tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71839830209628306582024-03-05T21:12:02.865-08:00Rush NewsThe latest blog entry from James.Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04689818184601877874noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7183983020962830658.post-21958748345579311242022-02-01T07:42:00.000-08:002022-02-01T07:42:00.106-08:00Modern History Month <p> As a student, I recall usual celebrations of African-American/Black History Month. These often were a combination of those who had died within the last few generations or were, in fact, still living. Monumental and iconic names such as <a href="https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/frederick-douglass" target="_blank">Frederick Douglass</a>, Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks and numerous others would be recognized starting in January and going through the month of February. Being born in the late 70's, I didn't fully realize how close I was to the Civil Rights movement(s) and other very meaningful experiences of Black Americans. Now, I know. </p><p>Although I should probably elaborate more on my background and current understandings on so many related matters to this topic, I want this to be a: 1.) process and 2.) inspiration. A process in the sense that I will put out my personal sharing along with some additional notes, research, and consideration of responses-replies as this month unfolds in the year 2022. An inspiration because I want to challenge others to do something similar for reasons that are important to you. </p><p>Over the next 28+ days, I intend to recognize those Black Americans who have made an impact on my life. </p><p>At first, I am thinking of just going through my personal timeline and start to name my first memories of interacting with African-American/Blacks. These are mostly teachers. As I move on through the month, there are a number of coaches and parents of my friends I would like to acknowledge. (Yes, I am a card-carrying member of the "I-Have-A-Black-Friend Club".) These men and women, Moms and Dads, Aunties and Uncles are mostly from my high school years. Then, I will share a bit about my experiences with Black Americans while being a young adult. Once I got into university and started having my first professional experiences, it brought about a more nuanced understanding with meaningful exchanges. While I will never be able to speak to what life is like for Black Americans, I can speak to their direct impact on me because of our personal relationship. </p><p>Without a doubt, it must be said that there were numerous Black Americans who were shaping my understanding of what life was like for people of color. Yet, I would never meet them personally. They were real people, but they were on T.V. and in the newspaper. I mostly just viewed them as: political leaders, sports figures (collegiate, Olympics, and professionals), entertainers (music, movies, comedians, etc.), and business leaders. Legitimate. Difference makers. Profound. However, their influence was for the masses of which I was just one of many. </p><p>A quote attributed to celebrated tennis player Arthur Ashe says, "Being Black in America is like having a second, full-time job." Here's to those who had a particular job in my life; but also carried out their calling as representatives and ambassadors. I am thankful for these important figures for bringing about the respect, dignity, and honor that belongs to our fellow humans.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7183983020962830658.post-74328114253818328072017-04-07T12:57:00.000-07:002017-04-07T13:03:02.123-07:00Thank you! 감사합니다!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Some years ago I was brought into this world, and ever since, I have been part of an ongoing effort to bring
glory to my Lord, honor to my parents, respectful admiration to my family and "life" to the rest of my relationships.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><i>It’s all about relationships.</i></b><o:p></o:p></div>
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These days, it’s all about growing a firm sense of
character, fully understanding the teachings being offered and defining the necessary
steps for the vocations which only I can fulfill. Yet, it's not about me. We are in this together.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Usually, I get wordy. This time, though, I will simply begin the process of putting together my words in a more specific
format while being strategic, intentional, and dedicated to sharing on a regular
basis. What “regular” means, I am attempting to define. <span style="font-family: "segoe ui emoji" , sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol-ext; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji";">😉 </span>My request is for you to make a promise to hold me accountable for sharing publicly, or directly, to you. </div>
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Thank you to my parents, for your
unending love, the fervent support, and the hard-working example you have set.
Thank you to my sister, and your family for the joy I am able to
experience whenever we are able to message, send pictures, hang out or do some
kind of crazy activity. <o:p></o:p></div>
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To my family, and so many other "adopted" families, your care and life-lessons have given me a firm foundation.
With these values, I continue to grow with confidence, serve with conviction and
live in ways that can seem fairly extreme at times. Your love is steadfast, my
gratitude is profound. To my best friends and your
families, I cherish your examples of faithfulness and commitment to our Lord. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7183983020962830658.post-37236874685774567212015-11-04T23:13:00.001-08:002015-11-04T23:26:39.151-08:00Disorientation & Identity Crisis. Answer #1: Jesus. Answer #2: Children Worshipping RelationallyThis past week, Lutheran Hour speaker Rev. Gregory Selz gave an <a href="http://www.lutheranhour.org/sermon.asp">online homily</a> and shared how we are to view ourselves, view others, but ultimately how we should view Jesus, the Christ.<br />
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At this time, early November, much of the world is responding with their words, actions, attitudes and in the case of businesses: marketing and point-of-purchase displays! The effort is mostly economically driven with a limited focus on offering the message of Jesus Christ as the the reason for holiday cheer, hope, peace, and a holiday full of happiness.<br />
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That's where you and I come in! We are the voices who are able to point toward the coming of Christmas. It's more than a month and a half away - let's do a couple things:<br />
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1. Sincerely consider who we are in this world. Who am I? Who are we?<br />
<i> Really,..... "who do you think you are"?</i><br />
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2. Let the Conspiracy begin:<br />
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Amazingly, God continues to speak through His scriptures and the prompting of the Holy Spirit to effect people individually and globally. Just like He did with the 5 pastors who came together to start the awareness effort of "<a href="http://www.adventconspiracy.org/">Advent Conspiracy</a>". It's <a href="http://www.adventconspiracy.org/#four-tenets">worth a read</a>, watch, and reflection.<br />
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When we get caught up in the matters of the material world, life gets difficult to fully understand and embrace as a truly amazing adventure. It can be a bit disorienting. This journey of life has some strange and daunting paths, for sure. As Pastor Selz explains, "..they were disoriented, confused. They were lost." In another section, he alludes to walking through a dark wilderness and what a comfort it is to have the Light give us a focal point.<br />
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Without Christ as our Savior, we are lost on this adventure of life. May you overcome the temptations and desires to look the wrong way at the wrong moment. May you fully embrace the truth of Who God Thinks You Are.<br />
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<b style="border: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">"Who Do You Think You Are?"</b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> #83-09</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Presented on The Lutheran Hour on November 1, 2015</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">By Rev. Gregory Seltz, Lutheran Hour Speaker</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">(Q&A Topic:What Kind of People are Saints?)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Copyright 2015 Lutheran Hour Ministries</span><br />
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<a href="http://media.lhm.org/lutheranhour/mp3s/8309.mp3" style="border: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://www.lutheranhour.org/images/listen_to_audio_tlh.gif" style="border: 0px; color: transparent; font-size: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: middle;" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Text: Isaiah 51:4-6</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">The Lord says....</span><i style="border: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Give attention to <b style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">me, my </b>people, and give ear to <b style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">me, my</b> nation; for a law will go out from <b style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">me</b>, and I will set <b style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">my</b> justice for a light to the peoples. 5 <b style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">My</b> righteousness draws near, <b style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">my</b> salvation has gone out, and <b style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">my</b> arms will judge the peoples; the coastlands hope for <b style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">me</b>, and for <b style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">my</b> arm they wait. 6 Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look at the earth beneath; for the heavens vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment, and they who dwell in it will die in like manner; but <b style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">my</b> salvation will be forever, and <b style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">my</b> righteousness will never be dismayed</i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Grace, and mercy, and peace to you, in Jesus' Name. Amen.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Have you ever noticed that people who are trying to balance themselves don't look down? If you look down, you fall. Just watch a talented surfer for example. They don't look down at their feet. Their eyes are straight ahead - focused above the water, focused on where they are going. Good surfers don't look at the ocean beneath them or at the board on which they are standing. They keep their eyes up, on their destination. Steering also begins with the eyes. Where your eyes go, there you lean and there your board goes. One of the greatest struggles in learning to surf is getting your eyes up on the horizon instead of on your board or on the ocean. If you look down, that's exactly where you will go.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">In our reading for today, God demands to be seen for who He is. He challenges us to see who we are from His point of view. Now, some of you might ask Him, "Who do You think You are? Why should we listen to You, Lord? What right do You have to march in here and command our attention?" </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">God sounds off; so that you and I can truly get the picture. He makes some bold assertions. He claims that those who listen to Him are His. He says that His Word is worth listening to, that righteousness goes out from Him, that salvation is near Him, that law goes out from Him, that His mighty arm will judge, that the coastlands wait for His arm and hope in His arm, that His salvation is forever, that His righteousness will never be dismayed. Just Who does this God think He is? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Well, Isaiah gives us a glimpse. God is the Creator. He created the world from nothing and sustains the world from all the simple to the complex. He has the authority to speak to all of His creation because of it; and that includes you and that includes me!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Not only that. He has a stake in how all things turn out in this world and He, the Creator of the universe, says that He is going to hold all things accountable to Himself some day!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Knowing God, getting right with God, trusting in God, this is the most important thing in our lives and that's why Isaiah reminds us of God's challenge to: </span><i style="border: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Lift your eyes to the heavens, and look at the earth beneath; for the heavens vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment, and they who dwell in it will die in like manner; but <b style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">my</b> salvation, says the Lord, will be forever, and <b style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">my</b> righteousness will never be dismayed</i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">But we all have a very difficult time focusing on things that matter, don't we? Come on, be honest. You don't think about the things of God much, the eternal things. You might be more interested in the game today, your investment tomorrow, or your career moving forward, temporal things. Eternal things, that day is for later, if it comes at all.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">In that sense, you are just like the people to whom Isaiah is writing. They, even though they were blessed by God, they took their eyes off of Him; they looked down to their things rather than up to His things. They went their way, so God gave them a glimpse of their way by allowing the nation of Babylon to defeat them and literally take them into captivity from the land they loved. They were disoriented, confused. They were lost. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">They didn't know whether to look up anymore, to look out, they didn't even know what to look at to make sense of what was going on in their lives. Sinful human beings can get like that in a hurry, can't we?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Remember when I told you that surfers have to keep their eyes up while surfing? Eyes on the horizon or you are in the drink. But now, playing golf well is exactly the opposite, isn't it? One of the most important things to know about golfing is to keep your eyes down, to look at your ball. Don't look up. If you've ever played golf, you know how hard it is to resist the urge to look up and see where your ball is going. But, look up? You'll probably mishit the ball, hooking it into the woods, shanking it into the trees, or maybe just dribbling it a few yards in front of you. Looking up while swinging is the last thing anyone should do. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Here's my problem. Even with the simple things in life, human beings, all of us, we can't seem to fix our gaze where it belongs. When surfing, we tend to look down; when golfing, we tend to look up. Exactly the opposite of what we're supposed to do. And when it comes to what really matters in life, our relationship with God, we are sinfully myopic to our concerns alone, blind to God, and eternally shortsighted. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">That's why God has to speak clearly today to you and to me about who He is, who we are, and what we need most in our lives!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">To get to the heart of this section of Scripture we've got to turn that question around first. It's not "Who does God think He is?" No, the question that really gets us started today is, "Who do we think we are? What's our standing in the universe? Do we really understand fully the mysteries of space, the expanses of galaxies and stars light years away when we can't even fully understand ourselves and the worlds close by in which we live?" </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Who do we think we are? Our strength and wisdom often pales in comparison to the simple powers of the wind, the waves, the sun, the heat. We can be helpless before it all in an instant. