Maui Adventures II

Day 2 in Maui came really early for me; Jarron and I were signed up for surfing and paddle surfing lessons.  We had to arrive at about 7 am for our lessons which meant waking up at about 6 am.  Although we are 3 hours behind Seattle, having travelled and stayed up way late to try adjusting to the time difference, I was quite out of sorts.  Nonetheless, I was excited to try out paddle surfing, the one thing I really want to do while here.

My paddle surf instructor Kyle and I.

I was the “perfect” student in that I didn’t fall into the water and I even got to catch some waves on the way back in from paddling.  It was fun and quite a work out paddling while standing/balancing on a board.  I am going into look into trying this at home.  It was fun and a good work out.

After the surf lesson, Jarron and I hung out around Lahaina, a little touristy area.  Kyle, my instructor had recommended some good eateries around there so we decided to stop at one for brunch.  We tried out the famous local entree called the “Loco Moco” – served with 2 balls of rice on top of a beef patty and topped off with 2 eggs, covered finally with a mushroom sauce.  It was a very large meal and very tasty.

The Loco Moco from Captain Jack’s

After brunch, we walked about town for a bit and enjoyed the sunshine.  We then headed back to the hotel where I spent some time at the pool.  Let’s just say the sun here in Maui is different than anywhere else and I am a little pink from spending a short time in it.  Thankfully I don’t hurt too much just look weird.  We chilled for a while before heading out to dinner – we decided to hit up the Hard Rock Cafe.

Had me some Hickory Bacon Cheese Burger – sad to say it didn’t taste like any I had before, oh well…

After dinner, we headed back to the hotel and since it was still early, Jarron and I decided to go on an adventure to find some good entertainment/music.  We are slowly discovering that there really isn’t anything on the island very exciting; life here is very laid back and the night life is quite dead.  We finally found a decent place and came to find out it was where most of the locals and tourists hung out at night.  It was fun to meet different people from all over the country; we sat by some older teachers from San Diego and had a good time chatting with them.

Since we had a late night, I figured I would sleep in the next morning since we didn’t have anything planned and was going to just take it easy.  Unfortunately, (I know I am on vacation) my phone and emails woke me up early and I got to working for a bit.  After taking care of business, I went back to the room and made some breakfast.  I then managed to take a pretty long nap to make up for sleep and it felt good.

In order to get a bunch of discounts on activities we signed up for, we agreed to sit through a sales pitch for timeshare here.  All 3 of us made our way downstairs for our appointment and after over 2 hours we walked away without signing our lives away and got our vouchers for the activities.  By the time we were done, it was time to head to the Luau we signed up for.  I had been to a Luau a long time ago when I visited Honolulu and it was fun experience so I was looking forward to all you can eat food and a good show.

Stage of the Royal Lahaina Resort Luau

Dancing to the Wedding song originally performed by Elvis Presley

Fire and Light Dance

The end of the show with our MC and end of our night.  Got an early start again tomorrow as we are headed on the road to Hana – a 74 mile drive that will take us about 4 hours to complete one way.  Good night…

Maui Adventures

Really excited about my first vacation in 7 years; blessed to be able to come to Maui and enjoy this week.  Here’s a snap shot of my first day:

The view from our room on the 6th floor of the Kaanapali Beach Club.

Getting our leis (Jireh, Jarron & Eric) – Mahalo

The beach by connected to our hotel; very nice.

Sunset over Lahaina; gorgeous.

Dinner at Bubba Gump, brought to you by Forest Gump.  Good seafood.

Back at the hotel now, worn out and ready to crash; still adjusting to time change here.  Will update more tomorrow.

Mission Ready?

It is hard to believe that 2011 is almost half way through.  This has been by far the most intriguing year of my life.  I’ve had some major transitions and changes in life but none quite like the one I am about to encounter.  The year so far has consisted of putting into play a change of vocation if you will.  I have been challenged and directed more than I have been before.  I took tests and went through a discovery process to evaluate my gifts and personality traits.  And as usual, I’ve internalized my progression till this point of attempting to put something down in writing.

As I alluded to earlier, I am undergoing what some call a change of vocation and in legal terms a “change of status” – moving from the corporate world into a “religious” environment.  I am anxiously awaiting the day to arrive when that transition occurs.  I have thoroughly enjoyed being bi-vocational (working a corporate job and volunteering as a minister).  I enjoy living life outside the church bubble and it has been liberating; it did take a while for me to get there though.  Spending time learning and reading about Jesus’ experiences allowed the shift in my thinking; some of which have held me back in being Mission Ready.

