Today's grace letter is about how grace showed up in the midst of a hard season in life.
Dear Grace,
Thanks for always showing up, especially during that week after Kara flew away. That week was extremely hard; I swear grace was the only thing that kept me going. You showed up in so many ways.
Monday was the hardest. I promised not to cry at school and failed before I even arrived. During lunch, my bad habit of getting things over with got in the way and I took a Spanish retake I thought I was ready for. In the midst of my grief, I ended up getting everything wrong. Without knowing my struggles, my teacher extended grace to me by allowing me a retake on the retake. I was so grateful for that. That week I also had a math test that I didn't do so well on. Thank you for letting me do corrections and improve my grade.
Thank you for also letting me be able to cry and grieve during worship at Friday's Bible study. I was leading worship, and since I didn't really have words to express everything at the time, I chose songs that helped me express my heart. I cried more than I had ever cried during worship that night. A friend noticed, and asked me why I was crying so much. Because I didn't really have the words yet, all I told her was that "stuff happened that week". If you're that friend (maybe you remember who you are?), now you know the whole story.
Even though that was a hard week, thank you, grace, for helping me pull through. Thank you for also getting to know you better through Kara's story.
Hope to see you again soon,
Yahan
Next week's letter will have to be posted the following week. I'm at camp all week next week.
Tuesday, June 23, 2015
Saturday, June 20, 2015
Love and Forgiveness
"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16
"Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." Colossians 3:13
I'm sure most, if not all, of us have heard about the tragic events in Charleston. But what some may not know is how the victims' families responded to the tragedy. In a bond hearing, the victims' families got a chance to speak to the suspected killer, and they lived out Colossians 3:13 by forgiving him and encouraging him to repent from his sin. As I was watching the videos on CNN, I couldn't help but think, "As Christians, this is how we're all supposed to represent God's Kingdom, by showing God's love to others despite their wrongdoing" As many of my friends aren't believers yet, this encouraged me to continue showing love to them despite things they've done that hurt my heart.
If anyone's interested, here are the videos I was mentioning earlier. I hope they will encourage you to reach out to someone in your life who needs forgiveness today.
How can you reach out to those in your life who don't yet believe today? Do you feel forgiven by God? If so, would you be able to pass on that forgiveness to others despite what they've done?
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
Grace Today
Dear Grace,
Thanks for showing up in so many ways today. One of those reasons being letting me write in the midst of a chaotic finals week. Yes, this week's grace letter has turned from a Tuesday Grace Letter to a Wednesday Grace Letter, but it's written.
Today I got to go home right after my Pre-Calc final. I usually have to stay at school for at least an hour to wait for the bus, but today, I was able to get a ride home from a friend. Going home early let me be able to finish a lot of the work I had to get done for my upcoming church retreat. I went to my other friend's house and got a lot done. The trivia game I'm making is almost complete, and my talent show act is coming together pretty well. I am so excited for this retreat, it will let me run away after a hard week of finals.
But just focusing on today, I got to relax. There's not much I can do to prepare for my English final since it is mostly skill based, so I get time to wind down and shorten my to-do list. I've had back-to-back exams up until now, so the break is nice. However, I'm a little worried about how I did on my exams. Please calm my anxieties when they come in the future. I know worry tends to drain a lot of my energy, and I don't want it to, especially since I need all of it for the weekend. So would you mind showing up and help me not get too stressed?
Thank you for letting me get to know another one of Kara's best friends. Today I got to hear the second half of Corrie's story. I love these "Kindred Spirits" posts. They help me get to know the people who have played a huge role in Kara's story better. Getting to know her friends has made me reflect on my own life and wish I had the same community Kara got to enjoy. Maybe that day will come soon, but today I can enjoy the grace that comes with showing love to my friends that don't yet believe. I hope some of them will choose to follow Jesus soon.
Earlier this afternoon, I went for a short run with a friend, and it was really hot. Luckily, when we met again later to go biking, it was a lot cooler. It was just the right temperature for biking. Not too hot, and not too cold. It was only slightly chilly, enough to provide a breeze to cool yourself down during your workout. It was the perfect way to end the day.
