About Me
- bangkokjoy
- Keller, TX, United States
- I grew up on a farm in Indiana, attended Purdue and Concordia Universities (undergraduate and graduate, respectively), served in the Peace Corps in Ecuador, and as a missionary with LCMS World Mission for 20 years in Thailand (15) and Guatemala (5). More recently, I've attained teacher certifications (Bilingual and Regular Ed Generalist EC-6, Bilingual and Regular Ed Generalist 4-8, and ESL). My heart is still in that of being a missionary and my first full-time post as an elementary/middle school teacher is that of English Language Specialist at Buena Vista International School (BCIS) in Shenzhen, China on the mainland just across the border from Hong Kong. I teach ESL to all grades at this new school under Lutheran Church-Hong Kong Synod. The school is not a part of the LCMS though the school has been granted LCMS World Mission educational consultants and an interim principal for its first year of operation.
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Friday, June 3, 2011
Push It!
It is not vain to serve God.
We did right. We told the truth. We suffer. We prayed for this and that yet our prayers are not answered.
The arrogant and wicked - those who curse God - are the ones who are blessed. It's the ruthless, the hypocrite, the tyrant, and the dishonest who prosper and increase in riches.
Our flesh says, "It's not fair. How vain. What's blessed in this world?" What's in it for me? God owes me for all my good deeds. This philosophy says then, all is in vain.
But the new man says, "It is not futile... not vain." Christians talk to God and He hears them. They fear/love/respect/trust/ and have confidence in God no matter what is happening... God hears. These people talk to each other about these things and encouraged one another in times of crop failure, loss, pain, death, mourning. And this is the kind of conversation that God wants us to have with each other all the time so we don't grow weary in doing good. It is paramount that we have talk that is edifying coming out of our mouths.
When God hears complaints being made by we Christians, He rebukes our complaints as sin and lack of trust as well as lack of thanksgiving.
May He work in our hearts and deliver us from self pity, pride, and materialism that would say life is not fair. God sees and hears and feels our pain, and He sees those things we do when no one else sees. He honors those things we do in His name. God has a home prepared for us. This is our reward and we forebear it all.
If whatever is happening to me at the time is the worst thing that could happen to me, then I am truly blessed. I push it. And I push it to the limit.
We did right. We told the truth. We suffer. We prayed for this and that yet our prayers are not answered.
The arrogant and wicked - those who curse God - are the ones who are blessed. It's the ruthless, the hypocrite, the tyrant, and the dishonest who prosper and increase in riches.
Our flesh says, "It's not fair. How vain. What's blessed in this world?" What's in it for me? God owes me for all my good deeds. This philosophy says then, all is in vain.
But the new man says, "It is not futile... not vain." Christians talk to God and He hears them. They fear/love/respect/trust/ and have confidence in God no matter what is happening... God hears. These people talk to each other about these things and encouraged one another in times of crop failure, loss, pain, death, mourning. And this is the kind of conversation that God wants us to have with each other all the time so we don't grow weary in doing good. It is paramount that we have talk that is edifying coming out of our mouths.
When God hears complaints being made by we Christians, He rebukes our complaints as sin and lack of trust as well as lack of thanksgiving.
May He work in our hearts and deliver us from self pity, pride, and materialism that would say life is not fair. God sees and hears and feels our pain, and He sees those things we do when no one else sees. He honors those things we do in His name. God has a home prepared for us. This is our reward and we forebear it all.
If whatever is happening to me at the time is the worst thing that could happen to me, then I am truly blessed. I push it. And I push it to the limit.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
The Christian Presence in the World
The following notes were taken from a sermon by Rev. Glenn Huebel of Messiah Lutheran Church in Keller, TX. The sermon was based on the Gospel for the day: Matthew 5:13 - 20.
We are in the world, not of the world. Some separate themselves out. Some are eager to be in the world but become like those of the world. However, Jesus describes Christians as those who are distinct and visible to the world. It's contradictory to God's purpose for Christians to be like those of the world. He has breathed His light into us through Christ so that we shine His light into the world.
