Lifespan, Life Expectancy, Life Purpose, & Life Eternal

Last week, a strong ECHS student who I see pursuing Christ asked me a great question. She mentioned Jeanne Calmart, the oldest verified person, who lived to be 122 years old (some geneticists are skeptical of this). This is more than three years older than the second-oldest verified person. 

The student then asked about Genesis 6:3, which says, Then the LORD said, "My Spirit shall not abide in man forever, for he is flesh: his days shall be 120 years." After God flooded the earth (Genesis 6-9), human lifespans decreased tremendously. By the time of Moses (around 1500 BC, when the ancient Egyptians conquered Nubia), only one person is recorded in the Bible to have lived past 120 years, the age at which Moses died. Genesis 6:3 can serve as a general rule that people won't live past 120 years. Another interpretation of Genesis 6:3 is that God stated a flood would occur 120 years after He expressed disappointment with mankind.   

What about Psalm 90:10a? It states The years of our life are seventy or even by reason of eighty. This can be seen as a general rule for global life expectancy (which is 73 years). 

Most people want to live a long and happy life, but it's crucial that life is lived for the right purpose. Mark 8:36 says, For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? Life isn't meant to be lived for the world and its treasures (1 John 2:15). Life is meant to be lived to bring God glory (1 Corinthians 10:31). 

So why is living a God-glorifying life so important? Living a life pleasing to God is of the utmost importance because this is the key to peace and joy in this life and living forever in God's loving presence. When we seek God's will for our lives, God will bless us in numerous ways. This doesn't mean our lives will be all rainbows and unicorns, but we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good (Romans 8:28). And when we die, those who have trusted in Christ as Lord and Savior will be in God's perfect home, Heaven, where tears, pain, and death will be a thing of the past. Boom. 

There is MUCH more I can say, but I want to encourage you to click on the "Two Ways to Live" presentation or watch this Desiring God video if you still don't understand our purpose in life or if you want to better understand what it means to live a life glorifying God. Additionally, don't hesitate to call, text, or email me if you want to talk (unless you're a big jerk). I would be more than happy to treat you to a cup of Joe or another drink of your choice. 

Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. Hebrews 13:20-21

Growing in God's Grace & Knowledge in the New Year & Beyond!

There are over eight billion people on this blue planet, and over 330 million of us call ourselves Americans. We are a diverse and highly individualistic group, and millions of us will once again blissfully announce our New Year's resolutions. These resolutions often pertain to getting a six-pack, eating more greens, and keeping paper in our pockets. Many of these resolutions are quite noble. Regrettably, most of us will fail at keeping our New Year's resolutions. 

What if we took a different approach and set a few SMART goals that pertain to growing in God's grace and knowledge? What simple goals can we set? How can we mature as believers and bring God the glory? Below are three goals I want you to strongly consider.

1. Come Up With A Bible Reading Plan & Get In The Word Every Day. If you don't know where to start, check out one of these Bible Gateway reading plans. Studying God's Word is crucial to knowing Christ and knowing how to live life in a way that honors Him.

2. Memorize Scripture Regularly. Filling our minds with Bible verses and storing them in our hearts helps us fight sin (Psalm 119:11) and Satan (Matthew 4:1-11), can provide others Christlike counsel and comfort, and better enable us to teach and share the gospel. 

3. Meet With Believers At Least Once A Week. Despite what our culture teaches, we aren't made to be independent, but interdependent. We are made for relationship with God and others. There are so many ways to grow in God's grace and knowledge - youth/small group, prayer meetings, Bible studies, Sunday School, church services, coffee or meals with others, and more. What are you waiting for?

What are some other ways we can grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ? I would love to hear from you!