Thank you for letting me find grace in the small moments. I really enjoyed writing this letter. I hope I'll be able to find as much grace as I did today every day.
Sincerely,
Yahan
What about you? How have you found grace today? Were you able to find it in the small things in life?
Thanks for showing up in so many ways today. One of those reasons being letting me write in the midst of a chaotic finals week. Yes, this week's grace letter has turned from a Tuesday Grace Letter to a Wednesday Grace Letter, but it's written.
Today I got to go home right after my Pre-Calc final. I usually have to stay at school for at least an hour to wait for the bus, but today, I was able to get a ride home from a friend. Going home early let me be able to finish a lot of the work I had to get done for my upcoming church retreat. I went to my other friend's house and got a lot done. The trivia game I'm making is almost complete, and my talent show act is coming together pretty well. I am so excited for this retreat, it will let me run away after a hard week of finals.
But just focusing on today, I got to relax. There's not much I can do to prepare for my English final since it is mostly skill based, so I get time to wind down and shorten my to-do list. I've had back-to-back exams up until now, so the break is nice. However, I'm a little worried about how I did on my exams. Please calm my anxieties when they come in the future. I know worry tends to drain a lot of my energy, and I don't want it to, especially since I need all of it for the weekend. So would you mind showing up and help me not get too stressed?
Thank you for letting me get to know another one of Kara's best friends. Today I got to hear the second half of Corrie's story. I love these "Kindred Spirits" posts. They help me get to know the people who have played a huge role in Kara's story better. Getting to know her friends has made me reflect on my own life and wish I had the same community Kara got to enjoy. Maybe that day will come soon, but today I can enjoy the grace that comes with showing love to my friends that don't yet believe. I hope some of them will choose to follow Jesus soon.
Earlier this afternoon, I went for a short run with a friend, and it was really hot. Luckily, when we met again later to go biking, it was a lot cooler. It was just the right temperature for biking. Not too hot, and not too cold. It was only slightly chilly, enough to provide a breeze to cool yourself down during your workout. It was the perfect way to end the day.
Thank you for letting me find grace in the small moments. I really enjoyed writing this letter. I hope I'll be able to find as much grace as I did today every day.
Sincerely,
Yahan
What about you? How have you found grace today? Were you able to find it in the small things in life?
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
To My Friends
Sorry, I'm going to be busy over the next few weeks. I may not post much besides grace letters for a while. (I also apologize for the delay, yesterday was really busy)
Dear friends,
I'm not sure how many of you will actually read this letter. If you do, please don't feel pressured. I want your hearts to be able to make your own decision of whether to follow Christ or not. I hope one day we'll be able to be brothers and sisters who stand together strong in faith, but in the meantime, I pray you'll hear my heart.
I have been friends with a lot of you before I became a Christian, so I've known you for a long time. I know many of you aren't attracted to Christianity because of your personal values, which is perfectly alright with me. Like I said earlier, I want each of you to make your own decisions. But I hope there are people in your lives that know Christ and are able to manifest His unconditional love for you.
Looking back on my own life, I vividly remember how I came to know Christ. A few years, back in 7th grade, I was going through a time period of extremely low self esteem, and that summer at Camp Judah, I rededicated my life to Christ and began anew as a new person. When I went back to school the following fall, the school year went a lot smoother. I don't know your stories very well, so please don't think I'm saying that you will come to Christ the same way I did. Everyone has their unique story.
Just because I've accepted Christ doesn't mean I'm perfect. I'm still human and prone to making mistakes. If I hurt your heart in any way, let me know so I can strive to not make the same mistake again. I want to build up a community where we can all be honest with each other and not have anything to hide. I hope we'll be able to build up said community in Christ, the strongest foundation possible.
In the meantime, all I can do is pray for each and every one of you. If any of you have hardened your heart to God because you don't believe you're good enough, don't believe that. God loves you wherever you are, no matter how broken. I pray you'll come to know His unconditional love for you at some point in your life.
