Union in Christ

There is nothing in comparison to the sheer unutterable joy a soul finds in communion with Christ. It is a bond of completion that sanctions a souls freedom. A freedom abounding in love and  unending grace. It is a union of consummation making manifest the magnitude of His glory. To Him be all the glory due His name forever and ever. Amen.

His Kingdom Beckons

         Abandoned, neglected, and forsaken a child lies faint in their own excretion. Crying is no more a call than the incessant rain infiltrating through the near by window. This filthy perturbing scene has become accustomed as home. Fortunately, this child is in the process of adoption. As the adopted father carries his new found child out those depressing doors to feel the sun's warmth glisten on their face for the first time, the child reaches back to the orphanage with languish. Sadly, this child knows not what fruitful and abundant life lies in front of them.
         Is it not the same for us as we cling to the filthy pleasures of this world when there is abundant life to be lived? The Bible asserts that we are the adopted children of God, "He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will." (Ephesians 1:5 NASB) God's Kingdom is at our feet, yet we reach back to familiarity and comfort. May we run together as His children, to the kindred hands that predestined us for adoption and there find fullness in His all-sufficient love.

Reflection of Russell Moore's Adopted For Life.

True Identity

Humanity is caught in a perpetual state of self-discovery. Who am I? What is my purpose? From the Bible, theologians extract the doctrine "Original Sin". This is the notion that we are all born into sin. Impure at conception.  Given this understanding, at birth we inherit a "false self". An illusion of our created purpose. A hedonistic egotistical self blinds us from our true identity. This considered, what then is our "true identity"? The bible is very specific to this question. Paul writes, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." (Galatians 2:20) Christ is the immaculate propitiation to the sinful and impure self we inhabit. It is He that enables us to step into our true identity, as heirs,  sons and daughters to the Almighty Creator.We must lose our inherent false selves and cling to the this truth! It is then we begin to discover the authentic self our Designer intended. As for purpose? Walk humbly. Do Justice. Love Mercy. (Micah 6:8) Be JESUS. In Him is where we discover our conclusive satisfaction. This brings Him great glory! As John Piper states, "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him". This is our identity and purpose, His glory. I revel in awe of this candid truth. I pray this be encouragement as it has been to myself. Let us go forth embracing our true Identity, Christ.

"But whatever is in God is really identical with Him, for His infinite simplicity admits no division and no distinction. Therefore I cannot hope to find myself anywhere except in Him." (Merton 35)

A reflection of Thomas Merton's New Seeds of Contemplation

Reign

Be Thou my passion Lord my one Desire
Kindle afresh in me Your holy fire
Consume to ashes all plans save Thine own
King of Creation come reign here alone

This verse so beautifully articulates the ardent prayer of my heart. If only we allowed the God of the universe reign in our lives... Nonetheless we settle, finding our solace in mere worldly things. A superfluous life of monotony repressing the extraordinary. We cling to it for its accessibility and familiarity. It is there we are comfortable. God is our COMFORT. That is one of His incessant promises throughout His word (Jeremiah 8:18, Psalm 23, Isaiah 51, 2 Corinthians 1:3, etc.). Therefore, let Him reign that our lives be transformed; that we may be used to our full potential of the intentions of our Designer. We have the contingency to take part in the commission He is accomplishing here on earth! We are much to easily satisfied.

Thine be the glory forever amen.

Inspired

My mind, heart and soul have been inspired and challenged. This spiritual awakening has been rendered in the life story of Kisses From Katie. I encourage anyone to read this 21 year old girls amazing story which is only made possible through the grace of God and a willing heart. It is a visible reminder of the incredible sustenance God has for his children. All it takes is a simple answer, yes.

Thanks Katie. Blessings.

Seeking Rest

A downward spiral of worries infects my sanity
Lifting my feet of the ground yet restrained by gravity
I stroll along...

One step after the other traction dissipates
Ambition carries me further surrendered in fate
Where to go...
Where to turn...
I'm lost.

Weary and burdened I come.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." - Matthew 28:11

Jealousy & Selfish Ambition

There is nothing quit enjoyable as living amidst the Lord's benediction. Though in this place, we inherently neglect to acknowledge the myriad of blessings God has so graciously surrounded us with. Contemptuously, lost in jealousy and selfish ambition. This leads only to a life filled with destruction and chaos. (James 3:15-16) Why is it contentment is so difficult to maintain? God has appointed each of us for a specific innate purpose in accomplishing His dominion. This is easy to lose sight of. It is pertinent that we establish a perpetual reminder; we all carry our individual role, ordained by God, as contributory to His dominion. May we find our complete contentment in God and His benediction... that He may be glorified to the fullest.


