Abortion is legal for any reason you like, if you go to the right places.
Politicians are beginning to wonder how much health care and elderly or terminally ill person deserves.
Birds choking on plastic bottles is more of a problem than people dying of dehydration without the water in those plastic bottles.
Somewhere in our nation's history, the value of a human life has fallen by the wayside.
Only God gets to decide how and when we should die.
Perhaps, if more people paid attention to what God thinks and has shown us through His word, a human life would be more than a number, more than a price tag, and more than an inconvenience.
Loving each other while standing on the Rock!
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Prep Time
I am supposed to be a nurse. God has made this calling explicitly and implicitly clear since I was around 7 or 8 years old. The fortunate and unfortunate experiences I've been thrown into have further molded my heart and mind and hands to be those of a nurse. God has not called me to be a nurse for the money or the skills or the happiness found in helping people feel better or even to be someone who saves lives. God has called me to be a nurse to be His hands and His light for His glory.
Dan is supposed to be a teacher. God has made this calling pretty clear in the last couple years. Yet, God has made it very clear that Dan has a testimony to speak and share with those he meets. If you asked him, Dan would probably affirm that God has given him this calling to bring Him glory.
Dan and I are supposed to live in Utah. It is only a matter of time. Thanks to a very flirtatious Mormon in high school, my heart was broken for the LDS. Thanks to Dan's patience, incredible skill in apologetics, my persistence and a trip to Utah, Dan's heart was broken for the LDS.
All this to say, we have been discussing the fact that not all Christians will impact the world for Christ as preachers or street evangelists or foreign missionaries. The harvest is ripe and those serving in the streets with God's call and the Holy Spirit's empowerment are leading people to Christ. I pray that God continues to use these warriors to reach some of the lost.
Yet, I am afraid that there is a common misconception that a Christian is not living up to God's salvation and call on their lives if they do not sell everything they own and preach on the streets or in unreached nations.
(A great reference book on this is Finding Common Ground by Tim Downs.)
"There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men."
1 Corinthians 12:4-6
All around us are people who do not know Christ. Just because people have heard of Christ does not mean that they are saved or that we have fulfilled our duty. Some people will come to know Christ through long-term relationships with Christians. These people might be those who would shut the door on a fierce Gospel message, but they might be open to being loved and befriended by people who follow fiercely after Christ.
God has not called me to go over-seas permanently to preach the Gospel. If He calls me, I will go.
God has not called me to sell all I own and preach on inner-city streets. If He calls me, I will go (though, it would be admittedly tough).
God has called me to be an active member of a theologically sound church.
God has called me to be a loving and supportive wife in juxtaposition with the adultery and despair seen in the culture today.
God has called me to be an oncology nurse and bring hope to those who have none left.
God has called me to begin dialogues and relationships with those in the LDS church through kindness and an open-mind.
At the moment, I am involved in the first two.
As for the second two, I am in the midst of preparation.
I was talking to Dan tonight about whether or not I should feel guilty about not being more active in evangelism. We agreed that we need to be more open, but also that we are doing what God wants us to do. We are where God has called us to be.
As Dan reminded me, even Paul had prep time before he went forth to evangelize the nations.
For now, I feel like God is molding me and preparing me for what is to come.
(To be a nurse, I do need my RN license after all. And I need a job to be able to move to Utah.)
He gives me opportunities even now to speak His word, but I cannot wait for what He has in store for me.
Dan is supposed to be a teacher. God has made this calling pretty clear in the last couple years. Yet, God has made it very clear that Dan has a testimony to speak and share with those he meets. If you asked him, Dan would probably affirm that God has given him this calling to bring Him glory.
Dan and I are supposed to live in Utah. It is only a matter of time. Thanks to a very flirtatious Mormon in high school, my heart was broken for the LDS. Thanks to Dan's patience, incredible skill in apologetics, my persistence and a trip to Utah, Dan's heart was broken for the LDS.
