Tonight I had the pleasure of having dinner with seven lovely young ladies from our Youth group. They had just finished performing a show for a retirement luau. To reward them for all their hard work, I decided to take them out to dinner. "A nice dinner", I told them. "You choose the place". So they smiled and told me the place they wanted to go. I laughed and said OK, they deserved it. We went in and they placed us at a nice table off to a side room. Even though the restaurant was pretty crowded, it felt like we were having dinner at home because they sat us at a long dinner table. I made the mistake of sitting at the head so they called me dad. LOL Jorge, our waiter - his name wasn't actually Jorge, but that's another story. They asked if we wanted some wine and before they could say anything, I jumped in and told him that they were all under age. LOL
They giggled as they looked over the menu as we were all kind of lemasagi to the Italian words. But being Hamos, we never let on and ordered anyways. Several of us ordered the same thing, kind of like that old joke about Hamos that went to basic training and just said "same" behind the palagis. When they got their eggs over easy they complained to the cook their he didn't cook their eggs. LOL We laughed and joked and fellowshipped. I don't usually hang out with them on a social setting, remember they consider me their "dad". But it was a wonderful evening. I couldn't help but to think of the Biblical principle of fellowship. It's a word we sometimes throw around lightly, but often times we don't really fellowship. We just get together and go through the motions. But tonight, there was actual fellowship. Nothing like celebrating together after a job has been completed. I wrote a few days ago about being nice to people you don't have to be nice to. And I can say that these young ladies were extremely nice to the waiter and waitress. Maybe a little nicer to the waiter, though. LOL
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
It takes a village...to cook a pig
The last post I wrote was about "John Wayne's" trip to Texas. I'm still trying to wrap my mind about the whole experience. There is so much to learn from this past weekend. There are cultural perspectives and spiritual perspectives that run deep. I think I'll split them in two and do what I learned about culture today and what spiritual lessons I gained tomorrow.
The biggest cultural lesson I learned was a re-affirmation about what it is to be Samoan. There were so many nuggets about this concept sprinkled in this trip. It begins before the trip, as our entire community prepared for the arrival of the father of our territory. The church prepared as well as the active duty military. It was like everyone was given a task and each person went about what they were assigned. It reminds me of the Biblical concept of many body parts but one body that Paul spoke of. Or the Samoan proverb about how many hands lightens a load. As the Governor and his party arrived on Friday, everything was ready. We had hosted big events before. But somehow, this was a little different. But there was a peace in my heart because there was a sense of trust that everyone had done their part.
On Saturday at his meeting with the commanding general of Ft. Hood, the general told the governor that he had wanted to cook a pig for a luau he was hosting. He was advised to look for Samoan soldiers if he wanted the job to be done well. He found three soldiers and they performed beyond his expectations. The general said that these soldiers has "brought their villages" to cook the pig. A task that he thought was insignificant, these soldiers took great pride in. The governor commented about how proud he was, that Samoan soldiers had represented our people well. They demonstrated the essence of the fa'aSamoa about service, love and respect.
The governor also spoke to the soldiers and encouraged them to bring their kids home. He didn't say to move back to Samoa. But he said we should bring our children home at least once, "to touch the earth, to feel the soil under their feet that their forefathers once walked on." The statement had a profound impact on me. I had never thought it a big deal, but in retrospect, it is important. To go back to the motherland, to take your children to their ancestral home is important. They may not choose to live there, but they have touched the land and felt the soil of their ancestry. I think one's journey in life is not complete until you've been "home."
On Sunday, both Tama and the governor spoke on the concept of service, or tautua in Samoan. Tama said that tautua had many deep connotations in the Samoan culture. He listed many types of service. There is blood servicethat the soldiers do. There is financial service, which people do all the time when they send money home to their families. There is service to the chiefs, to the churches, and so forth. He said in essence that service is a fundamental to the Samoan culture. That if you don't tautua, then you're missing a big part of your culture. I never thought of it that way before, but he's right. You are not a Samoan if you don't serve. Our culture dictates it. Service is a way of self abasement, a way of showing respect to your family, your village and your God. He tied it in with Jesus' service, about how He came to serve, not to be served. What a unique concept.
When I observe our church and community, these traits are evident. People serve, not because of other people, but because of the culture, because of our faith. I saw that at the to'ana'i after the service on Sunday. I saw that all day Saturday at the different functions that were held. I learned about that from the story the general told. The governor said we serve because it shows obedience, humility and a can do attitude. And tautua is the physical embodiment of our alofa. We serve because we love. I agree. No matter what station in life you are in, I believe we are called to serve. It is the essence of our culture, and of our faith. I hope we never lose sight of it.
The biggest cultural lesson I learned was a re-affirmation about what it is to be Samoan. There were so many nuggets about this concept sprinkled in this trip. It begins before the trip, as our entire community prepared for the arrival of the father of our territory. The church prepared as well as the active duty military. It was like everyone was given a task and each person went about what they were assigned. It reminds me of the Biblical concept of many body parts but one body that Paul spoke of. Or the Samoan proverb about how many hands lightens a load. As the Governor and his party arrived on Friday, everything was ready. We had hosted big events before. But somehow, this was a little different. But there was a peace in my heart because there was a sense of trust that everyone had done their part.
On Saturday at his meeting with the commanding general of Ft. Hood, the general told the governor that he had wanted to cook a pig for a luau he was hosting. He was advised to look for Samoan soldiers if he wanted the job to be done well. He found three soldiers and they performed beyond his expectations. The general said that these soldiers has "brought their villages" to cook the pig. A task that he thought was insignificant, these soldiers took great pride in. The governor commented about how proud he was, that Samoan soldiers had represented our people well. They demonstrated the essence of the fa'aSamoa about service, love and respect.
The governor also spoke to the soldiers and encouraged them to bring their kids home. He didn't say to move back to Samoa. But he said we should bring our children home at least once, "to touch the earth, to feel the soil under their feet that their forefathers once walked on." The statement had a profound impact on me. I had never thought it a big deal, but in retrospect, it is important. To go back to the motherland, to take your children to their ancestral home is important. They may not choose to live there, but they have touched the land and felt the soil of their ancestry. I think one's journey in life is not complete until you've been "home."
On Sunday, both Tama and the governor spoke on the concept of service, or tautua in Samoan. Tama said that tautua had many deep connotations in the Samoan culture. He listed many types of service. There is blood servicethat the soldiers do. There is financial service, which people do all the time when they send money home to their families. There is service to the chiefs, to the churches, and so forth. He said in essence that service is a fundamental to the Samoan culture. That if you don't tautua, then you're missing a big part of your culture. I never thought of it that way before, but he's right. You are not a Samoan if you don't serve. Our culture dictates it. Service is a way of self abasement, a way of showing respect to your family, your village and your God. He tied it in with Jesus' service, about how He came to serve, not to be served. What a unique concept.
When I observe our church and community, these traits are evident. People serve, not because of other people, but because of the culture, because of our faith. I saw that at the to'ana'i after the service on Sunday. I saw that all day Saturday at the different functions that were held. I learned about that from the story the general told. The governor said we serve because it shows obedience, humility and a can do attitude. And tautua is the physical embodiment of our alofa. We serve because we love. I agree. No matter what station in life you are in, I believe we are called to serve. It is the essence of our culture, and of our faith. I hope we never lose sight of it.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
John Wayne has left the building
I apologize for not posting during the long holiday weekend. It's been hectic since Friday, and only now am I able to sit down and get back online. The Governor of American Samoa visited over the weekend with the First Lady. Our church was the host and we had a great time with them. It's the first time I've met them and I have a new appreciation for what they do. The schedules they keep are ridiculous. Just on our little weekend, they had events for most of the two days - almost every minute filled with something to do. And every time they have to go to a function, they have to be "up" for it, no matter what. It doesn't matter if they're tired, or sick or just don't feel good. The public expects the best from them. Most of the people they encounter, including myself, will remember the little time we spent with them for a lifetime. So that's why it's so important for them to be at their best when they're out in the public.
I saw them talk to every person that wanted an audience with them. They spent as much time as they could with each person, and accommodated every picture request. I just marveled at them. On Saturday and Sunday, they must have spent at least an hour after their events posing for pictures and visiting with people. That would have worn me out. But one of their security people told me that's how it is in Samoa all the time. I had a chance to ask them where they get their energy, their strength. The answer they gave me was prayer. They said they pray every morning, and they also realize that many, many people lift them up in prayer all the time. And they could really feel those prayers.
