The Spin Cycle Test

Our Chinese washing machine is a little different than we are used in the States. No matter how many clothes we put inside, when the spin cycle starts, the dance begins! Shake, rattle and roll!

I shot this video so that I could explain clearly to the repairman just how violent the machine gets. This video is the short version - the longer version is located on Youtube and shows the machine actually walking backwards also. We've had the thing come all the way out from under the counter with the hose stretch far out into the kitchen.

Yesterday, the repairmen came back and put large rubber pads under the feet. Apparently, when the machine begins to spin, there's not enough to keep the machine's feet planted and stable.

Life lesson: In life there is always a spin cycle. Always. And the shaking can be an indicator of what is out of balance in your life.

"He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock." - Luke 6:48

What you are standing on, trusting in, shaping your life with, will determine the effect the shaking has on your life. God's Word IS a firm foundation. Yes? YES!

Getting Ready for Chinese New Year

Recently Debbie did some shopping and took these pics which reveal some of our life in Shanghai.

About two miles from our apartment, Hongquo Road ends at one of the busiest intersections in our part of Shanghai. The Grand Gateway Mall is located here across the street from an 8 story tall electronics mall called Metro City. Next door to that huge area is a four story Best Buy. Walk across a pedestrian bridge and you will be at yet another huge department store/mall.

I find the mix of old and new very interesting in this great city.

The buildings not only reflect the sky, but reflect the changing culture as "western" music, clothes, and money influence the present and future of China.

(These men pound a special dough which will be used to make a dumpling prepared especially for the New Year celebration)

The Chinese New Year will soon be upon us as 6 billion people celebrate, what is to them, one of the most important holidays of the Chinese year. It is connected with the lunar new year. Each year is connected also with one of twelve animals whose traits reflect mythological characteristics for people during the next 12 months.

2009, in China, is called The Year of the Ox.

Listen to what is being said of this year: "We will feel the yoke of responsibility coming down on us this year. No success can be achieved without conscientious efforts. The trials and tribulations the Ox year brings will be mainly on the home front. It is a good time to settle domestic affairs and put your house in order. The OX or Buffalo sign symbolizes prosperity through hard work and fortitude."
It's an interesting bit of advice, but one that would do well for us to observe every year. To my way of thinking, it has little to do with the ox, and everything to do with man's nature to get out of control and to want something for little or nothing.

Chuck Colson, noted former political insider, and now Christian minister indicates in a column he writes for Christianity Today, that in his opinion the mess the US, and even the rest of the world is in financially will probably not be fixed by politicians. He believes that the problem is a spiritual one that has to do with self gratification and greed.

At the Taoist Temple entrance above, throngs of people stop by on their way to shop near the YuYuan Garden and old town shopping area. This temple was built just after Columbus discovered America in the early 1500's.

Just inside the gate is a courtyard where those seeking something "more" burn incense and face the north, south, east and west hoping to cover their bases in honoring the town god. In the inner building a large golden image of the "god of Shanghai," which is, historically, the god of money watches over other gifts of fruit. Here the red faced, bearded town god stands - empty, cold, and without answers.

There is something inside these worshipers, down deep in their inner being that speaks of a truth that may not be logical to the natural mind. It is deep calling unto deep - from somewhere inside and yet out "there," which says, "You need to turn to your creator, to the God who made you for the answers.

Red lanterns already begin to be displayed getting ready for the culmination of the Chinese New Year, the Festival of Lanterns.
Children enjoy more modern characters which will be represented as lanterns,too.

In old times, only the Emperor could afford lanterns that were brightly colored, while peasants could only have plain, simple lanterns.

The Lantern Festival marks the end of the lunar New Year celebration and is held under a full moon. The celebration is 2000 years old.