Several books (Second Hand Jesus, Crazy Love & Radical) I have listened to recently have also catapulted me a little further.  There’s a common thread in these books and they all put forth a challenge that is hard to ignore.  Here are some of the things that have rocked my comfy thought process:

1. The Great Commission – not a suggestion, but a command.  Matthew 28:16-20 (NIV) ¹⁶ Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. ¹⁷ When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. ¹⁸ Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ¹⁹ Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”  I was once again reminded that going was not merely for the missionaries who felt called to go but it applies to me.  I think about the community my church is in, the people living in next to me and the people I work with daily – “all nations” are represented so there is no excuse for me.

2. “Live a life so radical that it demands an explanation” // “Preach the Gospel, and when necessary use words” – these quotes speak for themselves and they motivate me daily, shaping how I approach life.  1 Peter 3:15 (NIV) “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect…”  I am living these out as best I can even at this time.  God has blessed me with a gift to play music and recently I have been thrust into the world of music outside of the church walls.  God’s timing is impeccable because as I have been processing all these thoughts, I am allowed to live it out.  I play music in environments where Jesus is last things on people’s minds, but by simply living out the “good news” I don’t have to use persuasive words.  I am prepared to give an answer for the hope and joy I have and that in the words of my friend Jarron is “AWE…SOME!!”

3. Sufferings – Romans 8:16-17 (NIV) ¹⁶ The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. ¹⁷ Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.  This one, I am still unpacking.  I know with leaving a decent paying job, losing the stability in that and entering a journey of faith, there will be hard times and “sufferings".  My parents probably had foresight in this matter when they named me Jireh as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and provision.  I do want to share in Jesus’ glory so if it means sharing in His sufferings I am all in.  I am clinging on to the promise “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose…What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:28 & 31 (NIV)

Am I Mission Ready?  I believe I am; as with anything in life, learning is never complete so there is more to prepare for.  I have been training and continue to train.  There is a term the military uses in Singapore when our national service is done, and that is we are called “Operationally Ready” men; the idea that we have gone through our training and the exercises and simulated missions and now we are ready for the real deal should we be needed to be called upon.  The Great Commission is calling and it is time to engage.

Aroma

2 Corinthians 2:14-16 (NIV)

“But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life.”

I recently read this passage and haven’t been able to stop thinking about it.  I have awoken in the middle of the night thinking about the idea of aromas and how it applies to me and how I can apply it.  I figured writing out my thoughts is probably the best way to do; hence, my first entry of 2011.

I am a big fan of the my sense of smell.  Personally, I like to smell as nice as possible, which is probably linked to why I enjoy taking showers as often as I can and able.  I also like people to smell nice.  A few days ago, my mum and I were talking about how we enjoyed the smell of fresh bread, especially in a bakery.  It is amazing what effect aromas have on people and what it triggers.  It reminds you of a person, a place, an encounter or it stimulates hunger or the need for something.  The thing about aromas is also that it lingers.  I know when I go to Starbucks, or a Chinese or Korean BBQ restaurant, I leave smelling like the place.

I got to thinking about the passage and how Paul says that God uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of Him everywhere.  I began to wonder about the aroma I was spreading, whether it was a scent worthy of Him or maybe a little funky – like Paul said a pleasing aroma of Christ.  Yesterday, my friend Josh,  related an experience he had with someone he had known for a couple years who was pleasantly surprised to find out he was a pastor while they were conversing.  That immediately triggered my mind to wonder whether the people I encounter, on the phone or in person, can pick up on my Christ aroma.  This passage of scripture in Acts 4:13 quickly came to mind: “When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.”  Is my aroma reflecting where I’ve been or who I have been with?

I was challenged again this morning in thinking about this when I saw this quote from Craig Groeschel: “Don’t worry when people make fun of you for your commitment to Christ. Worry when they don’t.”  That immediately brought back memories of elementary and high school years.  My friends at school would always asked what I did over the weekend and they would be so puzzled when I told them I was at church.  I wasn’t bashful about my commitment, in fact I often invited them along with me and if they parents would allow them.  I don’t want that aroma to stop permeating from me; as we heard at church this weekend from Colossians 3:17 “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”  Everything I do, in word or deed, I want the aroma of Christ and the knowledge of Him to be evident so that it triggers the senses of others around me.

“God Can Be Added To My List Of Loyalties”

I’m back!  It has been a long time since I’ve written and I am looking forward this.

I have been listening through the book “Secondhand Jesus – Trading Rumors of God for a Firsthand Faith” by Glenn Packiam.  In the 5th chapter, Glenn addresses the “rumor” that “God can be added to my list of loyalties.”  At first I wasn’t quite sure what that meant and after listening for a bit more, it hit me.  I have in many ways bought into that rumor of God.