We are Christ's bride and we are not embarrassed to say He is our Lord even when we may be ridiculed because of His name. Many have suffered persecutions for their faithfulness to the Lord. They are faithful loving witnesses to Christ... we see and /or hear of them and they serve as good examples for us.
We are not entrusted with the Gospel to keep it as our own private domain. It is designed to be shared and it is given to us to be shared with everyone... to the hurting, to sinners from all walks of life, to those in high places and to those in lowly places, and to those close to you, near to you, as well as those far from you and/or in distant lands. The Gospel is to be shared with all so that all might be saved.
Many have retreated into monasteries or choose to live their lives separate from the world around them. Even some of us, yes, us... could be living like this. But this is not God's intent for our lives. By our example, the world sees Christ and that is God's intent - not to isolate ourselves. And it is not to become like the world either as in the salt that has lost its saltiness.
If we are going to remain relevant, we must not give in to the thoughts and pressures of society which says it's OK to have sex before marriage and that it's OK for those of the same sex to be in relationship with each other. It's not OK to be friends with permissiveness. Jesus says those who do not confront the Church with the Truth have no place in the Kingdom of God just as salt that loses its saltiness is of no value.
We often say we desire to depart and be with Christ but it is more necessary for us to remain as the Apostle Paul declares. We are to remain in the world as a light for those who do not yet know Christ as it says in verse 16 of today's Gospel: "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Love your enemy and all those who persecute you. This is when the world will see God's grace at work in our lives - they will see the difference... even in our secular vocations. Peter and Paul both say we are a royal priesthood. We are to declare His praises. We must be careful that we don't become so much like the world that people can't see the Light of Christ in us.
The Lord says in verse 19, "Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teachers others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven." Jesus fulfilled the moral law for us - Moses believed God and it was credited to Him as righteousness. So it is with us.
The Pharisees had the moral law but they did not believe in the promise... the promise of the Savior.
We don't bring the Light of Christ into the world by moralism.
We bless the world through the power of the Gospel and through lives that bask in God's love and forgiveness... lives that know He is the foundation for our very being. That is what draws people to the Light of Christ. And we say, "To God Be The Glory!" Amen.
We are in the world, not of the world. Some separate themselves out. Some are eager to be in the world but become like those of the world. However, Jesus describes Christians as those who are distinct and visible to the world. It's contradictory to God's purpose for Christians to be like those of the world. He has breathed His light into us through Christ so that we shine His light into the world.
We are Christ's bride and we are not embarrassed to say He is our Lord even when we may be ridiculed because of His name. Many have suffered persecutions for their faithfulness to the Lord. They are faithful loving witnesses to Christ... we see and /or hear of them and they serve as good examples for us.
We are not entrusted with the Gospel to keep it as our own private domain. It is designed to be shared and it is given to us to be shared with everyone... to the hurting, to sinners from all walks of life, to those in high places and to those in lowly places, and to those close to you, near to you, as well as those far from you and/or in distant lands. The Gospel is to be shared with all so that all might be saved.
Many have retreated into monasteries or choose to live their lives separate from the world around them. Even some of us, yes, us... could be living like this. But this is not God's intent for our lives. By our example, the world sees Christ and that is God's intent - not to isolate ourselves. And it is not to become like the world either as in the salt that has lost its saltiness.
If we are going to remain relevant, we must not give in to the thoughts and pressures of society which says it's OK to have sex before marriage and that it's OK for those of the same sex to be in relationship with each other. It's not OK to be friends with permissiveness. Jesus says those who do not confront the Church with the Truth have no place in the Kingdom of God just as salt that loses its saltiness is of no value.
We often say we desire to depart and be with Christ but it is more necessary for us to remain as the Apostle Paul declares. We are to remain in the world as a light for those who do not yet know Christ as it says in verse 16 of today's Gospel: "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Love your enemy and all those who persecute you. This is when the world will see God's grace at work in our lives - they will see the difference... even in our secular vocations. Peter and Paul both say we are a royal priesthood. We are to declare His praises. We must be careful that we don't become so much like the world that people can't see the Light of Christ in us.
