I like a little story that Nancy used in this chapter which was from Alexander Who Used to be Rich Last Sunday. Alexander only has bus tokens....until his grandparents give him a dollar on Sunday, Alexander is rich!
However, through a series of frivolous and unwise purchases, plus losing a bet and being fined by his parents for mouthing off, Alexander goes from being poor to rich and back to poor before the week is up. He ends up with what he started with-- bus tokens.
Honestly, who doesn't want to be a millionaire, or at least a little bit wealthier?? I would be the first one to raise up my hand, probably with my legs up too to show how desperate I want to be rich. I'm not from a wealthy family, my dad is the only financial income we have, what he earns basically was just enough to cover the basic expenses at home, and we are not allowed to ask anything that is totally unnecessary, to me it's Barbie doll, to my brothers probably was game boy or something like that, hahahaha.
Yes, money is very important, it helps us to survive in this world. But sometimes it's the root of damaging relationships too, such as couples, roommates, parents and kids, and friends.
"The love of money being the root of all kinds of evil and discontent, but they often overlook the answer to contentment. It's not in vilifying riches or selling everything and living in a cave. Instead, contentment is found in knowing God's promise. 'Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you'.
To me the happiest person is the richest person.
Nancy Kennedy, Lipstick Grace
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
When God Shows Up
Lately I've been waiting for God to show up and help me to fix things up. Nancy said God shows up to her through Holy Wind and I also remember someone said that God reaches all of us in a complete different way. I wonder in what way God would shows up infront of me. Even if He didn't come to help me fixing things up, but at least let me feel His presence and experience something Holy with Him.
"No matter how He does it, at the right moment He shows up to remind you that if you're His, you've been His since before eternity and that He loves you with an everlasting love. He reminds you that nothing you are facing is out of His control"
Nancy Kennedy, Lipstick Grace
"No matter how He does it, at the right moment He shows up to remind you that if you're His, you've been His since before eternity and that He loves you with an everlasting love. He reminds you that nothing you are facing is out of His control"
Nancy Kennedy, Lipstick Grace
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Persistence Remembered, Refined, and Rewarded
Following the "Grace to See Me Through", it reminded me of the devotion that Steph and I went through. It was about being persistent in prayers.
The analogy that these three chapters used was that imagine a parent who responds positively to every request that a child gives, before long, the child would have far too much to be able to enjoy, and certainly more than his level of responsibility could handle. God sometimes will not answer our prayer because He wants us to learn which kind of request, which desires were genuine and lasting, and which were frivolous and temporary.
On July, I desperately needed a job and I had been looking for one even before I finished my study. I prayed (even I had not come to Christ yet) and people around me did too. When I was almost giving up, hahahaha... God showed up in His way and got me a job. Be honest, it stuck in my mind until now that what date it was that I got the confirmation call, which was June 25th, 2008!! I know I sound dorky, but that's the purpose from God. He wants me to remember every single thing that He had done on me. Not only that, I believe this is how our relationships buildup.
The analogy that these three chapters used was that imagine a parent who responds positively to every request that a child gives, before long, the child would have far too much to be able to enjoy, and certainly more than his level of responsibility could handle. God sometimes will not answer our prayer because He wants us to learn which kind of request, which desires were genuine and lasting, and which were frivolous and temporary.
On July, I desperately needed a job and I had been looking for one even before I finished my study. I prayed (even I had not come to Christ yet) and people around me did too. When I was almost giving up, hahahaha... God showed up in His way and got me a job. Be honest, it stuck in my mind until now that what date it was that I got the confirmation call, which was June 25th, 2008!! I know I sound dorky, but that's the purpose from God. He wants me to remember every single thing that He had done on me. Not only that, I believe this is how our relationships buildup.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Grace to See Me Through
Nancy uses her experience at a gym to explain that we can't just simply give up our faith in God just because He doesn't answer our prayers or we couldn't feel His presence.
