Right now, we are in day 3 of our local, week long mission trip. As a church, we decided to go to a local missionary here in the islands and help out with her ministry to the Chuukese kids of the Waianae coast. While still on our home island, it is different place and setting, something we are not used to for everyone since we all live near the city.
Now I have been on mission before, not many, but in different states, countries, and areas. But this was definitely a challenge. And in the role of a pastor, even more so than before. For me, mission work has always been me being part of the action, getting my hands dirty and getting in with the people head first. But for this season, I have to admit, that it has been more difficult than I can fathom right now, and it is hard for me because I cannot do as much as I would like to, or more to the point, as much as would make me feel like I was actually BEING a servant.
But then I see Monalisa. She is eager to show how much she trusts me. She falls into my arms to let me know that she has faith that I will catch her, that I will not let her fall to the ground. She giggles with the fact that I trust her to hold my hand and lead me around the playground and capture the ball so that we can win the game. She learns about faith and trust in Jesus through playing with me for just a moment, clings to me like a monkey for a piggyback and poses for a picture.
I am not naive. She may never know the lesson she has learned from the Bible today. But she has seen the love of Jesus through someone who would never normally have the chance if God was not in control. And she blessed a man who thought that he was meant to minister to a bunch of young men but instead was blessed by a little girl and her friends to that got to see the tender side of a man who loves to see children happy.
I cannot run around like I used to...touch football and capture the flag I am sorry to say are things I cannot keep up with as much anymore. But I can help support and encourage those who are ready, willing and able to do that kind of work for the Lord. It is not my time or my place to dictate what I need to do, it is simply the Lord who tells me where I need to join in. Sorry Lord for messing it up yet again, thank you Lord again for letting me experience it.
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Monday, July 8, 2013
After 7 years...
Today marks 7 years of marriage to my wonderful wife. I cannot believe that it has passed so quickly. It has been an amazing 7 years that seems to have gone so quick. I can still remember the day pretty vividly as I look around at the wedding pictures in my office.
I remember thinking how long I have anticipated the day when I could make the vows in front of family and Miki, promising to love, honor and cherish her for the rest of my life. As I look at the youthful picture with me and my groomsmen, we look so vibrant and ready to take on what lie ahead. As I stare at the second picture with me and Miki in black and white, I remember our exhausting day, but joyful relief as the day was complete and we were officially married.
Now, after 3 years in seminary, two boys, and grueling movements from apartments in California to a new start in Hawaii, I have got to say that we are tired. It has been a challenge to where we have been to be where we are now. We have gone kicking and screaming through some stages in our marriage, but here we are back in Hawaii, the place where it all began. Now a pastor of a small congregation, I just officiated my first wedding to one of the groomsmen in my "wolf pack." Do I tell him the challenges that lie ahead? I pray that as I have shared with him the vows he has taken for his new bride, that he remember that the key is the headship of God as he intended in marriage.
It has been difficult to remain positive as I have gone through the challenge of raising children and still providing financially for my family as the years have gone by. When Miki and I got married, we never imagined having two kids this fast. God has an interesting way of altering our plans. This altering and shaping has caused me many times to be irritable, angered, and frustrated, as so much has had to change so fast, and sacrifices needed to be made for the sake of the children. It is easy to forget the joy that children bring.
Then I read the choice of following the Lord in Joshua. I read that we need to remember and renew the covenant that we made with our Father in heaven, and how that commitment stems from a love and desire to want to be with Him. Then we remember all the things He has done for us, the things he has brought us out of and through. And you cannot help but fall to your knees and thank Him for being who He is...such a loving Father who wants to see the best for you.
My wife is tired, but she has so much faith and love for the Lord, it scares me. Her devotion to the family and God has been a joy to watch in action, as she has matured further in such a short time. And yet she remains humble, harmonious, supportive, and steadfast to me and the boys. Not bad for someone who did not think she would be a great mother or wife. I cannot imagine being the man for God I am today if I was not blessed by her loving partnership. I praise my Lord for all the things He has brought us through in these 7 years, and celebrate in joy in bringing us closer to Him and each other in all that time. We have two healthy, active, and hungry boys, who run us ragged, but have been blessed with so much love and attention by God's people. They are such great kids.
Lord thank you for reminding me of everything you have given and brought us through. May our lives continue to honor and glorify you for those who come to your throne. We look forward to the anniversaries ahead, the altars and markers of your presence in our lives!
I remember thinking how long I have anticipated the day when I could make the vows in front of family and Miki, promising to love, honor and cherish her for the rest of my life. As I look at the youthful picture with me and my groomsmen, we look so vibrant and ready to take on what lie ahead. As I stare at the second picture with me and Miki in black and white, I remember our exhausting day, but joyful relief as the day was complete and we were officially married.
Now, after 3 years in seminary, two boys, and grueling movements from apartments in California to a new start in Hawaii, I have got to say that we are tired. It has been a challenge to where we have been to be where we are now. We have gone kicking and screaming through some stages in our marriage, but here we are back in Hawaii, the place where it all began. Now a pastor of a small congregation, I just officiated my first wedding to one of the groomsmen in my "wolf pack." Do I tell him the challenges that lie ahead? I pray that as I have shared with him the vows he has taken for his new bride, that he remember that the key is the headship of God as he intended in marriage.
It has been difficult to remain positive as I have gone through the challenge of raising children and still providing financially for my family as the years have gone by. When Miki and I got married, we never imagined having two kids this fast. God has an interesting way of altering our plans. This altering and shaping has caused me many times to be irritable, angered, and frustrated, as so much has had to change so fast, and sacrifices needed to be made for the sake of the children. It is easy to forget the joy that children bring.
Then I read the choice of following the Lord in Joshua. I read that we need to remember and renew the covenant that we made with our Father in heaven, and how that commitment stems from a love and desire to want to be with Him. Then we remember all the things He has done for us, the things he has brought us out of and through. And you cannot help but fall to your knees and thank Him for being who He is...such a loving Father who wants to see the best for you.
My wife is tired, but she has so much faith and love for the Lord, it scares me. Her devotion to the family and God has been a joy to watch in action, as she has matured further in such a short time. And yet she remains humble, harmonious, supportive, and steadfast to me and the boys. Not bad for someone who did not think she would be a great mother or wife. I cannot imagine being the man for God I am today if I was not blessed by her loving partnership. I praise my Lord for all the things He has brought us through in these 7 years, and celebrate in joy in bringing us closer to Him and each other in all that time. We have two healthy, active, and hungry boys, who run us ragged, but have been blessed with so much love and attention by God's people. They are such great kids.
Lord thank you for reminding me of everything you have given and brought us through. May our lives continue to honor and glorify you for those who come to your throne. We look forward to the anniversaries ahead, the altars and markers of your presence in our lives!
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