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posted by Michael on 04/7/09

The greatest friend of purity is that which purifies. The gold is not afraid of the fire – only the dross is afraid of the fire. To be free from dross is to be free from fear. For the gold to desire the dross is to desire its own greatest hindrance. “Hereby know we that we dwell in Him, and He in us, because He hath given us of His Spirit. And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Savior of the world. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. Herein is our love made perfect [completed], that we may have boldness in the day of judgement: because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect [matured] love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment [punishment]. He that feareth is not made perfect [completed] in love.” 1 John 4:13-18

5 Comments » | posted in Tidbits

posted by Esther on 04/5/09

Written Friday, April 3, 2009

Greetings from Skiatook, OK! I want to thank everyone for your prayers and update you on how relaxing and rejuvenating this first week has been training and getting to know the team that I will be teaching with until mid-May.

Last Saturday 16 of us loaded up and headed to Eagle Springs – a beautiful lodge on 700 acres – to join the 5 other members who had come early to get the place ready and cook dinner.

But dinner did not get cooked. One thing I have learned about OK is that the weather is totally unreliable! A snowstorm hit, leaving 8 inches of snow and causing a power outage! So we began our retreat with sandwiches and chips by candlelight. We were all very grateful that it was back on by morning.

The next couple days were spent searching the Word and spending time with God. One thing that I don’t want to forget is that there is a vital step between seeking God and teaching His ways to others. That step is obeying and carrying it out ourselves. the command God has been prompting me to obey is to trust Him instead of worry.

He’s given me a few time to practice this already. Once, my power point was lost before my class so I had to adapt a similar one to use as a substitute. On April Fool’s day the shower head was missing which set my schedule back. Another time I started worrying about having time to practice violin for an audition that was coming up. And then there was the time I was co-teaching another class and my teaching partner wasn’t able to plan until the last minute which is NOT my preference! These were all chances to pause, say “God, I trust you with this”, and continue working through it calmly knowing that God was in control. Replacing worry with trust  in God is done little by little, one decision at a time. I’m excited to refine this command in my life this session. I know I will have lots of opportunities!

Training will finish up tomorrow and we’ll head back into the business of life for a time to apply and refine what we have learned here. Your prayers for effectiveness as we teach would be much appreciated! Thank you!

5 Comments » | posted in Family News

posted by Donald on 04/2/09

Six tries. One hit.

I don’t have any pictures for this one, but it’s yet another memory from our public school teaching that stands out in my memory. After lunch break, the school became very quiet. Many teachers as well as the students were taking their nap as usual, but one teacher extended the invitation to spin tops.

Now tops in Taiwan are no ordinary tops. They’re wooden, acorn-shaped things, bigger than a large apple. If you wrap the rope around one and throw it just right, it can spin for quite a while. This teacher was an expert. After his diligent instruction I felt like I was an expert too! Then came the test. Out of the sports room came a pedestal, about four feet tall and topped with a flat, turf-covered disk, about one foot in diameter and bordered with a small rim. To my amazement, with a flick of the wrist my teacher friend had one, two tops spinning on the pedestal. It was quite a sight.

Then it was my turn. First try: too much to the right. Second: to the left. Third and fourth: too far. Maybe it was my long arms. But he said I was reaching the right way and scooted the pedestal out a couple inches. Boom: on the fifth try my top was spinning on the pedestal. That was a sight too.

When the bell rang, a ten-minute break had begun and students began to circle around. Then the teacher suggested we both try one after the other. Of course he put his up without any problem. My top was wound. I held it the right way. I kept my arm straight, swung–and missed!

So so far my success rate was one to six. Enthusiastically, the teacher encouraged me to try it again. It took a little time to wind up the rope. I held the end of it securely between my second and third fingers, then put my thumb in the right place and held firm. “Arm straight … Reach”, I remembered. The break time was drawing short and I had the feeling it would be our last try. The teacher went first. Bingo. His top was on the pedestal, spinning beautifully. And mine?

Now, wait a minute. Do you think I would be writing up this long post if it were just a miss?! Of course it was a hit. That sight of his top and my top spinning on the pedestal together is still clearer than a photograph for me. In the background I can still almost hear the students laughing and cheering. That sight “topped” it off.

And shall I take the credit? No way. It’s a God-given love for others that makes one do their best in little things. And even more than that, it’s the diligence of a teacher, determined that his student can learn, that goes a very long way. Diligent students in Taiwan reflect diligent teachers in Taiwan who make it their responsibility to see that learning takes place. Whether you’re a teacher in some ways or a student in some ways, or both, I hope you’re encouraged by this post. Keep trying. Be diligent. At the right time your character will be rewarded.

7 Comments » | posted in Family News

posted by James on 04/1/09

Spring Crocus

8 Comments » | posted in Photography