Your friend,
Yahan
Dear friends,
I'm not sure how many of you will actually read this letter. If you do, please don't feel pressured. I want your hearts to be able to make your own decision of whether to follow Christ or not. I hope one day we'll be able to be brothers and sisters who stand together strong in faith, but in the meantime, I pray you'll hear my heart.
I have been friends with a lot of you before I became a Christian, so I've known you for a long time. I know many of you aren't attracted to Christianity because of your personal values, which is perfectly alright with me. Like I said earlier, I want each of you to make your own decisions. But I hope there are people in your lives that know Christ and are able to manifest His unconditional love for you.
Looking back on my own life, I vividly remember how I came to know Christ. A few years, back in 7th grade, I was going through a time period of extremely low self esteem, and that summer at Camp Judah, I rededicated my life to Christ and began anew as a new person. When I went back to school the following fall, the school year went a lot smoother. I don't know your stories very well, so please don't think I'm saying that you will come to Christ the same way I did. Everyone has their unique story.
Just because I've accepted Christ doesn't mean I'm perfect. I'm still human and prone to making mistakes. If I hurt your heart in any way, let me know so I can strive to not make the same mistake again. I want to build up a community where we can all be honest with each other and not have anything to hide. I hope we'll be able to build up said community in Christ, the strongest foundation possible.
In the meantime, all I can do is pray for each and every one of you. If any of you have hardened your heart to God because you don't believe you're good enough, don't believe that. God loves you wherever you are, no matter how broken. I pray you'll come to know His unconditional love for you at some point in your life.
Your friend,
Yahan
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
Tuesday Grace Letters
Today's grace letter is to my future self as a mom.
Dear Yahan,
At last. The dream you've had for years is finally a reality. Being a natural planner, you have spent more time than necessary daydreaming about and planning your future. You knew being a mom wasn't going to be easy. But by now, you have probably had a few experiences that can attest the hard days of motherhood. Don't give up during those days. Even though they most likely won't show it, your kids need you, especially during their hardest moments when they can't express their need.
Throughout your childhood, there were moments where your parents hurt your heart. Don't hang on to those hurts. Forgive them but also strive to not pass on the same hard to your children. You're most likely going to have a busy career, but don't let that get in the way of spending time with your kids. Make time to support them at sporting events and performances. I know you love to sing, cook and craft with your loves. Embrace those passions and use them to help you grow closer to your kids. Sing loud and off key together, make a meal or just watch a movie during the weekends. Always be present in your kids' lives and grow closer to them. Ask about their hearts, not just about their day to day life. Love on them in any and every way possible.
Start new family traditions. Not many were established while you were growing up, but that trend doesn't have to continue. I know you've been mentally preparing some throughout your life, but don't be confined to that list. Traditions strengthen families, so don't be afraid to start them. Drink up the joys of the little moments, you never know when they will come to an end. Enjoy them while they last. Let go of the chains that being a planner and a worrier have trapped you in. Sometimes it's better to not worry about things that didn't go your way, especially the little things in life.
When it comes to discipline, remember that love is kind, and that a gentle answer can turn away wrath. Sometimes, especially in the heat of the moment, kindness will feel impossible. It's in those moments where kindness is needed most. When you deal with disobedience in the wrong way, don't be afraid to repent publicly and ask for forgiveness. Admitting to your kids you aren't perfect will deepen your relationships with them.
Last of all, don't worry. I know you tend to worry about stuff. No matter what struggles motherhood brings, it's all in God's hands. Learn to trust in Him. He has a better plan for your kids than you could ever dream of. Trust in his provision.
Sincerely,
Your high school self
Next week's letter will be to unbelievers in my life.
Dear Yahan,
At last. The dream you've had for years is finally a reality. Being a natural planner, you have spent more time than necessary daydreaming about and planning your future. You knew being a mom wasn't going to be easy. But by now, you have probably had a few experiences that can attest the hard days of motherhood. Don't give up during those days. Even though they most likely won't show it, your kids need you, especially during their hardest moments when they can't express their need.