All this to say, we have been discussing the fact that not all Christians will impact the world for Christ as preachers or street evangelists or foreign missionaries. The harvest is ripe and those serving in the streets with God's call and the Holy Spirit's empowerment are leading people to Christ. I pray that God continues to use these warriors to reach some of the lost.
Yet, I am afraid that there is a common misconception that a Christian is not living up to God's salvation and call on their lives if they do not sell everything they own and preach on the streets or in unreached nations.
(A great reference book on this is Finding Common Ground by Tim Downs.)
"There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men."
1 Corinthians 12:4-6
All around us are people who do not know Christ. Just because people have heard of Christ does not mean that they are saved or that we have fulfilled our duty. Some people will come to know Christ through long-term relationships with Christians. These people might be those who would shut the door on a fierce Gospel message, but they might be open to being loved and befriended by people who follow fiercely after Christ.
God has not called me to go over-seas permanently to preach the Gospel. If He calls me, I will go.
God has not called me to sell all I own and preach on inner-city streets. If He calls me, I will go (though, it would be admittedly tough).
God has called me to be an active member of a theologically sound church.
God has called me to be a loving and supportive wife in juxtaposition with the adultery and despair seen in the culture today.
God has called me to be an oncology nurse and bring hope to those who have none left.
God has called me to begin dialogues and relationships with those in the LDS church through kindness and an open-mind.
At the moment, I am involved in the first two.
As for the second two, I am in the midst of preparation.
I was talking to Dan tonight about whether or not I should feel guilty about not being more active in evangelism. We agreed that we need to be more open, but also that we are doing what God wants us to do. We are where God has called us to be.
As Dan reminded me, even Paul had prep time before he went forth to evangelize the nations.
For now, I feel like God is molding me and preparing me for what is to come.
(To be a nurse, I do need my RN license after all. And I need a job to be able to move to Utah.)
He gives me opportunities even now to speak His word, but I cannot wait for what He has in store for me.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
People who flap their lips.
I do not know much about Obama's health care reform. I do not fully understand what he wants to do. Some people are scared about socialism. Some people think he has come to save the country from crashing into inescapable health care chaos. Like I said, I don't know enough to choose a side. So, I won't.
I wish people who don't know exactly what they're talking about, wouldn't talk.
There you have it: one of my pet peeves.
In the past few weeks I have discovered a very sensitive nerve that gets hit every time I read or hear something that is just off-base from someone who is overly confident in their "knowledge". Unfortunately, Dan and I both share this pet peeve. Somehow, I generally resist voicing my opinions to these people. Dan is becoming a little more vocal in his corrections.
Case 1: Obama will fix the health care system so that everyone can get good care. Without his reform, people will get no care.
Objections: Really? Everyone will get good care? Really? Show me the facts. And people are obviously getting care now without his reform. So, bad argument.
Really? Is that right? Really?
Case 2: The All-Star game is pointless and more enjoyable for the players than the fans. The Oscars, however, are priceless.
Objections: Who enjoys the Oscar more: the winner or their biggest fan? Duh. Why do All-Star tickets sell out within weeks? Because the players snatch them up? No, fans buy them. Duh.
Case 3: Theologians have mind knowledge, but no heart knowledge. They will learn forever but never truly know God. Oh, and the whole Bible should be interpreted prescriptively. And we don't need to interact with the LDS. They've already heard about Jesus. Too late.
Objections: Yes, theologians just devote their lives to reading books about a God they don't love. Makes sense...not. Some may put more focus on learning than knowing God, but not all. If the whole Bible is prescriptive, sir, please stop eating shrimp and cheeseburgers. Thanks. Finally, I would rather not assume that a group of people who believe in a false Jesus should be forgotten. That is a rather un-Christian thing to do, don't you think? God somehow did not give up on the stupid stubborn Israelites. Why should we give up on people?
Why am I ranting? Because here, in the confines of my blog, no one will see me as mean little girl with too many opinions on the offensive. Everyone is allowed their pet peeves. Mine is people soap-boxing without having firm grounds to rant.
Shooting first and asking questions later basically kills your credibility.
Do some research, then attack.