Wow! What an awesome feeling to know that thousands of people are praying for you everyday. And we can do that for each other. Lift each other up in prayer. I know our prayer meeting group lifts all the soldiers and the families of the church in prayer. But we can practice that on a personal level as well. Choose someone to pray about everyday. A family member, a co-worker, or someone like the Governor and our political leaders. Also lift servants of God up in your prayers daily. People need prayers. I know I wouldn't be where I am today without the prayers of others.
A final note on the Governors visit...well, final for now. The Women's Fellowship gave him and the First Lady gifts to remember Texas by. The First Lady got a purse from Texas and they both got matching cowboy hats. As soon as the Governor got his hat, he put it on his head. He said when he was young he used to go to the theater in Samoa and watch old cowboy movies with John Wayne. Now with his hat, he felt like he was John Wayne. He didn't take that hat off for the rest of the to'ana'i. That's the Governor with his John Wayne hat up top.
Well, I thought he was just being nice. When the van pulled out to take him back to the guest house and people were waiving at him, he said, "John Wayne has left the building." LOL And when we saw him at the airport the next morning, guess what he was wearing? The John Wayne hat.
I saw them talk to every person that wanted an audience with them. They spent as much time as they could with each person, and accommodated every picture request. I just marveled at them. On Saturday and Sunday, they must have spent at least an hour after their events posing for pictures and visiting with people. That would have worn me out. But one of their security people told me that's how it is in Samoa all the time. I had a chance to ask them where they get their energy, their strength. The answer they gave me was prayer. They said they pray every morning, and they also realize that many, many people lift them up in prayer all the time. And they could really feel those prayers.
Wow! What an awesome feeling to know that thousands of people are praying for you everyday. And we can do that for each other. Lift each other up in prayer. I know our prayer meeting group lifts all the soldiers and the families of the church in prayer. But we can practice that on a personal level as well. Choose someone to pray about everyday. A family member, a co-worker, or someone like the Governor and our political leaders. Also lift servants of God up in your prayers daily. People need prayers. I know I wouldn't be where I am today without the prayers of others.
A final note on the Governors visit...well, final for now. The Women's Fellowship gave him and the First Lady gifts to remember Texas by. The First Lady got a purse from Texas and they both got matching cowboy hats. As soon as the Governor got his hat, he put it on his head. He said when he was young he used to go to the theater in Samoa and watch old cowboy movies with John Wayne. Now with his hat, he felt like he was John Wayne. He didn't take that hat off for the rest of the to'ana'i. That's the Governor with his John Wayne hat up top.
Well, I thought he was just being nice. When the van pulled out to take him back to the guest house and people were waiving at him, he said, "John Wayne has left the building." LOL And when we saw him at the airport the next morning, guess what he was wearing? The John Wayne hat.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Caps and gowns
Today is the day I became a father. I know I was a father the day Perise entered our lives. Technically. But in reality, I was no more a father on that day than any other day previous. I had no idea what I was doing. I had no idea what type of dad I was going to be or how we were going to raise her. All those questions would be asked and answered and re-asked and re-answered later. It's an ongoing process, shall we say. But today was a special day because my little girl graduated from pre-school. And before you ask, yes, there is such a thing as a pre-school graduation. I had no idea myself until Tuesday. That's the day we got our "invitation" from the day-care about their graduation.
Tile was instantly excited. She immediately made plans to take the day off. She said she wanted to make ulas and perhaps get 'Rise a new outfit for the day. In my mind cash registers were ringing and cheap old me said to myself, "hey, it's just pre-school." Off course I never uttered those words aloud. But as the day got closer, I could see the excitement in my daughter's eyes. She would ask everyone in the family if they were coming. Everyone answered in the affirmative. Except for me. I had an important review for my kids before they take their final unit exam on Friday. This was important and I couldn't miss it. And besides, this was just pre-school. On the morning of her graduation, as we sat in the drive through line waiting for her kolache, she looked at me and said, "daddy, why aren't you coming to my graduation?" At that moment, I don't know how to explain it, but I didn't know what to say. I mumbled something about daddy hving some important things to do at work but mommy would be there and she would take pictures to show daddy so it would be just like daddy was there. I asked if that was ok. She nodded her head and looked out the window. Not a good sign. We drove to her school without uttering another word. When I kissed her good bye I said, "I'll see you tonight at your party." She smiled and said, "mommy will take pictures."
Those words jarred me. As I drove to work I kept saying to myself...it's only pre-school. Next year she will have a kindergarten graduation. And then there's elementary, high school, college, law school. OK, my mom would say "va'ai ga la mamao lau kogi." But then a thought occurred to me. What if there is no next time? What if there is no next year? Tile had a student whose two year old sister died last week. I've had one niece and one nephew die before they could "graduate." I realized what I had to do. I got some friends to fill in for me and made my way back to my daughter's graduation. Today, my daughter would come first. Today, everything else would come in a distant second. I realized that there are no guarantees in life. Life is a precious gift from God that He grants and takes according to His plans. I realized that there would always be reviews, there would always be important meetings, there would always be church functions, there would always be fa'alavelaves, but on this important day my daughter would come first.
As I stood there in the hallway and listened to her recite her poem, my heart was filled with joy. Today is the day I joined thousands of fathers who stood beaming behind their children as they attained a milestone in their lives. And yes I know, it's just pre-school. But I thank God I was there because today is the day...I became a father.
Tile was instantly excited. She immediately made plans to take the day off. She said she wanted to make ulas and perhaps get 'Rise a new outfit for the day. In my mind cash registers were ringing and cheap old me said to myself, "hey, it's just pre-school." Off course I never uttered those words aloud. But as the day got closer, I could see the excitement in my daughter's eyes. She would ask everyone in the family if they were coming. Everyone answered in the affirmative. Except for me. I had an important review for my kids before they take their final unit exam on Friday. This was important and I couldn't miss it. And besides, this was just pre-school. On the morning of her graduation, as we sat in the drive through line waiting for her kolache, she looked at me and said, "daddy, why aren't you coming to my graduation?" At that moment, I don't know how to explain it, but I didn't know what to say. I mumbled something about daddy hving some important things to do at work but mommy would be there and she would take pictures to show daddy so it would be just like daddy was there. I asked if that was ok. She nodded her head and looked out the window. Not a good sign. We drove to her school without uttering another word. When I kissed her good bye I said, "I'll see you tonight at your party." She smiled and said, "mommy will take pictures."
Those words jarred me. As I drove to work I kept saying to myself...it's only pre-school. Next year she will have a kindergarten graduation. And then there's elementary, high school, college, law school. OK, my mom would say "va'ai ga la mamao lau kogi." But then a thought occurred to me. What if there is no next time? What if there is no next year? Tile had a student whose two year old sister died last week. I've had one niece and one nephew die before they could "graduate." I realized what I had to do. I got some friends to fill in for me and made my way back to my daughter's graduation. Today, my daughter would come first. Today, everything else would come in a distant second. I realized that there are no guarantees in life. Life is a precious gift from God that He grants and takes according to His plans. I realized that there would always be reviews, there would always be important meetings, there would always be church functions, there would always be fa'alavelaves, but on this important day my daughter would come first.
As I stood there in the hallway and listened to her recite her poem, my heart was filled with joy. Today is the day I joined thousands of fathers who stood beaming behind their children as they attained a milestone in their lives. And yes I know, it's just pre-school. But I thank God I was there because today is the day...I became a father.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Leaving tips
I went to lunch with my sister today. We went to a Chinese restaurant. One of my favorite things to do when I go to a restaurant is to observe and how they treat the waiters. This is a test for me. I read a book once in college called the Book of Virtues by Bill Bennett, one of my favorite people on this planet. Every parent in America should buy this book and read it to their children. Check, every PERSON should buy this book. It's filled with so many great stories and life lessons. In the book he made an observation that has stuck with me for many years. He said you can tell a lot about a person by the way they treat people they don't have to be nice to. He said it's easy to be nice to people you want something from; spouse, parents, boss, children, etc. But being nice to someone that you don't have to be nice to, like waiters and flight attendants and janitors is hard. Bennett said that's how you gain the measure of a person.
Every time I go to a restaurant I observe this and it never fails that I gain a tremendous amount of insight into people by how they treat waiters and waitresses. I know a person whose philosophy is that he puts a whole bunch of money on the table when he sits down. Every time he feels the service is lacking, he takes a bill away. It's his signal to the waiter that he better step up his service or he won't have a tip. I know a person that HAS to find something wrong with the order. The food is too cold, too hot, too raw, too cooked, etc. I think they just get off on the power over these people. And let me tell you, these are two people that I admire greatly, until we got into the restaurant. Does this make them bad people? No, absolutely not. But it does give you a glimpse at who they are.
