Isaac = "He Laughs"

Jenney and I are trying to train Isaac up in the faith. Some days it is a monumental challenge and other times we feel like he needs to train us. What's exciting is that he is so much further along in his relationship with God than I was at his age. He enjoys singing praises, praying for healing, and giving thanks to God for various things that may happen throughout the day. I still remember last November I had a fresh scar on my elbow from an injury. Isaac, who was less than 2 years old at the time, came up to me, laid his hands on my scar and said, "We need to pray for Daddy's aya-aya (Korean for boo-boo)". I was in total shock.

Isaac laying hands on Daddy for healing

God even used Isaac to confirm our call to Redding. Earlier this year Jenney expressed her desire to get personal confirmation regarding our move, especially since I had already received three separate words that we were to move. We prayed that God would speak to Jenney and not long after that, something very humorous happened. Jenney took Isaac to the Pasadena Public Library for their weekly story time for children. After the group activity, Isaac likes to go by himself to pick out books to read with Jenney. This one morning he selected two books: "We're Moving" and "The Great Migration". The first book is a children's story to help kids understand and prepare for the transition of moving. The second book is based on the true story of African-Americans migrating from the south to the north in search of a better life during World War I. When Jenney saw the books she knew that God was giving her confirmation of our move to Northern California.

The two books Isaac picked out by himself

Three things stood out from this experience. First, we had never spoken to Isaac about moving or talked about moving in front of him. Second, just a couple weeks before this happened, I had an opportunity to hear the Senior Pastor of Bethel Church (Bill Johnson) speak at a conference at Harvest Rock Church. During his message, he shared the principle of how God speaks to us through children and gave personal illustrations of his own kids and grandkids. Third, I thought this was a unique and fun way to bless our family and even prepare Isaac for the move. We wound up buying the books and Isaac loved to read "We're Moving". He memorized half the story. I was curious, so I asked him directly, "Isaac, what do you think about moving to Redding?" He looked at me and said, "We are moving to Redding!"

"O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise..." Psalm 8:1-2

This Thing Called Fear

British philosopher and Nobel prize winner in literature Bertrand Russel once said that "To conquer fear is the beginning of wisdom". In our society, conquering fear seems a noble endeavor. There is even a popular line of apparel called No Fear, which associates with high risk sports such as Moto X and MMA. Somehow I think this guy missed Russel's point.

The Bible directly contradicts Russel for it says the beginning of wisdom is the fear of the LORD (Psalm 110:10; Proverbs 1:7). Fear is an emotion that influences, even dictates or constrains, our thinking and actions. Wisdom is not a matter of overcoming fear but rather directing it in the proper way. One of the most profound principles I have learned recently is the idea that the fear of man disguises itself as wisdom. In our desire to fit in, be viewed favorably by others, and avoid looking foolish, our faith is often weakened, our vision clouded, and our passion tempered. Our move to Redding from the world's perspective is a dubious decision. How can I move my young family to one of the hottest cities in the world, with no job, miles away from family and friends, to attend a non-accredited ministry training program that most people have never heard of? There are many moments when I am afraid of what others think of me but I am striving to put fear in its proper place- at the feet of God.

"My flesh trembles in fear of you; I stand in awe of your laws." Psalm 119:120

Like a Child

There's a story in Matthew 18 where someone asks Jesus who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Jesus calls a little child to stand among them and says, "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." I've heard this many times before but this morning it struck me in a different way as I reflected on my relationship with my son, Isaac. He's currently in an attachment phase where he will just incessantly repeat "Daddy, Daddy, Daddy" until I come and play with him. He does not worry about self-image or material things (Matthew 6:25-34)- he just simply wants to spend time with his dad. I hope to develop this type of humility.

The disciples had to humble themselves in order to follow Jesus. They left their jobs, family, comfort, and security. In one sense, all of those earthly things were replaced with the divine. They had a new assignment, with a family of faith, in the comfort of the Good Shepherd and the security of a Savior. Sounds like a good trade. But to truly embrace this type of change requires a transformed perspective (Romans 12:2). Do I trust God enough to obey what He tells me to do? In Matthew 10, Jesus sends out the twelve disciples to minister in different towns and tells them not to take gold, silver, or copper- not even a bag. When we moved to Redding, we had enough stuff to fill an entire house and we still sometimes struggle with worry about how we will survive. "Daddy, Daddy, Daddy!" I have a lot to learn from Isaac...

At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure." Luke 10:21

Isaac's favorite hobby: Playing the drums

The Start of a New Journey in Redding

This is the season of new beginnings, 8/08, and we are excited to begin this adventure of following God as a young family. After driving ten hours with two Uhaul trucks, one towing a car, we are now settling in to our new home in Redding. (That's the Sundial Bridge overlooking the Sacramento River at Turtle Bay.) Classes at the Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry begin in mid-September so there is some time to get adjusted before life gets busy. We miss everyone back home. Hopefully, this blog will be a good way to stay connnected. Thank you for your support and prayers, please let us know how we can pray for you!