* It is interesting how the staying in B came about so easily, when I had tried so hard without success. His provision beyond my knowing!
* It surely was nice to see NS again. It was nice of her to buy dinner for us. It was a jolly time to go sightseeing. Or should I have sticked to my plan of getting work done.
* I do feel overwhelmed as the departure date seems to come closer than I expected. Dear LORD, please give me YOUR peace, the peace that transcends all understanding. Dear LORD, help me prepare for the trip, spiritually, emotionally, physically, and practically.
* It was nice to have the first follow-up with Foundation material. :-) What a blessing and a joy it was to spend time together like that.
* My supervision pointed out my being overly active in BI during the intensive time of graduate school training. I know I have decided (probably since this summer) that I would make time for the things I really wanted to do, instead of letting the demands of graduate school run my life. However, am I now swinging too much the other way? I have always thought my increasingly active involvement as a result/reflection of my spiritual growth, God' s leading for me and His training opportunities to prepare me for what He has made me for. However, it is also a fact that I have been behind on my clinical record keeping and have not worked much, if at all, on my dissertation project. Is it really God's leading for me? Or am I letting my life run by urgency instead of importance? I guess this is a more general question regarding the pattern of my day-to-day living. Where is the balance between being planful and organized and being flexible? Dear LORD, please do help me become wiser with my time and thus my life. Dear LORD, draw me closer to YOU in prayer to seek Your leading and guiding. Let YOU and the leading of Your Spirit be the only foundation and motivation of my actions. May YOU be gloried in my life! I do specifically pray for the commitment regarding BSF. Please do speak to me clearly. Dear LORD, I will not commit myself unless I know clearly it is what You have planned for me.
* Whatever it is, I know NP is a calling from YOU and I am committed. Dear LORD, hold me and keep me.
* I still have not heard back from CoG regarding the support. As I drove to campus, my heart was full of bitterness. I was upset that the announcement was made at the very end, that there was no E-mail sent out on it, that it was included in the shorter-than-usual weekly updates, that I still did not hear back regarding it even if there was nothing given. I was upset at CoG, at everyone who chose not to give, and ... I guess ... at God for not making it a little easier. I thought of leaving CoG. I thought of withholding my giving for a whole year and then leave. What a moment of spiritual warfare! How dangerous is the power of the dark side. I had to come before God and ask Him to help my lack of faith and my tendency to walk by sight. Then I realized that I had been relying on CoG to provide for me, but that is different from relying on God to provide for me. It helped me come before God and correct my attitude. Well, I have been praying and asking God to "examine my heart and take away the things that are not pleasing to Him." He apparently has answered my prayer again as He did when I prayed the same prayer this past summer. I guess this is one of the spiky prayers and it often hurts when the prayer gets answered. Yet I have been learning to praise the LORD and be thankful for His pruning. I have also been learning to be patient with myself and the process. Dear LORD, please protect my heart and my spirit. Please help me to know YOU more and know YOU better, because YOU are the object and foundation of my faith. Please forgive me for my lack of faith and the urge to take things in my own hands. Please keep me from yielding to such temptation and choose to trust in YOU and Your provision no matter what, every time I get tempted. Dear LORD, sweet Jesus, I yield to YOU and ask you to take over my life, my heart, my desires, my thoughts, my feelings, and my all in all. Amen!
Showing posts with label Life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Life. Show all posts
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Heart Murmuring - Nov. 26, 2007 Monday
* It was wonderful to pray with JB. Somehow it felt so long. She shared with me her prayer journey, stating that she regards me as one of her own children. The prayers were so beautiful. I am grateful to the LORD for giving spiritual mothers who pray for me as their own. I was also told that her mother "adopted" me too and had something for my birthday. Officially my birthday celebration will be extending for two months or longer. Dear LORD, thank YOU so much to make sure that I am loved and I feel it.
* My attitude at work changed. I think the conversation earlier helped and the small group Bible study did too. I am more solemn now *_^ It might be a little too big a word to use, but you get the gist of it. It is interesting what you notice with a sober attitude. I am still kind of debating about the carefree vs. careful approaches. I guess it is not supposed to be dichotomous, just as everything else. It is a fine balance to keep, just as everything else. It is a delicate art.
* I got a little cross earlier, because my work is not done. It is still not done, but I am not really cross and apparently less anxious. It was clear how dependent I can be when I am with others and encounter something I do not like to do. There is a time when it is helpful for me to be with other so that I can be kept accountable. At the same time, there is also a time when it is profitable for me to be by myself so that I will take responsibility and get tough things done. Know yourself and know the times as well. I guess I was a little resentful also toward my dear friend. But at the same time, I felt that I should not be resentful and it is myself who is to be blamed. Dear LORD, will YOU please help me grow in patient and grace? Help me season my speech with salt and minister to others with Your love.
