Our children were getting restless because they were bored. So, I thought we would do something we’ve not done in the past: we retrieved a pizza dough recipe and decided to make pizza just for the fun of it. While adding the brown sugar to the rest of the ingredients, my 13-year daughter asked, “That’s it? Are you sure? Can I see the recipe? (She thought she could follow recipes better than I).”
So, I handed her the recipe; she glanced at it, then I took it again, and continued to read the ingredients for her to add on, “1/2 tsp of salt,” I said.
“Why do we need salt?” asked my 9 year-old daughter.
“Well, because salt will help the dough stay soft and taste good,” I answered not really knowing if it was true.
The ingredients in this pizza dough got me thinking about Luke 6:38: “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over,…” For several months now, I’ve been pondering on this verse; trying to understand the true meaning of it. Actually, just trying to understand what it means “good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over.” But, while I was watching and measuring with my daughter, God showed me this awesome nugget truth about the above phrase. Duh! (Of course, God didn’t say Duh!) When we measured the ingredients, we made sure it was precise (at least my daughter did) to the recipe. To make certain that the dough turned out as the recipe called for, we put in the exact amounts of ingredients. Likewise, when God measures our rewards, He makes sure the amounts are just right.
Hmmm! What about pressed down? When my daughter measured the brown sugar, she pressed the sugar to make sure she has pressed hard enough, to ensure that that was all the spoon could contain. I was imagining how God measured our rewards, our gifts, He presses hard enough to get as much in as possible. He wanted to make sure we are full of His goodness and blessings.
Shaken together. I was watching Ratatouille with my children during this Christmas break, and Remy (the mouse cook, also the main character in the movie) was tasting the things in the old lady’s house kitchen: he took a bite of the cheese and savor it; then he took a bite of a strawberry and savor it; then he took a bite of each together and savor it. While he was savoring, they showed fire crackers and running swirls to express how good it was putting the ingredients together. Mmmm, mmm! Anyhow, Remy’s point was that things taste different, (in his case in point, better) if you put them together. As I was watching that I thought “When God adds in all of my rewards and gifts, He carefully shakes them together to create one powerful product. And, when all is done, He will present to us His “just right” reward-one powerful, wonderful blessing that we can do nothing but savor it. Wow!
Running Over. God doesn’t just mix it good, but He gives until it is running over. Malachi 3:10 says, “…see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.” When my Father gives His rewards to me, He does not withhold any portion of it for Himself. He gives me more than I can imagine. He opens the “floodgates of heaven”. It is much more powerful than the landslide or the earthly flood. Notice, it says “floodgates” (plural). He would not just give one. He multiplies our giving.
This new revelation was so deep and so wonderful, I felt exuberant. God has been so good. And, He’s teaching me His goodness and joy. He’s helping me to understand His word’s deeper and gave me the ability to apply it to my life and share it with you today. He’s helping me to develop my noble character His way. Praise the Lord.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Friday, December 21, 2007
A Woman of Noble Character stands firm in her faith
“… ‘Do not be afraid, Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still” (Exodus 14: 13-14).
I’ve been observing my children every Christmas. I have nearly four days left and still have not bought any presents. Here’s why: partly because of financial reasons and partly because they cannot wait until Christmas day to open their presents. In fact last week their aunt brought them some presents to put under the tree. They couldn’t wait, every time I came out of my office/bedroom; they told me a present is accidentally opened. It’s always the littlest one who did it. Sure, blame it on the defenseless. Anyhow, three of them discovered they’re getting picture frames. The other? A pair of shoe. Oh, my.
Then I felt so bad that I haven’t bought them anything, so I went to Dollar Tree to buy their stocking stuffs. Immediately after I filled their stockings and left the room, they all went and peeked in. At dinner time, they all tattled on each other. They all told me what they got. Their father didn’t utter out a word. He shook his head in disapproval and ate quietly. Me? Well, I threw my hands up in the air (not literally), “that’s it, no presents this year.” Then, they all turned to each other with blame.
“Good job, Elishua,” said Abia
“What you talking about?” reputed Elishua
“Jamin did it, too,” said Gaosoua.
