This post may have some errors, I'm very tired tonight after our 3rd cookie party here.
Going into this event, my wive and I were very tired, so it was harder to get overly excited about it. We only had 3 children signed up. Plus our younger daughter had an afternoon birthday party at a friend's house, so we had to get her to and from that.
It turned out to be our easiest cookie party of the three, due to the smaller number of participants. One was from my elder daughter's class at school; another was a former classmate of our elder daughters, and the third was someone from our church in Paris. The smaller number allowed for my wife & I to actually make some cookies.
We learned that one of the participants lost his wife to an aneurism, so he's raising 2 kids alone. Just getting into this conversation made the day worth it.
mercredi 30 décembre 2009
mardi 29 décembre 2009
New Year around the corner.
It's hard to believe that 2009 is nearly history. Even harder to fathom is that 10 years ago many of us were worried aboy Y2K and its potential danger to civilization as we knew it then. Obviously, what has taken place the last 10 years has not been as cataclysmic as what some had projected.
Speaking of technology, our 1989 Toyota Corolla with nearly 220,000 kms on the odometer is in the Toyota dealership. Since Saturday, we haven't gotten the car to be able to start. Fortunately, I purchased a clause with my auto insurance for mechanical problems like this. After calling the insurance company to get a tow truck to come, I waiting downstairs. It may be a problem with the starter or the cylanoide, whatever that is.
Hopefully the solution is simple and not too expensive. With an old car, we want to put in as little into it expense wise as possible. I even wonder if we should get rid of the car if the repair cost is too high?
My inlaws flew back to the U.S. today. It was a good overall visit during their 2 weeks.
I need to spend some time in the next couple of days reflecting on 2010 and what God's plans are for me & my family.
Speaking of technology, our 1989 Toyota Corolla with nearly 220,000 kms on the odometer is in the Toyota dealership. Since Saturday, we haven't gotten the car to be able to start. Fortunately, I purchased a clause with my auto insurance for mechanical problems like this. After calling the insurance company to get a tow truck to come, I waiting downstairs. It may be a problem with the starter or the cylanoide, whatever that is.
Hopefully the solution is simple and not too expensive. With an old car, we want to put in as little into it expense wise as possible. I even wonder if we should get rid of the car if the repair cost is too high?
My inlaws flew back to the U.S. today. It was a good overall visit during their 2 weeks.
I need to spend some time in the next couple of days reflecting on 2010 and what God's plans are for me & my family.
vendredi 25 décembre 2009
Christmas Eve & Christmas Day Summaries
It's been a good Dec. 24 & 25 for us. We have many good memories that we'll carry with us into the future.
Christmas Eve, we celebrated in-house as a family, with our children & my wife's parents. We had homemade lasagna, a dish that might become a tradition for us. When I grew up, we used to have a Filipino dish called "aroz," which basically was chicken & rice cooked together in a big pot. It's nice to have some family traditions around the holidays.
Christmas morning, after opening the stockings & presents under the tree, we had egg bake, made by my father-in-law. This is a tradition in my wife's family. We also had kid's champagne, which is similar to the sparking grape juice that her family had.
For supper, we had us 7, plus 5 others for the meal. Our guests included an American couple living in Paris, 2 young American men passing through Paris on vacation this week, and an adoptive aunt of our kids who lives here and usually celebrates the holidays with us. Her sister passed away last week & she needed some Christmas cheer.
Our supper menu started with hors d'oeuvres (foie gras & smoked salmon on bread, crab flavored sticks, olives, carrot sticks, and champagne). The main dinner course was chicken, potatoes, gravy, asparagus, a bean & carrot dish, cranberry sauce, and a Saumur white. This was followed by a cheese course (camembert, brie, coulomnier & a goat cheese) and salad. Of course, there was French bread as well. The dessert course had homemade cookies, chocolate, a Christmas log, and pumpkin pie.
The company was delightful. Since we've started doing these Christmas suppers in 2001, we've had a variety of guests each time. Some included visitors just passing through Paris. Others are people living here but don't have family. As we have kids & the resources & desire to host for this event, we are happy to do so, even though it is work. Both my wife & I were adopted by other families when we were single or young married without kids. Now it's our "turn" to be family to others.
Today is Boxing Day. We now have a tradition of going to another family's home for their annual cookie party. That's now one of my favorite traditions at Christmas in Paris.
Christmas Eve, we celebrated in-house as a family, with our children & my wife's parents. We had homemade lasagna, a dish that might become a tradition for us. When I grew up, we used to have a Filipino dish called "aroz," which basically was chicken & rice cooked together in a big pot. It's nice to have some family traditions around the holidays.
