Aloha!
I cannot believe I have not written in 3 months! These past few months have flown by! But now that the semester is winding down, and many of the students have left, we are officially on Christmas break here at International Ministries. My sister is coming into town tomorrow, and I could not be more excited!!! As I am preparing for her to come, I started thinking of my expectations of her time here in Hawaii.
One of the things that struck me was (and I wanted to avoid), in past years my sister and I have fought over...drum-roll... cell phones! Yes, that little piece of technology we carry around with us everywhere we go, has caused more fights with my sister and I over the past 5 years than probably any other thing. Are we sharing one? No. Do we want the one the other has? No. We fight because one of us (both of us equally) will be on her phone and the other is irritated that she is not engaged in what is going on. Sound familiar?
Over the past few years I have started fasting technology (or at least Social Media) for days/weeks at a time and I usually try to fast from it over my winter vacation. Now for those of you who know me, probably are thinking "wow, big deal Christie, you could step back to the time before cell phones and be content" And you would be correct in saying that. I have developed this love/hate relationship with cell phones and social media. As a curious individual and someone who lives far away from family and friends, I love the conveniences of technology. I love being able to Google something I do not know, right there on the spot. I love the GPS on my phone so I can go to new exciting places, and above all else I love being able to stay connected with my friends and family who are currently all over the world. Here is where the hate part of the relationship comes in. My generation being consumed by it! When I am with a group of people my own age and every single person is on his/her cell phone instead of engaged in conversation; I hate that as a society we only feel adequate in our decisions or self by the number of likes we get on a post/picture ect. And I hate that we become so engulfed by technology we forget to just live in the moment. Maybe I should just watch the beautiful sunrise, instead of taking a picture of it for Instagram??? (that was my own reflection, just last week I posted pictures of a sunrise hike) So just in case you are wondering I fail at this daily, and am not merely pointing the finger.
Nonetheless I too, even with this love/hate relationship, find it extremely hard to fast social media. So a few years ago I did not use my cell phone for an entire week, turned it off and put it away. Yes, that did make me pull out the old alarm clock and set it to wake up on time. Yes, it was difficult if someone wanted to get in contact with me. After all that is the #1 excuse we always give, isn't it- "but what about if people need to reach me?" But you see THAT IS THE POINT! Maybe we need to make ourselves a little less available to other people and focus on the important things. Take your vacation time and make it an actual vacation. If you are home for the holidays, be fully engaged with your family; the rest of life with be waiting for you when you get back, trust me.
So I challenge you, if only for a 24 hour period, sign off social media and be social with those around you. The holiday season is the greatest time of the year and I do not want you to miss any of it! I will be spending Christmas with my sister and focusing on the true meaning of Christmas, which is the birth of Jesus Christ, for He is the reason for the season!
From the Far Side of the Sea, wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!
Mele Kalikimaka!
Christie
"For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" Isiah 9:6
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Vitamin C
Aloha,
And Happy Hump Day! Hoping all of y'all's weeks have been good, and if not, its half way over ;). As for me I have had a rough start to this week. As many of you know I am living in a dorm, and like other dorms it carries a lot of germs with it :/ a virus has been making its way through the dorm, and when I woke up Monday morning I thought that it had made its way to me. So I headed straight to the local drug store to get Airborne (Vitamin C) to help prevent me from really getting sick, or help knock it out. I took the 2 doses prescribed for 2 days and by Tuesday evening I was so sick and sore I could not move. Turns out my body does not react well to vitamins... I have known for a while I cannot take vitamins, 1, One-a-day and I am super sick!
Okay- I know its weird, and there is probably a logical explanation, but that is not the point I am making so, before all the nurses and medical expertise message me- know I am fine know and what not lol
So you ready for my point?! Many times in life we cram "stuff" into our lives that we do not need, yes even good things.
"Sure, I will serve on that Committee"
"I will join xyz"
"I will go to..."
...and the list goes on.
We are creatures of structure, we like and crave busyness to feel productive and accomplished. I feel awesome on days where I run 3 errands and get a project done by noon, we all do.
BUT when do we stop, slow down and focus on the important stuff? Even Sunday on our day of rest, we find ourselves going nonstop!
I can hear you saying right now, "Christie, you do not have a family, you do not have MY job ect..." and you are right! But I do know a thing or two about being busy. In ministry we have this overwhelming need to be productive. We feel that we need to make good use of our time, the money people give to us/support us with ect.. (All good things, just like the Vitamin C) but as I learned too much of a good thing can be bad news!
And as a wise preacher once said; "there will always be a need greater than you can fill." There is always someone else who needs to hear the gospel, or be discipled ect.