“How do you know, you …(I’m working on teaching him pure language)” said Jamin.
“Okay, children, stop!!!” I shouted (I know it’s bad to shout, especially for a woman in the process of developing her noble character, but it couldn’t be helped). And, all is quiet.
What is it that makes us so anxious about life that we cannot wait, even for the good things in life to happen? As we were arguing during dinner, I was thinking about Adam and Eve when they sinned and God asked them why they disobeyed Him, they blatantly blamed it on one another. I’ve had conversations with women who blamed Eve: “If only Eve didn’t sin, we wouldn’t have to go through such hardships.” Sure, Eve may have started it, but what about me? What could I do to develop that noble character that every woman desire but fall short?
In Exodus 14:13-14, Moses told the Israelites that all they had to do was stand still and they would be delivered from the Egyptians. He said, “Stand firm…” Just believe. Isaiah 7:9b said, “If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.” Wow! Such a strong statement, yet so true.
I’ve come to realize that no matter how close my Egyptians (whether it be financial, mental, or physical challenges) are, God is able and willing. All He requires of me is that I stand firm in my faith. Trust Him. Trust in Him. Believe that He is able and willing to deliver me from all of my troubles for today. And tomorrow when I wake up, He is already there ready to assist me. So if I desire to develop that noble character of mine, I need to stand still, even with the challenges approaching and surrounding me.
Lord, thank you for your faithfulness toward my anxieties. Help me to be still enough to see, and to hear, to feel Your presence in my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
I’ve been observing my children every Christmas. I have nearly four days left and still have not bought any presents. Here’s why: partly because of financial reasons and partly because they cannot wait until Christmas day to open their presents. In fact last week their aunt brought them some presents to put under the tree. They couldn’t wait, every time I came out of my office/bedroom; they told me a present is accidentally opened. It’s always the littlest one who did it. Sure, blame it on the defenseless. Anyhow, three of them discovered they’re getting picture frames. The other? A pair of shoe. Oh, my.
Then I felt so bad that I haven’t bought them anything, so I went to Dollar Tree to buy their stocking stuffs. Immediately after I filled their stockings and left the room, they all went and peeked in. At dinner time, they all tattled on each other. They all told me what they got. Their father didn’t utter out a word. He shook his head in disapproval and ate quietly. Me? Well, I threw my hands up in the air (not literally), “that’s it, no presents this year.” Then, they all turned to each other with blame.
“Good job, Elishua,” said Abia
“What you talking about?” reputed Elishua
“Jamin did it, too,” said Gaosoua.
“How do you know, you …(I’m working on teaching him pure language)” said Jamin.
“Okay, children, stop!!!” I shouted (I know it’s bad to shout, especially for a woman in the process of developing her noble character, but it couldn’t be helped). And, all is quiet.
What is it that makes us so anxious about life that we cannot wait, even for the good things in life to happen? As we were arguing during dinner, I was thinking about Adam and Eve when they sinned and God asked them why they disobeyed Him, they blatantly blamed it on one another. I’ve had conversations with women who blamed Eve: “If only Eve didn’t sin, we wouldn’t have to go through such hardships.” Sure, Eve may have started it, but what about me? What could I do to develop that noble character that every woman desire but fall short?
In Exodus 14:13-14, Moses told the Israelites that all they had to do was stand still and they would be delivered from the Egyptians. He said, “Stand firm…” Just believe. Isaiah 7:9b said, “If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.” Wow! Such a strong statement, yet so true.
I’ve come to realize that no matter how close my Egyptians (whether it be financial, mental, or physical challenges) are, God is able and willing. All He requires of me is that I stand firm in my faith. Trust Him. Trust in Him. Believe that He is able and willing to deliver me from all of my troubles for today. And tomorrow when I wake up, He is already there ready to assist me. So if I desire to develop that noble character of mine, I need to stand still, even with the challenges approaching and surrounding me.
