Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Faith and sacrifice

    Yesterday I had the chance to fellowship with a family from my home church in Cupertino. This particular family has seen hardship and learned how to balance their lives in front of their children through these struggles. One thing that I admire the most about this family is their steadfast love for God. The father told me, "We had a challenge when we were younger to pray and read scripture daily, and so far we have done that together everyday" if it were anyone else I would have honestly thought that they probably meant everyday as best as they could... however with this family they really didn't skip a beat. This constant discipline became more natural to them over the time that they formed and practiced their routine with God. The thing that makes this harder is the fact that they have four kids! This makes me reflect on how at my age and life stage with balancing personal time with God, work, friends and family seem hard enough. It is encouraging to know and see a family that pursues God in the company of family. This Christmas break for me is really about finding God's grace through the eyes of others. It has been such an interesting time hearing stories of faith from other families and meetings that I have had while up here in NorCal. I have seen what faith looks like in the midst of sacrifice and loss but also who God through what is created. On another note, over break I had the chance to watch slumdog millionare a movie just recently released. The movie had such great themes and social commentary that I really recommend people to watch it too, its not too scandalous or bloody either. Blessings on your holidays and I hope everyone gets a chance to hear another story from friends/family that has never been heard before.  

Friday, December 12, 2008

I am here on purpose...

We just finished our InterVarsity Christmas Party for Mesa College and the one big take away that I am having is that our students are making genuine, honest and transparent steps for community. This is so powerful because our family is attracting international students, nominal Christians and seekers. They are discovering new passions in community and purpose while being at Mesa. The question of the night was..."Christmas is the story of Jesus, What is your story?" The stories of students that were suppose to be in the navy, at San Diego State or in New York yet ended up at Mesa College were numerous, they really spoke of God's action as purposeful and meaningful. The major dilema on campus is that students don't know why they are there besides community college just being a road block, a means to an ends. But the look on their faces when you see that world view collapse and the God of heaven and earth becomes a bit more day to day...that is priceless. Our God is The Living God and with purpose He directs us Proverbs 16:9.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Family Traditions

     I noticed that my family really doesn't have that many family traditions when I went home for Thanksgiving. Apparently for 8 years Anna Chang and her family have gone to this one Korean BBQ restaurant in San Francisco and afterward they walk a scripted route at Fisherman's Wharf each year during Thanksgiving. Other families go around the table and say what they are thankful for, and at Christmas some families bring out ornaments that have been passed on from generation to generation. It made me feel like starting something in my family besides my gift exchange idea this year. 
   But then I remembered that I am also partaking in Mesa InterVarsity family traditions. Our group has grown so close that community building is just exponentially multiplying. In God's kingdom there is an importance on repetition and remembrance. Tradition done in the right manner helps us write down God's story. Christmas is a sense of tradition even thought it is sometimes confused for gifts, it is a chance to remember the amazing incarnation of Christ. The world was given hope in the form of a child... how counter culture is that!  
    I hope that we all get to take part in some good traditions during this holiday season not just the "black fridays and cyber mondays" but ones that will leave a deeper impression on our hearts. So carol it up with family and your local church. 

I call Jesus Immanuel 
Isa 7:14 
Matt 1:23