Basking in Blessings

Have you ever had one of those days where you feel like God's goodness and blessings are just overflowing? Well, I had one of those yesterday.
 

I had decided to take the bus instead of driving downtown yesterday. But I was going to park my car by the bus stop. I don't normally like to park too close to other vehicles. Let's just say I've had some bad experiences with dings etc. Before you judge me, I don't worship my car but it is a lease and the least possibility I have to fix anything when I return it, the better it is. Back to the parking spot, I found one in the shade in the very corner of the lot that would have a small chance of getting dinged. Blessing #1.

While waiting for the bus, one man waiting at the bus stop was looking like he was possessed. He was cursing and screaming up a storm, very agitated, pacing back and forth. Obviously, many passengers were uncomfortable. My first reaction was anxiety - please don't let him get on the same bus as me. Wrong prayer. Of course, he got on the same bus as me. And he had to take the seat in front of me. This time, I prayed that God would remove whatever that's making this man react that way - weather he was possessed or just having a bad day. Please calm him down and give him peace. This time, prayer worked. The man settled down and even went to sleep. Blessing #2. 

I got to my dentist office early and was fully prepared to wait for my turn. But lo and behold, my dental hygienist, Ariel, was ready for me. Even though my dentist and dental hygienist are really awesome, any dental procedures would be nerve-wrecking. I have been worried that the procedure was going to be long and painful but Ariel told me we will be done in 40 minutes - way shorter than I expected! Blessing #3. 

I was trying to meet up with a close friend for lunch. We live on opposite ends of the island and hardly get together but she had told me earlier, she would have to go lunch early. And since my appointment was going to be done early, I was able to set-up lunch at 11:30. So perfect timing and shall I say, Blessing #4. 

Lunch was at Mandalay. I have not been there for awhile and am very picky about Chinese food since I'm Chinese and grew up eating fantastic Chinese food at home. Was a little skeptical that the food here would meet standard. The other worry I have is whether I could even eat anything because the numbness from the anesthetic has not fully wore off. What a bummer, I thought. But, as I started drinking the hot tea, I could feel the numbness going away. Not sure if the hot tea helped but I could actually eat better than I had expected. Blessing #5.

And the dim sum we ordered was really good. The crust on the egg tart was super flaky. The food definitely met standard. Blessing #6. 

After lunch, I stopped by the department's office and got to review the course material I was going to teach that night. When I got to the classroom, about an hour before class, it was empty. No class was scheduled before mine so I had all the time in the world to set-up for class. The AV equipment worked. And it was a huge classroom. Blessing #7

Class was supposed to end at 8:40 but since it was the first class and really most of them look like they were done by 8:25 so I let them go early. I didn't think I was going to be able to make the express bus at 8:50 but I did, which meant I got back to my side of town at 9:30pm instead of 10:10pm if I had taken the slow bus. Blessing #8

My car was still there. Did not get towed. Blessing #9


This last one is the best one of the day. Pastor Saeed Abedini had been released and returned from Iran. Today, he was interviewed on national TV. I had spoken to my ex-mother-in-law this morning and we were just praising God. He hears our prayers and He blesses those who are faithful. Blessing #10

After a day like that - a day of basking in His goodness and blessings, I just have to remind myself that He does love me and watches over me. Sometimes, we are so caught up with the things that are not going well or not what we expected that we fail to see and count the blessings. 

I am writing this blog post so that when I start to complain, I want to come back and read and remember that there were days where I could not have asked for more abundance of blessings.

God's Awesomeness!

Today's theme: God's Awesomeness. 


My friend and sister in the Lord, Keisha, inspired this post today. We've been praying about something together. And today, the Lord answered our prayer. Let's just say it was  a small miracle, which prompted her to praise the Lord for His awesomeness in always being there. Like she said, "He keeps us from the valley and hides us from the rain."

Everyday, I'm reminded of his awesomeness and it always amazes me. Through my devotion and the inspired music I hear on K-Love, I am always learning something about His love, mercy and compassion. And I am so blessed to be on the receiving end of this. 

This week, my devotion has been centered on the theme of kindness and compassion. Ironically, or not, it was tested today at work. I got really frustrated at someone and vented to my boss as well as to Keisha. As soon as I sent off those words, I realized i just failed! I just did the opposite of what the Lord told me to do. I should have had kindness but instead I got upset at the person. 

I prayed for kindness and compassion. And thought I had come some ways with being kind and compassionate - let's just say these are not my strongest characteristics. And really, didn't think I would fail as soon as I was put to the test. Of course, God in his great awesomeness, sends me Keisha, who says that I have not fail yet. "You can't fail a test that has not been closed out yet. Move to the next one and answer it right," she says. 

Thank you Lord for a great friend. Thank you Lord for the test so I know I need to continue to pray for compassion and kindness. Thank you Lord for the encouraging message you sent through a sister. And thank you Lord for showing us though Jesus what compassion and kindness should be.