letter from God to me

You are on the path of My choosing. There is no randomness about your life. Here and Now comprise the coordinates of your daily life. Most people let their moments slip through their fingers, half-lived. They avoid the present by worrying about the future or longing for a better time and place. They forget that they are creatures who are subject to the limitations of time and space. They forget their Creator, who walks with them only in the present.


Every moment is alive with My glorious Presence, to those whose hearts are intimately connected with Mine. As you give yourself more and more to a life of constant communion with Me, you will find that you simply have no time for worry. Thus, you are freed to let My Spirit direct your steps, enabling you to walk along the path of Peace.

Smile :)

"Because of your smile, you make life more beautiful." ~Thich Nhat Hanh

He's at work!

I had another wonderful parent conference this week! It's so odd for me to actually be EXCITED for parent conferences, but I am! I love these parents, and of course I love their kids! :) These families are such a part of my community here. I live with many of them, we worship together, fellowship together, work together, and play together. KICS has such a close-knit community. When my computer crashed last week (it's totally finished, no hope, but my sweet principal let me borrow one of his), I had no shortage of parents offering to take it to be fixed. When I'm sick, they want to bring me food or medicine, or even take me to see their doctor. They want to make me clothes, take me to the market, teach me kinyarwanda, marry me off to their cousins, and everything in between! I feel so blessed to be a part of this community, this city on a hill that is now my home.

Anyway, back to parent conferences...I had another awesome conversation with J's mom, from India. She and her husband practice an ancient religion called Sikhism, which is founded on the teachings of 10 Gurus from India. As I've mentioned before, I've had many opportunities to share with this mom this year, and each time, she has really opened up and asked so many questions; questions about Jesus, about Easter, about the Resurrection. Her 9 year old daughter, my student, goes home and tells her all about the characters and stories in the Bible, and that's how she became interested! Last time we met, she told me that she's so happy that her daughter knows about the teachings of Jesus, and when she hears her pray, it melts her heart. Now, she has begun praying alongside her daughter, and she said her husband has even prayed with them before. This week, we had another wonderful talk, and she asked me to pray with her again, in Jesus' name. She also asked for some books to help her better understand! So right now, I'm trying to pray about and think about books that would be useful for her. God is awesome, and continuing to work and open doors here! Please pray with me that this mom will continue to seek, that the Holy Spirit will continue to do a good work in her and her husband, and that God will continue revealing Himself to this family.

"But when He, the Spirit of Truth comes, He will guide you into all the Truth." ~John 16:13

a simple prayer

I think many of you have heard stories about my super sweet and special student this year, Kang-Hee, from Korea. At the beginning of the year, Kang-Hee wouldn't talk, except to himself, as he played with the flags that he drew from all over the world. Kang-Hee is fascinated with flags and other countries, and knows more about this world that I do! It took him a long time to warm up to all of us, almost as if he were testing the waters to see if he would be accepted, because for so long, he hasn't been.

And he was. We all embraced him this year and yes, there are challenging days, but the blessings by far outweigh the challenges. He has taught us to laugh more and think "outside the box." :) He has taught us all about China and the Middle East, and every war that has ever been fought. He has taught my students about differences and loving people in spite of their differences and unique qualities. His prayers have humbled me and astounded me, and brought us to tears as well. At the beginning of the year, Kang-Hee refused to pray as well. He said he hated God because God made his eyes hurt, and he didn't have any desire to talk to this God. But throughout the year, Kang-Hee has learned so much in Bible, and he has even asked questions and now, he's the first one to pray. He prays for all the countries that are in any kind of conflict. He prays for everyone; he prays for people that we even forget we were praying for. He remembers them all. His English still isn't great, but he can pray continously until you tell him, ok, Kang-Hee, let's let someone else pray. It's beautiful.

But even now, he's very open with all of us in his class, but is very shy in public. However, last week, for Easter chapel, as I stood in front of the entire elementary to close us in prayer at the end, Kang-Hee ran up beside me and tugged at my pants and said, "Teacher, teacher, Miss Griggs, I pray." He was so eager. There was a split second where I thought, should I really let him pray? There's no telling what he might say! :) And this is in front of the ENTIRE elementary. OK, what should I do? So I just smiled and said, ok everyone, Kang-Hee is delivering our prayer. Please bow your heads and close your eyes. And what came next was a simple, but precious reminder of how great our Father is. He spoke boldly and perfectly and said, "Dear God, thank you for chapel. Thank you for Friday for the death on the cross. Thank you for cross on Friday so we go to heaven. Thank you for coming alive again. Love you Jesus. Amen." Then, ALL the kids started cheering and clapping up a storm for him. It might have seemed like such a simple moment for an outsider, but for all of us...Kang-Hee's family...it was incredible. My headmaster leaned over and whispered, "They really love him don't they?" All the teachers had tears in our eyes.

This young boy has blessed us so much this year through his joy, his outlook on life, and in his weaknesses and struggles as well. I know the Holy Spirit is alive at KICS. He's alive and working! After the chapel service, I emailed Kang-Hee's parents who are traveling in the U.S. right now to raise funds for Food for the Hungry. And I want to share his dad's response with you after he heard Kang-Hee had prayed that prayer, and even in public...

Hi, Ms. Griggs



Praise the Lord!


This is something unbelievable!!!!


I know he knows the story of Jesus, but I didn’t expect he confess his belief through his mouth.