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Tsunamis, earthquakes, the stories go on and on. Humanity watches and responds. But we are helpless against such things. The earth quakes and the skies darken and we can only hope to predict when and where the disaster might strike. But we are really powerless against it all. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">And with our wisdom and study, we can't even seem to get along with each other better today. Our relationships break down with greater regularity. We tend to hurt those we love even more. And many of us are growing up feeling as if there is no one out there who really cares about us at all. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">And as wonderful as our science has been in recent years, it remains powerless to deal with the greatest problem in humanity, death itself. We tempt ourselves into thinking that we will conquer illness completely. We pat ourselves on the back when we hold some things at bay. But, with all of our gadgets, our drugs, our medicine, our money, we can't stop death. In fact, in the grand scheme of things, our lives come and go and we fade even from our own people's memory.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">God's first challenge to us is who are you? In light of the heavens and the earth, who are you? In light of the forces in our world that affect us, who are you? In light of the death that is so inevitable for us all, who are you? Sobering words, penetrating realities, can you see it for yourself?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">That's important to do; but here's another point that is even more important. Such clarity of your own life before the powers of the world, that's not the main point of our text today. God isn't merely showing His strength to make sure that you and I know how puny we are in His Presence. He isn't flexing His muscles to instill fear. He is calling us, all people, to faith not in ourselves but to faith in Him. He's trying to get us to look up when we need to look up, to look down when we need to look down by looking to Him for all things!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Isaiah, chapters 40 through 55, addresses even God's people as those who are lost without Him. In fact, at this moment they are lost because of their disobedience. They are in exile. They are no longer where the people of God are supposed to live, in Jerusalem. Their temple has been destroyed. They have been conquered. All because they took their eyes off the One Who loved them, redeemed them, restored them, and even made them a people. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">God is trying to get the Israelites, and yes, even you and me, to look to Him, to listen to Him and Him alone for salvation. Don't look up on your own. Don't look down on your own. Look to God, listen to Him. Listen to His strong word of love and grace. So where should we look to see God in all of His majesty?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Some might say, look up to the heavens. What do you see there; the sky, the stars, the sun, the moon? The heavens might be impressive. Space is vast. Up there expanse is unsearchable because of its enormity. Up there are stars that are thousands of light years away. Up there are planets and galaxies that are so far removed that we have to believe in their existence based on a theory. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Look up and you will be impressed by the heavens. Look up and you will see what many have even been tempted to worship throughout history. Look up and you will see the enormity that might even hint at God Himself. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">But as you are looking, listen to what God says of the very heavens He has created. In spite of its majesty and impressive attributes, even the heavens will pass away. Even the amazing vastness of space is transitory. Even the sun and the moon and the stars will eventually be no more. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Okay then, some of you might say, look down. See the earth, the place of life itself in the middle of the cosmos; the place where we live; the planet that sustains us. See this world and its beauty. Look down and see the creation that God has given to us. See the variety of plants and animals, the complexity and simplicity of all that exists and is. But even here, we see clearly, all is temporary and God's Word says that it too will pass away.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Some say okay, even better. Look around then. See all the people in their various lives and pursuits. Look around and see all that has been accomplished by humanity. Look around and see the success of all those around you. But God reminds us even there all this is not only temporary but under the eternal judgment of the Creator of the universe because of our own sinful hearts.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">When it is all said and done, God wants us to look ultimately in none of those places. Why? Because while those places might bring awe and wonder, God wants us to know Him more fully, to trust Him, to believe in Him, and to reflect, not so much His power, but powerfully reflect His love.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Where are you going to look then today? Look to God Who became Man, in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Look to God Who not only promised you forgiveness, life, and salvation, but journeyed to a cross so that you might live with Him forever by faith.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Look to God's Word that doesn't prescribe some religious machinations for sinful people who can't do them anyway, but proclaims a salvation that God has indeed affected for all of us.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Way back in Isaiah, he told the people to look to a Suffering Servant Who was going to come and bear their burdens and affect their freedom. The New Testament writers of the Bible say that at a specific time in history this Servant Messiah appeared, lived a life of perfection, suffered a death of substitution for sinners, and made possible a reconciliation of powerless, sinful people to a holy, powerful God in heaven Who loves us. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Isaiah doesn't just tell us this, Jesus Himself says it in Mark 13 where He says that the heaven and earth will pass away but His Word will never pass away; that Word is a message of forgiveness, life, and salvation to all who put their trust in Him. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Look and listen to Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. In Him God is well pleased and with Him our lives can be redeemed and restored now and forever. In Him, that's who we are, not just who we think we are.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Your mind might be spinning a bit right now. You might be thinking, "Pastor, what makes you so sure that this message in Jesus is the one we all need." Let me just say this, with an open mind and heart take a closer and closer look at Jesus, give a closer ear to His Word and you will see for yourself. You don't need me to tell it to you (although I'll keep introducing you to this Jesus every Sunday on this program!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">The Bible says that He is the Light, He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, that He is the Door to Life, that He is the Good Shepherd of Life. If you get to know Him, you'll see that Who He says He is; He is for you!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I don't know about you, but when I'm out in the woods at night doing a little camping or hiking, things can get pretty scary, pretty fast. If you've ever been away from the city lights, I mean really out in the wilderness on a moonless night, you know what darkness can do. But you also know the allure of light just at that moment. When true, powerful, light shines through that darkness, what do you do? You fix your gaze on it, you walk to it, and if you are really in trouble, you run to it. That's what powerful, beaming light does in the middle of darkness.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Well, let me leave you with a challenge then that I think Isaiah would say to you if he were here. Look to the Light of Jesus Christ in the Word of God; fix your eyes on that, draw near to that, and you will see with your eyes, with your heart, with your mind, the powerful love of God that is here for you right now! That's His enduring salvation in the midst of a world that is passing away. So, look and listen to Him.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">He calls you to read His Word, to hear His voice because He loves you. You might be feeling very insignificant in the midst of all that is around you right now, but you as a person matter to God. He sent the very suffering Servant Jesus Christ to make sure that you know that! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Look and listen to Him.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">He calls you to be part of His people. I know, I know, we're sinners. I hope that doesn't cloud your vision of Who God is for you and for us. In fact, it should clear things up for you too. He has a righteousness and a salvation for you, as a gift, one that you don't deserve or earn; just like the rest of us. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Look and listen to Him because He sends His strong arm ultimately to save you and me. Isaiah probably couldn't even imagine that from heaven, to a manger, to a cross, to a grave, and then through a resurrection, finally to be at the right hand of the Father, that's the work of the Suffering Servant, God's mighty arm in Christ that would save all people. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">So, Who does God think He is? Well, He tells us straight today. He is the powerful Creator, the God who saves His people. What right does He have to claim people as His own? He sent His Son to die for them, for you, for me, for all. His righteousness and salvation are given to all the people of the earth as a gift. Those who believe in Jesus receive that salvation and righteousness which will never end. And that is what this One promises to all who put their trust in Him. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">The only question right now then is who are you? Are you one shaped by your hopes and dreams or are you one whose hopes and dreams are shaped by who He is for you? One lasts for a time, one lasts forever. Don't just look up, or look down, or look around. Look to Him for all things, for life and salvation with, it Him lasts forever and can never be taken away. Count on it. In Jesus. Amen.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7183983020962830658.post-77871264415403453172015-11-02T06:51:00.003-08:002015-11-02T07:15:12.592-08:00All Saint's Day and Past PastorsTheir words have instructed, encouraged, and provided a guidance for me as well as numerous others. The men and women I mention below have served by loving, teaching, providing, and nurturing. My mother's parents and father's parents were always ready to offer an extra slice of pie, scoop of ice cream and most certainly a huge << HUG >>. I miss those hugs.<br />
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As you go about the week, stop to think about the saints who have gone before us yet have never really left us. They are those men and women who have offered their backs and shoulders for us to see further, imagine more, dig deeper and know an awesome love. When this offering of sincere care is done with the best of intentions, it's the next best feeling to the unconditional love which God alone can offer.<br />
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In reflection of October and Pastor's Appreciation Month, I would also like to take a moment to share some sincere gratitude to a few names who have helped me to mature in faith, grow in spiritual awareness and have - without a doubt - prayed a LOT for me. Thank you so much to: Pastor Jim Wilbur, Pastor Bob Boerger, Pastor Arthur Reich, the many men from Concordia University of Wisconsin who shared their insights and understandings for my certification in Lutheran Education. As I moved into the world of vocation: Pastor Bob Behnke, Pastor/Principal Tim Bernard, the many pastors of the CrossRoads Circuit in the Michigan District, Pastor Carl Hanson, soon to be Pastor/Sensei Matthew Wasmund, Pastor/Sensei Shinri Emoto, Pastor/Sensei Miyazawa, Pastor Steve Oliver, Pastor James, Pastor Paul/White, Pastor Alex Wu, Pastor Joel Schiewe, Pastor JP Cima, Pastor Shaun Daugherty, Pastor John Mehl and Pastor Ted Engelbrecht. As I reflect more, I am sure different situations and names will also come to mind; please forgive me.<br />
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For now, I also heartily recognize the men, teachers, and women - also teachers who have taken the time to offer me their relationship. You, who have led with words and actions; offering comfort in my affliction and certainly challenging me when I have fallen into a "comfort zone". Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7183983020962830658.post-35751213838656229472015-07-24T14:09:00.000-07:002015-11-02T04:42:26.193-08:00Rediscovering my Voice.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDy7cVDS0GchgrZY9LKY1PpFx4FK3CA9U_1SflbrfBgGvtI7FICHEYE9D0hhz6G42mwg_53XawOuOKoKmKJtIXkhbbNJcJmE_MhmLviHLxBnlU1i-1PX8kEZGMm3VsZby0L6bnJ4_Qv6zu/s1600/CIMG4721.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDy7cVDS0GchgrZY9LKY1PpFx4FK3CA9U_1SflbrfBgGvtI7FICHEYE9D0hhz6G42mwg_53XawOuOKoKmKJtIXkhbbNJcJmE_MhmLviHLxBnlU1i-1PX8kEZGMm3VsZby0L6bnJ4_Qv6zu/s400/CIMG4721.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
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An iconic picture from my alma mater Concordia University of Wisconsin.</div>
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Attempting to get back into this space for the purpose of having a voice with the Wisehub Co-Learners has proven to be a wicked-adventure of late-night wandering a through notepads, passwords, VPNs, Internet-connections, and log-in accessibility.</div>
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It seems that even when I had all the info ready - there were still challenges to overcome and discoveries to be made. Alas, WiseHub 2.0, I hope to offer an example and a means to advance communication, <b><i>Pitches</i></b>, and add fuel to this exciting fire being collectively built!</div>
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We are in this boat together, and indeed are "fishers of men" (l<i>et us not forget women and most certainly: CHILDREN!</i>)". We are ALL on this journey of significance!</div>
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James G. Rush, II</div>
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<a href="http://about.me/jamesrush">about.me/jamesrush</a></div>
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Twitter @jgrush2 <i>(fyi: rarely used, but will try more!)</i></div>
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Skype: jgrush2</div>
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LinkedIn: <span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 17px;"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesgrush2">https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesgrush2</a></span></div>
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YouTube Channels <o:p></o:p></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(Youtube went through
a merger and I was going through the Master’s program where I met Theo. My first
channel included a few of the different ideas I was sharing with family,
friends, and parents of my students. Then, I primarily started using the second
channel for posting my assignments and related videos.)<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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Channel #1: jgrushutwob<o:p></o:p></div>
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An Introduction Video for the Cohort Program…using Logos!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Channel #2: James Grant Rush<o:p></o:p></div>
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As part of my main idea and project, I was initially drawn
to helping the FPMC, the Federation for Parks and Museums in Cozumel, Mexico.