The Lord says in verse 19, "Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teachers others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven." Jesus fulfilled the moral law for us - Moses believed God and it was credited to Him as righteousness. So it is with us.
The Pharisees had the moral law but they did not believe in the promise... the promise of the Savior.
We don't bring the Light of Christ into the world by moralism.
We bless the world through the power of the Gospel and through lives that bask in God's love and forgiveness... lives that know He is the foundation for our very being. That is what draws people to the Light of Christ. And we say, "To God Be The Glory!" Amen.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Friday, February 18, 2011
Simple Truths - We Hope You Enjoyed the movie!
Simple Truths - We Hope You Enjoyed the movie!
Click on the link above to see the video clip!
This short video is for all my women friends who find themselves in the midst of overcoming something... no matter what it is.
God's peace and strength be yours!
Christie
Click on the link above to see the video clip!
This short video is for all my women friends who find themselves in the midst of overcoming something... no matter what it is.
God's peace and strength be yours!
Christie
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Monday, January 3, 2011
That's My King! - New Year 2011!
Let's start the new year 2011 right! With Jesus Christ, our King! Read this and let's praise Jesus!
John 1:1,14
John 1:1,14
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
The following is from Dr. S.M. Lockridge’s sermon titled “That’s My King.” If you have never heard it go to youtube, and search for “That’s My King” by Dr. S.M. Lockridge.
That’s My King
by Dr. S.M. Lockridge
My King was born King.
The Bible says He’s a Seven Way King.
He’s the King of the Jews – that’s a racial King.
He’s the King of Israel – that’s a National King.
He’s the King of righteousness.
He’s the King of the ages.
He’s the King of Heaven.
He’s the King of glory.
He’s the King of kings and He is the Lord of lords.
Now that’s my King.
Well I wonder if you know Him.
Do you know Him?
Don’t try to mislead me.
Do you know my King?
David said the Heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament show His handiwork.
My King is the only one whom there are no means of measure can define His limitless love.
No far seeing telescope can bring into visibility the coastline of His shore of supplies.
No barriers can hinder Him from pouring out His blessing.
Well, well, He’s enduringly strong.
He’s entirely sincere.
He’s eternally steadfast.
He’s immortally graceful.
He’s imperially powerful.
He’s impartially merciful.
That’s my King.
He’s God’s Son.
He’s the sinner’s Savior.
He’s the centerpiece of civilization.
He stands alone in Himself.
He’s august.
He’s unique.
He’s unparalleled.
He’s unprecedented.
He’s supreme.
He’s pre-eminent.
Well, He’s the loftiest idea in literature.
He’s the highest personality in philosophy.
He’s the supreme problem in high criticism.
He’s the fundamental doctrine of proved theology.
He’s the carnal necessity of spiritual religion.
That’s my King.
He’s the miracle of the age.
He’s the superlative of everything good that you choose to call Him.
Well, He’s the only one able to supply all of our needs simultaneously.
He supplies strength for the weak.
He’s available for the tempted and the tried.
He sympathizes and He saves.
He’s strong God and He guides.
He heals the sick.
He cleanses the lepers.
He forgives sinners.
He discharged debtors.
He delivers the captives.
He defends the feeble.
He blesses the young.
He serves the unfortunate.
He regards the aged.
He rewards the diligent and He beautifies the meek.
Do you know Him?
Well, my King is the key of knowledge.
He’s the wellspring of wisdom.
He’s the doorway of deliverance.
He’s the pathway of peace.
He’s the roadway of righteousness.
He’s the highway of holiness.
He’s the gateway of glory.
He’s the master of the mighty.
He’s the captain of the conquerors.
He’s the head of the heroes.
He’s the leader of the legislatures.
He’s the overseer of the overcomers.
He’s the governor of governors.
He’s the prince of princes.
He’s the King of kings and He’s the Lord of lords.
That’s my King.
Yeah.
Yeah.
That’s my King.
My King, yeah.
His office is manifold.
His promise is sure.
His light is matchless.
His goodness is limitless.
His mercy is everlasting.
His love never changes.
His Word is enough.
His grace is sufficient.
His reign is righteous.
His yoke is easy and His burden is light.
