Life moves fast. The word "fast" is often coupled with the "forward" and with all that is going on in this uncertain world, we want life to quickly move past the pain toward future possibilities. However, there are other "buttons" we also need to press every now and then (besides "fast forward"):
- Pause - Do I take time to get in touch my own thoughts or am I so filled with the voices of external expectations that I am losing track of the "still small voice" within?
- Stop - Am I taking on more projects, more commitment without dropping that which is no longer essential? Before I take on something new, am I willing to drop something old?
- Rewind - Those who do not know the lessons of history are apt to repeat them. What God will do in my life is usually an extrapolation of what He has been doing all along (classic example is the narrative of Joseph in the Old Testament). Examine the "history" of your life and may it bring about a spirit of gratefulness - the Lord is faithful.
- Record - I am glad to start writing in this blog again after a long break. It has been two years since we first touch down here in Charlotte, North Carolina. With two more years to go, this is an opportune time to start recording again the "joy in the journey." Something clicks within when I start to put my thoughts down in writing.
We had a quite a packed Summer, attending two intensive RTS classes - "Exposition of Hebrews" with D.A. Carson in Charlotte and "The Long Road to Sexual Freedom" with Carl Trueman in Washington, DC. Thankful to Albert & Priscilla Wong who hosted us during our time in DC. It was so refreshing catching up with Albert - not only is he a fellow RTS student but also a fellow Malaysian! He got me addicted to drinking Teh-C every morning!
All of my summer assignments was finally completed last week and the Vickerys came to Charlotte just in time to help me celebrate my "merdeka" from the RTS coursework. We thank God for their faithfulness in serving and watching their children grow up is such a delight! CDPC Puchong - I am sure you guys are missing them!
Thank you for partnering with us in prayer, in this journey of joy:
- Eliza is now in Tokyo, taking pictures as part of the Olympics broadcasting team. Please pray that she will be kept safe in this pandemic situation. We are excited that she is starting her Masters in Photojournalism in George Washington University starting end of next month!
- Eunice will be moving on to her second year at Union University in Jackson, Tennessee, majoring in Creative Writing and Broadcast Journalism. Do pray for her to settle in well - she will be a life-group leader for incoming freshman this year.
- My wife and I will be attending a number of classes this Fall in RTS - do continue to pray that the Lord will help us make the connection between theology and Godly living. There is always the temptation to be "head-heavy" and miss out on the "heart-touch" moments. Do pray for my languages - as I will be taking Hebrews 2 this semester (languages not really my strong point).
- We will be moving out of our current apartment in Concord by end of the year and taking up a new "apartment life" assignment nearer to Charlotte (where we organize social events for the residents in exchange for discounted rent). Pray for the Lord's guidance in this move and for a heart to be reaching out to others.
Do let us know how we can pray for you and your family.
Thanks for partnering with us in this journey of joy.
Joseph, Debra, Eliza & Eunice Tan.
