FROM: The Manitoba Herald
The flood of American liberals sneaking across the border into Canada has intensified in the past week, sparking calls for increased patrols to stop the illegal immigration. The recent actions of the Tea Party are prompting an exodus among left-leaning citizens who fear they'll soon be required to hunt, pray, and to agree with Bill O'Reilly and Glenn Beck.
Canadian border farmers say it's not uncommon to see dozens of sociology professors, animal-rights activists and Unitarians crossing their fields at night.
"I went out to milk the cows the other day, and there was a Hollywood
producer huddled in the barn," said Manitoba farmer Red Greenfield, whose acreage borders North Dakota. The producer was cold, exhausted and hungry. He asked me if I could spare a latte and some free-range chicken. When I said I didn't have any, he left before I even got a chance to show him my screenplay, eh?"
In an effort to stop the illegal aliens, Greenfield erected higher fences, but the liberals scaled them. He then installed loudspeakers that blared Rush Limbaugh across the fields. "Not real effective," he said. "The liberals still got through and Rush annoyed the cows so much that they wouldn't give any milk."
Officials are particularly concerned about smugglers who meet liberals near the Canadian border, pack them into Volvo station wagons and drive them across the border where they are simply left to fend for themselves.
"A lot of these people are not prepared for our rugged conditions," an Ontario border patrolman said. "I found one carload without a single bottle of imported drinking water. They did have a nice little Napa Valley Cabernet, though."
When liberals are caught, they're sent back across the border, often wailing loudly that they fear retribution from conservatives. Rumors have been circulating about plans being made to build re-education camps where liberals will be forced to drink domestic beer and watch NASCAR races.
In recent days, liberals have turned to ingenious ways of crossing the border. Some have been disguised as senior citizens taking a bus trip to buy cheap Canadian prescription drugs. After catching a half- dozen young vegans in powdered wig disguises, Canadian immigration authorities began stopping buses and quizzing the supposed senior-citizens about Perry Como and Rosemary Clooney to prove that they were alive in the '50s. "If they can't identify the accordion player on The Lawrence Welk Show, we become very suspicious about their age," an official said.
Canadian citizens have complained that the illegal immigrants are creating an organic-broccoli shortage and are renting all the Michael Moore movies.
"I really feel sorry for American liberals, but the Canadian economy just can't support them," an Ottawa resident said. "How many art-history majors does one country need?"
In an effort to ease tensions between the United States and Canada, Vice President Biden met with the Canadian ambassador and pledged that the administration would take steps to reassure liberals. A source close to President Obama said, "We're going to have some Paul McCartney and Peter, Paul & Mary concerts. And we might even put some endangered species on postage stamps. The President is determined to reach out," he said. The Herald will be interested to see if Obama can actually raise Mary from the dead in time for the concert!
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Friday, September 10, 2010
AAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! NY Mosque Controversy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It seems that the Muslim mosque in NYC is stirring up quite the controversy. I personally think the Muslims are showing a huge lack of sensitivity on this issue. They should recognize that over 3,000 families are mourning the loss of their loved ones because of Muslim fanatics. Our entire nation is mourning the loss of fellow citizens and the loss of our personal safety and basic human rights because of the actions of a handful of extremists. C'mon, who doesn't want to return to the days when getting on a plane or train didn't necessarily mean putting your life into the hands of potential psychos? Evil comes in many different forms, and Jesus warns us in the Bible, Matthew 10:16 I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.
We built a nation on religious tolerance because our forefathers fled the persecution toward Christians. Perhaps we can listen to the advice of Jesus and be as shrewd as snakes when it comes to a religion that proliferates hate towards Christians. Our family members in the Christian body are being murdered senselessly in Muslim countries, simply for following Jesus. Read an amazing book called I Dared to Call Him Father. http://www.christianbook.com/anniversary-edition-miraculous-muslim-womans-encounter/bilquis-sheikh/9780800793241/pd/93247 While I do NOT condone violence or prejudice against Muslims, I think we have to be extreme careful about laws in this country that can be twisted to suit the needs of a minority. Take a look at France and the rest of Europe. Men can get away with murder because of sharia law being acceptable, meaning if they think women bring dishonor to their families, they can carry out an honor killing. I am all over acceptance and understanding, but we as a Christian nation have to keep our eyes wide open, and "be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves."
I love this country so so much. I love the education and opportunities and most of all, the FREEDOM it was provided. Being in countries like India, Nepal, and Egypt really makes you appreciate the freedom of speech and the freedom of religion. People in India have been jailed or killed for trying to share God's love with others. Women in Egypt, I am SURE, have been killed for dishonoring their families. The idea that our country could start honoring sharia law absolutely horrifies me. Britain has introduced Muslim Arbitration Tribunals (google sharia law) and read up on what's happening in France. Moderates and liberals should be well-educated and informed, especially as we live in a country where majority rules in a supposedly democratic state. I think as we head into local elections on Monday, it behooves us to become as informed and involved in the future of this country as possible. Else, could be follow the same fate as Lebanon? See for yourself!!!
This youtube video really made me think twice!!! So eye-opening on a Christian history of Lebanon, the formerly only Christian state in the Middle East. http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=bIy2L5uI9P8&vq=small#t=128
ALSO Check out this interesting article by Newt Gingrich http://www.torenewamerica.com/gingrich-ground-zero-mosque
I don't normally support him, but he makes some very interesting statements! Yeah! Could certain Muslims be a bunch of hypocrites, asking Americans to be open-minded and tolerant of all religions while they are NOT and murdering Christians left and right as infidels!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!
Beware of sharia law and its introduction into this country. You want a slippery slope? This is it!
Joys of Muslim Women
by Nonie Darwish
In the Muslim faith a Muslim man can marry a child as young as 1 year old and have sexual intimacy with this child, consummating the marriage by 9. The dowry is given to the family in exchange for the woman (who becomes his slave) and for the purchase of the private parts of the woman, to use her as a toy.
Even though a woman is abused, she cannot obtain a divorce.
To prove rape, the woman must have (4) male witnesses.
Often after a woman has been raped, she is returned to her family and the family must return the dowry. The family has the right to execute her (an honor killing) to restore the honor of the family. Husbands can beat their wives 'at will' and the man does not have to say why he has beaten her.
The husband is permitted to have 4 wives and a temporary wife for an hour (prostitute) at his discretion.
The Shariah Muslim law controls the private as well as the public life of the woman.
In the Western World ( America ) Muslim men are starting to demand Shariah Law so the wife cannot obtain a divorce and he can have full and complete control of her. It is amazing and alarming how many of our sisters and daughters attending American Universities are now marrying Muslim men and submitting themselves and their children unsuspectingly to the Shariah law.
By passing this on, enlightened American women may avoid becoming a slave under Shariah Law.
Ripping the West in Two. Author and lecturer Nonie Darwish says the goal of radical Islamists is to impose Shariah law on the world, ripping Western law and liberty in two.
She recently authored the book, Cruel and Usual Punishment: The Terrifying Global Implications of Islamic Law.
Darwish was born in Cairo and spent her childhood in Egypt and Gaza before immigrating to America in 1978, when she was eight years old. Her father died while leading covert attacks on Israel . He was a high-ranking Egyptian military officer stationed with his family in Gaza .
When he died, he was considered a "shahid," a martyr for jihad. His posthumous status earned Nonie and her family an elevated position in Muslim society.
But Darwish developed a skeptical eye at an early age. She questioned her own Muslim culture and upbringing. She converted to Christianity after hearing a Christian preacher on television.
In her latest book, Darwish warns about creeping sharia law - what it is, what it means, and how it is manifested in Islamic countries.
For the West, she says radical Islamists are working to impose sharia on the world. If that happens, Western civilization will be destroyed. Westerners generally assume all religions encourage a respect for the dignity of each individual. Islamic law (Sharia) teaches that non-Muslims should be subjugated or killed in this world.
Peace and prosperity for one's children is not as important as assuring that Islamic law rules everywhere in the Middle East and eventually in the world.
While Westerners tend to think that all religions encourage some form of the golden rule, Sharia teaches two systems of ethics - one for Muslims and another for non-Muslims. Building on tribal practices of the seventh century, Sharia encourages the side of humanity that wants to take from and subjugate others.