Throughout your childhood, there were moments where your parents hurt your heart. Don't hang on to those hurts. Forgive them but also strive to not pass on the same hard to your children. You're most likely going to have a busy career, but don't let that get in the way of spending time with your kids. Make time to support them at sporting events and performances. I know you love to sing, cook and craft with your loves. Embrace those passions and use them to help you grow closer to your kids. Sing loud and off key together, make a meal or just watch a movie during the weekends. Always be present in your kids' lives and grow closer to them. Ask about their hearts, not just about their day to day life. Love on them in any and every way possible.
Start new family traditions. Not many were established while you were growing up, but that trend doesn't have to continue. I know you've been mentally preparing some throughout your life, but don't be confined to that list. Traditions strengthen families, so don't be afraid to start them. Drink up the joys of the little moments, you never know when they will come to an end. Enjoy them while they last. Let go of the chains that being a planner and a worrier have trapped you in. Sometimes it's better to not worry about things that didn't go your way, especially the little things in life.
When it comes to discipline, remember that love is kind, and that a gentle answer can turn away wrath. Sometimes, especially in the heat of the moment, kindness will feel impossible. It's in those moments where kindness is needed most. When you deal with disobedience in the wrong way, don't be afraid to repent publicly and ask for forgiveness. Admitting to your kids you aren't perfect will deepen your relationships with them.
Last of all, don't worry. I know you tend to worry about stuff. No matter what struggles motherhood brings, it's all in God's hands. Learn to trust in Him. He has a better plan for your kids than you could ever dream of. Trust in his provision.
Sincerely,
Your high school self
Next week's letter will be to unbelievers in my life.
Sunday, May 31, 2015
For Good from Wicked
Remember the lyrics to that song from last Tuesday's grace letter? I've been listening to the song constantly after watching the videos of the actual performance from the musical a few days ago. I thought I would share it here. Enjoy.
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
Tuesday Grace Letters
This Tuesday I'm writing to someone who has changed my story for the better because of their love.
Dear Kara,
I have never met you personally, but the impact you have made on my life is tremendous. When I was younger no one in my family knew the Gospel, so I was not raised in the truth during my earliest years. It was not until 5th grade that my family and I joined the church we currently attend. That's when my real journey of faith began. Still being young in my faith back then, I was still very weak spiritually. I didn't really have strong friendships or close mentors, so I had to carry the majority of my burdens myself. The summer before 8th grade was when I truly experienced God and was set free from the chains that had been holding me hostage. I had experienced the Holy Spirit occasionally during worship before, but that summer was when my faith was strengthened for good, and I officially dedicated my life to Christ. Since then, my story has taken a turn for the better.
As I grew closer to my church community, I knew I wanted to love on them on their birthdays and other holidays because we never really did anything special on those days in my house. After coming to follow your story, I realized that I didn't have to wait until those special days to love on my church community. Instead, I should be showing them love every time I see them. Thank you for teaching me this valuable lesson.
Unfortunately, I don't remember how I was led to Mundane Faithfulness. What I do remember though is that God taught me more about His love and grace through your story. I just wish it didn't take such hard suffering to have your readers and loved ones come closer to Christ and reflect back on our own lives. That first week knowing that you were in Heaven was probably one of the hardest weeks I had to go through. As I left church on March 22nd, something in my heart told me that an update would be posted on the Mundane Faithfulness Facebook page. Something else told me that the news would not be something I wanted to hear.
Sure enough, as I was finishing up my English project that evening, I checked Facebook during a short break and came upon the update I was dreading. Of course, I rejoiced knowing that you had flew away to be safe with Jesus for eternity, but my heart still hurt for your community. I know how much you mean to them and I know that sending you Home to Jesus was not easy for them. It definitely has not been easy for me, and I think I can say the same for anyone else who has come to love you either. We are all walking on this journey of seeking God's grace and love in the aftermath of your Homecoming together.
Being the oldest in my family, my heart specifically ached for Ella. If I am not mistaken, she will be setting off into high school in the fall. My own mom has been a huge supporter to me throughout my high school years, and I hurt knowing that Ella won't be able to have her mom on this side on Heaven to support her through those years. I know not being physically present in their lives must be hard for your other children at times too. I have 2 younger brothers and a lot of my friends are younger than me. I can't imagine any of us living without our moms. Even though hard days will come, I know that God's grace will be able to carry all the people that love you through their darkest moments, no matter what they are facing.