If it is true his faith, I do not have any concern about his future anymore…


Thank you very much for this good news!!!

With many blessings,


Kang Hee’s dad.


He is ALIVE and working here at KICS, in so many childrens' lives and their parents too! Thank you all for praying for this young man. He's a true joy in my life! :)

Garden

Heard this beautiful Need To Breathe song this week...perfect one to celebrate our Risen Lord!

Listen to it here: http://www.needtobreathe.net/music/garden/

Won't you take this cup from me


Cause fear has stolen all my sleep
If tomorrow means my death
I pray you'll save their souls with it


Let the songs I sing
Bring joy to you
Let the words I say profess my love
Let the notes I choose
Be your favorite tune
Father let my heart be after you


In this hour of doubt I see
But who I am is not just me
So give me strength to die myself
So love can live to tell the tale


Let the songs I sing
Bring joy to you
Let the words I say profess my love
Let the notes I choose
Be your favorite tune
Father let my heart be after you


Father let my heart be...
For you

Mystery

I love a good mystery book or movie. I like the suspense involved, and the anticipation, and the challenge of waiting for the outcome. I like the hope I have in the ending, the optimism, and the eagerness that keeps me reading or watching.

I love how Jesus Christ is mysterious too.  Lately, I've been experiencing His mysterious nature in many ways. I love when you KNOW He is working, and you can see His plan take shape in someone's life, or your own life. I love those "Ah-ha!" moments when you've been praying about something, and then all of a sudden, you realize what God is doing here. You have that moment where it all comes together, and you KNOW how well He knows you and understands you. (Of course He does...He created us!) I like the excitement of Christ, and the mystery that He brings each of us. He is alive, and He is working, and I am awestruck each day when He allows me glimpses and hints of His great plan!

Jesus Christ was a mystery. He is a mystery. His grace is a mystery. Our faith is a mystery too. I believe the greatest mystery is wrapped up in this Easter weekend. The greatest mystery is that God became one of us. Christ appeared in flesh. He was born in a lowly manger, the feeding trough of animals; born the son of a carpenter. He became like us to teach us, to show us, and to give His life for us. In Colossians, Paul calls Jesus, "the mystery of God...in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."

I'm reading a great book now, simply called, "Story," by Steven James. James is a professional storyteller, and this book takes you on a journey through the mystery of our faith, from Creation to the Resurrection. His poetry and imagery is inspiring, and I can't wait to finish up with the Resurrection this weekend. James describes Jesus as a "holy conundrum, a living enigma, a mystery." Think about it. Jesus was born helpless and yet almighty, temporal and yet eternal, human and yet divine. He was "wildly meek, quietly loud, furiously patient, humbly proud." Jesus brought "peace and the sword...clarity and confusion....judgment and pardon." Mystery.

And to add to His mystery was the fact that He was perfectly normal-looking. He didn't stand out in a crowd. Even Judas had to point him out to the soldiers so they could identify Him. He was forgettable, yet He was also the most memorable and influential man in the history of the world! Jesus spoke is riddles, yet He had authority. He was both audacious and humble, both soft-spoken and fiery, full of both sorrow and joy. No one has ever been meeker. And no one has ever been bolder. He is mystery.

To enter into the story of Easter this weekend, you first must know the mystery of Christ. The idea that God loves enough to die for us is a complete mystery. James calls it preposterous! Unbelievable! There are many religions that offer love, but it's only Jesus who offers love and redemption by pouring out His blood as a sacrifice for us. His death is a mystery. But thankfully, that's not the end of the story. He is ALIVE!

Mystery. God doesn't require us to memorize a ton of Scripture, or debate doctrine, or live by a list of religious rules. Instead, He sent us a Son to love, and told us to love each other too. Act justly. Love mercy. Walk humbly with our Lord. (Micah 6:8) He sent us TRUTH. Truth hidden in mystery, and mystery hidden in truth. Embrace the mystery that is Jesus. The mystery of grace, of redemption. The mystery of the cross.

"Within the mystery of Jesus, all that is foolish teaches all that is wise, all that is weak conquers all that is strong, and death itself is swallowed up by life. Here truth and mystery stand side by side and immerse hungry souls in their sea." ~Steven James

Once Again

Once again I look upon the cross where you died.

I'm humbled by your mercy and I'm broken inside.

And once again I thank you, once again I pour out my life.

Jesus Christ, I think upon your sacrifice.

You became nothing, poured out to death.

Many times, I've wondered at your gift of life,

and I'm in that place once again.

And once again I look upon the cross where you died.

I'm humbled by your mercy and I'm broken inside.

Once again I thank you, once again I pour out my life.

Now you are, exalted to the highest place.

King of the heavens, where one day I'll bow.

But for now, I marvel at your saving grace.

And I'm full of praise once again.

I'm full of praise once again.

And once again I look upon the cross where you died.

I'm humbled by your mercy and I'm broken inside.

Once again I thank you, once again I pour out my life.

Thank you for the cross, thank you for the cross.

Thank you for the cross, my friend.

Thank you for the cross, thank you for the cross.

Thank you for the cross, my friend.

Once again I look upon the cross where you died.

I'm humbled by your mercy and I'm broken inside.

Once again I thank you, once again I pour out my life.

Once again I thank you!

Jesus Christ, I think upon your sacrifice.