They expressed a desire to have a web presence since they were responsible for
hosting an International Children’s Congress for the Environment. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We started a Facebook Page and I produced a
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<a href="https://youtu.be/zJQ1Ozym0wk">https://youtu.be/zJQ1Ozym0wk</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04689818184601877874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7183983020962830658.post-16150006942529967082014-09-07T23:36:00.000-07:002014-09-07T23:36:04.571-07:00Blessed to be a Blessing<b>God blesses Abram (Abraham) to be a blessing to the nations.</b> - <i>Genesis 12:2</i><br />
<b>Giving thanks whenever we think of those relationships we have been given.</b> - <i>Philippians 1:1-11</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidEuv9lWg6dTW6Yx3zS4gfZBtXQks3ioeku62gp0Yf_dD_vIyWu1ytye0HdBk3lvDh4EvDfH8jIhBOaz5WNEg6IExTm4lNDfmhFrTvpUWLhV6AMfQVmZlw96CpDFETUu7Iz416N_SCBBj8/s1600/RelationshipsBlessings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidEuv9lWg6dTW6Yx3zS4gfZBtXQks3ioeku62gp0Yf_dD_vIyWu1ytye0HdBk3lvDh4EvDfH8jIhBOaz5WNEg6IExTm4lNDfmhFrTvpUWLhV6AMfQVmZlw96CpDFETUu7Iz416N_SCBBj8/s1600/RelationshipsBlessings.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Middle school students are very savvy, especially when determining truth in relationships.</td></tr>
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Being more than aware. Being intentional about giving proper thanks to God and being intentional about sharing my blessings is a goal and desire. I have been gifted with quite a lot. So much has been given to me in this life. When I say this, I definitely do not merely mean "gifts" due to the special occasions of birthdays and holidays. Conversely, this is certainly not limited to wealth in the sense of money and finances. I speak of gifts and wealth in the context of "riches". To me, those riches include: faith, forgiveness, education and wisdom, freedoms, and love. Then, when I take an extra moment to <i>really reflect</i>, I realize those all come with a very specific requirement: relationships.<br />
<br />
God is amazing enough to have taught me the value of this wealth I have, by giving me specific relationships. And He has done that for you, too. Take a moment to consider the multitude of family, friends, teachers and other who have cared for you. Awe-inspiring, isn't it?!<br />
<br />
My family gave me such a huge foundation and continues to be a solid support network. I must continue to be aware of the fact I have been blessed beyond what I deserve. My heart goes out to those who haven't had the ability to know the full joy of attending one or all of the following:<br />
- have a sit-down, "family" dinner;<br />
- experience a graduation party - their own or a family member's;<br />
- a wedding ceremony and reception with a party atmosphere, ambiance and taste of elegance;<br />
or<br />
- have the means to simply enjoy a spur-of-the-moment barbecue.<br />
<br />
In our world, today. No, not just in cities and neighborhoods elsewhere. In our cities, all throughout this world, there are people who desire to avoid the sound of gunshots and the screams of war, violence, and chaos. It's a real sadness to consider that people are supporting one another out of the necessity of survival. My support came from a place of stability. My support continues to come during a time of peace and the pursuit of happiness. Let us consider, though, another man my age in another part of the world or maybe even this city. He is probably trying to take care of his family - which includes more than simply his generation. The man in his mid-30's will begin to take responsibility for others and himself. Typically this means offering some kind of help and assistance to those who raised him (parents and grandparents). Without a doubt, he now has the task of providing for himself and his own family (wife and kids). All of this takes place while he works diligently to make a name for himself so he can fully explore his dreams. It's a prayer and relief to know my God is big enough to take care of that man who is out there. God loves all of those children who are His, too. It is my prayer that the many men and women who are out there in our world today will know their role and fully see the blessings they have already been given. God has taken care of those people and families<br />
<br />
Therefore, since God is taking care of His creation, I am left to wonder: What's my role?<br />
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What my family has given me is indeed a blessing and I need to be more like Abraham. I have had so many wonderful people in my life. What's more is that these opportunities have transcended my immediate family and I start to see how these kinds of relationships which have resulted from the unanticipated experiences which I have been called to witness. These support systems are formed because of relationships; the relationships that make are a deep, intricate, part of every culture. I consider the number of people I have been able to meet, spend time with, learn from, and in some cases help. I have been blessed to be a blessing, and so have you.<br />
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Get out there and do it.Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04689818184601877874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7183983020962830658.post-36514830515072755802013-08-31T04:04:00.000-07:002013-08-31T04:04:20.883-07:00Cloud-Spotting: Seeing the Exotic in the Everyday. Planning for the unplanned.<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">After watching this TED talk a few weeks ago, I knew I would eventually refer to the inspiring presentation. Gavin Pretor-Pinney describes why we can be joyful in the most simplest of ways, like an everyday activity such as looking at the clouds. He even turned this into a organization: the Cloud Appreciation Society!</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><a href="http://www.ted.com/talks/gavin_pretor_pinney_cloudy_with_a_chance_of_joy.html">Cloudy with a chance of joy!</a></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" mozallowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" src="http://embed.ted.com/talks/gavin_pretor_pinney_cloudy_with_a_chance_of_joy.html" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="560"></iframe></span></div>
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<span class="s1">My personal search for sincere bliss has been happening over the last couple years. I was wondering and wandering into the emotional, intellectual, and physical pursuit of: joy. I mean, I know I can be happy. I know I can crack a joke or two. However, it seemed to be a common theme through my life that eventually others would point out to me, "Hey, you don't seem so joyful." Apparently my body language and my overall “look” was not beaming with jovial expressions.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Nu-uokTs_rPretlYpNE76Qif8HqtOLwPxfrJTGbqpDY2ptEe-VLGua-o3L5vAkEZuWJT8EAvwEG_628MG8ExFok20G5s2rVWFt6p6RtfcJzAdoXYdnvuAELjO4XLDQ7I7KVnZylishtY/s1600/DSC06959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Nu-uokTs_rPretlYpNE76Qif8HqtOLwPxfrJTGbqpDY2ptEe-VLGua-o3L5vAkEZuWJT8EAvwEG_628MG8ExFok20G5s2rVWFt6p6RtfcJzAdoXYdnvuAELjO4XLDQ7I7KVnZylishtY/s1600/DSC06959.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And all the time, I thought I looked like this....</td></tr>
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<span class="s1">Instead of a constant grin and a showing of “good spirits”, I could be found with a more focused and unemotional expression. I would have a face of contemplation, seriousness, and whatever other perceptions people saw as they attempted to peer into my world. I simply wish they would have asked, or offered support rather than make a quick judgement of my emotional. Yet, maybe they were right. Maybe I simply didn’t take the time to “live life with my head in the clouds.” I was not able to truly engage in dreaming and imagination. Although I preached this by my mouth, my ability to fully engage in life was not really experienced until I truly interacted with others and nature (Interim-Service of “Adoption Journeys), went back home for Christmas to be with my family and friends, and then went on an unbelievable service trip to Liberia. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2h49rhtYF4-5qha1VTeIBJlH_RW2cYRkUXgnx7q0tkS6JPMY5iHQrVlsNECW3aWPIu7iGZOP9JuToRaBV1E6C96UuZqD1Bk7z9hoJOf6rNu7aOR9MJ6xVkia6P_qTGkdWZmAoOWggCbTL/s1600/DSC02576.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2h49rhtYF4-5qha1VTeIBJlH_RW2cYRkUXgnx7q0tkS6JPMY5iHQrVlsNECW3aWPIu7iGZOP9JuToRaBV1E6C96UuZqD1Bk7z9hoJOf6rNu7aOR9MJ6xVkia6P_qTGkdWZmAoOWggCbTL/s1600/DSC02576.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Butterfly at Huge Grace - our struggle, everyone's struggle</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilNKy2kUnUZfrlcM2nZPQ-WdJwK0sV5drYWUaHSO_Lh3FEPPXLoExSTkV1CsepDLkJPuyX_zMG8nW30vf4-saqFke4jFTVkqNJYOZGw_mjTKUYwqipsCiUNwurqmh4gJ8oRh6Hm2CkQZ_b/s1600/DSC_0046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilNKy2kUnUZfrlcM2nZPQ-WdJwK0sV5drYWUaHSO_Lh3FEPPXLoExSTkV1CsepDLkJPuyX_zMG8nW30vf4-saqFke4jFTVkqNJYOZGw_mjTKUYwqipsCiUNwurqmh4gJ8oRh6Hm2CkQZ_b/s1600/DSC_0046.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adoption Journey's - everyone except Mrs. Tonn!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIZ40tlKulXi1y8WB5cIaZx8OOv_KnWFtVbF483bsqcwKpKPXfHocWnxYBhWEv8CAZOfoKR286Gx_ZLMht4xKDAk70Xgkb6tQcK4Xk8nBTuPxv-qOs015E9-hIau_Q1_C5E9oHDKCkp-dE/s1600/DSCN0149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIZ40tlKulXi1y8WB5cIaZx8OOv_KnWFtVbF483bsqcwKpKPXfHocWnxYBhWEv8CAZOfoKR286Gx_ZLMht4xKDAk70Xgkb6tQcK4Xk8nBTuPxv-qOs015E9-hIau_Q1_C5E9oHDKCkp-dE/s1600/DSCN0149.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family Christmas - Great times!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzG8fBWLzt9X51HY-2G5qF7wHSaSM-4NlSPb4K2Frdmg-SlnksDScD_My8DTCfM5Hxi89C9cadpqqoEF1sOdDHyOY2nD-tBRe4mJEK3atTcxR0fEgDIUtVJz6pK1on5GSXFc8hEyrJFHV9/s1600/DSC04996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzG8fBWLzt9X51HY-2G5qF7wHSaSM-4NlSPb4K2Frdmg-SlnksDScD_My8DTCfM5Hxi89C9cadpqqoEF1sOdDHyOY2nD-tBRe4mJEK3atTcxR0fEgDIUtVJz6pK1on5GSXFc8hEyrJFHV9/s1600/DSC04996.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liberian Flag on Armed Forces Day, one day after the Playground Dedication</td></tr>