* It was a surprise to get my second support check with the amount doubled from what was promised and thus expected. It was wonderful to have JH join us on the team. The LORD surely provides for us according to His riches above and beyond what we ask for. God, YOU ARE AWESOME! It is AWESOME to be yours. Love, J.
* Now my LORD, grant me the wisdom to finish my assignment. Help me write to build up instead tearing down. Humble my heart. Mold me and shape me so that YOUR glory will be reflected in my life.
* My attitude at work changed. I think the conversation earlier helped and the small group Bible study did too. I am more solemn now *_^ It might be a little too big a word to use, but you get the gist of it. It is interesting what you notice with a sober attitude. I am still kind of debating about the carefree vs. careful approaches. I guess it is not supposed to be dichotomous, just as everything else. It is a fine balance to keep, just as everything else. It is a delicate art.
* I got a little cross earlier, because my work is not done. It is still not done, but I am not really cross and apparently less anxious. It was clear how dependent I can be when I am with others and encounter something I do not like to do. There is a time when it is helpful for me to be with other so that I can be kept accountable. At the same time, there is also a time when it is profitable for me to be by myself so that I will take responsibility and get tough things done. Know yourself and know the times as well. I guess I was a little resentful also toward my dear friend. But at the same time, I felt that I should not be resentful and it is myself who is to be blamed. Dear LORD, will YOU please help me grow in patient and grace? Help me season my speech with salt and minister to others with Your love.
* It was a surprise to get my second support check with the amount doubled from what was promised and thus expected. It was wonderful to have JH join us on the team. The LORD surely provides for us according to His riches above and beyond what we ask for. God, YOU ARE AWESOME! It is AWESOME to be yours. Love, J.
* Now my LORD, grant me the wisdom to finish my assignment. Help me write to build up instead tearing down. Humble my heart. Mold me and shape me so that YOUR glory will be reflected in my life.
Monday, November 26, 2007
His Fingerprints - Nov. 25, 2006 Sunday
I can't believe that it is only a month till Christmas. I can't believe I am leaving in two weeks. It seems awfully short.
* It was so much fun to see the casting and shooting of the Christmas pageant. :-)
* How wonderful it was to share the 4SL with AL and to witness her praying to accept Jesus into her heart. God is GOOD, ALL the time!
* My trip was announced. I was encouraged by people who came to talk with me. At the same time, I was overly concerned about the financial aspect of things. Dear LORD, help me trust in you FULLY. And YOU alone!
* I was so grieved that I lost my patience with my parents during the course of the conversation. I could not explain where I felt blocked and stuffed so often by my parents. Is it smothering? Anyhow I was quite irritated by the comment on my voice (Should I be always overly excited to satisfy my parents?) and the inquiry regarding the trip (I guess I knew my parents' opinion and felt my boundary was violated). Whatever it is, I should not have raised my voice and got annoyed. My heart was saddened after the conversation. I called back to apologize and once again my mom denied any need for apology stating that it was natural for parents to tolerate. Once again I felt the blocked and stuffed feeling. I was in tears. Dear Lord, please help me.
* I had a thought to have a fast of TV shows and movies from now to my departure. It felt hard, but maybe I should do it. Maybe I should share during the prayer time tomorrow morning and get some accountability from JB.
* It was so much fun to see the casting and shooting of the Christmas pageant. :-)
* How wonderful it was to share the 4SL with AL and to witness her praying to accept Jesus into her heart. God is GOOD, ALL the time!
* My trip was announced. I was encouraged by people who came to talk with me. At the same time, I was overly concerned about the financial aspect of things. Dear LORD, help me trust in you FULLY. And YOU alone!
* I was so grieved that I lost my patience with my parents during the course of the conversation. I could not explain where I felt blocked and stuffed so often by my parents. Is it smothering? Anyhow I was quite irritated by the comment on my voice (Should I be always overly excited to satisfy my parents?) and the inquiry regarding the trip (I guess I knew my parents' opinion and felt my boundary was violated). Whatever it is, I should not have raised my voice and got annoyed. My heart was saddened after the conversation. I called back to apologize and once again my mom denied any need for apology stating that it was natural for parents to tolerate. Once again I felt the blocked and stuffed feeling. I was in tears. Dear Lord, please help me.
