Well, I am back in China. I actually had a pretty good flight this time. It took right at 24 hours from getting on my first plane, to landing in Xi'an. I'll be honest, traveling to China is not for everyone, but it is part of my job. Thankfully, I only fly over 3-4 times a year.
When I am not working, I have a lot of down time. People just don't speak english over here. I remember one weekend, where I didn't say one word. Literally. I went from Friday evening, to Sunday evening without saying one word. It sounds a little strange, and I wouldn't recommend it on a frequent basis, but it was actually rather refreshing.
I also read a lot. I don't read much at home, outside of preparing for bible classes. I really try to spend time with my family, and see reading as taking away from that. I should be better about my time. I know. Anyway, I usually knock out about 2-3 books per trip. I usually have a few current Christian books, as well as, a science fiction book (usually Dune). I know, its a weird mix.
My last trip, I started listening to podcasts. Again, this is something that I do primarily here in China. My excuse is the same as above. No time.
Those really close to Michelle and myself know that we can make some rather interesting decisions. We do what we can to pray about them, but for the most part, we don't really THINK about them too much. We talk to each other about them. Michelle is an amazing person, and always has a hand for the obvious. I tend to look at things political. I also try to understand what someone else is thinking. I love our conversations.
Coming to China allows me to get my focus back. Reality is, we all need to take a break and just spend time with God. Go out in the woods for a few days. Get a hotel, and put the "do not disturb sign" on the door. We need to unplug from the internet. Cut our phones off. And then open our bibles. When I am over here, I am somewhat forced to do these things. And yet, I look forward to it. Amazingly, some of my best classes have been written while I was sitting at the pool on the third floor. Some of my best thoughts were given to me while listening to a podcast when I am working out. Some of my best clarity in decisions has been achieved when I just sat in my room for a few hours.
Its hard to take a break from reality. Trust me I know. Michelle is one of the most amazing women I know for putting up with me leaving the country so frequently. The kids are fed. The house is clean. Decisions are made. Life goes on. She doesn't get a break the way that I do. I try to allow for her to have her "scrapbook weekends", and women's retreats. I am full aware that I get away more often than she does. I don't need anyone reminding me of that fact.
Truth is, I would rather be at home. I would rather get attacked by my princess ninja and her brother "the dragon". I would rather be making pens, talking to my wife, while she sat on the steps in the garage. At the same time, I need this. I need to be forced to just listen to God. Currently in my life, it is very difficult for me to choose to be silent with God. I have too many responsibilities. I have too many things I would rather be doing. Maybe I am making excuses becuase I am afraid of the answers I might hear. However, if flying 24 hours is what it takes, then that's what I'll do.
See you in a few.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Accepting Help
We studied John 13: 1-17 last night in class. I had always looked at this passage as "the way" to be like Jesus. Put others before yourself. "Its not about me". I thought I would share probably the most interesting look at this passage from our study from last night. Its something I had never looked at before. I think it is also something, that most men struggle with.
It all starts in verse 8 when Peter tells Jesus, "no, you are not going to wash my feet." If you are like me, serving others is a blessing. In fact, it is easy to serve others. One man commented last night how that serving others is like a "natural high" to him. But, how easy is it for us to BE SERVED? That is the topic that Peter is getting at. Think about: "Jesus, are you really going to wash my feet? I don't think so. I mean, you're Jesus. You can't wash my feet....." But Jesus very politely tells him that if he doesn't allow Him (Jesus) to wash his (Peter) feet, then he (Peter) can have nothing to do with Him (Jesus). Whoa.... Wait a minute.....
In this passage, Jesus is not only showing that you have to be a servant, but he also teaches Peter that you have to allow others to serve you. This kind of flies in the face of being proud for being self relient. Many of us (my self included) don't care too much for recieving help (well, asking for help is probably a better description). From a guy's point of view it comes across as being weak. The problem with that train of thought, is that we stop relying on people, think we can do things for ourselves, and eventually take Jesus out of the equation all together. I can do things for myself thank you very much. It sounds great. But what is the motivation behind that train of thought? Jesus is teaching Peter that you must allow others to serve you as well, so that you don't stop relying on Me (Jesus).
Look at a different way: Somebody talks about "relying on God" throughout their daily life. However, when their neighbor asks if they need help building that fence in the backyard they say, "no thanks. I got it." It may seem like a simple thing, but a cumumlative account of little things makes a huge difference in the long run. I am going to speak for myself here: usually when I say I am going to rely on God, what I am really saying is that I want Him to give me the strength to do it myself, because I don't want to have to ask someone for help. I think another way of looking at it, is if everyone were servants, who gets served?
I think this concept is going to be difficult for a lot of the 4-7 people that read this blog! It is for me, and I didn't really like it when we started talking about last night. Truth is, I still don't like it. I kind of like the fact that I am self-reliant, but I can also see how that kind of thinking can lead to being prideful in some areas of my life. I can see how easy it would be to eventually not rely on God on certain parts of my life.
Serving, and allowing others to serve you goes hand in hand. Too much of one or the other is not a good thing. Try this: ask somebody for help for anything in the next few days, for no apparent reason what so ever. At the same time, help somebody with something for no apparent reason what so ever. Any takers on what is going to be easier?
It all starts in verse 8 when Peter tells Jesus, "no, you are not going to wash my feet." If you are like me, serving others is a blessing. In fact, it is easy to serve others. One man commented last night how that serving others is like a "natural high" to him. But, how easy is it for us to BE SERVED? That is the topic that Peter is getting at. Think about: "Jesus, are you really going to wash my feet? I don't think so. I mean, you're Jesus. You can't wash my feet....." But Jesus very politely tells him that if he doesn't allow Him (Jesus) to wash his (Peter) feet, then he (Peter) can have nothing to do with Him (Jesus). Whoa.... Wait a minute.....
