How was your weekend? Mine was absolutely marvelous! For the first time since September, I had absolutely, and I mean absolutely NOTHING on my agenda (and mind). That's right! My radar was completely turned off. Being a diligent student, weekends = studying, writing papers, stressing... So remember how I told you that I'm going to take it easy and not obsess over grades this semester? Although there was much improvement compared to previous semesters, moments of carefreeness were very minimal. Being the perfectionist that I am, I just had to give it my all. I guess it paid off bc I received all A's!! Woohoo!
Usually when I go out on Saturdays, I start to freak out when I'm out longer than I had intended. Not this weekend. I was totally zen and lazy. I didn't even care to take pictures...yup sorry, guys. This one's going to be one of those posts with lots of words.
On Saturday, we went to Hopdoddys, a local burger joint. We met up with Tim's co-worker and her "friend," as she likes to call him ;). I told Tim on our way to the restaurant that he'd have to do most of the talking since I don't know them. However, meeting them was NOT awkward at all! They were the type of people that you can't help but to hit it off with immediately.
I believe we ended up loitering at the restaurant for nearly 2 hours! 10 minutes to inhale my burger (I don't allow my food to get cold)...you do the math. I laughed so hard that I probably burned off all the calories I consumed from the burger. It's safe to say that we are no longer strangers as I even managed to slap the "friend's" hand (don't ask...it was an impulse). I can't wait to hang out with them again!! I think I'm going to dream about possibly fishing in February!!
The rest of the weekend was spent lounging around at home since it was very yucky outside. I'm solar-powered so gloomy days usually means hibernation mode. I did cook and bake quite a bit though! I have an injured finger as my witness...
I also watched an insane amount of K-pop Star (one of many Korean versions of American Idol) and Korean dramas.
Now on a more personal level, ever since I started the 2+2+1 plan, I've been growing and maturing steadily in my walk with the Lord. Immersing myself in the word and asking God to give me a keen and discerning mind to receive the truth and wisdom that can only come from Him has been...well, extraordinary!
This past month at our church, we've been learning about the lives of the apostles and how they sacrificed everything to profess the name of Jesus Christ boldly and fearlessly. Not one of the disciples escaped death for proclamation of the truth. You can see the example of Jesus being followed by them.
As Stephen was being stoned to death, he "looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God." (Acts 7:55). That's right. Jesus is usually described as sitting next to God but as he saw one of his beloved suffering, he stood up! I don't know about you, but boy...that imagery is just so powerful to me.
I am fortunate to live in a country where I can freely proclaim and practice my faith. It's a privilege that I can write about this in my blog. However, Christians around the world are still being martyred for their faith. The things and stories that we read about in the Old Testament and during the life of Jesus Christ are still relevant and happening today.
I have never been more convicted than I am now to become a contagious Christian. In our small group, we are learning to discover our styles of evangelism and how we can become like the disciples in spreading the good news that is Jesus Christ. We individually made a list of people in our lives that we want to share the gospel with. I have 3 people on my list who are very very dear to me. Oh, I am a bit nervous as I have never done this before, but I pray that the Lord will give me the strength, wisdom, patience, and steadfastness.
So that's what's been on my mind lately. This week, I'm going to work on the nutrition fair at the WIC, practice photography, write Christmas cards, wrap presents (oh wait, must go shopping first), do yoga for at least an hour everyday, and bake. Ahhh...It's the week before Christmas!!!
myhealthyohana says
Oh Min, I love your heart for others! I'll be praying for you as you share the gospel with your friends, and will be praying that their hearts would be receptive to what you have to say. That is something totally out of my comfort zone, so I'd love to hear your thoughts one day on your style of evangelism and how to be a "contagious Christian".
It's been a light week, not as many scheduled activities for the kids, so we've had a couple relaxing days...going to the post office (always a fun adventure with a toddler), and the public library. We had brunch with one of my very old friends today. Got the last of the presents I ordered in the mail, so I got to wrap them with Malia 🙂 I'm really looking forward to a relaxing weekend, putting up the last of the ornaments, baking cookies with Malia, singing Christmas songs, and enjoying some family time...at least that's how I imagine it in my head...could be completely different, haha! Hope you get to relax and enjoy time with family...have a very blessed Christmas, Min!! Love you!
Meg says
Love this post - and your desire to be more open with your faith. The Christmas season holds so many good opportunities for that!
Sara @ Nourish and Flourish says
Cheers to stress-free weekends that call for absolutely NOTHING but relaxation and laughter with friends!! I'm so glad you were able to kick back and savor the simple pleasures of good food and friends. Aren't those moments--when you feel completely at ease and free to ENJOY life--the best?! I hope your days are filled to the brim with those feelings all break long (and beyond!), especially after earning straight A's!! Congrats!!
I think sharing the Word with others is one of the hardest assignments we're tasked with as Christians. It's an act that makes us immensely vulnerable, and often leads to unfair judgement and persecution. However, just as Jesus stood for Stephen, he stands for us, too. There's nothing to fear! Much easier said than done, though.I really struggle with evangelism, and usually opt to let my actions speak for my faith, rather than my words. We're called to do BOTH, though (gosh darnit!). It looks like this will be my most important new year's resolution.
Sending you huge hugs and lots of love from Boise, Min!! <3 xoxo
eatpraytri says
I just love your posts. I struggle with this too but have also felt the Lord tugging at my heart to be more open and "contagious" about my faith! I heard this lady speaking the other day and she said she used to feel nervous too...that she wouldnt have the right words or she wouldn't be good at talking abou her faith, and then the Lord told her "if I can use a donkey, I can use you!" I thought that was a great illustration and so true. The Lord can use us however he wants, we just have to trust Him!
Brittany Trentham (@batrentham) says
Pray that I too will be a contagious Christian!!
Congrats on all A's love!!! That is awesome!
healthydivaeats says
YAY for a weekend full of nothing planned! Those are great to have! We have one of those ahead and I am excited!
This week is last minute christmas gift shopping, just for gift cards and getting stuff together for christmas!
Happy week! <3
Kristen @ Swanky Dietitian says
The weather makes it so tough right now! I just want to cozy up with a book and hot chocolate but instead I try to clean the house, laundry, etc..not as fun!
Glad you got on with that other couple. That is so nice!
katie lewis (@slowdownsavor) says
That imagery of Jesus standing up as he saw one of his beloved suffering makes me tear up. A lot of these sorts of stories do, just because I'm constantly amazed and marveled by his incomprehensible love he has for us. It's beautiful and so breath-taking. Thank you for sharing this bit about faith - very cool.
Also, CONGRATS ON ALL A'S MIN!!! That's super duper exciting. I'm pumped for you 🙂
I haven't been to Hopdaddy yet, but every time I walk by that (and SnackBar) I make a mental note to get my booty over there.
I'm so super pleased you're done with school and can be zen & lazy. You deserve it! Have a beautiful week.
As for me? I'll be doing nothing worth mentioning really, except I think I'm going to be giving away some of my Bacon Balsamic Red Wine Sauce (it's really comparable to some sort of bbq sauce in thickness/consistancy) and Green Tomato Salsa Verde. I have such a bad habit of making A LOT of stuff. Like, "it'll go bad before I have a chance to eat it even though I use it every day" a lot. Haha, but other than that, just getting ready for Christmas!
xox - katie