TALENT

I am amazed, no, flabbergasted at the talent God gives some people. Not just..."o, he's pretty good," but "oh-my-word, blow-you-away, knock-your-socks-off-kind-of-talent." I'm talking about some of the most talented people in the world! And I have a couple of those people right at my church. Jubilant Sykes and Christopher Parkening. Jubilant is an acclaimed tenor singer and Christopher is a world-renown classical guitarist. I've heard them both perform so much, I often forget how rare their talent is. But I am reminded that I can't take such wonderful talent, such wonderful gifts, such wonderful men, for granted. I am obligated and happy to recognize their talent as a blessing from the Lord and to worship Him for His character, His majesty, and His creativity, which is displayed through these two men.

From the Sublime to the Serious

I know my last post was totally goofy--it was meant to make you laugh--but this post is going to be a serious one. So I just wanted to warn you about the sudden change of pace. Anyone who knows me knows that I am super goofy...but I am also super serious. Lately it's been time to be serious in my life. So many of my good friends and family have been enduring some HUGE trials...life-shaking-kind-of-trials...not I'm having-a-bad-day-kind-of-trials. And I have been lifting them up in prayer. It's a little overwhelming sometimes to share in such huge burdens, but I am blessed the Lord has allowed me to be part of the entire trial process in the lives of many of my friends.

Here are some of the major prayer requests that have been on my heart:

1. My friends Scott Frankfurt and Logan Carr-
Jody Frankfurt passed away and her husband Scott and her best friend Logan are still enduring the pain and grieving. They need prayer, even though months have passed.

2. My friend Rebecca-
Rebecca's father passed away. Rebecca is my age and was very close with her dad. I know this is a difficult and painful ordeal to endure.

3. My friends Carly and Chad-
Carly and Chad lost their baby girl "Olivia Grace." Carly was almost 7 months along in her pregnancy, when they heard the news. I will continue praying for their healing, peace of mind and wisdom as they make decisions for their future.

4. My friend Marni-
Marni just recently found out her mom has cancer.

5. My aunt Laurene-
I recently found out that my mom's sister has cancer in her liver. (Her children, my cousins, are only 12, and 15). My aunt is saved.

6. My friend Greg-
Just a few days ago, my friend Greg (30 yrs. old) was admitted into the hospital. He was having bad headaches and after a couple of MRIs, CAT scans, and a spinal tap found out that he has a 3 tumors in his brain. We are still waiting for a fuller diagnosis and a course of treatment from the doctors.

If you'd like to join me in praying for these dear brothers and sister, please do!

What's Wrong With America?

I'll tell you what's wrong:

The Prince of Bel Air

It's always a worthwhile experience when I get to visit other churches. It's a great reminder to me just how vast and diverse the body of Christ really is. Last night, two dear friends and I set out on an adventure that began with an email...

You see, I read Alistair Begg's devotional everyday and occasionally listen to his sermons...so when I got an email that Alistair would be in California, at Bel Air Pres nonetheless, I was there!

The worship was great...you could sense the genuine love these dear brothers and sisters have for the Lord. Although many of the traditions of the church are quite different than I am accustomed to (pastors in jeans, women serving communion, candles) there is still much I can learn from this body of believers. I was reminded that it's okay to express your love for the Lord in a physical way. Drums can be conducive to worship. It's okay not to wear a tie--God doesn't mind! God wants my heart and mind--that is even more important to God than keeping my often legalistic standards.

I thank God for Alistair's message--that God has fulfilled in whole the OT and we are no longer in bondage to the law. Christ has completed it and now sits at the right hand of God enabling me to be free! I thank God for allowing me to learn from these fellow believers and for increasing my appreciation for the wonderful church body God has allowed me to be part of!

Ten Things I Learned from Watching a Clippers Game

10. Not everyone likes potato chips.

9. Drive aggressively.

8. It's fun to smuggle food.

7. If you're nice, you just might get what you ask for.

6. Skittles are easy to lose.

5. If you're patient, good things happen.

4. EBay is a wonderful thing.

3. You shouldn't wear bare midriff shirts if you're chubby.

2. Some people make friends easily.

1. Tim Duncan is a nice guy.

Feelin' Groovy!