* I had a thought to have a fast of TV shows and movies from now to my departure. It felt hard, but maybe I should do it. Maybe I should share during the prayer time tomorrow morning and get some accountability from JB.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Spiritual Gifts
Spiritual Gifts Test Inventory
Spiritual Gifts Test Results
The Spiritual Gifts Test you just took asseses which of the seven gifts listed in Romans 12:6-8 you may have. Look at the list of gifts below and pick the gift, or two, in which you ranked the highest score. That gift(s) would probably be one of your primary gifts.
You can learn more about your gift by clicking on the word "define." Click on the word "uses" to go to a page where you can locate ministries that use your gift and find books and links to help equip you in it. (Use the back button of your browser to return to this page.)
Learn More About Ministry Profiles
Friday, November 23, 2007
Baked Acorn Squash - Nov. 23, 2007
It is nice to have the recipe (cooking instruction to be more specific) on the acorn squash, which I brought at least more than two weeks ago. I still don't know what I have been busying about. Studying or whatever in the library definitely is to be blamed on, at least partially.
Here is the instruction that came along with the squashes.
* Cut in half, remove seeds.
* Bake in a dish skin side up in about 1'' water at 350F for 40min or until tender.
* Fill with 1 tsp brown sugar, butter, salt, and pepper to taste. (or brown sugar & seasoned sausage)
* Continue to bake for 10min. (20min)
* Microwave on high 4-6min --> fill --> 2min
Here is the instruction that came along with the squashes.
* Cut in half, remove seeds.
* Bake in a dish skin side up in about 1'' water at 350F for 40min or until tender.
* Fill with 1 tsp brown sugar, butter, salt, and pepper to taste. (or brown sugar & seasoned sausage)
* Continue to bake for 10min. (20min)
* Microwave on high 4-6min --> fill --> 2min
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Sunday, October 28, 2007
My Girl (by Temptations) - Oct. 27
I've got sunshine on a cloudy day.
When it's cold outside I've got the month of May.
I guess you'd say
What can make me feel this way?
My girl (my girl, my girl)
Talkin' 'bout my girl (my girl).
I've got so much honey the bees envy me.
I've got a sweeter song than the birds in the trees.
I guess you'd say
What can make me feel this way?
My girl (my girl, my girl)
Talkin' 'bout my girl (my girl).
Hey hey hey
Hey hey hey
Ooooh.
I don't need no money, fortune, or fame.
I've got all the riches baby one man can claim.
I guess you'd say
What can make me feel this way?
My girl (my girl, my girl)
Talkin' 'bout my girl (my girl).
I've got sunshine on a cloudy day
with my girl.
I've even got the month of May
with my girl (fade)
Friday, October 26, 2007
APT - Oct. 26
* River City Real Estate - 278-6384. $595, 1919 Lakeview Ave. @ Meadow
* 888-276-5930 $599/2br
* 222-1294 &509/2br
* 888-276-5930 $599/2br
* 222-1294 &509/2br
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Make a Joyful Noise! - Oct. 23
It is my desire to praise the LORD, all the days of my life!
* God's faithfulness - the lost-then-found car remote after a whole day, intact lying on the empty parking space. A small miracle, as there is no co-incidence in God's dictionary, thus not in mine either. The left-behind-shortly-found cell phone.
* Praise - the acceptance of my ICPC poster!
* A great time of spiritual conversations with ISSG members. Fun grocery shopping :-) Plan for Sunday - Church & Shopping!
* My very-affordable Ann Taylor dress!
* God's faithfulness - the lost-then-found car remote after a whole day, intact lying on the empty parking space. A small miracle, as there is no co-incidence in God's dictionary, thus not in mine either. The left-behind-shortly-found cell phone.
* Praise - the acceptance of my ICPC poster!
* A great time of spiritual conversations with ISSG members. Fun grocery shopping :-) Plan for Sunday - Church & Shopping!
* My very-affordable Ann Taylor dress!