*insert moment of AHHHH!*
Okay now ready for the Good News (yes capital letters) JESUS! Jesus already did the work, so take time to dive into the word, read the amazing story and relax. God has been in control before you even existed. Stop cramming your life full of great things to feel productive. Seek God and he will fill your heart, soul, mind and yes daily activities.
And speaking of Daily Activities :) (like that segue) Please continue to pray for our's here at International Ministries! We are averaging 130 students at Thursday Lunch, 20+ are attending class and Bible Study, and relationships are being formed/deepened. God is doing great things!
God Bless,
Christie Beth
God is good all the time
All the time God is God
Because that is his nature
And Happy Hump Day! Hoping all of y'all's weeks have been good, and if not, its half way over ;). As for me I have had a rough start to this week. As many of you know I am living in a dorm, and like other dorms it carries a lot of germs with it :/ a virus has been making its way through the dorm, and when I woke up Monday morning I thought that it had made its way to me. So I headed straight to the local drug store to get Airborne (Vitamin C) to help prevent me from really getting sick, or help knock it out. I took the 2 doses prescribed for 2 days and by Tuesday evening I was so sick and sore I could not move. Turns out my body does not react well to vitamins... I have known for a while I cannot take vitamins, 1, One-a-day and I am super sick!
Okay- I know its weird, and there is probably a logical explanation, but that is not the point I am making so, before all the nurses and medical expertise message me- know I am fine know and what not lol
So you ready for my point?! Many times in life we cram "stuff" into our lives that we do not need, yes even good things.
"Sure, I will serve on that Committee"
"I will join xyz"
"I will go to..."
...and the list goes on.
We are creatures of structure, we like and crave busyness to feel productive and accomplished. I feel awesome on days where I run 3 errands and get a project done by noon, we all do.
BUT when do we stop, slow down and focus on the important stuff? Even Sunday on our day of rest, we find ourselves going nonstop!
I can hear you saying right now, "Christie, you do not have a family, you do not have MY job ect..." and you are right! But I do know a thing or two about being busy. In ministry we have this overwhelming need to be productive. We feel that we need to make good use of our time, the money people give to us/support us with ect.. (All good things, just like the Vitamin C) but as I learned too much of a good thing can be bad news!
And as a wise preacher once said; "there will always be a need greater than you can fill." There is always someone else who needs to hear the gospel, or be discipled ect.
*insert moment of AHHHH!*
Okay now ready for the Good News (yes capital letters) JESUS! Jesus already did the work, so take time to dive into the word, read the amazing story and relax. God has been in control before you even existed. Stop cramming your life full of great things to feel productive. Seek God and he will fill your heart, soul, mind and yes daily activities.
And speaking of Daily Activities :) (like that segue) Please continue to pray for our's here at International Ministries! We are averaging 130 students at Thursday Lunch, 20+ are attending class and Bible Study, and relationships are being formed/deepened. God is doing great things!
God Bless,
Christie Beth
God is good all the time
All the time God is God
Because that is his nature
Monday, September 2, 2013
Fly little bird!
Aloha once again,
First off, sorry for the time of no posts. It was not intentional, we at the Centre have been extremely busy; from 60+ airport pick-ups to the Big Give-away to gearing up for the start of the new school year -we have not stopped!
This past week was the first week of: English classes, Thursday lunch, Global Café and Bible studies. All of which went great.! It was frantic and a little chaotic since the Director of the Centre was sick, but we all survived the first week.
As we dive head first into this year's fall activities it is important that we keep our focus of what is important, or rather who? GOD!
Last night while out on the porch reading my Bible, I look out and see this little birdie fly to the gutter of the roof top across the way. It then proceeds to struggle and climb - yes climb not fly- to the peak of the roof. The entire time I sit there watching this little bird completely confused as to why it would choose to climb up a steep roof taking breaks and all the while it could fly, after all it flew to the bottom of the roof. Then it occurred to me, that many times I am that bird! I know from God's word that His strength will renew my soul and I can soar like wings of eagles, yet I choose to climb. How many times has God brought me out of something, for me to turn right around and struggle to do things on my own??? Unfortunately too many times than I care to admit. I cling to His word in the "gutters" and "peaks" but try to do it my way in-between. God's grace has brought me here and will carry me through.
So, as we proceed to tackle this challenging new semester ahead, let us continue to fly. Fall is a time for many of us, a time of change, school has begun, extra curricular activities start again, whether you are in them or the Mom chauffeuring your kids to them, I challenge you to not to become complacent in your walk with the Lord. Do not slack off in spending time with him, then remember about half way through October for a few weeks before getting slammed with the holidays. Instead, Fly!
