Woo hoo!

My dad is a retired Marine. When I was a kid, about 10 or 11 years old, he was involved in some kind of American Heart Association event. There was something for adults and then all the kids got to go to this big tent and do kid activities. They were all about staying active because it's good for your heart. One of the activities I remember was running a couple laps around the tent. I began to run with everybody else and it was hard. I began to fall behind, my shins were KILLING me, and I had a hard time breathing. I quit running and went and told the leader I couldn't run because I had asthma. I knew that kids who had asthma had breathing problems and they didn't have to run. So that must mean I had asthma too. I eventually realized asthma's a legitimate thing and I had unintentionally lied. Regardless, from that point on I can remember knowing in my head 'I'm not a runner.' 'I don't run.' 'I hate running.' I always considered myself someone who could walk for miles, but couldn't even run for three minutes.

Well, ladies and gentleman, I have some great news. Today I ran 3.58 miles!!! I'm ready for next week's 5K! It's going to take me like 40 minutes, but I physically CAN do it! Thanks to my sister, Julie, Mika, and Shin for encouraging me and even keeping me accountable. Also, tons of thanks to God for giving me the ability and motivation. So many times I've been literally praying to make it the next step. He's always kept me safe and allowed me to continue! Woo hoo!

Widows and Orphans

Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. James 1:27

This verse has been weighing on my mind for a few days. My mental interpretation is "God is especially pleased when you're involved with caring for widows and orphans." Then I feel guilty. My guilt comes from the fact that I don't personally know (or can't easily think of) any widows and orphans. Adding another layer of guilt: I don't actively seek out widows and orphans in my community. 

The other night when I read this verse, something occurred to me that may seem obvious, but it sincerely lifted my spirit. "Widows and orphans" of James' time were the people who were helpless and neglected by society. Widows were powerless (couldn't own property or manage their own finances) and relied solely on the benevolence of others to live. Orphans were children who were completely alone; they needed guidance and someone to meet their very basic needs. These two groups of people have significant overlap, but I can now clearly see the verse is calling us to care for people who are lonely and/or helpless.

I know in the past I've specifically prayed, "God, please make me aware of *literal* widows and orphans so I can care for them." But once I realized that the verse is calling us to concern ourselves with people who are helpless and lonely, I was amazed by how many people God has placed in my life to help and spend time with. I don't know any widows or orphans, but I do know an old man who is lonely and a group of kids who just need to know somebody cares.

So, if you've read this verse before and thought "widows and orphans? how can I do that?" Then I would encourage you to open your mind to anyone who is lonely or helpless, and then try to serve and bless them as often and consistently as you can. With this idea in mind, I feel more willing and open to serve anyone in need who enters my life.

Oh, and if you are interested in helping literal orphans, I hope you'll consider India Child Sponsorship. Many of the children in this program are orphans or have parents unable to care for them. The school these kids attend and live at is directly involved with physical, spiritual, and emotional care for North India's orphans. I hope you'll become or stay involved with orphans in your community, but also consider supporting an orphan on the other side of the world.

Pictures

Not a lot happening around the Jeongle these days. We went to a Halloween party as a Cereal Killer and a Pig in a Blanket. Julie sent me an adorable cat card which I temporarily decorated my desk at work with, turning me into a full-blown cat lady for a few days. And we've babysat for friends allowing me to watch two of my fav movies, The Muppets and Beauty and the Beast. I promise I don't just TV babysit, we did other stuff too. We read stories, played outside, took a cake break, etc. :-D