Mundane Thoughts

Yesterday I received a phone call reporting a tragic death of a friend. Everything happened very suddenly, the news came to a shock for everyone. He had been sick for a few months, but no one knew what (some didn't even know he was sick), and since he was away from town, no one followed up. Then on Monday, April 14, 2014, my friend and brother in Christ, Jin Bin Chen, passed away of leukemia at the young age of 21. We weren't super close friends, but we hung out regularly and also had the opportunities to serve together. He was one who always brought laughter wherever he went, whether it was when he would make fun of Xue Kai or when he would happily be the butt of the joke; people loved hanging around him. He was a brave child; he was left alone in Tucson for years, merely a high schooler, with no modes of transportation, but he learned to survive. He was always very generous, he loved his friends and were willing to do and give them anything. He was very hospitable to open up...

The last time I updated was in September when all the changes were going on in my life. When I think back at the past 6 months, I only have one word: thankful. It is hard to say anything else when everything has been prepared and led by God. Were there hard times? Yes.  Were there times that I felt helpless? Yes. Were there times that I wish I could run away from all the troubles? Yes. However, that's the thing, if there weren't hard times, helplessness, or fear, I would not be able to see the greatness of God. I still don't know why God wanted me to be at SWBTS (or ACBC...), but if it's where He's called me to, then all I can do is obey by faith. I have not mastered this, I struggle, I complain, but always...ALWAYS in the end, God's goodness shines through. Then I fall to my knees and praise Him. This is why I have hope for the future, that even though there may be tough times now, I know that He'll be faithful to lead me through. How wonderful it ...