Nancy was working out so hard to expect that she would loss a huge amount of weight which it didn't and she was so upset. To me, it's like some of us thought that as long as we pray hardcore on the things that we hope it would happen, and expecting that God will answer it right away, which there is no such thing sometimes. That's why when that happens we thought God had forgotten us or I must have done something wrong and God does love me no more.
I had that kind of thinking few weeks ago, praying hardcore and hoping that God will show me the direction of my future. Well, apparently He hasn't answer me yet! I was like, Gosh!! You called me into Your kingdom and wanted me to be one of Your followers, and now You have totally forgot about my existence! I even have thought about whether I had made a stupidest decision for being a Christian! However, after having couple friends prayed for me one night, all the sudden I wasn't that frustrated and worried anymore. Well, I still think about it everyday, but not as terrified as before. I believed we all share this common expectation from God which always leads to frustration and discouragement.
So, here's my favorite quote:
Friend, when you can't feel His presence, when you can't see Him working, when your best efforts make you feel like you are moving backward, when you want so badly to see results of your faith and you feel like quitting: To whom else would you go?
And there's only one answer.
Thank You, Jesus.
Nancy Kennedy, Lipstick Grace
Nancy was working out so hard to expect that she would loss a huge amount of weight which it didn't and she was so upset. To me, it's like some of us thought that as long as we pray hardcore on the things that we hope it would happen, and expecting that God will answer it right away, which there is no such thing sometimes. That's why when that happens we thought God had forgotten us or I must have done something wrong and God does love me no more.
I had that kind of thinking few weeks ago, praying hardcore and hoping that God will show me the direction of my future. Well, apparently He hasn't answer me yet! I was like, Gosh!! You called me into Your kingdom and wanted me to be one of Your followers, and now You have totally forgot about my existence! I even have thought about whether I had made a stupidest decision for being a Christian! However, after having couple friends prayed for me one night, all the sudden I wasn't that frustrated and worried anymore. Well, I still think about it everyday, but not as terrified as before. I believed we all share this common expectation from God which always leads to frustration and discouragement.
So, here's my favorite quote:
Friend, when you can't feel His presence, when you can't see Him working, when your best efforts make you feel like you are moving backward, when you want so badly to see results of your faith and you feel like quitting: To whom else would you go?
And there's only one answer.
Thank You, Jesus.
Nancy Kennedy, Lipstick Grace
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Words to my friends
This blog exists because I have learned a lot for the past four months and it was so much that I can barely remember most of them, that's why I need this to help me to remember what I've learned, seen, and heard about God.
I have been reading few books about Christianity and there were a lot of chapters and teachings that really stood out to me. I think it would be such a waste to just read the book, finished it and then put it aside and forgot about it. Therefore, I want to make this as my book review or chapter review for myself, although I used to hate it.
I don't know why I chose this name as my blog name, when it comes to filling in the blog name, it just suddenly popped up in my mind, and I really like it too. It is so true because this whole learning thing would going to be like God walking with me and leave His words, teachings, and thoughts to me (hopefully).
I have been reading few books about Christianity and there were a lot of chapters and teachings that really stood out to me. I think it would be such a waste to just read the book, finished it and then put it aside and forgot about it. Therefore, I want to make this as my book review or chapter review for myself, although I used to hate it.
I don't know why I chose this name as my blog name, when it comes to filling in the blog name, it just suddenly popped up in my mind, and I really like it too. It is so true because this whole learning thing would going to be like God walking with me and leave His words, teachings, and thoughts to me (hopefully).
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Saturday, November 15, 2008
My Year of Living Frivolously
I like a little story that Nancy used in this chapter which was from Alexander Who Used to be Rich Last Sunday. Alexander only has bus tokens....until his grandparents give him a dollar on Sunday, Alexander is rich!
However, through a series of frivolous and unwise purchases, plus losing a bet and being fined by his parents for mouthing off, Alexander goes from being poor to rich and back to poor before the week is up. He ends up with what he started with-- bus tokens.