59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy)

Simon and Garfunkel

Slow down, you move too fast.

You got to make the morning last.

Just kicking down the cobble stones.

Looking for fun and feelin' groovy.

Ba da, Ba da, Ba da, Ba da...feelin' groovy.

Hello lamp-post, whatcha knowin'?

I've come to watch your flowers growin'.

Ain'tcha got no rhymes for me?

Doot-in' doo-doo, feelin' groovy.

I've got no deeds to do, no promises to keep.

I'm dappled and drowsy and ready to sleep.

Let the morning time drop all its petals on me.

Life, I love you, all is groovy.

Routine

It's Wednesday! Yesterday was Tuesday and tomorrow is Thursday ( I know...call me a genius). Wednesday night...that means I will go to high school Bible study and do the same exact thing that I've done every Wednesday for almost the past five years. Don't get me wrong, there is no where else I'd rather be on a Wednesday night...I LOVE IT! But I've just been thinking about how easy it is to get caught up in the "routine" of life. Every day seems the same and every week seems to repeat the last--that's life, I know. And I don't expect different. I just want to make sure that no matter how routine the activities of my life get, that my spiritual life doesn't follow suit. I don't want to grow mundane. I don't want to grow cold or complacent. I want to be passionate. I want to be bold. I want to be vibrant in my walk with the Lord. When others look at my life, I want to ooze Christ, from every action, every thought, and every word I speak.

V-Day

You know, if we were better at expressing our appreciation for the people God has put into our lives (friends, family, etc.) then we wouldn't even need a holiday like Valentine's Day. I think that's what I will take away most from today. We need to thank the Lord every day for putting friends in our life that challenge us, confront us, encourage us...and we shouldn't need a special day to remind us to do that. And it's even more important to tell the people we care about how thankful we are for them--not just...I am thankful for you...but specifically what about them encourages you or what about them do you appreciate? Well, I am thankful for all of you, my friends, who care enough about my life that you take time out to read my blog. That makes me feel special!

God's Sovereignty....The Getty...The Hospital

Proverbs 16:9
"A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps."

What a weekend! I just have to say, God amazes me! On Friday night, the topic of the message at my Bible study was God's providence. Little did I know that God was going to make that attribute of His come to life in a way I've never experienced. I had plans for Saturday...my day was scheduled out...spend time with my mom in the morning, meet Ayemi for lunch in the afternoon, and go to a HS event in the evening. But God had other plans! While I was shopping with my mom, I got a phone call that a group of people were going to the hospital to spend time with Rebecca (my dear friend who's dad is dying). So Ayemi and I decided to meet up later and go to the hospital together. I would just go to the high school event a little late. Still, God had other plans! Ayemi and I found out Rebecca couldn't be at the hospital until 7pm. So, Ayemi and I spent the rest of the afternoon together. We went to the Getty Museum--and once again God's providence was crystal clear. There was an exhibit of "icons" from St. Catherine, a church right at the bottom of St. Sinai (amazing). But incredibly sad at the same time-- they worship icons of saints that have no power, no life when the living and true God commanded them right from that Mt. to have NO others God's, and to make NO graven images. Ayemi ran into her friend Patina...a girl that shared the gospel with her! Talk about God's providence. After that we went to the hospital and spent a wonderful time praying, crying, singing, and reading Scripture with Rebecca! I am so thankful for my salvation. I am so thankful that I serve the true and living God who has power to heal. He has power over sickness and disease, authority above all the saints. And only He can save souls.

Soda Cans

Tuesday is "trash" day. And this morning when I was jogging, I saw a sad sight. A woman was walking down the residential streets near my home digging through the trash cans--apparently collecting soda cans and other recyclables for a meager existence. Maybe she was homeless I am not sure...but I said hello to her. And as I continued my jog, my mind wandered to the story of Ruth. What does the book of Ruth have to do with soda cans, you may ask. Well, when Ruth went into Boaz's field to collect scraps, or to "glean barley in the fields after the reapers," that is the modern day equivalent of digging in the trash for soda cans! Ruth was poor and had nothing and if it had not been for Boaz's generosity, neither Ruth, nor Naomi would have had food to eat. And to think, God used that one poor, humble woman to bear a son, Obed. "He is the father of Jesse, the father of David."

