How can we stay grateful in uncertain times?

@picture is not mine, it belongs to the right owner. 

Thank Almighty Father for His protection. We thank Almighty Father that in our area in Satun, Thailand, we barely felt the impact of the 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Thailand and the 8.6 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar. When the earthquake occurred, we were busy constructing the hut for fellowship and family gatherings behind our home. I only noticed the news of the earthquake when I went to the construction shop, and the owner asked if I knew about it. I didn’t know anything about it. 

When I arrived home, I checked the news on my phone, and that’s when we learned that it was a very unusual earthquake. Thailand and Myanmar, especially in places like Bangkok and Mandalay, are not prepared for such an event, as most buildings in these regions are not built on bearing pads. You can tell from how the buildings shake that their bases are not isolated, which resulted in the collapse of some buildings and cracks in the walls and foundations.

Why Positive Energy is Important in Our Family

By Ianpassion

Picture was taken when our children visited the flower garden in Trang, Thailand 2025

Positive energy is crucial in the family because it fosters love, unity, and peace—principles deeply rooted in the word the Father. G reminds us in 1 Peter 4:8, "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." Love is the foundation of positive energy, creating an environment where family members feel valued, understood, and supported. Without this, emotional walls can form, making it difficult to connect with one another. You may feel a huge barrier between you and a family member, leaving you isolated and disconnected.

 

The Word of the Father provides a solution to breaking down these walls. In Ephesians 4:15, we are encouraged to "speak the truth in love," emphasizing the importance of honest communication. When families engage in open, heartfelt conversations with the purpose of reconciliation, they can begin to dismantle emotional barriers. This process aligns with Matthew 5:9, which says, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of the Father." Seeking peace and reconciliation restores positive energy, allowing family members to feel filled, peaceful, and free in their interactions.

 

What Can We Learn from the Wildfires in California?

Photo belongs to the right owner. 

The wildfires in California have left behind significant destruction and loss, but in the midst of this tragedy, there are valuable lessons we can reflect upon. I have three in mind: 

1. The Importance of Safety and Preparedness

The devastation in California was exacerbated by a lack of preparation in certain areas. One major issue was the scarcity of water, which could have been a vital resource in preventing the fires from spreading. There weren’t enough water hydrants, pumps to add pressure to the water, or even automatic water systems installed around homes to prevent fires from catching. I can't imagine that this is happening in America. In fire-prone areas, we should always be vigilant and proactive. We must recognize the dangers and take necessary precautions. The Bible reminds us to be wise and prepared: “The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty” (Proverbs 22:3). If we know the risk, we should not ignore it.

This Year, 2025, is the Year of Jubilee

By Ianpassion

The picture was taken while I was preparing breakfast on the balcony of our accommodation. 

This picture speaks to me about the future as I look at the horizon where the mountain ranges and the blue sky meet. 

This year, I believe will be the Year of Jubilee, which a year of restoration, reaping, and spiritual renewal. In the Scripture, the Year of Jubilee is a time when the Father Almighty commands a release of debts, restoration of land, and freedom from burdens. It is a year of celebration, forgiveness, and a fresh start. I believe this year will be a time for us to harvest what we have sown, the efforts, prayers, and hard work we’ve poured into our lives, families, careers, and ministries over the past years. I am filled with excitement and anticipation as I see in faith that this year will bring increase and fruitfulness, as the Father promises come to life in our lives.

In the past, I’ve thought about the prophet Habakkuk, who struggled to see the fruits of his labor, much like many of us do. He worked hard, yet he couldn’t immediately see the results. But he didn’t lose hope, he chose to trust the Father's plan. Habakkuk knew that even though it may not seem like things were happening in the natural, The Father was working behind the scenes. He had faith that the Father's timing and plans are always perfect, even when we can’t yet see or feel it. In this, I see a powerful connection to the Year of Jubilee, because sometimes we feel like we are sowing in tears, facing hardship, or waiting for restoration, but the Jubilee reminds us that in the Father's timing, the harvest comes. The debts are forgiven, and restoration follows.

Christmas Season: A Time to Worship and Give

Nana and Nemi are setting up our Christmas tree by themselves. 

As I watch them doing this, I reflect on how fast my children are growing. 

We used to do it for them, and now they do it on their own.

 

Christmas is often described as the most wonderful time of the year. There’s a unique joy and peace that fills the air during this season—an intangible warmth that manifests in decorations, lights, music, the giving of gifts, and even in the coolness of the weather. However, this joy is most profoundly experienced by those who recognize and appreciate the true origin of this holiday.

In different cultures, Christmas is celebrated for various reasons. For many business people, it's seen as an opportunity to increase profits, with consumers out buying gifts and decorations. But for me, every year I ask myself: What is the deeper meaning of Christmas? To understand this, I always turn to Scripture.