Upsetting morning

Today I have a very upsetting morning- coming to work late because Jack couldn't wake up. I do not really know why but it is very troubling me.
I felt that my job is already close enough, but I can't have "buffer" time to get to work not rushing.
I really do not like "rushing" feeling. I know that I am more of the morning person, rather than Jack. But it is a marriage, people works what works for the marriage.

If Jack couldn't get to work early enough, that means he will get home past 7.30pm, which for me, it is no point on having dinner already. If he expects having dinner together, then he should make sure to be home around 7.30pm (which means he has to get to work the latest by 8.30am~ 10 hours work)

I don't know what to do. I don't like counting on Jack to take me to work, but I felt that by doing that, I make sure that he gets to work by 8.30 the latest so that he can come home for dinner. But, if he has no desire/motivation to wake up in the morning, then I would rather not counting on him and count on the buses (they are more reliable) and not having to be upset often in the morning because of being late.

If I don't go with Jack in the morning, then we'll scrap dinner together as I do not want to eat past 7.30pm.

SIGH!

Daniel Fast

It is quite customary for churches to ask the congregations to fast in the beginning of the year, so that we can inquire God's vision for the church and for our personal life for this new year. My church, Living Way Foursquare Church, decided to have a corporate fasting period during January 10-20th.
The reason to fast is to set aside time so that we can seek God more.

I chose to do Daniel's Fast. It is basically a vegan diet with additional restrictions, like no chemical and preservatives, as well as no tea & coffee. The hardest for me is to not drink tea or coffee. So far, I have been ok with veggies & tofu- grilled, stir fry, made as soup and pasta. Last weekend, I stopped by Evolution (organic drinks retailers owned by Starbucks) for wifi spot as I went to accompany Jack studying in downtown. I was hungry so I tried their hot spiced apple juice. SUPERB! although I have to pay $5.50 for a 16oz drink. ~ quite expensive. I told myself to never come back due to the price. But today, I went again....I got their roasted red peppers with hummus wrap in collard greens. TOO GOOD!
While eating the wrap, I was thinking of the money I spent to purchase the wrap. I was a bit regretting it, however, the more I think about it, the more worth it the food becomes. If I don't have to spend my time preparing my lunch and being hungry all the time, why not just spend a bit more during this fasting time so that I can have time to pray. I became more grateful for the time. If I think further, Daniel also asked the guards to prepare him with vegetables, so if I can buy pre-made organic food while still giving up my meat, why not? :)

Now, about the real deal..........These past two days, what I got from God is "set apart"- Psalm 4:3-8
3 Know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself; the LORD will hear when I call to him. 4 In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. "Selah" 5 Offer right sacrifices and trust in the LORD. 6 Many are asking, "Who can show us any good?" Let the light of your face shine upon us, O LORD. 7 You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound. 8 I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.

I know that God wants me to be different, to not be conform with the world, but to understand that I am set apart being God's chosen people. I continue to pray that God will reveal to us more.

Another status from Mark Driscoll is a great reminder to me:
"Consumerism is a religion. Stores are temples. Right now people are out shopping for an identity trying to make earth heaven."

I have to confess that these past few months, I have been shopping a lot and I realize that I should stop since I don't need those stuffs, I just want it because it is new and looks cool.

 

The sweetest thing...

Jack was so sweet yesterday morning....
When I was taking shower, I heard him turning on the hair dryer.
I was wondering what the heck is Jack doing with that hair dryer.
As soon as I stepped out of the shower, Jack handed me my warm and dry towel!

For some of you that doesn't understand, I live in a damp basement apartment.
My towel is always half-way dry when I used it.
I recall telling Jack the day before of how nice it was for me to go back to my Greenwood townhome and took shower with dry towel.

So, Jack blow-dried my towel for me to have a warm and dry towel!
How sweet is that.......



"Sometimes, the smallest things in life bring the biggest joys"

Attitude of Gratitute

I was pretty down these few months due to work situation and just filled with dissatisfaction....
I kept on thinking on how could I end up in this "dead-end" job, end up with this "basement apartment"
But, today, I chose the "attitude of gratitute"
I reflect back and see what God has done.
I am thankful that Jack did not get lay off before I applied for my green card. That would be very difficult for us. I thank God for a husband that loves me and sponsor me so that I can have my green card that allows me to stay and work in the US.

About my job and my education: I remember when I was little, I always want to go for higher education. I like school - well, I should say, I like earning degrees :P
When I started Amcut, I enrolled in City University for Master's Program, but I did not finish it. I asked myself, why didn't I?
Then I remember, at that time, I had to pay off the debt that I had and I am glad I did.
Also, my priorities were to stay in the US so I have to accumulate enough money so that I can hire a lawyer and apply for green card. During 2008, my priority shifted a bit, I want to accumulate money so that I can have "assets" to bring back to Indo.
So, yeah, throughout this year, this is why I did not finish my master's degree. Because I don't want to invest in it if I don't see the ROI.

I guess, there is time for everything. Wait.

Permanent Resident Card ARRIVED!

YAYYYYYYYYYY!
For my 6th month wedding anniversary gift, God gave me my PR!
It arrived super fast! 2 weeks after our interview.
It allows us to plan our trip to Whistler for labor day weekend......
DOUBLE YAYYYY!
Praise God :D

Green Card Interview

We did our green card interview yesterday.
Our appointment was at 11.15am.
We arrived there around 10.40am.
Checked-in on the 1st floor then waiting in the lobby on 2nd floor.
Around 11.20am, a guy called our name.
We went in and he said that he is the officer that will be interviewing us.
He is very nice, he described in details on how the interview will go.
We got sworn to tell the truth....then
He asked me lists of 25 questions like:
"Are you part of or will be an espionage?" "Have you had training of using weapons?"
"Have you ever been in prison?"
Normal stuffs.

After that he just talked to Jack & I about our relationship. I brought a photo book of our journey.
That helps a lot i think. Right after he looked at it, he asked, "Do you guys have any joint bank account, mortgage account, or health insurance together?" Luckily, we do have a joint bank account and then he just said, "You should receive your green card in 30 days"


Praise God!

The whole thing lasted about 20 minutes.

Freedom

Lately this verse is ringing in my head.....

"Freedom reigns in this place
Showers of mercy and grace
Falling on every face
There is freedom"

There is Freedom in knowing and trusting Jesus......
Lately I feel i am in the bondage of discontentment.

Discontented of where I live, I work, 
where I am in education and financial. 
I don't know whether it is "pre-30 years old- syndrome"

But, plain and simple. I WANT MORE. MORE OF THE WORLD.

This morning's devotion really struck me:
James 4: 4
"You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship 
with the world is hostility toward God ? 
Therefore whoever  wishes to be a friend of the world 
makes himself an enemy of God."

The whole verse in James 4 coming true for me. 
I want more of the world because I have pride.
I want to boast or stand on my own knowledge, 
my own financial security,
my, my, my, and mine.

However, God reminds me this morning, 
what is needed is just ONE THING.

DWELL in HIS PRESENCE where there is FREEDOM, 
there is FULLNESS of JOY.

CHOSE WISELY and CONTROL YOUR THOUGHTS...

Lord, I pray that I will be conformed 
more like You and letting Your words 
change me instead of me pursuing the world further. 
Teach me to rest securely in You 
and put You first above all else. 
I know that You love me. 
You know and want the best for me.