Where is my thinking?

I was reading a blog this morning from an artist, it talked about a student in a class that did not show up for the first two weeks of class.  When she did make it to class, she was late.  Some of the students were talking to her and discovered that her life was so demanding that she had succumb to the thinking of "I can't do it all", "I do not have time", and "I am tired of all the demanding people around me".  Now the discussion based on this in the artist blog focused around positive thinking.  I prefer to take another approach.  The Word, yes teaches us, that as believers, we have what we say.  However, the Word also teaches us that we already have been provided everything (all the blessings and promises of the Word), because Jesus already died and paid the price for all of it.

The problem tends to come, when we do not know what we have.  If I had a rich uncle who died and left me everything, it doesn't matter if I do not know it.  I cannot receive the benefits from it unless I know it is there to use it.  Say he left me a house. I cannot live in a house that I do not know it mine.  Once I am notified of this, I can move right on into the house.  (I can take action on what I know to be true.)

A monkey at Kadoorie Farms in Hong Kong.

We cannot have what we speak, if we do not know, or believe, that it is ours.  How are we, as believers notified, by His Word.  As we read, and learn, we come to realize (a renewing of our mind from a life of sin, to a life of LIFE - and we KNOW and BELIEVE) what is already ours, and we can now go place a demand, or take it.

I am all for positive thinking, but I prefer to base it upon the Word of God, and what I know to be True!

Getting photos for the drawings in the project.

Today, I went to a little convenience store in South China that I visit regularly.  Today's purpose though was to get a photo of the woman who runs the store.  I explained to her, in my limited Mandarin, that I am drawing people in China.  With my limited language abilities, this required my showing her drawings I have finished, the reference photos I used, and my camera, and playing charades.  She did not want me to take her photo at first, but eventually she gave in to my request.

This drawing is taking longer than the others, but it is coming along.  Here are two scans of yesterday's progress on this elderly, Beijing Woman.

Progress on the latest drawing....

This one is taking longer than I expected, but it is in progress, along with two others.  I am determined to finish all three by the first, so after this post.....BACK TO WORK!  I am very grateful I love drawing and that it is fun, and does not seem like work at all.

     Sometimes, being a missionary requires me to stay the night or several nights with a local person or family in their home.  Last night was one of those cases.  I enjoy getting to spend time with the people I serve in this way, but it can be a bit adventurous, too.  I love the people here and the culture.
     I went to visit a family last night, who had requested that I come for dinner, and provide some bibilical guidance for them.  I also am trying to become fluent in the language, so opportunities like this are great for that.  No one speaks english, but me, so speaking the local is forced.  Because of the distance, they requested that I stay the night, rather than try to go back home.  This happens quite often.  The local  people are great hosts, and love the company.  They also love to fellowship over food (lots of it).

     Even though these visits are technically work, I do enjoy them.

This past week has been a challenge...

This past week, my drawing has not been up to par.  I ditched the drawing of the little girl in the previous post and I have started over because I did not like her eyes.  I have also started another drawing.  This lady was sitting on the steps of a building in Beijing around the time frame of the Olympics in 2008.  I will continue working on her and the other two drawings this week and get them finished for you guys to see.

Great trip.

     I had a great trip into Hong Kong.  I really enjoy the monthly trip because I get to visit a really great family, and their puppy.  Visa requirements require that I can only stay 30 days at a time in-country.  So, I go to Hong Kong, mostly, and visit some really great missionaries that a contact hooked-me up with before I left the US to come to here.  I really like their dog too.  Wish I could sneak him back with me, but I don't their their children would appreciate that very much.
     On another note, I need some tips on raising funding without having to go back to America to do it.  If anyone out there has any ideas (legit ideas ;-) ), shoot me an email.  Talk more tomorrow.  I have shelves to paint for the office today.