Honestly, who doesn't want to be a millionaire, or at least a little bit wealthier?? I would be the first one to raise up my hand, probably with my legs up too to show how desperate I want to be rich. I'm not from a wealthy family, my dad is the only financial income we have, what he earns basically was just enough to cover the basic expenses at home, and we are not allowed to ask anything that is totally unnecessary, to me it's Barbie doll, to my brothers probably was game boy or something like that, hahahaha.
Yes, money is very important, it helps us to survive in this world. But sometimes it's the root of damaging relationships too, such as couples, roommates, parents and kids, and friends.
"The love of money being the root of all kinds of evil and discontent, but they often overlook the answer to contentment. It's not in vilifying riches or selling everything and living in a cave. Instead, contentment is found in knowing God's promise. 'Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you'.
To me the happiest person is the richest person.
Nancy Kennedy, Lipstick Grace
However, through a series of frivolous and unwise purchases, plus losing a bet and being fined by his parents for mouthing off, Alexander goes from being poor to rich and back to poor before the week is up. He ends up with what he started with-- bus tokens.
Honestly, who doesn't want to be a millionaire, or at least a little bit wealthier?? I would be the first one to raise up my hand, probably with my legs up too to show how desperate I want to be rich. I'm not from a wealthy family, my dad is the only financial income we have, what he earns basically was just enough to cover the basic expenses at home, and we are not allowed to ask anything that is totally unnecessary, to me it's Barbie doll, to my brothers probably was game boy or something like that, hahahaha.
Yes, money is very important, it helps us to survive in this world. But sometimes it's the root of damaging relationships too, such as couples, roommates, parents and kids, and friends.
"The love of money being the root of all kinds of evil and discontent, but they often overlook the answer to contentment. It's not in vilifying riches or selling everything and living in a cave. Instead, contentment is found in knowing God's promise. 'Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you'.
To me the happiest person is the richest person.
Nancy Kennedy, Lipstick Grace
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
When God Shows Up
Lately I've been waiting for God to show up and help me to fix things up. Nancy said God shows up to her through Holy Wind and I also remember someone said that God reaches all of us in a complete different way. I wonder in what way God would shows up infront of me. Even if He didn't come to help me fixing things up, but at least let me feel His presence and experience something Holy with Him.
"No matter how He does it, at the right moment He shows up to remind you that if you're His, you've been His since before eternity and that He loves you with an everlasting love. He reminds you that nothing you are facing is out of His control"
Nancy Kennedy, Lipstick Grace
"No matter how He does it, at the right moment He shows up to remind you that if you're His, you've been His since before eternity and that He loves you with an everlasting love. He reminds you that nothing you are facing is out of His control"
Nancy Kennedy, Lipstick Grace
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Persistence Remembered, Refined, and Rewarded
Following the "Grace to See Me Through", it reminded me of the devotion that Steph and I went through. It was about being persistent in prayers.
The analogy that these three chapters used was that imagine a parent who responds positively to every request that a child gives, before long, the child would have far too much to be able to enjoy, and certainly more than his level of responsibility could handle. God sometimes will not answer our prayer because He wants us to learn which kind of request, which desires were genuine and lasting, and which were frivolous and temporary.
On July, I desperately needed a job and I had been looking for one even before I finished my study. I prayed (even I had not come to Christ yet) and people around me did too. When I was almost giving up, hahahaha... God showed up in His way and got me a job. Be honest, it stuck in my mind until now that what date it was that I got the confirmation call, which was June 25th, 2008!! I know I sound dorky, but that's the purpose from God. He wants me to remember every single thing that He had done on me. Not only that, I believe this is how our relationships buildup.
The analogy that these three chapters used was that imagine a parent who responds positively to every request that a child gives, before long, the child would have far too much to be able to enjoy, and certainly more than his level of responsibility could handle. God sometimes will not answer our prayer because He wants us to learn which kind of request, which desires were genuine and lasting, and which were frivolous and temporary.