Christmas morning, after opening the stockings & presents under the tree, we had egg bake, made by my father-in-law. This is a tradition in my wife's family. We also had kid's champagne, which is similar to the sparking grape juice that her family had.
For supper, we had us 7, plus 5 others for the meal. Our guests included an American couple living in Paris, 2 young American men passing through Paris on vacation this week, and an adoptive aunt of our kids who lives here and usually celebrates the holidays with us. Her sister passed away last week & she needed some Christmas cheer.
Our supper menu started with hors d'oeuvres (foie gras & smoked salmon on bread, crab flavored sticks, olives, carrot sticks, and champagne). The main dinner course was chicken, potatoes, gravy, asparagus, a bean & carrot dish, cranberry sauce, and a Saumur white. This was followed by a cheese course (camembert, brie, coulomnier & a goat cheese) and salad. Of course, there was French bread as well. The dessert course had homemade cookies, chocolate, a Christmas log, and pumpkin pie.
The company was delightful. Since we've started doing these Christmas suppers in 2001, we've had a variety of guests each time. Some included visitors just passing through Paris. Others are people living here but don't have family. As we have kids & the resources & desire to host for this event, we are happy to do so, even though it is work. Both my wife & I were adopted by other families when we were single or young married without kids. Now it's our "turn" to be family to others.
Today is Boxing Day. We now have a tradition of going to another family's home for their annual cookie party. That's now one of my favorite traditions at Christmas in Paris.
lundi 21 décembre 2009
Christmas parties
We're right in the middle of Christmas party season.
Saturday we hosted our first of 4 cookie baking parties. We had our largest group ever in 3 years of doing them. We had me, my wife & 3 kids, plus my in-laws. Also participating in the cookie baking were 12 children and 4 parents from 8 different families, all from our neighborhood. We're expecting similar numbers for our 2nd cookie baking party this afternoon. While it was hard to talk in depth with anyone in the midst of all the scrambling around, everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. Relationships were begun and/or expanded because of this activity.
To each family we gave away the CD "Noel No Hell" that our church produced for last Christmas. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6owIah2zbAQ
Last night my wife & I attended the annual Christmas party of the art ministry that I help with. We had 70+ people in attendance. It was a great combination of food, music & time to chat with different people. A friend named Charles brought 4 friends with him whom I got to talk with. I met the daughter & boyfriend of a member of our leadership team. I also got to meet 2 guys from the U.S. on vacation in Paris & who contacted me through a common friend from Wheaton. They ended up inviting & bringing a guy (Jamaican/American/Hungarian mix) whom they met on the street & was just in Paris for the day.
For Christmas supper, it looks like our guest list is growing as well.
As I look a Jesus' life in the Gospels, I see that He attended parties. The Pharisees criticized Him for being with sinners & tax collectors. Yet Jesus went to these places.
I love getting to rub shoulders in Paris with a plethora of different people this Christmas season. May Jesus also be present here through how we welcome them, talk with them & act around them.
Saturday we hosted our first of 4 cookie baking parties. We had our largest group ever in 3 years of doing them. We had me, my wife & 3 kids, plus my in-laws. Also participating in the cookie baking were 12 children and 4 parents from 8 different families, all from our neighborhood. We're expecting similar numbers for our 2nd cookie baking party this afternoon. While it was hard to talk in depth with anyone in the midst of all the scrambling around, everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. Relationships were begun and/or expanded because of this activity.
To each family we gave away the CD "Noel No Hell" that our church produced for last Christmas. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6owIah2zbAQ
Last night my wife & I attended the annual Christmas party of the art ministry that I help with. We had 70+ people in attendance. It was a great combination of food, music & time to chat with different people. A friend named Charles brought 4 friends with him whom I got to talk with. I met the daughter & boyfriend of a member of our leadership team. I also got to meet 2 guys from the U.S. on vacation in Paris & who contacted me through a common friend from Wheaton. They ended up inviting & bringing a guy (Jamaican/American/Hungarian mix) whom they met on the street & was just in Paris for the day.
For Christmas supper, it looks like our guest list is growing as well.
As I look a Jesus' life in the Gospels, I see that He attended parties. The Pharisees criticized Him for being with sinners & tax collectors. Yet Jesus went to these places.
I love getting to rub shoulders in Paris with a plethora of different people this Christmas season. May Jesus also be present here through how we welcome them, talk with them & act around them.
mercredi 16 décembre 2009
Wonderful counselor
Isaiah is often quoted during Advent season. One of my favorite texts in Isaiah is the one that prophetically talks about Jesus and His different roles during his earthly life: "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" (9:6).