Saturday, October 20, 2007
生面筋菜谱 - Oct. 20
肉酿生麸(http://www.keko.com.cn/menu/29/menu_1060113130949014_13016.html)
1. 葱去根须，洗净，切末；
2. 将猪肉剁成未，放入碗中，加葱末、料酒50 克、酱油、白糖，拌成肉馅；
3. 将生面筋拉成长条，切成50 块，搓成圆形，放入清水浸约10 分钟；
4. 面筋取出拉成厚薄均匀的圆薄皮，包入肉馅17 克，收好口，成生麸肉圆；
5. 将锅置旺火上，舀入清水1500毫升烧沸，加入精盐，再放入生麸肉圆，烧至锅边的水起小泡；
6. 再用小火烧5 分钟，撇去浮沫，加料酒、味精、香油，起锅盛入大汤碗中即成。
制作提示
1. 生面筋搓成长条后，冷天放入温水中，热天放入冷水中浸泡。
2. 面筋制法：以2500 克面粉为例，将面粉放入盆中，加精盐2.5 克，用清水1500 克分数次倒入，将面粉揉匀和成软硬适中的面团，用湿布盖着饧半小时左右，然后将饧好的面团分为两块，逐块用手拿着在清水盆中不断揉搓，这时面团即有白色浆 汁渗出溶于水中，使清水变浑，再换清水继续揉搓，反复三四次后，至面团中渗出物减少，盆内水质逐渐变得清澈，面团变成色泽乳白，软滑柔韧，富有弹性时，即 成面筋。
3. 在往面筋里包馅时，不能漏馅，且要大小整齐均匀。
历史文化
1. 肉酿生麸又称生麸酿肉、生麸肉圆，是无锡名菜。无锡称水面筋为生麸。
2. 生面筋即才洗出来的水面筋，其特点洁白、质地细腻、柔韧滑润、可塑性强，是烹制素菜必备的原料之一。
3. 面筋的起源很早，大约唐宋年间为人们所喜食，宋代诗人王炎在《双溪集·山林清供杂味咏·鼓筋》中说：“色泽似乳酪，味胜鸡豚佳。一经细品嚼，清芳甘齿颊。”
虾子面筋 (http://www.fixdown.com/caipu/article/2/8/2007/200705031570.htm)
原 料:生面筋500克、虾仔25克、青蒜适量。
制 法：
1、生面筋下开水锅中汆一下捞出，装入砂锅中加高汤、料酒、盐、味精，大火烧开，小火煮至入味；
2、虾仔用熟鸡油稍煸，烹料酒、白糖，倒入砂锅用小火收干汤什撒青蒜末即成。
三鲜酿面筋 (http://www.foodqs.com/fashion/menu_view.asp?id=100500)
面筋150克。 猪肉、100克、海参25克、玉兰片25克。葱15克、姜10克、酱油10克、绍酒15克、精盐5克、味精1克、熟猪油100克、清汤100克、葱椒油5克。
【制作过程】
猪肉，海参洗净，均切成小丁，玉兰片切末，与葱姜末、酱油、绍酒、精盐、味精一起搅匀成三鲜馅。生面筋洗净，每条将片成长薄片，在每片面筋的一面，抹上 馅，卷成直径3厘米的圆柱形，放入九成开的清汤锅内，小火煮熟捞出。炒锅内加入熟猪油烧至六成热（约132℃）入放入葱段、姜片，炸出香味，加入酱油、清 汤烧开，捞出葱姜、倒入面筋，用慢火煨透，待汤汁剩下1／3时，将面筋捞在盘内。锅内原汤烧开，撇去浮沫，加入味精、绍酒，淋上花椒油，浇在面筋上即成。
Thursday, October 18, 2007
The Library - Oct. 16-17
* (10/16 Tuesday) Apparently I am learning a few things about our library. The compact storage is hiding in the basement. There are times when every of the four copiers on the first and the second floors broke. At least now I also know who is the person in charge of all these things. :-) It was such a crazy afternoon that I can't help but laugh about it.
* (10/17 Wednesday) I expected very few students to show up for the lab sections tonight and made 20 copies of the handout. However, I had 13 in the first section and thought I needed more copies to make sure that I would not run short. It was too late to get it made somewhere other than the library. Once again it was the "in-charge" person kindly allowed me to use the old employee copier capbable of double-sided copying. What a nice person :-)
* (10/17 Wednesday) I expected very few students to show up for the lab sections tonight and made 20 copies of the handout. However, I had 13 in the first section and thought I needed more copies to make sure that I would not run short. It was too late to get it made somewhere other than the library. Once again it was the "in-charge" person kindly allowed me to use the old employee copier capbable of double-sided copying. What a nice person :-)
Sunday, October 14, 2007
What a FULL day!
* First time in a long time, I was able to sleep in and relax. As a matter of fact, I did not leave my comfortable bed until 11am. It was nice to get the laundry done and to finally have some time getting tide up.
* The weather was perfect for the football game this afternoon. I enjoyed the sunshine, but still think it was not charitable to let the other team score nothing. It simply were not hospitable. Apparently there is a lack of sportsmanship in me.