On July, I desperately needed a job and I had been looking for one even before I finished my study. I prayed (even I had not come to Christ yet) and people around me did too. When I was almost giving up, hahahaha... God showed up in His way and got me a job. Be honest, it stuck in my mind until now that what date it was that I got the confirmation call, which was June 25th, 2008!! I know I sound dorky, but that's the purpose from God. He wants me to remember every single thing that He had done on me. Not only that, I believe this is how our relationships buildup.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Grace to See Me Through
Nancy uses her experience at a gym to explain that we can't just simply give up our faith in God just because He doesn't answer our prayers or we couldn't feel His presence.
Nancy was working out so hard to expect that she would loss a huge amount of weight which it didn't and she was so upset. To me, it's like some of us thought that as long as we pray hardcore on the things that we hope it would happen, and expecting that God will answer it right away, which there is no such thing sometimes. That's why when that happens we thought God had forgotten us or I must have done something wrong and God does love me no more.
I had that kind of thinking few weeks ago, praying hardcore and hoping that God will show me the direction of my future. Well, apparently He hasn't answer me yet! I was like, Gosh!! You called me into Your kingdom and wanted me to be one of Your followers, and now You have totally forgot about my existence! I even have thought about whether I had made a stupidest decision for being a Christian! However, after having couple friends prayed for me one night, all the sudden I wasn't that frustrated and worried anymore. Well, I still think about it everyday, but not as terrified as before. I believed we all share this common expectation from God which always leads to frustration and discouragement.
So, here's my favorite quote:
Friend, when you can't feel His presence, when you can't see Him working, when your best efforts make you feel like you are moving backward, when you want so badly to see results of your faith and you feel like quitting: To whom else would you go?
And there's only one answer.
Thank You, Jesus.
Nancy Kennedy, Lipstick Grace
Nancy was working out so hard to expect that she would loss a huge amount of weight which it didn't and she was so upset. To me, it's like some of us thought that as long as we pray hardcore on the things that we hope it would happen, and expecting that God will answer it right away, which there is no such thing sometimes. That's why when that happens we thought God had forgotten us or I must have done something wrong and God does love me no more.
I had that kind of thinking few weeks ago, praying hardcore and hoping that God will show me the direction of my future. Well, apparently He hasn't answer me yet! I was like, Gosh!! You called me into Your kingdom and wanted me to be one of Your followers, and now You have totally forgot about my existence! I even have thought about whether I had made a stupidest decision for being a Christian! However, after having couple friends prayed for me one night, all the sudden I wasn't that frustrated and worried anymore. Well, I still think about it everyday, but not as terrified as before. I believed we all share this common expectation from God which always leads to frustration and discouragement.
So, here's my favorite quote:
Friend, when you can't feel His presence, when you can't see Him working, when your best efforts make you feel like you are moving backward, when you want so badly to see results of your faith and you feel like quitting: To whom else would you go?
And there's only one answer.
Thank You, Jesus.
Nancy Kennedy, Lipstick Grace
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Words to my friends
This blog exists because I have learned a lot for the past four months and it was so much that I can barely remember most of them, that's why I need this to help me to remember what I've learned, seen, and heard about God.
I have been reading few books about Christianity and there were a lot of chapters and teachings that really stood out to me. I think it would be such a waste to just read the book, finished it and then put it aside and forgot about it. Therefore, I want to make this as my book review or chapter review for myself, although I used to hate it.
I don't know why I chose this name as my blog name, when it comes to filling in the blog name, it just suddenly popped up in my mind, and I really like it too. It is so true because this whole learning thing would going to be like God walking with me and leave His words, teachings, and thoughts to me (hopefully).
I have been reading few books about Christianity and there were a lot of chapters and teachings that really stood out to me. I think it would be such a waste to just read the book, finished it and then put it aside and forgot about it. Therefore, I want to make this as my book review or chapter review for myself, although I used to hate it.
I don't know why I chose this name as my blog name, when it comes to filling in the blog name, it just suddenly popped up in my mind, and I really like it too. It is so true because this whole learning thing would going to be like God walking with me and leave His words, teachings, and thoughts to me (hopefully).
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