While Westerners tend to think in terms of religious people developing a personal understanding of and relationship with God, Sharia advocates executing people who ask difficult questions that could be interpreted as criticism.
It's hard to imagine, that in this day and age, Islamic scholars agree that those who criticize Islam or choose to stop being Muslim should be executed. Sadly, while talk of an Islamic reformation is common and even assumed by many in the West, such murmurings in the Middle East are silenced through intimidation.
While Westerners are accustomed to an increase in religious tolerance over time, Darwish explains how petro dollars are being used to grow an extremely intolerant form of political Islam in her native Egypt and elsewhere.
In twenty years there will be enough Muslim voters in the U.S. to elect the President by themselves! Rest assured they will do so... You can look at how they have taken over several towns in the USA .. Dearborn Mich. is one.... and there are others...
I think everyone in the U.S. should be required to read this, but with the ACLU, there is no way this will be widely publicized, unless each of us sends it on!
It is too bad that so many are disillusioned with life and Christianity to accept Muslims as peaceful.. some may be but they have an army that is willing to shed blood in the name of Islam.. the peaceful support the warriors with their finances and own kind of patriotism to their religion. WHILE AMERICAN IS GETTING RID OF CHRISTIANITY FROM ALL PUBLIC SITES AND ERASING GOD FROM THE LIVES OF CHILDREN THE MUSLIMS ARE
PLANNING A GREAT JIHAD ON AMERICA . . .
We built a nation on religious tolerance because our forefathers fled the persecution toward Christians. Perhaps we can listen to the advice of Jesus and be as shrewd as snakes when it comes to a religion that proliferates hate towards Christians. Our family members in the Christian body are being murdered senselessly in Muslim countries, simply for following Jesus. Read an amazing book called I Dared to Call Him Father. http://www.christianbook.com/anniversary-edition-miraculous-muslim-womans-encounter/bilquis-sheikh/9780800793241/pd/93247 While I do NOT condone violence or prejudice against Muslims, I think we have to be extreme careful about laws in this country that can be twisted to suit the needs of a minority. Take a look at France and the rest of Europe. Men can get away with murder because of sharia law being acceptable, meaning if they think women bring dishonor to their families, they can carry out an honor killing. I am all over acceptance and understanding, but we as a Christian nation have to keep our eyes wide open, and "be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves."
I love this country so so much. I love the education and opportunities and most of all, the FREEDOM it was provided. Being in countries like India, Nepal, and Egypt really makes you appreciate the freedom of speech and the freedom of religion. People in India have been jailed or killed for trying to share God's love with others. Women in Egypt, I am SURE, have been killed for dishonoring their families. The idea that our country could start honoring sharia law absolutely horrifies me. Britain has introduced Muslim Arbitration Tribunals (google sharia law) and read up on what's happening in France. Moderates and liberals should be well-educated and informed, especially as we live in a country where majority rules in a supposedly democratic state. I think as we head into local elections on Monday, it behooves us to become as informed and involved in the future of this country as possible. Else, could be follow the same fate as Lebanon? See for yourself!!!
This youtube video really made me think twice!!! So eye-opening on a Christian history of Lebanon, the formerly only Christian state in the Middle East. http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=bIy2L5uI9P8&vq=small#t=128
ALSO Check out this interesting article by Newt Gingrich http://www.torenewamerica.com/gingrich-ground-zero-mosque
I don't normally support him, but he makes some very interesting statements! Yeah! Could certain Muslims be a bunch of hypocrites, asking Americans to be open-minded and tolerant of all religions while they are NOT and murdering Christians left and right as infidels!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!
Beware of sharia law and its introduction into this country. You want a slippery slope? This is it!
Joys of Muslim Women
by Nonie Darwish
In the Muslim faith a Muslim man can marry a child as young as 1 year old and have sexual intimacy with this child, consummating the marriage by 9. The dowry is given to the family in exchange for the woman (who becomes his slave) and for the purchase of the private parts of the woman, to use her as a toy.
Even though a woman is abused, she cannot obtain a divorce.
To prove rape, the woman must have (4) male witnesses.
Often after a woman has been raped, she is returned to her family and the family must return the dowry. The family has the right to execute her (an honor killing) to restore the honor of the family. Husbands can beat their wives 'at will' and the man does not have to say why he has beaten her.
The husband is permitted to have 4 wives and a temporary wife for an hour (prostitute) at his discretion.
The Shariah Muslim law controls the private as well as the public life of the woman.
In the Western World ( America ) Muslim men are starting to demand Shariah Law so the wife cannot obtain a divorce and he can have full and complete control of her. It is amazing and alarming how many of our sisters and daughters attending American Universities are now marrying Muslim men and submitting themselves and their children unsuspectingly to the Shariah law.
By passing this on, enlightened American women may avoid becoming a slave under Shariah Law.
Ripping the West in Two. Author and lecturer Nonie Darwish says the goal of radical Islamists is to impose Shariah law on the world, ripping Western law and liberty in two.
She recently authored the book, Cruel and Usual Punishment: The Terrifying Global Implications of Islamic Law.
Darwish was born in Cairo and spent her childhood in Egypt and Gaza before immigrating to America in 1978, when she was eight years old. Her father died while leading covert attacks on Israel . He was a high-ranking Egyptian military officer stationed with his family in Gaza .
When he died, he was considered a "shahid," a martyr for jihad. His posthumous status earned Nonie and her family an elevated position in Muslim society.
But Darwish developed a skeptical eye at an early age. She questioned her own Muslim culture and upbringing. She converted to Christianity after hearing a Christian preacher on television.
In her latest book, Darwish warns about creeping sharia law - what it is, what it means, and how it is manifested in Islamic countries.
For the West, she says radical Islamists are working to impose sharia on the world. If that happens, Western civilization will be destroyed. Westerners generally assume all religions encourage a respect for the dignity of each individual. Islamic law (Sharia) teaches that non-Muslims should be subjugated or killed in this world.
Peace and prosperity for one's children is not as important as assuring that Islamic law rules everywhere in the Middle East and eventually in the world.
While Westerners tend to think that all religions encourage some form of the golden rule, Sharia teaches two systems of ethics - one for Muslims and another for non-Muslims. Building on tribal practices of the seventh century, Sharia encourages the side of humanity that wants to take from and subjugate others.
While Westerners tend to think in terms of religious people developing a personal understanding of and relationship with God, Sharia advocates executing people who ask difficult questions that could be interpreted as criticism.
It's hard to imagine, that in this day and age, Islamic scholars agree that those who criticize Islam or choose to stop being Muslim should be executed. Sadly, while talk of an Islamic reformation is common and even assumed by many in the West, such murmurings in the Middle East are silenced through intimidation.
While Westerners are accustomed to an increase in religious tolerance over time, Darwish explains how petro dollars are being used to grow an extremely intolerant form of political Islam in her native Egypt and elsewhere.
In twenty years there will be enough Muslim voters in the U.S. to elect the President by themselves! Rest assured they will do so... You can look at how they have taken over several towns in the USA .. Dearborn Mich. is one.... and there are others...
I think everyone in the U.S. should be required to read this, but with the ACLU, there is no way this will be widely publicized, unless each of us sends it on!
It is too bad that so many are disillusioned with life and Christianity to accept Muslims as peaceful.. some may be but they have an army that is willing to shed blood in the name of Islam.. the peaceful support the warriors with their finances and own kind of patriotism to their religion. WHILE AMERICAN IS GETTING RID OF CHRISTIANITY FROM ALL PUBLIC SITES AND ERASING GOD FROM THE LIVES OF CHILDREN THE MUSLIMS ARE
PLANNING A GREAT JIHAD ON AMERICA . . .
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Family Prayers are being answered
Thank you to all of you who have been praying for me and my family. God has heard those prayers and is heaping blessing upon each of us. I have learned so much about how much we all love each other, and how much God wants the best for us. I really learned so much from the book The Five Love Languages and have been putting it to work. It makes so much sense! I encourage each of you to go read it!
I am praying for each one of you reading this blog for your families to be unified and blessed in the same way!
Psalm 59:
16 But I will sing of your strength,
in the morning I will sing of your love;
for you are my fortress,
my refuge in times of trouble.