* It was exciting to have the Bible study with S. & A. Dear LORD, will YOU please reveal yourself and your love to them? Will YOU Yourself draw them close? Dear LORD, I praise YOU for how YOU touch our hearts one by one in a unique way. Thank you for allowing to be an eyewitness and an instrument during YOUR transforming work.
* Contra dance was fun. I was late, but danced every single dance while I was there. M. is nice to waltz with me :-)
* The weather was perfect for the football game this afternoon. I enjoyed the sunshine, but still think it was not charitable to let the other team score nothing. It simply were not hospitable. Apparently there is a lack of sportsmanship in me.
* It was exciting to have the Bible study with S. & A. Dear LORD, will YOU please reveal yourself and your love to them? Will YOU Yourself draw them close? Dear LORD, I praise YOU for how YOU touch our hearts one by one in a unique way. Thank you for allowing to be an eyewitness and an instrument during YOUR transforming work.
* Contra dance was fun. I was late, but danced every single dance while I was there. M. is nice to waltz with me :-)
Monday, September 24, 2007
How Easily Tears Come - Sept. 23
I can't believe this. I got teary eyed three times this morning. Dear LORD, what are YOU doing?
The first time was during the song You Said. "You said, Ask and I'll give the nations to you. O Lord, that's the cry of my heart." That moment, my heart was overwhelmed. Tears came out despite my protest. I was not able to sing at all. The tears continued their free flowing until the very end of the song. (I suppose it is God's grace that I did not wear make up this morning.) I would be lying if I told you that I was not embarrassed. Dear LORD, will YOU lead me in prayer and service to ask you for the nations. Dear LORD, will YOU continue to prepare and equip me, lead me and guide me, mold me and transform me, ALL for YOUR glory.
Once again I was in tears during the story reading with Mark, and his math teacher, and the two pages of words of affirmation. At least, this time the tears stayed in my eyelids.
When I was playing with little I., tears came to fill my eyelids once again, looking at her and wondering how GOD sees her. Dear LORD, I do pray. Will YOU give me YOUR eyes to see little I., so that I can see her as how YOU see her? As a matter of fact, will YOU give me YOUR eyes to see everyone YOU place in my path? Will YOU help me see them as YOU see them?
I still can't believe how easily these tears came. Is this a sign of psychological health and low defense mechanism? Well, anyhow, the important thing is to keep Kleenex in my purse from now on ~
The first time was during the song You Said. "You said, Ask and I'll give the nations to you. O Lord, that's the cry of my heart." That moment, my heart was overwhelmed. Tears came out despite my protest. I was not able to sing at all. The tears continued their free flowing until the very end of the song. (I suppose it is God's grace that I did not wear make up this morning.) I would be lying if I told you that I was not embarrassed. Dear LORD, will YOU lead me in prayer and service to ask you for the nations. Dear LORD, will YOU continue to prepare and equip me, lead me and guide me, mold me and transform me, ALL for YOUR glory.
Once again I was in tears during the story reading with Mark, and his math teacher, and the two pages of words of affirmation. At least, this time the tears stayed in my eyelids.
When I was playing with little I., tears came to fill my eyelids once again, looking at her and wondering how GOD sees her. Dear LORD, I do pray. Will YOU give me YOUR eyes to see little I., so that I can see her as how YOU see her? As a matter of fact, will YOU give me YOUR eyes to see everyone YOU place in my path? Will YOU help me see them as YOU see them?
I still can't believe how easily these tears came. Is this a sign of psychological health and low defense mechanism? Well, anyhow, the important thing is to keep Kleenex in my purse from now on ~
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Random Thoughts in Quiet Morning Hours - Sept. 23
Finally, I got the time adjusted to the correct Eastern Time from the default.
It was around a hour ago that I woke up from dreaming contra dancing. I went contra last night. It was a blast. I absolutely loved it! Plus, I was praised as "a good swinger" by two different persons during the course of the night :-) That's always a good thing, I suppose. Collecting positive feedback is a healthy thing to do. ^_*
It was interesting that I met an alum last night serving food at the mid-autumn festival. He seemed familiar enough but I have not the tiniest memory piece where I saw him before. He also knew every place I settled in since my internship in college. Well, there are only two before here. :0) But he no longer remembered my name. Strange, strange, ... But I suppose it is a good to meet an alum here.