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<span class="s1">As I look back, I definitely see the blessings. My life was touched and blessed, love for God and love for others became clear because "it's all about relationships.". My Creator provided people, paths, and answers to prayer. My family and friends were sometimes the “clouds” which allowed me to see life through a different lens. Sometimes those clouds were fluffy, clear-as-day clouds and other times they were a cool reprieve from the hot, tense stress of life. There were even times when the clouds came along as storm clouds. When this happened, it meant I had to wait. I needed to take cover, be safe with regard to decisions, and fully appreciate the power of that which was out of my control. Eventually though, all would pass and I was able to get out and truly enjoy the outside.</span></div>
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<b><u>Just in case you miss it</u></b></div>
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<span class="s1">Since I am often unable to draw a clear point with audiences, let me be straight forward with the point of this entry: <b><i>You and I have a great opportunity to experience the extraordinary by taking the time, effort, and energy to see the mystery and majesty of life in the ordinary. </i></b><i>I <u>am</u> willing to bet you will experience peace, patience, and probably even joy.</i></span><br />
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<span class="s1">In simple english terms and phrases, we can - <i>and should</i> - “stop and smell the roses”. We need to live with our "head in the sky." Then, take it a step further and consider the intricacy of the rose, it’s stem, the photosynthesis, and the myriad of other factors it took for that flower to be in your path. Take a moment to contemplate the many different forms of the clouds and how they are given to us in abundance while providing a spectacle of scientific inquiry.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
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<span class="s1">It is clear to me, there is a design and a purpose to the way living beings are woven into form and function.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">This causes me to think. However, I must admit, a good percentage of my life has been spent in this extreme of being too intense about ideas, opportunities, and possibilities. “You think too much, JR.” Then, the opposite of this approach to life has been to simply live in the moment. “Man, you are crazy”. While I do enjoy having a “fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants” attitude, I need reconsider the times and places. I have to know the people and the situation at hand. Truly, I do appreciate the flexibility, spontaneity and excitement that comes along with a worldview and mentality of taking life as it comes. Also, I really don’t mind making choices as they need to be made, rather than being very detailed in my planning and thinking about the future. Is there a balance to be made?</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Alas, back to my inner-dilemma and outer-response. As a school teacher, I can’t afford the luxury of simply “winging-it”. The time I have, the productive time has been limited and sometimes non-existent. Yet, when I am able to truly set some goals as well as a plan to achieve those objectives.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Are you just a bit curious about what my approach will entail? Well, let’s just say I don’t like “weather conversations”. On the other hand, I am sincerely anticipating the curiosity and responses from my students as I encourage them to discover the joy of cloud spotting. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">Enjoy the basic, everyday-ness of today. There are a LOT of people in this world who would be truly overwhelmed with joy if they could live a day in your life. Dream big, but remember to count your blessings for the answers to prayer, the dreams realized, and the life <i>you have already experienced</i>.</span></div>
Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04689818184601877874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7183983020962830658.post-28187998909244754942013-07-18T09:26:00.002-07:002013-07-18T09:48:26.595-07:00The Purpose of Our Life<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Thank you (Xie xie ni. Arigato gozaimus. Mh goi or Doh je and Cam on!) You are reading this because we are connected one way or another. With all of the technology available, it is amazing and wonderful. I give praise to God for the opportunity to know you - whether it is because of a chance encounter or a from a long-time relationship. I thank you for being a part of my journey.<br />
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Defining one's purpose can be extremely daunting or quite simple. Between a devotion this morning, an observation about this blog not being updated, my desire to refine my professional-personal appearance online, and a plethora of other reasons - I must admit: I found myself lost. I find myself, and then lose focus time and time again. What's the <i>purpose</i>? <i>What's</i> my purpose? What's <i>our <b>purpose</b>? </i>Simply put though, our purpose can be found by looking at our relationships.<br />
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Clarity, vision, focus, these words have been in my life since around February when I was ill with pink-eye. At that time I was able to rest in Jesus. As the devotion shared: "Paul clearly states the purpose of our lives: we live for Jesus, who lived, died, and rose for us. Jesus is to be number one in our daily lives. Our lives are to be centered and focused on Him." (<i>Portals of Prayer, July-Sept. 2013 - Concordia Publishing House, Thursday, July 18</i>). My experience brought me closer to God, giving me a clearer understanding of how much I need to rely on Him. My purpose became better understood because of an experience. My experience led me back to: relationships - my relationships with those who helped me and my relationship with Jesus.<br />
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<b>Relationships do two things, they define and reveal the purpose of our life.</b> Backed by years of "relationship defining conversations" known as prayer...ultimately it is our individual relationship with God. As the Trinity, He displays the value of relationships and provides a way for us to grasp the immense care He has for each of us. I pray you find joy in the discovery of your purpose during your earthly journey.<br />
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A prayer: My Lord, help me to show gratitude in my daily life for all You have done for me. Amen (again, a Portals of Prayer offering)<br />
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+5%3A15&version=ESV">2 Corinthians 5:15</a><br />
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Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04689818184601877874noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7183983020962830658.post-19120436607182657532011-10-27T16:55:00.000-07:002013-07-18T08:30:06.906-07:00AFL 3 - Having Phun with Photos and VideosDear Awesome AFL 3,<br /><br />Greetings! I hope you are ready for a Fantastic Friday, a Wonderful Weekend, and then a Marvelous Monday next week!<br /><br />Today we will do three things:<br /><br />1. Practice using the video program we have in the computer room.<br /><br />2. Work on our C.O.N.C.O.R.D.I.A./iLEAST "Sports Day" Identity Project.<br />(30 Second Video)<br />SAVE YOUR WORK ON A USB!! - The project AND the video!<br /><br />If you finish, you can start work on the main, regular "C.O.N.C.O.R.D.I.A./iLEAST - iAM CMS Identity Project.<br />(2 minute video)<br /><br />3. For the last 10 minutes of class, I want you to:<br /><br />a.Save your project<br />b.Journal what you learned. Answer these questions:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">"What is the movie-making program you used?" Why?<br /><br />Have you used this program before? When? Where?<br /><br />"Was the program easy or difficult to use?"<br /><br />"Would you use this program again, or try to find a different program?"<br /><br />What <span style="font-weight:bold;">DO YOU THINK<span style="font-style:italic;"></span></span> is the goal of this project?</span><br /><br />What is YOUR goal for this project? How would you use this video in the future? (Is this a way for you to talk to colleges, future jobs, other family members?)Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04689818184601877874noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7183983020962830658.post-7604231894623520642011-08-27T04:22:00.000-07:002011-08-27T07:50:20.190-07:00A Walk by the Lake<span style="font-style:italic;">"To walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called."
<br /></span><span style="font-weight:bold;">Ephesians 4:1</span>
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<br />This Bible verse says it plain and clear. As I reflect on my summer and look to this coming fall, I ask for God to forgive me for the wrongs I have committed. I give thanks and celebrate heartily for the new life He gives me everyday. I pray for His help as I seek His guidance for the next step(s).
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<br />May the same hold true for you.
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<br />Also, here is a video to share some of my reflections and pictures from my summer of visiting: Lake Geneva in Switzerland, Lake Annecy in France, Higgins Lake and Silver Lake in Michigan, and Sun Moon Lake here in Taiwan.