17 O my Strength, I sing praise to you;
you, O God, are my fortress, my loving God.
I am praying for each one of you reading this blog for your families to be unified and blessed in the same way!
Psalm 59:
16 But I will sing of your strength,
in the morning I will sing of your love;
for you are my fortress,
my refuge in times of trouble.
17 O my Strength, I sing praise to you;
you, O God, are my fortress, my loving God.
Monday, August 23, 2010
two good quotes
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” -Nelson Mandela
I Cor. 5:11 "But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat."
This one hits me right in the gut. I am not going to be able to eat with all those extortioners in my life! Uh-oh. Time to weed out some friendships....
I Cor. 5:11 "But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat."
This one hits me right in the gut. I am not going to be able to eat with all those extortioners in my life! Uh-oh. Time to weed out some friendships....
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Spending time with the Lord
Woke up this morning. Spent some time with the Lord. He loves me. He loves us, all of us.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Emerging from the cocoon
Andre. Agassi. Open. Go buy it and read it. Cover to cover. He is so freaking funny and brilliant that I want to cry. And marry him. And laugh the whole time. He is mind-blowingly captivating. I can't put this thing down. For me to buy a book full price takes a LOT. It makes me want to write. I want other people to have belly laughs and laugh so hard my teeth were chattering. Twice. I don't think my teeth have ever chattered from laughing before. pg. 211, Sharen. read it!
Reading his book coincides beautifully with my butterfly emerging from the cocoon feeling. I feel untouchable. Brilliant. Broken-through. Some kind of breakthrough happened today, but I don't even know what it was. Intangible, but so real I can hold it, feel it, breath it. Sick. This is the way every day of every life is meant to be lived. With passion, clarity, and love. I love my God, my life, this earth.
I feel like I just won ten million dollars. Andre is right. Winning is not much different from losing. Winning the lottery will not change me. Having more money, houses, clothes, cars, friends, will not change me. Essential me. I feel like I am getting a glimpse of my vast potential. I feel like I could run for president, and change the world. The world is here, for my taking. For the conquering. I know how Jesus feels at the end of Revelations and he's staring down into the pit of Hell where Satan is floundering, apologizing on his knees for the all the horrible things he has done, the lies that he told, the countless lives he has ruined and is ruining even as I write. But I feel like right now, in this one moment, Satan can't fool me anymore. I feel wiser, uncannily strong, like I outwit the enemy. He knows my weaknesses, but I also know his now.
Open. Brilliant. Completely brilliant. I can't believe he doesn't even have a ghostwriter. May I live half the life he has and be half the writer he is. I almost don't want to write this, because you probably won't get the same unadulterated joy I got out of this passage, but in case you don't ever take my sound advice and go buy this national bestseller right away, it's on page 185...
"I can't shake the idea that Brad looks like Early Man, that he just jumped from a time machine, slightly out of breath from discovering fire. Maybe it's all his hair that makes me think this. His head, arms, biceps , shoulders, face covered with black hair. Brad has so much hair, I'm both horrified and jealous. His eyebrows alone are fascinating. I think: I could make a beautiful toupee out of just that left eyebrow." Nuff said.
Reading his book coincides beautifully with my butterfly emerging from the cocoon feeling. I feel untouchable. Brilliant. Broken-through. Some kind of breakthrough happened today, but I don't even know what it was. Intangible, but so real I can hold it, feel it, breath it. Sick. This is the way every day of every life is meant to be lived. With passion, clarity, and love. I love my God, my life, this earth.
I feel like I just won ten million dollars. Andre is right. Winning is not much different from losing. Winning the lottery will not change me. Having more money, houses, clothes, cars, friends, will not change me. Essential me. I feel like I am getting a glimpse of my vast potential. I feel like I could run for president, and change the world. The world is here, for my taking. For the conquering. I know how Jesus feels at the end of Revelations and he's staring down into the pit of Hell where Satan is floundering, apologizing on his knees for the all the horrible things he has done, the lies that he told, the countless lives he has ruined and is ruining even as I write. But I feel like right now, in this one moment, Satan can't fool me anymore. I feel wiser, uncannily strong, like I outwit the enemy. He knows my weaknesses, but I also know his now.
Open. Brilliant. Completely brilliant. I can't believe he doesn't even have a ghostwriter. May I live half the life he has and be half the writer he is. I almost don't want to write this, because you probably won't get the same unadulterated joy I got out of this passage, but in case you don't ever take my sound advice and go buy this national bestseller right away, it's on page 185...
"I can't shake the idea that Brad looks like Early Man, that he just jumped from a time machine, slightly out of breath from discovering fire. Maybe it's all his hair that makes me think this. His head, arms, biceps , shoulders, face covered with black hair. Brad has so much hair, I'm both horrified and jealous. His eyebrows alone are fascinating. I think: I could make a beautiful toupee out of just that left eyebrow." Nuff said.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Running again
I went running again for the first time in AGES! It was really really nice. I am training for the Tufts 10K, which is in two months. It's about 6 miles, so I think it will be doable. It felt awesome to get out there and pound the pavement and break out a sweat. My right knee bothered me, which is weird because it is usually my left knee that bothers me! (Please pray for my knees not to hurt.)
So, I am still swimming at least 1/4-1/2 miles once a week at the beach and now I am running. I am trying to get my bike lock sawed off (lost the key, argh), and then hopefully I might be able to work up my way to another triathlon! We shall see...
So, I am still swimming at least 1/4-1/2 miles once a week at the beach and now I am running. I am trying to get my bike lock sawed off (lost the key, argh), and then hopefully I might be able to work up my way to another triathlon! We shall see...
Thursday, July 29, 2010
The Healing Room-testimony
I went with my sister last Saturday, and it was amazing what happened.
I was really upset that my father wanted to have his leg surgery during the summer when the hot summer beach days are so precious and very very limited. But it turns out that I guess I was the only one in our family who was not being supportive of him when he really needed it, and I finally accepted this. My sister also had an amazing healing and said she was filled with so much peace! One of the women there said she sensed that I had a gift of intercession, and then another woman from my church confirmed it as well!
I really loved the healing room, and i loved that there were three women taking care of us! It was like the witches of eastwick, but these women were angels instead! The three angels, way better than Charlie's Angels, because they kick spiritual demonic butt instead! ha ha ha....
God is clearly working in my life and I can feel that my anger towards my father has lifted, and now I just want to be supportive of him. : )
I was really upset that my father wanted to have his leg surgery during the summer when the hot summer beach days are so precious and very very limited. But it turns out that I guess I was the only one in our family who was not being supportive of him when he really needed it, and I finally accepted this. My sister also had an amazing healing and said she was filled with so much peace! One of the women there said she sensed that I had a gift of intercession, and then another woman from my church confirmed it as well!
I really loved the healing room, and i loved that there were three women taking care of us! It was like the witches of eastwick, but these women were angels instead! The three angels, way better than Charlie's Angels, because they kick spiritual demonic butt instead! ha ha ha....
God is clearly working in my life and I can feel that my anger towards my father has lifted, and now I just want to be supportive of him. : )
How to be a good friend
How to be a great friend: Always remind her that she's braver than she believes, stronger than she seems and smarter than she thinks. -Winnie the Pooh & Glamour (LC's interview) cheesy, but true!
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Awesome sermon by Dr. Mike Murdock--Prosperity Now!
3) What you are willing to walk away from determines what God will bring to you.
4) What you make happen for others, God will make happen for you.
5) The seasons of your life will change every time you decide to use your faith.
6) What you respect, you will attract. HONOR!
7) Seed faith is sowing what you have been given to create what you have been promised.
In Isaiah 58, there are four guaranteed harvests.
1) Your health will spring forth speedily.
Psalm 91
Ezekiel 27
2) A mantle of wisdom will come upon you, God will guide you continually. (Every decision you make will create increase, not decrease.
3) Financially blessed with incredible abundance.
4) Your family will be restored.
I choose to believe!!!!
4) What you make happen for others, God will make happen for you.
5) The seasons of your life will change every time you decide to use your faith.
6) What you respect, you will attract. HONOR!
7) Seed faith is sowing what you have been given to create what you have been promised.