Music is one of the ways I cope with hard in my life. One of the playlists is specifically to encourage my heart when I'm overcome by grief. There's one song in particular that I always revisit. It's called "For Good" from the musical Wicked. One specific part goes like this:
It well may be
That we will never meet again
In this lifetime
So let me say before we part
So much of me
Is made of what I learned from you
You'll be with me
Like a handprint on my heart
And now whatever way our stories end
I know you have rewritten mine
By being my friend...
I'm pretty sure everyone whose heart you've touched would be able to say this, not just the people who had the priviledge to know you personally. I hope you get to enjoy the farm you've always wanted on Earth in Heaven. I can't wait to finally meet you.
Until we meet in Heaven,
Yahan
Next week's grace letter will be to myself when I am a parent.
Dear Kara,
I have never met you personally, but the impact you have made on my life is tremendous. When I was younger no one in my family knew the Gospel, so I was not raised in the truth during my earliest years. It was not until 5th grade that my family and I joined the church we currently attend. That's when my real journey of faith began. Still being young in my faith back then, I was still very weak spiritually. I didn't really have strong friendships or close mentors, so I had to carry the majority of my burdens myself. The summer before 8th grade was when I truly experienced God and was set free from the chains that had been holding me hostage. I had experienced the Holy Spirit occasionally during worship before, but that summer was when my faith was strengthened for good, and I officially dedicated my life to Christ. Since then, my story has taken a turn for the better.
As I grew closer to my church community, I knew I wanted to love on them on their birthdays and other holidays because we never really did anything special on those days in my house. After coming to follow your story, I realized that I didn't have to wait until those special days to love on my church community. Instead, I should be showing them love every time I see them. Thank you for teaching me this valuable lesson.
Unfortunately, I don't remember how I was led to Mundane Faithfulness. What I do remember though is that God taught me more about His love and grace through your story. I just wish it didn't take such hard suffering to have your readers and loved ones come closer to Christ and reflect back on our own lives. That first week knowing that you were in Heaven was probably one of the hardest weeks I had to go through. As I left church on March 22nd, something in my heart told me that an update would be posted on the Mundane Faithfulness Facebook page. Something else told me that the news would not be something I wanted to hear.
Sure enough, as I was finishing up my English project that evening, I checked Facebook during a short break and came upon the update I was dreading. Of course, I rejoiced knowing that you had flew away to be safe with Jesus for eternity, but my heart still hurt for your community. I know how much you mean to them and I know that sending you Home to Jesus was not easy for them. It definitely has not been easy for me, and I think I can say the same for anyone else who has come to love you either. We are all walking on this journey of seeking God's grace and love in the aftermath of your Homecoming together.
Being the oldest in my family, my heart specifically ached for Ella. If I am not mistaken, she will be setting off into high school in the fall. My own mom has been a huge supporter to me throughout my high school years, and I hurt knowing that Ella won't be able to have her mom on this side on Heaven to support her through those years. I know not being physically present in their lives must be hard for your other children at times too. I have 2 younger brothers and a lot of my friends are younger than me. I can't imagine any of us living without our moms. Even though hard days will come, I know that God's grace will be able to carry all the people that love you through their darkest moments, no matter what they are facing.
Music is one of the ways I cope with hard in my life. One of the playlists is specifically to encourage my heart when I'm overcome by grief. There's one song in particular that I always revisit. It's called "For Good" from the musical Wicked. One specific part goes like this:
It well may be
That we will never meet again
In this lifetime
So let me say before we part
So much of me
Is made of what I learned from you
You'll be with me
Like a handprint on my heart
And now whatever way our stories end
I know you have rewritten mine
By being my friend...
I'm pretty sure everyone whose heart you've touched would be able to say this, not just the people who had the priviledge to know you personally. I hope you get to enjoy the farm you've always wanted on Earth in Heaven. I can't wait to finally meet you.
Until we meet in Heaven,
Yahan
Next week's grace letter will be to myself when I am a parent.
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