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<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwlHDPHoWWRm6YGedY0i0v5RA1i_PjYVqE70509fddAzfdmtuUF35qYxFPdf3EoVxs4BACDUs5tj4YSyV81' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>
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<br />Talk to you soon, God bless,
<br />JamesJameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04689818184601877874noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7183983020962830658.post-25781759870029194452011-07-05T21:56:00.000-07:002015-07-26T02:27:14.445-07:00Cultural Me - My Name Explains a lot (but not all!)Dear Family, Friends, and Guests,<br />
I hope you are having a great first week of July and enjoying all of the freedoms we have been gloriously given by our God.<br />
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As for me, it has been a time of rest, reflection, and some time for recreation. After this last semester of serving at <a href="http://sites.cmsh.cyc.edu.tw/foreignenglish/">Concordia Middle School</a>, it has been wonderful to share with some of you about what has been happening. For others of you, this is maybe the first you have heard from me in a while. I am sorry for that but will do my best to make it up to you!<br />
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Well, as I mentioned, I am resting from finishing a school year and also starting my masters course with <a href="http://www.umflint.edu/">UM-Flint</a> in the <a href="http://globalprogram.umflint.edu/">Global Program</a>. Soon I will be taking off for Switzerland to further my study in this cohort. It is a 15 month program and I will be sure to share more with you as time allows and relevance determines!<br />
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And with that, I will close this post for now and let you watch the following video. It was actually part of an assignment for my class and was meant to help introduce myself...feel free to share or comment!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz96C8soDIxcfBXjH1cFmuIYH5IDWWy25rMsXyUWXCqINyDLMtfacCZYeqnAN39KORTpSAld9rdOxyXb0NyNw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
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Until next post! - JamesJameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04689818184601877874noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7183983020962830658.post-86088063054581962982011-05-26T22:22:00.000-07:002011-05-26T22:42:02.053-07:00Team Taiwan Recruiting Season!Ready for an adventure? Join us for the coming school year!<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzw7hOrYk4AzCr4Rc5hggiPjV5OyR_7dqReZWl6F4_T7-vd47JVvaIlYrV2ONfh0y8iDBkPEOTVa1e0X6jqkQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />See you soon!Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04689818184601877874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7183983020962830658.post-91184014955267703212011-04-30T04:26:00.000-07:002011-05-05T05:41:28.976-07:00Some Summary, Some Video!<div><div>As I consider what the most important lessons of this day could mean for you and what I really want to share, its great to know that God is love and that people care.<br /><br />Having said that, I want you to know I often consider what is relevant and what I can or should post. I think about what all this means - much more than I probably should. Although I feel like I can be a person of action, sometimes I feel "on the fence". This applies to my blogging as much as it does my: work, relationships, and various other areas of my life! It is my prayer that I begin to "just do it" and get out there with whatever happens to be the results - trusting that God will lead the way.<br /><br />There are quite a number of celebrations and reasons to give thanks which have taken place over the last two months. There has been a lot of activity in the lives of my students, my coworkers, and espcially my friends and family. Praises for health miracles, birthdays, and celebrations. Concerns for new adventures and undertakings in life. For all of the things I missed the opportunity to share, I hope to eventually take care of doing some quality writing and make it worth your while.<br /><br />There are anectodatal things which I found extremely interesting, and just enjoyed them for what they meant in my upbringing and life as it relates to understanding culture and diversity - reading about Marian Anderson and knowing such a God-fearing woman was able to break through many barriers. I considered sharing that for February (Black History Month, and then doubling-up or rather two-for-one, because February turned into March, Women's History Month) Ah well, here's a video and I suggest further reading and sharing about this woman's fantastic impact on culture...not only in America, but throughout the world.<br /><br /><iframe height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/mAONYTMf2pk" frameborder="0" width="425" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br /><br />Moving through March, there was National Lutheran Schools Week. And although we are across the Pacific, I do have hopes of one day there being an equal amount of celebration and connection regarding this school's heritage and connection with the Lutheran church. With the theme being, "Securing Each Child's Future - Making Disciples" - John 8:31b-32, I pray for the many celebrations, festivities which took place in various Lutheran Schools.<br /><br /><iframe height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/8ZQFHA2WpYc" frameborder="0" width="425" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br /><br />Speaking of the school, we have been helping contribute to the school by adding to the ministry as well as to promote the school by going out to elementary schools. We sing songs, do skits, and participate in special events. Usually once or twice a semester, we are asked to do something for the chapel. To help promote the school, we do a skit and one of the school officials does a presentation. We pray Concordia Middle School can continue to maintain it's high level of academic standards as well as reach out to those students most deserving of this education. We also pray for the current students, staff and faculty. Pray that God may be ever present in their life and that their relationship with Him grows (for many - it needs to start!). Here is a video from our participation in the 30 Hour famine that is hosted throughout Taiwan by World Vision. It came here to CMS during Holy Week and we tried to raise some money by doing a dance while also trying to send a message!<br /><br /><iframe height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/RtJqc-VxiIE" frameborder="0" width="560" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br /><br />Blessings to you and Hope to talk with you soon!<br />James</div></div>Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04689818184601877874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7183983020962830658.post-34381858169738244342011-03-05T17:06:00.000-08:002011-03-05T17:26:06.721-08:00Youth Camp Fun! Saved By Grace!Over the days of Sunday, February 27, and into the Monday holiday of 2-28, we spent a fantastic amount of time in prayer and fellowship while focusing on being "Saved by Grace". The Bible verse that was used to illustrate the gift of grace was Romans 6:23, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus."<br /><br />The overnight, almost-24-hour, youth camp was an effort by both the Taiwanese and the Americans to provide a time for the young and old alike to sing songs, play games, and to understand more about their Lutheran heritage. <br /><br />We pray thanksgiving for the many people involved in this as well as the hope for a renewal of evangelical efforts by the churches involved. Also, we pray for those who attended, that their questions and concerns about their relationship with God be answered. <br /><br />Here are a few pics:<br /><br />The official camp t-shirt with the theme, Saved By Grace:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg42Hz53MRuvo6-_NgUN-inhZer0md436QtSkI_6zFUnDifVXzgF1M_7bFiexYPTrcNYAJNM5CZjopTVokRojwFsDzBaQa9fQ0IYTjz3LH8cRO-bFLC6Kou258UYzLrNftVcWo7JGITX7rY/s1600/CIMG7914.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg42Hz53MRuvo6-_NgUN-inhZer0md436QtSkI_6zFUnDifVXzgF1M_7bFiexYPTrcNYAJNM5CZjopTVokRojwFsDzBaQa9fQ0IYTjz3LH8cRO-bFLC6Kou258UYzLrNftVcWo7JGITX7rY/s320/CIMG7914.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580769754757275602" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />My group, we had a good time together. Thank You!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx8boaSW0P3i8unRC2gywOMeOH1gRrvU2FglKd08r5kfqzTnU_MmO9eYPSUOo2dOSQaLaI-4oObL-cKo9Ry2G8oCETZPFRE0AweqOJtpoP8sYu36GljHkAxKjc8XDlw5ojZLP_tV44adDf/s1600/CIMG7973.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx8boaSW0P3i8unRC2gywOMeOH1gRrvU2FglKd08r5kfqzTnU_MmO9eYPSUOo2dOSQaLaI-4oObL-cKo9Ry2G8oCETZPFRE0AweqOJtpoP8sYu36GljHkAxKjc8XDlw5ojZLP_tV44adDf/s320/CIMG7973.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580769750487449538" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5AYoXMgqXrmEN_GSszz2uUK3OsP-hMNMMfJRRAJ-WwQyAQmJ5UxT-5mMIn7ZP7k2LHMIGImSE-yop2HccDYVVUigiVLA5e1Wj-x-cP9Kgav-0wEeXtE7X4AFoA3cEct8f-aXPKnjtay2o/s1600/CIMG7909.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5AYoXMgqXrmEN_GSszz2uUK3OsP-hMNMMfJRRAJ-WwQyAQmJ5UxT-5mMIn7ZP7k2LHMIGImSE-yop2HccDYVVUigiVLA5e1Wj-x-cP9Kgav-0wEeXtE7X4AFoA3cEct8f-aXPKnjtay2o/s320/CIMG7909.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580769747986898562" /></a>Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04689818184601877874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7183983020962830658.post-20655528731832404462011-02-23T07:27:00.000-08:002011-02-24T22:06:48.701-08:00Identifying one's indentityIn the last few months, and in recent weeks especially, I have come across a few different books, devotions, and have been a part of some meetings that really emphasized the point of "Identification". <br /><br />Whether we are an individual or an organization, it is vital for us to "make a name" for ourself. We do this for a variety of reasons. As you reflect on how you have "I.D'd" yourself, I pray you find you way into God's Word, the Holy Bible.<br /><br />I am proud to have worked with people like Rev. Robert Smith and Mrs. Cleorah Scruggs-DeBose from this past summer and fall. Their books have pointed to the very real relationship we have as an individual and as a community - whom God has given to us for specific reasons. Our identity can be found in the Cross.<br /><br />Also, I would like to recognize a couple people I have not met, (yet?), Michael Gates Gill ("How Starbucks Saved My Life") and Dr. Walter Turnbull, ("Lift Every Voice"), founder and director of the Boys Choir of Harlem. These two men have written books which I have enjoyed reading.<br /><br />In the last few months, I have served here: <a href="http://www.cmsh.cyc.edu.tw/">Concordia Middle School</a>. I would like to acknowledge the commitment of this school's administration to the internationalization of this learning community. The are striving for an identity that will make this school a leader in Taiwan's education system.<br /><br />Thank you, to all of you who have stopped by on this page to read a few words. This latest journey has been a very special endeavor.