In Isaiah 58, there are four guaranteed harvests.
1) Your health will spring forth speedily.
Psalm 91
Ezekiel 27
2) A mantle of wisdom will come upon you, God will guide you continually. (Every decision you make will create increase, not decrease.
3) Financially blessed with incredible abundance.
4) Your family will be restored.
I choose to believe!!!!
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Get Smart
Funny movie. I was not disappointed and got some really good chuckles.
Thanks, Paul, and all of you out there who are praying for me. I feel so encouraged. My family is doing well, I am doing well (took a little 4 day vacay), and my friendships are going well. I just need to get a handle on all of things I need to accomplish, which feels overwhelming at times. Please keep praying for me, and I will pray for you also, just let me know what your P.R.s (prayer requests) are.
Philippians 4
1) Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends!
Exhortations
2) I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. 3) Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow,[a] help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
4) Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5) Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6) Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7) And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8) Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9) Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Thanks, Paul, and all of you out there who are praying for me. I feel so encouraged. My family is doing well, I am doing well (took a little 4 day vacay), and my friendships are going well. I just need to get a handle on all of things I need to accomplish, which feels overwhelming at times. Please keep praying for me, and I will pray for you also, just let me know what your P.R.s (prayer requests) are.
Philippians 4
1) Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends!
Exhortations
2) I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. 3) Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow,[a] help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
4) Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5) Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6) Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7) And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8) Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9) Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
I know how you feel about studying the bible. It's a love, but it's also a discipline, because sometimes it's not the easiest thing in the world to be consistent with. A helpful tip might be to just read one verse before going to sleep or as soon as you wake up. Then just meditate on it throughout the day. It's the tiny things we think about that add up and make up our thought-life, right? He wants all of us, all the time-not just on mission trips! : )
Here's an awesome tidbit to meditate on....
Colossians 1: 9 – 14
9 FOR THIS REASON, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.
10 And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in
every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,
11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully
12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share
in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.
13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves,
14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Here's an awesome tidbit to meditate on....
Colossians 1: 9 – 14
9 FOR THIS REASON, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.
10 And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in
every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,
11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully
12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share
in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.
13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves,
14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Free Skynard tickets
God, I love Craigslist. Free Lynard Skynard tickets! SECTION 3! I have never been up so close at the Tweeter, I mean Comcast Center. Forget capitalism. It's all about the barter system... :P
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Operation Overhaul
I just hired myself as a consultant for my parents' convenience store, called Brookline Superette. AAH, I love NEPOTISM! Moo HA HA (evil laughter)
You can check out our new website, which is clearly lacking content, but I am content with just getting our name out there into cyberspace.
A project that has been brewing in my consciousness for quite some time, I think my break in San Francisco/Hawai'i/India/Nepal/Egypt/New York has really rejuvenated me. My entrepreneur mind has kicked fully into overtime. I am determined to help my parents' business, which is threatened of going under by Trader Joe's. My goal is to increase our business by 50%, so help me God.
God has promised us in Psalm 20
1 May the LORD answer you when you are in distress;
may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.
2 May he send you help from the sanctuary
and grant you support from Zion.
3 May he remember all your sacrifices
and accept your burnt offerings.
Selah
4 May he give you the desire of your heart
and make all your plans succeed.
5 We will shout for joy when you are victorious
and will lift up our banners in the name of our God.
May the LORD grant all your requests.
6 Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed;
he answers him from his holy heaven
with the saving power of his right hand.
7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.
8 They are brought to their knees and fall,
but we rise up and stand firm.
9 O LORD, save the king!
Answer [a] us when we call!
You can check out our new website, which is clearly lacking content, but I am content with just getting our name out there into cyberspace.
A project that has been brewing in my consciousness for quite some time, I think my break in San Francisco/Hawai'i/India/Nepal/Egypt/New York has really rejuvenated me. My entrepreneur mind has kicked fully into overtime. I am determined to help my parents' business, which is threatened of going under by Trader Joe's. My goal is to increase our business by 50%, so help me God.
God has promised us in Psalm 20
1 May the LORD answer you when you are in distress;
may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.
2 May he send you help from the sanctuary
and grant you support from Zion.
3 May he remember all your sacrifices
and accept your burnt offerings.
Selah
4 May he give you the desire of your heart
and make all your plans succeed.
5 We will shout for joy when you are victorious
and will lift up our banners in the name of our God.
May the LORD grant all your requests.
6 Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed;
he answers him from his holy heaven
with the saving power of his right hand.
7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.
8 They are brought to their knees and fall,
but we rise up and stand firm.
9 O LORD, save the king!
Answer [a] us when we call!
Still in Re-entry Stress/Reverse Culture Shock
Yeah, I am still in super reverse culture shock. It's so clean here, it seems unfair and a little disturbing. The streets are immaculate and the roads are not dusty. People are not honking in my ear.
I think I just *may* have been cured of my desire to shop incessantly, compared to before. I am much more balanced about my spending/buying habits. I just feel so "normal." If there is such a thing.
It's nice to be me. To like who I am more, though I can still be impatient, rude and thoughtless. I definitely feel calmer, nicer and more considerate than B.C. (Before Christ). Even my mother has said she noticed a difference.
I appreciate my parents SO much more. All the bitter resentful rebellious hatred of youth seems to have dissipated a little. Can it be? Maturity on the horizon? Maybe I am deluded, but I feel more like an adult...if there is such a thing.
I think I just *may* have been cured of my desire to shop incessantly, compared to before. I am much more balanced about my spending/buying habits. I just feel so "normal." If there is such a thing.
It's nice to be me. To like who I am more, though I can still be impatient, rude and thoughtless. I definitely feel calmer, nicer and more considerate than B.C. (Before Christ). Even my mother has said she noticed a difference.
I appreciate my parents SO much more. All the bitter resentful rebellious hatred of youth seems to have dissipated a little. Can it be? Maturity on the horizon? Maybe I am deluded, but I feel more like an adult...if there is such a thing.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
The Heavenly Man
I was cleaning/organizing/dusting all day and kind of avoiding church, and thought I would make it to the 4 pm service. My friend even invited me to the beach, and I was sad I couldn't make it. Then I rushed to church after final touch-ups on my room and a shower, and when I got there (I was super early, yay!), they made this announcement that Brother Yun was speaking. At first, I had no idea who John was talking about, but then when I realized it was the author of The Heavenly Man, I felt like it was TOTALLY GOD. Yay, I love Jesus. He is my best friend.
http://www.google.com/products/catalog?client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&channel=s&hl=en&q=heavenly+man&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=8129482308230180835&ei=HmsrTMOiJMT68AaQp7HUCA&sa=X&oi=product_catalog_result&ct=result&resnum=3&ved=0CCoQ8wIwAg#
He was a great speaker, though a lot of what he said was in his book. I wish he mostly talked about new stuff. He should do a follow up novel, like 3 Cups of Tea's.
http://www.google.com/products/catalog?client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&channel=s&hl=en&q=heavenly+man&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=8129482308230180835&ei=HmsrTMOiJMT68AaQp7HUCA&sa=X&oi=product_catalog_result&ct=result&resnum=3&ved=0CCoQ8wIwAg#
He was a great speaker, though a lot of what he said was in his book. I wish he mostly talked about new stuff. He should do a follow up novel, like 3 Cups of Tea's.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Rainbow at the beach
Nahant Beach with Jennifer and Leandro. Flying a kite and running around screaming at the top of my lungs in glee. Swimming in the rain facing a huge beautiful rainbow with a bunch of triathletes in the freezing cold New England water with God painting the sky and clouds with brilliant strokes of light and color. Then to top it off, Brazilian feijoada. Does life get any better than this?
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Re-Entry Stress
I am having re-entry stress. It's so weird to be home and yet very nice to be in clean, clean Brookline. I feel kinda out of it. Like, slightly off-kilter, yet not being able to put my finger on it. I feel so slow to respond to people, like I am in slow motion. But it's like something doesn't feel quite right. Just a little out of place...