Lord, thank you for your faithfulness toward my anxieties. Help me to be still enough to see, and to hear, to feel Your presence in my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
God came through once again
Dear Sisters,
When we least expect it God is faithful and delivers us from our most stressful moments and causes. Yesterday, I have received the most incredible gift of all, a new washer. My washer broke two weeks ago and I've been asking God for it. Now, God has delivered. Not just a replacement, but a brand new washer. Isn't that incredible? Thank you for those of you who prayed for my situation. Thank you to the one who gave. God bless you all. It can only get better.
Please, be encouraged, for God sees your needs as well.
Christ alone brings peace,
Shoua
When we least expect it God is faithful and delivers us from our most stressful moments and causes. Yesterday, I have received the most incredible gift of all, a new washer. My washer broke two weeks ago and I've been asking God for it. Now, God has delivered. Not just a replacement, but a brand new washer. Isn't that incredible? Thank you for those of you who prayed for my situation. Thank you to the one who gave. God bless you all. It can only get better.
Please, be encouraged, for God sees your needs as well.
Christ alone brings peace,
Shoua
Friday, December 14, 2007
A woman of noble character is being refined?
“But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.”
Job 23:10
I’ve worked very hard on trying to enjoy Christmas even on this interesting journey that God has put our family on, but I think last evening really showed the true nature of me. My son, Jamin and daughter, Tabitha (a second grader and kindergartener, respectively) have asked me to buy them each a book for their class Christmas exchange program. I’ve put it off for two weeks, and finally, yesterday, afternoon, my son came home from school; and as soon as he entered the front door, he said “mom, this is the last day I have to bring that book.”
“Really?” I asked. I really wished that he would’ve forgotten about it instead. Financially, it is not possible. You see, for the last several years, I’ve lost two accounts for my quilting work ( I don’t call it business because it’s not really a business, just a little work to supplement the income) and the one account that I’ve have is cutting back because she’s getting ready to retire and her biggest wholesaler is quitting. So, we are really pinching our pennies. Yes, even a dollar for a book is hard to come by. I am counting my blessings for we’re not homeless.
Anyway, I had to go to the UPS Store to send my finish quilt tops off to the shop, so I decided that I will take two dollars off of the gas envelope so my children will not have to show up without a present for exchange, but my attitude was very “sour”. I was not a happy camper. When we arrived at the UPS Store, the lady charged me more than I’ve expected it. I said, “I thought that it was cheaper to ship to a business? It normally only cost me $8+, not $9+.”
“Well, this is the cheapest price we’ve got. It might have gone up just a tat,” she said firmly.
Well, what choice do I have but to ship the package? I wanted the money to come back on time for Christmas. As you know, (if you’ve been following all of my bloggings on other people’s blogs), I’ve not bought any presents. So, I barely smiled back at the clerk when I left the store. Then, just as we were getting in the car, my children were all wondering if I was really going to take them to store.
“Mom, I thought you was going to take me to Dollar Tree?” Jamin asked.
“Mommy, and me, too. Are you going to buy a book for me, too?” Tabitha asked.
“Mommy, can I get a Christmas card for my teacher, please? I want to give her a present and I want a card to go with it. Can I please, Momma?” said Gaosoua.
“Hey, children, settle down. If I said, I’m going to take you then I’m going to take you, okay?” I said. Ohhhh, I felt awful. Where was my noble character? “Help me, God. I’m trying to stay humbled and kind. I am not going to take that bait. I am going to remain calm and cherry,” I said under my breath.
“Sorry! Just asking?” said Gaosoua. Just then, my oldest daughter, Abia, has arrived home and had called to check in, wondering where we were. I told her we were at Dollar Tree and to keep the doors locked. I parked the car in the parking lot, and everyone was trying so hard to keep mommy at peace. They were all trying to get little Elizabeth off of her car seat. I brushed Gaosoua off the car, and picked up Elizabeth. I carried her off into the store with the rest of them trailing behind.
As we approached the door, they all rushed before me, and Tabitha said, “Mommy, here’s the paper wrappers,” point at the gift wraps beside the entrance.
“We’re not buying any wrappers. We have plenty of them at home,” I said.
