In a culture pressed for time, many chasing the dollar and so overwhelmed by every type of media it can be difficult to maintain ones prowess in a difficult world. I believe one can avoid the declining family values represented by far to many Americans (any people group) by valuing faith, family and fun.
In regards to faith, John 14:6 states, "Jesus is the way, truth and life and the only way to the Father God is only through His son Jesus." Faith in God is important, knowing and living for Jesus is more important. If you have a family or are single, I encourage you to take time to read and do the word of God. It has changed my life. It will change your life as well. Family and fun should be synonymous . I am far to guilty of being on my phone, while Ki is on the Wii, Makinzy is playing the DS and Autumn is watching a TV show. We are all in the same room but are not connected. However, Autumn has brought a joy of family to my life. She always does amazing things to foster amazing family traditions and values. We are always working on enhancing our family and fun, even in the midst of our former 11 years of full time ministry, making time to be with each other daily, weekly, monthly and yearly. It has never been perfect but I value family and fun., working hard to continually grow. I charge you to take some time to work on faith, family and fun in your own life. Read the Bible together, serve together in your church or community, play soccer, play Barbies, play a board game, take your wife on a date. Let me know how it goes...
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Wow! 2 weeks already. I can hardly believe how the time flies by. I have had an amazing journey this week. I moved from the apartment in Dingxi (pronounced Ding she) to one across town in Fuzhong (pronounced Foo jong). My host had me go through mock preparation training for moving to a foreign country. All this is by myself on public transportation or walking without a translator. The first stop was the hospital. It took a long while since I don't speak Mandarin and was using my Chinese dictionary. In Taiwan one seeking a visa for residency would need a shot record and an exam done at the hospital to verify that you are healthy. The cost would've been $1900 NTD ($55 US) and then you times it by 4 for my family. Next was to find the immigration office. That wasn't easy either. My host wanted me to verify the cost ($2000 NTD or $60 US) and application process and ask foreigners of beneficial information. This was about a 6 hour affair.
One day I was at the supermarket to compare a typical grocery list and recipe from the Frazier's (cereal and milk) to what I could purchase overseas. I only found 20% of the items and the tiniest box of cereal (one bowl for me) was $5 US. On Saturday my host took me to his English teaching class to see how that flows. About 2 hours of teaching and 1 hour of prep on an early Saturday am. I enjoyed the 19 students who thought I was funny and big. On Sunday and Monday I was able to serve my host. I watched their two boys ages 12 and 7 while they went out for 8-9 hours each day. They said they have not had a real date or a lengthy time alone for over 2 years. WOW! Just think by your prayers and support you were able to help this couple have time alone. What a blessing!!! I was also able to visit one of the most popular temples, Longshan. It was during the holy festival where they remember their ancestors. The place was packed and made me reflect on ways others may view Christianity when they walk through the doors of our American churches. I am so glad we serve a living God. I thought I would have a better grasp of the Mandarin language by now. I am outgoing and usually have tremendous language acquisition. One of the things I would've worked harder at was learning the language before I came here. With my busy schedule; school, work and taking care of the kids it was hard to find the time. A few things learned in class, now with hands on applicability: 1. Take 1/2 the stuff and twice as much money. 2. The 3 I's I will be flexible. I will not be shocked. I will walk in love 3. God supplies and is always on time. My family and I appreciate your love, prayers and support. Without you we could not go on this training and growing adventure. I am learning so much and so thankful He has brought me to this place. I am learning to apply PS 46:10 "Be still and know I am God." Take time to be still before Him and I encourage you to apply the 3 I's this week. Please visit twitter.com @tedfrazier for pictures and videos or email me. I usually check my email everyday. I would love to pray with your concerning your needs. God is faithful and Jesus loves you... |
AuthorI am Ted Frazier, husband father, Jesus follower and pursuing to make an impact on this generation. Archives
July 2012
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