Jackie asked me if people were friendly there. Yes. So friendly. It's kinda like in India, people aren't so friendly initially, but once you break through the ice, they welcome you with open arms and you are family, and treated as such. In America, it's the opposite. People are so friendly, and then the closer you get, the harder it is know them. Then you encounter the iceberg. Perhaps it's not true, you can dispute me on it. The thing with Americans is that at least you kinda know what to expect. There is just so much more love and heart in India, I don't know why. I mean, I think acts of service really moved up on my 5 Love Languages list, because in India, there is a motto/cultural paradigm "Guests are Gods." I SURE LOVED BEING A GUEST IN INDIA!!! Here in the States, people forget to even offer you a glass of water, or even expect you to do the dishes in their home! Okay, maybe not, but that's what it felt like. I'd give a dime to hear your opinions on this one!
I miss the intimacy that people have in India. I miss Riya, with her loud, intrusive behavior that was all up in my bizness, yet felt so loving and caring, because she was instructing me on "the way to be a proper Hindu slash Indian woman." And I SOOO miss little Karuna, who didn't talk to me for like a week, and then she kept rolling onto my mattress (we had five very thin rollout mattresses laid out side by side in our hostel ((which is what they call dorms in India)). She was my girl. I miss all the closeness and warmth.
Driving on the highway is insane. Actually, driving in Boston is a little like driving in India, so I feel slightly at home on the road. I hate being in the passenger seat with my father, though, his foot is so heavy on the break.
Father's Day was really nice. Calvary Christ Church, first time at church in U.S. (I know, I can't believe I missed two Sundays). Pretty good service, got a free black mug filled with goodies! I loved how real and honest the pastor's dad was during his sermon. Went for a swim after crashing for a three hour nap. Her pool was so cold, yet refreshing. I loved meeting her neighbors. 4 year olds are so honest, I absolutely love it. (He said he saw me eating dog food. ha ha ha. Not true, but funny, nonetheless.)
Jackie asked me if people were friendly there. Yes. So friendly. It's kinda like in India, people aren't so friendly initially, but once you break through the ice, they welcome you with open arms and you are family, and treated as such. In America, it's the opposite. People are so friendly, and then the closer you get, the harder it is know them. Then you encounter the iceberg. Perhaps it's not true, you can dispute me on it. The thing with Americans is that at least you kinda know what to expect. There is just so much more love and heart in India, I don't know why. I mean, I think acts of service really moved up on my 5 Love Languages list, because in India, there is a motto/cultural paradigm "Guests are Gods." I SURE LOVED BEING A GUEST IN INDIA!!! Here in the States, people forget to even offer you a glass of water, or even expect you to do the dishes in their home! Okay, maybe not, but that's what it felt like. I'd give a dime to hear your opinions on this one!
I miss the intimacy that people have in India. I miss Riya, with her loud, intrusive behavior that was all up in my bizness, yet felt so loving and caring, because she was instructing me on "the way to be a proper Hindu slash Indian woman." And I SOOO miss little Karuna, who didn't talk to me for like a week, and then she kept rolling onto my mattress (we had five very thin rollout mattresses laid out side by side in our hostel ((which is what they call dorms in India)). She was my girl. I miss all the closeness and warmth.
Driving on the highway is insane. Actually, driving in Boston is a little like driving in India, so I feel slightly at home on the road. I hate being in the passenger seat with my father, though, his foot is so heavy on the break.
Father's Day was really nice. Calvary Christ Church, first time at church in U.S. (I know, I can't believe I missed two Sundays). Pretty good service, got a free black mug filled with goodies! I loved how real and honest the pastor's dad was during his sermon. Went for a swim after crashing for a three hour nap. Her pool was so cold, yet refreshing. I loved meeting her neighbors. 4 year olds are so honest, I absolutely love it. (He said he saw me eating dog food. ha ha ha. Not true, but funny, nonetheless.)
Monday, June 14, 2010
Remembering the Surf
I was out with Sherry and a couple of her friends out on the waves. We were right across the street from where I was staying, and there was a storm coming in from Australia. The waves were coming in pretty slow, but they were big. Probably 2 footers, although they felt more like 4 footers. I was out there for a while, paddling, just trying to catch the right one. Then I hit it. "C'mon Sherry!" I yelled, as loud as I could, adrenaline starting to pump through my veins. We started paddling as hard as we could. Me, on my 9 foot longboard, probably about 20 years old, fiberglass busting out, compliments of craigslist. (And they said I couldn't do it.) Man, that wave was so sweet. I dropped down into it. And I surfed the heck out it. Words can't really describe the sensation of dropping into a really sweet wave, you just feel it. And yes, you feel like you are on top of the world.
I didn't catch any more good waves that day, but I will remember those moments forever. I am itching to tackle some East Coast waves now that I am here, but Hawai'i, that is the true home and birthplace of surf.
I didn't catch any more good waves that day, but I will remember those moments forever. I am itching to tackle some East Coast waves now that I am here, but Hawai'i, that is the true home and birthplace of surf.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Alchemy and Art Shows
It's a little surreal adjusting back to life in Boston. Sometimes I wake up and forget what country or city I am in. Then I realize I am home. I feel a little like Dorothy in Wizard of Oz. Going home after all these wild and crazy adventures.... there is no place like home, there is no place like home, there is no place like home....
I noticed I was still doing some things like I would have in India...such as throwing away toilet paper in the wastebasket. Waiting for the hot shower to run out. Then a huge wave of relief, knowing that it probably wouldn't run out. At least not for a long time.
I find that I am grateful for so many things in the U.S. I am so grateful for clean bathrooms. I am grateful for the hot bath that I took yesterday. I am so grateful that people understand me, and where I have come from, and who I am. I am grateful to be back among friends and family that love me so so so much. I am grateful for the lovely PERFECT dinner (for Melanie's birthday) at Alchemy in Gloucester, our little nook, our wild mushroom risotto, pistachio, endive, feta mesclun salad, Melanie's margherita pizza (and she gives me her tomatoes), Mishelle's asparagus and duck confit. It was a brilliant meal in brilliant company.
Then we went to a photography exhibit (there was a picture of sea turtle which reminded me of my turtle off the pier in Kona), an art show at the Hive, and then back to Alchemy for more awesome, inspiring conversation. I was feeling very very Sex in the City with my 3 amazing girlfriends. I am so blessed.
I noticed I was still doing some things like I would have in India...such as throwing away toilet paper in the wastebasket. Waiting for the hot shower to run out. Then a huge wave of relief, knowing that it probably wouldn't run out. At least not for a long time.
I find that I am grateful for so many things in the U.S. I am so grateful for clean bathrooms. I am grateful for the hot bath that I took yesterday. I am so grateful that people understand me, and where I have come from, and who I am. I am grateful to be back among friends and family that love me so so so much. I am grateful for the lovely PERFECT dinner (for Melanie's birthday) at Alchemy in Gloucester, our little nook, our wild mushroom risotto, pistachio, endive, feta mesclun salad, Melanie's margherita pizza (and she gives me her tomatoes), Mishelle's asparagus and duck confit. It was a brilliant meal in brilliant company.
Then we went to a photography exhibit (there was a picture of sea turtle which reminded me of my turtle off the pier in Kona), an art show at the Hive, and then back to Alchemy for more awesome, inspiring conversation. I was feeling very very Sex in the City with my 3 amazing girlfriends. I am so blessed.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
First Day Back in Boston
Had a great talk with dad. We disagree on many things, but one thing we agree on is love. It says in the bible, love your neighbor as you love yourself.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
How I Know I Am Back In America
First of all, I want to appreciate you if you bothered to click on the link and read my blog. I struggle with having a blog because there seems to be a bit of hubris in having a blog. (Wondering, do people even care what I write and what goes on in my life???) Well, if you have gotten to this page, then I guess the answer is yes. Okay, that out of the way, let’s move on.