Then, we stopped at the card stand, and Gaosoua panicked, “mom, there’s no Christmas cards for teachers. All of these cards are for someone in the family (not her exact words).”
“Go on the other side,” I said with a moaning sigh still carrying Elizabeth on my hip and leading the way. We finally picked up two cards, one for my mom and the other for her teacher. Then, we walked to the books. They each picked a book to their liking (I tried to influence them to buy a “better” book, but of course they were determined to buy their choice of books). Finally, we’re at the check-out line, and I realized that we have no scotch tapes. “So, I’m going to have to spend more than $3. Oh, well,” I thought.
We paid for the merchandizes and left for the car. Elizabeth was just as happy as can be. And, she had nothing in her hands. She didn’t even get to walk around the store. Everyone was happy, except mommy. What was wrong with the picture? Well, basically, I only had $20, and I’ve spent $14. Now, I’m down to $6 and still need toilet tissues, napkins, and wash our clothes at the laundry mat because our washer is broken. So, I was as sour as can be, but deep down I knew that God has blessed us beyond comprehension. So, I got in the car, turned on the engine, and turned on the Christian music station.
I was determined to my noble character, so I came home with Abia waiting at the door without opening the door, of course that was her order-whenever mommy is out of the house, no one is to open the door, whatsoever, unless of course there’s a fire. The only wrong thing was she was standing at the door, so if I was a crook, I open the door, and there’s my target. Anyhow, I smiled, walked to my room, dropped my handbag on my bed and walked right out to prepare supper.
I knew in my heart that I’ve lost my “noble character” yesterday. I was so upset because I had little less than what I needed. If God was to test me yesterday, I didn’t come forth as gold. Thankfully, our Father is full of grace and mercy. He said, “See, I have refined you, though not as silver, I have tested you in this furnace of affliction.”
I know this Christmas will continue to present its challenges, but I also know that God is faithful and just and will not let me face these circumstances beyond what I cannot bear. So, the next time you feel a little less noble; remember God is still refining you as He still is refining me. In building this noble character, I’ve learned to rely on God alone because to be called a “woman of noble character,” “a woman after God’s own heart,” “a virtuous wife,” etc. only God can know and refine us well enough to come forth as gold.
Lord, I am so glad You are lord over my life. Forgive me for being so sour yesterday. Thank you for the peace of today. Help me to reflect on Your love for us this Christmas. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Job 23:10
I’ve worked very hard on trying to enjoy Christmas even on this interesting journey that God has put our family on, but I think last evening really showed the true nature of me. My son, Jamin and daughter, Tabitha (a second grader and kindergartener, respectively) have asked me to buy them each a book for their class Christmas exchange program. I’ve put it off for two weeks, and finally, yesterday, afternoon, my son came home from school; and as soon as he entered the front door, he said “mom, this is the last day I have to bring that book.”
“Really?” I asked. I really wished that he would’ve forgotten about it instead. Financially, it is not possible. You see, for the last several years, I’ve lost two accounts for my quilting work ( I don’t call it business because it’s not really a business, just a little work to supplement the income) and the one account that I’ve have is cutting back because she’s getting ready to retire and her biggest wholesaler is quitting. So, we are really pinching our pennies. Yes, even a dollar for a book is hard to come by. I am counting my blessings for we’re not homeless.
Anyway, I had to go to the UPS Store to send my finish quilt tops off to the shop, so I decided that I will take two dollars off of the gas envelope so my children will not have to show up without a present for exchange, but my attitude was very “sour”. I was not a happy camper. When we arrived at the UPS Store, the lady charged me more than I’ve expected it. I said, “I thought that it was cheaper to ship to a business? It normally only cost me $8+, not $9+.”
“Well, this is the cheapest price we’ve got. It might have gone up just a tat,” she said firmly.
Well, what choice do I have but to ship the package? I wanted the money to come back on time for Christmas. As you know, (if you’ve been following all of my bloggings on other people’s blogs), I’ve not bought any presents. So, I barely smiled back at the clerk when I left the store. Then, just as we were getting in the car, my children were all wondering if I was really going to take them to store.