Peace and Blessings,
Christie Beth
Isaiah 40:31
But those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
First off, sorry for the time of no posts. It was not intentional, we at the Centre have been extremely busy; from 60+ airport pick-ups to the Big Give-away to gearing up for the start of the new school year -we have not stopped!
This past week was the first week of: English classes, Thursday lunch, Global Café and Bible studies. All of which went great.! It was frantic and a little chaotic since the Director of the Centre was sick, but we all survived the first week.
As we dive head first into this year's fall activities it is important that we keep our focus of what is important, or rather who? GOD!
Last night while out on the porch reading my Bible, I look out and see this little birdie fly to the gutter of the roof top across the way. It then proceeds to struggle and climb - yes climb not fly- to the peak of the roof. The entire time I sit there watching this little bird completely confused as to why it would choose to climb up a steep roof taking breaks and all the while it could fly, after all it flew to the bottom of the roof. Then it occurred to me, that many times I am that bird! I know from God's word that His strength will renew my soul and I can soar like wings of eagles, yet I choose to climb. How many times has God brought me out of something, for me to turn right around and struggle to do things on my own??? Unfortunately too many times than I care to admit. I cling to His word in the "gutters" and "peaks" but try to do it my way in-between. God's grace has brought me here and will carry me through.
So, as we proceed to tackle this challenging new semester ahead, let us continue to fly. Fall is a time for many of us, a time of change, school has begun, extra curricular activities start again, whether you are in them or the Mom chauffeuring your kids to them, I challenge you to not to become complacent in your walk with the Lord. Do not slack off in spending time with him, then remember about half way through October for a few weeks before getting slammed with the holidays. Instead, Fly!
Peace and Blessings,
Christie Beth
Isaiah 40:31
But those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
Monday, July 29, 2013
Flossie and Caramel Macchiatos
Aloha once again! Well the team from Oklahoma Baptist arrived safe and sound with luggage following shortly after ;) but their time here has been great so far! Thank you for your prayers! We have been super busy doing many activities with international students, including hiking and snorkeling! Looking at God's creation never gets old! I continue to meet very cool international students, most recently, 2 girls from Spain!
We have started making our airport pick-ups, yesterday we picked up a student arriving from China. It was very emotional for me to get to see how powerful a warm smile and a hot meal can be for someone! I could not imagine moving into college all by myself in a different country! The student we picked up decided to come to Bible study last night because he is interested in learning about Christianity. How cool is that, his first night in America and he comes to us?!?!
This morning we visited Valley of the Temples (picture) just continuing proof of the diverse culture in Hawaii.
Later we ran to Sam's Club to pick up supplies for the welcome bags we give to each student at the airport. It was a mad house! In case you haven't heard a tropical storm, named Flossie, is headed for the island within a few hours. Your prayers for our safety are appreciated. While in Sam's club it struck me that people all around the island are in full preparation mode for a storm, as they should be, but I wondered if we prepared for the storms in our own life as much as we do physical storms, how different our lives would be? Storms come in everyone's life yet while people flock to the store for water when weather hits, how often do we forget to drink the water that Jesus gives, the water that will let us never thirst again!?! (John 4) Just a thought.
I came to Starbucks to take advantage of the cool rainy weather to indulge in my favorite drink, a Caramel Macchiato. I went home to drink my macchiato and write to you, however upon arriving at the spot in which I was setting up in the living room to write I split my drink! EVERYWHERE! Yeah, I could get upset about losing a drink I can't afford to "replace" and think to myself "whhhhyy ME?!?!" But instead the I thought on the verse in Job, "God gives and take away" so instead of getting upset I thanked God for the one sip I had left in my cup. Then feeling that God was telling me to go back to Starbucks, I packed up my bag and headed back. They instantly recognized who I was from the 10 minutes before, and after explaining what happened they gave me another drink....FOR FREE! AND THEN, I got t have an awesome conversation with the barista. GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME!!!
Well I better head back before I get blown away ;)
God Bless,
Christie
John 4:13-15
Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water, so that I will not be thirsty or have to come here to draw water.”
We have started making our airport pick-ups, yesterday we picked up a student arriving from China. It was very emotional for me to get to see how powerful a warm smile and a hot meal can be for someone! I could not imagine moving into college all by myself in a different country! The student we picked up decided to come to Bible study last night because he is interested in learning about Christianity. How cool is that, his first night in America and he comes to us?!?!
This morning we visited Valley of the Temples (picture) just continuing proof of the diverse culture in Hawaii.
