Bittersweet Days

Today I am super sad. You see the tree in the picture, well that tree is gone. It has been gone for awhile due to construction but now they took away two others. I'm such a tree hugger! I mean what can possibly be so important that we don't need trees anymore. Sufficating in the mess being created.

Today I am also starting to tutor a Chinese Doctorate student. She is really sweet but pulled an Asian idea of time on me. LOL! We were suppose to meet at 12:40 for lunch and then I would leave around 1:30 to go to class but at 12:40 she called me and said "No, I'm not here." "Where are you?" I asked. She said "In my office working what time will we meet?" Trying not to be impatient I wanted to say "Um duh hello now!" but supressing my frustration I said " Well, I thought we were going to meet now?" Her response "Oh well I am busy can we meet after lunch?" Me "Well, that won't work for me I have class till 3:30 (which ended up letting out early) How about 4pm?" "Okay" then we discussed where.

So it has just been one of those days worthy of laughs. Two hours of time today I could have waisted today but you know then again rather than being frustrated I choose to use some of it to pray. Thank you Father for giving me pain so that I can see your pain. Thank you God for frustration that keeps me on my toes and reminds me of my own flaws. Thanks for friends and families to pray for but most of all thank you for this time of being no matter how many emotions rummage through my head I know that you are more important than anything on this earth I could love. Thank you for loving me and accepting me as the wretch I am. Thank you!

Dreams

Awh How I miss Laos somedays and the laughter of innocence. During one teacher workshop my first year teaching a lady was teaching on Martin Luther King Jr. and dreams, granted she was also breaking up the lesson so that the Lao could teach it if they like. Anyways, I was discussing together with two other teachers about their dreams and how they could accomplish them. One of the teachers said "Kat, Oh I have lots of dreams and wonderful things that I think about but I mean I just could never do what he did." I turned to her and said "Why not?" She looked at me as if why was I asking the most ignorant question of all times and head jerk backed said "Duh, he was a king!" I giggled a little but tried not to too much before explaining that that was his last name. She found that so odd. Thankfully both of these teachers spoke great English so I could clear it up a little. The things we never think about until they happen, such easy misunderstandings.

Martin Luther King Jr. may not have been a king but he was a wise man. "Like anybody, I, would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned about that now.I just want to do God's will." He understood that although he was not a King he served a greater King, the King of All Kings. We may not be queens, kings, princesses, or princes but we are in some ways because we are all God's children. He loved and created each and everyone of us for his pleasure and glory. As it talks about in Philippians 4:13 we can do all things because he gives us the strength too. Don't give up on dreams just make sure that they are not just your dreams but also the dreams he has for you. For God's plans are not man's plans(Isaiah 55:8, Proverbs 16:9) but he has far better things out there.

God's so Creative

For those of you who known me long enough you know I have always had an obsession with colors, believe that everything is somehow connected and has meaning, but I cannot always connect the dots but God can.

As I have been reading Isaiah over break I have been reminded of what a creative God we serve. He is many things Sustainer, Teacher, Friend, etc..but how often do we say creative. I mean we know he created everything, is both concrete and abstract, is the "I am" but creative as in thinks outside the box. Creative as in connects things and gives them meaning. Creative as in goes before and does things in a way that others aren't willing to try. Yeah, He's the most creative being alive!

Isaiah 1:18-Did you know that scarlet and crimson are dyes that both come from the coccus ilicis? This worm climbs a tree, lays eggs, then coats itself with reddish liquid killing itself and sealing it's offspring so that when they are born they can feed off of its body. Wow! The foreshadowing of Christ in his creation. Amazing! Read this article to know more Insects:Incredible and Inspirational

Isaiah 54:11-12 -Did you also know that sapphire is often used to describe heaven or more accurately lapis lazuli which means intensely blue. One article I read said "Stones in themselves have no power, but they do speak of the power and glory of our God."

So true- what do we reflect? We ourselves have no power but we can hope that the light shining through us reflects the power of Christ.

Isaiah 41-Even the trees he chooses to use have significance- the cypress, myrtle, olive and fir are all almost impossible to kill some because of their roots, some because of their cones or seeds but represent the everlasting one.

Then there is acacia which literally means cries or expels water only our King can truly satisfy our thirst. There is so much more ingenious displayed in his word and I am sure that I don't even know the half of it, but I know there is always more to learn from Him.

Today I am so thankful for a God who cares about the little things and is big enough to conquer even them. He cares about what interest us whether it be sports or painting, writing or sleeping, etcetera and he covers all grounds. He is truly amazing, patient and creative filled with a love that only He can give. Thank you for dying for me, loving me as I am and accepting me as your flawed daughter. May I never quit learning from your examples Lord!