Jesus tells us the same thing. He said blessed are the meek for they inherit the earth. Sometimes we are flying so high that we forget the people below us. I'ts easy to be nice when you have to be nice; but being nice when we don't have to be, that's the real test. It speaks about self abasement and humility. It speaks about self control and patience. All virtues that every Christian should strive for. People ask me, but what if you get horrible service? What do you do then? I leave a big tip. Makes them think twice about giving bad service to the next person. Kill them with love.
Every time I go to a restaurant I observe this and it never fails that I gain a tremendous amount of insight into people by how they treat waiters and waitresses. I know a person whose philosophy is that he puts a whole bunch of money on the table when he sits down. Every time he feels the service is lacking, he takes a bill away. It's his signal to the waiter that he better step up his service or he won't have a tip. I know a person that HAS to find something wrong with the order. The food is too cold, too hot, too raw, too cooked, etc. I think they just get off on the power over these people. And let me tell you, these are two people that I admire greatly, until we got into the restaurant. Does this make them bad people? No, absolutely not. But it does give you a glimpse at who they are.
Jesus tells us the same thing. He said blessed are the meek for they inherit the earth. Sometimes we are flying so high that we forget the people below us. I'ts easy to be nice when you have to be nice; but being nice when we don't have to be, that's the real test. It speaks about self abasement and humility. It speaks about self control and patience. All virtues that every Christian should strive for. People ask me, but what if you get horrible service? What do you do then? I leave a big tip. Makes them think twice about giving bad service to the next person. Kill them with love.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
A heart for ministry
I'm still working on my commencement address. Thanks to those that have sent in ideas. They were some wonderful quotations and scripture. It's harder than I thought it was. To try and put all of your life philosophies into one coherent manuscript is hard. But I'll keep plugging away. The way I figured, by the time some one comes around to realizing what a brilliant person I am and decides to invite me to speak is the same time I'll wrap up this speech. LOL
Yesterday's message had to do with being responsible about our own "fields." Each of us is called to farm a certain amount of land. Some of us, it's our families; others have bigger fields. Ministers have their congregations, evangelists have their missions and so forth. But for most of us, our fields are the people around us. The people closest to us. And for most of us, we have no specialized training on how to farm. The good news is that God sent us into the fields with a manual, the Bible. There were many people God called into the field who thought they were unprepared. He called Moses out and Moses ran away. He said he was a sinner and in any event, he couldn't speak well. God said nonsense, I will send Aaron with you to do the talking. God called Jonah and Jonah ran away. Well, we know what happened to him.
When God called David his dad had to ask Samuel twice if he chose the right son. Samuel said those famous words; "God looks at the heart." Same thing with Gideon. He told God how could he be sent. He was from the weakest family and he was the weakest of his family. But God saw his heart. God saw Moses' heart. When we look at ourselves, we sometimes see the blemishes first. God looks past those blemishes and into your heart. When God calls us sometimes, we're timid and think we are not worthy because we know our inequities and frailties. No one knows me better than myself, with all my shortcomings. No one...except for God. We see our limitations. God sees our potential. So the next time you feel a call, an urging, don't hesitate. Despite of our past and all of the baggage we carry around with us, God doesn't see any of that. He just sees our heart.
Yesterday's message had to do with being responsible about our own "fields." Each of us is called to farm a certain amount of land. Some of us, it's our families; others have bigger fields. Ministers have their congregations, evangelists have their missions and so forth. But for most of us, our fields are the people around us. The people closest to us. And for most of us, we have no specialized training on how to farm. The good news is that God sent us into the fields with a manual, the Bible. There were many people God called into the field who thought they were unprepared. He called Moses out and Moses ran away. He said he was a sinner and in any event, he couldn't speak well. God said nonsense, I will send Aaron with you to do the talking. God called Jonah and Jonah ran away. Well, we know what happened to him.
When God called David his dad had to ask Samuel twice if he chose the right son. Samuel said those famous words; "God looks at the heart." Same thing with Gideon. He told God how could he be sent. He was from the weakest family and he was the weakest of his family. But God saw his heart. God saw Moses' heart. When we look at ourselves, we sometimes see the blemishes first. God looks past those blemishes and into your heart. When God calls us sometimes, we're timid and think we are not worthy because we know our inequities and frailties. No one knows me better than myself, with all my shortcomings. No one...except for God. We see our limitations. God sees our potential. So the next time you feel a call, an urging, don't hesitate. Despite of our past and all of the baggage we carry around with us, God doesn't see any of that. He just sees our heart.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Don't worry about the ankle biters
I had an opportunity to speak with a really good friend today. A real strong Christian pastor who is on fire for the Lord. But I sensed in our conversation a little...how should I say it... little down I guess. He wasn't the same old guy I had come to know. But as we got to talking, it became clear what was going on. He was being put through the ringer by some of his closest friends. People were beginning to question his motivations for doing certain things and why he had changed them. And this was weighing heavily on him. My heart went out to him. I too have gone through many situations similar to his. When you stick your neck out and try to serve the Lord in non-traditional ways, this blog for example, you're putting yourself out there for criticism and even ridicule.
I did the only thing I could for him, which was to encourage him and tell him that he was on the right path. The people resisted change and that this was no different. When I got back to school, I opened up one of the daily devotionals I subscribe to and had a message that was perfect for his situation. The message was about obedience to God in the ministry field. Our job is to simply enter the field, plow, and continue to scatter seed. The praises of men will come and go, but the joy of knowing that God is glorified by our obedience is steady and unshakable. What a wonderful testimony. The praise of men will come and go. That is sooooooo true. People will love you when you're doing things they want and agree with. But they will stop loving you if you stop doing what they want and agree with. But if you are obedient to what the Lord says, in His Word, then God's love is steady and unshakable.
Sometimes in ministry we are obsessed about the "results" or "praise." Oh, the numbers in our Sunday School is dropping. Or the numbers at church are dropping. What can we do to bring it back up? The real message from God is that the numbers and results will take care of themselves if we are obedient to His calling and His will. Our calling from God is a lifetime commitment. There will be times when we see HUGE results, large numbers, etc. Yet, there will be times we see the opposite. It shouldn't diminish our fire for doing His will. It is the same God with the large numbers as with the small numbers. The same God with people praising us and when people criticize us. If we our service on God relies on the approval of people, then we will never be able to serve God because we can never gain people's approval. But if our service to God is dependent on our obedience and love for Him, then that should never change.
I did the only thing I could for him, which was to encourage him and tell him that he was on the right path. The people resisted change and that this was no different. When I got back to school, I opened up one of the daily devotionals I subscribe to and had a message that was perfect for his situation. The message was about obedience to God in the ministry field. Our job is to simply enter the field, plow, and continue to scatter seed. The praises of men will come and go, but the joy of knowing that God is glorified by our obedience is steady and unshakable. What a wonderful testimony. The praise of men will come and go. That is sooooooo true. People will love you when you're doing things they want and agree with. But they will stop loving you if you stop doing what they want and agree with. But if you are obedient to what the Lord says, in His Word, then God's love is steady and unshakable.
Sometimes in ministry we are obsessed about the "results" or "praise." Oh, the numbers in our Sunday School is dropping. Or the numbers at church are dropping. What can we do to bring it back up? The real message from God is that the numbers and results will take care of themselves if we are obedient to His calling and His will. Our calling from God is a lifetime commitment. There will be times when we see HUGE results, large numbers, etc. Yet, there will be times we see the opposite. It shouldn't diminish our fire for doing His will. It is the same God with the large numbers as with the small numbers. The same God with people praising us and when people criticize us. If we our service on God relies on the approval of people, then we will never be able to serve God because we can never gain people's approval. But if our service to God is dependent on our obedience and love for Him, then that should never change.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Commencement address
This is graduation season. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I went to my sister in law Tita's graduation a couple of days ago. Every time I go to a college graduation, it makes me feel a little bit young again. (Please, stop with the old jokes.) Seriously, something about a college campus puts me back in my days of youth. As we were standing there Friday waiting for the bus to take us back to our cars after the ceremony, on a busy street, in the middle of cars and trucks, came a graduate, still in his cap and gown and with degree in hand, on a skateboard going against the traffic. I heard someone say, "what a waste of a college education." LOL
This is the perfect time to tell you about a project I've decided to begin. I've sat through numerous graduation and have heard numerous commencement speeches. And I have to admit, I haven't been impressed with many. In fact, I've been so unimpressed, that I can't remember a single line from any commencement address I've ever heard personally. So to that end, I am going to write a commencement address. I don't know if I'll ever get to give it...you need to be invited as a commencement speaker to be able to give it. But I'm going to write it anyway. If nothing else, I can auction it on eBay and make some money some day when I'm in a pinch. I figured I can't do worse than most speakers. And its a self reflective way to take inventory of your life and lay out what you think young people should take with them on their journey in life. In fact, I think I'm going to give it to my kids at the end of the school year. Yes, that's it. I'll give it to every class that ever leaves my room. Granted, these are ninth graders and they'll forget most of it before I finish giving it, but there will be that one student...ah yes, that one student that will come back to you in fifteen years and say, "Mr. Sasa, sitting in my cell all those years..." wait, that didn't sound right. Let's try it again. "Mr. Sasa, after being elected Governor of Texas, I have decided to invite the person that did the most to mold my young mind to my inauguration, you, my ninth grade World Geography teacher." It could happen. It could. Really. A guy can hope at least.