I wish people who don't know exactly what they're talking about, wouldn't talk.
There you have it: one of my pet peeves.
In the past few weeks I have discovered a very sensitive nerve that gets hit every time I read or hear something that is just off-base from someone who is overly confident in their "knowledge". Unfortunately, Dan and I both share this pet peeve. Somehow, I generally resist voicing my opinions to these people. Dan is becoming a little more vocal in his corrections.
Case 1: Obama will fix the health care system so that everyone can get good care. Without his reform, people will get no care.
Objections: Really? Everyone will get good care? Really? Show me the facts. And people are obviously getting care now without his reform. So, bad argument.
Really? Is that right? Really?Objections: Who enjoys the Oscar more: the winner or their biggest fan? Duh. Why do All-Star tickets sell out within weeks? Because the players snatch them up? No, fans buy them. Duh.
Case 3: Theologians have mind knowledge, but no heart knowledge. They will learn forever but never truly know God. Oh, and the whole Bible should be interpreted prescriptively. And we don't need to interact with the LDS. They've already heard about Jesus. Too late.
Objections: Yes, theologians just devote their lives to reading books about a God they don't love. Makes sense...not. Some may put more focus on learning than knowing God, but not all. If the whole Bible is prescriptive, sir, please stop eating shrimp and cheeseburgers. Thanks. Finally, I would rather not assume that a group of people who believe in a false Jesus should be forgotten. That is a rather un-Christian thing to do, don't you think? God somehow did not give up on the stupid stubborn Israelites. Why should we give up on people?
Why am I ranting? Because here, in the confines of my blog, no one will see me as mean little girl with too many opinions on the offensive. Everyone is allowed their pet peeves. Mine is people soap-boxing without having firm grounds to rant.
Shooting first and asking questions later basically kills your credibility.
Do some research, then attack.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Bad Bloggers
Well, since the last blog written was nearly 2 months ago, I find it safe to say that Dan and I are bad bloggers. Yet, perhaps the lack of new exciting enough to write about is a good thing!
Between work and weddings and traveling, we have been going non-stop. Since school is out for summer, I have been able to pick up quite a few shifts at the hospital. Though it has been ridiculously busy on the floor, the experience and extra money is a blessing. Due to the intensity of the teaching credential program, Dan has been encouraged to not work during the year he finishes at UCI. Accordingly, he's been the "handy-man" at home. He keeps threatening to put himself on Craigslist, so we'll see.
We have gone to only 3 weddings this summer: Kyle & Kelly Hess (Dan's friends from high school), Jason & Tegan Fuller (Dan's cousin) and Dave & Kasey Lands (my cousin). It's odd to be at weddings now that our wedding was nearly year ago. It's still thrilling to see two people commit their lives to one another, but the thrill of "we're next!" is obviously gone.
All of the weddings were up north, so that meant 3 weeks in NorCal...3 weeks taunting us with the fact that we still live in SoCal. Being near our families and old friends is a longing that gets intensified the longer we're away. Our vacation included a trip to Yosemite and welcoming a new puppy to the Clifford household. Also, my godson Callaghan turned 1! Amazingly, he's already 30 pounds!
As much fun as we had hanging out with parents, siblings, friends, etc. it was always wonderful to get home. We truly do have another family in La Mirada.
In other news, Dan had another Stanford appointment last week. I was still trepidatious, as usual, and God was faithful, as usual. The CT showed no growth whatsoever of the tumors and nothing new. Dr. Cho is very happy with how Dan is doing. She also told us that his recovery has taught many of the doctors at the Cancer Center something. She wouldn't say exactly what Dan has taught them, but my heart says it's something about hope.
No one thought Dan would survive the summer, let alone 2 years. A wedding, 2 internships, 1 job, 1 Bachelor's degree later...Dan is a walking testimony to prayer and the power of God.
Luckily, we won't have to return to Stanford for 4 months this time. Pray with us that the next CT is even better than this last one.
To write about everything that has happened in the last 2 months would take forever...and no one would read it all...so, I won't.
