Resilience
How does one create resilience? There are books on the subject and there are many people willing to offer advice. As someone looks for the answer, it gets complicated.
In Matthew 7, Jesus summarized what is needed when He stated only the person who listens and and puts His teachings into practice will be able to repeatedly withstand the storms of life.
Before writing this update, I was busy printing photos to hang in our family gallery. Remembering the past and the blessings that God has given in helpful when overwhelmed by the present.. Seeing each photo we remember different blessings that God by His grace gave. Such reflection helps when life gets intense.
Kathy-Lu will leave Wednesday to go attend a family gathering in remembrance of her uncle who transitioned to be with the Lord. Being with others helps us process the things that are happening, especially when the group share in a common belief that blessings don’t just come from people, but ultimately from God. Sharing with others helps us keep perspective even when there is pain or uncertainty.
We are looking forward to the annual Forum when we gather with coworkers to reflect on the past year, be reminded of some of Jesus’ teachings, and step forward in faith into the future. As many of our team members are away from Taiwan this year, the gathering will be smaller. But we still expect to hear “big” God stories. Those stimulate faith and help to motivate us to keep listening and keep obeying Jesus.
We don’t know what will be faced in the future, but we know that the changeless truths that Jesus shared are sufficient to provide a stable foundation for our lives.
Additional Prayer Items
- Lorne will be telling Bible stories most mornings this next week as some class times were rescheduled. Please pray that the students will listen well and will reflect on the difference between a true God and false gods.
- Nicholas and Susan, friends from Coquitlam who now live in Taiwan, will be visiting the Saturday English class. Please pray that their interaction with the students will motivate the students to desire to live a purposeful life.
- Our community has been surprised by the sudden passing of a prominent citizen. He was a doctor and promoted Buddhist beliefs. Please pray that his passing will prompt people to reflect on the transience of this life and what comes after. The Christian worldview is radically different from what they have heard their whole lives. It often takes time for people to hear and process the truths about a God who sacrificially loves them.
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Mondays with the Whites