 

Uncle Jon

Throughout life we inherit labels that gradually define our unique individual person. These labels consist of: Christian, Muslim, teacher, architect, son, daughter, mother, father... the list is endless. Of recently, I have possessed the privilege of adorning my self with a new label, Uncle. This of which I am pleased to bear. I look forward to his growth and having part in spoiling him rotten. He is just adorable. Grant Marvin Lasley.

Senioritis...

Though I am not a fan of the term, I feel it to be the appropriate diagnosis for my mental state. I told myself I would not capitulate to this life of apathy. Yet, here I am, bound to its forceful grip.

A gift of Significance

Open Arms - Russian translation

Сколько слез, сколько бед ты в жизни перенес.
Боль и страх держишь ты в хрупком сердце своем.
Ты сломан, разбит, спрятаться хочешь от всех.


Есть любовь, что может скрыть тебя в объятиях своих.
Бог Отец зовет тебя к себе, чтоб твое сердце исцелить.
Приди и пей, ты не будешь жаждать вновь.


Брошен ты, сирота, в сердце пустота.
В темноте одинок ждешь, когда найдут тебя.
Ты сломан, разбит, спрятаться хочешь от всех.


В Боге ты найдешь покой, в Его любви найдешь ты милость и мир.

Translated by, Olya Velichko & Marina Padiy - Thank you

Vanguard

Vanguard, the name generates a sense of elation. This due to my four years of attendance at the University. I appraise this time, because its end is rapidly approaching. Accommodating my chosen study, Vanguard has provided an atmosphere full of welcome and enjoyment. The memories are innumerable.  Among the fondest are the dear friendships that have been instituted. It is hardly possible to commemorate all that Vanguard has embellished my life with. Nevertheless, I reckon my time well spent and the moving on necessary. Lord, I ask you guide me in accordance to your will.
Thanks Vanguard.

Christmas time

As the years continue to pass, the warmth of Christmas season spent with family becomes ever-greater. The overwhelming nostalgic traditions furnishes an affectionate love and restful peace I like to refer to as "Home, Sweet Home".

Theology

What is theology, but for man's comfort? An antidote purposed for the implementation of morality or emotional stability? In our desire to know the God of the universe, it is inevitable that we conform Him to our liking. We try to fit the infinite being God is into our own box of consolation. Sooner of later that box of comfort is subject to affliction and then blown up with a new posed thought or idea. This process then repeats itself again and again. We can't fit God into a box.

Aside from this question, I adamantly profess ones theology of God is important to refine. That is, in the approach of an informative biblical matter. Even though we lack the capacity to fully understand the way God works, it is important to keep an open mind with critical and good judgement. We may be right or wrong in our comprehension of God's character; understand that and be okay with it. Perhaps, we were never meant to grasp the full knowledge of the omnipotent being God was, is, and will always be. Doesn't mean we shouldn't make the attempt.

What's next?

With one more year of college around the corner, one question frequently seems to be asked. "What are you going to do with your life?" A question I don't know if I will ever be able to answer my whole life. Taking a dive into the "real world" is rapidly approaching. Up until this point it seems as though  there weren't many choices to be made on my part except for Vanguard University, my school of choice. What's next... more school? get a job?  look into starting a family? move to another state or country for that matter? Is the perfect answer waiting right in front of me only by fate to fall under my footsteps? I believe God has a will and a purpose for my life. It can really be aggravating at times left to ponder what my next step may be. It seems almost selfish in a sense to plan where I will be in the future. Who is to say I may have another breathe? Life is such a precious gift, yet we tend to waste what little we do have. As created beings of the Almighty God, we are to honor and glorify Him with our lives. So which ever be my last... may every breathe seek to glorify the One of whom all worth is due. Though I compile my own plans, they are but little to where God may lead me. I think the song writer says it best "Take my life and let it be all for you and for your glory". So... it is okay that the question "What are you going to do with your life?" remains a list of questions and maybes. The only legitimate answer I hope and strive for is to glorify my God wherever I may find myself. Amen.