The thought that struck me is that I can add God to my long list of loyalties and priorities as long as I put Him first.  I don’t have to give up my old goals and aspirations, I just add Jesus to the mix.  Somehow, we, or rather I, have fallen for the notion that as long as Jesus is my top priority, I can still keep the other aspects of my life going – Jesus even gets to become the miracle provider of those goals and aspirations.

When I pause to reflect, it doesn’t take long to realize it all stems from the condition of the heart.  Matthew 12:34 (NLT) says “…For whatever is in your heart determines what you say.”  More than what I say, it determines how I behave and what I long for.  I often quote the passage of scripture that says “…delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4 NIV); true as it may be, my reasons for delighting might be suspect to say the least.  As the old hymn sings “prone to wander, Lord I feel it; prone to leave the God I love.” (Psalm 95:10).  The heart is created for so much potential yet because of our sinful nature, the heart craves for things it shouldn’t and pride takes over.

I am a musician, a worship leader, a pastor, a businessman, a friend, a son, amongst other things.  I have been able to influence many lives with what I do and say, most often with the best of intentions.  I have personal friends who are connected beyond belief and I get to rub shoulders with very talented people constantly.  I am told that I am a lot of things, and my ego gets massaged; I crave more unknowingly at times even though I don’t profess to seek it.  Being a part of a Church movement, I constantly think of ways to be creative and innovative in the hopes of drawing people in.  I look for more influence in the name of moving things forward.

These things are a long list of priorities and loyalties I have and of course Jesus is included, and He is at the top of it all, driving most of these; but is He?  Today, I stopped to ask myself whether God can be added to my list of loyalties or is He my one loyalty.  I confess almost daily that Jesus is Lord, yet I still hoard parts of me.  I give other aspects of life priority.

My heart is heavy and I know I have to surrender.  Jesus simply cannot be added to my to-do list.  I have to protect my heart, like Solomon wrote in Proverbs 4:23 (NIV) “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”  And today I pray the prayer of David in Psalm 86:11-12 (NIV):

“Teach me your way, LORD, that I may rely on your faithfulness;
give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. 
I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart;  I will glorify your name forever.”

Jesus, You have my attention now, feel free to make adjustments and corrections.  Amen.

W.W.J.D.

Remember those initials (W.W.J.D)?  Those initials were so popular through the 90s and you still see it around today – What Would Jesus Do?  I must say from a business standpoint, someone better have made bank for the genius marketing that took place.  I never did get into the fad all that much; having a name that starts with “J” didn’t help since I could insert my name, plus I thought it was a cheesy phrase.

The phrase came to the forefront of my mind recently (amongst other things that I ponder daily about) in light of what started here in the US and has sparked an international outrage.  I have to preface what I write and reiterate that these are my personal internal  dialogs and writing them down is cathartic for me.  I love current affairs and try to be educated on things that happen around the world – I read up on news from all over the world and absorb as much as I can.  I am intrigued by politics and systems of governing.  I have a deep faith and thus, am drawn to faith conversations here and beyond.

So, when our dear pastor friend from Florida decided to go public with his intentions, I began observing the backlash or outbursts from all angles – political, religious, military, legal, personal.  I must admit that the day the news broke and I saw the headline, I was a little disgusted by it; I didn’t need to read to much into in to know that it was not a good situation.  Being a bi-vocational pastor myself, I like to know what other pastors are up to and how God is using them, so this was not a good start.

I understand the mainstream media has a job to spread the news to a mass audience and the bottom line (sponsors, ads, etc) more often than not gets in the way.  As such, a slightly sensationalized headline will grab attention.  I honestly don’t like to see a headline with the words “Pastor” doing or involved in something; mostly likely it is not good.  Rarely does the media leave the headline space for a pastor who is doing something good.  I digress.

This was when the phrase W.W.J.D.  popped into my head.  There were and still are tons of responses/comments/advice/whatnot that are in a similar vein.  What would Jesus do?  What I considered a cheesy phrase now was illuminating my mind.  What would Jesus do, not only to the situation at hand or the root of it, but also with the person who started this whole international incident?  My little imaginative mind started to wonder and picture how Jesus would respond.  I started thinking of scriptures and scenarios in the Bible of similar encounters.

Jesus is and should be our perfect example.  He personified compassion; He showed love; He offered grace and mercy; He spoke truth, calling things how they were, all at the same time not discriminating.  I think about the Samaritan woman at the well and how her life was radically transformed – Jesus made it a point to engage her in conversation.  He broke tradition and rules when He came into her life; she was a woman and a Samaritan, both a big “no no” during that time and for a man of His heritage.  He was willing to cross boundaries, and it wasn’t a coincidence it occurred because He chose to go that route and be at the well at that specific time.  I also think when He raised the only son of a widow because He knew her needs.

