Just look at it another way - and Happy Birthday, Dad!

Sunday, August 11, 2019
It's my dad's birthday today. I'll have to stay up late to wish him a happy birthday: they're 14 hours behind us - so I can't call before 9:30pm. I have the best dad. He's the ultimate protector of our family, watching diligently that we live with integrity and cheering us on when we do something creative.
"Of course, try it," he's always said if my 3 brothers and I wondered if we should attempt something. And mostly, we do. We're each risk-takers and creatives because of his encouragement. Each of us has had curious and wonderful wins, with a few spectacular failures thrown in for good measure. No one cares about those again, except as learning opportunities. And no one holds those against us - that's because of Dad's training and lifestyle.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, to the world's #1 DAD. Love you so! And I appreciate that you're still encouraging me to look at the world in a new way every day.
---   ---   ---

Next Saturday is Indonesian Independence Day. Beautiful "red and white" decorates houses, gates, and fences, and flutter on thousands of private and public flagpoles. Bandung International Church will celebrate our host country Indonesia and all the other places represented by our community. We'll wear the colors of our countries and bring food for an International potluck. Can't wait.

But today is very special, too. The new "surround" hall layout gets a lot of positive comments. The children's dance is lovely - and the kids are so happy that they ask their leaders when they can do it again. (How about in October? We're looking forward to it.)

The topic at BIC today is Daniel, who is the complete opposite to last week's reluctant prophet, Jonah. Daniel obeys fearlessly, doing whatever God says. And because of his wisdom, he is counselor to 4 different kings from 3 different empires. When else does that happen in history? What a special man.

BIC's own Daniel leads the design team with Ruth. He's put silhouettes of the biblical Daniel's life on backdrop screens. The artists have created a great setting for the next series of bible stories. How we appreciate their spirit of innovation.

My definition of an artist is someone who see the world from a particular angle and lets the world know about it through the senses - with words, art, music, smells, movement, and touch.

After W and I speak, Lena (an experienced thespian) creates vignettes with human statues (volunteers from the crowd). They depict 3 scenes from Daniel's life before she asks the audience for takeaways.

The Community Table is heaped with Della's treats. And Waldemar teaches Theology 101 (discussing questions about God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit today.) It's a busy and joy-filled morning, all around.

We have so much to be thankful for, including lunch with old and new friends. Table talk turns again and again to God and his work among us. We're from various backgrounds, so everyone gets to contribute.

The food at #BumiSangkuriang is good as usual. They've created e a short-cut for us to walk from Green Gate across the street to eat at their place. Thanks for that, Mr. Manager. Very kind of you.

The smell of saté (roasting goat) starts to permeate the neighborhood. Smells delicious. Our Muslim neighbors and their families are celebrating Eid al-Adha (see Genesis 22).

Read more:
*Yet, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand. Isaiah 64:8

*The ransomed of the Lord shall return, they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. Isaiah 51:11

*We will be with the Lord forever. 1 Thessalonians 4:17

*We are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works. Ephesians 2:10

Moravian Prayer: Vivacious Creator, mold our spirits into those of peace, joy, and truth. Grant us the inspiration to reach for the highest of potentials you have for us. Place on our hearts the desire to be like you.

Heavenly God, as we await our call home, we continue to do your work here on Earth. The day is coming where we will see you face to face, and it will surely be a day full of joy and gladness. Amen.