A Letter From Prison

World Magazine: February 2007

Editor's note: Andrée Seu corresponds with Texas prisoner Robert Fahrbach. She asked him to write to her son Jae, a prisoner in Pennsylvania. Here is what he wrote, without any changes.

Hello Jae,
You might be wondering who I am. Well let's end the wondering ok, my name is Robert but people call me Bubba. I am 32 years old and been locked up since 1998 Aug 7. My Dad and Mom and son and grandparents all past away since I been locked up, the rest of my family don't want nothing to do with me cause of what I did in my past, and I'll share that with you, one day if you like.

So to start I do know what the dark alone feeling is like, I know what being screamed at buy the boss is like and hear in Texas they scream. Jae my past was so dark and heavy they locked me up 15 aggravated years, don't sound like much but with a brand new baby and 24 years old and loosing every thing its a life sentence. Hear they don't pay for any labor, you work for free, and if not your locked up even tighter.

BUT! Theirs a but in all this sad story. Jae its hard in prison wondering if their going to call your name at mail call, phone calls wich we get every 90 days if wher good during those 90 days, money for food and toothpas able to go to the store during Christmass, so you can have a somewhat good time “a spread.” But Jae I found something better then all of that I found someone who loves me their on every call, listens to my sad story’s of how bad it is in hear. This man brought me so much joy and peace, I have now a bigger family. He gave me a nother chance that we all need.

Jae let me tell you a little something ok if don’t mind ok Jae I am at sike prison crazy house whare you take medican for voices seeing things that others cant. Ware people cut on them selves and I was one of them. I been like that for years I came to prison and started medican “one thousand two hundred milligrams” a day I was trying to get away from the angrey filling I had towards people and even my self.

But now I am off all of it because some one loved me enough to give me his life so I can be free in my mind whare all the battle is, boy-o-boy and what a battle it was. So he said these words to me ”:Peace I leave you, my peace I give you, I do not give to you as the world gives, so do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid,:” You can hear him say it to you your self in John 14:27.

Jae I can cry to you in many tears to try to get you to understand. I never found true happiness no not in my different drugs, drinks, sex, nothing could stay long enough. I always kept trying intell I gave Christ my heart. Did it all happen in one day no no no, it took reading and reading and plenty of times on my knees. We always think we should have the last word, “no” every man will be judge acourding to what he has done with the Son of God in their life.

I would love Jae to explain to you a lot more, not to judge you but to show you great wonders of love and peace, so much joy,. Gods love is just not in word but in plenty of experiences. You already been told plenty of times your not good for nothing never been nothing. You have not messed up your life to the point ware God cant fix it. Your just ware he needs you to open you eyes. Trust me you wont ever come close to what ive done and been through, if you don’t believe me write ok. Me and you nowone else ok, I’ll be praying alright. Love in Christ. Bubba

P.S. Jae this Christ is not a religion. Religion stinks in God’s nose, he wants us as a child to come home.

Men and Women

A funny e-mail my friend sent to me:

WIFE VS. HUSBAND
A couple drove down a country road for several miles, not saying a word. An earlier discussion had led to an argument and neither of them wanted to concede their position. As they passed a barnyard of mules, goats, and pigs, the husband asked sarcastically, "Relatives of yours?" "Yep," the wife replied, "in-laws."

W O R D S
A husband read an article to his wife about how many words women use a day...30,000 to a man's 15,000. The wife replied, "The reason has to be because we have to repeat everything to men... The husband then turned to his wife and asked, "What?"

CREATION
A man said to his wife one day, "I don't know how you can be so stupid and so beautiful all at the same time. " The wife responded, "Allow me to explain. God made me beautiful so you would be attracted to me; God made me stupid so I would be attracted to you!