I started researching for my speech and came across a myriad of quotations. One caught my eye immediately. It caught my eye because it was by Robert Louis Stevenson, the famous writer who spent his final days in Samoa. He said, "Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant." That's deep. And a great overall theme for my speech. Life is a marathon, not a sprint. Endurance is the key. Think of what you do everyday in life as planting seeds. That's what I do as a teacher. As a parent. The daily lessons you impart and take in from those around you. You may never see the seed bloom, but be comforted in the knowledge that someday, someone will benefit from the seed you planted. Someone will sit under the tree whom you helped to water, cultivate, and nurture. Those trees could be our children, our students, co-workers, etc.
Is this speech off to a good start or what? Hey, if you've got an idea for the speech, let me know. Post a comment below. This can be a collaborative effort. The more minds that work on this the better. We've got about two weeks to finish it before the end of school.
This is the perfect time to tell you about a project I've decided to begin. I've sat through numerous graduation and have heard numerous commencement speeches. And I have to admit, I haven't been impressed with many. In fact, I've been so unimpressed, that I can't remember a single line from any commencement address I've ever heard personally. So to that end, I am going to write a commencement address. I don't know if I'll ever get to give it...you need to be invited as a commencement speaker to be able to give it. But I'm going to write it anyway. If nothing else, I can auction it on eBay and make some money some day when I'm in a pinch. I figured I can't do worse than most speakers. And its a self reflective way to take inventory of your life and lay out what you think young people should take with them on their journey in life. In fact, I think I'm going to give it to my kids at the end of the school year. Yes, that's it. I'll give it to every class that ever leaves my room. Granted, these are ninth graders and they'll forget most of it before I finish giving it, but there will be that one student...ah yes, that one student that will come back to you in fifteen years and say, "Mr. Sasa, sitting in my cell all those years..." wait, that didn't sound right. Let's try it again. "Mr. Sasa, after being elected Governor of Texas, I have decided to invite the person that did the most to mold my young mind to my inauguration, you, my ninth grade World Geography teacher." It could happen. It could. Really. A guy can hope at least.
I started researching for my speech and came across a myriad of quotations. One caught my eye immediately. It caught my eye because it was by Robert Louis Stevenson, the famous writer who spent his final days in Samoa. He said, "Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant." That's deep. And a great overall theme for my speech. Life is a marathon, not a sprint. Endurance is the key. Think of what you do everyday in life as planting seeds. That's what I do as a teacher. As a parent. The daily lessons you impart and take in from those around you. You may never see the seed bloom, but be comforted in the knowledge that someday, someone will benefit from the seed you planted. Someone will sit under the tree whom you helped to water, cultivate, and nurture. Those trees could be our children, our students, co-workers, etc.
Is this speech off to a good start or what? Hey, if you've got an idea for the speech, let me know. Post a comment below. This can be a collaborative effort. The more minds that work on this the better. We've got about two weeks to finish it before the end of school.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Under the weather
I haven't posted in a couple of days. I've been down and out with a flu bug. Don't worry, it's not the swine flu. At least I don't think it is. But I had to leave school early today because my strength was just zapped. Thankfully, modern medicine, i.e. Nyquil, has nursed me back to some semblance of strength.
Tomorrow is my sister in law Tita's graduation from college. I'm so happy for her. She's worked hard for this, juggling family and school. Just goes to prove that good things come to those who wait on the Lord.
I hate to leave on a down note, but earlier this week Tile's school was hit with a tragic event. One of her student's younger sister drowned in their backyard pool. It is such a devastating event. Having been through this same ordeal with my nephew that has drowned, I can tell you it is probably the hardest thing to deal with as a parent. I got to thinking about what this family must be going through and what we could do for them. The first thing we could do is pray for them. That God's healing hands comforts them in their time of need. Palagi people visit and take things, but I know they are in no mood to entertain people. I remember what a lot of people did for our family in our time of need. They wrote us cards. And after the funeral, when all the busyness had settled down, all the relatives returned to where they came from, we sat down and read some of those cards. Many of them touched our hearts deeply. A lot had shared similar experiences and wanted us to know that we weren't the only ones that have been through such an ordeal. Even though our world was full of darkness at this particular time, that God's light would eventually, slowly find its way back into our lives. And those cards really did a lot to heal our hurts. So if you ever find yourself in a similar situation, sit down and write those people. Put your thoughts down on paper and send it to them. They will appreciate it more than you will ever know. And don't forget to pray for them also.
Tomorrow is my sister in law Tita's graduation from college. I'm so happy for her. She's worked hard for this, juggling family and school. Just goes to prove that good things come to those who wait on the Lord.
I hate to leave on a down note, but earlier this week Tile's school was hit with a tragic event. One of her student's younger sister drowned in their backyard pool. It is such a devastating event. Having been through this same ordeal with my nephew that has drowned, I can tell you it is probably the hardest thing to deal with as a parent. I got to thinking about what this family must be going through and what we could do for them. The first thing we could do is pray for them. That God's healing hands comforts them in their time of need. Palagi people visit and take things, but I know they are in no mood to entertain people. I remember what a lot of people did for our family in our time of need. They wrote us cards. And after the funeral, when all the busyness had settled down, all the relatives returned to where they came from, we sat down and read some of those cards. Many of them touched our hearts deeply. A lot had shared similar experiences and wanted us to know that we weren't the only ones that have been through such an ordeal. Even though our world was full of darkness at this particular time, that God's light would eventually, slowly find its way back into our lives. And those cards really did a lot to heal our hurts. So if you ever find yourself in a similar situation, sit down and write those people. Put your thoughts down on paper and send it to them. They will appreciate it more than you will ever know. And don't forget to pray for them also.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Call off the fire trucks...for now
It's been a rough couple of days, but I think God has a reason for everything. What seems major now won't be such a big deal in a few months or days even. But there is a purpose for everything we go through, I do believe that. Paul says in Romans that God works for the good of those who love Him and in the end, He will make it right. So we march on, slowly sometimes, but we march on nonetheless with that realization.
An update on kolache Tuesdays. A couple of weeks ago I shared with you guys me and my daughter's morning routines on Tuesdays, Saturdays and Thursdays of getting kolaches before school. Well, she was sick yesterday and didn't go to school. In the morning, she told her mom she had six germs, so she had to stay home. (Don't ask me how she knows, or how she arrived at that number.) When her mom called to check up on her in the afternoon, she sounded well. Her mom said, "you sound better". She replied, "that's because I only have one germ left." (Again, don't ask what method she used to calculate) When I got home, the number was down to zero. Her mom told her maybe she needed to stay home today, just to be safe. She looked at her mom and said, "I can't stay home tomorrow." Her mom asked her why. She said, "because it's Tuesday-lache day." LOL Then this morning I decided to test her. I said, "Rise I think you shouldn't have kolache because you're sick." She looked at me without missing a beat and said, "daddy, kolache helps the medicine kill the germs." She passed the test. LOL Maybe she was the fire truck that God sent to cheer me up. Or maybe she's watching Grey's Anatomy with her mommy.
An update on kolache Tuesdays. A couple of weeks ago I shared with you guys me and my daughter's morning routines on Tuesdays, Saturdays and Thursdays of getting kolaches before school. Well, she was sick yesterday and didn't go to school. In the morning, she told her mom she had six germs, so she had to stay home. (Don't ask me how she knows, or how she arrived at that number.) When her mom called to check up on her in the afternoon, she sounded well. Her mom said, "you sound better". She replied, "that's because I only have one germ left." (Again, don't ask what method she used to calculate) When I got home, the number was down to zero. Her mom told her maybe she needed to stay home today, just to be safe. She looked at her mom and said, "I can't stay home tomorrow." Her mom asked her why. She said, "because it's Tuesday-lache day." LOL Then this morning I decided to test her. I said, "Rise I think you shouldn't have kolache because you're sick." She looked at me without missing a beat and said, "daddy, kolache helps the medicine kill the germs." She passed the test. LOL Maybe she was the fire truck that God sent to cheer me up. Or maybe she's watching Grey's Anatomy with her mommy.
