This is Mui-mui's first Halloween. We dressed her in the Mak family costume made by K's mom. All Mak kids wore it. Can you recognize who is who?
We recently allowed her to have a lollipop. She loved it so now she knows what candy is. There was a parade and trick-or-treating at the boys' school. I brought Mui along. At first she didn't know what we were doing. I showed her how to go up to people to get candy. After seeing what she can get, she knew how to spot people who are giving out candies and she made her way up to them. With her cute look people would give her candies first.
We attended All Church Camp mainly because H loves leading a large crowd to worship. I go because, as a family, I want to support H in an area that God has called him to serve in. God knew that I needed to rest in His presence, be renewed spiritually, and go before the Lord in genuine worship. I got plenty of rest physically because after putting the kids down to sleep, we basically have to turn off the light. Once the light is off, I literally fell asleep in less than 10 minutes.
H and the team did a great job in worship. They practiced and carefully choose songs that the Chinese and English congregations can sing, at the same time teaching new songs. They are truly more than instrumental players. Their voices and sharings led people to focus on God and His greatness. I had a great time singing my heart out to God. Here are some of the songs that brought me before my Savior unhindered.
The speaker was wonderful and very practical. He had action item suggestions after every sermon. He talked about encouragement, forgiveness, integrity, and spiritual gifts. Every sermon is applicable, but my mind kept thinking about the sermon regarding encouragement. He opened with how encouragement is so important to everyone. Encouragement is second on the list of what human need from each other. Number one is a listening ear. Love and affection is way down on this list. This actually got my attention. Encouragement is the second most important thing in our interaction with people, yet it is not offer much at all. It's easier to crititize and complain than to encourage. Even in the secular whole, Charles Schwab stated the following about encouragement:
I consider my ability to arouse enthusiasm among men the greatest asset I possess. The way to develop the best that is in a man is by appreciation and encouragement.
I have yet to find the man, however exalted his station, who did not do better work and put forth greater effort under a spirit of approval than under a spirit of criticism.
Perhaps I was captivated by this because I was criticized by my boss for doing something I didn't think was inappropriate. Is it really true that if more encouragement is offered that people would perform better than criticism offered as constructive feedback? I don't know, but it doesn't hurt to try.
Four aspects of encouragement:
1. Complement the faithful
2. Comforting the hurting
3. Challenging the complacent
4. Exhorting the discouraged
Techniques for encouragement:
1. A spoken word
2. A written word
3. A listenigh ears
4. A gentle touch
5. Hospitality
6. A thoughful gift
7. Acts of service
8. Prayers
9. A warm smile
I was upset at something at work today, it's so complicated that it's hard to explain. However, it not important what got me upset, but what's more important is how God met me where I am and talked to me.
After experiencing unpleasant feelings and anger, I immediately called H. He, of course, was encouraging and always on my side. But even after our hour of conversation, I was still upset and discouraged. I tried to work and do things to overcome those feelings and prevent it from happening again. When I am unhappy, I also like to watch TV and eat to suppress my feelings. But when I was about to do that, I asked myself, "Why are you turning to people and things to help you? Why are you not turning to the Almighty God?" Sometime I just don't go to God because at times I open the Bible and read something that is not applicable to my situation. But tonight, I knew I needed to go to my Father. And so I did. I sat at my spot and opened the Bible. I read an article from the a devotion that I put off a long time ago called Indeed. Then I reminded myself that I need to read the BIBLE itself and not an article written by someone. So I opened a devotion for mothers and did the first devotion. It led me to 1 Cor 13, the verse about love. I then asked God to speak to me, what does love got to do with my situation? It's not applicable. I didn't hear God or see Him, but the Holy Spirit was definitely at work. I asked God, did I totally screwed up at work? Did I disgrace your name because everyone knew that I am a Christian. God made me realized that I shouldn't worry about what I did, but rather, I should focus on how I am going to react. That is what sets me, a Christian, apart from others. The passage about love was applicable after all. I need to respond in love. We are called to love those who hurt us and persecute us. Love is not easily anger and it keeps no record of wrongs. Love never fails. It never fails at home, at church, and even at work.
So there it is, God met me because He knew I needed Him and told me what He wants me to do. How do I respond in love? What do I do? That is what I am asking God now. I am tired and my emotion and brain are drained, so I am sure He will tell me another day.
I hope that this encourages you to go before the throne of grace in your time of distress. May Christ dwell in you richly.