In one such legend, the Jade Emperor in Heaven was so angered at a town for killing his favorite goose, that he decided to destroy it with a storm of fire. However, a good-hearted fairy heard of this act of vengeance, and warned the people of the town to light lanterns throughout the town on the appointed day. The townsfolk did as they were told, and from the Heavens, it looked as if the village was ablaze. Satisfied that his goose had already been avenged, the Jade Emperor decided not to destroy the town. From that day on, people celebrated the anniversary of their deliverance by carried lanterns of different shapes and colors through the streets on the first full moon of the year, providing a spectacular backdrop for lion dances, dragon dances, and fireworks.

In the western world in which I was born, we have little understanding or belief in a Jade Emperor who would destroy a town for the sake of a goose.

But isn't it interesting that a culture has created a way to fill the longing deep within for their creator God. Theirs is not a God of love, but one which must be tricked with lanterns to keep the "bad luck" away and bring good luck for another year.

Different from our beliefs, yes, but at its root cause I believe it is once again, deep calling unto deep. (ref. Psalm 42:7) The Spirit of God calling out to the spirit of mankind; the Creator to the creation.

Sunday, the pastor of Shanghai Community Fellowship church and the Pastor of the Prayer ministry lead the congregation in a "concert of prayer."

They're message was that regardless of what a person faces, there is ONE to whom we can go for help. Jesus Christ has paid the price for such an opportunity.


Prayer is not only possible, but vital if we are to find our way through the challenges set before us individually and as a nation.

"...and (if) my people, my God-defined people, respond by humbling themselves, praying, seeking my presence, and turning their backs on their wicked lives, I'll be there ready for you: I'll listen from heaven, forgive their sins, and restore their land to health." - 2 Chronicles 7:14 (MSG).

You can shop till you drop, but there is no way to buy your way out of the pressure many people feel due to the economy, work, or hurting relationships.

The answers begin only when we take God's Word seriously and use it as a road map for our lives.

Rainy Days and Mondays

Karen Carpenter sang a sad song that stated, "Rainy days and Mondays always get me down," . . . but, those thoughts are not for me! I like the rain and most things about it.

The sound,
the smell,
the echoes of light.

It's therapeutic.

I understand that rain can sometimes be inconvenient. You're wearing good clothes and don't want them spoiled by water, like on "Jerry Seinfeld" when they spent an entire episode on Jerry having an expensive suede jacket that got wet in the rain and then smelled to high heaven. He ended up giving the jacket to his neighbor, Krammer, a guy who'd take anything that was free!

I don't care. I like the rain.

Rain is - refreshing.
It's like a shower for the world. And let's face it, sometimes the world could use a good shower. Yes?

"Nevertheless He did not leave Himself without witness, in that he did good, gave us rain from heaven and fruitful season, filling our hearts with food and gladness." - Acts 14:17 NKJ

I'm looking at the new year, 2009, as a gift from God. If I use it properly, it will be a witness of God's goodness and mercy; a year in which He blesses my efforts and even brings fruitfulness to unexpected areas.

Some folks see God as armed and dangerous; a God with lighting bolts in his hands. But I see Him as our loving Creator who wants us to be fruitful; to experience the joy of growing in our relationship with Him, and in accomplishing forward momentum.

In three days the new year begins, but I'm not making any big resolutions this year. Instead, I'm going to focus on living for Jesus and trusting Him to shrink the difference between my potential and my accomplishments!

It's raining in Shanghai today . . .

and I'm glad.

A Doctor Who Prayed for a Miracle

I asked Dr. Kpozenhouen permission to tell you this story:

Please meet, Dr. Pascal Kpozehouen, who is a medical doctor (surgeon) in Shanghai where his wife, Elizabeth, is also a Medical doctor. They serve at one of the local hospitals in Shanghai. A year ago, Pascal accepted the responsibility as the Minister of Prayer at the Shanghai Community Fellowship Church. In addition, he also serves as one of our worship leaders. (Talk about a man who has a lot on his plate!)