Well.
I wish I could describe Him to you, but He’s indescribable.
He’s indescribable.
Yes.
He’s incomprehensible.
He’s invincible.
He’s irresistible.
I’m coming to tell you, the heavens of heavens cannot contain Him, let alone a man explaining Him.
You can’t get Him out of your mind.
You can’t get Him off of your hands.
You can’t outlive Him and you can’t live without Him.
Well, Pharisees couldn’t stand Him, but they found out they couldn’t stop Him.
Pilot couldn’t find any fault in Him.
The witnesses couldn’t get their testimonies to agree.
Herod couldn’t kill Him.
Death couldn’t handle Him and the grave couldn’t hold Him.
That’s my King.
Yeah.
He always has been and He always will be.
I’m talking about He had no predecessor and He’ll have no successor.
There was nobody before Him and there’ll be nobody after Him.
You can’t impeach Him and He’s not going to resign.
That’s my King!
That’s my King!
Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory.
Well, all the power belongs to my King.
We’re around here talking about black power and white power and green power, but it’s God’s power.
Thine is the power.
Yeah.
And the glory.
We try to get prestige and honor and glory for ourselves, but the glory is all His.
Yes.
Thine is the Kingdom and the power and glory, forever and ever and ever and ever.
How long is that?
And ever and ever and ever and ever.
And when you get through with all of the forevers, then, Amen.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Bryce - struggling against cancer - Pray 4 him
Do you know someone who is struggling with cancer? Perhaps you are in a fight against it yourself?
Cancer takes more and more lives each year and knows no age boundaries.
Today in one of the classes for which I subbed, the students called out, "Absent." when I called young Bryce's name. He's only a freshman in high school. There was no strength in the call of their voices, however. They had said "Absent" with such a quiet demeanor and so many of them at the same time. With each student's name I call, I always look up to acknowledge the person behind the voice. At this moment when I looked up, the faces of each student was solemn as I've ever seen. Their eyes told me something was very very wrong.
Upon asking, I was told that Bryce had been in the hospital for the last couple of weeks and that just yesterday he had been sent home to be cared for in his last days of life. Bryce has had a type of brain cancer for several years already and been through all the chemo and various treatments possible. When he has been well enough, he has joined his classmates at school. He has had good seasons and bad. The students said they adored him, especially the few who had actually gone to school with him in Middle School and Elementary School.
Bryce, they explained, was a fighter and always maintained a positive outlook. Though he was terminally ill, he had been and continues to be for them a role model on how to live and look at life. One student shared, "You know, Bryce is a Christian. Even when he's not well, he's always praying and always reading from his Bible." Another student shared, "Yes, and he is the only person I know who has never lost his cool or given anybody any trouble." Then someone told me that they had just sent him a class card and that he was always present in their minds, and that for him personally, Bryce's life, words, and attitude had given him the inspiration to seek more of God since he had found so much love and peace in his friend. Now isn't that a testimony!
The way I understand it, Bryce won't live many more days on this earth. However, what a witness of faith this young man has been in the lives of his peers, and no doubt, everyone who knows him. It was such a blessing for me to be in the public classroom and hear the testimonies of these students about their friend and openly use the names "God" and "Jesus" as if it were a private school.
Let's keep Bryce in our prayers for healing and continued peace in his struggle against cancer, and let's each say a short prayer of thanksgiving to God for Bryce's life and for how God has used him during his short life on earth!
And may Bryce serve as an example to anyone struggling with cancer and/or who is caring for someone who has it. God is faithful now and forever.
Cancer takes more and more lives each year and knows no age boundaries.
Today in one of the classes for which I subbed, the students called out, "Absent." when I called young Bryce's name. He's only a freshman in high school. There was no strength in the call of their voices, however. They had said "Absent" with such a quiet demeanor and so many of them at the same time. With each student's name I call, I always look up to acknowledge the person behind the voice. At this moment when I looked up, the faces of each student was solemn as I've ever seen. Their eyes told me something was very very wrong.
