Let's Catch Up! Shovel time

I realize that I haven't written in a while. So... SORRY!!!! Really, I am. Now that my computer is gone, it makes writing on a regular basis more difficult. Updating a BLOG from my iPod is a hassle in itself.

Anyways! I didn't write in October, and haven't written in November at all! Shame on me.

What have I been up to?

I've been teaching. Hardcore teaching. Grading papers, giving tests, checking homework, taking attendance, and making bulletin boards. Like a boss. When you teach English, yet have never had to study the rules before (because you just know... you speak it fluently), you have to study before you teach. Ha! Sounds crazy, but this is my life.

Also, I got to do a little bit of traveling out to get some supplies and go to the dentist. I now know why children are scared of the dentist. I've had the MOST painful cleaning and polishing of my life. And probably the cheapest as well. But man, am I glad it's over with. Goodness!! But, I got all stocked up on JIF, shampoo, and Colgate. I'm set!

EYES OPENED

Usually, you only hear about things like prostitution, drugs, poverty, and slums. You see them on TV. You hear about them in the news. I know for me though, I'd never actually seen it in action until I came overseas. On this trip to Thailand, we stayed on the sketchy-est street ever. During the day, it's dead. At night? Wow. It comes to life and stays alive until the wee hours of the morning. Girls lign the streets scantily dressed. Massage parlors open up that only serve men. The shock never wears off. Old, ancient white men with young young local girlfriends or concubines. Whatever you want to call it. Either way, our street was jacked up at night.

It's an eye-opener. More than an eye-opener. It made me think of how badly people need to hear the truth. That there is more to life. Freedom in J3s-s. The world offers temporary satisfaction. Welcome to a planet full of band-aids that make you feel good for a little while, but never quench your deepest thirsts and desires. And, dude. This is not just overseas. This street may have been an extreme example, but the temporary fixes are everywhere and come in many shapes and sizes.

Anything that's elevated above God is a fix. It's us saying that whatever we've found is more satisfying and fulfilling.

What's the reality check?

Keep God first.

As I mentioned before, I have a lot of time on my hands that gets devoted to thinking, pondering, and just diving deep into things. So, yeah. I may be getting the shovel out a lot more than I usually do. But I'm seeing differently than I ever saw before. And one thing that is clear is that our fight is not against flesh and blood. People are not the enemy here. Those ladies working the curbside shouldn't be sneered at and hated. They should be the ones we try to love the most. Love is the key.

Love your neighbors.
Nobody is better than anybody else.
Nobody deserves more or less love.
Everyone needs grace.
Just be on your A game... being known for what you stand for, not what you stand against.