**************************************************
Okay, I had the most amazing morning. Woke up at 9:30 am with Chewy (my brother Chung's chocolate brown cocker spaniel puppy) licking my face and jumping all over me. Oh. Heaven. If I hadn’t gotten 10½ hours of sleep, well, that might have been a different story….but given that I FINALLY slept after weirdly not being able to nap AT ALL after landing the day before yesterday, it was so nice. Landing on the 7th, I got a ride from my new friend Rafaat, who I met on the plane and was the nicest guy ever. He gave me a ride to my brother’s going WAY out of his way to help me. I am telling you, God is good, because he always sends angels to help me! LITERALLY (his last name is ANGEL!!!)! HAHHAHAHAHAHA. Anyway, I couldn’t sleep, nap, at all. Finally, I got to sleep around 11 pm (6 am Cairo time) but I got woken up by my brother coming home. Then it was cold so I couldn’t go back to sleep. Then I tried to sleep all day, but I got distracted by Ugly Betty episodes and endless gmail and facebooking and phone calls…yeah. Welcome back to America. Land of internet and plenty.
Then Chung came home from work and we had kalbi (Korean steak) bbq YUM and hot rice YUM and kimchee YUM and salad YUM and a nice glass of red wine and good company. Then I crashed. Yes, delicious delicious lovely delicious sleep. I woke up once, but immediately fell back asleep. So, I woke up, and was wondering what to eat, getting hungrier, forgetting that I was totally jonesing for a hot New York Jewish bagel the night before. Then I spotted the whitest cream cheese in the fridge, and suddenly, it all came flooding back to me. I ran out to get one from a local deli. NO DEBIT CARDS! So, then, I spent the next hour running around trying to find an ATM, and not just any ATM, only my bank wouldn’t charge $2 or $3 to take out money. After running around 3 or 4 blocks in Chelsea, feeling a nice heartrate boost, I victoriously emerged, $20 richer. The toasted bagel was only $1.03. I ran home quickly, but not before stopping by the Museum of Jewish History and St. Xavier’s Catholic church on West 16th. That is one thing that really struck me as soon as I landed in New York City. The immense cultural, racial, religious diversity. This is PROBABLY THE MOST diverse city in the ENTIRE WORLD. Yes, we know Boston in clearly a better city when it comes to many things, like universities and education, hospitals and lower crime rates and more trees, but when it comes to diversity, I mean, you HAVE to hand it to New York City. Okay, back to my brunch.
It was like a work of art. And it kept getting better and better. It started with a 7 grain bagel, deliciously toasted by the nice Central American gentleman at the deli probably owned by Koreans (I only say that because they were selling Korean noodles on the counter and the lady behind the counter was Asian). I slathered the aforementioned cream cheese on (oh, and I forgot to mention the Wild Alaskan Coho Salmon I purchased at THE most well-stocked store in Manhattan) and threw on some slices of rich, pink salmon). I scrambled an egg with a hint of black pepper and kosher salt and threw that on the plate. Then, to top it all off, a gorgeous salad of romaine lettuce, carrots, celery, cucumbers, and the royal crown that was like the Queen’s Jewel… AVOCADO. Yes, avocado. The delicious fruit (or is it a vegetable???) that brings an entire meal to a whole other level. And with it all, I drank some deliciously chilled peppermint iced tea with a slice of lemon. Yes, I should be a food writer. Just kidding. Anyway, given that I just spend ten months in India and Nepal and 2 weeks in Egypt, it was a meal that felt like pure decadence. It was delish.
Okay, I am off!
**************************************************
Okay, I had the most amazing morning. Woke up at 9:30 am with Chewy (my brother Chung's chocolate brown cocker spaniel puppy) licking my face and jumping all over me. Oh. Heaven. If I hadn’t gotten 10½ hours of sleep, well, that might have been a different story….but given that I FINALLY slept after weirdly not being able to nap AT ALL after landing the day before yesterday, it was so nice. Landing on the 7th, I got a ride from my new friend Rafaat, who I met on the plane and was the nicest guy ever. He gave me a ride to my brother’s going WAY out of his way to help me. I am telling you, God is good, because he always sends angels to help me! LITERALLY (his last name is ANGEL!!!)! HAHHAHAHAHAHA. Anyway, I couldn’t sleep, nap, at all. Finally, I got to sleep around 11 pm (6 am Cairo time) but I got woken up by my brother coming home. Then it was cold so I couldn’t go back to sleep. Then I tried to sleep all day, but I got distracted by Ugly Betty episodes and endless gmail and facebooking and phone calls…yeah. Welcome back to America. Land of internet and plenty.
Then Chung came home from work and we had kalbi (Korean steak) bbq YUM and hot rice YUM and kimchee YUM and salad YUM and a nice glass of red wine and good company. Then I crashed. Yes, delicious delicious lovely delicious sleep. I woke up once, but immediately fell back asleep. So, I woke up, and was wondering what to eat, getting hungrier, forgetting that I was totally jonesing for a hot New York Jewish bagel the night before. Then I spotted the whitest cream cheese in the fridge, and suddenly, it all came flooding back to me. I ran out to get one from a local deli. NO DEBIT CARDS! So, then, I spent the next hour running around trying to find an ATM, and not just any ATM, only my bank wouldn’t charge $2 or $3 to take out money. After running around 3 or 4 blocks in Chelsea, feeling a nice heartrate boost, I victoriously emerged, $20 richer. The toasted bagel was only $1.03. I ran home quickly, but not before stopping by the Museum of Jewish History and St. Xavier’s Catholic church on West 16th. That is one thing that really struck me as soon as I landed in New York City. The immense cultural, racial, religious diversity. This is PROBABLY THE MOST diverse city in the ENTIRE WORLD. Yes, we know Boston in clearly a better city when it comes to many things, like universities and education, hospitals and lower crime rates and more trees, but when it comes to diversity, I mean, you HAVE to hand it to New York City. Okay, back to my brunch.
It was like a work of art. And it kept getting better and better. It started with a 7 grain bagel, deliciously toasted by the nice Central American gentleman at the deli probably owned by Koreans (I only say that because they were selling Korean noodles on the counter and the lady behind the counter was Asian). I slathered the aforementioned cream cheese on (oh, and I forgot to mention the Wild Alaskan Coho Salmon I purchased at THE most well-stocked store in Manhattan) and threw on some slices of rich, pink salmon). I scrambled an egg with a hint of black pepper and kosher salt and threw that on the plate. Then, to top it all off, a gorgeous salad of romaine lettuce, carrots, celery, cucumbers, and the royal crown that was like the Queen’s Jewel… AVOCADO. Yes, avocado. The delicious fruit (or is it a vegetable???) that brings an entire meal to a whole other level. And with it all, I drank some deliciously chilled peppermint iced tea with a slice of lemon. Yes, I should be a food writer. Just kidding. Anyway, given that I just spend ten months in India and Nepal and 2 weeks in Egypt, it was a meal that felt like pure decadence. It was delish.
Okay, I am off!
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Egypt
riding across the Arabian desert with the wind whipping through my hair, my insides being crushed, with the pyramids and sphinx to my right, is definitely one of those things you don't forget for a while.
As for New York...I am in jet lag hell. Or more appropriately, that place in between hell and earth that I can't think of because my brain has ceased to function. Not propaganda...not crematorium...not eternity...not delirium (although delirium does seem to be setting in). Okay, I'll think of it later.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Okay, I got it. Purgatory. It's called purgatory. Pray for me. I need sleep. Oh yes, I need sleep. I feel like a zombie in very bad zombie movie.
As for New York...I am in jet lag hell. Or more appropriately, that place in between hell and earth that I can't think of because my brain has ceased to function. Not propaganda...not crematorium...not eternity...not delirium (although delirium does seem to be setting in). Okay, I'll think of it later.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Okay, I got it. Purgatory. It's called purgatory. Pray for me. I need sleep. Oh yes, I need sleep. I feel like a zombie in very bad zombie movie.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Back in Bangalore
Aaaaah. Bangalore. My Indian home base. The Green City. It truly lives up to its name. It's way more lush and beautiful than I remembered. The auto guys tried to get me to pay astronomical rupees (like 450), so I just blew them all off and took the bus. Two hours and two buses later, minus ONLY Rs 16, that's right folks, I feel like I beat the system. I refused to be shook down like some common clueless tourist. What do these guys take me for?
I went back to Krupa Supermarket, and Uncleji gave me a free drink!!!! That was pretty sweet. I felt like family. It's like the convenient store owner hookup. AND the ROAD was paved! This was probably one of the worst roads in India, and I didn't even know I was ON Hormavu Agra because it was so smooth. Aah, with a lightning storm on the rooftop cafe and Narendra and Siddhant from SHS next to me, life couldn't be much better. It is so nice to see all the staff from before. My little family. I miss my batchmates though! This Mansion just ain't the same without them. The band and outreach team and all the girls...wah. I felt such a deep sense of nostalgia.