I need a fire truck
Have you ever had one of those days where things seem to go from good to worse? I had one of those yesterday. It's ironic that I talked about your hut being on fire on Saturday because it seemed to have happened to mine yesterday. LOL
It started Sunday when my daughter woke up with a bad cough. Normally, we would have kept her home, but it was Mother's Day and she wanted so badly to go to church to do her memory verse for her mom. She worked hard memorizing it, OK it was only fourteen words, but hey she's four. Anyways, off she went and she, as well as all the other kids did beautifully. Perhaps later on this week we'll have their performance on the website. The rest of the day went well.
But she woke up yesterday morning with still a bad cough and she asked us to stay home. So I went to work feeling a little worried for her. When I got to work, I checked my email and found out I owed my cable company close to $300 for a defective cable box. OK, stress level beginning to move to defcon 3 now. I know the money isn't like life or death, but when you acquire an unplanned expense like that, it upsets things financially, which led to trying to shortcut other things to make up the difference, which led to...you get the picture. It wasn't a good day. I know it must seem like I've been having a lot of bad days lately, but those are rare for me, I swear. But it seems like the bad days are the ones that give you the most opportunities for "growth." Now I had to put myself to the test. Compared to eternal life, the "light and momentary" things I was going through seemed minuscule. And they are. It's just that when you're going through them, it doesn't seem as minuscule at the time.
So you know what I did? I tried and put them in perspective. Look at the positive, the glass was still half full, all of that. But it just made me appreciate the lessons I had learned in my walk. Tama had a sermon once that talked about an ATM machine of God. He said every time you read your Bible, you were depositing money into God's ATM. Every time you prayed, you made a deposit. Studied your Bible, another deposit. Did a good deed for someone, another deposit. And every time you encountered turbulence and difficulties, you can go to the ATM and make withdrawals. And I've been withdrawing a lot. He said the lesson is, continue to make those deposits on a daily basis. Store up credit in God and you can withdraw them in times of need.
It started Sunday when my daughter woke up with a bad cough. Normally, we would have kept her home, but it was Mother's Day and she wanted so badly to go to church to do her memory verse for her mom. She worked hard memorizing it, OK it was only fourteen words, but hey she's four. Anyways, off she went and she, as well as all the other kids did beautifully. Perhaps later on this week we'll have their performance on the website. The rest of the day went well.
But she woke up yesterday morning with still a bad cough and she asked us to stay home. So I went to work feeling a little worried for her. When I got to work, I checked my email and found out I owed my cable company close to $300 for a defective cable box. OK, stress level beginning to move to defcon 3 now. I know the money isn't like life or death, but when you acquire an unplanned expense like that, it upsets things financially, which led to trying to shortcut other things to make up the difference, which led to...you get the picture. It wasn't a good day. I know it must seem like I've been having a lot of bad days lately, but those are rare for me, I swear. But it seems like the bad days are the ones that give you the most opportunities for "growth." Now I had to put myself to the test. Compared to eternal life, the "light and momentary" things I was going through seemed minuscule. And they are. It's just that when you're going through them, it doesn't seem as minuscule at the time.
So you know what I did? I tried and put them in perspective. Look at the positive, the glass was still half full, all of that. But it just made me appreciate the lessons I had learned in my walk. Tama had a sermon once that talked about an ATM machine of God. He said every time you read your Bible, you were depositing money into God's ATM. Every time you prayed, you made a deposit. Studied your Bible, another deposit. Did a good deed for someone, another deposit. And every time you encountered turbulence and difficulties, you can go to the ATM and make withdrawals. And I've been withdrawing a lot. He said the lesson is, continue to make those deposits on a daily basis. Store up credit in God and you can withdraw them in times of need.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
When your hut's on fire
My sister K forwarded me this story a while back. I always go back and re-read it from time to time because there are so many lessons in it for me. I'm sharing it here with the hope that it feeds you as well. Like I said, cut and paste it and keep it somewhere you can go back and read it from time to time. The funny thing I've found is that everytime I read it, I get a different perspective from it. Sometimes I'm the shipwrecked survivor. Sometimes I'm on the ship coming in for the rescue. Sometimes I'm the hut. LOL. The older I get, the more I go through, the richer this story becomes. I don't know who wrote it, but I thank them for a wonderfully encouraging story. Enjoy.
"A lone shipwreck survivor on an uninhabited island managed to build a crude hut in which he placed all that he had saved from the sinking ship. He prayed to God for deliverance, and anxiously scanned the horizon each day to hail any passing ship.
One day he was horrified to find his hut in flames. All that he had was gone. To the man's limited vision, it was the worst that could happen and he cursed God. Yet, the very next day a ship arrived. "We saw your smoke signal," the captain said.
Hmmm! Ever have a big sale fall through? Been disappointed when a friend or loved one failed to come through for you when you needed them? Have you wondered why a goal or objective wasn't achieved as expected?
If you're over the age of 18, you've probably noticed that we don't get everything we would like, exactly when we think we should. Yet, it's amazing how certain things just show up in our lives when we least expect to see them - like the rescue ship.
It is often said that we "shouldn't get too attached to outcomes." We can set objectives, believe they can be achieved, and work to make them happen, but it's best not to get too attached to the outcome. What appears to be a worthy goal may go down in flames, only to be replaced with a magnificent result we had not anticipated.
When you find your hut in flames and fear the worst, think back to this oft quoted reminder: "Fear knocked at the door - faith answered - no one was there!"
"Never think that God's delays are God's denials."
Friday, May 8, 2009
A tribute...
I want to do something different and invite you to join me. In honor of Mother's Day, I'm going to post a tribute to my mother and I invite you to post one to yours as well. You don't have to give your name or your mother's name if you don't want, but I wanted to extend this opportunity to everyone.
My mother is the cornerstone of my family. Growing up, she was the one we sought out for refuge. My dad was the provider and the leader of the family, but mom was the backbone. She was the strength that held my family together and pushed it forward. Her prayers for me and my siblings have made us what we are today. My mother gave up a lot for us, for me.
My mother was a faifeau's child, like me. Her dad was the faifeau of one of the big villages back home. She was the youngest of 12 children. And at the ripe old age of 16, she became pregnant with me. Imagine that, the youngest daughter of a faifeau, pregnant out of wedlock. I can't fathom what she must have gone through. But thanks to loving parents, and to my dad, she had me. Against all odds, she had me. I was an "unplanned" child and could have met the fate of many other "unplanned" children. So I thank God... and my mother... for having the strength to have me. The easy thing to do was... well, let's just say how eternally grateful I am.
She dropped out of school to care for me. Fortunately, my parents married. Again, a very hard decision. But she stayed home to take care of me. She went to night classes to finish high school. I remember her taking me to typing class. I don't know how old I was, but her friends carried me around and gave me candy. I think that's the genesis of my weight problems. :-)
There are so many memories and stories that I have of her, but I'll share just one. I was in elementary school in Fiji. We had a class party and I was to bring something (I don't remember what it was). All I know is that we forgot to buy it. I was balling and refused to go to school. I must have been six or seven and walking in without something was just not cool. I refused to go to school. My mother, ever so patient, calmly asked me to go and that she would buy it and bring it. I didn't believer her, but went to school anyway... she had threatened me with the belt. As the day started, the skies opened up and it began to pour. My heart sank. No way was she going to be able to get me my snack. She'd have to get on a bus, go all the way into town, come all the way back in the pouring rain. But as I sat in my school room, I saw an umbrella heading towards the school. I was saying to myself..."who the heck is out there in this driving rain?" But as the umbrella got closer, I recognized it. Yup, it was my mom. I know, I know. It sounds like one of our sappy White Sunday plays. But it's true. That's the most vivid memory I have of my childhood. My mom walking in a driving rainstorm to get me my things for the party. We didn't have a car. We didn't even have money. We were poor but she found a way.
I know many of you have similar stories about your moms... don't worry dad...we'll tell dad stories on Father's day. But I just wanted to let the world know that I think the world of my mom. We almost lost her a few years back, so every time I see her I consider it a blessing from God and I cherish every moment of it. My prayer is that God continues to use her in whatever capacity He sees fit. I always believe that children are a person's best legacy to leave the world. It's one of the driving forces in my life to do the best that I can, to ensure she has a good legacy. I owe her that much.