Jesus did not tolerate things, neither did He teach tolerance.  He made it clear as to the only way to get to heaven and have eternal life.  He showed love, a love so great that eventually led to His crucifixion.  I heard it once said that tolerance is the antithesis of love.  What does it mean to tolerate?  In simple terms, it means to put up with something even though you may not want to.  Why would that be a good option in life?  I choose love and the expression of Christ’s love.  1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (NIV) says “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal…and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. ³If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.”  I am a drummer so I know the effect of a clanging cymbal and it is not pleasant.

There are so many people in need of hearing the good news of this love; one that is so readily available.  People need to hear about the real Jesus of the Bible and not the one that is designed for specific needs and/or wants.  Christ’s return is eminent so there is much work to be done – Matthew 24:4-8 (NIV) “Jesus answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ, and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.”  Jesus continues to say in verse 14 “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”  We have the game plan, it is time to execute and show the world the real Jesus and let His love shine through.  No time to waste, it is time to be like Jesus!

Today my perspective is realigned with Jesus and when I ask myself W.W.J.D, I want to show His love and grace and point all things to the One who made all things.

Life’s Lessons

Last night I spent a few hours with one of our employees talking about his job, and things that have gone on since he started working with us.  One big thing that stood out to me, while I was listening to him talk, was the human need for positive affirmation.  It made me think about people in general and how we all crave some kind of affirmation; almost like a thumbs up in things that we do to help us move on.

It is very easy to nit pick, criticize and find negative things to point out; conversely, it is much harder to genuinely affirm someone.  We are selfish and prideful by nature, which in turn more easily allows negative expressions rather than positive ones.  Some of us have developed much resistance over the years to receiving much affirmation, yet are still able to perform at a high level; but I’d be the first to admit that there come a tipping point of feeling neglected/taken advantaged of/unappreciated.

My encounter last night was a little wake up call.  I am tasked with creating a culture in this area of work and I realized corporately we didn’t have a culture of positive affirmation.  It made me realize that even the smallest form of affirmation can go a long way to energizing another person and possibly motivating them to press on.

I am involved in some many worlds (music, church, corporate, personal) and I realize that there are probably some inconsistencies in how I treat people across those worlds.  As a manager at work, a leader at church, a band leader and as a friend and family member, I don’t practice this trait enough and I need to improve.  This little experience made me reflect (especially since I have long commutes) on my relationships.  My relationship with Jesus, my family, my friends, my co-workers and even, as the songs says, “to all the girls I’ve loved before…”.  :) For a moment I had an overwhelming sense of guilt for neglecting/taking advantage of/under-appreciating people in my life.  The saying “you don’t know what you got till you lose it” immediately came to mind.  I know in reflection and hind sight I feel that way about past relationships and it makes me sad that I didn’t do a better job.

I really try my hardest to maintain the best relationships possible with people in my life and ones I encounter, but I know I’ve succeeded in some and failed in others.  Now that the light bulb has come on, I am going to strive to positively affirm someone, say thanks, give someone a pat on the back and maybe bring a smile to someone along the way.  So if you are reading this and I have let you down recently or in the past, I apologize and I am changing and hopefully take a step in mending hurts.

Cheers!

Summertime

Summers are always fun when sunshine, friends and relaxation are involved.  Here are some summertime highlights so far:

Jarron and I driving to Crescent Bar for a little “day-cation” and warm sunshine.

Driving East on I-90 heading up to Snoqualmie Pass.

Was fascinated by these humongous windmills along the way.

View of Crescent Bar section of the lake.

View from the backyard of our condo.

The pool just outside our back deck and my sun-deprived pale skin.

At the Gorge waiting to watch Kings of Leon play.

Crowds filling in as the sun set.

Beautiful sunset.

The “day-cation” was much needed and very fun.  I am grateful to have been able to go away for a night and day.

Got a visit from my Uncle and Aunt, Gideon and Carol; all the way from Singapore.  It was great to catch up with them and enjoy good food with them.

Doing the tourist thing and catching the sights of Seattle (Space Needle in the background).

Summers are also popular wedding times.  Attended my first wedding of the season – my friend and boss’s daughter, Rachel’s, wedding.  It was a intimate and fun wedding.

Rachel, with Rick and I.

Natasha (Rick’s friend), Rick and I at our dinner table.

Partners at work and good friends.

New friends – Natasha & Larisa

It has been a fun season so far and hopefully with will continue this way before the season ends.  Love summertime.