Hyderabad was hot. I got to drink one of the best mango shakes I ever had in my life though! Thanks to a certain space engineer named Bunny. ha ha ha. And my poetry was appreciated. ; )
I went back to Krupa Supermarket, and Uncleji gave me a free drink!!!! That was pretty sweet. I felt like family. It's like the convenient store owner hookup. AND the ROAD was paved! This was probably one of the worst roads in India, and I didn't even know I was ON Hormavu Agra because it was so smooth. Aah, with a lightning storm on the rooftop cafe and Narendra and Siddhant from SHS next to me, life couldn't be much better. It is so nice to see all the staff from before. My little family. I miss my batchmates though! This Mansion just ain't the same without them. The band and outreach team and all the girls...wah. I felt such a deep sense of nostalgia.
Hyderabad was hot. I got to drink one of the best mango shakes I ever had in my life though! Thanks to a certain space engineer named Bunny. ha ha ha. And my poetry was appreciated. ; )
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Dehradun
It's hard to believe I was there for two weeks. The time just flew. As we said our goodbyes last night, it was really overwhelming.
Time with Shanu and family, time with Australian team (made up of no Australians, just Americans, French and Norwegians), Team Mamaji and the Dehradun team. Thank you all for my special time there. It all came together so perfectly, with God's perfect timing.
Jai's village outside of Mussoorie. Amazing elder smoking the hookah pipe. Mela on the mountain. Swimming by Kempty Falls in the pool.
Blind school: God wants spiritual fruits, not religious nuts. God created each of us so magically.
Washing the kids in the slums: Rena. What a doll!
Getting my plane ticket to Egypt! Whee! Trusting in God to deliver it. Yes, my faith was weak. But He came through anyway. (yeah, so I am going to Egypt. God does answer my prayers! Firstly, to visit Africa/Middle East...my final continent unvisited (besides Antartica) and secondly to see the pyramids. It will so amazing to be in the land where Jesus himself grew up. It was such an amazing miracle for me when my travel agent pulled up to the base at the EXACT TIME God said he would! I think God was testing my faith, and he certainly encouraged me to grow!)
Spending time on the roof watching the sun go down on the gorgeous Doon mountains.
swimming in the Ganges (fourth time) on the last day of Kumbh Mela with Maya. Wonderful.
Crappy things: like 2 weeks of loose motion. Ugh. Some days better than others.
Waking up at 3 :45 am to catch the train. There are few things more horrible than getting 1 hour of sleep. And Dumb and Dumber was SUCH a letdown. (It turns out that I have seen the end before.)
Glad to be back in Delhi. I want a pedicure so badly...
Pray for my friend that I met on the train, that he finds peace and the Lord in it. Pray that my last three weeks in India are safe, brilliant and fun and I stay close to the Lord and I get rid of some of my belongings. : )
Time with Shanu and family, time with Australian team (made up of no Australians, just Americans, French and Norwegians), Team Mamaji and the Dehradun team. Thank you all for my special time there. It all came together so perfectly, with God's perfect timing.
Jai's village outside of Mussoorie. Amazing elder smoking the hookah pipe. Mela on the mountain. Swimming by Kempty Falls in the pool.
Blind school: God wants spiritual fruits, not religious nuts. God created each of us so magically.
Washing the kids in the slums: Rena. What a doll!
Getting my plane ticket to Egypt! Whee! Trusting in God to deliver it. Yes, my faith was weak. But He came through anyway. (yeah, so I am going to Egypt. God does answer my prayers! Firstly, to visit Africa/Middle East...my final continent unvisited (besides Antartica) and secondly to see the pyramids. It will so amazing to be in the land where Jesus himself grew up. It was such an amazing miracle for me when my travel agent pulled up to the base at the EXACT TIME God said he would! I think God was testing my faith, and he certainly encouraged me to grow!)
Spending time on the roof watching the sun go down on the gorgeous Doon mountains.
swimming in the Ganges (fourth time) on the last day of Kumbh Mela with Maya. Wonderful.
Crappy things: like 2 weeks of loose motion. Ugh. Some days better than others.
Waking up at 3 :45 am to catch the train. There are few things more horrible than getting 1 hour of sleep. And Dumb and Dumber was SUCH a letdown. (It turns out that I have seen the end before.)
Glad to be back in Delhi. I want a pedicure so badly...
Pray for my friend that I met on the train, that he finds peace and the Lord in it. Pray that my last three weeks in India are safe, brilliant and fun and I stay close to the Lord and I get rid of some of my belongings. : )
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Why would anyone love this place?
i dont know,
its just super cool,
fun to be in, I love the ghats,
I love the atmosphere, peaceful and intense,
life and death in your face, amazingly beauitful,
so much culture, tons of hippies,
tons of opportunity, good food, organic, good coffee
says my friend Marcus, on why he loves varanasi. Yeah, it pretty much hits it on the head. And this guy has seen A LOT of India!
Friday, April 16, 2010
My love for India
There is a little tree growing inside my heart.
It's name is India.
I didn't even know the seed was planted.
I don't even know when it started to grow.
But as I begin the slow move back to Boston,
I can feel something tugging at my heart...
It's name is India.
A little tree can still have roots, and those roots are tugging at my soul.
Whether they will be strong enough to pull me back,
only God can really know.
It could be Banares.
It could be the love of the people.
A certain fondness you can have for only certain friends.
My heart aches for a place I have not yet left.
My heart aches even as I still breathe in its air.
My heart aches even as I am here.
Oh, India.
How you've captured my soul.
Oh, India.
How you've captured my spirit.
Oh, India.
How you've captured my imagination.
Ohhhhhhhh, India.
Still in Varanasi
Had a beautiful time in Banares, or Kashi, the City of Lights. Went up to Saranath where Buddha preached his first sermon. It was pretty boring, although the archaelogical museum where many of the original stonework from the ancient temples that housed about 1500 students were still there. That was breathtaking and definitely my highlight.
In Ashapur, I got to see the Widow's Home and their awesome little bakery. Their cookies and muffins were delicious. It was also so cool because I ran into Luke and Bethany, who I met in Kona! Talk about a small, small world. The work they were doing in the prison was simply amazing. It was the best outreach I think I had ever. They were young boys, about 12 to 18, and 6 or 7 of them were in for murder. But you could tell that our testimonies and stories made a really big difference in some of their lives.
Now, I am back in Banares. I love where I am staying. It is so beautiful. The gardens, the peace. And most of all the teenagers. I got to teach a 7:30 am taek won do class to the boys...it was so cool. Deepak's form is really really good. And I have been playing a ton of volleyball so my arms are really sore! I'm getting ready to move on to Dhera Dun, and it is making me very sad. But of course, I look forward to wonderful new adventures!
In Ashapur, I got to see the Widow's Home and their awesome little bakery. Their cookies and muffins were delicious. It was also so cool because I ran into Luke and Bethany, who I met in Kona! Talk about a small, small world. The work they were doing in the prison was simply amazing. It was the best outreach I think I had ever. They were young boys, about 12 to 18, and 6 or 7 of them were in for murder. But you could tell that our testimonies and stories made a really big difference in some of their lives.
Now, I am back in Banares. I love where I am staying. It is so beautiful. The gardens, the peace. And most of all the teenagers. I got to teach a 7:30 am taek won do class to the boys...it was so cool. Deepak's form is really really good. And I have been playing a ton of volleyball so my arms are really sore! I'm getting ready to move on to Dhera Dun, and it is making me very sad. But of course, I look forward to wonderful new adventures!
Sunday, March 21, 2010
My birthday in Varanasi
Hello! I thank you so much for the lovely birthday wishes! I am missing home so so much. Particularly, the lack of horns blasting in your ear as you walk down the street (sure wish I had some noise cancelling headphones! Ha ha.), clean streets, clean air with no dust, people who understand you and get cultural references, the diversity of food choices and fresh blueberries, strawberries, salmon, sushi, etc etc etc.