Somehow, we are going to be better bloggers. For now, though, assume that no news is good news :)
Between work and weddings and traveling, we have been going non-stop. Since school is out for summer, I have been able to pick up quite a few shifts at the hospital. Though it has been ridiculously busy on the floor, the experience and extra money is a blessing. Due to the intensity of the teaching credential program, Dan has been encouraged to not work during the year he finishes at UCI. Accordingly, he's been the "handy-man" at home. He keeps threatening to put himself on Craigslist, so we'll see.
We have gone to only 3 weddings this summer: Kyle & Kelly Hess (Dan's friends from high school), Jason & Tegan Fuller (Dan's cousin) and Dave & Kasey Lands (my cousin). It's odd to be at weddings now that our wedding was nearly year ago. It's still thrilling to see two people commit their lives to one another, but the thrill of "we're next!" is obviously gone.
All of the weddings were up north, so that meant 3 weeks in NorCal...3 weeks taunting us with the fact that we still live in SoCal. Being near our families and old friends is a longing that gets intensified the longer we're away. Our vacation included a trip to Yosemite and welcoming a new puppy to the Clifford household. Also, my godson Callaghan turned 1! Amazingly, he's already 30 pounds!
As much fun as we had hanging out with parents, siblings, friends, etc. it was always wonderful to get home. We truly do have another family in La Mirada.
In other news, Dan had another Stanford appointment last week. I was still trepidatious, as usual, and God was faithful, as usual. The CT showed no growth whatsoever of the tumors and nothing new. Dr. Cho is very happy with how Dan is doing. She also told us that his recovery has taught many of the doctors at the Cancer Center something. She wouldn't say exactly what Dan has taught them, but my heart says it's something about hope.
No one thought Dan would survive the summer, let alone 2 years. A wedding, 2 internships, 1 job, 1 Bachelor's degree later...Dan is a walking testimony to prayer and the power of God.
Luckily, we won't have to return to Stanford for 4 months this time. Pray with us that the next CT is even better than this last one.
To write about everything that has happened in the last 2 months would take forever...and no one would read it all...so, I won't.
Somehow, we are going to be better bloggers. For now, though, assume that no news is good news :)
Monday, May 25, 2009
Oops!
I somehow forgot to mention....Dan graduated!
It was a hot morning but full of celebration and excitement.
We had a party at the apartment (lots of food) and enjoyed our families and friends.
Dan has a BA in Film with an emphasis in Screenwriting. However, he will pursuing his teaching credential next year at UC Irvine...in math! By June 2010, I will be a nurse and he will be a teacher and we will be outta here!
Thanks for your prayers and support.
Without Christ, I'm quite sure this day may not have happened.
Flags
Every Memorial Day in the past many years, our family has awoken early to hang the flags for the Avenue of Flags in Santa Rosa. Everywhere you look in the Santa Rosa Memorial Park are flags of every size. The usually green cemetery is a visual wonderland of waving red, white and blue. Each flag had a name written very small on the seam...the name of a person whose coffin had borne the flag. Each flag carried a story and beckoned us to remember.
Along with our family, we were joined by Boy Scouts and veterans and military families. Before the sun was high, the flags were flying proudly as veterans told us short stories of their times in service or scolding a young boy for not knowing how to respect the flag. It was always a time to remember the fallen and celebrate those who placed our freedom above their comforts. Later, we would return for the actual celebration and Memorial Day service. Veterans now appeared in their uniforms or wore their service ribbons on hats. From the national anthem to Taps, this was a sacred and important time. Every person present knew that they were in the midst of heroes, though the heroes would never ever accept that title.