<br /><br />Here are a couple pictures: The first is a recent "scenery" shot from Kenting, Taiwan.<br /><br /><A href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg55PozIDKFSXLRSYbyegkwLXw7G78vGiZlDgK9KijZOjlOuVT_RUMasiJTFgvxqhFB5vfTc4N5YMzCao33jYzrsBsnEmHe_5w-fSgNz7AGTz4QHul7GfHJm6844cgLGNJZsKGQnXPBszC-/s1600/CIMG7560.JPG"><IMG style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576920502590844562 border=0 alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg55PozIDKFSXLRSYbyegkwLXw7G78vGiZlDgK9KijZOjlOuVT_RUMasiJTFgvxqhFB5vfTc4N5YMzCao33jYzrsBsnEmHe_5w-fSgNz7AGTz4QHul7GfHJm6844cgLGNJZsKGQnXPBszC-/s320/CIMG7560.JPG"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Here is a picture of me being "Bryan Nerd". He thought he was smart enough to get into heaven. Oh, did he learn his lesson when he still got pulled away to eternal death.<br /><br /><A href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiLA0UERSv_lWKDtiVlA_a1YKd4iv7hR-wtb8_fmc9YF0nPBnM5LYSMlFtZ_1AIFZWP9iMp6k8PxgiNLiKVkmOrVfk4XgJtCx7BOH7PKcITMEKeeZVBBImA2FA3XlvWC3x28D1KNERf5FK/s1600/ChristyLu2Skit.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiLA0UERSv_lWKDtiVlA_a1YKd4iv7hR-wtb8_fmc9YF0nPBnM5LYSMlFtZ_1AIFZWP9iMp6k8PxgiNLiKVkmOrVfk4XgJtCx7BOH7PKcITMEKeeZVBBImA2FA3XlvWC3x28D1KNERf5FK/s320/ChristyLu2Skit.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577486762752668274" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Here is a video that definitely represents a lifestyle "norm" here: Scootering. It can easily be said that a person must show peace and patience when driving around on these scooters. If you have ever been in Taiwan, I am sure you "identify" with this way of getting around.<br /><br /><OBJECT id=BLOG_video-b4c169f967e7f43e class=BLOG_video_class width=320 height=266 contentId="b4c169f967e7f43e"></OBJECT><br /><br />My identity is in the hands of my creator, the Lord, Jesus Christ. As I bow down before Him, asking Him to guide, lead, and direct my path - I pray He does the same for you. His birth we celebrate at CHRISTmas. His death and resurrection we honor during Lent, the Passion Week, and Good Friday-Easter Sunday. His Spirit leads in amazing and miraculous ways.<br /><br />What's your identity?Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04689818184601877874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7183983020962830658.post-66339888516276394352010-12-08T06:30:00.000-08:002010-12-08T06:30:47.619-08:00If You Want Me To w/ lyrics<iframe height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/QtNzOpKvPfw?fs=1" frameborder="0" width="425"></iframe><br /><strong>Advent Thoughts</strong><br />With the coming of CHRISTmas and the celebration of the birth of Jesus, I am left to wonder how Joseph and Mary felt regarding their journey - and the baby that was to come. Did they say similar words: "If you want me to...."<br />About the marriage....<br />About the conception and pregnancy of Mary<br />About the way they "would have chosen"<br /><br />And then, there's Jesus himself.<br />These lyrics sound similar to the discussion He had with his Father; "Lord, thy willl be done".<br /><br />Yes, our Father has never said it was going to be easy. However, the promise we have is that He will always watch over us, be with us, and provide everything in it's due time.<br /><br />Advent Blessings in the name of Immanuel: God With Us,<br />JamesJameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04689818184601877874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7183983020962830658.post-8455560637662788742010-10-24T03:25:00.000-07:002010-11-24T02:02:54.367-08:00I was blind, but now I see! - John 9:25All of the people and things I have been seeing lately make me think that maybe I have been blind. Being blind, in the metaphorical sense, and choosing not to see the blessings in a person or a situation is a hard lesson. Praise be to God, when He gives us the time and the ability to learn what is true, right, and worthy of praise! Let us celebrate and focus on the reasons for celebrating. Let us give thanks with our voices and actions make a sacrifice to our God....Salvation belongs to Him! (Jonah 2:9; Portals of Prayers for today, October 24, 2010) <div><div><div><div> </div><div>These pictures were from the fall season and the week or so prior to me leaving for Taiwan.</div><div> </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543021935045855650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicA3YK6RNXqTTzEJvQPaRu1mpSySvDGaixohyphenhyphenkrcPAGoXCx3AlGVGHctOmizVXByCWUJIa8iwzw57d0KIjLonavoqHc7_wLKG-M719LtIoqAAGtcploJQUH6NWTA7v3SEr7g9B6TW8sEIE/s320/CIMG6154.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 260px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 203px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543021923378425538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3s2pJ1m2xxE1qgvBWJptUzRGZ-Hh0_6BL_HyGe4dFFKBW8PldtUFv5aCOMFKR64VSyLVfZ2ig37wFpOxkaOy_nmdiVloSt2awgkYIye906THsuGGUf54_rddZIorBw-9e_1zTCffsH-H0/s320/CIMG6146.JPG" /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543021915991093906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVISlr9ySF9cqazGeraoCs0WYcuusdDswC0jrJCt14FsWw42hke5bE4KmAjBSGSoByzK7FFXbUiDRD9hhSckKPblrNMJJwvMlfVzYHycgEDYPq3TfeeYI0_2HFYh_RQr7DjC4uJPI9hehe/s320/CIMG6147.JPG" /></div></div></div>Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04689818184601877874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7183983020962830658.post-11772416962847280262010-07-29T20:25:00.000-07:002010-07-29T21:06:37.968-07:00Sky Scrapers and Lakeside SightsNightline in Hong Kong:<br /><div><br /><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3XkrRAB2lCkGu1UajYLhDxDFgkWmH7bAjrVUskivG2hIhCz98gRrvZ609ImGoQcUVeNq6cg3h-Hg6ZwH4OCkLzuBPOJTdQyyiw9pFZInHSZ10Qz64i0OT9LS7wNF_KRL5Xrpms9IUIxI0/s1600/CIMG4649.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499541378136961538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3XkrRAB2lCkGu1UajYLhDxDFgkWmH7bAjrVUskivG2hIhCz98gRrvZ609ImGoQcUVeNq6cg3h-Hg6ZwH4OCkLzuBPOJTdQyyiw9pFZInHSZ10Qz64i0OT9LS7wNF_KRL5Xrpms9IUIxI0/s320/CIMG4649.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>There are many beautiful landscapes and skylines throughout our vast earth. God has created Himself and also blessed man with the ability to create, design, and build outstanding structures that serve a variety of purposes. <div><br />During my last few weeks of transition, I have been able to see a variety of scenes which have caused me to simply say, "Wow". Enjoy</div><br /><div>Morning in Hong Kong:<br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499538246118346706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnt77K0E3CnAT_6s62DSJHSG3Z9UNq3Z810YQhd9wmWFiMoBtzcs3Pg5YHjCLacFncVkNRcX1zXs6dqd6h-cIdrpSQRoCo7UJQPQTQG_FOPungMoLwZEVqm0LB9-nMa9gxPnbA5hQE4wvz/s320/CIMG4546.JPG" border="0" /></div></div><div><br /></div><div>To the west, a sun setting over the mountains:</div><div> </div><div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499538261522517378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhNvUTqvr-Pma-IjcK-UbnB81hgvcaZz2qLZrLDFa6MDtaLh4aGMdNaD0eEOxBCxMIyLYrVrc034eROSIZPlNHvaMGZK2uBdbSIdgM09ZHbRELLqBRTGYQvg8GA9i-RlP33tHlltgj9gpv/s320/CIMG4604.JPG" border="0" />Some families enjoying the water, with HKIS (Hong Kong International School) in the background:</div><div> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499538254876021538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKunMsXM6v3YVe_Hyg4OmxJ04z6diH3kgTAvmgzt_LnSOGU5J8aEfaax37PNik2RwO98JrlwGGtI0sF1X0ny_i3ZKbgs9jsPO88w95ZoWb_OOWXDjJk7s_dZ90zhXgHWJMpOxXohptA0zQ/s320/CIMG4597.JPG" border="0" /></div><div><br /></div><div>"....Sittin' on the dock of the bay...wastin' time": </div><div><br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499538269872113026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin7UyBaRMBEweQ-6TC0NFFU4YcpU8yK4ZipHf-8-RMMjul2OM0Db4kkLE2vWDgf21yUcHFA6Wrst0PKCUeML57R5v8sAv7XwUlLAyshBbqmkEsvIZ9OAVB5QgdRkfYkqjcy32jcChySTTX/s320/CIMG4631.JPG" border="0" />After arriving in the U.S., I made it to Wisconsin and shores of Lake Michigan:</div><div><br /></div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499538278541316914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6uGl9DPSrwxcDRXs71GROMTds3bV9LIYyfckI6VwLSWBHK3gFbLYxN0_3fh9xjv0suTj3ExQljKfTRJ5VUW7fC-sSh0mb78ulMTls5DxHVskEK1I50sIFOfvDjuBTovj4vzytqliYvpNg/s320/CIMG4721.JPG" border="0" /> City Hall, downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin:</div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499541401325345586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9elx_GNEUhZRdJGhwztrskcFIfS04hBcvXRZzpbZzXOqEddFUZlG4xlAghiWr4Lba0nqWqnHi7t5qpYsslcFOfHxsowPy9HaLOVz_d0kIfo7bA2YunG7TjNOnEkqY39EIJRkEUd3OsTrp/s320/CIMG4728.JPG" border="0" /> <div>Then, onto Chicago. Down the river:</div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499541389775732738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Lmz8garzx8ukaWClVDyuTzINbep-my3ayM38OTLxYL4wC013zyXWG_eWkIy4OvywqkF_4aR86-dIYRZ1_zO7baEGwV2k_iDXNsFMaBXCV4G3NoH-dxuZbaYRVqqLMbCAsCbXUDwtIYeE/s320/CIMG4755.JPG" border="0" /></div><div>Had a chance to do some reading, take a break and just search the skies:</div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499541392304430210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYGGFCWF-FnbMpNhTADUSRPvRlaK-cESOA-rKyfEk1JuOeprnJVpIwN0vAM3edy3vmBtWUJ-pD1tfv649iiZbtf0E80oGxCNoU98MS7S6y3EWCpx91iMqE9s2legGUWZGqG5pivQvIn_cy/s320/CIMG4756.JPG" border="0" /><br />Sears Tower? Didn't see any signs except SkyDeck - I think its the same:</div><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499541414562086322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlKd6WHfADcZWo5cI25l3yCgjLN9wmZEdgtZjK1sOyAWCRhyHpBGO3gdL-tT5hxdhZD_wzlwxX5m2x0kpxE5orK8fD9aUrkvIYaGHk14I9veAB1NUnuIwYJSDQo2ZwTQ7S_Z-AffEnqWLK/s320/CIMG4757.JPG" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div>Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04689818184601877874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7183983020962830658.post-50766522182876356042010-07-06T15:19:00.000-07:002010-07-06T15:31:08.829-07:00Under Construction....(always)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWNvAL2e34Qasp_x__MSz0VlDHXcjmOj5jCdaGokwZj1ZTDM8Rg_3RxIpD-P7ZoGyvp4YcRCMtTRkoQIyIH-CovNILCql6NA22kwQTnakMmHOKAjktC3scw1EMevUgQmlRW1tzl6E_pfaW/s1600/CIMG4549.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490923643786398498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWNvAL2e34Qasp_x__MSz0VlDHXcjmOj5jCdaGokwZj1ZTDM8Rg_3RxIpD-P7ZoGyvp4YcRCMtTRkoQIyIH-CovNILCql6NA22kwQTnakMmHOKAjktC3scw1EMevUgQmlRW1tzl6E_pfaW/s320/CIMG4549.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqIu4B-5fOCc1TD5z-bS8ZlTrutQ_ULLQXTq1kS7RYs8xdtt_BpwOtiAkdNejdYO8kB4SmosZIGD5KTrn4vWGCXplAuX6QN5XOPLWm699GiW_Zqd_usrNWt362PN33cuNKrzK1sFzBVTC0/s1600/CIMG4548.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490923635699036050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqIu4B-5fOCc1TD5z-bS8ZlTrutQ_ULLQXTq1kS7RYs8xdtt_BpwOtiAkdNejdYO8kB4SmosZIGD5KTrn4vWGCXplAuX6QN5XOPLWm699GiW_Zqd_usrNWt362PN33cuNKrzK1sFzBVTC0/s320/CIMG4548.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS7z6mpchkVAdc2eHE10X45fxqaUpQS91ZNb0X1BByq08IqtMTBeFPBH4sdOfnd_FdCcz0tG2sqMHTMIpJlrVRMwazduixAvtHDYuyjALEEZ4G1G37s7WY-43DxRfTAsHW7PUot8HJXh3Q/s1600/CIMG4547.