Anyhow, I woke up at 4:30AM, hungry, which was not surprising how little I did eat last night. My mind was also still excited from the evening. So I got up, loaded the laundry, empties the dish washer, and cleaned the kitchen counter and the microwave. Now I am back to bed with Silk and challah, still hungry but not really wanting to eat. The psalms CD played and ended. But I am too lazy to go change it. I can feel sleep is coming to me and I welcome it with open arms. I can still fit about 3hrs in if I so choose.
BTW: I realized that it is not really laziness when I don't do things. It is mostly because I am too tired, one way or another. Rest and self-care normally solves the situation. :-) What an assurance :-)
P.S. I need to reflect back on my attitude toward the lady coming back to the serving table last night. It is true that she was not very considerate of others and the system. However, I am not proud of my attitude either. I could not even remember the last time I was that grumpy. Oh, LORD, please forgive me and help me be gracious.
It was around a hour ago that I woke up from dreaming contra dancing. I went contra last night. It was a blast. I absolutely loved it! Plus, I was praised as "a good swinger" by two different persons during the course of the night :-) That's always a good thing, I suppose. Collecting positive feedback is a healthy thing to do. ^_*
It was interesting that I met an alum last night serving food at the mid-autumn festival. He seemed familiar enough but I have not the tiniest memory piece where I saw him before. He also knew every place I settled in since my internship in college. Well, there are only two before here. :0) But he no longer remembered my name. Strange, strange, ... But I suppose it is a good to meet an alum here.
Anyhow, I woke up at 4:30AM, hungry, which was not surprising how little I did eat last night. My mind was also still excited from the evening. So I got up, loaded the laundry, empties the dish washer, and cleaned the kitchen counter and the microwave. Now I am back to bed with Silk and challah, still hungry but not really wanting to eat. The psalms CD played and ended. But I am too lazy to go change it. I can feel sleep is coming to me and I welcome it with open arms. I can still fit about 3hrs in if I so choose.
BTW: I realized that it is not really laziness when I don't do things. It is mostly because I am too tired, one way or another. Rest and self-care normally solves the situation. :-) What an assurance :-)
P.S. I need to reflect back on my attitude toward the lady coming back to the serving table last night. It is true that she was not very considerate of others and the system. However, I am not proud of my attitude either. I could not even remember the last time I was that grumpy. Oh, LORD, please forgive me and help me be gracious.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
My CAPS Office - Sept. 21
Finally I am done with my office decor. I also turned in my thesis draft after my brain got totally fried to non-functional. So I took pictures of my office. Just a little show-off. I think this too is somewhere in me with at least a small portion. :-)
Here it is: My 1st Office Decor Effort
Here it is: My 1st Office Decor Effort
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Marital Abuse - Sept. 11
http://www.rbc.org/been_thinking_about/10/01/07.aspx
(God's Protection Over Women http://www.rbc.org/bible_study/discovery_series/booklets/32331.aspx)
Do we have a high enough view of marriage to respond adequately to marital abuse?
Before answering, let’s consider one woman who represents many. To personalize her, let’s imagine her as our daughter or friend.
She doesn’t know where to turn and blames herself for ending up in a bad marriage.
We know she isn’t perfect. But what we haven’t seen is how often she’s cried, and how hard she’s tried to make her marriage work. For the last 12 years she has prayed that God would give her the patience and grace to stay with the man she promised to love for the rest of her life.
He tells her he doesn’t love her and says he’s sorry he married her. He calls her names, deprives her of affection, and yet, whenever he’s in the mood, expects her to meet his sexual demands. When she talks about getting help, he threatens to tell her friends that she’s mentally ill or that she’s having an affair. She doesn’t doubt that he would lie to protect himself. He knows wounds of the heart are hard to prove and leaves physical bruises where others cannot see.
When she has confided in church leaders, they have advised her to be more submissive to avoid provoking his anger. They usually ask if he has been sexually unfaithful. She doesn’t think so. Some have asked if she thinks he’s really a “believer.” She tells them, “He says he is.” When she asked one elder why those questions were important, he told her that without evidence of an affair or the abandonment by an unbelieving spouse, she doesn’t have biblical grounds to leave her husband. The same church leaders have told her that separation is not an option because it is often the first step to a divorce.
Tough Questions: The subject of marital cruelty opens a Pandora’s box of questions. If we allow separation, and open the door to divorce, how many marriages will be lost? How can we know that a woman is not merely looking for an excuse out of an unhappy marriage?
Often-Overlooked Answers: As difficult as these questions are, they do not keep the God of the Bible from responding to the possibility of real marital cruelty.
