I've always been on the fence of the Calvinism/Arminianism debate. At times, I felt as though I were a staunch Calvinist. Other times, I felt like Arminianists made valid points. I literally told people that I was in the middle. I struggled with a few things on each side of the spectrum but felt flakey being in the middle. Today, I have come to a decision that I am happy with.

I have been studying the book of Acts lately. And I've learned something. In the speeches by Stephen, Peter, and Paul that Luke (the writer of Acts) documented, "without contradiction, [Luke] maintains a dual emphasis on divine election and on human response" (ESV Study Bible, Note on Acts 13:48).

Acts 13:48 says, "And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed."

Appointed - divine election
Believed - human response

There you have it, folks! Both are of equal importance. I am no longer on the fence of Calvinism or Arminianism. I am in Luke's camp! Who's with me?

I am trying to read the Bible from start to finish again. Contrary to what might seem typical of an obsessive compulsive person, it's actually quite difficult to go in order. I'm in Leviticus and Acts. It's crazy with all the technology we have this day and age though. Alongside my Bible, I have my kindle (with my ESV Study Bible) and Apple TV with a plethora of podcasts. It's been so cool to have church from the comfort of my own living room. I get to find countless messages on the chapters I'm reading and it's as if I have church on demand! I'm so blessed.

Yesterday was a bittersweet day for Christians all around the world. Papa Chuck (Charles Ward Smith) went home to be with the Lord. While he is now in perfect health and in communion with our Lord and Savior, many of us can't help but have a hint of sorrow.

Growing up at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa, I literally cannot remember a week when I didn't see his smiling face at least once. This man exemplified what it means to have the joy of the Lord. Beyond just a superficial happiness, you could always tell that he was truly joyful. My favorite memory of Pastor Chuck was at Calvary Camp in Green Valley Lake. He always went to all the youth camps. He was a shepherd to all his flock! After singing to us before we ate our lunch and reciting the story of Sam McGee (Papa Chuck classics—haha!) he went around from table to table making conversations with all the kids. I don't think he even ate lunch himself! He was so loving and caring!

Pastor Chuck was a wonderful example of what it means to be a Christian. He dedicated his life to serving the Lord and sharing the gospel. It boggles my mind to think that people like Gospel for Asia's K. P. Yohannan came to the Lord because of Pastor Chuck. And through Gospel for Asia's ministry, look how many more came to know the Lord! What an amazing ripple effect! I long to be as contagious with my faith as Pastor Chuck was. Lord, please increase my faith!

If you are reading this post, please keep the Smith and Brodersen families in prayer. And please pray for the extended Calvary Chapel family throughout the world.

I keep saying I want to blog more. I don't know why it is so much of a challenge for me...especially since I am a housewife for the time being. Let me just say, it's getting on my nerves how many people back home keep pestering my parents with questions like, "When is she going to get a job?" or "How come she doesn't have a job yet?" I'm a people pleaser. I know that isn't good. I should be striving to please the Lord only and not worry about what other people think, but it just leaves me wondering what I am doing wrong when people don't seem to be impressed. God, please break down my pride and help me not to worry about what others think!

Anyways, I wanted to give my blog a new look, a more modern look. Guess it just isn't working with the lack of photos. K, I am gonna do something about that. I wanna make a collage every month. I made one for the summer but I think I need to start taking more pictures as well. Here's my summer one!

*Updated 03/6/2014

You would think that moving to England, I would not have hit any language barriers. After all, Americans and English people speak the same language, correct? Wrong. Americans speak American; English people speak English. Don't let the similarities fool you. Robert Mitchum's character, Charles Delacro, in "The Grass is Greener" said it best: "The greatest barrier between our two countries is the bond of a common language."

I have compiled a list of American words that don't translate so well. Some might be common, and some might take you by surprise. For your convenience, I have also included their English definitions. You're welcome.


American to English:
Overalls - Dungarees
Fava Beans - Broad Beans
Chex - Malt Wheats
Shredded Coconut - Desiccated Coconut
Pie Crust - Pastry Case
Graham Crackers - Digestives (plain flavor)
Molasses - Treacle
Shortening - Lard
Peanut Oil - Groundnut Oil
Flax Seeds - Linseeds
Baking Soda - Bicarbonate of Soda
Cornstarch - Cornflour
Powdered Sugar - Icing Sugar
Tomato Paste - Tomato Pureé
Tomato Sauce - Passata
Ketchup - Tomato Sauce
Cream Cheese - Soft Cheese
Green Onions - Spings Onions or Scallions
Self-Rising Flour - Self-Raising Flour
Pay Raise - Pay Rise
Ground Meat - Mince Meat
Heavy Cream - Double Cream
Light Cream - Single Cream
Candy - Sweety
Jewelry - Jewellery
Tires - Tyres
Trunk - Boot
Freeway - Motorway
Parking Lot - Car Park
Theater - Cinema
Line - Queue
Mailbox - Postbox
Braids - Plaits (Pronouced: platts)
Sunscreen - Sun Creme
Shopping Cart - Trolley
Elevator - Lift
Faucet - Tap
Wax Paper (Parchment Paper) - Baking Paper
ATM - Cash point
Gas - Petrol
Pants - Trousers
Dressy Pants - Smart Trousers
Sweat Pants - Jogging Bottoms
Rainboots - Wellington Boots (Wellies)
Underwear - Pants
Cilantro - Coriander
Eggplant - Aubergine
Zucchini - Courgette
Candy - Sweets
Jello - Jelly
Jelly - Jam
Biscuit - Scone
Cookie - Biscuit
Dessert - Pudding
Oatmeal - Porridge
Salad Dressing - Salad Cream
Napkin - Serviette
Sofa - Settee
Nightstand - Bedside Cabinet
Flashlight - Torch
Oven - Cooker
Percolator - Kettle
Doing the dishes - Washing up
Laundry - Washing
Cellphone - Mobile Phone
Wallet - Purse (for a female)
Purse - Bag
Stroller - Pram
Pacifier - Dummy
Diaper - Nappy
Pre-school - Nursery
Kindergarten - Reception
Elementary School - Primary School
High School - Secondary School
Comforter - Duvet
Duvet - Quilt

It just hit me.

I am a housewife. I cook, I clean, I wash dishes, I watch some netflix, I read a little, etc.—all while my husband is at work. I am a cliché. I'd be lying if I said I didn't enjoy it though. It's nice being domesticated.

Yesterday, I received an email saying that my shipment of stuff that I had sent from America had finally cleared customs. Soon, I will have all my things and it will feel even more normal being at home all day. I have mixed feelings though. I can't decide if this is something I want for my future or if I want to eventually get a job. It's weird to me that I haven't had a job since December. It feels a bit like I am mooching off my husband. I could use some prayer; I've never been the best at making big decisions.

Either way, I am open. If God wants me to be a housewife for the rest of my life, I am fine with that! And if God wants me to go out and get a job, I am fine with that as well!

Alright God, You're so quick to respond. And for that I say thanks. 

God is teaching me to become more merciful. Noisy neighbors are definitely helping me learn to do that.