I love you mom. Happy Mother's Day.
My mother is the cornerstone of my family. Growing up, she was the one we sought out for refuge. My dad was the provider and the leader of the family, but mom was the backbone. She was the strength that held my family together and pushed it forward. Her prayers for me and my siblings have made us what we are today. My mother gave up a lot for us, for me.
My mother was a faifeau's child, like me. Her dad was the faifeau of one of the big villages back home. She was the youngest of 12 children. And at the ripe old age of 16, she became pregnant with me. Imagine that, the youngest daughter of a faifeau, pregnant out of wedlock. I can't fathom what she must have gone through. But thanks to loving parents, and to my dad, she had me. Against all odds, she had me. I was an "unplanned" child and could have met the fate of many other "unplanned" children. So I thank God... and my mother... for having the strength to have me. The easy thing to do was... well, let's just say how eternally grateful I am.
She dropped out of school to care for me. Fortunately, my parents married. Again, a very hard decision. But she stayed home to take care of me. She went to night classes to finish high school. I remember her taking me to typing class. I don't know how old I was, but her friends carried me around and gave me candy. I think that's the genesis of my weight problems. :-)
There are so many memories and stories that I have of her, but I'll share just one. I was in elementary school in Fiji. We had a class party and I was to bring something (I don't remember what it was). All I know is that we forgot to buy it. I was balling and refused to go to school. I must have been six or seven and walking in without something was just not cool. I refused to go to school. My mother, ever so patient, calmly asked me to go and that she would buy it and bring it. I didn't believer her, but went to school anyway... she had threatened me with the belt. As the day started, the skies opened up and it began to pour. My heart sank. No way was she going to be able to get me my snack. She'd have to get on a bus, go all the way into town, come all the way back in the pouring rain. But as I sat in my school room, I saw an umbrella heading towards the school. I was saying to myself..."who the heck is out there in this driving rain?" But as the umbrella got closer, I recognized it. Yup, it was my mom. I know, I know. It sounds like one of our sappy White Sunday plays. But it's true. That's the most vivid memory I have of my childhood. My mom walking in a driving rainstorm to get me my things for the party. We didn't have a car. We didn't even have money. We were poor but she found a way.
I know many of you have similar stories about your moms... don't worry dad...we'll tell dad stories on Father's day. But I just wanted to let the world know that I think the world of my mom. We almost lost her a few years back, so every time I see her I consider it a blessing from God and I cherish every moment of it. My prayer is that God continues to use her in whatever capacity He sees fit. I always believe that children are a person's best legacy to leave the world. It's one of the driving forces in my life to do the best that I can, to ensure she has a good legacy. I owe her that much.
I love you mom. Happy Mother's Day.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Build your house on the Rock
I'd like to share my thoughts on Tama's message on Sunday. He spoke about putting things in order and prioritizing your life. The scripture verse for the sermon was Acts 4:11. "He is 'the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone." The scripture was referring to Jesus and how the elders and the priests had rejected Him, yet now He was the foundation of life.
He went on to mention Jesus' sermon on the mount. He talked specifically about His parable about the wise man building His house upon the rock, while the foolish man built His house upon the sand. The "rock" Jesus was referring to was Himself, the same "rock" that Peter told the people in Acts that was rejected, yet is the cornerstone of our faith.
The main theme was that we should invest in things that are solid and will not be blown away by the winds of this world. As we see our investments dwindle away in the market, as we see our retirements disappear before us, it's a reminder to put all our strength and energy into things that last, eternal things. Often times, this world teaches us that true happiness and success is measured by our possessions and material gain. But the words of Jesus contradict that, as is His want. He says that those things will be washed away with the storm. Only a house set on a firm foundation can withstand the winds of this world. That foundation is Jesus and the eternal life He offers free of charge to all who accept it. All you have to do is accept it.
Many people are depressed because their worldview is limited to this life. As Christians, we are not confined to that perspective because our view is eternal. When all is lost in this world, our hope is not lost because our hope lies in the next life, with Jesus in heaven. Our life does not end when we die, but is just beginning. So even if you've been battered by the storms of this life, whether they be financial, health, relational, professional, know that because you've build your faith on Jesus, on solid rock, you will not despair. You are not hopeless.
He went on to mention Jesus' sermon on the mount. He talked specifically about His parable about the wise man building His house upon the rock, while the foolish man built His house upon the sand. The "rock" Jesus was referring to was Himself, the same "rock" that Peter told the people in Acts that was rejected, yet is the cornerstone of our faith.
The main theme was that we should invest in things that are solid and will not be blown away by the winds of this world. As we see our investments dwindle away in the market, as we see our retirements disappear before us, it's a reminder to put all our strength and energy into things that last, eternal things. Often times, this world teaches us that true happiness and success is measured by our possessions and material gain. But the words of Jesus contradict that, as is His want. He says that those things will be washed away with the storm. Only a house set on a firm foundation can withstand the winds of this world. That foundation is Jesus and the eternal life He offers free of charge to all who accept it. All you have to do is accept it.
Many people are depressed because their worldview is limited to this life. As Christians, we are not confined to that perspective because our view is eternal. When all is lost in this world, our hope is not lost because our hope lies in the next life, with Jesus in heaven. Our life does not end when we die, but is just beginning. So even if you've been battered by the storms of this life, whether they be financial, health, relational, professional, know that because you've build your faith on Jesus, on solid rock, you will not despair. You are not hopeless.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Don't forget about Monday
Last Sunday, we were late in picking up the Sunday School kids. One of our dogs decided to run away from us as we were leaving the house. But we were already running behind because I had to look for my Bible. I looked everywhere. Couldn't find it. When we finally got in the car, there it was, right where I left it...last Sunday. Then it hit me. My Bible had been sitting here all week. (In my defense, I have access to an online Bible which I use most of the time.) Still, it opened my eyes about things.
God is very popular on Sundays. Millions of people around the world go to His places of worship and worship Him. People spend their Sundays around Him. From childhood on, Sundays were God's day. In Samoa, it was a WHOLE day. But for many of us, when Monday rolls around, we put our Bibles away until Sunday, like in my case. We only worship God on His day. We tend to compartmentalize our lives. And one of the compartments is that worshipping God is reserved for Sundays.
But it shouldn't be that way. Worship shouldn't be reduced to just the worship service. It should be a way of life. It should be infused in EVERYTHING we do. From going to the store, to working out at the gym, you can worship God while doing all those things. Worship isn't a location. It's a condition of the heart. It isn't only singing, or reading the Bible, or hearing the Word. It's taking a walk and being in awe of God's creation. It's standing on a hill and being mesmerized by a sunset, or looking out at the rain and hearing the thunder in storm. God's majesty is all around us. It's hearing the cries of a baby, or the bloom of a flower. If you appreciate those creations of God, you are worshipping Him. It's being greatful for every day we have, for every hour, for every BREATH. When we live our lives in total appreciation of the gifts that God surrounds us with, we are worshipping Him. Sunday is my favorite day of the week. But I'm learning to love Monday too. Slowly, but getting there.
God is very popular on Sundays. Millions of people around the world go to His places of worship and worship Him. People spend their Sundays around Him. From childhood on, Sundays were God's day. In Samoa, it was a WHOLE day. But for many of us, when Monday rolls around, we put our Bibles away until Sunday, like in my case. We only worship God on His day. We tend to compartmentalize our lives. And one of the compartments is that worshipping God is reserved for Sundays.
But it shouldn't be that way. Worship shouldn't be reduced to just the worship service. It should be a way of life. It should be infused in EVERYTHING we do. From going to the store, to working out at the gym, you can worship God while doing all those things. Worship isn't a location. It's a condition of the heart. It isn't only singing, or reading the Bible, or hearing the Word. It's taking a walk and being in awe of God's creation. It's standing on a hill and being mesmerized by a sunset, or looking out at the rain and hearing the thunder in storm. God's majesty is all around us. It's hearing the cries of a baby, or the bloom of a flower. If you appreciate those creations of God, you are worshipping Him. It's being greatful for every day we have, for every hour, for every BREATH. When we live our lives in total appreciation of the gifts that God surrounds us with, we are worshipping Him. Sunday is my favorite day of the week. But I'm learning to love Monday too. Slowly, but getting there.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Doing the unnatural thing
I recently went through an experience that was very revealing to me. I was attacked by a person I care deeply for. To make matters worse, I felt the attack was unjustified; that it wasn't warranted. As I sat there as this person was ripping into me, many thoughts went through my mind. The first was to defend myself, to lash right back. I felt I had the facts on my side and that I had every right to defend myself. It was unfair to sit there and take this. I was ready to respond, to pounce back. But as the attack went on, which in hindsight was a blessing, another thought slowly seeped into my head. It was the words of Jesus..."turn the other cheek." I quickly tried to get rid of this thought. I wanted revenge. I was being attacked. But then another thought came in, the words of Solomon who said a gentle word turns away anger. As I sat there contemplating these two competing emotions, anger and forgiveness, I said a prayer to God. His answer was to seek peace.