Thanks to marriage and a home address in Southern California, I couldn't go hang flags this year. Yet, I was not raised to see Memorial Day as a day for BBQs and good sales. So, at the encouragement of an older friend and veteran of the Korean War, Dan and I went to the local cemetery for their annual service. The flags were not as prolific here, but the veterans were. The color guard was full of WWII veterans, one of which accidentally forgot what "about-face" meant. The service truly honored those who have fallen and offered prayers for the Blue Star families in La Mirada. In a moment of near silence, 3 Gold Star mothers stood. I didn't know them, and I never knew their sons, but I know that they died for my freedom. A Colonel spoke on the hope of today's generation. Amazingly, he sees much hope for the health of our country in the hands of today's youth. Whereas many see America as a land full of malcontented politicians and liberal anti-war protesters and children who do not know the meaning of the flag being at half-mast, I saw a different America today.
America still has its patriots and heroes. If soldiers did not die on the shores of Normandy or the deserts of Kuwait, it is quite plausible that anti-war protesters would not have the ability to protest peacefully. Everyday, a family is burdened with opening the door to two servicemen reporting their regrets. I have faith that the America I live in will not forget those families.
As Dan and I drove home, the notes of Taps still ringing in my mind, I counted the flags hanging outside of homes. In two miles, I counted 3--on Memorial Day. Though saddened, I know this can change. Veterans have the responsibility to pass down their memories and their traditions. We have a responsibility to carry on their memories and traditions. God-willing, Dan and I will raise our children to know about the wars and the flag and how their freedom came to be. They will honor their grandfather for his Air Force service and their great-grandfather for his Army service. As terrified as I might be, I might see one of my children serve his country with pride.
Until then, I can only remember the flags and the veterans and the tears that prove this country still has hope.
Along with our family, we were joined by Boy Scouts and veterans and military families. Before the sun was high, the flags were flying proudly as veterans told us short stories of their times in service or scolding a young boy for not knowing how to respect the flag. It was always a time to remember the fallen and celebrate those who placed our freedom above their comforts. Later, we would return for the actual celebration and Memorial Day service. Veterans now appeared in their uniforms or wore their service ribbons on hats. From the national anthem to Taps, this was a sacred and important time. Every person present knew that they were in the midst of heroes, though the heroes would never ever accept that title.
Thanks to marriage and a home address in Southern California, I couldn't go hang flags this year. Yet, I was not raised to see Memorial Day as a day for BBQs and good sales. So, at the encouragement of an older friend and veteran of the Korean War, Dan and I went to the local cemetery for their annual service. The flags were not as prolific here, but the veterans were. The color guard was full of WWII veterans, one of which accidentally forgot what "about-face" meant. The service truly honored those who have fallen and offered prayers for the Blue Star families in La Mirada. In a moment of near silence, 3 Gold Star mothers stood. I didn't know them, and I never knew their sons, but I know that they died for my freedom. A Colonel spoke on the hope of today's generation. Amazingly, he sees much hope for the health of our country in the hands of today's youth. Whereas many see America as a land full of malcontented politicians and liberal anti-war protesters and children who do not know the meaning of the flag being at half-mast, I saw a different America today.
America still has its patriots and heroes. If soldiers did not die on the shores of Normandy or the deserts of Kuwait, it is quite plausible that anti-war protesters would not have the ability to protest peacefully. Everyday, a family is burdened with opening the door to two servicemen reporting their regrets. I have faith that the America I live in will not forget those families.
As Dan and I drove home, the notes of Taps still ringing in my mind, I counted the flags hanging outside of homes. In two miles, I counted 3--on Memorial Day. Though saddened, I know this can change. Veterans have the responsibility to pass down their memories and their traditions. We have a responsibility to carry on their memories and traditions. God-willing, Dan and I will raise our children to know about the wars and the flag and how their freedom came to be. They will honor their grandfather for his Air Force service and their great-grandfather for his Army service. As terrified as I might be, I might see one of my children serve his country with pride.
Until then, I can only remember the flags and the veterans and the tears that prove this country still has hope.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Almost Finished
I am taking a break from cleaning the apartment to write an important service announcement:
IT IS SUMMER, AND DAN AND ASHLEY HAVE NO HOMEWORK FOR 2 MONTHS.
Ah, it feels good to say that. Dan is at graduation practice at the moment, while I'm stuck cleaning the mess we allowed to accumulate during finals week. Oh, and I'm also waiting to let the bug guy in to spray our pipes again.