Entanglements

Hebrews 12:1-3 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

This passage demanded my immediate attention this morning as I read it.  I couldn’t escape he phrase “sin that so easily entangles.”  The truth behind that phrase hit me; I started to think of the things that I do that is not pleasing to a Holy God – the “small” stuff and the big stuff.  It definitely easily entangles!

I try my hardest to fix my eyes on Jesus just like the passage instructs; yet so often I run my life in auto-pilot, and I let God down.  Running the race takes stamina, and stamina comes from working out and training; I definitely can do better and must do better.  I really do try to live a missional life and want to bring the hope of Jesus to people I encounter, so the hindrances and distractions of life take away from that pursuit.  I liken it to text messaging while driving (guilty) – looking down for a split second could make it the last second to breathe (extreme case of course).  So fixing my eyes on Jesus and not growing weary is essential.  Once again, “training” and a good spiritual “diet” is key to not growing weary.

One uplifting part of this passage is that “we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses” so we have the support and accountability which I am utterly grateful for.  There is hope even when the race is not easy to run and at times giving up seems the best option.  Jesus is the answer.

Rain

It is never fun to wake up on a Monday morning, after our only week of summer weather so far, to clouds and rain.  You see, it rains a fair bit throughout  the year here in the great Northwest, so we take our summers and sunshine very seriously.

Filled with a little disappointment, I put on jeans, a shirt and shoes, took to the wet roads and headed into Seattle for work.  I was reminiscing on the 90 degree weather we had experienced last week as I was driving and then it dawned on me.  There is a passage in Matthew 6:25-34  that is basically been my life passage; it says:

²⁵"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? ²⁶Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? ²⁷Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? ²⁸"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. ²⁹Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. ³⁰If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? ³¹So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' ³²For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. ³³But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. ³⁴Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

I looked around and I noticed the grass and leaves around me – I am sure they were very glad to have the rain come this morning after enduring the record weather we had last week.  I was reminded of this passage and how the rain is God’s way of taking care of the grass of the fields and how He is even more faithful to me.  I may be going through some tough times in areas of life but God remains true and I have to keep my eyes on Him and trust Him.  So, thank you Jesus for gentle reminders like these.

4th of July

This past weekend we celebrated Independence Day here in America.  It is a unique holiday for me because I am a foreigner who has lived here for about 15 years and this where my home is.  I can sing a lot of the patriotic songs thanks to the years of playing in the patriotic celebrations at churches around here.  It is a wonderful day because we do truly celebrate freedom and remember the cost that it comes with.  I also love that I get to celebrate with my friends.  I am really blessed to have friends like these here.

Something new this year was that we cancelled church this being that the 4th was on a Sunday; and instead of having a regular gathering, we had a block party with an inflatable for the kids and food for everyone.  It was a cold and dreary morning but it was fun to see people bring friends and family and it was especially cool to see people from our community come out to join us.

Our food table getting set up

People starting to show up and mingling

One highlight of my morning was getting to hang and actually watch Janelle for a little while.  Aik and Alexis came as well but had to take off for a bit so I was tasked with being Uncle Jireh and playing with Janelle.  She loved the slides at the playground and I enjoyed being with her.

Later on that evening, I went over to my friend Lindsey’s place to celebrate with some friends.  Lindsey lives close to a place called Gas Works Park in Seattle, where they have an annual fireworks display at night for the 4th.  Lindsey last organized a party like this in 2008 and it was a blast so she decided to host it again.

Here’s what Gas Works Parks looks like in the day (take a week ago):

The park has a great view of the city and its skyline.

The weather was not very cooperative throughout the day on Sunday; in fact in rained in Seattle all afternoon and it was cold.  We were a little concerned that the fireworks show was not going to be any good because the skies were so clouded.  But thank God it stopped raining in time and conditions got better just before the show.

Some sparklers to start the festivities.  Paul brought some of his own fire works to light up in the neighborhood.

Paul, Corey and Jarron getting ready for the big show

Zoe, Tina and I waiting for the show to start

Zoe posing for the camera.

Zoe and me

and finally…The Big Show

We were definitely not let down by the fireworks display, it was quite spectacular.  A perfect ending to a long dreary day.

Throughout the day and evening, I was reminded of the privilege I have to live in this country and more importantly the relationships I have here.  I would not feel at home here if not for my friends here in Seattle.  I am grateful.  I was also reminded how much I love kids; one of my friend even commented on how well kids and I interact.  I thoroughly enjoyed hanging out with Janelle and Zoe.

I thank God for freedom, especially the freedom that comes from knowing Him.  Happy Birthday America!