strange new thoughts

Between now and Friday, I have no responsibilities except to write.

On the one hand, it's stressful. But on the other hand, it's a privilege too.

In a way, I'm glad I'm on a break from baddy because I think if someone says one more time, "Oh, you have nothing to do because it's summer," I really might punch them in the nose.

I don't understand why people think they can assume what someone else's life is like. I have a job. There's no free lunch in this world. Connect the dots. Asshats.

Hard at work

Grounded and thankful

I seem to deal fine with jet-lag when I get to a place, maybe because I'm running on adrenaline. After all, have to get those presentations done! But jet-lag after I get back is horrendous.

Happy to not hop across time zones for awhile.

Best part of the layover

Sitting and walking along the Seine on a beautiful, sunny, and cool day.

Blessed.

Land training

Friendship

It's not just inviting someone to visit; it's offering someone a place to work even when they visit.

We fail?
But screw your courage to the sticking-place

And we'll not fail

~ Lady Macbeth 

"We work hard not because we need to feel worthy, but because God has already made us worthy. . . . Jesus's power did not make him invincible; it made him vulnerable. We have been so blessed by God that we are free to give power away to bless others. God has us covered."
-- Pastor Brett

more people i love

Nothing I ever deserved.

Definitions

"That's faith, by the way: triggering grace by taking God at his word." ~ Levi Lusko

Twin

Mar gave me the red notebook that matched her blue. Aww.

Models of pedagogy, mentoring, collegiality, and friendship. Unusual and rare in our line of work。

Culver city

A beautiful May morning. Thankful for the hospitality and the friendship that made this trip possible.

Closing of a chapter

The Mellow Felons are officially coming to an end.

FL and SMS developed a space for generosity and rigor in a line of work that is not always very hospitable.

Getting ready for the conference

The conference room at a friend's apartment building in SaMo.

The amuse bouche. 7 year old soy sauce.

We were worried when we saw it, but the course turned out plentiful.

That's a lesson to me. God is a God of abundance.

Fancy Korean restaurant

Went to a fusion Korean restaurant in Samcheongdong and the food was amazing. The flavors came together in unexpected ways.

The waiter was so innocent and sweet, and the chef was charismatic.

I hope I have the chance to bring my mom here in the future.

Isaiah 41:8-10

“But you, Israel, are my servant.
    You’re Jacob, my first choice,
    descendants of my good friend Abraham.
I pulled you in from all over the world,
    called you in from every dark corner of the earth,
Telling you, ‘You’re my servant, serving on my side.
    I’ve picked you. I haven’t dropped you.’
Don’t panic. I’m with you.
    There’s no need to fear for I’m your God.
I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you.
    I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.

fingertips

Sometimes, getting through the blues means sticking with the task despite the lack of clarity.

And trusting in God's provision. Because throughout this project, I've continued to be surprised by the provisions of grace.

Still, the anxiety doesn't got away.

I should be thankful that we serve a faithful God whose covenants have nothing to do with my feelings.

Dare You to Trust My Love

sports psychology

I'm trying out something I learned from reading a book about sports psychology and mental toughness. Every time I feel stressed out by work, I tell myself: "It's okay, you like challenges" and "This is tough but you'll grow from this."

Positive body language also helps. So I need to sit, stand, or walk with confidence as if I enjoy this challenge.

It sounds kinda kooky, but I'll try anything so long as it is legal.

T

"Faith requires stepping into a vacuum." ~ Henry Cloud

We need to surrender and prune some things from our life, not because they're bad, but because we have a vision for our life.

Hebrews 11: 1

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for, and confidence in what we do not see.

If there is a loss, we grieve. But we grieve trusting in the character of God.

epiphanies

"We are fearful because we mistake glimpses for reality." -- Pastor Rick.


This is the most powerful warning I've heard against synecdoche.


1 Corinthians 13:12

For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

The definition of theory

dreams

I don't trust dreams, and I don't trust feelings. But I'm learning to "befriend" my feelings now as Mar suggests. (It's either that or go crazy.) We stay.

Last night, I dreamed that I asked someone what "Coachella" means. I was given an answer, but I don't remember what it was.

I think it'll take a lot for me to trust dreams.

Go ahead, God, do your best. See if that changes.

apropos of nothing

Feelings suck.

Saturday

It's hard to find sermons that present a fresh take on the Easter story. But I like this one by John Ortberg about the importance of Saturday in the Easter weekend.

Good Friday

Ark is a welcoming community.

Ark social