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490923628568794658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS7z6mpchkVAdc2eHE10X45fxqaUpQS91ZNb0X1BByq08IqtMTBeFPBH4sdOfnd_FdCcz0tG2sqMHTMIpJlrVRMwazduixAvtHDYuyjALEEZ4G1G37s7WY-43DxRfTAsHW7PUot8HJXh3Q/s320/CIMG4547.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>When I started my teaching career, I was still learning about web-pages and "HTML". I want to thank Hal Schmidt for taking me through a crash course on web design and communications. The world of internet and technology changed drastically during the time I went from high school to university to being a teacher myself.</div><br /><div>One thing I learned: the difference between "dynamic" and "static". Those things that are changing and those things that stay the same.</div><br /><div>Most websites at that time would put on a little "gif" image that said, "Site under construction" and Hal would just laugh and say, "they must not be that good at web design - their site is ALWAYS going to be under construction!!"</div><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>As for me, this summer has been filled with a lot of construction. Pounding, jack-hammers, and other noise related to overall improvement of facilities has followed me from my apartment in Macau, to our English Center and now here where I am staying in Hong Kong. It is my prayer that I pay attention to the heart-renovation which is taking place within my inner-walls.</div><br /><div>Also, if you need some prayer regarding the "new and improved" you that is happening or that you are looking for - send me an email or comment!</div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>Take care and God bless </div></div></div>Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04689818184601877874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7183983020962830658.post-81838955838906034512010-06-10T07:25:00.000-07:002010-06-10T09:02:57.103-07:00Rainy Days, Crunchy Water Chestnut Drink and A-Team (Chinese Version)A couple pictures and a video of some things I have "happened upon" in the last few days. Enjoy!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481155393491169890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGT-IB1mkzhjkorsbp5I8a1n6A0pvfW6rAWd2j1dMjkUplH6-x4FJOA42rDejn9pgWQf4i4ClQFFsm82zemUCOiqCH6mLXpgJ9gw3fHFq91RFyS6JeQrzYIcBB9dnSBBv1tWf7cSJsOltl/s320/CIMG4235.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div>It's been raining for the last couple of days....actually quite a downpour in the morning yesterday. Caused a backup on the streets and shut many things down for a while. But as for me, I put on my crocs (plastic slipper-shoes) and my shorts, and skipped, jumped, jogged, and splashed my way to the Center.</div><br /><br />Then, after a day of work, I had the chance to watch some T.V. One of the other volunteers and I were flipping through some channels and came across this, I might even go and see the A-Team movie this summer:<br /><p><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwLWtMRL3RQrgjuEHalOqXO0lMJ8Zkb5DslUVsRILrV8Sr6um2OzWN7Sg_8aEhehn5GS6j25PhuqpLQPXTn8A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /></p><p>And, almost as much fun as the random T-shirts with slogans and misspellings, I found this can of drink: Nothing like a "COOL, Crunchy Water Chestnut Drink" to quench your thirst on those hot afternoons!</p><p></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481164253933644882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3Zy8ZO2qpxKzaiNSazsJqGE8pckosaWOB6mRce25fDd1BESEPuN_PFZlQYUH9Il3msjs8gvoX0Q-i1ekEh1KG0eBCEvAmYkNqXcbEs8Kd52a61g6igKiYO7IMMAOTF3udBdS6j6C6DWQ/s320/CIMG4241.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p></p>Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04689818184601877874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7183983020962830658.post-48396874772541508752010-06-03T18:37:00.000-07:002010-06-03T20:52:04.690-07:00Memorial Days: May 31 and June 4th, 1989Freedom. Enjoying life. Pursuit of Happiness.<br />Remembering the Past.<br />Hoping for an Even Better Future.<br /><p>This child is loved by God, he has freedoms which are intended to be his by Creator and may at some point be cut short by people, systems, or simply the lack of being taught: God loves you.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478745118581630642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 290px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 194px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ulo460IvNuEz4jDsYrlhieLWeVm8hvdUl-3kooOjfldBUV2u4q0lRALWppju5UbJCXyeRSCqvoaOq5g10C-l5f76TOsLNwuZe5MuOXLRrzI1yvVnPnGRJ-7EHozWUnqrX1UKVCuhv0qm/s320/CIMG3676.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>There are numerous "left-overs" from the wars, conflicts, uprisings, coups and other actions which have been taken to defend the cause of freedom within groups and nations. This is a war cannon, located at the Guia Fortress Lighthouse (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guia_Fortress)that">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guia_Fortress)that</a> is from the time when the Portugese were defending themselves against possible "invaders".<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQP40GOH2MTsTwVMGKO64G8X3_ifznhMZJXO6hW64xQKY9yzPKdvdH0qffzJVW-wjgXxH95HiyyPb64qvBNj08tRXQOne8hA5UdbUFQLOoegJZliipKrrXfMUyMVmk8Hn_Eh_3ooHHf4pk/s1600/CIMG3369.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478744241028889442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 293px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 206px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQP40GOH2MTsTwVMGKO64G8X3_ifznhMZJXO6hW64xQKY9yzPKdvdH0qffzJVW-wjgXxH95HiyyPb64qvBNj08tRXQOne8hA5UdbUFQLOoegJZliipKrrXfMUyMVmk8Hn_Eh_3ooHHf4pk/s320/CIMG3369.JPG" border="0" /></a>This past week has given us a variety of days for which we can give thanks and reflect the special, unique and yet very common realities the Chinese and the Americans are experiencing at this time.</p><div></div><div><strong><em>May 31st, June 1st, and June 4th, 2010: </em></strong></div><div><strong><em>A week to remember; A foundation for the future.</em></strong></div><div><strong><em></em></strong></div><br /><div>May 31st, 2010, was the last Monday of May, which has been set aside as the formal day of Memorial Day in the U.S.A.. Then you have June 1st, which is largely considered to be International Children's Day. Some people recognize these days for their deeper meaning, and others seem them as a day for "holiday" or "school celebrations and special treats" or, as is the case with Memorial Day, it is the 3-4 day weekend which marks the "beginning of summer". Regardless of how you feel or what you think about the history and current celebration of these days - there is no denying that there is something special about these days and celebrations. </div><br /><div></div><div>Now, on to June 4th, 1989. I vaguely recall this summer and this day back in 1989. As an elementary school kid, my main focus was <strong>the summer.</strong> I recall news shows and newspapers covering this incident called "Tiananmen Square" and student protests. Today, June 4th, 2010, 21 years later, those protests and actions of the State of China are the topic of many conversations. The desire is for all of the truth to be shared and it is my prayer that there will continue to be constructive and truthful discussion taking place because of the many newspaper and blog headlines across the globe.</div><div></div><br /><div>Now, more than ever, I realize the importance of the sacrifice which God went through to give me freedom. He did the same thing for you and for all people. </div><div> </div><div><strong>"<em>For God so Loved the World that He Gave His Only Begotten Son, </em></strong><strong><em>(Jesus Christ), </em><em>that whoseover believes in Him (Jesus)</em></strong><strong><em> shall not die but have Everlasting Life." - John 3:16</em></strong></div><br /><div><em></em></div><div>Freedom was, and is now, the reason why protestors and soldiers <em>in every field</em> have ever fought. This is regardless of their leadership or philosophy of their tactics. Even those who were mislead, they started their journey with the mindset of this action being the means to secure a "free" future. </div><br /><div>As far as this commentator understands, (and I will readily concede my ignorance on details of most matters) it is my opinion that the reason why countries, nations, and individuals have launched any kind of protests or outright attacks on another person or nation is because at some point there was the feeling of themselves being under attack, controlled, and ultimately, not being allowed to be free. </div><div></div><br /><div>I find it interesting that the reason why America was first founded was because a group of people didn't want to be controlled by a State; a State which tried to enforce a specific religion onto the people. Then, fast forward to today, the State of China (and other countries) goes to great length to keep faith in the control of the State so as to not allow the influence of "outsiders" to corrupt it's people or so-called heritage. I think there's a connection in there somewhere.</div><br /><div>The connnections - similarities and differences - over the years have not been as clear as they are today.</div><div></div><br /><div>When God wants to teach, sometimes he is very direct, clear, and to the point. Always, He allows us, his children, to have choice in our life. It is our choices and the choices of others, which ultimately effect us. It was choice that caused people to follow Jesus, it was choice for those who wanted Jesus killed. His choice to allow that to happen, gives me the freedom and gratitude which I now enjoy as a Saved child of God.</div><br /><div>May we all choose peace and love as the way for which to celebrate and to resolve.</div><br /><div> - James</div>Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04689818184601877874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7183983020962830658.post-86558604561656651292010-05-24T01:33:00.000-07:002010-05-24T01:55:08.969-07:00Boredom only happens to Boring people....It's nice to have a clear blue sky and a beautiful day to enjoy a break time. Today, I went to the top of the building and also around the "ledge" of the 5th floor. It's amazing how many people and businesses can all be in one location and still be so "distant" from one another.<br /><br />Today:<br /> - Take a break, but in a different way<br /> - Intentionally talk to someone whom you rarely or never speak with<br /> - Find a new street to drive down or store to visit.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6BTvIJW9MLpIwe0U3c-LUZM0e9NnjgXanST_zC3WU0WTwTNuA25Hm3RhVqPxBfwTM5QeWuBMnuQB8SNDAQfTxLQ5z4VYWSGbjrmYPdoNoFLeLiHMMDZ_20yJ2fX-VlwJPiwYwxcYLvpHt/s1600/CIMG4135.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474754244719055138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6BTvIJW9MLpIwe0U3c-LUZM0e9NnjgXanST_zC3WU0WTwTNuA25Hm3RhVqPxBfwTM5QeWuBMnuQB8SNDAQfTxLQ5z4VYWSGbjrmYPdoNoFLeLiHMMDZ_20yJ2fX-VlwJPiwYwxcYLvpHt/s400/CIMG4135.JPG" border="0" /></a> <strong>THAT'S ME!!</strong><br />5th row down, 2nd row over. Can you see me in yellow taking a picture from the top of our building - across the street? Also, down in the right hand corner of the picture, you can see the top of some other buildings - people were taking a break/afternoon nap there on this gorgeous day!