Upon asking, I was told that Bryce had been in the hospital for the last couple of weeks and that just yesterday he had been sent home to be cared for in his last days of life. Bryce has had a type of brain cancer for several years already and been through all the chemo and various treatments possible. When he has been well enough, he has joined his classmates at school. He has had good seasons and bad. The students said they adored him, especially the few who had actually gone to school with him in Middle School and Elementary School.
Bryce, they explained, was a fighter and always maintained a positive outlook. Though he was terminally ill, he had been and continues to be for them a role model on how to live and look at life. One student shared, "You know, Bryce is a Christian. Even when he's not well, he's always praying and always reading from his Bible." Another student shared, "Yes, and he is the only person I know who has never lost his cool or given anybody any trouble." Then someone told me that they had just sent him a class card and that he was always present in their minds, and that for him personally, Bryce's life, words, and attitude had given him the inspiration to seek more of God since he had found so much love and peace in his friend. Now isn't that a testimony!
The way I understand it, Bryce won't live many more days on this earth. However, what a witness of faith this young man has been in the lives of his peers, and no doubt, everyone who knows him. It was such a blessing for me to be in the public classroom and hear the testimonies of these students about their friend and openly use the names "God" and "Jesus" as if it were a private school.
Let's keep Bryce in our prayers for healing and continued peace in his struggle against cancer, and let's each say a short prayer of thanksgiving to God for Bryce's life and for how God has used him during his short life on earth!
And may Bryce serve as an example to anyone struggling with cancer and/or who is caring for someone who has it. God is faithful now and forever.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Financial Peace
My Financial Peace University group leaders just shared this with me and I am posting it in the hopes that it will be of some comfort and motivation for you, too! Enjoy! God is so awesome!
Thank you for this, Kyle & Shelly!
Thank you for this, Kyle & Shelly!
"When things go wrong as they sometimes will, When the road you're trudging seems all up hill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high, You are going to smile because you are trusting on the One Most High.
When care is pressing you down a bit, Rest if you must, but don't you quit.
Life is a roller-coaster with its twists and turns, As everyone of us sometimes learns,
Don't give up though the pace seems slow-- You may succeed with another blow,
Success is failure turned inside out-- The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are, It may be near when it seems so far;
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit-- It's when things seem worst that you must not quit."
When the funds are low and the debts are high, You are going to smile because you are trusting on the One Most High.
When care is pressing you down a bit, Rest if you must, but don't you quit.
Life is a roller-coaster with its twists and turns, As everyone of us sometimes learns,
Don't give up though the pace seems slow-- You may succeed with another blow,
Success is failure turned inside out-- The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are, It may be near when it seems so far;
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit-- It's when things seem worst that you must not quit."
New Beginnings
Today is the first day for me to blog. It's an overcast day and the weather is cool. It's only to get up into the low 80's today. I spent the weekend studying for the Generalist 4-8 Texas state exam. It's coming up on the 27th. I also attended my church's service on Sunday.
The pastor's message was about "Wrestling with God" based on Genesis 32:22-30 in which Jacob wrestled with God. The message was quite meaningful though I think the title of his message could very easily have been "Trusting God in the Midst of Adversity" or "Be Confident in the Lord" or "When in Times of Doubt, Don't!"
That's easier said than done but the bottom line is that the closer one's walk is with the Lord, the greater his/her faith will be, too. And what seems insurmountable will seem like a mole hill and problems can be seen as challenges and opportunities to be cherished! Personally, I am not fully grown up in Christ yet. I still "wrestle with God" sometimes. I think it is a process I will be going through until the day the Lord calls me home to Him! And if I am persistent and wrestle with God like Jacob did, I won't let go until I am blessed!
Since my return back from Thailand and more recently in the last couple of years that I have not had a full-time position and have been pursuing teacher certification to broaden my marketability. It has been a time of personal reflection and evaluation. I've asked myself and the Lord many questions such as these: "What is the Lord's Will for me in this season of my life?" "What do You want to teach me, Lord?" "What is it that You want me to do next in service to You and Your people, Lord? Surely, there is still yet much You have prepared for me to do! But what is it and where is it, Lord?"