“Mom, I thought you was going to take me to Dollar Tree?” Jamin asked.
“Mommy, and me, too. Are you going to buy a book for me, too?” Tabitha asked.
“Mommy, can I get a Christmas card for my teacher, please? I want to give her a present and I want a card to go with it. Can I please, Momma?” said Gaosoua.
“Hey, children, settle down. If I said, I’m going to take you then I’m going to take you, okay?” I said. Ohhhh, I felt awful. Where was my noble character? “Help me, God. I’m trying to stay humbled and kind. I am not going to take that bait. I am going to remain calm and cherry,” I said under my breath.
“Sorry! Just asking?” said Gaosoua. Just then, my oldest daughter, Abia, has arrived home and had called to check in, wondering where we were. I told her we were at Dollar Tree and to keep the doors locked. I parked the car in the parking lot, and everyone was trying so hard to keep mommy at peace. They were all trying to get little Elizabeth off of her car seat. I brushed Gaosoua off the car, and picked up Elizabeth. I carried her off into the store with the rest of them trailing behind.
As we approached the door, they all rushed before me, and Tabitha said, “Mommy, here’s the paper wrappers,” point at the gift wraps beside the entrance.
“We’re not buying any wrappers. We have plenty of them at home,” I said.
Then, we stopped at the card stand, and Gaosoua panicked, “mom, there’s no Christmas cards for teachers. All of these cards are for someone in the family (not her exact words).”
“Go on the other side,” I said with a moaning sigh still carrying Elizabeth on my hip and leading the way. We finally picked up two cards, one for my mom and the other for her teacher. Then, we walked to the books. They each picked a book to their liking (I tried to influence them to buy a “better” book, but of course they were determined to buy their choice of books). Finally, we’re at the check-out line, and I realized that we have no scotch tapes. “So, I’m going to have to spend more than $3. Oh, well,” I thought.
We paid for the merchandizes and left for the car. Elizabeth was just as happy as can be. And, she had nothing in her hands. She didn’t even get to walk around the store. Everyone was happy, except mommy. What was wrong with the picture? Well, basically, I only had $20, and I’ve spent $14. Now, I’m down to $6 and still need toilet tissues, napkins, and wash our clothes at the laundry mat because our washer is broken. So, I was as sour as can be, but deep down I knew that God has blessed us beyond comprehension. So, I got in the car, turned on the engine, and turned on the Christian music station.
I was determined to my noble character, so I came home with Abia waiting at the door without opening the door, of course that was her order-whenever mommy is out of the house, no one is to open the door, whatsoever, unless of course there’s a fire. The only wrong thing was she was standing at the door, so if I was a crook, I open the door, and there’s my target. Anyhow, I smiled, walked to my room, dropped my handbag on my bed and walked right out to prepare supper.
I knew in my heart that I’ve lost my “noble character” yesterday. I was so upset because I had little less than what I needed. If God was to test me yesterday, I didn’t come forth as gold. Thankfully, our Father is full of grace and mercy. He said, “See, I have refined you, though not as silver, I have tested you in this furnace of affliction.”
I know this Christmas will continue to present its challenges, but I also know that God is faithful and just and will not let me face these circumstances beyond what I cannot bear. So, the next time you feel a little less noble; remember God is still refining you as He still is refining me. In building this noble character, I’ve learned to rely on God alone because to be called a “woman of noble character,” “a woman after God’s own heart,” “a virtuous wife,” etc. only God can know and refine us well enough to come forth as gold.
Lord, I am so glad You are lord over my life. Forgive me for being so sour yesterday. Thank you for the peace of today. Help me to reflect on Your love for us this Christmas. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Stalling for Time
Dear Faithful Friends,
As the Holidays approach, let's not forget what this season is really about.
I will be back to write soon. I must go run my errands now before the UPS store closes.
In the meantime, be thinking of reasons why you would stall for times during this season.
Always,
Shoua
As the Holidays approach, let's not forget what this season is really about.
I will be back to write soon. I must go run my errands now before the UPS store closes.
In the meantime, be thinking of reasons why you would stall for times during this season.
Always,
Shoua
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