Do we have ants? No. Spiders? Some. Cockroaches? Oh yes.
A couple weeks ago, a bunch of nursing girls came over to watch Pearl Harbor. Monique went to the bathroom, closed the door and I realized I had forgotten to warn everyone about the huge bugs. Oops. As I'm warning everyone else, shrieking and squealing comes from the bathroom. The door flies open and Monique's got her hands over her head, waving at the air. A cockroach had jumped from the ceiling on to her head. Good grief. I'm surprised she still comes to the apartment!
So, Dan and I are finding a few a day in the bathroom. Yesterday, I found one under the kitchen table upside down, playing with some lint. Fabulous. I hate bugs. Dan has gotten incredible at killing them. He's contemplating catching a couple in a jar and letting the duel.
Hopefully, the bug guy will get here before my parents do. Mom had a cockroach land in her hair last time she was here. Oy.
In other news, we are so excited to be done with school for the year. Nursing school piled on the work this semester, so this feeling of relief is extraordinary. As the weeks have passed, I've complained to Dan about how much I'd like to graduate now instead of next year. Yet, last night, I went to Pinning (nursing graduation) and was shocked at how sad some of the graduates were. Slowly, it settled into my heart that graduation means saying goodbye to some of your closest friends. The thought of not seeing these incredible men and women from my nursing class every day is nearly unthinkable. I am thrilled to be a nurse, but scared to say goodbye.
Dan is in the midst of the same dilemma. He's done with undergraduate studies, yet he is through at Biola. As graduation is closing in, he's really parceling out his time wisely. These are people he may not see for a while, and time with them has flown by. In his words, graduating is bittersweet.
Well, I need to vaccuum and put stuff away before the parents get here.
Nothing like both sets of parents visiting to make an apartment get a lot cleaner!
Will post pictures of graduation soon :)
IT IS SUMMER, AND DAN AND ASHLEY HAVE NO HOMEWORK FOR 2 MONTHS.
Ah, it feels good to say that. Dan is at graduation practice at the moment, while I'm stuck cleaning the mess we allowed to accumulate during finals week. Oh, and I'm also waiting to let the bug guy in to spray our pipes again.
Do we have ants? No. Spiders? Some. Cockroaches? Oh yes.
A couple weeks ago, a bunch of nursing girls came over to watch Pearl Harbor. Monique went to the bathroom, closed the door and I realized I had forgotten to warn everyone about the huge bugs. Oops. As I'm warning everyone else, shrieking and squealing comes from the bathroom. The door flies open and Monique's got her hands over her head, waving at the air. A cockroach had jumped from the ceiling on to her head. Good grief. I'm surprised she still comes to the apartment!
So, Dan and I are finding a few a day in the bathroom. Yesterday, I found one under the kitchen table upside down, playing with some lint. Fabulous. I hate bugs. Dan has gotten incredible at killing them. He's contemplating catching a couple in a jar and letting the duel.
Hopefully, the bug guy will get here before my parents do. Mom had a cockroach land in her hair last time she was here. Oy.
In other news, we are so excited to be done with school for the year. Nursing school piled on the work this semester, so this feeling of relief is extraordinary. As the weeks have passed, I've complained to Dan about how much I'd like to graduate now instead of next year. Yet, last night, I went to Pinning (nursing graduation) and was shocked at how sad some of the graduates were. Slowly, it settled into my heart that graduation means saying goodbye to some of your closest friends. The thought of not seeing these incredible men and women from my nursing class every day is nearly unthinkable. I am thrilled to be a nurse, but scared to say goodbye.
Dan is in the midst of the same dilemma. He's done with undergraduate studies, yet he is through at Biola. As graduation is closing in, he's really parceling out his time wisely. These are people he may not see for a while, and time with them has flown by. In his words, graduating is bittersweet.
Well, I need to vaccuum and put stuff away before the parents get here.
Nothing like both sets of parents visiting to make an apartment get a lot cleaner!
Will post pictures of graduation soon :)
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