But what I love about being here: Indian food. Lovely people who embrace you even though you don't speak their language or really know their culture. The friends I have met at this school are OH so lovely, especially the family in the next room, Aarti, Sanjeev, and son Ankur. Then there are all the girls who have their very distinct personalities and are all so loveable in their own way. They really made me feel special on my birthday. Presha made me a card AND a sign, Monimala and Shubnam wrote me a card, the family gave me a chocolate bar (yes, I am always craving chocolate or any food that is slightly American or Korean), and all the girls sang to me and prayed for me.
Jeevan took me out to lunch at the lovely Lotus Lounge where I found nirvana in the spaghetti with mushroom and peas in cream sauce (I always get that dish at the Cheesecake Factory) with Presha and another friend. It was so mindblowing to be sitting on the ghats watching the river go by and a man on a white horse run on the other side of the river bank in the OLDEST city in the world. Not to mention Brad Pitt was here in the Curious Case of Benjamin Button. It really is gorgeous and one of the nicest places in the world I have been to, which is saying a lot given all the nice places I've been to. (Sorry, bragging a little, aren't I?) : P Watching the sun set or rise on this river is like being there when God first created the world in ALL its divine glory.
Then we watched this night ceremony to one of the gods after visiting a silk factory. I got to share God's love to the factory owner after he asked me how I looked so young. I told him what it says in the Bible:
Okay, a little more about my last month....went swimming in the Ganges River again on the boat ride home from the ashram. Two times, and no second head growing out of my armpit. Though I did get a little freaked out in the middle. Yes, I know I am a little crazy. I have chosen to embrace it. It's how God made me, blame Him! : P I stayed at an ashram for two weeks and it was such an amazing spiritual experience. Brought me back to my Buddhist days. Though it was very different from meditating in the Buddhist temples in Korea.
Stayed in a Catholic ashram called Matridham. Wow. I was silent for four days. I know. I know. Even I didn't think it was possible. Greg will probably recall my ONE day silent protest against Columbus Day and genocide against Native Americans and racism and how incredibly difficult it was to keep quiet. It was so AWESOME. I want to try it in the States, too. What I learned:
I decided to enroll in school again, and am attempting to raise money to pay for the school and for my plane ticket home! My life as a student and "worker" is coming to a close in June, but I am attempting to make the most of my time here in India. My visa ends June 2nd and I will probably fly back to Boston on that date.
Please let me know (you can send a check to my parents' address) if you are willing to support me in the Great Commission here. I did have one supporter who gave me his tax return check as a blessing, which bought my one way ticket to India! And I have ONE supporter now who is really the only way I am staying here at all. Yes, God is good. And if you don't believe that if you trust in Him to supply your every need, read Faith and Finances by Loren Cunningham! Anyway, that's just where I'm at. Miss you. Talk to you later!
But what I love about being here: Indian food. Lovely people who embrace you even though you don't speak their language or really know their culture. The friends I have met at this school are OH so lovely, especially the family in the next room, Aarti, Sanjeev, and son Ankur. Then there are all the girls who have their very distinct personalities and are all so loveable in their own way. They really made me feel special on my birthday. Presha made me a card AND a sign, Monimala and Shubnam wrote me a card, the family gave me a chocolate bar (yes, I am always craving chocolate or any food that is slightly American or Korean), and all the girls sang to me and prayed for me.
Jeevan took me out to lunch at the lovely Lotus Lounge where I found nirvana in the spaghetti with mushroom and peas in cream sauce (I always get that dish at the Cheesecake Factory) with Presha and another friend. It was so mindblowing to be sitting on the ghats watching the river go by and a man on a white horse run on the other side of the river bank in the OLDEST city in the world. Not to mention Brad Pitt was here in the Curious Case of Benjamin Button. It really is gorgeous and one of the nicest places in the world I have been to, which is saying a lot given all the nice places I've been to. (Sorry, bragging a little, aren't I?) : P Watching the sun set or rise on this river is like being there when God first created the world in ALL its divine glory.
Then we watched this night ceremony to one of the gods after visiting a silk factory. I got to share God's love to the factory owner after he asked me how I looked so young. I told him what it says in the Bible:
Psalm 103 of David
1 Praise the Lord, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
2 Praise the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits—
3 who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
5 who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
I told him that the love God gives me keeps me young. He gave me a beautiful scarf for free. And TRUST me, no one gives anyone anything for free in India. Okay, that's not true, I have been given so much free stuff here, by the Grace of God! My dad really treats me like a princess! : ) I came back home and everyone prayed for me at dinner and actually at breakfast and throughout the whole day! I really wanted to be home, but it was just as sweet with my Indian and international family! I am telling you, my last two birthdays have been stupendous!
Okay, a little more about my last month....went swimming in the Ganges River again on the boat ride home from the ashram. Two times, and no second head growing out of my armpit. Though I did get a little freaked out in the middle. Yes, I know I am a little crazy. I have chosen to embrace it. It's how God made me, blame Him! : P I stayed at an ashram for two weeks and it was such an amazing spiritual experience. Brought me back to my Buddhist days. Though it was very different from meditating in the Buddhist temples in Korea.
Stayed in a Catholic ashram called Matridham. Wow. I was silent for four days. I know. I know. Even I didn't think it was possible. Greg will probably recall my ONE day silent protest against Columbus Day and genocide against Native Americans and racism and how incredibly difficult it was to keep quiet. It was so AWESOME. I want to try it in the States, too. What I learned:
- it's hard to keep quiet.
- it really helps one realize how much unnecessary talking we do in life.
- what it feels like to be mute.
- it's nice to not always feel like I have to be the center of attention. lol.
I decided to enroll in school again, and am attempting to raise money to pay for the school and for my plane ticket home! My life as a student and "worker" is coming to a close in June, but I am attempting to make the most of my time here in India. My visa ends June 2nd and I will probably fly back to Boston on that date.
Please let me know (you can send a check to my parents' address) if you are willing to support me in the Great Commission here. I did have one supporter who gave me his tax return check as a blessing, which bought my one way ticket to India! And I have ONE supporter now who is really the only way I am staying here at all. Yes, God is good. And if you don't believe that if you trust in Him to supply your every need, read Faith and Finances by Loren Cunningham! Anyway, that's just where I'm at. Miss you. Talk to you later!
Loving life, Loving God, Loving YOU!
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Varanasi
I am in Varanasi right now with the School of Hindu Studies. It is really awesome. I am in an ashram, meditating on the Lord. It's pretty amazing. There is a really cool Nepali guy here, so I got to speak all ten phrases that I knew! Missing you guys all a lot! Yes, I am crazy, I swam across the Ganges today...hey, if I can swim in the Mekong River in China, I can swim in India. Please pray for me.... ♥
Sunday, January 10, 2010
My New Year in northern India
2010 has started out with a bang! I spent my Christmas and New Year's Eve in Pathankot, Punjab with Sheeba's family. Then, bright and early on New Year's Day, I spent my time on the train from 8 am to 11 am sleeping on the train to Amritsar, which is the capital of Punjab and the Sikh capital, being the home of the largest and most beautiful Sikh temple in the world. When I arrived, I met three really cool guys from Lucknow, Utter Pradesh (affectionately called U.P.) We spent New Year's Day watching the India/Pakistan Wagha border drama in Amritsar. I met up with my American friend Carol Scott from my church in Boston (God did answer my prayer for a travel partner) there and then we went on to Chandigarh for a few days. We got to see 3 Idiots on the bus, while I called hotels like mad for reservations. We got to meet Pradeep's friend, and stayed at his house. Then Carol went back to Delhi to fly to Mumbai and then I went on to Shimla alone for a few days. I took the bus last night and arrived in Manali, Himachal Pradesh this morning at 5:30 am and have spent all day at Pradeep Paul's house. Anyway, things are going very well here so far, and of course it helps to always have people praying for me. I miss you and the whole Bangalore crew. Things are going well with my family, they sound like they have changed a lot, lots of love in their voices. Well, India has been good to me so far. Please keep my updated on any new exciting changes in your life! t.k?
xoxo, Sung Yun
p.s. I just said a prayer for you...
xoxo, Sung Yun
p.s. I just said a prayer for you...
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