I have also cried out, "Lord, Your promises to me are true because You are Truth! When I was 25 years old you gave me a second chance to live. Remember, Lord? And I told you then that I would serve you for the rest of my days. I have not gone back on my promise to you either, Lord. Therefore, though You are silent in these days, I continue to believe that You yet have great purpose for my life and that You are preparing me for whatever it is you have next for me!"
God is faithful and He has given me the answers to some of these questions and it has been a great time for spiritual growth. I also believe He has told me to do the student teaching in January and to prepare for teaching Grades EC-8 (Bilingual/Regular) as well as EC-12 Spanish. I have completed studying for and have passed the Bilingual EC-6 exam and the Generalist EC-6 exam. I have yet to take the Generalist 4-8, BTLPT, LOTE-Spanish, and PPR exams. My goal is to complete all of this by Summer 2011. Beyond what the Lord has told me about student teaching and my studies, I don't have clear direction or answers yet. But I am trusting in God to continue leading me. And He will!
As you can see, there has been great uncertainty in my life as there may have been in yours, too. However, even in the face of uncertainty, our Lord is certain, faithful, and unwavering. He is always secure and we are secure in Him whatever may come into our lives or whatever we may find ourselves up against. There is nothing so powerful that cannot melt in the presence of God's might. There is nothing so terrifying that the love of God cannot cast it out. There is nothing so overwhelmingly challenging that God's wisdom, insight, and enabling cannot overcome! Truly, God is our Rock, our Refuge, and our Providence!
The pastor's message was about "Wrestling with God" based on Genesis 32:22-30 in which Jacob wrestled with God. The message was quite meaningful though I think the title of his message could very easily have been "Trusting God in the Midst of Adversity" or "Be Confident in the Lord" or "When in Times of Doubt, Don't!"
That's easier said than done but the bottom line is that the closer one's walk is with the Lord, the greater his/her faith will be, too. And what seems insurmountable will seem like a mole hill and problems can be seen as challenges and opportunities to be cherished! Personally, I am not fully grown up in Christ yet. I still "wrestle with God" sometimes. I think it is a process I will be going through until the day the Lord calls me home to Him! And if I am persistent and wrestle with God like Jacob did, I won't let go until I am blessed!
Since my return back from Thailand and more recently in the last couple of years that I have not had a full-time position and have been pursuing teacher certification to broaden my marketability. It has been a time of personal reflection and evaluation. I've asked myself and the Lord many questions such as these: "What is the Lord's Will for me in this season of my life?" "What do You want to teach me, Lord?" "What is it that You want me to do next in service to You and Your people, Lord? Surely, there is still yet much You have prepared for me to do! But what is it and where is it, Lord?"
I have also cried out, "Lord, Your promises to me are true because You are Truth! When I was 25 years old you gave me a second chance to live. Remember, Lord? And I told you then that I would serve you for the rest of my days. I have not gone back on my promise to you either, Lord. Therefore, though You are silent in these days, I continue to believe that You yet have great purpose for my life and that You are preparing me for whatever it is you have next for me!"
God is faithful and He has given me the answers to some of these questions and it has been a great time for spiritual growth. I also believe He has told me to do the student teaching in January and to prepare for teaching Grades EC-8 (Bilingual/Regular) as well as EC-12 Spanish. I have completed studying for and have passed the Bilingual EC-6 exam and the Generalist EC-6 exam. I have yet to take the Generalist 4-8, BTLPT, LOTE-Spanish, and PPR exams. My goal is to complete all of this by Summer 2011. Beyond what the Lord has told me about student teaching and my studies, I don't have clear direction or answers yet. But I am trusting in God to continue leading me. And He will!
As you can see, there has been great uncertainty in my life as there may have been in yours, too. However, even in the face of uncertainty, our Lord is certain, faithful, and unwavering. He is always secure and we are secure in Him whatever may come into our lives or whatever we may find ourselves up against. There is nothing so powerful that cannot melt in the presence of God's might. There is nothing so terrifying that the love of God cannot cast it out. There is nothing so overwhelmingly challenging that God's wisdom, insight, and enabling cannot overcome! Truly, God is our Rock, our Refuge, and our Providence!
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