I have been reading and praying every morning since that first post sometime ago when I said I was back on the wagon. Thank God for accountability partners and encouraging wives!
I think we are going to have made a decision on an new apartment soon. Please be praying about this... it is a little stressful and not seemingly romantically fun, but really it can just be a time consuming venture. I have thought about how great a business could be had for helping people rent to foreigners... specifically training agents, then landlords, then tenants on how it all could be so much better. Building a clientele, recommendation oriented, and getting a base for it all would be intriguing, but I am not in that line of business. I'm all for service, but not that service, the Lord's service.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Humility
Any ideas on how to be more humble? I recognize I don't come across as I should, because I am often told I come across as a know-it-all. There are many reasons for this, but none that justify how I allow others to perceive me. If there is anyone out there that reads this blog that has some ideas on the topic, let me know.
1. Spend more time honoring others words, time, efforts, and less time focusing on myself.
2. Speak less.
3. When speaking ask questions. (This is more difficult.)
4. Speak fewer words, shorter sentences, present less lecture-like.
5. Maybe just don't speak.
6. Use milder emotions.
7. Use softer illustrations.
8. Find ways to shift focus off of me and onto others.
1. Spend more time honoring others words, time, efforts, and less time focusing on myself.
2. Speak less.
3. When speaking ask questions. (This is more difficult.)
4. Speak fewer words, shorter sentences, present less lecture-like.
5. Maybe just don't speak.
6. Use milder emotions.
7. Use softer illustrations.
8. Find ways to shift focus off of me and onto others.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Back at it!
Today, I did my morning reading. I'm following Gary's advice of not requiring a blog, reading another thing, or anything else to the reading time. I think that is very important, but here I am blogging a little.
Jaime and I are supposed to go to the gym this afternoon after working on characters together. We both need to really nail down some of the basic characters. Speed, accuracy, and just constant recognition and retention of those earliest characters will do a lot for us.
We are planning to look for an apartment in Jingsong on Easter weekend!
Jaime and I are supposed to go to the gym this afternoon after working on characters together. We both need to really nail down some of the basic characters. Speed, accuracy, and just constant recognition and retention of those earliest characters will do a lot for us.
We are planning to look for an apartment in Jingsong on Easter weekend!
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Getting back on track!
I am trying to catch up on my Daily Bible readings - about 2 weeks behind. I will also be trying to reestablish my daily publishing habit, albeit a more focused writing and less time wasted. Some of the issues surrounding this (one which leads to the others): proper bedtime, early rising, using my time efficiently (devo and daily), less time on Internet, more time on studying the Word and Chinese, fulfilling my responsibilities ahead of time (not procrastinating), and maybe there are a few others, but those are the biggies.
Please be praying for me to follow through. I need to get these things under proper management so that I can continue excelling in my walk with the Lord and in my service to man.
Please be praying for me to follow through. I need to get these things under proper management so that I can continue excelling in my walk with the Lord and in my service to man.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Sick day...
Today I am not feeling well. Woke with a fever of 102.7... went directly to the local clinic had a chest x-ray, blood work, then received some IVs.
I'll be trying to catch up on this later on today or tomorrow. For now it is bed time.
I'll be trying to catch up on this later on today or tomorrow. For now it is bed time.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Two vs. One, Irrevocable Blessings, Symptoms or Roots
Yesterday
Met with some of the China teachers at their winter meeting, which will last all week. I plan to go today to an actual part of it, not just visit after. I had an appointment yesterday with some French folks who design ski resorts!
Everything takes longer without Jaime here. Two are definitely better than one.
The Daily Bible
Balak summons Balaam to curse the Israelites, but all Balaam does is bless them according to the Lord's desire. God blesses and when he blesses no one can take away that blessing.
Boundaries in Marriage
Intruders (schedules, people, or other) are often the symptom or result of another problem. The real issue, the root issue must be addressed in order to remove the symptom. Just like you shouldn't focus all attention on the stomachache, when the real cause is drinking too much alcohol.
Prayer
God you are a blessing beyond compare, help me to focus on you, your heart, and your ways. Bless us all to love you and serve you. Watch over our efforts for you, destroy our plans of lower quality and lesser fruits. Show us how to plant and sow with eternal rewards. Honor us with your presence and heal us of our sin and sickness. Thank you Father for our brother Jesus, amen.
Met with some of the China teachers at their winter meeting, which will last all week. I plan to go today to an actual part of it, not just visit after. I had an appointment yesterday with some French folks who design ski resorts!
Everything takes longer without Jaime here. Two are definitely better than one.
The Daily Bible
Balak summons Balaam to curse the Israelites, but all Balaam does is bless them according to the Lord's desire. God blesses and when he blesses no one can take away that blessing.
Boundaries in Marriage
Intruders (schedules, people, or other) are often the symptom or result of another problem. The real issue, the root issue must be addressed in order to remove the symptom. Just like you shouldn't focus all attention on the stomachache, when the real cause is drinking too much alcohol.
Prayer
God you are a blessing beyond compare, help me to focus on you, your heart, and your ways. Bless us all to love you and serve you. Watch over our efforts for you, destroy our plans of lower quality and lesser fruits. Show us how to plant and sow with eternal rewards. Honor us with your presence and heal us of our sin and sickness. Thank you Father for our brother Jesus, amen.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Jaime Departed, Wanderings Complete, Healthy Outsiders
Yesterday
I delivered Jaime to the airport, then went shopping for a few things. I bought some new friends to keep me company while Jaime is away, Red & Blue are my two new Betas.
The Daily Bible
The wanderings of Israel are almost at an end. Miriam dies. Moses and Aaron disobey God and will not enter the promised land. Aaron dies. There are some battles and the Israelites have victories as they dedicate the battles to the Lord. Moses recorded the wanderings of the 40 years.
Boundaries in Marriage
Outsiders should be helpful not harmful to your marriage. Marriage was not meant to be the only source of life, emotional connection, or relationship. Choosing safe, healthy, marriage enhancing friends and activities is essential to keeping the marriage bonds growing deeper throughout the years.
Prayer
Thank you Lord for this day. Help me to be a servant to others, trusting you for energy to serve. Thank you for Jesus. Amen.
I delivered Jaime to the airport, then went shopping for a few things. I bought some new friends to keep me company while Jaime is away, Red & Blue are my two new Betas.
The Daily Bible
The wanderings of Israel are almost at an end. Miriam dies. Moses and Aaron disobey God and will not enter the promised land. Aaron dies. There are some battles and the Israelites have victories as they dedicate the battles to the Lord. Moses recorded the wanderings of the 40 years.
Boundaries in Marriage
Outsiders should be helpful not harmful to your marriage. Marriage was not meant to be the only source of life, emotional connection, or relationship. Choosing safe, healthy, marriage enhancing friends and activities is essential to keeping the marriage bonds growing deeper throughout the years.
Prayer
Thank you Lord for this day. Help me to be a servant to others, trusting you for energy to serve. Thank you for Jesus. Amen.
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