In this passage, Jesus is not only showing that you have to be a servant, but he also teaches Peter that you have to allow others to serve you. This kind of flies in the face of being proud for being self relient. Many of us (my self included) don't care too much for recieving help (well, asking for help is probably a better description). From a guy's point of view it comes across as being weak. The problem with that train of thought, is that we stop relying on people, think we can do things for ourselves, and eventually take Jesus out of the equation all together. I can do things for myself thank you very much. It sounds great. But what is the motivation behind that train of thought? Jesus is teaching Peter that you must allow others to serve you as well, so that you don't stop relying on Me (Jesus).
Look at a different way: Somebody talks about "relying on God" throughout their daily life. However, when their neighbor asks if they need help building that fence in the backyard they say, "no thanks. I got it." It may seem like a simple thing, but a cumumlative account of little things makes a huge difference in the long run. I am going to speak for myself here: usually when I say I am going to rely on God, what I am really saying is that I want Him to give me the strength to do it myself, because I don't want to have to ask someone for help. I think another way of looking at it, is if everyone were servants, who gets served?
I think this concept is going to be difficult for a lot of the 4-7 people that read this blog! It is for me, and I didn't really like it when we started talking about last night. Truth is, I still don't like it. I kind of like the fact that I am self-reliant, but I can also see how that kind of thinking can lead to being prideful in some areas of my life. I can see how easy it would be to eventually not rely on God on certain parts of my life.
Serving, and allowing others to serve you goes hand in hand. Too much of one or the other is not a good thing. Try this: ask somebody for help for anything in the next few days, for no apparent reason what so ever. At the same time, help somebody with something for no apparent reason what so ever. Any takers on what is going to be easier?
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Movie Night
I forgot my lunch yesterday, and had to go to the mall to eat. Well, I actually got my lunch out of the frig, but left it on the stove while I was getting my stuff together. Michelle called, and reminded me I left it. I got all the way to work, pulled my back pack out of the car, walked to my my office, and still didn't know I left it on the oven. Anyway, I went to the mall for another reason as well. Ironman came out on DVD yesterday! So I went by and got an HDMI cable that I have been saving for some time now, and then headed to the movie store. I picked up the movie (it has really cool metal case), fully aware I would be the savior when I got home.
I called Michelle before I left work and told her about my plan for a movie night. She was so excited, because she knew how happy the kids would be. She then called me back, and said she could order pizza on line! How cool is that?!?! Now, that last phrase may give a way how out of touch she and I are about 21st century technology. Its funny: we seem to be on the cutting edge with some things, but with others we couldn't care less.
I get home, and the kids meet me at the door as usual. I hand my son the bag wih the movie in it. He opens it up and screams, "IRONMAN!"
He had completed all of his school assignments by lunch, and was waiting on me to get home to finish his reading assignments. For some unknown reason, he likes to do his reading assignments with me, not Michelle. Did I mention he was in his pjs all day? I love home schooling.
I sit him down behind the TV with his reading book, while I begin to rewire the DVD player with the HDMI cable (I can't tell you how excited I was). He is reading to me about Peter and Sarah going to the creek, and I am removing Monster Cable, while hooking up HDMI and fiber optic cables (already had that one). So if you can imagine thinking, "Peter and Sarah.... creek.... dog.... digital video and sound.... 200 watts of power.... run Peter run.... 1080p.... the dog barked...." Hey, it works for us....
Michelle shows me on the internet where you can track your order. "Joe has submitted your order". "Chris has made your order". "Dylan left the store at 5:22pm". Again, that has to be one of the coolest things I have ever seen.
The pizza arrives and it is time for family night. I crank up the subwoofer, each of us gets into their own comfortable spot, and we start handing out pizza. By the time the movie is over, I think my son said, "that was so awesome" at least 15 times. At one point, my little girl starts doing pirouhettes and stating that she "is Ironman."
I love family movie night.
I called Michelle before I left work and told her about my plan for a movie night. She was so excited, because she knew how happy the kids would be. She then called me back, and said she could order pizza on line! How cool is that?!?! Now, that last phrase may give a way how out of touch she and I are about 21st century technology. Its funny: we seem to be on the cutting edge with some things, but with others we couldn't care less.
I get home, and the kids meet me at the door as usual. I hand my son the bag wih the movie in it. He opens it up and screams, "IRONMAN!"
He had completed all of his school assignments by lunch, and was waiting on me to get home to finish his reading assignments. For some unknown reason, he likes to do his reading assignments with me, not Michelle. Did I mention he was in his pjs all day? I love home schooling.
I sit him down behind the TV with his reading book, while I begin to rewire the DVD player with the HDMI cable (I can't tell you how excited I was). He is reading to me about Peter and Sarah going to the creek, and I am removing Monster Cable, while hooking up HDMI and fiber optic cables (already had that one). So if you can imagine thinking, "Peter and Sarah.... creek.... dog.... digital video and sound.... 200 watts of power.... run Peter run.... 1080p.... the dog barked...." Hey, it works for us....
Michelle shows me on the internet where you can track your order. "Joe has submitted your order". "Chris has made your order". "Dylan left the store at 5:22pm". Again, that has to be one of the coolest things I have ever seen.
The pizza arrives and it is time for family night. I crank up the subwoofer, each of us gets into their own comfortable spot, and we start handing out pizza. By the time the movie is over, I think my son said, "that was so awesome" at least 15 times. At one point, my little girl starts doing pirouhettes and stating that she "is Ironman."
I love family movie night.
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