Recently, Pascal received a phone call from his family in Benin, West Africa that advised him that his older brother who lives in France, was gravely ill and would not survive much longer. Pascal told us that he had been praying for his brother and a younger sister every day for a long time. He prayed that his brother would have his eyes opened to the truth and receive Jesus personally. His brother had his Ph.D in science and therefore always had an answer from science whenever Pascal tried to speak to him about God. Now Pascal was taking a few weeks to go to help his family through these difficult days.

Originally he was suppose to fly to France to see his brother, but at the last moment, his brother decided to come to their home town of Benin. He wondered how God would work it all out, but had prayed and now was trusting Him.

Pascal said that his brother's health had deteriorated to the point that he was in a wheelchair, unable to walk unless he stood with a cane. He was growing weaker by the moment. When he first saw his brother, he could hardly recognize him and in the natural thought that certainly unless God intervened he would not live long.

They had a time of sharing and prayer with the entire family before they went to bed. That night, about 1:00 a.m., Pascal's brother woke him up and said, "Pascal, when you were praying there was a wonderful light that was all around you and it came over me, too! Pascal, I want to know this light; you've got to show me how to know this light." Pascal, told Him about Jesus, and how to know Him personally. His brother said, "I want to know Jesus!" Together they prayed for his brother's salvation and healing. The next day, his brother shared with the family that he had come to meet Jesus in the night, and that he was also completely healed physically! Praise God!

But that's not all...

His sister had received Jesus when she was a young girl, but now as an adult, she was far from God. At 3:00 A.M. God awoke Pascal and told him (whispered in his heart) to go to the room where his sister was sleeping. He told the Lord it was late and that she was probably asleep, and asked if it could wait until the next day. However, the Holy Spirit urged him to get up right then and to go to his sister's room, which he did. When he walked in, his sister was sitting on the side of the bed and did not see him enter. She was weeping deeply. On the night stand beside the bed, she had put together poison to take in order to end her life. As she reached for it, Pascal, said loudly, "Wait, please don't take your life! God loves you and will take you back!"

They walked into the yard in the night and wept together. His sister asked him if it was true that even though she had turned her back on God, that He would take her back. She was so ashamed of her life. She had previously been married, but was separated from her husband and children. She was in such despair that she was going to end her life rather than face another day.

Pascal shared this scripture with her, "The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance." - 2 Peter 3:9

He told his sister that God was longsuffering toward her - He was patient, and full of mercy and wanted to receive her back. He told her that if she would just turn to God, God would forgive her and help her. Together they prayed and Jesus, indeed, forgave her sins and gave her a new life! She too, shared with the whole family what God had done for her.

He shared with us Sunday that he wanted to tell the whole world that God will forgive our sins and heal our bodies through Jesus Christ!

His prayers for so long for both his brother and sister were answered - all in one night!

Thank you, Jesus!

Happy Hour

Depending on when you were born, and how much world news you’ve watched in years gone by, you may have gotten the impression that China is made up of people who all dress alike, want to conquer the world and certainly do not have values like Americans. I’d like to share our recent experience with you that sheds a different light on the people of this nation.

Nextage is labeled as the 2nd largest department store in the world just behind Macy's in New York City. It's ten stories tall. They even sell automobiles! We were looking for something much more mundane, a coffee maker. Yes, that's right, we have caved-in to our taste for a cup of fresh brewed coffee in the morning. I've tried four or five different kinds of tea. But after drinking coffee this many years, I've decided that tea is no substitute. Besides that, Daisy, one of Debbie's employees told us that tea is what the old people drink. Young people drink coffee!

Out of the mouths of babes!...

After shopping we met another Oklahoma native for early dinner. Her driver, Michael, also joined us. We chose to meet at 4:30 p.m. because it was Friday, and if we had waited until 5 or 6 P.M. traffic would have been extremely bad. We had the restaurant almost to ourselves. The waiter asked us what we wanted to drink and reminded us it was "Happy Hour." When our Cokes came we talked and laughed and eventually realized that the restaurant had almost filled to capacity.

