Gracepoint Monthly - 5/2 @ 7pm

This Friday we'll be having Gracepoint Monthly at First Presbyterian at 7pm.  Beforehand, we're going to eat at 6pm at Crossroads DC.  

Leads me "beside quiet waters"

Psalm 23 is one of the classic Christian passages of all time and I thought it was a wonderful passage to reflect on this past week and in light of our Baptism service this past Sunday. One of the girls in Ellen's group along with 18 other people got baptized this past weekend. As I heard many people's stories from the videos I thought how many were the same in that they were lost or looking for some "pool of water to satisfy" them like ambition, career, romance, just being liked but in the end God found them and directed them to the water that would truly satisfy them.

I thought of my own testimony and how I came to Cal as an anxious, insecure, yet cocky East Coaster. I based my identity on what others thought of me instead of being a genuinely loved child of God. Indeed, God has been the good shepherd who has led me "beside quiet waters" - to live a life that is centered on loving Him and loving others. Any other pursuit - for man's attention - is certainly not worth it.  The message of how God has been leading my whole life and nothing has been by chance really hit me once again and I was really humbled.  God knows what is best for my life and I need to be humble to receive this and let him guide me by letting his rod and staff comfort me - protecting me from sin and molding and shaping me into the person of love he wants me to be. 

Hans and Franz

Last Thursday, some of us celebrated the 18th birthday of Isaiah Kang, the oldest son of Pastor Ed Kang and Kelly Kang.  And we had some special guest visitors drop by - Hans and Franz. Those of you familiar with our church's Glive or Christian Festival productions, no doubt, are familiar with Hans and Franz and sometimes known as the Dorcs.  Hans and Franz challenged Isaiah Kang to an arm wrestling competition.  But they were all flash and no cash as Isaiah soundly humiliated their "puny" attempt. Of course, they defended their loss by saying "Happy Birthday"!

It was a fun and wonderful time celebrating how faithful God has been in Isaiah's life.  When I had returned from a 1 year trip abroad serving as an English teacher and helping a church I moved in with Pastor Ed and Kelly Kang and Isaiah, Noah and Anna.  We shared many wonderful times together and really felt like a family.  I especially loved the late night times of fellowship over the dinner table as Pastor Ed would whip up anything and everything. This is one trait I know that Isaiah has as well!

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