Many times, God tries to teach us do things that are counter to our human nature, unnatural is the word that jumps to my mind. I thought of a lesson that my class had in Sunday School last week. We were studying the prophet Micah and he told the people of Israel that God desired three things from them: seek justice, be merciful and walk humbly. In other words, God desires for us to seek justice, even when we're wronged. Even when we have every right to hate, He wants us to do what is right. He wants us to be merciful, to have compassion, even for those who don't deserve it. He wants us to walk humbly, even when we have a right to puff out our chests.
Jesus expands this line of thought in His sermon on the Mount. He says, "Blessed are are the meek ...Blessed are those that mourn... Blessed are those that are poor in Spirit..." He tells us to turn the other cheek when we've been wronged. He says we should embrace our trials. All these things go counter to our nature. They are, again, unnatural responses for human beings. But God teaches us to have these qualities. God wants us to exhibit them for the world. At first glance, they might be a sign of weakness. But when you take a look at it again, they are the opposite. They're a sign of strength. Anyone can be patient when the going is good. Anyone can be compassionate when they're not the one that needs it. The true measure of a person is how they respond to adversity. God wants us to trust Him in those times so we should embrace adversity. We should welcome it because its an opportunity for our faith in Him to grow.
Many times, God tries to teach us do things that are counter to our human nature, unnatural is the word that jumps to my mind. I thought of a lesson that my class had in Sunday School last week. We were studying the prophet Micah and he told the people of Israel that God desired three things from them: seek justice, be merciful and walk humbly. In other words, God desires for us to seek justice, even when we're wronged. Even when we have every right to hate, He wants us to do what is right. He wants us to be merciful, to have compassion, even for those who don't deserve it. He wants us to walk humbly, even when we have a right to puff out our chests.
Jesus expands this line of thought in His sermon on the Mount. He says, "Blessed are are the meek ...Blessed are those that mourn... Blessed are those that are poor in Spirit..." He tells us to turn the other cheek when we've been wronged. He says we should embrace our trials. All these things go counter to our nature. They are, again, unnatural responses for human beings. But God teaches us to have these qualities. God wants us to exhibit them for the world. At first glance, they might be a sign of weakness. But when you take a look at it again, they are the opposite. They're a sign of strength. Anyone can be patient when the going is good. Anyone can be compassionate when they're not the one that needs it. The true measure of a person is how they respond to adversity. God wants us to trust Him in those times so we should embrace adversity. We should welcome it because its an opportunity for our faith in Him to grow.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Bear witness...never let them forget
I'm a Social Studies teacher and whenever I teach European History, I always show a movie about the Holocaust called "Escape From Sobibor." It's a story about the only successful mass escape that concentration camp prisoners ever made against the Nazis. At the end of the movie, the leader of the Jews gets up in front of the prisoners and tells them, "for those of you that make it out of here, bear witness. Let the whole world know what has happened here. Never forget. Never forget." These Jewish prisoners put up with such unspeakable horrors, not because they wanted to survive. It would have been much easier for them to die. It would have spared them so much suffering. But they put up with it to bear witness. To tell the stories of the millions that died at the hands of the Nazis. They reasoned that if they all died, no one would tell the story.
Today is Holy Communion Sunday. Two thousand years ago, Jesus also gave us a testimony to tell the world. He told the disciples, "this is my body and my blood, broken and shed for the remission of your sins. Do this in rememberance of me, for as long as you shall live." In essence, He told His disciples to do the same thing the prisoners were told. He told them, "Go tell...go tell the world what you have seen here." And thankfully, they did.
Words cannot express the gratitude I feel about the courage of those disciples and to the millions of brave souls that have risked, and many gave, their lives to follow Jesus' command. I think of Paul and Silas. Of John and Peter. Of Timothy and James and Andrew. They too put up with unspeakable horrors to let the world know. Many of them died cruel and painful deaths because they "went and told." I think of the British missionary John Williams of the London Missionary Society. Who braved the open seas and travelled thousands of miles to the South Pacific. Because of them, the Gospel reached our shores in Samoa. I think of our anscestors who did their part, and went into the jungles of Papua New Guinea and New Caledonia. Some died there. All to let the world know and to never forget.
We live in a country that is truly blessed. We enjoy the freedom to worship and witness without fear. I sit at a computer and type words on a keyboard. The most stress I put up with is carpal syndrome. I am truly awed and humbled when I reflect on those extraordinary human beings. And there are thousands still out there today, sowing in fields all over the world. Keeping the Great Command.
And while we honor and thank the messengers, let us never lose sight of the message. That on Calvary two thousand years ago, our Lord shed His blood for us. As we partake of that rememberance, let us never forget the ultimate sacrifice. The one done for you and me. Let me leave you with the words of a classic Samoan hymn...E Manatua
E manatua, le togiola
Le na maliu i Korokota
Talu oe ma ita sa nofo pologa
Lenei ua maua le sa'olotoga
O le pale tuitui i le Ao
A'ao na tu'ia i fao
Ae fa'alogo ia i le upu
Lenei ua taunu'u
E leai se mea ou te mafaia
Pe a aunoa ma oe
O lo'u lea fa'amoemoe
E fia fa'atasi pea ma oe
Le Fa'aola e ua ou sau nei
E leai lava o so'u lelei
Ae fia tia'i le masesei
Ia e alofa mai
E leai se na alu a'e
Na o le na afio mai
Le fa'aolataga mo ita
Lenei ua ou teuina
Lo'u loto lenei ua sagisaig
Le manai fou mai le lagi
Uso e o la'u lea auniga
Lou pale nei avea e se tasi
P.S. If any of you who are tech savvy know of a way I can put music on this blog, please post it or email please. It would be awesome to include a song of the day or something like that as we visit. Be blessed.
Today is Holy Communion Sunday. Two thousand years ago, Jesus also gave us a testimony to tell the world. He told the disciples, "this is my body and my blood, broken and shed for the remission of your sins. Do this in rememberance of me, for as long as you shall live." In essence, He told His disciples to do the same thing the prisoners were told. He told them, "Go tell...go tell the world what you have seen here." And thankfully, they did.
Words cannot express the gratitude I feel about the courage of those disciples and to the millions of brave souls that have risked, and many gave, their lives to follow Jesus' command. I think of Paul and Silas. Of John and Peter. Of Timothy and James and Andrew. They too put up with unspeakable horrors to let the world know. Many of them died cruel and painful deaths because they "went and told." I think of the British missionary John Williams of the London Missionary Society. Who braved the open seas and travelled thousands of miles to the South Pacific. Because of them, the Gospel reached our shores in Samoa. I think of our anscestors who did their part, and went into the jungles of Papua New Guinea and New Caledonia. Some died there. All to let the world know and to never forget.
We live in a country that is truly blessed. We enjoy the freedom to worship and witness without fear. I sit at a computer and type words on a keyboard. The most stress I put up with is carpal syndrome. I am truly awed and humbled when I reflect on those extraordinary human beings. And there are thousands still out there today, sowing in fields all over the world. Keeping the Great Command.
And while we honor and thank the messengers, let us never lose sight of the message. That on Calvary two thousand years ago, our Lord shed His blood for us. As we partake of that rememberance, let us never forget the ultimate sacrifice. The one done for you and me. Let me leave you with the words of a classic Samoan hymn...E Manatua
E manatua, le togiola
Le na maliu i Korokota
Talu oe ma ita sa nofo pologa
Lenei ua maua le sa'olotoga
O le pale tuitui i le Ao
A'ao na tu'ia i fao
Ae fa'alogo ia i le upu
Lenei ua taunu'u
E leai se mea ou te mafaia
Pe a aunoa ma oe
O lo'u lea fa'amoemoe
E fia fa'atasi pea ma oe
Le Fa'aola e ua ou sau nei
E leai lava o so'u lelei
Ae fia tia'i le masesei
Ia e alofa mai
E leai se na alu a'e
Na o le na afio mai
Le fa'aolataga mo ita
Lenei ua ou teuina
Lo'u loto lenei ua sagisaig
Le manai fou mai le lagi
Uso e o la'u lea auniga
Lou pale nei avea e se tasi
P.S. If any of you who are tech savvy know of a way I can put music on this blog, please post it or email please. It would be awesome to include a song of the day or something like that as we visit. Be blessed.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Fear of the swine flu
The news this week has been dominated by news of the swine flu. It seems like whenever we turn on the news or go on the internet all they talk about is the flu. When I go to work, flu seems to be the hot topic of discussion. There are school districts in Texas that have closed down because of fears of the flu. All our athletic events and extra-curricular activities have been put on hold until further notice. There's even whispers about not having graduation ceremonies this year because public health officials want to discourage large gatherings of people.