Later we ran to Sam's Club to pick up supplies for the welcome bags we give to each student at the airport. It was a mad house! In case you haven't heard a tropical storm, named Flossie, is headed for the island within a few hours. Your prayers for our safety are appreciated. While in Sam's club it struck me that people all around the island are in full preparation mode for a storm, as they should be, but I wondered if we prepared for the storms in our own life as much as we do physical storms, how different our lives would be? Storms come in everyone's life yet while people flock to the store for water when weather hits, how often do we forget to drink the water that Jesus gives, the water that will let us never thirst again!?! (John 4) Just a thought.
I came to Starbucks to take advantage of the cool rainy weather to indulge in my favorite drink, a Caramel Macchiato. I went home to drink my macchiato and write to you, however upon arriving at the spot in which I was setting up in the living room to write I split my drink! EVERYWHERE! Yeah, I could get upset about losing a drink I can't afford to "replace" and think to myself "whhhhyy ME?!?!" But instead the I thought on the verse in Job, "God gives and take away" so instead of getting upset I thanked God for the one sip I had left in my cup. Then feeling that God was telling me to go back to Starbucks, I packed up my bag and headed back. They instantly recognized who I was from the 10 minutes before, and after explaining what happened they gave me another drink....FOR FREE! AND THEN, I got t have an awesome conversation with the barista. GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME!!!
Well I better head back before I get blown away ;)
God Bless,
Christie
John 4:13-15
Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water, so that I will not be thirsty or have to come here to draw water.”
Monday, July 22, 2013
Let's get real!
I have already been here a week! Yet, it feels like a lot longer; I have already learned so much and met so many people. It is very exciting to see and share an island with so many cultures. Yesterday, at a cookout (on the beach :) 4 continents were represented!
A few fun things:
~ I went on my first big Hawaiian hike, up Pu'u ma' eli' eli
~ Found my way around driving by myself (a great accomplishment anytime you move to a new city!)
~ Been able to meet many international students
~ AND The team from OBU comes in just 2 days! If you could continue to pray as the team and we prepare for their arrival.
I titled this entry "let's get real" because I wanted to address an issue before too many entries. A woman once shared with me how discouraged she became from reading blogs from other Christian women. She felt so defeated from reading what seemed to be their perfect lives'. So I will try my hardest never to be "fake" on this blog. Of course people don't share every detail of their lives' on the internet (as it should be) BUT my life is far from perfect, I have good and bad days just like everyone else, but God's amazing grace helps me through! On this blog there will be posts of all emotions and want to share those with you following my ministry here, so we can pray through them together!
Well that is it for now!
God Bless,
Christie
A few fun things:
~ I went on my first big Hawaiian hike, up Pu'u ma' eli' eli
~ Found my way around driving by myself (a great accomplishment anytime you move to a new city!)
~ Been able to meet many international students
~ AND The team from OBU comes in just 2 days! If you could continue to pray as the team and we prepare for their arrival.
I titled this entry "let's get real" because I wanted to address an issue before too many entries. A woman once shared with me how discouraged she became from reading blogs from other Christian women. She felt so defeated from reading what seemed to be their perfect lives'. So I will try my hardest never to be "fake" on this blog. Of course people don't share every detail of their lives' on the internet (as it should be) BUT my life is far from perfect, I have good and bad days just like everyone else, but God's amazing grace helps me through! On this blog there will be posts of all emotions and want to share those with you following my ministry here, so we can pray through them together!
Well that is it for now!
God Bless,
Christie
Jeremiah 20:9 (NIV)
9 But if I say, “I will not mention his word
or speak anymore in his name,”
his word is in my heart like a fire,
a fire shut up in my bones.
I am weary of holding it in;
indeed, I cannot
or speak anymore in his name,”
his word is in my heart like a fire,
a fire shut up in my bones.
I am weary of holding it in;
indeed, I cannot
Thursday, July 18, 2013
First Few Days in Hawaii
Aloha! Well I arrived safely in Hawaii, late Monday evening and have been getting settled and learning all about the ministry here. To give you a basic overview I will be serving the physical, social and spiritual needs of the International Students at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. There are approximately 1,600 international students with the majority being from China, Japan, Korea, Canada and Taiwan.
I am learning my way around and trying to get ready before a team from Oklahoma Baptist University arrives, next week! Please keep me in your prayers as I try to adjust to life in a different place. God has made this transition smooth thus far, and I have faith that He will continue to guide and comfort me.
God Bless,
Christie
Psalm 139: 9-10
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
I am learning my way around and trying to get ready before a team from Oklahoma Baptist University arrives, next week! Please keep me in your prayers as I try to adjust to life in a different place. God has made this transition smooth thus far, and I have faith that He will continue to guide and comfort me.
God Bless,
Christie
Psalm 139: 9-10
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
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