WHO DOES WHAT
A man and his wife were having an argument about who should brew the coffee each morning. The wife said, "You should do it, because you get up first, and then we don't have to wait as long to get our coffee." The husband said, " You are in charge of cooking around here and you should do it, because that is your job, and I can just wait for my coffee." Wife replies, "No, you should do it, and besides, it is in the Bible that the man should do the coffee." Husband replies, "I can't believe that, show me." So she fetched the Bible, and opened the New Testament and showed him at the top of several pages, that it indeed says.........."HEBREWS"

THE SILENT TREATMENT
A man and his wife were having some problems at home and were giving each other the silent treatment. Suddenly, the man realized that the next day, he would need his wife to wake him at 5:00 AM for an early morning business flight. Not wanting to be the first to break the silence (and LOSE), he wrote on a piece of paper, "Please wake me at 5:00 AM." He left it where he knew she would find it. The next morning, the man woke up, only to discover it was 9:00 AM and he had missed his flight. Furious, he was about to go and see why his wife hadn't wakened him, when he noticed a piece of paper by the bed. The paper said, "It is 5:00 AM. Wake up."

Weldon

Yesterday I went to Weldon. Where is Weldon? Good question. Head north...Weldon is in Kernville about 90 miles from Bakersfield. It's farmland, ranchers, cowboys, hickville. My friend Brian preached at the Weldon Baptist Church. Members...about 30. If you learn your theology from the hymns they sing, then you'd believe that "if you want a blessing, just call Jesus on the phone," and you'd believe "I've got sunshine in my soul." When you walk into Weldon Baptist Church, you are greeted by a picture of Jesus in a white robe with his beautiful wavy hair and blue eyes.

But you know what? The members of Weldon Baptist are real! They have real struggles. They want to know how to handle their rowdy sons, they want to do the right thing when asked to house a troubled teen. They want to please God. And even if they wear jeans to church and refuse to go outside without their cowboy hat on, I'll be singing beside them in heaven. We may not being singing, "I've got sunshine in my soul" we will be singing, "holy, holy, holy" but I am thankful for their hospitality, generosity, transparency, and genuine faith! The church has been through a lot but praise the Lord for the faithful deacons and members of the church that want a pastor who will open the Word and teach the Truth!

Old Friends

If you're blessed in the same way as me, then you know there are some friends you can go without talking to for months at a time, and then when you finally get a chance to catch up, it's like no time has passed at all--you pick right back up where you left off. I have a friend like that and I am so thankful for her. I hope you have a friend like that too! Praise the Lord. The body of Christ is a magnificent thing and I am in awe at the way it functions...it truly is supernatural.

Old Paths (WINTER CAMP 07)

Dr. Will Varner is an amazing man because the Lord has chosen to use him in mighty ways. He was our speaker at high school winter camp this past weekend. He taught through 2 Peter--reminding us of "old paths," the things we already know, but need to be reminded of. And he stirred our hearts and minds to be lovers of the Word and diligent students of it. But I must say, one of the most impactful parts of the weekend for me was when Dr. Varner shared his testimony and he talked about the death of his 26 year-old-daughter just a year and a half ago. Job says, the Lord gives and the Lord takes away, blessed be the name of the Lord. That was Dr. Varner's comfort in the time of his deepest pain. And that was (is) the same verse (and song) that comforts me when I think of the return of my mom's cancer and the imminent possibility that it can eventually spread through her body and take her life. The Lord is good and faithful and his purpose and plan can not be thwarted. I long to have the same heart as Dr. Varner (and Job) that is submissive to the will of God in my life no matter how painful. My heart will choose to say, Lord blessed be your name.

2 Peter 3:18 "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen."

10 Things I Learned Over the Holiday Break

10. Looking at lame Christmas lights can be fun if you are with the right people.
9. You can share the love of Christ by scraping dirty dishes.
8. Pumpkin pie crust burns easily.
7. I am more complicated than I thought.
6. God has a sense of humor.
5. My cousin has small feet.
4. It's hard to find jeans that fit.
3. Decision-making is not always easy.
2. My cat thinks she's a princess.
1. Laugh instead, when you feel like arguing.