The "Happy Hour" for me was talking to this 29-year old driver who was born and raised near Shanghai. He had learned to speak English over the past two years. We talked openly and candidly about his hopes and dreams. Because of his experiences in life, he thought that there had to be better ways of being successful and helping this nation he loves than just “living for yourself”.

He told me that he lived in an apartment that he purchased with the money he saved. His father had helped him to literally build out the inside of the apartment, i.e. all the cabinets, wiring, plumbing, etc. When he purchased the apartment, he purchased an empty cement shell of rooms. Everything else he had to either build, or hire someone to build. He and his father had done all the work. He loved his parents very much.

When we spoke specifically of dreams one of his involved a small kindergarten school that met close to his apartment. He said, if these young children could be taught to think properly, to have dreams, and to learn how to move toward those dreams, then perhaps they would be better people when they grew up, and would in turn influence their children. "Dreaming without doing is not good," he said. A scripture came to mind. "Let us be doers of the Word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." - James 1:22

I sat amazed at what I was hearing. He had no formal training, yet, his thinking was spot on. I told him that he had given me a great sense of hope for China.

"As a man thinks in his heart, so is he." - Proverbs 23:7

Some things are taught and never learned, and some things are revealed and never forgotten. Yes?

Smog Detector

Shanghai is known for sometimes having heavy smog; so bad, in fact, that it could make a difference to your health! It's always better to know what you're up against if you go outside for a ride in a taxi. If the air quality is too bad, I just stay inside rather than add insult to my lungs.

I've never seen a smog report on TV or in newspapers, or if I did, it wasn't in English. Therefore, I created my own way of telling if there's pollution in the air. I look at this dark building to see if it is clear. Depending on the degree of clarity, I know whether it is safe to go outside.

I look at it every morning from the office window of our apartment. One might surmise that the smog would have to be pretty bad to hide such a large edifice. However, don't let photos deceive you.

It's a long way off. Some mornings I can barely make it out. The smog hides it from my eyes. And on mornings like that, it seems further away than ever.

The neighboring apartment building close by doesn't seem to change regardless of the smog. If I only had it as an indicator, I'd probably think, "The air is fine. I can see clearly." But the real test is my smog detector. If I can't see it clearly - there's a problem in the air.

"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith..." - Hebrews 12:1-2

The daily routines may not be clear indicators of the fitness of our relationship with God. We're use to seeing them. They're close at hand. But when Jesus is blocked from my heart's view, it's an indicator that there may be something polluting my spiritual life.

The challenge is - if the pollution gets too heavy, I might forget He's there altogether. The domino effect of that would be, well . . . bad.

Bite Your Tongue!

The Bible indicates that our tongues are hard, if not impossible to control with our own strength. I came across the following list which made me laugh out loud. I thought you'd like to laugh, too!

10 Things You’d Love to Say at Work ... But Can’t

Thank God there is a filter in place between my brain and my mouth. If I said everything I thought, I would be in constant trouble.

Yesterday, while cleaning out my closet, I stumbled across an article I had saved. It is called “Things You’d Love to Say at Work But Can’t.” It had thirty-eight items. Here are the first ten:

1. I’ll try being nicer if you try being smarter.
   
   
2. I don’t know what your problem is, but I’ll bet its hard to pronounce.
   
   
3. I’ll pencil that in for never. Does never work for you?
   
   
4. I see you’ve set aside this special time to humiliate yourself in public.
   
   
5. It sounds like English, but I can’t understand a word you’re saying.
   
   
6. Ahhh ... I see the screw-up fairy has visited us again.
   
   
7. I like you. You remind me of when I was young and stupid.
   
   
8. I have plenty of talent and vision. I just don’t give a rip.
   
   
9. I will always cherish the positive initial misconceptions I had about you.
   
   
10. The fact that no one understands you doesn’t mean you are an artist.

What would you like to say at work, if only you could?

© 2008, Michael S. Hyatt. Used by Permission. Originally posted at www.michaelhyatt.com.