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. 2 Peter 3:18

12 Ways the Tianjin Food Scene Has Changed During My 12+ Years Here

1. I used to think that going to McDonald's was a little pricey, but the cost of Chinese food can be just as much or more now.
2. We used to get free tea at Chinese restaurants all of the time, but getting free tea is no longer common.
2. TGI Friday's was the place to go for a good burger and cold Coke, but now you can find that combo at several restaurants (e.g., Harley Davidson Club, Smoki & Co, Blue Frog).
3. Pizza Hut used to be a long bus or taxi ride, but now we have a few Pizza Huts that are within bike riding distance.
4. The neighborhood KFC and McDonald's have drive-thrus, which were a rarity back in the day.
5. There used to be only one Subway restaurant in the city before it sadly closed its doors. Today, you can find the restaurant in numerous locations throughout the city.
6. I never understood what the big deal was with Food Street (Shipin Jie), so I'm not surprised that their doors have closed.
7. When I first moved to Tianjin, the desserts looked pretty, but I often thought they tasted funky. Now you find delicious desserts everywhere that appeal to the American sweet tooth. You can still find the gross stuff, too.
8. Coffeehouses, independents and chains, are everywhere now. I think Starbucks is trying to take over the city.
9. We can get cake donuts on Sunday mornings, and I'm proud to announce that Dunkin' Donuts plans to come to Tianjin soon. I had the privilege to visit a Dunkin' Donuts in Shenyang in the spring.
10. Street food is still absolutely delicious, but it's not as cheap as it used to be. Gone are the days of dirt cheap (1-2 RMB or 13-25 cents). Think more along the lines of 67 cents to $1+.
11. Food orders can sometimes be made online and often by phone. Many fast-food joints have an electric bike fleet.
12. American chains such as Baskin-Robbins, Cold Stone Creamery, and Burger King are in the city. Japanese chains such as CoCo Curry House and Aijisen are also in the city. Both parts of me are satisfied.

To read more about Tianjin's famous cuisine, click here.

Fish Heads, Fish Heads, Roly Poly Fish Heads, Fish Heads, Fish Heads, Eat Them Up, Yum!

I'm Always Rejoicing in the Lord

I'm always rejoicing in the Lord...NOT. Believe it or not, there are some mornings when I don't exactly have that joy in the Lord feeling. Perhaps others often think that of me; however, keep in mind my joyful look can be mistaken for a look of anger. :-) It doesn’t take me long to do things without rejoicing. If my eight-year-old requires multiple reminders that it's time to get out of bed, I am not exactly rejoicing in the Lord. Having only decaf coffee in the apartment does not make me jump for joy. If I open up my inbox to find an email of a less-than-joyous nature, that can certainly put a damper on my spirit. Even the activities I find most enjoyable in life can be experienced with displeasure due to my sinful heart. Prior to a knee injury last year, I used to really enjoy playing soccer, but I would get pretty perturbed if my teammates didn’t play defense. I enjoy fishing, but I have a few stories of fishing trips that don't include any fish. I can even worship God with others and start thinking of how someone has wronged me.

I find encouragement in the Apostle Paul’s testimony, and I look forward to learning more from him in Heaven. Here was a man who found joy in the most difficult of circumstances. In 2 Corinthians 7:4, he says, I am acting with great boldness toward you; I have great pride in you; I am filled with comfort. In all our affliction, I am overflowing with joy. In Colossians 1:24, he says, Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church. 

How could Paul make these kinds of statements? First and foremost, Paul learned this from Jesus. Luke 6:22-23 says, Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man! Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets. Paul knew his earthly troubles would be temporary and that He would be rewarded with great treasures in Heaven. Paul took his eyes off his circumstances and remembered the truth, the words of Jesus.

How does one produce the kind of joy Paul talks about? Where does it come from? It comes from the Holy Spirit. Man is unable to produce it. Galatians 5:22 says, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. All those who have placed their faith in Christ have the Holy Spirit and, through Him can have this joy in their life.