Funny Things I Read

WORLD MAGAZINE, November 18, 2006:
Baby Framed
"Indian authorities discovered they had a wee problem when their robbery suspect turned out to be a 3-month-old baby. According to the charging papers, the police had issued a warrant for the baby on robbery, extortion, and banditry charges after an assailant stole fares from a bus driver. Police say the bus driver named the baby in his report to authorities because of a personal grudge he bore against the baby's father."

WORLD MAGAZINE, November 25, 2006:
Pretty in Pink
"Several inmates who staged a breakout attempt and set fire to the Dallas county (Mo.) Detention Center in October returned to their cells only to find Sheriff Mike Rackley had done some redecorating. 'Basically, if they are going to act like children and commit a childish act, then we'll make a childish atmosphere,' Rackley said after having the cells painted pink with blue teddy bears. 'And it's a calming thing--teddy bears are soothing. So we made it like a daycare and that's kind of like what it is, a daycare for adults who can't control their behavior in public...How do you feel though in a pink atmosphere?'"

Lessons I Learned at Starbucks

Just a week or so ago I met my friend at Starbucks and we decided to enjoy our carmel apple ciders outside. We were sitting at a table that came right up to the sidewalk. At one point a man that appeared to be homeless came right up to our table. I was disappointed by my fleshly reaction which was to grab a hold of my purse--my purse was just kind of sitting on the table. Then, I assumed the man was going to ask for money. But he didn't. He saw the Bible sitting on the table and said,"...o...John MacArthur study Bible? I like Jack Hayford and James Dobson myself." I about fell out of my seat and it was all I could do to keep from spitting that hot cider onto the man's already filthy, tattered shirt. Then the man continued, citing encouraging verses and explaining how he can be thankful for his salvation. Thank God for that man. I don't even know his name...but God used that man at Starbuck's to teach me a lesson. I am called to love people...not just people that are easy to love, not just people that are like me, not just other Christians, but EVERYONE. And when I give preference to my well-groomed, employed friend sitting next to me, than I do to the dirty man on the broken bike, I am not exemplifying Christ the way I should. The way I treat "the least of these" is the way I treat Christ.

Things That Make You Go Hummmmmm

Now, obviously I don't believe in karma...but I'm about to tell you a story that will make you go hummmmm...As you know, I was devastated by the loss of my favorite radio station 93.9 KZLA (the country station) and I mentioned that I had found 1260 AM...a great station that plays standards music. Well, since the demise of 93.9, 1260 has been my new best friend. For the past several months, each morning on the way to work and each afternoon on the way back home I am soothed by the classic voices of Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Michael Buble, Natalie Cole, etc. etc. etc. 1260 even has old radio shows on in the evening. Once I even sat in my driveway for 30 minutes to finish listening to one. Well, you guessed it--1260 AM is no longer. Gone, as quickly as I found it. A sad day for me. BUT I must say...I am put in a tough position because 1260 AM has been taken over by COUNTRY music! Karma?

We Have Sinned...

I read this yesterday:
Daniel 9:16
"O, Lord, according to all Your righteousness, I pray, let Your anger and Your fury be turned away from Your city Jerusalem, Your holy mountain; because of our sins, and for the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem, and Your people are a reproach to all those around us. Now therefore, our God, hear the prayer of Your servant, and his supplications, and for the Lord's sake cause Your face to shine on Your sanctuary, which is desolate. O my God, incline Your ear and hear; open Your eyes and see our desolations, and the city which is called by Your name; for we do not present our supplications before You because of our righteous deeds, but because of Your great mercies. O Lord, hear! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, listen and act! Do not delay for Your own sake, my God, for Your city and Your people are called by Your name."

And I've been thinking:
What is the place for corporate confession? Here Daniel is quite obviously confessing sin...but not just his own personal sin...he is confessing the sins of the entire nation of Israel. Up until this point in my Christian experience, that kind of "universal confession" has been non-existent. Is there a place in my prayers for me to confess the sins of MY country--the immorality, the abortion, the sick obsession with possessions, the self-worship, the greed, the lust, the corruption, the drunkenness, the homosexuality, the pride, the rejection of authority...
It grieves me and I pray my country will repent for these sins that we've committed against God and God alone! Lord, have mercy on us!