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiopbhFBDO6uWUvyuVCx-k4Z0sqwkDccNHkQOWLMzFbumYTHgZ0zu9s9pUKfFL53mwbDBkcCzFhDvWRxzEgzpuBpAYItiSXNdIS1BcBRoU1LRgVMNP7PyOp6rRZ57A0rOWIg1Xj1FYc1cjQ/s1600/CIMG4133.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474754237247917026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiopbhFBDO6uWUvyuVCx-k4Z0sqwkDccNHkQOWLMzFbumYTHgZ0zu9s9pUKfFL53mwbDBkcCzFhDvWRxzEgzpuBpAYItiSXNdIS1BcBRoU1LRgVMNP7PyOp6rRZ57A0rOWIg1Xj1FYc1cjQ/s400/CIMG4133.JPG" border="0" /></a> <strong>Bored? THINK again.....and then ACT<br /></strong><br /><div>There are plenty of ways to entertain oneself, guests, long-time friends, and first-time buddies. If you find yourself saying that life, or anything else for that matter, is boring - it's probably best to take a look in the mirror. Recognize the gift of creativity, wonder, excitement which God has given - and then share it with someone. (It is my request that if you do this, please include me!!! I would love to be a part of the journey that you call: your life)</div><br /><div>"If Christianity is dull and boring, if it is a burden and not a blessing, then most likely we are involved in a project, not a Person - a system, and not a Savior, rules rather than a Relationship.</div><br /><div>Jospeh M. Stowell</div><div><em>Following Christ</em></div></div>Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04689818184601877874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7183983020962830658.post-37359304323512196302010-05-09T19:56:00.000-07:002010-05-09T20:00:44.440-07:00For Humanities in Action I - HKISHere is how I spent my Saturday in Hong Kong!!! Awesome times!<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy1IiviS0sJhnNvjW-bjt3_tR36IMDhqDzhmLxm1d-pWOJf7HYzRXpe6cc5d1V3i2RJDQbLz-2wwxmA5y5anw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04689818184601877874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7183983020962830658.post-22952867116699234862010-04-25T16:03:00.000-07:002010-04-25T16:46:15.710-07:00For the kids sake<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-JAUFhtELDwYqY-f8JnSbw5BoVbH8wLf_OOl4lcu7LUWEcKrmhmGmByHwt4Gh8t7qz7bOCd5ru6KztintJ_AjXv9UYmSh3yPedVkkICnOBS8Agd62kfs7E0gTq8gaR682gftt-pYd93my/s1600/CIMG3321.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464222158832606498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-JAUFhtELDwYqY-f8JnSbw5BoVbH8wLf_OOl4lcu7LUWEcKrmhmGmByHwt4Gh8t7qz7bOCd5ru6KztintJ_AjXv9UYmSh3yPedVkkICnOBS8Agd62kfs7E0gTq8gaR682gftt-pYd93my/s400/CIMG3321.JPG" border="0" /></a> Walking down the mosaic tiles of the city.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8R2oiTii-MJXqS-Dn70n0pmR8ABGkeEnFpJLKnGCsWVTvhAMjqDFhGiyg05RqiElOhILUpUQ17Yui5_Eu5orZY_p3E5s2lPU1U26y3dAA_LB11AWgcWHM9typ6a5GNEQH4UYVl7TfS1ap/s1600/CIMG3096.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464222152426631858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8R2oiTii-MJXqS-Dn70n0pmR8ABGkeEnFpJLKnGCsWVTvhAMjqDFhGiyg05RqiElOhILUpUQ17Yui5_Eu5orZY_p3E5s2lPU1U26y3dAA_LB11AWgcWHM9typ6a5GNEQH4UYVl7TfS1ap/s400/CIMG3096.JPG" border="0" /></a> About to play some tennis<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbsI6UxWBNkDm2EZSDkpib5r2A4JhvTpwcp-uzDyNQeTmSx8uRZKkdkmZMj1slq__m0QkfPWfT5_Tsig0xwzWCDJF8CL3VTgObjfcw7jdspeRyO_D0pXFuS6knWFuLOaRLRvW7zwyd7RDi/s1600/CIMG3169.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464222140403315890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbsI6UxWBNkDm2EZSDkpib5r2A4JhvTpwcp-uzDyNQeTmSx8uRZKkdkmZMj1slq__m0QkfPWfT5_Tsig0xwzWCDJF8CL3VTgObjfcw7jdspeRyO_D0pXFuS6knWFuLOaRLRvW7zwyd7RDi/s400/CIMG3169.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Climbing the walls at the Firehouse-turned-museum here in Macau.<br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">"<em><strong>Fathers, do not be hard on your children, instead, bring them up in training and instruction of the Lord</strong></em>."</span> <span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Ephesians 6:4</strong></span></div><br /><div></div><div>This could probably also be read as "Mothers, Teachers, or any random adult who has anything to do with a child, teenager, or younger person..." Most likely it means, you too.</div><div> </div><div>Also, the phrase "do not be hard" was translated as "exasperate".. I know there are many people who think "big words = too difficult or too serious", but this is truth, actually it is Truth, capital "T".</div><br /><div></div><div>As I read this morning, I was reminded of why I got into education and why I love working with other people. We are all children in need of instruction. As teachers, some of us have the privilege of it being our vocation or "calling". I thank my family for 'training me'...and my teachers for 'instructing me'. For those of you who prayed for me and specifically taught me about God's Love....and His Law-Rules...a big: Thank you, Xie Xie, Cam on, Arigato Gozaimus, Doe Gia.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Now, onto this devotion which has been plagiarized from "From Generation to Generation", by Barbour.</div><br /><div></div><div>When he was 57 years old General Douglas MacArthur had his first and only son. This boy brought out the gentleness of the general. Here is a prayer entitled, "A Father's Prayer" which MacArthur wrote for his son:</div><br /><div></div><div>"Build me a son, O God, who will be strong enough to know when he is weak and brave enough to face himself when he is afraid; one who will be proud and unbending in honest defeat, but humble and gentle in victory. Build me a son, whose wishes will not replace his actions-a son who will know thee, and that to know himself is the foundation stone of knowledge.....</div><br /><div></div><div>Build me a son whose heart will be clear, whose goal will be high, a son who will master himself before he seeks to master others; one who will learn to laugh, yet never forget how to weep; one who will reach into the future, yet never forget the past, and after all these things are his, this I pray, enough sense of humor that he may always be serious yet never take himself too seriously. Give him the humility so that he may always remember the simplicity of true greatness, the open mind of true wisdom, the meekness of true strength; then I, his father, will dare to whisper, "I have not lived in vain."</div><br /><div></div><div>What have you been learning about God? What have the children in your life know about the love of Jesus Christ?</div><div> </div><div>Today, ask God about how to be a child of His....</div><div> </div><div>and</div><div> </div><div>ask Him how (...maybe "who"?) you can teach.... </div></div></div>Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04689818184601877874noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7183983020962830658.post-60954685405024767432010-04-15T18:00:00.000-07:002010-04-15T18:48:21.549-07:00Same old, same old?...no..Different New! Different New!Easter Sunday and a Birthday celebration. Bringing together some friends for fun times! Thank you, to my friends and faith family for your prayers and support!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460545523027385298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_egwNGs2BIbU20k0p-Qtb7iuFfKhYxb-Pd4ETsXfc2-eGBPByu8OnwuQPKbkeab-22_-vMSXRHT1BgWQwY6sRMYjDRbH8N7x3kC0qOeAaGHR1RL2Cl8L5ksK5448gnhL_qyAf_qG7eUq/s400/CIMG3229.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM2I0j_8NGCcAY0GYsXJADHtFfeERwpTI1HDchzAjvYHaIslsotTCLNcz7GBF74GuKSpfjTT67cRYOfN8ZNmb4CT2fwWOsgQZkltpNRU9c2Duyw-tRDG3WL7kHBAzeTpfMqodhtkuQLHKr/s1600/CIMG3235.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460540130332662098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM2I0j_8NGCcAY0GYsXJADHtFfeERwpTI1HDchzAjvYHaIslsotTCLNcz7GBF74GuKSpfjTT67cRYOfN8ZNmb4CT2fwWOsgQZkltpNRU9c2Duyw-tRDG3WL7kHBAzeTpfMqodhtkuQLHKr/s400/CIMG3235.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>Cake anyone? Cakes here are the same as Taiwan, Japan, and Viet Nam. Yes, mother, I do miss those full pans of cherry-chip cake, but these are pretty darn good, too. (and very ornate!)</div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdunbr8TCLC2m5kApWnskzCEfD2yGop5KLPhdKWw7rMAxpsDZvmXB0tcawp9X4-I4JrrSzZjPkiya-6dkTWHm3478EQlGzGZJFExQ9gxGfZ-27xNpUT7xNwSDHrlwrq-9C8PAV05mbFNoJ/s1600/CIMG3228.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460540114882639714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdunbr8TCLC2m5kApWnskzCEfD2yGop5KLPhdKWw7rMAxpsDZvmXB0tcawp9X4-I4JrrSzZjPkiya-6dkTWHm3478EQlGzGZJFExQ9gxGfZ-27xNpUT7xNwSDHrlwrq-9C8PAV05mbFNoJ/s400/CIMG3228.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>Hey there party people!! It's a new day and a new situation. New year of life. Many reasons to give thanks and praise to our Creator and Sustainer of Life! (And my parents of course!!)</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>As I enter into this Friday full of a variety of plans, to dos, and hopes - I want to share a lesson I learned the other day. It happened while I was "teaching". It's rather neat how that happens: learning more while teaching!</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>My student, who is basically my father's age, was reading through a magazine article and the title of the section said, "Same old, Same old". I explained that it meant the monotony (didn't use that word; I am surprised I remember some of my vocabulary...) of life. As we picked up on conversation and used this phrase again, we talked about my situation and how I have been in a few different places in my life.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>Different people and locations, different ideas and worldviews, different ways to show respect and love.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>End result? As I said the phrase and it related to: work, food, activities...the words came to mind <strong><em>for me</em></strong> were not "Same old, Same old"...rather "<strong><em>Different New, Different New</em></strong>". My student and I laughed and enjoyed the rest of the article.</div><br /><br /><div>(Maybe you had to be there....)</div><br /><br /><div></div><div><span style="font-size:180%;">Soooo. what's <strong><em>new</em></strong> with <em><strong>you??</strong></em> </span></div><br /><div></div></div><div><br /></div><div>A firehouse-turned-museum. Collections of older and newer equipment. Lots of pictures and documentation over the years. Pretty cool stuff.</div></div><div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460540135971208674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSxTGyiJtmNzS9FyocuQxa0dC1jj3iTvoANMmGHv5CE4j4NZ508kuuFg5pI2aQhkGoVELWNZdbP-077srs_JRp2udP6OPZgQoFPYphnHnNYlEWWTJkkWInE2MeY50yrBBBdNa67O4dv11Z/s400/CIMG3148.JPG" border="0" /></div></div></div><br /><p>Here is the "sign-in" book for church. Very similar to the churches in Japan. In some ways, same old, same old...but in other ways: Pretty neat to see the English names and Chinese names next to each other. Brothes and Sisters joining to give honor and praise to our God of gods.</p><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460540122734270210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtGgsfdA9tSdXj11TAJgI4hVQwOvstL3OM3PZ4ifxJDU2Rq1jbLAyAHoJxg_W0sbxkI6ekdXOBTFJtyx1wj17jP0K8voAxCImZ4uTZCKv0tpPD_Yy7UXwcmyIQD-VrFUpXlTD-DLFUYtL0/s400/CIMG3105.JPG" border="0" /></p>Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04689818184601877874noreply@blogger.com0