Matthew 6:33- "But seek first the kingdom and His righteousness"

First Stop: In-N-Out

After nearly 24 hours of travel time, finally I am home. In-N-Out of course was the only appropriate first stop being back in Southern California. The trip was most successful and inspirational. Thank you to all those who supported me on this trip and in my life. I truly am blessed to have the people in my life I am surrounded with. Keep checking my blog for more stories of my travels and pics should be on facebook. Thanks again to all and May God bless you

Two more days...

The last few days have been kinda slow for myself. I picked up a fever, I believe from playing with children non-stop for over a week. They sure know how to drain all your energy.Today I am feeling much better after a good nights sleep. Almost all of us have undertaken some type of sickness. Please pray for our health.

Yesterday we went to the orphanage outside of Borodyanka that we had gone to the previous year. This orphanage only houses about 12 kids total. We just brought some fruit and cookies for the kids, then played some games. Yesterday was also what they call in Ukraine the "Last Bell". Every school ends on this day and it is a big celebration. We went to one of the schools and got to partake in the festivities. After so much action today we have a day off. A day of rest much needed. Only a couple days until we return to the states. Thank you so much for all your support. GOD bless!

Borodyanka

With a long safe journey and pizza along the way, we have made it to our final destination Borodyanka. The Orphanage in Bila Tszerkov was time well spent. We had the opportunity to share Bible stories from creation all the way up to the death of Jesus on the Cross. We had differenet crafts everyday for the kids that they seemed to enjoy to do with us.These orphans have once again take a piece of my heart. If anyone has the thought of adopting let me know! I have encountered so many truly amazing children that have never been a part of a family.Keep these little ones in your prayers, that they may encounter the abounding love of Christ in their life, and that He surpasses all treasure here on this earth.

Today we are heading to the nearby school to talk to a 3rd and 5th grade class that are studying english. I am excited this is something we got to do last year and it was a blast. Then tonight we are going to church for a Bible study. I am looking forward to have a lot of relaxing time here in Borodyanka. Nearly 80 children sure know how to drain every ounce of energy from you. Thank you so much for your prayers! May GOD bless you all

Alive and Well

It is now our fourth day in Chernigov. We had to stay an extra day because one of Amanda's luggage was lost at the airport. The good news is we got it today and tomorrow morning we are leaving to the orphanage in Bila Tszerkov. The last couple days we spent at an orphanage and a mental hospital for young children. Our time here has been truly amazing. I am staying with an American family who is the pastor of a church plant here. There kids keep me going even with the jet lag which is slowly dissapating. I loved the town and culture so much, I hope to return to Chernigov sometime in the future. Thanks for your prayers and please continue as we travel to Bila Tszerkov. There I will not have access to internet, so this might be the last for a week. GOD bless

(Paul) Your shirts are well worn and many pictures were taken. Thank you!

Made It!

Made it through the Russian flight safe to our first destination in Chernigov. Getting ready to take off for our first day into the city on about four hours of sleep. Breakfast was delicious along with some wonderful portuguese coffee. It is so amazing, yet surreal to be back in Ukraine. I hope to blog as often as possible to keep everyone updated on my travels. It will be hard when I am at the orphanage with no internet though. Thanks for everyones prayer and support!

GOD bless
Пуст Бог Благославит Тебя

Daily Bread

It has been incredible to see my perspectives change after traveling to a foreign country seeing the daily lives of others through my own eyes. To catch a glimpse of how selfish I am about my own future. I have always dreamed of having the perfect family, a nice house, a nice car, money to support and make my family happy. These are all nice things to acquire, but who am I to assume this is what God has planned for me. A verse I keep returning to in Proverbs sums it up best, "Give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 'Who is the Lord?' Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God." (Proverbs 30:8-9 NIV) I never believed God would ever call me to the mission field, mostly it just wasn't appealing to me because of the living conditions it would bring. After spending 2 weeks with orphans in Ukraine a piece of my heart has been forever left in the eyes of every child I came in contact with. A Love so deep has been instilled within my heart for these fatherless children; I don't believe any words could explain. At the moment I feel God is calling me back to where the pieces of my heart have been scattered throughout the country of Ukraine. It doesn't matter what kind of living conditions I must pertain to as long as I am with those whom I love. For ultimately that these orphans will come to realize thier Father who loves so unconditionally awaiting for them to come running into his arms. A Father they can always count on being there when no one else is around to comfort them. For now I have no idea what God has planned for me in the next minute, day, and the rest of my life; I find beauty in that. I pray it is not my own selfish ambition, but to glorify the Father whatever my future brings in that only my daily bread may be provided.