The underpinnings of all these things is fear. More precisely, the fear of death. It's a big deal because people are afraid of death. Death is the number one fear for people. As a Christian watching all of this, I'm hit by the reality that many people fear death because they don't know what happens to them after they die. All they know is the present, the here and now. As Christians, we are assured a home when he leave this life, whether due to swine flu or any other reason.
In these uncertain times, it's natural for us to think of death. Living around an army base, we hear of death almost daily from Iraq and Afghanistan. When we look to scripture, we are assured by the psalmist that our lives are in God's hands. Psalm 139:16 says that "all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." What an awesome promise. Before we were even born, God knew the number of days we would be on this earth. God's timing is perfect...even in death. If we're believers in Jesus, we can be assured that death is an open door to eternal life with Him.
That doesn't mean that we live carelessly, or do not hurt when a loved one dies. But it gives us the assurance that when we die, that will not be the end of us. We are comforted by the knowledge that God knows the number of days He has ordained for us. So take all the precautions against the swine flu. Wash your hands and keep proper hygiene. But we shouldn't be shackled by fear of death because Christ died to free us from that fear and opened the door to everlasting life for everyone that accepts Him as their Lord and Savior.
The underpinnings of all these things is fear. More precisely, the fear of death. It's a big deal because people are afraid of death. Death is the number one fear for people. As a Christian watching all of this, I'm hit by the reality that many people fear death because they don't know what happens to them after they die. All they know is the present, the here and now. As Christians, we are assured a home when he leave this life, whether due to swine flu or any other reason.
In these uncertain times, it's natural for us to think of death. Living around an army base, we hear of death almost daily from Iraq and Afghanistan. When we look to scripture, we are assured by the psalmist that our lives are in God's hands. Psalm 139:16 says that "all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." What an awesome promise. Before we were even born, God knew the number of days we would be on this earth. God's timing is perfect...even in death. If we're believers in Jesus, we can be assured that death is an open door to eternal life with Him.
That doesn't mean that we live carelessly, or do not hurt when a loved one dies. But it gives us the assurance that when we die, that will not be the end of us. We are comforted by the knowledge that God knows the number of days He has ordained for us. So take all the precautions against the swine flu. Wash your hands and keep proper hygiene. But we shouldn't be shackled by fear of death because Christ died to free us from that fear and opened the door to everlasting life for everyone that accepts Him as their Lord and Savior.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Ou te ala sa'ili
How many of us get up every morning and the first thing we do is praise God? Or seek Him? Often time, the first thing I do is hit the snooze button and go back to sleep. And when I finally get up, our routine is so hectic that I don't get a chance to just be still, as the psalmist says, and praise my Lord for giving me a new day.
One of my favorite worship songs right now is "Oute ala sa'ili" sung by Elijah Tavai. That song has a deep resonance with me. I know my family knows this because its on constant repeat on the IPOD in our living room. The chords, the arrangement, the slack key guitar, the vocals, all of it is just perfect. But what really resonates with me are the words. It starts of saying, and I'll translate, "I wake up seeking you, I wake up longing for you my God." "Ou te ala sa'ili ia te oe lo'u Ali'i, ou te ala naunau ia te oe lou Atua". Simple, yet majestic words. Words of a soul that yearns for his Lord. And when does this happen? When he wakes up. That must mean that he thinks of the Lord even in his sleep if he wakes up seeking him. What a beautiful testimony. He's saying that Christ is not a spot on his schedule, not an appointment to be kept, not an alloted time slot on the calendar. Christ is the center of his life because he begins everyday seeking him.
How many of us take the time out to thank God for the sun that rises every morning? Could you imagine a world without the sun? Yet, we take it for granted everyday that it will be there. In these uncertain times, with our country at war, with our financial system in a mess, and now with the threat of a pandemic, it is even more important to set our priorities. And what should be more important than seeking God in our lives first and foremost.
The second verse of the song says that I prepare my heart heart for your arrival, that I get ready always for you my Lord. May you be praised above all things. Your glory I do. "Ou te tapenapena mo lou afio mai i nei, ou te sauniuni pea mo oe lo'u Matai, Ia vi'ia Oe i mea uma, O lou vi'iga ou te faia". What a testimony. What a mindset, a way of life.
I will end with a story I read in a magazine. It's about a college professor that did an experiment. He brought a pound of large rocks, a pound of pebbles and a pound of sand. He also brought a glass jar. He challenged his class to fit all those items in the jar. After trying unsuccessfully to put the items in, the students told him they didn't fit. The jar was too small. The professor assured them that there is a way, and that all the items fit in there. After trying some more, the class gave up. The professor marched to the front and proceeded to put the large rocks in first. That filled the jar. Then he poured the pebbles in. The pebbles fell between the cracks of the big rocks. And with amazement, the students saw the professor pour in the sand last and the tiny particles found a place among the rocks and pebbles. The professor asked the class what the secret was. Someone in the back yelled, "its the order." The professor smiled. His job was done.
I think of that story every time I have to prioritize my life. Make sure you put the big rocks in first. Everything else will fall in place. They will find their way in the cracks and crevices of the big rocks. And there's no bigger rock in our life than our relationship with God. Then my family. And one of the most important parts of your relationship with God is to constantly seek out His will for your life. You can begin everyday doing that. Seek God the first thing in the morning. Ou te ala sa'ili...
One of my favorite worship songs right now is "Oute ala sa'ili" sung by Elijah Tavai. That song has a deep resonance with me. I know my family knows this because its on constant repeat on the IPOD in our living room. The chords, the arrangement, the slack key guitar, the vocals, all of it is just perfect. But what really resonates with me are the words. It starts of saying, and I'll translate, "I wake up seeking you, I wake up longing for you my God." "Ou te ala sa'ili ia te oe lo'u Ali'i, ou te ala naunau ia te oe lou Atua". Simple, yet majestic words. Words of a soul that yearns for his Lord. And when does this happen? When he wakes up. That must mean that he thinks of the Lord even in his sleep if he wakes up seeking him. What a beautiful testimony. He's saying that Christ is not a spot on his schedule, not an appointment to be kept, not an alloted time slot on the calendar. Christ is the center of his life because he begins everyday seeking him.
How many of us take the time out to thank God for the sun that rises every morning? Could you imagine a world without the sun? Yet, we take it for granted everyday that it will be there. In these uncertain times, with our country at war, with our financial system in a mess, and now with the threat of a pandemic, it is even more important to set our priorities. And what should be more important than seeking God in our lives first and foremost.
The second verse of the song says that I prepare my heart heart for your arrival, that I get ready always for you my Lord. May you be praised above all things. Your glory I do. "Ou te tapenapena mo lou afio mai i nei, ou te sauniuni pea mo oe lo'u Matai, Ia vi'ia Oe i mea uma, O lou vi'iga ou te faia". What a testimony. What a mindset, a way of life.
I will end with a story I read in a magazine. It's about a college professor that did an experiment. He brought a pound of large rocks, a pound of pebbles and a pound of sand. He also brought a glass jar. He challenged his class to fit all those items in the jar. After trying unsuccessfully to put the items in, the students told him they didn't fit. The jar was too small. The professor assured them that there is a way, and that all the items fit in there. After trying some more, the class gave up. The professor marched to the front and proceeded to put the large rocks in first. That filled the jar. Then he poured the pebbles in. The pebbles fell between the cracks of the big rocks. And with amazement, the students saw the professor pour in the sand last and the tiny particles found a place among the rocks and pebbles. The professor asked the class what the secret was. Someone in the back yelled, "its the order." The professor smiled. His job was done.
I think of that story every time I have to prioritize my life. Make sure you put the big rocks in first. Everything else will fall in place. They will find their way in the cracks and crevices of the big rocks. And there's no bigger rock in our life than our relationship with God. Then my family. And one of the most important parts of your relationship with God is to constantly seek out His will for your life. You can begin everyday doing that. Seek God the first thing in the morning. Ou te ala sa'ili...
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