One of my favorite roles in my work is doing some informal consulting. Some of this is related to my 16 years in France. Other times, the opportunity to counsel & encourage comes just from being in relationship with someone. Technological advances make informal counseling & mentoring possible even from halfway around the world.
I woke up early this morning and came to the computer to do some work. I ended up having an IM conversation via Facebook with a former classmate of mine from 25 years ago. During the last month, we had some previous IM discussions after some marital challenges of his. We literally have not seen each other face to face since then, and only got back in contact in the last 1-2 months. Today he was doing much better, although we know that marraige is work and he needs to keep making progress. But it's been nice getting to accompany him, albeit through Facebook. But he's been seeking me out, rather than vice versa.
Later on today I got a phone call from a colleague living in another part of France. He's been having some relational challenges with the French pastor he's been working with. So I was able to lend a listening ear. I've been in similar situations in the past, so I could give some empathy and perspective.
Both these discussions were reminders of God using our previous & past struggles to teach us in order that we can help others. Part of why we go through certain trials is so that we can eventually help others go through similar ones.
One of my favorite roles in my work is doing some informal consulting. Some of this is related to my 16 years in France. Other times, the opportunity to counsel & encourage comes just from being in relationship with someone. Technological advances make informal counseling & mentoring possible even from halfway around the world.
I woke up early this morning and came to the computer to do some work. I ended up having an IM conversation via Facebook with a former classmate of mine from 25 years ago. During the last month, we had some previous IM discussions after some marital challenges of his. We literally have not seen each other face to face since then, and only got back in contact in the last 1-2 months. Today he was doing much better, although we know that marraige is work and he needs to keep making progress. But it's been nice getting to accompany him, albeit through Facebook. But he's been seeking me out, rather than vice versa.
Later on today I got a phone call from a colleague living in another part of France. He's been having some relational challenges with the French pastor he's been working with. So I was able to lend a listening ear. I've been in similar situations in the past, so I could give some empathy and perspective.
Both these discussions were reminders of God using our previous & past struggles to teach us in order that we can help others. Part of why we go through certain trials is so that we can eventually help others go through similar ones.
lundi 14 décembre 2009
By Faith
One of my projects today (or yesterday now) was learning how to use a new speaker I bought on sale in the U.S. last month. It's one that you just need to plug your IPod or IPhone into. The reason why this was more urgent to figure out is because I want to create some ambiance Christmas music by this Saturday for the first of our 4 Christmas cookie baking parties. I want to have a bunch of songs put together so I can have them played throughout the 2 hour event.
With 5 days before the first one, we already have 28 children and 4 mothers signed up to come over and make cookies. They are from 21 families, of whom only 2 are we aware of having at least one follower of Jesus in them. There may be more, but that's all that we know of.
One CD of ours that I ripped onto our IPod is a worship one titled "Living For You" from Gateway Church, a multicampus ministry in the Dallas/Ft Worth area. Last night we watched their Christmas service on our computer, as our friend Holly was dancing in it. Begun in 2000, Gateway has experienced amazing growth. We visited it in July and we dazzled by it. It was the first time that we saw a high tech children's check in (like on an airplane), as well as church announcements done by video at the beginning of the service. It was mind boggling, especially after working in France for nearly 2 decades. Churches in France generally don't grow that fast.
My years in New Jersey, then in France, have developed some skepticism in me. When I was thinking about Gateway, I was thinking, "Yeah, it's easy to have a big church in Texas, where everything is big and it's in the Bible Belt section of the U.S. But this could never happen in Paris."
I then was struck by the song "By Faith" on the "Awaken the Dawn" CD I purchased in Wheaton last month. It challenged my skepticism about any rapid growth being able to practically happen in Paris. If we have the same God today of the Early Church in Acts, then this type of growth is also possible here. Just because I haven't seen it or lived it doesn't mean that it might not happen sometime.
By Faith video
With 5 days before the first one, we already have 28 children and 4 mothers signed up to come over and make cookies. They are from 21 families, of whom only 2 are we aware of having at least one follower of Jesus in them. There may be more, but that's all that we know of.
One CD of ours that I ripped onto our IPod is a worship one titled "Living For You" from Gateway Church, a multicampus ministry in the Dallas/Ft Worth area. Last night we watched their Christmas service on our computer, as our friend Holly was dancing in it. Begun in 2000, Gateway has experienced amazing growth. We visited it in July and we dazzled by it. It was the first time that we saw a high tech children's check in (like on an airplane), as well as church announcements done by video at the beginning of the service. It was mind boggling, especially after working in France for nearly 2 decades. Churches in France generally don't grow that fast.