Moses did more than describe God’s sacred purpose for marriage (Genesis 2). He also wrote laws granting the protection of divorce to the most powerless and socially disadvantaged women in Israel. Even for daughters who were sold into slavery to pay for a family’s financial debt (Exodus 21:7-11), and for foreign women captured as spoils of war (Deuteronomy 21:10-14), Moses made laws granting protection from husbands who showed willful disregard and neglect of their marital obligations.
In another law, Moses allowed a husband to divorce his wife with only one surprising restriction: he could not marry the same woman again if she was divorced or widowed from another man in the meantime (Deuteronomy 24:1-4). In a legal system severe enough to require the death penalty for those who committed adultery, Moses recognized hard-hearted cruelty that could be worse than divorce.
But is it right for us to call attention to these Mosaic laws when Jesus corrected religious leaders who were quoting Moses’ tolerance for divorce?
Jesus repeatedly corrected the misuse of Moses. When talking to self-centered men who were looking for legal loopholes to divorce “for any reason,” He talked about the importance of marital permanence. To such men, the Lord emphasized that God’s original intent was that marriage be a lifelong relationship.
But it would be a mistake to assume that Jesus would respond to a victim of domestic abuse in the same way. In parallel situations dealing with other laws, Jesus respected the intent of the law as well as its words.
Consider, for instance, the way He applied Sabbath law that, under Moses, required the death penalty for infraction. According to the gospel of Luke, Jesus went into a synagogue on the Sabbath and healed a woman who had been bent over for 18 years. When the ruler of the synagogue saw what Jesus had done, he was angry and accused Jesus of violating the no-work policy of the seventh day. Jesus, however, showed that it was the leader of the synagogue who misunderstood the intent of Sabbath law (Luke 13:10-16). In a similar incident, Jesus later asked, “Which of you, having a donkey or an ox that has fallen into a pit, will not immediately pull him out on the Sabbath day?” (14:5).
On another occasion, Jesus recognized other exceptions based on the intent of the law and said, “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath” (Mark 2:23-27). By the same principle, we can safely say that marriage was made for people. People were not made for marriage.
But what if we aren’t sure that it makes sense to reach back to the Old Testament for practical guidelines today? If we’re wondering, remember the following.
Paul encouraged his readers to find spiritual insight in the whole counsel of God. So he wrote, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). Even though he wrote these words in the days of the New Testament, Paul saw that when the timeless principles of the Law and Prophets are rightly interpreted and applied, they offer us guidance for working through broken relationships.
So when a daughter, sister, or friend tells a personal story of marital abuse, we need to be careful. Let’s believe them until we have reason not to. And if their plight is real, they don’t need to be told again about headship, submission, forgiveness, and the threat of losing church membership. They need to know that the God of Moses and Jesus cares not only about marital permanence, but also for those who are caught in abuse that is worse than protective separation and divorce.
Father in heaven, forgive us for multiplying the pain of those who are living with abusively hard-hearted spouses. Please give us the wisdom we need to offer help and consolation to those who are grieving lost hopes and dreams.–Mart De Haan
© 2007 RBC Ministries
(God's Protection Over Women http://www.rbc.org/bible_study/discovery_series/booklets/32331.aspx)
Do we have a high enough view of marriage to respond adequately to marital abuse?
Before answering, let’s consider one woman who represents many. To personalize her, let’s imagine her as our daughter or friend.
She doesn’t know where to turn and blames herself for ending up in a bad marriage.
We know she isn’t perfect. But what we haven’t seen is how often she’s cried, and how hard she’s tried to make her marriage work. For the last 12 years she has prayed that God would give her the patience and grace to stay with the man she promised to love for the rest of her life.
He tells her he doesn’t love her and says he’s sorry he married her. He calls her names, deprives her of affection, and yet, whenever he’s in the mood, expects her to meet his sexual demands. When she talks about getting help, he threatens to tell her friends that she’s mentally ill or that she’s having an affair. She doesn’t doubt that he would lie to protect himself. He knows wounds of the heart are hard to prove and leaves physical bruises where others cannot see.
When she has confided in church leaders, they have advised her to be more submissive to avoid provoking his anger. They usually ask if he has been sexually unfaithful. She doesn’t think so. Some have asked if she thinks he’s really a “believer.” She tells them, “He says he is.” When she asked one elder why those questions were important, he told her that without evidence of an affair or the abandonment by an unbelieving spouse, she doesn’t have biblical grounds to leave her husband. The same church leaders have told her that separation is not an option because it is often the first step to a divorce.
Tough Questions: The subject of marital cruelty opens a Pandora’s box of questions. If we allow separation, and open the door to divorce, how many marriages will be lost? How can we know that a woman is not merely looking for an excuse out of an unhappy marriage?