Perhaps this seems like basic stuff to you; however, we need these reminders. I need these reminders. We are quick to take our eyes off the cross and forget what God says. Philippians 4:4 says, Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let me say that again. Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Did you realize rejoicing is commanded and not optional? What is amazing about Paul's statement is that he said it in a prison cell that wasn't exactly a five-star hotel. How was he able to do this? Again, through the Holy Spirit. 

What if we do not desire to fight for joy in the Lord? What if we are struggling to have that joy? 2 Corinthians 1:24 says, Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, for you stand firm in your faith. If we do not desire to fight for joy in the Lord, we must tell others and cry out to the Lord. He desires for us to find joy in Him. We are not to act as if we have it all together. We don't. You have junk, I have junk, we all have junk, and moments when we do not feel very cheery. When I am not feeling particularly joyful, there are a few key people in my circle of friends who listen to me, pray for me and with me, and who point me to the Word, to the good news of Jesus Christ. I am thankful for the body of Christ. We are not meant to be independent but are made interdependent for community. This includes introverts like me. We need one another to live joyously in the Lord.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2

Daddy Date: Harvest Coffeehouse - Tianjin, China

A local coffeehouse recently moved locations, so we decided to check out their new facilities. Their 
menu has changed somewhat and has become friendlier to the Chinese college student. The three 
of us enjoyed chicken sandwiches with fries, but Rose and Grace thought the ice cream was the best part.

I was really excited about the chocolate ice cream.

I was not happy when all of my ice cream was gone.

Using Used Coffee Grounds

Recently, I assembled an IKEA breakfast station that I purchased for Megan. It looks really nice and is quite handy, but it did not take long for the pine wood to attract some big ol 'ugly stains. That's when I got all clever. I remember surfin' the net and reading how you can use old coffee grounds as a stain. Check out the pics below. I'm thinkin' the station is lookin' pretty sweet if I don't say so myself.

Sad to say, I broke the coffee pot as I was staining the wood. I'm smooth like that.

The new coffee machine was ordered through Amazon China. Very convenient.

Some Recent Articles That Brought Out Some Emotion V

This pleasantly surprised me... Where Raucous is the Norm, Bible Study by Erik Eckholm (New York Times)

This makes me happy... Five Health Reasons to Not Quit Coffee  by Kerri-Ann Jennings (EatingWell Magazine)

This disgusts me... The Opposite of a Tiger Mother: Leaving Your Children Behind by Lylah M. Alphonse (Shine Staff) and Kid Crazy: Why We Exaggerate the Joys of Parenthood by John Cloud (Time)

This made me laugh. Unbelievable...

Daddy Date #4: Golden Phoenix Cafe/Bakery - Tianjin, China

During my eight years in Tianjin, I have seen a crazy amount of changes. One change that has taken place in TJ is in the availability of coffee. Nowadays, you can find a coffeehouse on every street corner. This has resulted in better coffee at more reasonable prices. For only 8 RMB ($1.20 USD), I am able to purchase a decent cup of joe at the Jin Xiang (Golden Phoenix) Cafe/Bakery. At this local cafe, they sell some funky sandwiches that the girls and I like. My only knock on this place is the music. Unfortunately, this nation has also imported Eminem's profanity-laced rap. I am thankful we heard only one of his explicit songs and that Rose cannot understand a single word he is sayin'.

Rose had the chocolate milk, not the coffee. :)

Rose is dreaming about a pretty cake that is
being advertised all over the bakery.

Feces Infographic

This morning, a friend e-mailed me this nifty fact sheet. I never knew how amazing caterpillars, rabbits, and elephants are. I had three cups of coffee today, but none of which was civet coffee. However, I bought a bag of civet coffee beans on a trip to Vietnam a few years ago. Good stuff.

Coffee and Cavities

Earlier today, I was excited to learn that the coffee grinder I ordered 2 days ago arrived at our home safe and sound. Unfortunately, late this afternoon, the dentist told me I had four cavities and a cracked filling. Instead of getting upset, I choose to enjoy a hot cup of joe with my new teeth.