My years in New Jersey, then in France, have developed some skepticism in me. When I was thinking about Gateway, I was thinking, "Yeah, it's easy to have a big church in Texas, where everything is big and it's in the Bible Belt section of the U.S. But this could never happen in Paris."
I then was struck by the song "By Faith" on the "Awaken the Dawn" CD I purchased in Wheaton last month. It challenged my skepticism about any rapid growth being able to practically happen in Paris. If we have the same God today of the Early Church in Acts, then this type of growth is also possible here. Just because I haven't seen it or lived it doesn't mean that it might not happen sometime.
By Faith video
"By Faith"
Words and Music by Keith & Kristyn Getty & Stuart TownendBy faith we see the hand of GodIn the light of creation's grand designIn the lives of those who prove His faithfulnessWho walk by faith and not by sightBy faith our fathers roamed the earthWith the power of His promise in their heartsOf a holy city built by God's own handA place where peace and justice reignWe will stand as children of the promiseWe will fix our eyes on Him our soul's rewardTill the race is finished and the work is doneWe'll walk by faith and not by sightBy faith the prophets saw a dayWhen the longed-for Messiah would appearWith the power to break the chains of sin and deathAnd rise triumphant from the graveBy faith the church was called to goIn the power of the Spirit to the lostTo deliver captives and to preach good newsIn every corner of the earthWe will stand...By faith this mountain shall be movedAnd the power of the gospel shall prevailFor we know in Christ all things are possibleFor all who call upon His nameWe will stand...
jeudi 10 décembre 2009
A Letter from Jesus about Christmas
I received this message yesterday from a contact in New Jersey named Greg. I think the letter's contents give some great suggestions about how to view & celebrate this Advent season.
Sadly, evangelicals are sometimes defined by what they are against, rather than what they are for. I was raised in this branch of Christianity and have much appreciation of these roots, particularly the emphasis on the Bible, as well as its action focused form of Christianity. However, with time and exposure to other Christian camps (and non-Christian camps as well), I've grown uncomfortable with the negative way that we sometimes define ourselves. Sometimes we see ourselves as not doing this or not doing that. We are against this or that. Yet the world isn't necessarily impressed by what we don't say or don't do. What the world needs to see is what good things we do say or do. Not stealing is a good thing, but working hard (as for the Lord, rather than for men) is something that is noticed over time. Not slandering or lying is good, but speaking the truth in love in ways that bring life, hope & joy to others is even better. Not committing adultery is good, but treating our spouses kindly and gently is even better.
Paul wrote that we are the aroma of Christ. This Advent season, what kind of aroma do we bring into a room and leave there after we leave? Is it beautiful, stagnant, or stinky?
A Letter from Jesus about Christmas --
Sadly, evangelicals are sometimes defined by what they are against, rather than what they are for. I was raised in this branch of Christianity and have much appreciation of these roots, particularly the emphasis on the Bible, as well as its action focused form of Christianity. However, with time and exposure to other Christian camps (and non-Christian camps as well), I've grown uncomfortable with the negative way that we sometimes define ourselves. Sometimes we see ourselves as not doing this or not doing that. We are against this or that. Yet the world isn't necessarily impressed by what we don't say or don't do. What the world needs to see is what good things we do say or do. Not stealing is a good thing, but working hard (as for the Lord, rather than for men) is something that is noticed over time. Not slandering or lying is good, but speaking the truth in love in ways that bring life, hope & joy to others is even better. Not committing adultery is good, but treating our spouses kindly and gently is even better.
Paul wrote that we are the aroma of Christ. This Advent season, what kind of aroma do we bring into a room and leave there after we leave? Is it beautiful, stagnant, or stinky?
A Letter from Jesus about Christmas --
It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season.
How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth, just GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
Now, having said that let Me go on. If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santa's and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town.
Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching, explaining who I am in relation to you and what each of our tasks were. If you have forgotten that one, look up John 15: 1 - 8.
If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wish list. Choose something from it:
1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.
2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.
3. Instead of writing the President complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow up... It will be nice hearing from you again.
4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.
5. Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.
6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile; it could make the difference.
7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families.
8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary--especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heard My name.
9. There are individuals and whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them, buy some food and a few gifts and give them to the Salvation Army or some other charity which believes in Me and they will make the delivery for you.
10. Finally, if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine.
Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me and do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above and get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love and remember :
I LOVE YOU,
JESUS
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