Often-Overlooked Answers: As difficult as these questions are, they do not keep the God of the Bible from responding to the possibility of real marital cruelty.
Moses did more than describe God’s sacred purpose for marriage (Genesis 2). He also wrote laws granting the protection of divorce to the most powerless and socially disadvantaged women in Israel. Even for daughters who were sold into slavery to pay for a family’s financial debt (Exodus 21:7-11), and for foreign women captured as spoils of war (Deuteronomy 21:10-14), Moses made laws granting protection from husbands who showed willful disregard and neglect of their marital obligations.
In another law, Moses allowed a husband to divorce his wife with only one surprising restriction: he could not marry the same woman again if she was divorced or widowed from another man in the meantime (Deuteronomy 24:1-4). In a legal system severe enough to require the death penalty for those who committed adultery, Moses recognized hard-hearted cruelty that could be worse than divorce.
But is it right for us to call attention to these Mosaic laws when Jesus corrected religious leaders who were quoting Moses’ tolerance for divorce?
Jesus repeatedly corrected the misuse of Moses. When talking to self-centered men who were looking for legal loopholes to divorce “for any reason,” He talked about the importance of marital permanence. To such men, the Lord emphasized that God’s original intent was that marriage be a lifelong relationship.
But it would be a mistake to assume that Jesus would respond to a victim of domestic abuse in the same way. In parallel situations dealing with other laws, Jesus respected the intent of the law as well as its words.
Consider, for instance, the way He applied Sabbath law that, under Moses, required the death penalty for infraction. According to the gospel of Luke, Jesus went into a synagogue on the Sabbath and healed a woman who had been bent over for 18 years. When the ruler of the synagogue saw what Jesus had done, he was angry and accused Jesus of violating the no-work policy of the seventh day. Jesus, however, showed that it was the leader of the synagogue who misunderstood the intent of Sabbath law (Luke 13:10-16). In a similar incident, Jesus later asked, “Which of you, having a donkey or an ox that has fallen into a pit, will not immediately pull him out on the Sabbath day?” (14:5).
On another occasion, Jesus recognized other exceptions based on the intent of the law and said, “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath” (Mark 2:23-27). By the same principle, we can safely say that marriage was made for people. People were not made for marriage.
But what if we aren’t sure that it makes sense to reach back to the Old Testament for practical guidelines today? If we’re wondering, remember the following.
Paul encouraged his readers to find spiritual insight in the whole counsel of God. So he wrote, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). Even though he wrote these words in the days of the New Testament, Paul saw that when the timeless principles of the Law and Prophets are rightly interpreted and applied, they offer us guidance for working through broken relationships.
So when a daughter, sister, or friend tells a personal story of marital abuse, we need to be careful. Let’s believe them until we have reason not to. And if their plight is real, they don’t need to be told again about headship, submission, forgiveness, and the threat of losing church membership. They need to know that the God of Moses and Jesus cares not only about marital permanence, but also for those who are caught in abuse that is worse than protective separation and divorce.
Father in heaven, forgive us for multiplying the pain of those who are living with abusively hard-hearted spouses. Please give us the wisdom we need to offer help and consolation to those who are grieving lost hopes and dreams.–Mart De Haan
© 2007 RBC Ministries
Monday, September 10, 2007
Free Hugs Day - Sept. 10
Random act of kindness - Free Hugs or Otherwise - Seize every opportunity!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vr3x_RRJdd4
http://www.freehugscampaign.org/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_Hugs_Campaign
http://www.free-hugs.com/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vr3x_RRJdd4
http://www.freehugscampaign.org/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_Hugs_Campaign
http://www.free-hugs.com/
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Plans for Friday 5-25-2007
* Get up at 7am
* Plan for the day:
- 9am - 11am case study write-up
- 11am - 12am organize thesis references and send to C. (set up summer working hours)
- 1pm - 3pm international student data template set-up; recruiting E-mails; preliminary data analysis (range, scatterplot, syntax, reverse score, etc.)
- 3pm - 5pm INTUIT data compilation
- Friday cheers?
- Reading for FUN!
* Plan for the day:
- 9am - 11am case study write-up
- 11am - 12am organize thesis references and send to C. (set up summer working hours)
- 1pm - 3pm international student data template set-up; recruiting E-mails; preliminary data analysis (range, scatterplot, syntax, reverse score, etc.)
- 3pm - 5pm INTUIT data compilation
- Friday cheers?
- Reading for FUN!
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