response to a question from a coworker regarding my November 22, 2010, commute! For those who don’t live in Seattle, it snowed that day. Seattle is not equipped to handle snow on roads. Too many hills and too many people who aren’t used to driving in the snow.
It was titled, “Turns out it wasn't so bad!”
I SHOULD have left work early, but alas, I left at my regular time (4:30) with my Port laptop. The new snow made walking the fifteen to twenty minutes to my bus stop easier. A 20-minute bus ride, turned into an hour and fifteen minutes. The bus was fine, but traffic was backed up from the abandoned cars along the way. I went back and forth between pity for the drivers who had to abandon their cars to rage at them from leaving their cars in the middle of busy streets. Once I made it to my destination bus stop, I made a quick detour to Safeway and prepared to hunker down. The entire time, I was whispering, Thank You! I was happy and grateful to have made it home safe. The new snow also made walking down two hills easier. I thought my commute was LONG, until I watched the ten o’clock news and learned that some people were still stuck on I-5. I also began reading Facebook comments from friends whose commutes ranged from 3 hours to 5 hours, and I realized how lucky I was! I ended up working from home on Tuesday and Wednesday, and I have to say I loved it.
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